A perfect addition (I'm not going to say ending because I'm in denial that their story is over!) to the lives of Irish and Whiskey. The story wastes no time picking up where it left off in Cask Strength, so I strongly encourage you to read both books 1 & 2 before diving into this one.

Jaimie and Aiden navigate through a real struggle in their relationship as a couple when secrets from work cross over into their personal lives. Not only is there a lot going on with the FBI side of this story, the emotions for them as a couple are in a sort of rollercoaster turmoil. But love always prevails and for this I am so grateful.

I love how the author intertwines the characters' professional side with the relationship side, keeping it very balanced, not giving it too much sex or to much investigation time. It works very well. And the ending...so much love!!

5+++ Stars!!!

Barrel Proof is the third book and conclusion of the Agents Irish & Whiskey series. It absolutely CAN'T be read as a standalone, so if you haven't read Single Malt and Cask Strength—and really, why the hell haven't you? You're definitely missing out. Go get them now!—continue at your own risk.

Jamie and Aidan can't seem to catch a break and the closer they get to Renaud, the closer they are to discovering the tangled web of lies that the terrorist has woven in the past few years and the closer Aidan is to finding out about Jamie and Mel's betrayal.

Wow, just wow! This book was so action-packed, I felt like I could barely catch my breath with all that was happening. And the angsty-as-all-hell-angst didn't help either. I was expecting it all to blow over when Aidan found out that both Jamie and Mel had known of Gabe's involvement with Renaud, even if we weren't privy to the details. It was still painful to see it unfold. I wanted to cuddle them both and make it better. *weary sigh* Although, I knew it was coming, it didn't make it any easier, even if it was totally understandable and true to both their characters. The love they felt for each other was palpable, the chemistry as always electric, I swear I melted into a puddle of Mari-goo everytime they said "Partners, always."

The secondary characters from Mel and Danny to Nic and Cam passing through Katie were awesome as always. It was really sweet to see Jamie with Katie. <3 The villains were hateful and I was glad to see them get their comeuppance.

Overall, this was an awe-inspiring read and damn, if Layla Reyne didn't do a fantastic job tying all the loose details and giving me a satisfying ending to Aidan and Jamie's story, even if I wouldn't mind more books in this universe. Nic and Cam deserve some love, too, you know? Just saying. ;)

Highly recommendable!

*** Copy provided to the reviewer via NetGalley for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***

<i> 4.5 stars </i>


I've had so much fun with this whole series. One of my favorite romantic suspense series in a long time.

Barrel Proof picks up almost exactly where Cask Strength ended, and it hit the ground RUNNING. And the wait for the third installment in this book was so worth it. It's no secret that I'll always be #teamWhiskey, and I remained firmly in his corner in this book too. While the action and the culmination of the crime plot around Renaud (which I am absolutely not going to spoil here) was fun, intriguing and entertained me a lot, it was the emotional side of the story that made me love it.

Watching both men finally live with all their truths, struggling with what "partners always" really means for them and how they can actually have a functional relationship with each other was beautiful and I loved it. Even when I could absolutely see where some things might not have worked for other readers, it most definitely worked for me. Splendidly. I sniffled a lot, I made cooing and happy noises and most of all, I rooted for them so much. They need time, trust and well, work to make it work and overall it was just a super satisfying ending to a great series.

PS. The side characters were amazing too and I am rooting (praying) so, so hard for a couple of more books in this universe to see their stories.

We are finally coming to an end for Agent Irish and Whiskey series. First of all, I confessed that the story arc that was introduced since the first book didn't intrigued me that much. Although they called it terrorism, it feels like white collar crime to me. Is all about ultimate financial chaos and we knew all along who is the main villain, though along the way we are surprised by some other culprit who are involved as well.

The series relies heavily on their FBI investigative work to make the story move forward, so in this case, I have enough of Renaud's case already. We have the prerequisite villain's monologue and more drama right up to the last chapter, if we discount the epilogue. I'm so ready for all to be done and read about Aidan and Jamie's future together. The reason that I shoulder through this last book is to get the resolution and see how they will finally get their HEA.

