Barrel Proof is the final book in the Irish & Whiskey series (this is definitely one that must be read in order). The main focus of the story is the wrap-up of the ongoing investigation that we’ve been following since book 1. There’s a lot of (A LOT OF) explanations and tying up loose ends. I thought it was a little extra and over-the-top at times, to be honest. It was, however, very well plotted and obvious the author put a lot of work into creating this crime/mystery that spans three books.

The romance between Aidan and Jamie was like driving a fast car that keeps stalling out. It went super fast, then slow, then super fast, then slow… It’s been an ongoing frustration I’ve had in this series, Aidan’s reluctance in his relationship with Jamie. And we have it still at the beginning of this book. But then, from one second to the next, everything changes and Aidan jumps all in. At first, I was ecstatic about that because, hey, it’s what I’ve been waiting three books for. However, by the time I got to the epilogue, their relationship felt super rushed. I was actually wanting to yell out to Aidan to slow down and hold his horses. But ultimately I’m glad the guys got their HEA in the end because they definitely earned it.

My best piece of advice? Binge this series. Each book is a cliffhanger for the next, and there is a lot of continuation from book one to book three. There isn’t a lot of summarization as I’ve become used to in other book series. I read Cask Strength three months and about 80 books ago, so a lot of the details were a little fuzzy. Don’t be like me. Binge these so you can fully appreciate them.

If you’re a fan of detective/suspense novels, especially ones with some romance and steam, pick this series up.

Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads

Wow, talk about going out with a bang! Layla managed to keep the tension high and yet wrap things up in a completely satisfying way while staying true to the characters and their relationships. I admit, I wasn't quite sure how everything was going to pan out in the end -- not that I thought any of the main characters would actually die, I trust Reyne as a romance writer, but rather unsure how jobs and possible jail time and stuff like that would work out. But she made it work (even if it was mostly done off page -- a small quibble I had only because I wanted to know the how! lol)

Anyway, Aidan and Jamie were perfect together, so sweet and hot, yes, but also just perfect partners for one another.

And I loved the little tidbits we got hinting at other characters, who will be in future books (well -- books that are already out, since I am so terribly behind on my TBR!). I cannot wait to dive into all of Reyne's other books and I will be eagerly awaiting new releases from her as well.

FBI Agents Aidan Talley and Jamie Walker seem to finally be closing in on the terrorist Renaud. They have tracked him to his latest hideout, but just as it seems like they finally have him cornered, a fire allows Renaud to escape and threatens their lives. Even as they make their escape however, time runs out for Jamie as Aidan finally learns the truth Jamie has been hiding about Gabe’s involvement with Renaud.

Jamie knew Aidan would be furious that he was keeping secrets, even though Jamie was ordered to do so by his boss (and Aiden’s sister-in-law) Mel. Jamie hopes that Aidan can eventually forgive him, but Aidan needs time to come to terms with the fact that the man he trusted has been lying to him for months.

Even as Aidan and Jamie begin to work through their relationship challenges, they still are continuing to follow Renaud and try to figure out his latest plan. It seems something big is in the works, the culmination of many of Renaud’s plans. Now Aidan and Jamie, along with Mel and the rest of their team, must once again risk their lives to try to track down the terrorist who always seems one step ahead of them.

Barrel Proof is the final book in Layla Reyne’s fabulous Agents Irish and Whiskey series. This has been a fantastic trilogy and Reyne does a wonderful job pulling all the pieces together in this last installment. We get a new aspect of the case to follow, and at the same time, this story wraps up various elements from the previous two books, bringing things all together here quite nicely.

I’ll admit I was a bit worried about this one as I knew we were facing the inevitable conflict between Aidan and Jamie. We knew the secret would be finally coming out, and I was concerned about how much would be destroyed between the men and if their relationship struggles would overshadow the larger suspense elements. But I have to say, I think Reyne handles this all quite well. We get a realistic and understandable response from Aidan, and some clear fall out. But the men are not separated for too long and it is clear that when it is over, their relationship is in a stronger place. I had no doubt that these guys were meant for each other, and they don’t doubt it either. So we get a really nice advancement of the relationship between Aidan and Jamie and the strength they draw from one another helps them as they work through the case.

