I tend to read ARCs a lot closer to when they are released, but Craft Brew is one that I made time to read as soon as I could because I just loved the first book in the Trouble Brewing series, Imperial Stout. And boy, am I glad I dived into this one! I gave it five stars and it’s so richly deserved.

Now, if you’re looking at this series and hoping for a romance, you might want to re-think things. Yes, there is a romance and it’s a big part of the overall book, but it’s not what I’d call a romance novel. Nic and Cameron are fantastic together and Craft Brew does delve a lot into their relationship and where they want it to go, but it’s also a suspenseful read full of mystery and intrigue.

In Imperial Stout, Nic is threatened throughout and in Craft Brew, having fallen in love with Cam, he’s weary about getting to close. He doesn’t want to lose Cam, especially not for someone that’s related to Nic’s family. It made a lot of sense, and I did appreciate that while Nic felt this, he was still there for Cam when he needed him…and he did end up needing him very much.

Cam goes home to Boston because his mom is sick and he’s determined to figure out a mystery from his past. I loved this part of the book so much. It was horrible and sad, but it also made Craft Brew a very intriguing mystery novel. It also showed that Nic and Cam really do work best together, and I cannot wait for a third novel.

I’m not going to lie, I was a little bit nervous about starting this book for a few reasons 1) the relationship tension surrounding these two was palpable; 2) book one in the series was a bit of a disappointment considering the build-up and anticipation and 3) I loved the first series and those MC’s…A LOT and I was really, really looking forward to reading more about Cam and Nic (and also hoping to get a little more of Irish and Whiskey).

I am SO glad I didn’t give up after book one. And I will say again that I really don’t think this can be read as a spin-off series on its own. It honestly would be too confusing without having read the first series and book one is definitely required before this one. If you haven’t read those, do yourself a favor and just start from the beginning, you won’t regret it. Jamie (Whiskey) plays a major role in this book so I’d be remiss in not recommending you read his series first.

This book is tense and emotional. There are moments of sweetness and sorrow. The story surrounding Nic’s father continues to unravel but this book mostly centers on Cam and his family. Their relationship continues to grow and my God do I love these guys together. They are just right for each other. The protective nature in each of them runs deep so they butt heads try to protect each other which is half the appeal. Their sexual chemistry is strong but its their emotional chemistry that makes them so amazing in this story. I’d be hard pressed to say which of them is my favorite but there are a few times it would have picked Nic…hands down…from a couple of lines alone.

As I mentioned earlier, some of the characters from the original series make appearances. Jamie plays a major and he is as bad arse as ever.

These guys are well on their way to an HEA and I can’t wait for Nic to finally get the ordeal with his father resolved (which we’ll have to wait until book three to happen). In case you couldn’t tell by the 5 star rating, this is absolutely a must read!

**Copy provided to the reviewer via NetGalley for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.**

Craft Brew is Book two in Layla Reyne’s Trouble Brewing series. This series must be read in order, and the first one must be read before this one. Seriously. If someone tells you differently, they are wrong. ;) I think for maximum enjoyment you should have read the Agents Irish and Whiskey series before this one, too.

The first book ended with Nic and Cam being in a good place, but any reader of Reyne’s should know not to get comfortable in that feeling. I have loved Nic from his first introduction in the previous series and this series doesn’t change that love. I liked Cam coming into this book, but didn’t love him. This book changed that and we got to see Cam, all sides of him. We learned Cam’s dark secrets and more of his life.

And we learn Cam’s heartbreak and his past with his missing sister. This storyline was heartbreaking and I kept thinking: maybe there’s a chance. Don’t get me wrong, if the author had handled it differently I would have been annoyed because it just wouldn’t have been believable, but I was willing to accept it. I loved seeing Cam’s time with his family, even more so when he got his act together about Nic.

This story ends with a HFN ending but Nic and Cam are in a good place, again. I know some of what Nic and Cam are facing so I’m not expecting a sweet, easy HEA from them in the next book. Anything these two men have in life will be hard fought. But, those are all good things and Nic and Cam will come out stronger and I’ll love them even more.

Rating: 5 stars!!