Barrel Proof is the third and final book in the Irish and Whiskey series. The first is Single Malt, followed by Cask Strength. When I got Cask Strength for review, I didn’t realize there was a book before it, but it was easy to follow and I found myself falling for this FBI duo. Again, I might not have read Single Malt, but the last two in the series – including Barrel Proof- are fantastic. It’s full of mystery and suspense, as well as healthy does of betrayal. Obviously not wants to be betrayed, but Barrel Proof shows how some can be forgiven, while others are beyond that.
I like how each book has Aidan’s and Jamie’s relationship growing and becoming stronger. In Barrel Proof, they are faced with betrayal between the two of them and it tests their relationship. I love when authors have realistic relationships in books. It makes me fall for the characters – and their romance – that much more.
Of course, Barrel Proof (and the rest of the series) is more than just a romance. As I said earlier, there is a lot of mystery and suspense in this one. Lives are on the line. It’s action-packed and a quick read. I would definitely recommend these books!

Ladies and gentlemen, we are now crossing a zone of turbulence. Please take your seat and keep your seat belts fastened. Thank you.

Hmm, as a description for this book 'zone of turbulence' might be a slight understatement. One helluva ride that gives you barely time to catch your breath is more like it.

I knew it would not be easy what the author had in store for not only the reader, but also for Aidan and Jamie in this last installment of the Agents Irish and Whiskey Series. I would not have thought that she has some kind of mean streak when it comes to making everyone suffer, though. ;-)

Barrel Proof not only picks up right where Cask Strength ended, it throws us directly head over heels into action and from that point on it leaves us barely time to breathe.

No worries, I try to be as vague as possible about the plot, just let me say that every breathtaking minute and every heart-wrenching moment was more than worth it in the end.

Of course, this book is not all about the action, though. Jamie's 'secret' is still looming like a shadow above his and Aidan's relationship, but the cat is inadvertently let out of the bag pretty soon. Yes, it had the dreaded impact and I wanted to shake Aidan for his stubbornness on more than one occasion, but on the other hand, his sense of betrayal was completely understandable for me and him just accepting everything without showing signs of hurt would have been beyond belief. Aidan's reaction led to some bittersweet moments that made my heart clench, but I so did love the memories that it stirred up.

He wondered, though, if he could get one more thing. A few more minutes of Aidan in his arms to soothe his aching heart. He stood and held out a hand. "Can I at least have a dance?" Aidan's eyes shot to his, darkening, as Jamie imagined the wave of memory heating those pale cheeks.
Feet shuffling their bodies swayed and Aidan moved deeper into his arms.

Aidan needs some space to come to terms with himself and his feelings and goes undercover on a solo mission that proves to be not quite so innocuous as intended. When it turns out that Aidan's and Jamie's nemesis, Renaud, has a finger in the pie, things quickly go out of hand and when a crosshair is once again painted on Aidan's back, it is Jamie's turn to do everything in his power to stop Renaud once and for all and save Aidan's life.

The technobabble was once again strong with this one. Those who have read my reviews for Single Malt and Cask Strength already know that I'm not a computer person. Every single time our technician at work is trying to explain to me what I did wrong so my computer ended up refusing any cooperation and sees my wide-eyed stare, he probably thinks that he is dealing with someone from the dark age bursting through a time warp into the 21st century... So, nooo, I didn't understand everything Aidan did during his undercover job, but I got the gist of it and it was once again enough for me.

I just loved the relationship development, but also the progress Aidan and Jamie made individually during the whole series despite everything they had to go through. How the author dealt with all the hurt/comfort and made this second chance love believable was top notch and their HEA was more than well-deserved

Aidan captured one of Jamie's hands, tangled their fingers, and brought their woven knuckles to his lips. "Partners, Whiskey, always."

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the end of this journey. On behalf of Reyne Airlines and the entire crew, I'd like to thank you for joining us on this trip and we are looking forward to seeing you on board again in the near future.