As I said, the suspense end of the story takes us to a new investigation, but one that also pulls together from elements leading up to this book. It is engaging and exciting and the final resolution felt very satisfying to me. There were a few times where I felt a little lost in the intricacies of things, particularly when they got into some financial angles that were a bit over my head. And I do think the way Aidan’s undercover assignment ends up playing into the bigger picture seems a little too convenient. But overall I think Reyne does a great job wrapping things up here, giving us a twisty story, an exciting climax (or two), and a nice resolution for our heroes and their wider team.

So if you have been following this series, I think you will be really happy with this final book. And if you haven’t started this trilogy, I can highly recommend it. This is an exciting series with really likable characters and some great suspense.

P.S. While the trilogy is over, Reyne does have some spinoff stories coming and I am so excited!

Loved this, and Ive found a new favorite author! I want more books about Aidan and Jamie!

I fell in love with this series from the beginning. Aidan and Jamie are perfect for each other, despite the secrets that Jamie has been forced to keep.
When disaster strikes again, and they lose Renaud, again, truths come to light.

When Adian finds out Jamie's secrets he's pissed, rightfully so.
I admit I shed tears more than once as I was reading this book. Even when I knew the scene (The one shown above) was coming, I still cried. I cried because I'm so invested in these characters. I fell in love not only with Jamie and Aidan, but with Mel, Danny, Cam, and all of the Talley clan.
I was scared for what Aidan and Jamie would become, not only their relationship but for them as people.
The book is non-stop action from beginning to end. The danger is at an all time high and Layla Reyne is a master of weaving a tale.
I stayed up all night not wanting to put it down. Every time I tried to stop I picked it right back up to continue reading. I've never had to tear myself away from a book before. I've pulled all-nighters before with a book, but I have never felt like I couldn't put it down otherwise I would miss something. That shows the brilliance in Layla Reyne's writing.
By the end of the book I was in tears because through all the angst and heart break, through all the hardships these characters managed to make the best of their situation.
Aidan and Jamie were two people who were just skating by, they never expected to find a chance in each other.
Agents Irish and Whiskey is a series that is action packed, sexy, and angsty.
Lovers of Romantic Suspense will love this series. Lovers or M/M will love this series.

It is important that you start at the beginning with Single Malt, however I believe you will be so invested in these characters that you will be like me and race to buy the second and then the third book. Layla Reyne has created a series that I will remember for a long long time

My review will be forthcoming and found over at Library Journal.

A more than satisfying conclusion to a great and captivating series that in my eyes did everything right.

I had hesitated to read these books because of the goofy titles, but especially now that I've read the conclusion I am so glad I got passed that, because it was a hell of a ride. It's really not easy to combine a suspenseful crime/thriller plot with a good love story, but Layla Reyne certainly pulled it off. The supporting cast was fantastic, but what impressed me most was how she dealt with - and I'm going to try to avoid spoilers here - that thing Jamie and Mel did. I found that very well handled and aptly so because this is a story about grown ups - the kind of grown ups leading terribly exhausting lives, but grown ups nonetheless. I am always so pleasantly surprised when authors don't go for unrealistic drama and was especially so here because it made a good series of books even better.

I highly recommend these books to anyone looking for a suspenseful, action-packed m/m romance.

Also, as aside I wouldn't say no to spin-offs involving, say, Nic. Or Cam. Or Lauren. The whole gang really. Just sayin'.

A fitting end to this series. Even with the emotional roller coaster, I needed this book. And it did not disappoint. Layla Reyne really knows how to hook you and then encourage you along for the ride. I am so happy that we got the HEA that we did. I think this was the best of the series. And it opens us up a bit for more books in the same universe. If there are more books, sign me up! Can't wait for the next Reyne story.

What do you do when you read and listen to three books in two days? What do you when those books knock you on your ass because of how great they are?