Fantastic continuation of Nic and Cam's relationship. We started their story in Imperial Stout, which I absolutely recommend you read before this one for the full story. This book gives us a look into Cam's history and family. When his Mom becomes ill Cam races home to see her. Nic quickly follows and realizes immediately that Cam hasn't come out to his family. Nic will keep Cam's secret but refuses to leave him. Solving the mystery of Cam's family tragedy becomes the focus of the story and it's a great bit of suspense added to the already emotional story. Don't miss this one. I definitely recommend it.

I’ve really fallen in love recently with the m/m suspense genre. I loved Ms. Reyne’s Irish and Whiskey series, and I was excited to read the first book in the spin-off series, Imperial Stout. It definitely delivered, and, I have to say, I loved this one even more! As a note, this book can’t be read as a standalone, but if you haven’t already, I highly recommend starting with the original series.

When we last left Nic and Cam, they’d started settling into a tentative relationship, albeit one that’s secret from their friends and family. So it’s a surprise to Cam – and a setback to that relationship – when Nic leaves for San Diego for five weeks. When he returns, another unexpected turn of events has Nic questioning whether Cam would be safer away from the troubles that are surrounding his family. They know they need to work things out, but a family emergency sends Cam running back to his hometown of Boston, and he’s given what he fears is a deathbed request – finally get to the bottom of his sister’s decades-old disappearance. Dividing his time between the hospital and investigating a cold case, Cam is worn-down and desperately missing Nic, but when they discover the case may not be so cold after all, how much will Nic and Cam have to sacrifice to get that closure?

“You rescue lost people for a living. Is it any wonder you found me?”


The relationship between Nic and Cam is just indescribably wonderful. This isn’t insta-lust or puppy love or anything that simple, as they’re both older and understand that relationships require work to make them strong. With that relationship, though, they’re stronger together, and seeing Cam lean on Nic for help, and the lengths Nic went to to help prop him up, was heart-meltingly adorable. For Nic, especially, watching Cam’s family made for incredible character growth for a man who’s used to going it alone. One of the things I love most about this book is that their relationship isn’t just lust – though there’s plenty of that, as well – but that you can really feel the affection and love between them.

The mystery is delightfully twisty, involving the cold case, a new kidnapping, and ties to a previous case Nic and Cam worked. The pacing is excellent, and the romance and suspense pieces were well-balanced. I honestly could not put this book down once I started it! Cam’s family plays a pretty large part in this one, from the festering guilt over his sister’s death to the fact that Cam isn’t out as bi to his family. If there’s a theme to the story, it’s about family – the family you’re born in and the family you make for yourself – things both Cam and Nic need to worth through in order to progress in their relationship.

“What happened to building something?” he whispered hoarsely.
Nic’s determination faltered and he twisted away, his back to Cam as he braced his heels on the bed rail. “I’ve never been good at construction. I’m better at demo.”
“That’s bullshit too,” Cam said, anger resurging, but redirected for Nic, not at him. “Look at Gravity, at your USAO teams, at your work with the Bureau.”
“It’s too good, Boston. You, us, most of all. And the last time I had it this good…” Glancing sideways, Nic’s eyes were brimming with remembered pain. “I made a mess of things and lost it all. I can’t let that happen again. I can’t lose you and everything I’ve already built here.”


So, with things seemingly wrapped up with Cam, what we’re left with at the end of the book is a solid relationship, and the knowledge that Nic is prepared for his family’s past to come back and bite him. We find out a little more in this book about his past tragedy, and there’s lots of plot bits that I’m sure will be leading to more revelations in the next book. I’m very much looking forward to the next one!

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

3.5 Stars

This is a fast-pace and emotional installment to “Trouble Brewing” saga that took a turn and dealt with more personal matter from Cam’s past. Allow me to correct my initial assumption (after finishing the first book) that this series would be a duology; it is not. “Imperial Stout” didn’t fully resolve all the troubles; some remained open and carried forward to the sequel of the book. But that same issue took a back seat (and still hasn’t been resolved) here as the guys raced again time to solve a case that involved a dark time in Cam’s family history (ergo, more book to come to deal with Nic’s own trouble).

I wasn’t too sold on Nic after the lead-in to the romance between him and Cam on previous book; plus the opening of “Craft Brew” didn’t really help matter. However, as the story progressed he gradually grew on me, especially once he made peace with his feeling for Cam and followed through on that. Just like “Imperial Stout” the story unfolded alternately through Cam and Nic POVs in third person. But I felt the characters development were more intense here for both Cam and Nic; the table was turned as in it was Nic who do the taking care now. Having used to Cam’s good natured humor, it pained me to see him in agony here. Heck, I think there were a couple times that I well up a bit when the Byrnes dark time revealed and Cam’s old anguish along with it.