I know I would be so on board with that. Secretly I'm hoping - argh shucks, to hell with hoping - I'm begging for a book about the Bureau's best kidnap and rescue agent and a certain prosecutor who both grew on me during this series and of course I hope to see more of Jamie and Aidan as well in the future.

Highly recommended!

Barrel Proof by Layla Reyne is an amazing conclusion to a wonderful series. So much is packed into this story. We find Aidan and Jamie in the middle of a fight for their life and their love. The growth and acceptance both characters have shown makes for a great story. As a reader you are invested in the outcome for these characters. That speaks to the wonderful writing of Lalay Reyne. I don't want to give away any spoilers. This series is a must read. I look forward to reading more from this author.

If you have read the previous two books, you will definitely want to see the story through to its conclusion. Whiskey and Irish still have a lot to get through, and this time the separation is not enforced, but by choice (not both of them though).

Aidan's reaction to the secrets revealed is not unexpected, even though it's unwelcome. He reacts emotionally, but needs time to process. Jamie, heartbroken and crushed, continues to chase down leads, and confront suspects.

This is even more twisty that the first two, and while I enjoyed being surprised by some of its revelations, I found myself slightly disappointed in Renaud's motives and choices. But it's a small niggle.

The climax is exciting and intense. The resolution is satisfying and final. The three books work as a whole and if you haven't yet discovered them, reading them back to back would be worthwhile and thrilling.

Thanks to published and Netgalley for advanced copy. Book 3 is out on August 7. Highly recommended.

I enjoyed Barrel Proof quite a lot! It had SO many ups and downs that it made my heart hurt at times while reading. Angst overload! I just wanted Aidan and Jamie to be together and be happy. Is that too much to ask?

The story itself was quite fast paced. Aidan and Jamie's relationship took a bit of a backseat to the action, and believe me, there was a LOT of high stakes drama taking place. The guys were put into perilous situations on numerous occasions, and I couldn't help but worry about their ability to come out unscathed.

Overall, this was SUCH an enjoyable conclusion to a really great series. The plot line was wrapped up, and that ending is everything! Definitely put a smile on my face. I enjoyed the great writing and character development throughout the series. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.

WOW. What an adrenaline rush! This book was action packed and had so many unexpected things happening in it. Not only will this book get your heart rate up it will also break it. The emotional turmoil a reader will endure will wring tears from their eyes. The romance between Aidan and Jamie will mend the broken heart.

I started this book already emotionally invested in these guys after reading the first book. I was crazy about them and their romance. The twists and turns in this book along with the emotional pull and romance made this book my absolute favorite of this series, at least until they come out with a new one. I would very highly recommend this book to all who love a suspenseful, heartfelt MM romance.

What a ride.damn i enjoyed this!

I enjoyed Jamie and Aidan's relationship, solidifying, just growing stronger, partners always *cries tears of joy* I mean they've been through so muuuuch to get to their HEA :D

This had me riveted and Ms. Reyne sure knows how to keep me on my toes. I'll admit some things just went right over my head lol, like the financial market stuff, but it didn't stop me from enjoying and wanting to know what came next. As much as this is a story about them trying to bring down a terrorist, it's so much about the relationships as well. Jamie and Aidan's. Aidan's with his family. Jamie's with A's family. Mel and Danny (happy sighs) Jamie and Cam, the best besties.

I loved watching M & D's relationship unfold in the background. I want a million books with just them bickering and being in looove hehehe. I need soooo much more of these two because i adore Mel and she and Danny are so good together from the little bits we got of them in the same scene. Neeeeed more. Dying to get into Mel's head to be quite honest.

And i was totallyyy shipping Cam and Nic, not even sorry about it. I'm just gonna be waiting here to see if the vibe i was pretty sure i was getting will materialize into anything ever

This is my first romantic suspense read in a goooood while and it's renewed my need to read more in this genre!