I normally pick them right back up and read them again. Or I message my friends and talk and talk about how much I loved it/them. In this case, that's what I did... I kept gushing. I think I'm still gushing to some people. I wish that everyone could read this series because I found it truly amazing.

Barrel Proof ends the main series and the story of Irish and Whiskey. It does so in a way that had me on the edge of my seat. It had me stressed out. It had me yelling at my book, ripping out my ear buds, and pounding the keyboard when I got mad. It had me swooning with love.

In this conclusion, we find out who's behind all the terror. We find out the why. And all of that is super important. But nothing was more important to me than Aidan and Jameson finding their way to each other and happiness... and I got that. I got that and more. Plus, I got three solid performances by Tristan James, who will forever be my favorite narrator. His voice you guys... ugh. But also his pacing, his accents, the little things he puts into his performance. All of it together make for a very great listen.

I really can't recommend this series enough. It has all the things I want in a contemporary romance, but also all the things I want in a mystery/suspense. It kept me interested the whole way through and I really can't wait to see what else comes from this author.

Highly Recommended.

Barrel Proof, the third and final instalment in Layla Reyne’s Agents Irish and Whiskey trilogy of romantic suspense novels, picks up pretty much where Cask Strength left off and plunges us straight into the action. Like its predecessors, Barrel Proof is a fast-moving, action-packed story with plenty of thrills and spills, an engaging cast of secondary characters, steamy romantic moments and a well thought-out and executed suspense storyline. I enjoyed it a lot, although I have a couple of niggles over the ending which brought my final grade down a notch.

In the previous book, Jamie Walker and Aidan Talley were at an awkward place in their relationship when they were assigned to an investigation into fraud and match-fixing which took them to Jamie’s home state and to the sport he left behind some eight years earlier. Jamie is ready to commit, but Aidan is skittish, the loss of his beloved husband of ten years making him – perhaps understandably – shy of making the same sort of commitment to someone else and thereby opening himself up to the possibility of another devastating loss. By the end of the novel, however, Aidan has finally come to his senses and has stopped trying to deny the depth of the feelings for his partner and lover, and is ready to move forward – but everything is blown apart when he discovers that Jamie has been keeping a secret from him for months, a secret concerning his late husband’s association with an international terrorist. Jamie was sworn to secrecy by their boss (and Aidan’s sister-in-law), Melissa Cruz while he worked behind the scenes to put together the pieces of the puzzle, and has always felt uneasy about keeping his investigations from Aidan. He wanted to present Aidan with more than a set of theories and ‘what ifs’; now, however, the cat is about to jump out of the bag as Jamie, Aidan and Danny (one of Aidan’s younger brothers, who is involved with Mel) are racing to Cuba after she took off on the trail of her Uncle Roberto whom, she has discovered, has been working with/for Pierre Renaud, the terrorist responsible for the murders of Aiden’s husband and his partner. During the perilous confrontation that follows when they find Mel facing off with Roberto, Aidan finally learns the truth; that his husband, Gabe, had been working with Renaud (and so had Tom, his partner) and that Jamie has known about it for months.

Aidan is thrown completely by this news. Having just admitted the truth of his feelings for Jamie, he’s angry and hurt at the fact that his partner has kept something so important from him for so long, and he asks for a solo assignment while he comes to terms with it all. Jamie isn’t surprised and tries to understand when Aidan tells him that he needs time and space… all he can do now is hope that Aidan will come back to him when he’s ready.

Whereas the two previous instalments featured self-contained suspense plots running alongside the set up for the Renaud storyline, Barrel Proof concentrates on pulling together all the threads the author has carefully laid out and bringing the Renaud plot to a dramatic close. Ms. Reyne has brought together rather a dizzying array of blackmail, market manipulation and economic destabilisation, fraud, kidnapping, computer hacking… it’s quite possible I didn’t understand all of it, but the whole thing rattles along at such a frenetic pace that it’s impossible not to get caught up in it and just go along for the ride! The focus here is more on the suspense than the romance, but given this particular storyline has been bubbling under for two books already, that feels right; it’s a story of fairly large scope and needs time to unravel. Because of that, there is probably less focus on the romantic element of the story, but I didn’t really mind that; Ms. Reyne wisely opts not to allow Aidan and Jamie’s separation to drag on, so that while all the shit is hitting the fan and they are working to bring down Renaud, we are secure in the knowledge that they’re committed to each other and can concentrate on the drama and the action of the denouement.

