I enjoyed Layla Reyne’s Agents Irish and Whiskey romantic suspense novels, and was delighted when the author announced she would be writing a spin-off series featuring two of the prominent secondary characters from those books, Assistant US Attorney (and former Navy SEAL) Dominic Price, and Special Agent Cameron Byrne, one of the FBI’s top kidnap and rescue specialists. I’ve been looking forward to Imperial Stout (book one in the Trouble Brewing series) for some time, so I really wanted to love it… but sadly, I didn’t. Many of the things that worked so well in the previous books are absent here; the principals and their backstories are underdeveloped, and while Nic and Cam have chemistry in spades, there’s no emotional connection or sense of a relationship developing between them. Add to that the large suspensions of disbelief required by the sometimes frenetically paced plot, and I came away from the book feeling disappointed.

Imperial Stout opens in media res as we find Nic and Cam in the middle of an operation to apprehend a gang intending to steal a number of priceless Serbian artefacts from recently arrived dignitary Stefan Kristić and his wife. But something goes wrong, Anica Kristić is killed, and most of the gang gets away – but not before someone starts shooting at the van containing Nic and the surveillance team. Nic gets to show his badass ex-SEAL side by taking out the shooter, but it’s too late to save the operation, which has gone badly sideways. When their informant is kidnapped and Nic’s boss – an all-round pompous git and complete idiot – manages to screw up their scheme to rescue her (I had to ask myself how the hell such a stupid man had managed to keep such a high-powered job), they are left with only one option. The exhibition featuring the Serbian artefacts is only days away from opening, and if Cam and Nic are to apprehend the gang, rescue their informant and bring Anica Kristić’s murderer to justice, they need to put someone on the inside; and Cam, whose murky past seems to have prepared him for such a role, is the best choice. It’s not going to be easy, and Cam has reasons of his own for being apprehensive, but it’s him or no one and time is running out.

Running alongside this storyline is the one that looks set to run throughout the series, in which Nic discovers that his father, real estate magnate Curtis Price, is up to his eyeballs in debt to some not-very-nice people. Nic and his father haven’t spoken a word to each other in twenty-seven years – ever since Nic came out – but the man to whom Price owes a small fortune isn’t interested in that. If he can’t use Nic as leverage against his father, then he’ll force Nic to pay what his father owes.

Imperial Stout had a lot of potential, but very little (if any) of it is fulfilled, and it seems that character development has been sacrificed for the sake of the plot which, it has to be said, is rather superficial. While Nic and Cam featured in the previous series, they were secondary characters, so I’d hoped Ms. Reyne would be starting afresh as it were, re- introducing them to readers as leads and allowing us to get to know them at the same time as the suspense plot gradually unfolded and brought them together. Instead, we’re told they shared a passionate kiss a few weeks earlier (at Aidan and Jamie’s wedding), and from both their PoVs, we know they want more; but lots of mental lusting is no substitute for watching two people forge a strong emotional connection as they get to know and invest in one another.

I said earlier that a rather large suspension of disbelief is required when reading Imperial Stout, and I found myself frequently taken out of the story as I came across something that seemed completely implausible. For example – I confess I’m not all that up on how the American law-enforcement and justice systems work, but is it usual for an Assistant US Attorney to be present (and armed) during a take-down? And then for him to take an active role in the investigation? Isn’t his job to gather facts and evidence and build a case and present it in the courtroom after the operation is concluded? I know the lawyer-as-investigator is a common character in police procedurals, which contributed to the overall feeling I had that I was reading something akin to a TV cop show, with its almost break-neck pacing and action-fuelled set pieces. Cam infiltrates a supposedly dangerous criminal gang with ease in a matter of hours; he’s up on all the latest ways to crack safes, pick locks and hack electronic security, and his fear that he risks crossing a line he hasn’t crossed in twenty years seems melodramatic and highly unlikely.

Much as it pains me to say it, I can’t really recommend Imperial Stout to fans of m/m romantic suspense, although I’ll probably read the next book because I’m intrigued by Nic’s storyline and want to see how it plays out. I’ll cross my fingers and hope that Craft Brew – due out this October – marks a return to form for Ms. Reyne.

If anyone has any doubts as to whether or not Trouble Brewing will live up to Agents Irish and Whiskey, fear not! I can’t wait for this series to continue. ❤

Nic and Cam’s mutual attraction started in the Agents Irish and Whiskey. They’re both dealing with their past, but they have a case to solve first and a witness to get back. There was pretty much no stop to the page turning action.

