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Agents Irish and Whiskey #2
Cask Strength
Aidan and Jamie go undercover—and under the covers—in this second book of Layla Reyne’s Agents Irish & Whiskey M/M romantic suspense trilogy.
FBI agent Aidan Talley has been hiding parts of himself since he was a teen. Thirty years later, he’s hiding his heart from his partner. He’s already lost the love of his life once, and Jamie could be that kind of love again. He won’t survive the loss a second time.
Cyber agent Jameson Walker left behind a promising sports career to keep his sexuality out of the spotlight. Now, he must return to his old life, as a coach, to bust an illegal gambling ring. He needs his partner, but after refusing to hide how much he cares for Aidan, they’re as far from partners as they’ve ever been.
Jamie struggles undercover. Not with the job, but with deciding which life he wants when it’s over. Aidan wants Jamie to choose the present, but to convince him, he’ll have to drop the act and stop hiding. And even if he wins Jamie back, even if he rescues Jamie after the case takes a dangerous turn, the secret Aidan doesn’t know Jamie’s keeping could blow his world apart.
Romantic suspense and sports romance collide in this swoony second book of three, now in its second edition with a new cover and formatting and extended content.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2017
79 people are currently reading
787 people want to read
About the author
Layla Reyne
56 books1,031 followersLayla Reyne is the author of What We May Be and the Agents Irish and Whiskey, Fog City, and Perfect Play series. She writes sexy, intense LGBTQIA+ romance featuring competent adults in kitchens, sports arenas, car chases, and other high-stakes situations. Whether it’s adrenaline-fueled suspense, rival athletes, vampires and shifters in alt-realms, or love mixed with mouth-watering foodie goodness, queer folks finding happily-ever-afters is guaranteed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 359 reviews
June 14, 2017
Cask Strength is book two in the series, Agents Irish and Whiskey by author Layla Reyne. This book picks up right after book one and should NOT be read as a standalone. I fell in love with these characters in book one and my love for them has grown as their story continues. In fact, my immediate reaction went a little something like this...
O.M.G. I am dying here, the ending.... ugh so Good, yet - Now I have to wait to finally see, who is dirty, clean, who can Irish & Whiskey trust...
Book One - Made me love these two,
Book Two - Made me question all loyalties...and of course, Love these two harder..
Book three - Just Might Kill me...the author, she wouldn't...she couldn't...I just might not survive it, if she does!!
You all must read this book...just don't complain cause it's very much a rocky ride, ends with a sort of cliffhanger...our guys, they are getting there...the luscious angst and the suspense is riveting, you won't be able to put this book down!!!
So hang on..get the book, a bottle of Johnny Blue, and start flipping these pages!!!
... Pretty much that is still my thoughts on the series after finishing this book. I really cannot say a lot about the storyline because I refuse to spoil it for anyone. What I will say is - we get to know the characters a little bit more in this book. Aidan is afraid of having his heart broken again - he knows he is falling in love with Jamie, but as he fights it he even allows others to think he is going out and having sex with tons of people. So he isn't perfect - who is? Jamie on the other hand, he knows who he wants. Even when his dream job is dangled in front of him, complete with an ex-boyfriend - he only wants to be with Aidan. Personally, I LOVE the build between these two because I know when Aidan finally falls, he is going to fall hard and it's going to be so sweet!
In the suspense and action part of the story, it's packed. These two are still working on fighting Renaud and the secret that Jamie is keeping - yes, it is still there and it is driving him insane. In addition to that, Jamie and Aidan go undercover and there is a lot of action surrounding that case.
If you are put off by cliffhangers and unresolved situations then this story might not be for you. You will be missing out but to each their own. For me, I think this book is worth 5 fan-freaking-tastic stars!!!
Review Copy of Cask Strength provided by Carina Press for an honest Review.
O.M.G. I am dying here, the ending.... ugh so Good, yet - Now I have to wait to finally see, who is dirty, clean, who can Irish & Whiskey trust...
Book One - Made me love these two,
Book Two - Made me question all loyalties...and of course, Love these two harder..
Book three - Just Might Kill me...the author, she wouldn't...she couldn't...I just might not survive it, if she does!!
You all must read this book...just don't complain cause it's very much a rocky ride, ends with a sort of cliffhanger...our guys, they are getting there...the luscious angst and the suspense is riveting, you won't be able to put this book down!!!
So hang on..get the book, a bottle of Johnny Blue, and start flipping these pages!!!
... Pretty much that is still my thoughts on the series after finishing this book. I really cannot say a lot about the storyline because I refuse to spoil it for anyone. What I will say is - we get to know the characters a little bit more in this book. Aidan is afraid of having his heart broken again - he knows he is falling in love with Jamie, but as he fights it he even allows others to think he is going out and having sex with tons of people. So he isn't perfect - who is? Jamie on the other hand, he knows who he wants. Even when his dream job is dangled in front of him, complete with an ex-boyfriend - he only wants to be with Aidan. Personally, I LOVE the build between these two because I know when Aidan finally falls, he is going to fall hard and it's going to be so sweet!
In the suspense and action part of the story, it's packed. These two are still working on fighting Renaud and the secret that Jamie is keeping - yes, it is still there and it is driving him insane. In addition to that, Jamie and Aidan go undercover and there is a lot of action surrounding that case.
If you are put off by cliffhangers and unresolved situations then this story might not be for you. You will be missing out but to each their own. For me, I think this book is worth 5 fan-freaking-tastic stars!!!
Review Copy of Cask Strength provided by Carina Press for an honest Review.
May 25, 2023
2.5 stars
** THIS REVIEW IS SLIGHTLY SPOILER-Y, PROCEED WITH CAUTION **
I wasn't happy -- strike that, I was frustrated with the relationship drama in this one. I thought both men were being idiot (Aidan's case) and whiny (Jamie's case). I am going to rant now -- so excuse my language -- because Cask Strength totally NOT what I was expecting the sequel of the promising Single Malt to be, at least in terms of the relationship.
So five months later, Aidan is back to his old ways of being a horndog, refusing to commit to Jamie. He is dating other men, even if he still has sex with Jamie. His reasons? Because he doesn't want to get close to his "Whiskey", because people getting close to him tend to be in harm's way, and he doesn't want to risk it.
Well, BULLSH*T. They are FBI agents, for God's sake. Their job can be dangerous in the first place. What kind of a reason is that?! So f*cking lame. Plus I truly disliked Aidan being written a player when just few months ago Aidan was worrying and feeling guilty of jumping into new relationship with Jamie too fast. You know, considering his husband has only recently DIED! What the f*cking wrong with you, Aidan?
Sorry, it was NOT how I pictured Aidan would behave, and it left bitter taste in my mouth. Does Aidan have a complete character surgery somewhere between the release of Single Malt and this one?
Then there was Jamie -- smart and competent Jamie -- who is sadly being reduced into someone who becomes jealous of Aidan's other men, then getting extremely upset because he realizes he doesn't want to share Aidan, and he is falling for the older man ... that it sort of interrupting how Jamie do his job. But then Jamie is going undercover, and BAM, there is his ex-lover there, muddling this already complicated relationship with Aidan. It made me want to scream, "Get your head out of your a**, Jamie! For God's sake!"
Oh, how I am NOT a fan when the relationship drama disturbs the working professionalism *grumbles*. Maybe this kind of supposed to offer angst for readers ... but instead of being emotionally engaged, I found myself fuming and wanting to knock some senses to both men instead.
NOT a good reading experience, I tell you. Which is why I have to settle with my low rating.
On a better note -- I was kind of intrigued with the gambling/identity theft case involving the basketball players. It was also fun seeing Jamie acting as the assistant coach, even if it was only for undercover and only for a little while.
Things were also moving forward with the other case surrounding the death of Aidan's husband, Greg, as well as his work partner, Tom. Jamie was able to find more clues and answers -- even if it still ended it a big twist! That twist is a great hook to ensure that I will NOT miss book #3 for sure. Let's just hope that Aidan and Jamie clean up their mess and being a solid couple/partner next time I read them.
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
** THIS REVIEW IS SLIGHTLY SPOILER-Y, PROCEED WITH CAUTION **
I wasn't happy -- strike that, I was frustrated with the relationship drama in this one. I thought both men were being idiot (Aidan's case) and whiny (Jamie's case). I am going to rant now -- so excuse my language -- because Cask Strength totally NOT what I was expecting the sequel of the promising Single Malt to be, at least in terms of the relationship.
So five months later, Aidan is back to his old ways of being a horndog, refusing to commit to Jamie. He is dating other men, even if he still has sex with Jamie. His reasons? Because he doesn't want to get close to his "Whiskey", because people getting close to him tend to be in harm's way, and he doesn't want to risk it.
Well, BULLSH*T. They are FBI agents, for God's sake. Their job can be dangerous in the first place. What kind of a reason is that?! So f*cking lame. Plus I truly disliked Aidan being written a player when just few months ago Aidan was worrying and feeling guilty of jumping into new relationship with Jamie too fast. You know, considering his husband has only recently DIED! What the f*cking wrong with you, Aidan?
Sorry, it was NOT how I pictured Aidan would behave, and it left bitter taste in my mouth. Does Aidan have a complete character surgery somewhere between the release of Single Malt and this one?