Oh, and because i mentioned it's overuse in my review of book two there was minimal use of "autumn eyes" and "gasping" so I definitely appreciated that lol

Love how it all came together. Irish & Whiskey gave become one of my favorites couples. I wish there are novellas to give us a taste of the end.
Highly recommend this book to any FBI/Cop lover.

**Live 7/28**

I liked this trilogy. It was fun and the characters were interesting. I even liked the sweet romantic moments. Unfortunately, I thought sometimes it was a bit overdone. For instance, these are two FBI agents and we’re told that they’re not allowed to date each other, particularly because they’re work partners which creates a conflict of interest. They have keep it on the down low. Yet, they’re at a bar and Aiden is nuzzling Jamie’s face. He nuzzled his face a lot. There was a lot of public face nuzzling. Basically, I’m saying that the sticky sweet romance was too thick, especially these specific characters in this specific setting. Barrel Proof felt like it was written how the author fantasized a romance rather than working toward making that romance as believable as the plot.

I’m not a fan of putting people into boxes based on their race, gender, or sexuality. There is no one way to be Hispanic, or a man, or Gay. Personality and whether or not you’re touchy-feely varies greatly person to person, regardless of how someone identifies. This isn’t about it being an M/M book. It’s because, these two men would have had to be more discreet, and they weren’t. They were as obvious as two people could be, even while they were out on the job with their coworkers!

That is a big complaint, as evident by how much I talked about it, but it is my only complaint. Again, I really liked both Aiden and Jamie. I enjoyed their family and friends, and never wanted to quit reading. All in all, this was a good solid 3 star read.

I’m bumping it up to 3.5 stars because what this author did get right was not sacrificing their work ethic and the ‘case’ for the sake of the romance. I always think of Cut & Run when I think of poorly written law enforcement. I know it’s a beloved series, but when I read it all I could think about was how little actual work the main characters did. Every time they ‘went to work’ it felt like they were immediately stopping to eat, or finding some excuse to not actually work. That wasn’t the case in this Irish & Whiskey trilogy. Both Aiden and Jamie were focused on the job, and neither of them let their feelings for the other interfere. Maybe some people dislike reading about the job, but I find that it brings authenticity to the story.

For that reason alone, I’d likely read more by Layla Reyne.

If I imagine Barrel Proof as a three-act drama, for me the story picked up starting from the second-act, when Aidan, Jamie, Mel, and the rest of the involved characters raise the stake when dealing with terrorist Pierre Renaud and his plan to create market chaos. I really liked the pace from that point on. It was quite thrilling and the actions were all worth it.

However, it turned out that I still carried grudges from the previous book, in which I was disappointed with Aidan. In the first act, Aidan finally discovers the secret that his lover slash partner Jamie and his boss slash sister-in-law has been keeping from him regarding the truth behind Aidan's ex-husband's death. I'm not going to end up ranting in this review so I'm going to make it short: I thought Aidan was acting immature, hypocritical, and GAH, such a drama king.

I really liked Jamie though -- in fact, I thought he carried the case way more than Aidan. I loved Jamie for his ability, loyalty, and all around bravery. Personally, Jamie deserves more than that drama king Aidan. But well, I guess his heart speaks differently *shrugs*.

Overall, it is a nice series and I think can satisfy most MM readers.

Barrel Proof hits the ground running from the very first page, with a mad race to Cuba via speedboat and an almost cinematic escape from a firestorm resulting in Jamie breaking his leg. (And that's just the first 30 pages ...). Throughout the series, Jamie has hesitated giving Aidan full intel until he can discover how the terrorist Renaud and Aidan's dead husband Gabe are linked, but now that moment is finally at hand:

"His husband and his partner. They’d both lied to him. And his current partner had too. For months. The man he’d risked his heart to love again had kept the truth from him, had lied to him for virtually all of their partnership.
All of the time they’d been sleeping together."