About those niggles I mentioned at the beginning. I won’t give spoilers, but one incident felt rather needlessly tacked on, and the resolution to the other felt like a bit of a cop-out; both of them seemed like last minute attempts to wring every possible bit of drama out of the story. But with that said, I enjoyed Barrel Proof and it’s a terrific finale to what has been an excellent series. I am really looking forward to reading more from Layla Reyne… fingers crossed there are stories for Cam Byrne and Nic Price waiting in the wings.

Grade: B / 4 stars

Special Agent Mel Cruz is on her way to find terrorist Pierre Renaud. She’s headed to Santiago de Cuba, and the home of her uncle Robert Gabriel Marcelo. Aiden, Jaime, and Danny (Aiden’s brother) are hot on her trail, with questions and doubts—is this vengeance fueled by her brother Gabe’s murder, or…is she a terrorist herself?

During the standoff with Mel and her uncle, the truth comes out. Aiden is taken aback, but he still stays with the mission. Jaime’s fears come true when he decides to be honest with Aiden. But Aiden can’t accept that Jaime was under orders from Mel. With Aiden feeling betrayed on all sides, he faces Jaime and tells him he needs a break from their relationship. Regardless of all the mixed feelings, though, Jamie, Aiden, Mel, and plenty of reinforcements, still go up against Renaud and his followers.

And that’s where I’m going to leave this short synopsis. There are just so many reveals in this final novel in the Agents Irish and Whiskey trilogy that I don’t want to spoil it for anyone who’s following the series. But, I will say this—be sure to take a couple deep breaths before you start Barrel Proof. The action is nonstop and there’s a double-punch ending that will leave you on the edge of your seat with your head spinning. Layla Reyne not only provides an intriguing, exciting and complex plot, but the cast of characters is amazing. You can’t help but be invested in all these characters, and apart from Jamie and Aiden, a few of them will really stand out in this finale. There are secrets, surprises, heartwarming and heartbreaking moments, and when all is said and done, it’s about who’s willing to give up what for their friends and lovers.

The books in this action-packed series cannot be read as standalones since each installment picks up where the others leave off. This is definitely another series that I know I will read again!

Warning: the blurb contain spoiler and reveal former events from the story, and even the review, as vague as it tries to be can contain a few. The book is not to be read as a stand-alone.

You say a good whiskey is getting better with the age, same goes for guys and it seems also for a good story, one which is getting riper and riper.
Barrel Proof is the third book in the series of the two hot FBI agents who are partner, not only in business.

The relationship is growing – from partner in business to friendship to a relationship – and you can’t read this book as a stand-alone.
With every book you want more, you get more and this book – the last in the series – ends with a blow. Events which are unexpected are happening, revealings, saddening and exciting alltogether.

You really feel with Agent Irish and Whiskey. :3

But not only those are tempting and charming, it’s the cast of the other character, the balance. Sometimes you feel so hard with them, you have to take a break. The grief in the first book, all over the second book until the third.

When you think, Aidan and Jamie get’s their happy end they’ve to overcome another obstacle – and this time it means a lot.

What I really loved about the series is the constant grow. Not only the background plot from the first book is continued, no, it’s the character depth, the way how we get to know them. More and more things are shown, identities are built up, the characters feel real.

The fact that the author keeps the reader’s attention by including crime cases the two agents solve in a fast and pleasurable manner makes the books sheer brilliant. You really see the author did a great research, something which pleases me extraordenary.