Then there was Jamie -- smart and competent Jamie -- who is sadly being reduced into someone who becomes jealous of Aidan's other men, then getting extremely upset because he realizes he doesn't want to share Aidan, and he is falling for the older man ... that it sort of interrupting how Jamie do his job. But then Jamie is going undercover, and BAM, there is his ex-lover there, muddling this already complicated relationship with Aidan. It made me want to scream, "Get your head out of your a**, Jamie! For God's sake!"
Oh, how I am NOT a fan when the relationship drama disturbs the working professionalism *grumbles*. Maybe this kind of supposed to offer angst for readers ... but instead of being emotionally engaged, I found myself fuming and wanting to knock some senses to both men instead.
NOT a good reading experience, I tell you. Which is why I have to settle with my low rating.
On a better note -- I was kind of intrigued with the gambling/identity theft case involving the basketball players. It was also fun seeing Jamie acting as the assistant coach, even if it was only for undercover and only for a little while.
Things were also moving forward with the other case surrounding the death of Aidan's husband, Greg, as well as his work partner, Tom. Jamie was able to find more clues and answers -- even if it still ended it a big twist! That twist is a great hook to ensure that I will NOT miss book #3 for sure. Let's just hope that Aidan and Jamie clean up their mess and being a solid couple/partner next time I read them.
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2017
Actual rating 4.5 stars
Cask Strength, book 2 in the Irish and Whiskey series by Layla Reyne. The story picks up a few months after they wrapped their big case in Glaveston. Both Aidan and Jamie are quietly continuing their work on trying to find the terrorist Renault, who may be the one who orchestrated the accident that killed Aidan’s husband Gabe, and his FBI partner, Tom. When things heat up with Renault, their boss, Mel, decides they need to get out of town for a few days. They take a case at a college in Jamie’s hometown where the great Whiskey Walker goes undercover as their new basketball coach and Aidan is his sports agent. They are trying to figure who is involved in an identity theft ring hiding behind on line betting on the basketball games. Easy case, right????
They mystery with the identify theft sucked me right into the story. With the list of suspects growing, I had no idea who was behind it.
So why didn’t I give it 5 stars? Honestly, I had a major problem with Aidan and Jamie’s relationship. With Aidan playing the “I can’t get close to anyone, because they die” card, it drove me crazy. Along with some other things, but I don’t want to give too much away. Even on top of all that, I still adored these two. They both tried to hide the love that was growing, as well as trying to protect their hearts at the same time. While Jamie didn’t like it “casual” he is keeping secrets of his own. Secrets he knows it will destroy their relationship as friends, partners and lovers.
This is definitely not a standalone and it also ends with a cliffy!!! UGH.
I received an ARC provided by Carina Press via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Cask Strength, book 2 in the Irish and Whiskey series by Layla Reyne. The story picks up a few months after they wrapped their big case in Glaveston. Both Aidan and Jamie are quietly continuing their work on trying to find the terrorist Renault, who may be the one who orchestrated the accident that killed Aidan’s husband Gabe, and his FBI partner, Tom. When things heat up with Renault, their boss, Mel, decides they need to get out of town for a few days. They take a case at a college in Jamie’s hometown where the great Whiskey Walker goes undercover as their new basketball coach and Aidan is his sports agent. They are trying to figure who is involved in an identity theft ring hiding behind on line betting on the basketball games. Easy case, right????
They mystery with the identify theft sucked me right into the story. With the list of suspects growing, I had no idea who was behind it.
So why didn’t I give it 5 stars? Honestly, I had a major problem with Aidan and Jamie’s relationship. With Aidan playing the “I can’t get close to anyone, because they die” card, it drove me crazy. Along with some other things, but I don’t want to give too much away. Even on top of all that, I still adored these two. They both tried to hide the love that was growing, as well as trying to protect their hearts at the same time. While Jamie didn’t like it “casual” he is keeping secrets of his own. Secrets he knows it will destroy their relationship as friends, partners and lovers.
This is definitely not a standalone and it also ends with a cliffy!!! UGH.
I received an ARC provided by Carina Press via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2020
3.5 Stars
A solid sequel continuing 5 months later with Aidan and Jamie’s work partnership flourishing as they successfully solve cases, while Aidan remains under the impresssion that their “sex only” arrangement is keeping his heart safe.
What I liked:
You can’t help but smile when it comes to the hot loving these two always have a jonesing for. The chemistry is spot on if not just a tad bit OTT.
What niggled:
Rant time. I get it it. Aidan is hell bent on protecting his tender bruised heart. He’s convinced himself that if he doesn’t make the commitment out loud, if he isn’t monogamous (worriers should know that he does date around but never sleeps with anyone else), if he tells himself over and over again that being with Jamie is just “casual”, then he won’t and can’t get hurt ever again.
One. Love doesn’t work that way. Ever.
Two. Love doesn’t work that way. Ever.
What I hope for:
This ends with the imploding truth that Jamie has been keeping from Aidan regarding his dead husband, and it remains to be seen what the consequences are to his and Aidan’s future. These sorts of conflicts are not typically things I enjoy in my romance but again, all plausible, all understandable. I’m definitely looking forward to the bad guy, who has caused so much hurt and continues to cause so much damage in his wake, get his much needed comeuppance. We will see what the repercussions are and how deep the rabbit hole goes.
So, in between the main mystery that is driving this trilogy this still delivers on some great, albeit frustrating, romantic smexy! Off to the finale!
A solid sequel continuing 5 months later with Aidan and Jamie’s work partnership flourishing as they successfully solve cases, while Aidan remains under the impresssion that their “sex only” arrangement is keeping his heart safe.
What I liked:
You can’t help but smile when it comes to the hot loving these two always have a jonesing for. The chemistry is spot on if not just a tad bit OTT.
What niggled:
Rant time. I get it it. Aidan is hell bent on protecting his tender bruised heart. He’s convinced himself that if he doesn’t make the commitment out loud, if he isn’t monogamous (worriers should know that he does date around but never sleeps with anyone else), if he tells himself over and over again that being with Jamie is just “casual”, then he won’t and can’t get hurt ever again.
One. Love doesn’t work that way. Ever.
Two. Love doesn’t work that way. Ever.
What I hope for:
This ends with the imploding truth that Jamie has been keeping from Aidan regarding his dead husband, and it remains to be seen what the consequences are to his and Aidan’s future. These sorts of conflicts are not typically things I enjoy in my romance but again, all plausible, all understandable. I’m definitely looking forward to the bad guy, who has caused so much hurt and continues to cause so much damage in his wake, get his much needed comeuppance. We will see what the repercussions are and how deep the rabbit hole goes.
So, in between the main mystery that is driving this trilogy this still delivers on some great, albeit frustrating, romantic smexy! Off to the finale!
August 15, 2017
I must say I am really liking this series.
I love all of the characters, and especially Whiskey and Irish together.
I guess my only complaint would be the lack of together for the two. Between Aiden's guilt and his self-denial...and people trying to kill them they aren't together much in this book.
Still, it's a rather exciting read. And I like that while one big mystery carries on through the series, there's other little mysteries in each book.
I'm definitely excited to see how things end and will be sad to say goodbye to Jamie and Aiden.
I love all of the characters, and especially Whiskey and Irish together.
I guess my only complaint would be the lack of together for the two. Between Aiden's guilt and his self-denial...and people trying to kill them they aren't together much in this book.
Still, it's a rather exciting read. And I like that while one big mystery carries on through the series, there's other little mysteries in each book.
I'm definitely excited to see how things end and will be sad to say goodbye to Jamie and Aiden.
October 1, 2024
Re-'read' via audiobook July 2018 and - no suprise here -
I still ❤️ it!
------------------------------------------------
For God's sake, it was about time, guys!!! After a path of trial and tribulation to get to this promise (and not only for Aidan and Jamie, but also for me, dammit!) the 'always' is rather wishful thinking, though, with all the obstacles in their way and secrets still waiting to be revealed and I am pretty sure that the author will send both men and us readers to hell and back in the next book until they get their well-deserved HEA.
At the beginning of Cask Strength Aidan and Jamie find themselves in a 'casual' relationship with Aidan still mourning his dead husband and Jamie seemingly content to having Aidan somehow or other in his live. And in his bed.
Aidan persuaded himself that seeing other men at the same time would keep him from getting too attached to another man, because on the one hand it still feels like betrayal having deeper feelings for any other man than Gabe and on the other hand there is this fear of losing another person he fell in love with. This is his way of keeping up his built-up walls because everything else would crush his heart, without realizing that he is only fooling himself. Technically it is not cheating since Aidan and Jamie are not officially together, but Aidan sending out mixed signals does not only hurt Jamie who is sure of his feelings for Aidan, but also aggravated me and during the first part of the book I got so angry that I alternated between an urgent need to knock Aidan upside the head and kick his ass. Fiercely.
Jamie himself is caught between a rock and a hard place in his wish and longing to take things further with Aidan because of the secret he is still harboring by order of their boss and Aidan's sister-in-law, Mel. The things he unveils with his investigation of the death of Aidan's husband, Gabe, and his former partner, Tom, could not only destroy Aidan, but also defeat all hope for love, trust and even friendship.