Aidan can't get past his anger and decides to go back undercover in a case involving low-level financial crimes and regulatory compliance while Jamie heals back at the Cyber Division cave. Aidan and Jamie's sexual chemistry is still hot and steamy, but their relationship needs a reset, a break:

“Because as much as I love you, I’m angry as hell. At you, at Mel, at Gabe. I need to get away from everything for a while.”
Including me.
Jamie realized he’d voiced the sentiment when Aidan framed his face in both hands. “Because I want to be able to come home to you,” he said. “If I stay, my anger will ruin this.”

As the story continues, the answers slowly unfold in a flurry of data encryption, market manipulation and destabilization, financial fraud and treason with a dash of betrayal and kidnapping and the author does a wonderful job of immersing us into the details while still making it all work together (and having it make sense!) And the ending ties everything together into a hard-won HEA for Jamie and Aidan.

I have avidly read and enjoyed the entire Agents Irish and Whiskey series, but Barrel Proof is not my favorite of the series and I give it 4 stars. The first two books involve other cases (bioterrorism and gambling) while Barrel Proof focuses almost exclusively on the larger Renaud case which is dramatic and kinda exhausting. I realize it's the nature of a series, but I missed the relationship dynamics between Aidan and Jamie that were more front-and-center in the first two books. But having said that, it could just be me! I would definitely recommend the entire series and hope Layla Reyne writes a fourth (or fifth) book.

This book and the series it finishes have put paid to a couple of my preconceived notions about what I like to read and what I am not comfortable reading.
First of all, heavy, life-threatening angst. Firmly in the not comfortable column? Not any more! In fact, there are other books by other authors I turned down before that I need to revisit. Or, maybe it’s the hand of a master writer this time?
Secondly, a series of books in which none of them can be read as stand-alone books – hmm. I get bored with a series about the same characters, never mind the same plot thread running through them without a resolution. Nope! This one is gone, too, after the Agents Irish and Whiskey series. Each book ended at the exact right moment, with a kind of resolution and building on the MCs relationship, but leaving a loose thread or three to pull the reader into the next book.
So, without further ado, let’s look into Barrel Proof and see what this book and the series had that gave me such a wonderful reading experience.
The main characters through the series includes FBI agent Aiden, nicknamed Irish. Aiden is 42, a widower whose husband was killed in a horrific car accident. Also killed in that accident (was it an accident?) was Aiden’s FBI partner of many years, Tom. We don’t hear much about Tom in this series, but his death is significant. Aiden is part of a large, wealthy family that immigrated from Ireland. His late husband’s sister, a badass woman if there ever was one, is Aiden’s boss as the SAC in San Francisco.
The other main character is FBI cyber expert Jamie, nicknamed Whiskey. To give him experience outside of the office he has been paired with Irish, as both mentor and partner. And pretty quickly, as Irish’s lover. Their relationship is as rocky as you would expect when one of the men was recently widowed and both men are in highly dangerous jobs.
Irish and Whiskey are still chasing the terrorist Renaud. Renaud is not the kind of terrorist we are accustomed to seeing on the news, and his target is nothing less than…um, I have to leave it there to avoid a significant spoiler. (Sorry, not sorry). Suffice to say, no one who knows or is related to Irish and Whiskey is safe. No one.
As the book and series progresses Renaud’s target(s) widen, then narrow, then widen again, just as who Irish and Whiskey are chasing expands and focuses/refocuses, often surprising the reader. The epilogue is pitch perfect, wrapping up the book, the series, and futures of our wonderful characters very satisfactorily. If I had to write a review in one sentence (thank goodness that is not a requirement!) I would have to say, Barrel Proof is thrilling, full of twists and turns, and sometimes right and wrong is subject to interpretation.

4.5 stars rounded down to 4 stars

He closed the space between them and framed Aidan’s face in his hands. “I’ll be your partner, Irish, always, badge or not.”

Aidan nuzzled one of the big, warm palms. “Partner, always.”
“Damn straight.” Jamie lowered his hands, spreading them out over his shoulders, pressing gently down.”