As the second entry to the series, I say “Craft Brew” took a considerable progress on character development, not only between the leading casts but secondary ones as well. The case-solving was bittersweet but sensibly handled. All in all had me liking this book more than the previous one. In fact, this installment stoked me up on what the next book would bring for Cam and Nic. There’s at least Nic’s personal problem to be dealt with, which means upcoming book to look forward to!


Advanced copy of this book is kindly given by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

While Nic's issues simmer along in the background, this book focuses more on Cam's past secrets coming to the fore. Cam is forced to head back to Boston to deal with family issues, and of course, he tries to keep Nic out of it, for more than one reason.

Once again, the emphasis is on the action, the mystery and solving the case rather than on the romantic feelings of the boys. But that doesn't mean we aren't given some hot love, because of course we are. Those moments are just far and few between.

This has a sadder more personal layer, and results in some unexpected revelations. I know I am being vague, but it's best to learn the secrets as the story progresses. I recommend spoiler free reading, with this series in particular.

I look forward to seeing what's next for Cam and Nic. It is very immersive. Thanks to publisher and Netgalley for advanced copy. Due out on October 8.

I'm so captivated by this series.  There's a chemistry between Nic and Cam. There isn't a big secret between Cam and Nic, which is one point in their favor.  They have relationship reservations, but neither one is trying to push the other away.  They're falling in love, and working hard to take care of each other even though they're both completely capable of taking care of themselves.

It's also great to see Aiden and Jamie in the role of best friends, and the family that was created by love and loyalty instead of DNA.  It was especially important to someone like Nic, coming from such a rotten background.

I'm looking forward to finishing this series, and I'm also trying to figure out if there will be more in this world.  If so, I think I'd read it.

Emotional!

An extremely heart wrenching story. The journey of Cam and Dom continues to intrigue and fascinate me and I can't wait to see how they get thru the next hurdle.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.

4.5*

I enjoyed the first book, but I REALLY enjoyed this one.

Cam and Nic are still struggling to cement their relationship. Not that Nic isn't out and proud, he just doesn't want to risk Cams safety while he's dealing with his father's "issues" and he doesn't want to come between Cam and his SD family.
Nic didn't have much of a childhood,so the concept of family is foreign to him,so he's struggling to try and become that with Cam, Jamie, Aiden and Mel.

Meanwhile, Cam gets called back home as his mothers in a bad way and she makes him promise to finish what he tried to start 20 years earlier. There's a lot of tension between the Byrne brothers and the intensity level is definitely increased in this book.

The third book we'll still be dealing with Nic's dad. Finding out what Nic's tattoo represents, I hope.we fond some closure with that.

As always, Layla leaves me with many cravings, usually for food. This time it's for stout. I absolutely love the name and logo she chose! It really makes me want to go drink! Lol

Not going to lie I was super disappointed in this installment. I've really enjoyed the characters of Cam and Nic as they're relationships have grown and that doesn't really changed in this novel. However they spend a lot of this novel apart from each other in painfully contrived ways. Maybe it was just a difference of listening to the others as audio books and reading this one, but I don't remember the author pulling out so many random plots one after another. I also had a really hard time keeping Cam and Nic separated as characters. In the audio books the accents helped out but reading it I couldn't remember who was from Boston and who was the AUSA and who was older than who and that got confusing. The book starts with Nic being sent away right after they talk about maybe moving in together and then right when he gets back his apartment building is set on fire and then that same night Cam's mom has a heart attack. So the guys sort of get into a fight about moving in together/Nic's Dad's situation, then they are immediately apart for 5 weeks, then they get back together for 1 night, and then Cam flies across the country. It just felt like manufactured drama. Yes sometimes life does just fall to pieces but I felt the writer too much in this one. I would say the plot with Cam's sister was too over the top but that's fairly par for the course in these books. I just noticed it a bit more in this one since I was annoyed with other things.