When things are getting barely tolerable, Jamie pulls the breaks on their relationship, but when both men are sent on a new assignment to get them out of the crosshairs of the man apparently responsible for the death of Gave and Tom, suddenly it is Jamie who is confronted with his past and it is up to Aidan to prove that his feelings for Jamie are way deeper and to not only keep Jamie vom giving in to the temptation of returning to his old life, but also to keep him alive in the first place.
I was so proud of myself getting into this book as prepared as I could be with Google Search at the ready at all times in order to keep track of Jamie's technobabble. Believe me, no one was more surprised than I to find that I actually understood this time -even without the help of lifesaver Google- what was going on when Jamie did his magic in front of the computer. Well, maybe... let's just agree on the fact that I thought I knew what was going on, because still no hacker-material here, so please just leave me my illusion...
The author gets the maximum score from me for her successful attempt at wrecking me with this book and also for introducing inventive sex locations... Umm, just one word: pool table! Granted, I could not help myself thinking that it might hurt, but since I never tried it myself, I'm far from being an expert. ;-)
And just when I thought Irish and Whiskey -and obviously me!-would be given a reprieve after this emotional whirlwind, came the ending...
Time to find out if he's right... On to the next book!
I still ❤️ it!
------------------------------------------------
"Partners, Irish, always." Lowering their hands, Aidan leaned forward and brushed his lips, sealing the vow.
"Partners, Whiskey, always."
For God's sake, it was about time, guys!!! After a path of trial and tribulation to get to this promise (and not only for Aidan and Jamie, but also for me, dammit!) the 'always' is rather wishful thinking, though, with all the obstacles in their way and secrets still waiting to be revealed and I am pretty sure that the author will send both men and us readers to hell and back in the next book until they get their well-deserved HEA.
At the beginning of Cask Strength Aidan and Jamie find themselves in a 'casual' relationship with Aidan still mourning his dead husband and Jamie seemingly content to having Aidan somehow or other in his live. And in his bed.
Aidan persuaded himself that seeing other men at the same time would keep him from getting too attached to another man, because on the one hand it still feels like betrayal having deeper feelings for any other man than Gabe and on the other hand there is this fear of losing another person he fell in love with. This is his way of keeping up his built-up walls because everything else would crush his heart, without realizing that he is only fooling himself. Technically it is not cheating since Aidan and Jamie are not officially together, but Aidan sending out mixed signals does not only hurt Jamie who is sure of his feelings for Aidan, but also aggravated me and during the first part of the book I got so angry that I alternated between an urgent need to knock Aidan upside the head and kick his ass. Fiercely.
Jamie himself is caught between a rock and a hard place in his wish and longing to take things further with Aidan because of the secret he is still harboring by order of their boss and Aidan's sister-in-law, Mel. The things he unveils with his investigation of the death of Aidan's husband, Gabe, and his former partner, Tom, could not only destroy Aidan, but also defeat all hope for love, trust and even friendship.
When things are getting barely tolerable, Jamie pulls the breaks on their relationship, but when both men are sent on a new assignment to get them out of the crosshairs of the man apparently responsible for the death of Gave and Tom, suddenly it is Jamie who is confronted with his past and it is up to Aidan to prove that his feelings for Jamie are way deeper and to not only keep Jamie vom giving in to the temptation of returning to his old life, but also to keep him alive in the first place.
I was so proud of myself getting into this book as prepared as I could be with Google Search at the ready at all times in order to keep track of Jamie's technobabble. Believe me, no one was more surprised than I to find that I actually understood this time -even without the help of lifesaver Google- what was going on when Jamie did his magic in front of the computer. Well, maybe... let's just agree on the fact that I thought I knew what was going on, because still no hacker-material here, so please just leave me my illusion...
The author gets the maximum score from me for her successful attempt at wrecking me with this book and also for introducing inventive sex locations... Umm, just one word: pool table! Granted, I could not help myself thinking that it might hurt, but since I never tried it myself, I'm far from being an expert. ;-)
And just when I thought Irish and Whiskey -and obviously me!-would be given a reprieve after this emotional whirlwind, came the ending...
"You can't lose me, Aidan, and I can't lose you either. We'll do what it takes to come home to each other every night. No one's losing anybody. I promise you."
Time to find out if he's right... On to the next book!
My reviews are posted on Dirty Books Obsession
April 3, 2018
Another good read but, honestly, some of the cyber-language goes a bit over my head and sometimes I get confused by all the characters! LOL.
Both Aidan and Jamie have been burned in the past. Aidan is finding it hard to commit.
Both Aidan and Jamie have been burned in the past. Aidan is finding it hard to commit.
The area reminded Aidan of Ireland, the overall impression of greens striking, even in winter ...
One day ...
April 28, 2018
Other reviewers weren't kidding -- the first part of this book is heartbreaking and I kind of wanted to smack Aiden for his stubbornness. But the ending?! Hell, I need the next book now.
August 9, 2020
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*This Series Isn't All That Bad*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
It's been five months since book one, where Aiden and Jamie has ‘casually’ slept together. The relationship could be so much more than that but Aiden's fears is holding them back. Overall, this series really isn't that bad. I like the action, I like the sex, I like the characters, and I like the plot. Of course, something is missing - though I can't exactly put my fingers on it - that separates this book from good and great. But still, it's a really likable book that holds your interest. While this one was more predictable than the first book, it was still enjoyable.
Th Characters:
The list is long so I've put it in a spoilers tag.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/M).
Series: - Series, Book Two.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Jameson ‘Jamie’ ‘Whiskey’ Walker, I think.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Yes.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Actually I do.
Will I read this again in the future? - Unsure.
Rating - 3.5/3 stars.
November 30, 2017
***5 STARS***
2017 Favorite!! Ooooh boy, this one gave me all kinds of feels. Full review to come.
He licked into Walker's mouth, tongues tangling, tasting and savoring, swept under by the force of everything in his partner's kiss.
Relief, life, need, love.
Terrifying love.
February 17, 2017
Cask Strength is pretty much exactly what I expected considering how the first book ended. I honestly don't understand why some people expected Aiden and Jamie's journey to be lean waters when we've been told from the blurb and from the final chapter of Single Malt that stormy waters and a rocky road is ahead of them both. And just in case you're wandering, the big secret that Jamie is keeping from Aiden is still threatening to ruin their relationship. The third and final book in this trilogy will be the most angsty and emotional of them all, but I have complete faith in these two.
Aiden finds it hard to come to terms with his new feelings for Jamie and he's scared to death of losing the only other person he's ever loved. Aiden is trying hard to keep things casual with Jamie by going out with other guys; we all know he's only lying to himself, but I'm ok with temporary self-delusion as long as Aiden finally gets on the love train. With the risk of spoiling this part of the story, I have to assure you that Aiden doesn't have sex with any of the guys he goes out with! He leads Jamie to believe that he does, and that's because he's trying really hard to keep their relationship casual. Aiden lost the love of his life, give this scared, confused guy a break; he'll come trough and make it worth every exasperated moment.
Trying to draw attention away from themselves after terrorist Renaud starts killing all persons of interest in Gabe and Tom's murder, Aiden and Jamie go undercover on a new case. This brings Jamie up close and personal with the career he loved more than anything and his ex lover, the one responsible for Jamie giving up on the game he loved so much. You know how sometimes a blast from the past makes you question your decisions and wonder if you made the wrong one? Jamie's ex might be a beautiful man who wants Jamie back, but even though Aiden leads Jamie to believe things between them will never be serious, Jamie's heart knows exactly who it wants. For Jamie, Aiden is home.
This book is action packed, much like the first one has been, and the action served as a distraction from the emotional angst. While I loved the first book more than this one, Cask Strength didn't disappoint. The sexual tension and chemistry between Aiden and Jamie is still there, just as strong as always, especially after Aiden stops being a commitment phobe.
I wish there wasn't such a long wait until Barrel Proof comes out, because based on how Cask Strength ended, it will either be emotional as fuck or emotional as fuck. Have your pick.
Aiden finds it hard to come to terms with his new feelings for Jamie and he's scared to death of losing the only other person he's ever loved. Aiden is trying hard to keep things casual with Jamie by going out with other guys; we all know he's only lying to himself, but I'm ok with temporary self-delusion as long as Aiden finally gets on the love train. With the risk of spoiling this part of the story, I have to assure you that Aiden doesn't have sex with any of the guys he goes out with! He leads Jamie to believe that he does, and that's because he's trying really hard to keep their relationship casual. Aiden lost the love of his life, give this scared, confused guy a break; he'll come trough and make it worth every exasperated moment.
Trying to draw attention away from themselves after terrorist Renaud starts killing all persons of interest in Gabe and Tom's murder, Aiden and Jamie go undercover on a new case. This brings Jamie up close and personal with the career he loved more than anything and his ex lover, the one responsible for Jamie giving up on the game he loved so much. You know how sometimes a blast from the past makes you question your decisions and wonder if you made the wrong one? Jamie's ex might be a beautiful man who wants Jamie back, but even though Aiden leads Jamie to believe things between them will never be serious, Jamie's heart knows exactly who it wants. For Jamie, Aiden is home.