There were a lot going on in Imperial Stout and I loved seeing characters from Agents Irish and Whiskey make an appearance. The brewery added another layer and gave readers a unique chance to get to know Nic just a little better. Danger, heat, suspense, humor and well developed characters promise to make this series another great addition to Layla Reyne’s growing collection of books on my reading list. 😉

3.5 Stars so rounding up to 4.

I was so excited to learn Cam and Nic would get their own story because they’re chemistry in the Irish and Whiskey series was off the charts and I really liked both characters.

Even though this is a spin-off and the start of a new series, I don’t think this can be read without having read the previous series. I read all the Irish and Whiskey books and I was confused at the beginning of this book. The opening scene is mid-op. The criminal informant in the case seems to be well known by Nic but if we’ve met her in a previous story, I don’t remember her. Cam and Nic clearly have pretty deep feelings for each other and if you haven’t read the previous series, you don’t have a full picture of their history.

I liked seeing the previous series’ characters and hope we continue to see them in this one. I wouldn’t mind Bowers going away and there is some foreshadowing about what may happen to him in this book.

The flow of this book is like the Irish and Whiskey series, especially when it comes to the relationship building between Cam and Nic. They have a few stolen moments but the relationship is going to build over the series. The case Nic and Cam, as well as the rest of their teams, are working takes up most of the story and is fast paced. There is a dangling story line with Nic’s father that I’m assuming we’ll get more of in the next book.

I will definitely stick with this as I loved the previous series and like both characters quite a bit in this one. I think if you’re expecting something as good as the Irish and Whiskey series, you’re going to be a bit disappointed.

I had one nitpicky complaint about the book…I wasn’t a fan of the girls coming on to (and other stuff with) Cam as much as they did.

There were parts in this book that literally had me on the edge of my seat. The twists that the author had lying in wait made this an even more exciting read than it already was to begin with, even if I did figure out who was behind the heist that Nic and Cam were trying to put a stop to, since the heist wasn't the only thing that had Nic and Cam on their toes. While readers and fans only got snippets of them in the Agents Irish and Whiskey series, we start to get a better idea of who they are, given glimpses into their respective pasts that make it clear enough that they've experienced and survived their share of adversity and loss as well as quite a bit of guilt, although that last part is one I suspect will be explored further as the series moves forward. I loved the chemistry between both men but these two have differences that I'm curious as to how those will affect their developing relationship in the future books. The case that Nic and Cam handle here is resolved, but like Aidan and Jamie before them, there are still loose ends given that there is a story arc that'll run throughout the series. We've got about a two and a half-month wait before book two, Craft Brew, and I'm already curious as to when book three will be released. I'm THAT enthusiastic over Trouble Brewing. Can you blame me? After all, Imperial Stout is a five-plus-starred series starter. ♥

I've been looking forward to the start of this spin off series, and this book did not disappoint. I enjoyed this author's AI&W series, and she delivered again with another action packed story. The pace, the storyline, and the chemistry between Cameron and Dominic was spot on. The case they teamed up on provided good suspense and brought in a lot of characters from the previous series.

I enjoyed learning about Dominic and Cameron, and their back stories really left me wanting to know more about them! Their relationship was definitely a slow burn, but it was SO worth waiting for. I'm looking forward to seeing how their relationship progresses in the rest of the series.

Imperial Stout can be read as a standalone, but I feel that it would help if you’ve read the Agents Irish & Whiskey series so you aren't completely lost with the multiple characters and the previous goings on.

We met Nic and Cam briefly in Layla Reyne's excellent Agents Irish and Whiskey series and the two men shared a brief passionate kiss in "Blended Whiskey" (#4.5 in the series) at Aidan and Jaime's wedding. So I thought I was up-to-speed and ready to hit the ground running with the new Trouble Brewing series.

Except .... yeah, not so much. "Imperial Stout" drops us cold right in the middle of a convoluted operation involving Cam, Nic, Lauren, Bowers and Aidan, and their confidential informant Abby undercover in a criminal crew about to steal a priceless art collection. I spent the first 15-20% of the book trying to remember who was who (Cam was Jamie's partner and best friend, Bowers is the annoying jerkish boss), who had slept with who (for those keeping track at home, Nic slept with Aidan) and trying to decipher exactly what the heck was going on. I desperately needed a brief reintroduction to characters!