Banter and witt, humorous scenes and sexy encounter are also the other parts of the book. Makes it full-bodied and smooth, gives it its spark and basis.

This series really should be in every selection of M/M romance lovers who adore FBI agents, opposite character, a solid story, from the first to the last novel in the series and with twist of turns, unexected and thrilling until the end.

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

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Veronica – ☆☆☆☆☆
The third instalment in the Agents Irish and Whisky series sees Aidan learning the truth about his dead husband and the extent of terrorist Renaud’s involvement in those around him. Furious that Jamie kept this information from him, Jamie takes a step back from their relationship and goes undercover alone. The seeming routine undercover mission turns out to be anything but.

Barrel Proof is absolutely action packed. Action, crime solving, danger, and a love story are all perfectly woven together. Full throttle from start to finish and over way too soon, Barrel Proof is a fantastic finish to a series that is my favourite discovery of 2017.


Angie – ☆☆☆☆☆
I love this series and I sure the heck hope there will be more books. In this book, we get all the answers to everything and, WOW, I didn't see some of that coming. I just love the relationship between Aidan and Jamie aka Irish and Whiskey, they are just so good together. The story moved well and it kept me engaged and I didn't want it to end. When things go belly up I was so upset; I knew it wasn't the end, but I still cried. Great book, great storyline, great characters. LOVED IT.


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆☆
I am so sad this series is over but this last book is the best one yet. The story starts with Jamie and Aidan barely surviving an explosive, movie worthy fire in Cuba and the action just keeps getting better through the story.

We know all the characters by now and this is definitely Jamie’s book. Aidan spends a little too much time sulking over the secrets Jamie and Mel have kept from him, which adds unnecessary relationship angst into the already dramatic hunt for Renaud. Jamie shines here – both his computer skills and his secret agent skills prove essential and I enjoyed seeing him as more than the junior partner.

Once again, it is difficult to trust anyone in this third book and I loved the suspense as I tried to guess how the story would unfold. The non-stop action leaves our men battered and a little worse for wear, but I loved the way they work as partners in this book.

I’m not sure how much more I can write without giving anything away. I fell in love with this series from the first book and it just kept getting better. Anyone who started this series needs to read this last book and readers who have loved action-packed series by writers like Abigail Roux and Charlie Cochet will love this series just as much. Aidan and Jamie are great characters and I loved the way the self-contained storylines in each book were wrapped into the more complex whole series story arc. This is such a great series and I can’t wait to read more from this author.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars of action, adventure, and passion

This is the third book in the series, and I am hoping that it is not the last. I highly recommend that you read them in order, as it would be a much truncated story otherwise.

Aidan and Jamie are battling the terrorist, Renaud, and then sadly, each other. But just as we can be certain that the baddie will be caught, we must surely also hold firm that these two men will resolve their issues and give us the ending we want.

I thought that the mystery was well executed and had a fascinating resolution. And, I think gave us hope for more from the FBI team and the inner circle of colleagues.

And for sure the heat between Irish and Whiskey developed into something stronger and more special. And the saying "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" seems to fit very nicely!

This series owns me and it owns me hard. It’s been awhile since I have felt this much emotion for two characters on the page and I cannot recommend the Agents Irish and Whiskey series enough.

Barrel Proof starts with a bang and it was a rush of a first chapter. It picks up right where Cask Strength left off and delivers heartbreaking feels and intense emotions right along with the amazing cinematic action that I have come to expect from the series but never to the level has it actually delivered. As I read the first chapter, I swear I didn't’ breathe. Between Danny’s angst of finding Mel, Jamie knowing what Aidan would find out the truth of his lies, Aidan knowing those he loves have betrayed him and Jamie almost following in his father’s footsteps... How could I take a breath?

I honestly don’t know what to say without saying too much so Rambling Red is gonna go vague with y’all but I will try to be somewhat comprehensible... Kay?

Wow! Where to begin?