This book is action packed, much like the first one has been, and the action served as a distraction from the emotional angst. While I loved the first book more than this one, Cask Strength didn't disappoint. The sexual tension and chemistry between Aiden and Jamie is still there, just as strong as always, especially after Aiden stops being a commitment phobe.
I wish there wasn't such a long wait until Barrel Proof comes out, because based on how Cask Strength ended, it will either be emotional as fuck or emotional as fuck. Have your pick.
April 17, 2017
Jamie and Aidan also known as Whiskey and Irish are quickly finding their way to the top of my favorite couple list. Now if you have not read and enjoyed the first book in this series, Single Malt you’ll want to do that before you purchase this book. This is a series that must be read in order. Also if you have not read Single Malt you may find some spoilerish things within this review.
Cask Strength begins five months after Galveston and Jamie is sure that Aidan is trying to kill him. Jamie is head over heels for Aidan and he’s at the point even if he could stop what they have between them he doesn’t want to. Aidan wants to keep things casual so much so that he is doing things that are completely wrecking Jamie emotionally. Aidan’s already lost his husband to a man that is still out there and clearly still after him and his new partner. Aidan has to protect what’s left of his heart and Jamie. Jamie is quickly working his way into the void that that has been in Aidan’s heart since Gabe was killed.
Yes, there is a lot going on here and the entire time you’re reading and loving the second installment in this series you’re waiting for the numerous other shoes to drop. Jamie has to tell Aidan about Project Angel. We also know from the first book that there is something there as to why Jamie left basketball that he has to come clean about. The case they are working in this book puts Jamie back in North Carolina and back on the court as a coach. All sorts of old feelings and desires bubble up. So many shoes waiting to drop, I couldn’t put this book down.
Layla Reyne has a way of hooking the reader. Just like the ending of Single Malt the case here is tidily wrapped up. Our men are at a good happy for now place. One of those shoes drops at the end though and it was loaded for bear. I don’t see this as a cliffhanger but I am dying to get my fingers on the next book, Barrel Proof.
Cask Strength begins five months after Galveston and Jamie is sure that Aidan is trying to kill him. Jamie is head over heels for Aidan and he’s at the point even if he could stop what they have between them he doesn’t want to. Aidan wants to keep things casual so much so that he is doing things that are completely wrecking Jamie emotionally. Aidan’s already lost his husband to a man that is still out there and clearly still after him and his new partner. Aidan has to protect what’s left of his heart and Jamie. Jamie is quickly working his way into the void that that has been in Aidan’s heart since Gabe was killed.
Yes, there is a lot going on here and the entire time you’re reading and loving the second installment in this series you’re waiting for the numerous other shoes to drop. Jamie has to tell Aidan about Project Angel. We also know from the first book that there is something there as to why Jamie left basketball that he has to come clean about. The case they are working in this book puts Jamie back in North Carolina and back on the court as a coach. All sorts of old feelings and desires bubble up. So many shoes waiting to drop, I couldn’t put this book down.
Layla Reyne has a way of hooking the reader. Just like the ending of Single Malt the case here is tidily wrapped up. Our men are at a good happy for now place. One of those shoes drops at the end though and it was loaded for bear. I don’t see this as a cliffhanger but I am dying to get my fingers on the next book, Barrel Proof.
December 7, 2017
** Cliffhanger Alert!! **
Only the fact that I love Tristan James's narration, and that I already bought the third book, kept me listening to this story.
Honestly? I was absolutely not the right audience for this. Between the callous treatment of Jamie by Aidan, Aidan's behavior in total, Jamie's spinelessness in their *cough cough* relationship, the continued withholding of extremely sensitive information from Aidan by Mel, Danny, and Jamie...it was just all so wrong - and almost specifically designed to make me lose my mind.
Plus there's a continuous overwhelming feeling of dread underlying the story waiting for that bombshell to explode, all the unnecessary manufactured angst, and the bombshell cliffhanger? I spent most of my time writhing in fury with a red haze in front of my eyes.
Obviously I'm in the minority with my opinion and I firmly believe other's experiences will vary quite wildly.
Kudos to Tristan James though, it was his narration that really kept me going, because man, this story drove me absolutely crazy, and then it ends with another cliffhanger, which means that I have to listen to book three to (hopefully) get some closure.
4 stars for the narration - 1 star for the story.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
July 9, 2017
2nd part of the “Agents Irish and Whiskey” series. This is not a standalone.
Aidan and Jamie, two FBI agents, met during Single Malt. They are still investigating the death of Gabe and Tom, respectively Aidan’s husband and FBI partner, with Renaud, a French terrorist, as prime suspect.
While they’re getting more and more clues, they are assigned to another case that brings Jamie back to this past in the basketball world. Like very close to his past, to the utmost distress of Aidan. End of spoilers.
Suffice to say that right from page one, I was so pissed off with Aidan keeping Jamie at arm length, not have enough courage to face his fears and hurting Jamie so much in the process. And that alone proves how I am invested in the story, with characters that are really endearing and a plot that is gripping, revealing secrets and betrayal, even if a light dose of “suspend belief” is needed.
I so need book 3 to get to the end of this story. My hopes ? That Aidan really gets his shit together, because Jamie deserves nothing less, and that there won’t be ugly clichés of the bad French guy, LOL !!
Aidan and Jamie, two FBI agents, met during Single Malt. They are still investigating the death of Gabe and Tom, respectively Aidan’s husband and FBI partner, with Renaud, a French terrorist, as prime suspect.
While they’re getting more and more clues, they are assigned to another case that brings Jamie back to this past in the basketball world. Like very close to his past, to the utmost distress of Aidan. End of spoilers.
Suffice to say that right from page one, I was so pissed off with Aidan keeping Jamie at arm length, not have enough courage to face his fears and hurting Jamie so much in the process. And that alone proves how I am invested in the story, with characters that are really endearing and a plot that is gripping, revealing secrets and betrayal, even if a light dose of “suspend belief” is needed.
I so need book 3 to get to the end of this story. My hopes ? That Aidan really gets his shit together, because Jamie deserves nothing less, and that there won’t be ugly clichés of the bad French guy, LOL !!
May 29, 2024
Read for the fourth time May 2024
Yes! Absolutely brilliant. Fabulous comfort read. (if you're in the mood for some angst, too!)
*4,5 stars*
Read for a third time August 2022.
Still think this is the best book in the series for the relationship development. Loved all the angst.
Reread July 2017 - and every single word of my first review still stands:
I really enjoyed the first book - I loved the second one.
The first 25% are pure agony - totally wonderful (Yes, I do like my angst!). The UST is achingly painful (and beautifully written), and I really wanted to rip Aiden apart with my bare little hands. What the heck is the man thinking? He is emotionally so messed up, he will go to (virtually) any length to make sure he doesn't 'get attached' - when it is blatantly obvious that he is more than attached already.
I felt for Jamie. No, I fretted for him. The things he's willing to accept just to have some part of Aiden. The man deserves a gold medal! The darn thing is that it's not as if Aiden is cheating on him. Officially they aren't an item, after all, just something 'casual' (Boy, did I love how that expression came crushing down on Aiden later!).
But of course, with the secret Jamie's sworn to keep, he is not exactly on good grounds when it comes to their relationship either. And facing his previous life, his ex and his stance as a gay man isn't easy on him either.
The emotional turmoil is intense for both of them, and it takes a few events for each man to do 'right' by their beliefs. And FINALLY they get to the stage where ILYs happen. But the sigh of relief doesn't last very long - because of course there is a catch. Jamie has still not revealed his secret to Aiden.
That is how Layla Reyne leaves us at the end. Darn. And now I have to wait until August for the end of this series. Someone hand me a double measure of patience. (Make it a triple....)
Highly recommended!
P.S. And just in case you wonder why I knocked that half star off the full five: there are times the plot made me stop and think ....hmmm... really? and the overwhelming use of acronyms made my head spin on one or two occasions.
Yes! Absolutely brilliant. Fabulous comfort read. (if you're in the mood for some angst, too!)
*4,5 stars*
Read for a third time August 2022.
Still think this is the best book in the series for the relationship development. Loved all the angst.
Reread July 2017 - and every single word of my first review still stands:
I really enjoyed the first book - I loved the second one.
The first 25% are pure agony - totally wonderful (Yes, I do like my angst!). The UST is achingly painful (and beautifully written), and I really wanted to rip Aiden apart with my bare little hands. What the heck is the man thinking? He is emotionally so messed up, he will go to (virtually) any length to make sure he doesn't 'get attached' - when it is blatantly obvious that he is more than attached already.
I felt for Jamie. No, I fretted for him. The things he's willing to accept just to have some part of Aiden. The man deserves a gold medal! The darn thing is that it's not as if Aiden is cheating on him. Officially they aren't an item, after all, just something 'casual' (Boy, did I love how that expression came crushing down on Aiden later!).
But of course, with the secret Jamie's sworn to keep, he is not exactly on good grounds when it comes to their relationship either. And facing his previous life, his ex and his stance as a gay man isn't easy on him either.