3.5/5 rounded up
I think I could have loved this book. But unbeknownst to me, it was the second book in a series. I was thrown into the middle of something I didn't understand; in the middle of a relationship I knew nothing about. With characters and nicknames and what seemed like ever-changing job titles. To say I was confused would be an understatement.

I had to scribble out a list of who each character was, their nicknames and jobs titles they identified with and I feel as though I was adding to it until the very last pages.

Just when I was starting to wrap my head around who all the characters were, the book ended and while one of the two main conflicts was resolved the other one was left as a cliffhanger for the next book.

If you enjoy reading serieses and don't mind cliff-hangers you will love this book. Personally, I have issues with commitment so I try my best to only read stand alone.

Overall I think Craft Brew would read well as a series. If it sounds like something you would be interested in, I strongly recommend you go back and read the first book. It was well written and engaging, with well-developed characters and an in-depth plot. Without a doubt, you will be eagerly awaiting the next installment.

*I RECEIVED AN ARC OF THIS NOVEL VIA NETGALLEY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW*

I've run into quite a few ARCs lately where I don't know going in that I'm reading a book 2 or 3 in a series. So far, it's been manageable and something I could mostly overlook to enjoy the story for what it was. However, with this book, that was unfortunately not the case. This book does not, in any way, stand alone. The author doesn't spend any time catching the reader up on the previous events, nor does she give any introduction to the main characters. We're simply thrown into an established relationship following what I'm going to guess was some sort of dramatic, possibly traumatic, and expectedly suspenseful storyline... one that, even after finishing this book, I'm still not sure about.

In addition, the main characters lack distinct voices of their own. Without an introduction to give the reader a chance to get a hole of who's who, I found myself frequently confused as to which character was which. Their names are similar (both three letters), they have similar jobs that they *think* about in a similar fashion within their POV narratives, and they lack distinct character traits, dialogue, or personality. I cannot tell you how many times I pinched the bridge of my nose and took steadying breaths because I was getting so frustrated with my inability to figure out whose head I was in.

Overall, the story itself was well done and the writing was solid. But this isn't a book I would ever recommend to anyone unless they had already read book one. Even then... I'm not sure having book one knowledge would fix the character distinction issue I repeatedly ran across. But I can't say that for sure, as I haven't read book one, nor do I have any intention to.

I have chosen not to put this review on my blog or social media because I am not a fan of tearing down fellow authors. If I can't leave a good review, I don't leave one at all. However, NetGalley dings you if you don't provide a review, so I am leaving this on here only. I wish the author the best of luck moving forward but would highly recommend she consider looking into adding unique voice to her characters and making all books in a series at least somewhat standalone. There is always the chance a reader might pick up a book mid-series and if you don't give them any hints about the characters or previous storyline, you're going to wind up with a dissatisfied reader, as you did here.

Great continuation of the series. I really love Cam and Nic.

This was the perfect mix of romance and suspense.

And so many feels.

While this one ended more of a HFN, Cam and Nic are solid.

And I'm looking forward to the next book which I hope will delve a bit more in to Nic and his family and past.

3.5 stars

I enjoyed this second installment of the Trouble Brewing. I like this couple way more than the couple of the original series.

Nic and Cameron's relationship is still very new. They haven't told their friends they're dating and they've been apart for a month or so while Nic works in San Diego. Nic is struggling with his feelings for Cameron and the issues with his father.

Cameron gets a call that his mother is ill and he leaves for Boston. This leads to Cameron reopening the case of his missing sister. Cameron is also having some issues in regards to their relationship. Namely that he isn't out to his family.

The book is part solving the mystery of the missing girls and part Nic and Cam's relationship. I enjoyed both aspects and thought this was another solid book in the series. It's probably best to not read this as a standalone.

**ARC received by publisher through Netgalley**

With every page I read I fell more in love with Cam and Nic! Each man has been so hurt and damaged in their past. Watching them learn to trust and lean on each other is perfection. They so carefully open themselves up to the possibilities that come with love. The hopes and dreams that they each thought were beyond them.

When Cam is called back to Boston for a family health emergency it opens up old wounds from a long ago tragedy. Being there without Nic is harder than he thought it would be. When he finally reaches out for Nic's help it makes him that much stronger.

These two are made for each other! They hold each other up when needed. There are moments in this story that will rip your heart out. Sorrow and tragedy beyond measure. The one constant throughout this story is love. Love of family. Love of your partner. The last moments of this novel were so touching and beautiful. So healing. I am anxiously waiting for the next installment of Cam and Nic.