Through the first two books there is so much we already know about Renaud and his ties to Aidan’s late husband Gabe and his partner Tom. But what he thought we know, isn’t all of it. This book digs way freaking deeper and takes Jamie and Aidan further into the twisted world of a man whose end game is hell bent on destroying everything and everyone Aidan loves. But the love Aidan has, the love he is learning to trust not only in Jamie but with Mel, Danny, the Talley family unit, and others who come to his aid, is a love far stronger than any game Renaud could have planned.

If you’ve read the previous books, you know that Aidan finding out that Jamie lied to him is huge. You know the angst that lies there and how much it hurts. But what I love about this book and these two men is how much they are growing in their relationship and partnership that though it’s hard to watch Aidan and Jamie be hurt by the lies, it’s how they deal with it that makes me fall hard for their romance. The intimacy between the men is obvious when they are simply sitting in a meeting after a separation while a new member is added to the unconventional team to bring Renaud down. Though it’s only been months the men have been together, their connection is deep, palpable and so very swoony that they make slow dances sans music sexy as all get out.

Now, I am an emotional reader (shocker, I know) but it’s a rare author who can make me feel so much during a sex scene that I am reduced to tears. Honestly, only Josh Lanyon has the honor of making me sob while dudes are getting it on but now Layla Reyne joins the ranks of Lanyon because there is a beautiful and intimate scene in this book that had me a sobbing mess. Good lord, it hurt like hell but I am a masochist for the feels and it was worth it.

I have to say how freaking much I love Mel and Danny throughout the series. Seeing Mel, who is not only Aidan’s boss but his sister-in-law from his first marriage to Gabe and his best friend, fall for Aidan’s baby brother Danny was gorgeous. I wouldn’t mind a short with the two of them even in vignettes of their time together during this series. They are a fantastic couple and really, Danny saying “Melissa” turns me into goo even if the circumstances are intense AF!

But back to Jamie and Aidan. As the lies come out, more details of why Renaud went after Gabe and Tom and how he uses leverage to gain more accomplices to do his dirty work things gets way crazy. This book, once again is full of cinematic scenes that could rival that of Bourne films or the like. It’s detailed but not overly so you get bored or frustrated, the book is the purest blend of action, mystery, romance and literature that keeps on you the edge of your seat while trying not to melt off it into a puddle of goo. Reyne is a talented author in this genre that delivers time and time again. This book is breathtaking in the sense that you literally can’t breathe because everything is turned up to 11, and I mean everything.

Phew. Just writing this makes me hold my breath and I know how it all turns out. And let me tell you that it turns out perfectly! I was worried toward the end how things would go with a certain character and I am more than happy with the outcome. BUT that end, literally that end? I stayed up to finish last night and was rewarded with the most perfect ending that brought happy tears to my eyes. Just. So. Freaking. Good.

Barrel Proof… again the title is amazing in how it blends and lends to the story. When bourbon says “barrel proof” on the label it means it was bottled at the actual proof an aged bourbon was barreled at. As whiskey ages through the years, you lose part of it through evaporation and when that happens, your proof in the barrel goes up, making it stronger. It’s like the partnership and romance between Jamie and Aidan. At its originality, it’s decent and based on a mutual respect for agency skills but as the men turn into “partners always” and lovers; they learn to love, to trust each other and as all the lies are evaporated out of their life, they only become stronger for it.

So yeah.
Yup.
This was an amazing series.
Gorgeous romance.
Fantastically action packed and full of the best emotions.

Wow.
I’ll shut up now.
Just read the books. Kay?
Thanks.

5 Stars


This is a true serial and must be read in order, as the storyline is ongoing. This book can not be read as a standalone.

I absolutely adored this series. I love Jamie and Aidan and have loved following their love story throughout these three books. The road has been bumpy, but the ending was worth it and oh so swoon worthy.

This book picks up right where Cask Strength leaves off with Jamie, Aidan and Danny chasing Mel to Cuba. The secrets that Jamie has been keeping from Aidan finally blow up in his face as my heart broke for Jamie. He has definitely been my favorite throughout the story and I think Aidan is too hard on him at times. I kinda wanted to punch Aidan and cuddle poor Jamie.