The emotional turmoil is intense for both of them, and it takes a few events for each man to do 'right' by their beliefs. And FINALLY they get to the stage where ILYs happen. But the sigh of relief doesn't last very long - because of course there is a catch. Jamie has still not revealed his secret to Aiden.
That is how Layla Reyne leaves us at the end. Darn. And now I have to wait until August for the end of this series. Someone hand me a double measure of patience. (Make it a triple....)
Highly recommended!
P.S. And just in case you wonder why I knocked that half star off the full five: there are times the plot made me stop and think ....hmmm... really? and the overwhelming use of acronyms made my head spin on one or two occasions.
June 26, 2017
4 stars
I enjoyed this book. It's the continuation of Single Malt.
I was really curious how Irish and Whiskey would find their way to each other. The painful part was seeing how Aidan struggled to accept his feelings towards Jamie. I didn't like it one bit how he still kept it casual and told himself they don't have something special. Jamie was too afraid to lose him, so he ached in silence.
Overall it was a great journey seeing the two of them undercover. I've read this almost in one standing, in vacation. I was glued to the pages and hoped really hard that Jamie would tell Aidan what he found out even if he was afraid to break his heart.
Well dark times are coming ahead and I'm super curious to read the next book. I've got an ARC so thank God I don't have to wait. Looking forward to their HEA.
I enjoyed this book. It's the continuation of Single Malt.
I was really curious how Irish and Whiskey would find their way to each other. The painful part was seeing how Aidan struggled to accept his feelings towards Jamie. I didn't like it one bit how he still kept it casual and told himself they don't have something special. Jamie was too afraid to lose him, so he ached in silence.
Overall it was a great journey seeing the two of them undercover. I've read this almost in one standing, in vacation. I was glued to the pages and hoped really hard that Jamie would tell Aidan what he found out even if he was afraid to break his heart.
Well dark times are coming ahead and I'm super curious to read the next book. I've got an ARC so thank God I don't have to wait. Looking forward to their HEA.
November 7, 2017
So that thing I did...well, there's more...
'Cask Strength' is the second book in 'Agents Irish and Whiskey' and definitely every bit as good as the first one.
Aidan and Jamie take a step back to the life that Jamie came from as Jamie goes undercover in the sport of basketball. What starts out as an investigation into illegal betting and identity theft soon turns out to be more with possible ties into another case that Jamie and Aidan have been investigating...something that ties into the death of Aidan's husband nearly a year ago.
Once again Tristan James's narration only helped to enhance my enjoyment of this story giving even more dimension and depth to the story and the characters.
As the mystery surrounding the death of Aidan's husband and his former partner grows so do the feelings that Aidan and Jamie share for each other. Agents Irish and Whiskey is a fast paced and intense story and the danger, mystery, intrigue and passion in these stories are all off the charts.
Highly recommended!
'Cask Strength' is the second book in 'Agents Irish and Whiskey' and definitely every bit as good as the first one.
Aidan and Jamie take a step back to the life that Jamie came from as Jamie goes undercover in the sport of basketball. What starts out as an investigation into illegal betting and identity theft soon turns out to be more with possible ties into another case that Jamie and Aidan have been investigating...something that ties into the death of Aidan's husband nearly a year ago.
Once again Tristan James's narration only helped to enhance my enjoyment of this story giving even more dimension and depth to the story and the characters.
As the mystery surrounding the death of Aidan's husband and his former partner grows so do the feelings that Aidan and Jamie share for each other. Agents Irish and Whiskey is a fast paced and intense story and the danger, mystery, intrigue and passion in these stories are all off the charts.
Highly recommended!
August 3, 2018
What I like about this series and this book in particular is that every case they investigate is not a regular run of the mill murder/homicide. It's always a different case with a twist that makes the books in this particular series stand out. Cyber cases and Whiskey Walker together are particularly good. I enjoyed every aspect of this investigation, how it was conducted and how they got their results.
Aidan! *smack on the head* AIDAN! *kick in the a$$* You get a second chance at love and you what? DO IT CASUAL?! Poor Jamie. There is just no denying that sometimes I thought that Aidan didn't deserve him. He was hurting him every time he walked away and he knew it too! I was worried that Aidan will continue being stubborn but as past catches up to everyone and with a swift push in the right direction Aidan comes clean to Jamie and all seems well. But is it?
Jamie is investigating Aidan's case on the sly and the things that he uncovers will destroy Aidan and his faith in people. He feels guilt for concealing it from Aidan. He knows how fragile trust is and now more than ever he is scared of what's to come. But he is determined to know it all so that he can give Aidan all the answers he deserves to know the truth about.
This is one fine book. Well-written, fast-paced, equally balanced with wonderful narrative, conflict and fighting, bullets flying and wide range of feelings. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and highly recommend it!
Aidan! *smack on the head* AIDAN! *kick in the a$$* You get a second chance at love and you what? DO IT CASUAL?! Poor Jamie. There is just no denying that sometimes I thought that Aidan didn't deserve him. He was hurting him every time he walked away and he knew it too! I was worried that Aidan will continue being stubborn but as past catches up to everyone and with a swift push in the right direction Aidan comes clean to Jamie and all seems well. But is it?
Jamie is investigating Aidan's case on the sly and the things that he uncovers will destroy Aidan and his faith in people. He feels guilt for concealing it from Aidan. He knows how fragile trust is and now more than ever he is scared of what's to come. But he is determined to know it all so that he can give Aidan all the answers he deserves to know the truth about.
This is one fine book. Well-written, fast-paced, equally balanced with wonderful narrative, conflict and fighting, bullets flying and wide range of feelings. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and highly recommend it!
Read
May 12, 20175 Hearts
We start five months after Single Malt ended, with our FBI agents moving casually into a romantic relationship and firmly into their professional partnership. On Jamie’s end, he is all in no matter what he promised to Aidan about keeping it casual between them because Jamie has been so gone for Aidan long before anything physical happened between them. He knows Aidan was a man whore before his marriage to Gabe and half listened to Aidan’s points on not being serious – blah blah blah - but Jamie is his own man and he’ll do what he wants as long as he keeps it to himself. There are a few other things he is keeping to himself as well, like knowing the connection between Gabe, Tom and Renaud and not telling Aidan about it nor that Mel has him digging deeper into the accident and all that it involves.
I have to say that when I first learned about the men Aidan was seeing on the side I saw red and not just the natural color of Aidan’s hair. I was pissed off but then I turned the page and got Aidan’s POV and settled down. Self-preservation is the solace of one's own mind and though you don’t agree, you can’t pass judgment because it’s each person’s own validity. Aidan is so terrified to lose Jamie that he tries to keep him at arm's-length by “dating” copycats of Jamie and swearing there is no feelings between them. It’s a dick move but when Jamie calls him out on it, we do get some delicious UST that unfortunately leads to more dick moves and then Mel giving them a case back in Jamie’s home town with them undercover and an Au Naturale Aidan as Ian… *swoon* Call him what you want, Agent Irish is edible as his natural ginger self.
My brain is a jumbled mess right now as I try to process everything we have learned. Not only about the accident that killed Gabe and Tom but about all this crap in Charlotte with basketball and people wanting a piece of both Jamie and Aidan that they will stop at nothing to get it. The undercover case was nothing less than fascinating and full of informational detail that doesn’t weigh the reader down. It was easy to follow, the betting etc. and fueled every aspect of the story line. As with the first book, this is full of cinematic action and swoon worthy moments along with intense passionate games of er, um pool? Yeah, we will call it games of pool and how scorching the game of billiards can be, or at least just the use of the table.
It was great to see Jamie in his roots with basketball even though it was undercover. We get a lot of him as the FBI Agent and hacker, but I loved seeing how much his first love meant to him in real time. We know why he left the game and that he has thrived in his life as an FBI Agent but he lived and breathed basketball for so long that is also suffocated his inability to be out with his sexual orientation. Of course, being home brings up drama that is unavoidable but did it ever make for some intense moments between Jamie and Aidan that had me melting. I mean, jealousy can be a good thing when its labors bring about a change.
Again I have to bring in the title of this book. I love that the author is sticking to the whiskey themed titles and that Cask Strength, points at the production in whiskey straight from the barrel and its maturity. Ha! Maturity. I think in this case we can either talk about Aidan being older but older doesn’t always mean better or for that matter Jamie if we talk about whiskey maturing and losing some of its potency, known as the angel’s share. We learn a lot about Jamie when we go home with him undercover as himself to catch the insiders betting on basketball and stealing identifies. Aidan is of the assumption that his younger lover is so damn pure because Aidan thinks he is so damn tainted and yet learns that his own Whiskey at cask strength has a burn that overpowers the subtlety of his own flavors. Hmm… Aidan, be careful that scent you like to inhale so much from Jamie’s neck doesn’t burn your nose hairs. Kay?
Goodness. As Jamie, Danny and Mel work the case behind Aidan’s back more secrets come out of the closet like a needed yard sale of a hoarder. It was crazy how many ties to Aidan all of this has and how Jamie will tell him. The manner of which Aidan goes about working the case, how he goes about lying to his lover, his partner and the man he loves leads us to an heart stopping conclusion and cliffhanger to the story. Seriously, I yelled at the end and contemplated how long my resolve would take to break before I ran to request the last book because OMG! That end was amazing.