Barrel Proof is the final installment in the Agents Irish and Whiskey series, and it is a solid end to a wonderful series.

This one picks up almost immediately after the end of the last one, and shit happens basically right away.

Jamie and Aiden are going after Mel with Daniel, Aiden's brother, and when they get to where Mel is, they get the answer to whether or not Mel is a friend or foe.

And finally, FINALLY, Jamie tells Aiden what he's known for months. Be prepared for pain, but don't worry about it lasting for long. I was actually surprised with how fast it was resolved. I mean, it lingers even after it is resolved, but I wasn't expecting Aiden to forgive Jamie until the near the end of the novel, but it happens before that.

Not that there isn't time of them spent apart, but most of it is skipped over because Aiden goes undercover on his own. I kind of like that we skipped over the weeks of them being separated at the same time I wish we had gotten maybe a chapter of that separation because while I love we got the make up quickly, it also made it feel a tad rushed as well.

Also, the fact that by the end of this book its only been a year and a half since Gabe died didn't feel entirely realistic for someone to have found the "second love of their life." Although who knows, I've never been through that myself, so I could be wrong. Still wish it had been longer than 8 months since Aiden had lost Gabe for his and Jamie's romance to have started.

But aside from that, Aiden and Jamie's relationship was as amazing as ever, and I got excited whenever they were in a scene together, and I still ended up loving where they were by the end of the book, even with how fast they came together.

The plot was good too, and there are surprises (where there shouldn't have been. The bad guys that are revealed in this still surprised me even though I had a feeling since the first book.) as well as suspense. And while the climax was good, I also felt it was a tad anti-climatic at the same time. (Weird to say, with what happens to one of the characters, but what happens with Renaud was not what I was expecting, and I think I was expecting an even bigger fight between them than there was, even though what happened with Renaud did make sense at the same time.)

So I have a half a star off rounded down to 4 because this one didn't feel quite as strong as the first two, but it was still solid, it was still enjoyable and fun to read, and I love Aiden and Jamie together so so much, they make my heart melt, and I'm just so happy these two fools got their happy ending together, because they deserve it.

Now, i dunno if its just me, but I kinda felt there was something there between Cam & Nic (Cam being Jamie's best friend and Nic being the guy Aiden kinda "dated" but-not-really for a while) and would love a series about them. Like, it was super subtle, but I still felt some sparks between these two, mmmkay.

So, yeah, definitely worth finishing out the series, and I don't think anyone who has loved this series so far would hate it or be disappointed, but maybe some might not love it as much as the first two, like I did.

Really good ending, just not an amazing ending, I'll say.

This was a good ending to this series. The story starts with Aidan and Jamie continuing to have problems in their relationship. There is a lot going on and Aidan is really struggling to deal with it all. He ends up taking a solo undercover mission so he can have some space from all the other issues. Jaime understands but he's broken-hearted about it and worried for his partner.

Quickly though, Aidan's mission goes into a critical zone and his team needs to help him out. The story is fast-paced and action filled. While the case is a major part of the story there is still the romance between the two men. That portion was lovely and they finally get their hea by the end.

This is the third book in a trilogy and it really shouldn't be read as a standalone. There is an overall plot that needs to followed from book one till the end.

If you enjoy romantic suspense you should check this series out.

**ARC provided by publisher through Netgalley**

Wow. This book starts off right where 2 left off, and it starts with a bang. It doesn't even end until the last chapter, it just goes and goes.

I think Layla only gets better and better and those 2. MCs have climbed the top of my chart of favorites. I really can't say enough good about Layla's, her writing, and her characters. She checks off all my boxes for stories.

Explosions, kidnapping, hot AF MCs, bad ass chick characters, villianous villians (but not over the top cheesy), twists after turns, blazing hot chemistry and awesome HEA's!

I loved everything about this series and I hope we see more of his author in the future

This is such a great series, and I thought that this second book did a good job of keeping enough tension in the story to keep things interesting. Jamie and Aidan are a great couple, and the mystery element of this series is so strong. Highly recommended!