This story like the first two is filled with mystery, excitement and suspense. Well-written, fast-paced and filled with twists and turns that kept me sitting on the edge of my seat and biting my nails throughout.

Not only was the mystery portion well done, but the romance between Jamie and Aidan is outstanding. They fit together perfectly and their chemistry is undeniable. They are passionate and loving both in and out of the bed.

The series also had some great secondary characters, that I'm really looking forward to getting to know better and I'm, of course, hoping to get glimpses of Jamie and Aidan's future! This was a phenomenal series and I can't wait to see what this author has in store for us next! Highly recommended!!

**copy provided by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

Barrel Proof is probably the most intense of the three books in this series. A lot of secrets and betrayals have finally come to a head. The truth about Jamie’s investigation, the accident, their quest to capture the terrorist Renaud as he continues to put everyone Aidan loves in danger spirals out of control.

I adored this conclusion. It rang so true for the characters. Both Jamie and Aidan had to do some real soul searching and make tough decisions. I loved how they worked it out individually and on their own terms. It felt right for them.

There is also the epic showdown conclusion to who caused that accident that killed Aidan’s husband and best friend. As I mentioned a bit earlier – I’m not a huge hacking, crime solving fan. I tend to get bored easily but the tension for this case has ratcheted up with each book and the emotional fallout is so great in scope that I have been absolutely riveted the whole time.

Once again, the supporting cast of characters was very well rounded and they leverage quite a bit of emotional impact, considering the aren’t the focus.

If I have one quibble with the series, it’s that it relies on jealousy and blackmail a lot to add tension to Aiden/Jamie’s relationship. Everyone wants to sleep with these two and it got a tad tiresome and unprofessional, in some instances. It’s seriously a small thing in the grand scheme of things and no reason to avoid the books at all because the author handles it well in the end. Jamie and Aidan have left a lot of collateral damage to the people around them in their quest to solve the case and avoid intimacy and I love how the author addressed that instead of giving them a free pass.

And to top it all off Barrel Proof gives you a well earned solid HEA!

Barrel Proof is book 3 in the Agents Irish and Whisky trilogy by Layla Reyne and you MUST read them in order.  This series is one complete story, broken into three books with a slightly different focus in each book.  They definitely will not make sense out of order.  Read my review of Single Malt and pick up that one first. The very first page picks up right where Cask Strength (book 2) ended.

So, in Barrel Proof, Aiden and Jamie are on the hunt for the terrorist Renaud and the mission is fraught with danger.  I will not give away plot tidbits but the story will have some undercover work and they won't always be together (on the job or at home) to have each other's backs.  It is a well-developed plot with a few twists here and there that I wasn't expecting.  It is action packed from page one all the way to the end.  Definitely a page turner and one that will keep you on your toes!

The action packed plot is only one part of the story.  Jamie has been keeping a secret from Aiden through the entire series and it comes out.  It doesn't go well....Aiden is hurt by his betrayal and it will take a LOT for these two to get their happily ever after.  Their love is intense....both of them recognize how deeply that runs.  But it is going to take some time for these two to get their happily ever after.... don't worry, though.  They DO get there by the end of the story!  I totally understood Aiden's feelings....he was betrayed and it hurts.  But the situation was well written and totally believable, without over inflated drama.

These characters both grow and change quite a bit in this story.  Yes, you have a crazed terrorist (who you learn more about as you read the story).  But you also have two men who grow individually as well as together as the story goes on.  I think the author did a really good job in the character development aspect of this story.

You get to know the secondary characters a bit more in this story as well.  In fact, I am REALLY hoping that a couple of them get their own story soon!

The Renaud story line is a bit complicated and there is definitely a lot of computer hacking lingo throughout.  It is fairly well explained, but you definitely can't just fly through this story.  You need to pay attention to the 'who, what, where, when and how' of the plot development.  This is definitely not light, mindless reading!

Overall, I absolutely loved this story and was sad to see the end of the series.  I hope the author will do a follow-up series with more of the characters that lets us see how Aiden and Jamie are making a life together!