So, declarations have been exchanged and promises have been made but when Jamie comes clean with Aidan with the whole story about Gabe etc., he may need his own stock of cask strength liquor to drown out the memory of what could have been. OR, will this new love between partners and lovers be strong enough to not be diluted. Only two fingers of the finest Barrel Proof will tell for sure.
We start five months after Single Malt ended, with our FBI agents moving casually into a romantic relationship and firmly into their professional partnership. On Jamie’s end, he is all in no matter what he promised to Aidan about keeping it casual between them because Jamie has been so gone for Aidan long before anything physical happened between them. He knows Aidan was a man whore before his marriage to Gabe and half listened to Aidan’s points on not being serious – blah blah blah - but Jamie is his own man and he’ll do what he wants as long as he keeps it to himself. There are a few other things he is keeping to himself as well, like knowing the connection between Gabe, Tom and Renaud and not telling Aidan about it nor that Mel has him digging deeper into the accident and all that it involves.
There’s no substitute for the real thing.
I have to say that when I first learned about the men Aidan was seeing on the side I saw red and not just the natural color of Aidan’s hair. I was pissed off but then I turned the page and got Aidan’s POV and settled down. Self-preservation is the solace of one's own mind and though you don’t agree, you can’t pass judgment because it’s each person’s own validity. Aidan is so terrified to lose Jamie that he tries to keep him at arm's-length by “dating” copycats of Jamie and swearing there is no feelings between them. It’s a dick move but when Jamie calls him out on it, we do get some delicious UST that unfortunately leads to more dick moves and then Mel giving them a case back in Jamie’s home town with them undercover and an Au Naturale Aidan as Ian… *swoon* Call him what you want, Agent Irish is edible as his natural ginger self.
My brain is a jumbled mess right now as I try to process everything we have learned. Not only about the accident that killed Gabe and Tom but about all this crap in Charlotte with basketball and people wanting a piece of both Jamie and Aidan that they will stop at nothing to get it. The undercover case was nothing less than fascinating and full of informational detail that doesn’t weigh the reader down. It was easy to follow, the betting etc. and fueled every aspect of the story line. As with the first book, this is full of cinematic action and swoon worthy moments along with intense passionate games of er, um pool? Yeah, we will call it games of pool and how scorching the game of billiards can be, or at least just the use of the table.
Basketball. The Court. The Game.
It was great to see Jamie in his roots with basketball even though it was undercover. We get a lot of him as the FBI Agent and hacker, but I loved seeing how much his first love meant to him in real time. We know why he left the game and that he has thrived in his life as an FBI Agent but he lived and breathed basketball for so long that is also suffocated his inability to be out with his sexual orientation. Of course, being home brings up drama that is unavoidable but did it ever make for some intense moments between Jamie and Aidan that had me melting. I mean, jealousy can be a good thing when its labors bring about a change.
Again I have to bring in the title of this book. I love that the author is sticking to the whiskey themed titles and that Cask Strength, points at the production in whiskey straight from the barrel and its maturity. Ha! Maturity. I think in this case we can either talk about Aidan being older but older doesn’t always mean better or for that matter Jamie if we talk about whiskey maturing and losing some of its potency, known as the angel’s share. We learn a lot about Jamie when we go home with him undercover as himself to catch the insiders betting on basketball and stealing identifies. Aidan is of the assumption that his younger lover is so damn pure because Aidan thinks he is so damn tainted and yet learns that his own Whiskey at cask strength has a burn that overpowers the subtlety of his own flavors. Hmm… Aidan, be careful that scent you like to inhale so much from Jamie’s neck doesn’t burn your nose hairs. Kay?
Another person in his inner circle who’d betrayed him. Another person at risk.
Goodness. As Jamie, Danny and Mel work the case behind Aidan’s back more secrets come out of the closet like a needed yard sale of a hoarder. It was crazy how many ties to Aidan all of this has and how Jamie will tell him. The manner of which Aidan goes about working the case, how he goes about lying to his lover, his partner and the man he loves leads us to an heart stopping conclusion and cliffhanger to the story. Seriously, I yelled at the end and contemplated how long my resolve would take to break before I ran to request the last book because OMG! That end was amazing.
So, declarations have been exchanged and promises have been made but when Jamie comes clean with Aidan with the whole story about Gabe etc., he may need his own stock of cask strength liquor to drown out the memory of what could have been. OR, will this new love between partners and lovers be strong enough to not be diluted. Only two fingers of the finest Barrel Proof will tell for sure.
November 16, 2017
I liked the first book more so I'll take a break from the series and read something else. I'll get back to the last part of the story in a few weeks.
3.5 stars
Full review later.
3.5 stars
Full review later.
August 15, 2021
Cask Strength is the second book in the Agents Irish and Whiskey series and is NOT a stand-alone. It's been 5 months since Jamie and Aidan became partners and professionally they are at the top of the Bureau's case clearance board. Personally, their relationship remains hot and very very steamy, but Aidan keeps throwing up boundaries, determined to keep things casual.
I love how this installment of the series continues to explore Jamie and Aidan's relationship - which seemed to have already achieved its happy ending in Single Malt - as it deepens and changes. The plot held my interest every step of the way and I'm looking forward to the final book in the Agents Irish and Whiskey series, Barrel Proof, coming August 7, 2017.
I received an ARC from Carina Press, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
Aidan was afraid to commit, afraid to lose someone else he loved. While Jamie understood, it hadn’t stopped him from falling.Jamie isn't willing to push Aidan into a commitment until he can discover how the terrorist Renaud and Aidan's dead husband Gabe are linked. And when more bloodshed touches the partners they are sent undercover, with Jamie becoming a Division II assistant basketball coach in order to solve a case of online sports betting used as a means of identity theft. Once again Layla Reyne does a great job of immersing us into the action while continuing to explore the relationship between Jamie and Aidan. And like the first book in the series, this one ends in a cliffhanger of sorts where the identify theft case is solved, but new information is revealed that brings everyone involved closer to the deadly resolution of the Renaud case.
I love how this installment of the series continues to explore Jamie and Aidan's relationship - which seemed to have already achieved its happy ending in Single Malt - as it deepens and changes. The plot held my interest every step of the way and I'm looking forward to the final book in the Agents Irish and Whiskey series, Barrel Proof, coming August 7, 2017.
I received an ARC from Carina Press, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
August 24, 2017
5 stars!
Whiskey and Irish are becoming an addicting couple. I'm dreading starting the next book knowing it's the last. Or is it?? Someone make me happy and say there's more to come. LOL
I was afraid that this book was going to suffer the terrible two's. You know, when book number two isn't as good as the first. But I'm happy to say it kept up the same steam as the first book. I did rate this one higher just for the fact Irish finally caved and Whiskey (who I love) got his happy. Well, his happy for now cause if you read this book then you know that happy is about to blow up in our guys' faces with the secret Jamie has been keeping from Aiden. I feel like this is unnecessary, but needed drama and that Melissa should be the one Aiden should be angry with. She is the boss after all who told Jamie he was to keep mum about it all. But then again the story needs its drama to keep us in the story. I just would like to spend the next book with them loved up instead of being separated for any amount of time considering they have been this way the majority of the first two books. I ain't gonna lie and say I won't get annoyed cause I was pretty annoyed with Aiden in this book.
I was nervous with the story-line for this one. I thought it might be a bit boring and not that interesting. But this author completely surpassed all my doubts and gave me a steamy read with some good story. We get to meet Derrick, Whiskey's ex. He definitely made the story a bit more interesting.
This book was quite the rollercoaster ride. Many ups and downs with some crazy turns and in the end a bit of a twist. That ending! The unknown! This author definitely leaves you wanting more. I'm so happy I decided to wait until the series was finished to begin it. No way do I have the patience to wait to continue. So I am off to do just that. If you haven't gave this series a read I recommend you pick up dolls!
Happy reading! xx
Whiskey and Irish are becoming an addicting couple. I'm dreading starting the next book knowing it's the last. Or is it?? Someone make me happy and say there's more to come. LOL
I was afraid that this book was going to suffer the terrible two's. You know, when book number two isn't as good as the first. But I'm happy to say it kept up the same steam as the first book. I did rate this one higher just for the fact Irish finally caved and Whiskey (who I love) got his happy. Well, his happy for now cause if you read this book then you know that happy is about to blow up in our guys' faces with the secret Jamie has been keeping from Aiden. I feel like this is unnecessary, but needed drama and that Melissa should be the one Aiden should be angry with. She is the boss after all who told Jamie he was to keep mum about it all. But then again the story needs its drama to keep us in the story. I just would like to spend the next book with them loved up instead of being separated for any amount of time considering they have been this way the majority of the first two books. I ain't gonna lie and say I won't get annoyed cause I was pretty annoyed with Aiden in this book.
I was nervous with the story-line for this one. I thought it might be a bit boring and not that interesting. But this author completely surpassed all my doubts and gave me a steamy read with some good story. We get to meet Derrick, Whiskey's ex. He definitely made the story a bit more interesting.