*~~*ARC kindly provided to me for an honest review *~~*

- Review to come

Review originally posted on my blog with added content on Mikku-chan / A world full of words

Nic is a retired SEAL and a US Attorney. Dealing with issues related to his father. Trying his best to keep Cam safe and separate from his fathers misdeeds.

Cam is FBI, not needing anyone’s protection, especially his boyfriend. Haunted by his sisters disappearance, never able to solve the case.

Cam is called home to Boston because his mother is in the hospital. Leaving Nic behind is hard. When his mother asks him to find out what happened to his sister he knows he has to try. Another girl has gone missing and Cam needs Nic. As they try to solve the current kidnapping they discover that it may be related to the disappearance of Cam’s sister. Nic finds out that Cam isn’t out to his family and that adds another level of stress for them both. Both men starting to realize the depth of their feelings for each other.

Even though I liked how each man tried to protect the other it was frustrating that they were at cross purposes most of the time. These guys are good together and I wish they had been together more. This was a nice addition to the series. I am looking forward to the continuation of their story.

I stayed up waaaaaay too late reading this book, because I couldn’t put it down! This is my favorite of the series so far (even when you include the AIW books) and I just HAD to read it all in one sitting. I was not emotionally prepared for this book AT ALL. It was very high-stakes and the story just broke my heart. I loved all the cameos from the AIW characters and Nic and Cam were just EVERYTHING. *happy sighs*

Imperial Stout gave a good intro into the series and kind of what to expect, but I just didn't expect Craft Brew to GO THERE. This book is intense. Not only do we get drama from the crime side of things, but we get really intense family drama. We know Nic's story with his father in the first book, but this story takes place with Cam having to make a trip home and seeing his family. This goes into why Cam decided to go into kidnap and rescue and the story is heartbreaking.

This story actually tries to starts off on a high note. Nic and Cam are actually in a really good place and the first words of this book is Cam asking Nic to move in with him. But, of course, nothing is ever easy because Nic has been asked to work out of town for a while and Nic is worried that moving in with Cam will put a target on Cam's back because of the people after Nic's father. It's a huge mess basically, and not one they can easily work their way out of.

They kind of leave things unresolved before Nic leaves for his temporary job, and even when Nic's done with that job, Cam's called back home to the east coast in an emergency that his mom is in the hospital. Cam's doesn't want Nic following him home for mysterious reasons, so Nic is left on the west coast while Cam flies back home with Jamie in tow. Jamie is friendly with Cam's family, and it helps that they have connections to the Talley's private planes to help them travel like the rich and famous (and at the drop of a hat).

There's been a disappearance that strangely resembles Cam's own sister's disappearance years ago, and Cam's mom is insistent that with Cam in town, for him to finally try to find out what happened to his sister. It's not like he hasn't tried, but it's definitely caused bad blood between him and his family.

Cam's youngest brother has never quite forgiven him and blames him for Erin's disappearance. It's a rift in the family that's never been mended, and Cam's tried his hardest throughout the years to find out what happened to Erin. He's dedicated his own life to finding something about Erin, but that's never been enough when no answers have ever come of it.

This book just tugs at the heartstrings. It's really heavy. I was crying while I was reading this and while, yes, this story ends with a HFN, it's still a lot to take in. I can handle Nic and the problems he has with his father, but the story surrounding Cam's younger sister, who was a kid when she disappeared? It's a tough read. I'm glad that Nic and Cam has found a family with Jamie, Aidan, Mel, and Danny (and even Lauren, I think). I love this book, and I can't believe that we're already so close to the end! I'm not ready for Nic and Cam's story to end in the next book, but I hope they can find the HEA they deserve. <3

***Thanks to Carina Press for providing me an ARC through NetGalley***

The past never stays buried forever

Nic and Cam are back and unfortunately their respective pasts have come back to haunt them. For Nic it's the sins of his father that cause him to cut and run to protect Cam but Cam has his own family troubles to deal with and he's going to need Nic's help no matter how Nic fears for his safety. Book two in the Trouble Brewing is just as enthralling as the first, it drew me in and held me hostage until the last page is read. I absolutely loved it and I can't wait to read the next book in the.