Barrel Proof brings this gay romance/spy thriller series to a solid ending. While the previous two books had enough to stand alone, this jumps right in where the previous one left off, though it offers reminders pretty quickly to ground the reader. It does feel like this is a better binge read than stretched out too long. Because of where the last book left Jaime and Aiden, even though I remembered the events, the emotional connection to the characters had dimmed. However, even there, it took very little to restart that connection.

The book uses a large time-jump/summary to make Aiden’s attempts to deal with Jaime’s betrayal reasonable, but the story is in a bit of a holding pattern during this section. Jaime, who has the narration, wasn’t doing much that’s critical, or so it seemed. I’ll say only his concerns and ruminations become very relevant by the end, and things smoothed out on all sides once Aidan comes back into the picture. He doesn’t stay long for work reasons, but the mood changes from depression to anticipation.

It’s the last that drew me into the series and is strong in Barrel Proof as much as any of the others. Not the anticipation, exactly, but the sense this is much more than the explicit gay sex. The connections both made them vulnerable and stronger, while the love is clear whether requited as with Aiden and Jaime, and Mel and Danny, or not as with Nic (the DA). This makes the story powerful, gives the characters clear motivations, and doesn’t interfere with the story because it’s integral to the tale unfolding.

I enjoyed seeing Nic become a full character, and Katie (Aiden’s niece) stole the show as usual. Whether fighting bad guys or risking their lives to rescue those they love, the sense of family, both born into and chosen, forms the foundation of their lives and work.

The villain of the piece is much more than an amorphous bad guy despite how he appeared in the earlier books when they didn’t have much to go on. The story comes together with plausible and complex clues to figure out. To avoid spoilers, I will say only there was one twist that disappointed me (not in the writing, but in the character involved) and one that was beautifully done and gave me something I’d thought lost. Other themes touched on things like consequences when breaking the rules even if it means results, and I liked how all that comes out and is resolved as well.

Overall, I read the series for the connections between the characters and the active caring they showed even when they were sometimes being idiotic about it (because of very human reactions). The third book does not disappoint and brings together a ton of pieces to make this all work. While I had some quibbles with the beginning of the book mostly because of the time jump that I agree is necessary, I am glad I stuck it out through the whole series because I “met” many deep characters who felt and acted like real people in all their strengths and frailties. Plus, the addition of realistic consequences for all involved was a pleasant surprise when all too often the maverick behavior is excused or ignored in fictional worlds.

P.S. I received this arc from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.

4.5 stars - Irish and Whiskey are back in this exciting conclusion that picks up right where the previous book left off. The guys are still on the trail of Renaud which lead them on an intense journey as they pick up clues along the way. Jamie is somewhat sidelined by an injury (and almost death), and even when Aidan learns of all the secrets everyone has been keeping from him is enough to keep him from caring about his partner. He doesn’t make it easy on Jamie though, nor is he too quick to forgive.

In the meantime, Renaud is still on the loose and causing havoc. Aidan goes undercover solo in order to ferret him out and get to the bottom of things. While the previous books each had their own case going on, this one is the grand finale with which they have been working on from the start. It all comes together here, and it is worth the ride to see what Aidan and Jamie have to go through to get to their happy ending, with them coming out stronger than ever on the other side.

This was very fast-paced and exciting, just as the first two installments were. There is a lot going on with finding out what is currently going on and how it all ties back to Gabe. Relationships are tested (Jamie/Aidan; Mel/Danny, etc.), but everyone realizes what’s important in the end. This has some great side characters in it as well. From the fabulousness that is Irish and Whiskey in action, both on the job and off (they have some amazing chemistry), to the family dynamic and the friends and colleagues involved in one way or another, there is definitely a lot to love here.

I would not recommend reading this on its own, as the story really builds up in each segment as clues are unveiled. If you are just picking up this series now, be ready to have them lined up. Once you start, you won’t want to stop until you get to the end. Definitely recommend.