This book was quite the rollercoaster ride. Many ups and downs with some crazy turns and in the end a bit of a twist. That ending! The unknown! This author definitely leaves you wanting more. I'm so happy I decided to wait until the series was finished to begin it. No way do I have the patience to wait to continue. So I am off to do just that. If you haven't gave this series a read I recommend you pick up dolls!
Happy reading! xx
May 24, 2017
Me after finishing this:
Because at the end Jamie STILL HAS NOT TOLD AIDAN WHAT HE KNOWS ABOUT GABE!! AND TOM!! ARGHH!! *shakes fist*
It left me tense throughout this whole book, just WAITING for Jamie to tell him and it DIDN'T HAPPEN!!! ARGHHH!! I'm so frustrated!!! But these books have got me hooked and I need Jamie to tell Aiden at the start of the next book like right away because I can't fucking take him having that secret anymore. I need everything out in the open so we can get through that angst and get to the happy ending.
Buttt....in a three part series, it's clear it's being left for the last one to not only frustrate us (i.e. me!!) but also make us for sure want to read the next (not that I wouldn't have read it, there's still so much going on even without Jamie's secret.)
Anywayyy, even with that frustration (I seriously screamed "just fucking tell him!!!" in my head while reading several times) I fucking loved this book.
It was kind of a filler but not filler at the same time. Jamie and Aidan are ordered to take another case to put Renaud, the terrorist after them, "off their scent" so he'll think they're not looking into him for a bit, like they're taking a breather. That's what they're ordered to do by Mel, anyway. So the whole book focuses mainly on a different case (while still weaving the main plot of Renaud in and out throughout the book) and of course, Aidan and Jamie's relationship (which can't be fully in the happy ending category until Jamie! FUHREAKING! TELLS! AIDAN!!) and it gets these two from "casual" sex to a serious relationship.
Seriously, these two
like part of me is like "it's only been a year and half, less than that even, since Gabe died, Aidan can't fall in love that quickly when he started to series so full of grief" but then the rest of me is like "shit, who cares, I love these two together and they're so amazing together, so fuck that!" letting that go, I just let myself enjoy these two together because they're perfect for each other.
They're hot (The sex scenes, whoo boy! *fans self*) and adorable together and so fucking in love that its disgusting (i.e. incredibly beautiful and wonderful and I cry) and also? I just loved how jealous they got over others who interested in the other. It was delicious.
These two face some obstacles in their developing relationship (mostly Aidan himself, which is understandable) but other factors enter into it as well, but they whether and come out the better for it (which I know they will do once Jamie tells Aiden the truth, although it won't be as easily fixed as their relationship problems in this one) .
More than anything, this book made me believe in how much these two love each other, and although I dread the angst and fallout from the big secret, I also know they won't be able to stay away from each for long, and they'll work it out.
Can't wait for the last book, because I sooo need to know what happens!! Because
If you haven't read this yet, and you've read the first, you gotta read this, you just gotta :D
Because at the end Jamie STILL HAS NOT TOLD AIDAN WHAT HE KNOWS ABOUT GABE!! AND TOM!! ARGHH!! *shakes fist*
It left me tense throughout this whole book, just WAITING for Jamie to tell him and it DIDN'T HAPPEN!!! ARGHHH!! I'm so frustrated!!! But these books have got me hooked and I need Jamie to tell Aiden at the start of the next book like right away because I can't fucking take him having that secret anymore. I need everything out in the open so we can get through that angst and get to the happy ending.
Buttt....in a three part series, it's clear it's being left for the last one to not only frustrate us (i.e. me!!) but also make us for sure want to read the next (not that I wouldn't have read it, there's still so much going on even without Jamie's secret.)
Anywayyy, even with that frustration (I seriously screamed "just fucking tell him!!!" in my head while reading several times) I fucking loved this book.
It was kind of a filler but not filler at the same time. Jamie and Aidan are ordered to take another case to put Renaud, the terrorist after them, "off their scent" so he'll think they're not looking into him for a bit, like they're taking a breather. That's what they're ordered to do by Mel, anyway. So the whole book focuses mainly on a different case (while still weaving the main plot of Renaud in and out throughout the book) and of course, Aidan and Jamie's relationship (which can't be fully in the happy ending category until Jamie! FUHREAKING! TELLS! AIDAN!!) and it gets these two from "casual" sex to a serious relationship.
Seriously, these two
like part of me is like "it's only been a year and half, less than that even, since Gabe died, Aidan can't fall in love that quickly when he started to series so full of grief" but then the rest of me is like "shit, who cares, I love these two together and they're so amazing together, so fuck that!" letting that go, I just let myself enjoy these two together because they're perfect for each other.
They're hot (The sex scenes, whoo boy! *fans self*) and adorable together and so fucking in love that its disgusting (i.e. incredibly beautiful and wonderful and I cry) and also? I just loved how jealous they got over others who interested in the other. It was delicious.
These two face some obstacles in their developing relationship (mostly Aidan himself, which is understandable) but other factors enter into it as well, but they whether and come out the better for it (which I know they will do once Jamie tells Aiden the truth, although it won't be as easily fixed as their relationship problems in this one) .
More than anything, this book made me believe in how much these two love each other, and although I dread the angst and fallout from the big secret, I also know they won't be able to stay away from each for long, and they'll work it out.
Can't wait for the last book, because I sooo need to know what happens!! Because
If you haven't read this yet, and you've read the first, you gotta read this, you just gotta :D
March 17, 2019
Re-read March 2019
_______________
4.5 stars
_______________
4.5 stars
August 17, 2017
I really love these two guys but I am sure they are going to be the death of me.
My poor heart!!!
My poor heart!!!
April 8, 2020
Relisten April 2020: STILL FABULOUS !
Original review October 2017:
4.5 Stars. This is just a fantastic series! Great writing, complex plots, characters with depth and heat combine to make for a fantastic read. This is the second book in the series, and definitely not a standalone.
The audiobook for this is simply fantastic! Go Tristan James!
The beginning puts us several months past the last one. Irish and Whiskey still working in the case from the previous book. The two are still seeing each other, but Irish is dating other people—to keep himself distanced and, thus, safe from Whiskey. Whiskey doesn’t like this arrangement, but will take what he can get—this just breaks my heart.
They start work on a new case and must go undercover and unravel an underground online betting ring connected to a college basketball team. Jaime, using his past Whiskey Walker basketball persona, becomes an assistant coach for the CU basketball team. Irish becomes his agent.
Both men fight jealousies while they try to figure out what it is they have between them, and what it is they want. A lot of this book deals with Whiskey’s choice to leave the NBA and his need to stay in the closet.
At the end of their assignment, we leave the pair with a big secret still between them, and the fear of a traitor in their midst. I can’t wait to read the next book.
Original review October 2017:
4.5 Stars. This is just a fantastic series! Great writing, complex plots, characters with depth and heat combine to make for a fantastic read. This is the second book in the series, and definitely not a standalone.
The audiobook for this is simply fantastic! Go Tristan James!
The beginning puts us several months past the last one. Irish and Whiskey still working in the case from the previous book. The two are still seeing each other, but Irish is dating other people—to keep himself distanced and, thus, safe from Whiskey. Whiskey doesn’t like this arrangement, but will take what he can get—this just breaks my heart.
They start work on a new case and must go undercover and unravel an underground online betting ring connected to a college basketball team. Jaime, using his past Whiskey Walker basketball persona, becomes an assistant coach for the CU basketball team. Irish becomes his agent.
Both men fight jealousies while they try to figure out what it is they have between them, and what it is they want. A lot of this book deals with Whiskey’s choice to leave the NBA and his need to stay in the closet.
At the end of their assignment, we leave the pair with a big secret still between them, and the fear of a traitor in their midst. I can’t wait to read the next book.
May 14, 2020
✮4.5 Stars✮
💗
March 7, 2018
I've reviewed the book already - HERE, so I won't rehash.
Another enjoyable outing with Irish & Whiskey - a bit of manufactured relationship drama, but an intriguing plot and a great lead in to book 3. Tristan James does a great job on the narration, although I thought he overdid Aidan's Irish accent a bit; for some reason, he pitches it too high sometimes and I'd thought, as per book one, it was supposed to be very slight other than at times of stress, but here, it's full on all the time.
Still, it's worth a listen.
Another enjoyable outing with Irish & Whiskey - a bit of manufactured relationship drama, but an intriguing plot and a great lead in to book 3. Tristan James does a great job on the narration, although I thought he overdid Aidan's Irish accent a bit; for some reason, he pitches it too high sometimes and I'd thought, as per book one, it was supposed to be very slight other than at times of stress, but here, it's full on all the time.
Still, it's worth a listen.
July 17, 2017
4.5 stars
Note: Because this is the second book in a series with an overarching storyline, there will be spoilers for the previous book, Single Malt in this review.
Cask Strength, the second book in Layla Reyne’s Agents Irish and Whiskey series picks up a few months after the events of Single Malt. At the end of that book, Aidan Talley and Jameson Walker were instrumental in foiling a terrorist plot - and Jamie’s investigations into the car crash that killed both Aidan’s husband and his FBI partner have revealed that both the deceased were somehow connected to the very same terrorist, Pierre Renaud. He is sworn to secrecy by their boss – who is also Aidan’s sister-in-law – and even though he hates deceiving the man he loves, Jamie agrees to keep what he knows under wraps until he can find out more.
As Cask Strength opens, Aidan and Jamie are in a good place professionally and are celebrating their position at top of the FBI’s clearance board. Personally, however, things are far from perfect. They’re lovers; they enjoy each other’s company and the sex is great, but Jamie wonders how much longer he can keep what he knows from Aidan, and Aidan continues to be reluctant to commit to Jamie for fear of once again losing someone he cares for. At the end of the previous book they agreed to keep things casual between them – or rather, Aidan decided he didn’t want to embark on a serious relationship and Jamie went along with it, willing to do whatever it took to keep Aidan in his life and in his bed.
But it’s getting harder and harder for Jamie to pretend he doesn’t want more, especially as part of “keeping it casual” for Aidan means he dates other men. Aidan’s desperation to keep himself emotionally closed off is – perhaps - understandable, but it’s still frustrating to watch as he continually pushes Jamie away, even though deep down, it’s clear that he’s in denial about his true feelings for Jamie – and yet he persists in hurting him anyway.
Jamie’s investigations into Renaud lead him and Aidan to question the two detectives who worked the case of the crash that killed Gabe (Aidan’s late husband) and his FBI partner Tom Crane – and not long after that, those detectives are gunned down in the street. Judging it best to get Aidan and Jamie out of the spotlight for a while, their boss sends them to North Carolina – Jamie’s home state - to look into accusations of match fixing, illegal betting and identity theft involving a college basketball team. Jamie goes undercover as himself – Jameson “Whiskey” Walker, former star college and NBA player who is joining the team as assistant coach, while Aidan poses as his agent, Ian Daley. Jamie is thus best placed to work out who – if anyone – among the players could be suspect, and Aidan can do the same among the department and administrative staff.
Once again, Ms. Reyne has crafted an intriguing and exciting suspense plot which kept me eagerly turning the pages, and which at the same time throws more light on the personalities of our two protagonists and further develops their relationship. Jamie is practically floored by lust the first time he sees Aidan in all his red-headed Irish glory as Ian – and green-eyed with jealousy at the flirtatious – albeit fake - relationship Aidan embarks upon with the college’s athletic director in order to get closer to the criminal operation. But the jealousy isn’t all one-sided; Jamie’s former lover, Derrick Pope, is back on the scene, and makes clear – in no uncertain terms - his interest in picking up where they left off.
Given Aidan’s insistence that there’s no long-term future for them, Jamie starts to question his past decisions and wonder if he did the right thing eight years ago, getting out of professional sports. His brief stint as assistant coach at CU shows him that he’s got a real aptitude for working with players off the court, and I enjoyed seeing that side of him, briefly unencumbered by terrorist threats or FBI cases, and just wanting to do the best by his team members; it’s a glimpse of what “Whiskey” Walker might have been had he not left the game.
There’s a lot going on in this story, what with the identity theft case, the search for Renaud and the development of the romance, but I never felt as though things were moving too fast for me to take everything in. The balance between the different plot elements is just about right; there’s plenty of nail-biting action mixed in with moments of tenderness, humour and scorching sex scenes (*cough* pool table *cough*) and Ms. Reyne skilfully drives everything along to a highly suspenseful conclusion that ultimately forces both protagonists – Aidan especially – to confront the truth of their feelings for each other.
The sexual chemistry between the two men is intense, but the author does a great job of creating emotional closeness and intensity between them, too, so there’s never any doubt in the reader’s mind that these two need and care very deeply for each other. There’s a well-drawn secondary cast (I hope we’ll see more of Nic and Cam, Jamie’s best friend) and I once again enjoyed the glimpses of the strong familial ties between Aidan and his younger brother Danny, who, it seems, is now dating Mel Cruz, Aidan’s boss and sister-in-law. The book ends on one hell of a cliffhanger, as Jamie and Aidan wrap things up at CU and are set to head home when Aidan’s brother Danny appears with potentially devastating news, setting the stage for what I imagine are going to be some pretty explosive developments in the final book, Barrel Proof.
Cask Strength is a riveting read, and one I’d strongly recommend to fans of romantic suspense. One word of caution; it doesn’t really work as a standalone, so I’d advise reading Single Malt first.
Note: Because this is the second book in a series with an overarching storyline, there will be spoilers for the previous book, Single Malt in this review.
Cask Strength, the second book in Layla Reyne’s Agents Irish and Whiskey series picks up a few months after the events of Single Malt. At the end of that book, Aidan Talley and Jameson Walker were instrumental in foiling a terrorist plot - and Jamie’s investigations into the car crash that killed both Aidan’s husband and his FBI partner have revealed that both the deceased were somehow connected to the very same terrorist, Pierre Renaud. He is sworn to secrecy by their boss – who is also Aidan’s sister-in-law – and even though he hates deceiving the man he loves, Jamie agrees to keep what he knows under wraps until he can find out more.
As Cask Strength opens, Aidan and Jamie are in a good place professionally and are celebrating their position at top of the FBI’s clearance board. Personally, however, things are far from perfect. They’re lovers; they enjoy each other’s company and the sex is great, but Jamie wonders how much longer he can keep what he knows from Aidan, and Aidan continues to be reluctant to commit to Jamie for fear of once again losing someone he cares for. At the end of the previous book they agreed to keep things casual between them – or rather, Aidan decided he didn’t want to embark on a serious relationship and Jamie went along with it, willing to do whatever it took to keep Aidan in his life and in his bed.
But it’s getting harder and harder for Jamie to pretend he doesn’t want more, especially as part of “keeping it casual” for Aidan means he dates other men. Aidan’s desperation to keep himself emotionally closed off is – perhaps - understandable, but it’s still frustrating to watch as he continually pushes Jamie away, even though deep down, it’s clear that he’s in denial about his true feelings for Jamie – and yet he persists in hurting him anyway.
Jamie’s investigations into Renaud lead him and Aidan to question the two detectives who worked the case of the crash that killed Gabe (Aidan’s late husband) and his FBI partner Tom Crane – and not long after that, those detectives are gunned down in the street. Judging it best to get Aidan and Jamie out of the spotlight for a while, their boss sends them to North Carolina – Jamie’s home state - to look into accusations of match fixing, illegal betting and identity theft involving a college basketball team. Jamie goes undercover as himself – Jameson “Whiskey” Walker, former star college and NBA player who is joining the team as assistant coach, while Aidan poses as his agent, Ian Daley. Jamie is thus best placed to work out who – if anyone – among the players could be suspect, and Aidan can do the same among the department and administrative staff.
Once again, Ms. Reyne has crafted an intriguing and exciting suspense plot which kept me eagerly turning the pages, and which at the same time throws more light on the personalities of our two protagonists and further develops their relationship. Jamie is practically floored by lust the first time he sees Aidan in all his red-headed Irish glory as Ian – and green-eyed with jealousy at the flirtatious – albeit fake - relationship Aidan embarks upon with the college’s athletic director in order to get closer to the criminal operation. But the jealousy isn’t all one-sided; Jamie’s former lover, Derrick Pope, is back on the scene, and makes clear – in no uncertain terms - his interest in picking up where they left off.
Given Aidan’s insistence that there’s no long-term future for them, Jamie starts to question his past decisions and wonder if he did the right thing eight years ago, getting out of professional sports. His brief stint as assistant coach at CU shows him that he’s got a real aptitude for working with players off the court, and I enjoyed seeing that side of him, briefly unencumbered by terrorist threats or FBI cases, and just wanting to do the best by his team members; it’s a glimpse of what “Whiskey” Walker might have been had he not left the game.
There’s a lot going on in this story, what with the identity theft case, the search for Renaud and the development of the romance, but I never felt as though things were moving too fast for me to take everything in. The balance between the different plot elements is just about right; there’s plenty of nail-biting action mixed in with moments of tenderness, humour and scorching sex scenes (*cough* pool table *cough*) and Ms. Reyne skilfully drives everything along to a highly suspenseful conclusion that ultimately forces both protagonists – Aidan especially – to confront the truth of their feelings for each other.
The sexual chemistry between the two men is intense, but the author does a great job of creating emotional closeness and intensity between them, too, so there’s never any doubt in the reader’s mind that these two need and care very deeply for each other. There’s a well-drawn secondary cast (I hope we’ll see more of Nic and Cam, Jamie’s best friend) and I once again enjoyed the glimpses of the strong familial ties between Aidan and his younger brother Danny, who, it seems, is now dating Mel Cruz, Aidan’s boss and sister-in-law. The book ends on one hell of a cliffhanger, as Jamie and Aidan wrap things up at CU and are set to head home when Aidan’s brother Danny appears with potentially devastating news, setting the stage for what I imagine are going to be some pretty explosive developments in the final book, Barrel Proof.
Cask Strength is a riveting read, and one I’d strongly recommend to fans of romantic suspense. One word of caution; it doesn’t really work as a standalone, so I’d advise reading Single Malt first.
January 22, 2019
~ 4.5 stars ~
This one was even better than the first book!
Note: If you hate cliffhangers as much as I do, don't start this book unless you have the next one ready.
This one was even better than the first book!
Note: If you hate cliffhangers as much as I do, don't start this book unless you have the next one ready.
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