The book focuses primarily on the case Nic and Cam are working, with only hints of sexual tension and unresolved feelings. Since we don't know much more about Nic and Cam other than they are very attracted to one another, it's hard to get a sense of where their heads are regarding any sort of relationship. They share a (second) kiss about halfway through, and we finally get some honest-to-god sexual contact around 70%. Don't get me wrong, it's definitely worth the wait, but again, it was like being dropped in cold trying to figure out the relationship since there is only minimal character development for Nic and Cam.

At times, the pace of the story felt slow, perhaps because the art heist plot wasn't very interesting to me, and Nic and Cam's relationship was such a slow, slow burn. Also, we get loads of foreshadowing about their respective difficult pasts throughout the book (mostly the library card Cam always carries, and Nic's tattoo), but little in the way of more concrete details. And although the art heist is resolved by book end, the ending left me unsatisfied as there is just so little revealed about the two MCs and so many loose ends left to develop.

3.5 stars for the book, hoping that the next book(s) in the series will give us more in-depth characterization and start unraveling the mysteries involving both men's past.

Before I get to the meat of it all, I just want to say I really liked a lot about this book. There are many I really enjoyed, and moments that were so fun and brought me back to some of the feelings I had while reading the Agents Irish & Whiskey series. I really like Cam and Nic a lot, mostly because they’re actual adults who deal with relationship issues in an adult way. Still, I had a hard time with this one.

Cam is an FBI agent, Nic a United States Attorney… the case they are working on was interesting and a lot of fun so that the suspense of the story was great. My issues with the case stem around how unbelievable the working relationships between the two offices worked. This, coupled with the inclusion of ex-FBI members, and family being included in some of the planning, and execution of missions, I had to stop reading a few times. I can suspend my belief to a certain level, like one or two times, but when I have to do it through the entirety of a story, it becomes harder to do.

And while this story can be read as a stand alone, it might not be for some. I think that some readers could be a bit confused if they have not read the Agents Irish & Whiskey series first, where we first meet these two MCs. I might take a little bit of patience for a reader to get to the point where they are caught up on past events, as much as the book does that, to get to a point where they can see how the relationship had already started, but was just not quite there. Nic and Cam dance around each other a lot in the previous series so unless you know that already, it might not be especially clear to a new reader.

I also wish we got more one-on-one time for Nic and Cam. The case does have them working together a lot, but they are often separated, and when they’re not, they have a lot of other people with them. I wanted more time with them getting to know each other better, talking, having moments that mean something more than just a few little things they were able to get out because when they do have those moments, they’re really great.

I honestly think that this book was a nice and fun read, but mostly because I’ve read the previous series, already know these guys, and have a good frame of reference for their lives and already know all the side characters. Readers who have not already been introduced to this world may have more trouble feeling the connections, understanding all the players and how they fit into Nic and Cam’s lives, and getting all that history that’s there. I do think that this is a good starting point for the rest of the series, and I’m looking forward to where Reyne takes the rest of the series, and more hot times with Nic and Cam.

This is again another thriller, with lots more focus on the crime, the action and the attempts to cme out on top against the bad guys than a romance that's hot and heavy.

Yeah, the two crime fighters are secretly in love with each other, but it's very much from afar initially, and even as the plot heats up, each wants to protect the other from harm (both physical and emotional) so they stay away.

As best as they can, of course, but really they can't. It's like they are caught in each other's force field. That's all a bit lovely.

So for most of the time, they are solving crimes, getting into deep crap, and having to get back out so there's not a lot of time for hot and heavy. But patience is rewarded, because, of course it is.


I love this author's writing, so if you enjoyed her other novels, I am sure this one will do it for you too. Thanks publisher and netgalley for advanced copy. Out July 23.

Imperial Stout is the first book in a spin-off series, but is easily able to stand on its own. I really enjoy Miss Reyne’s approach to romantic action and suspense because she highlights the character development just as much as the suspense and cases, not to mention how quickly her twisted, long running plots pull me in. I can honestly say she once again hooked me with these characters. I enjoyed getting to know Nic and Cam better and see them together, and the little teasers for what’s to come certainly captured my attention.

Having met Nic and Cam in Agents Irish and Whiskey, I was already fairly invested in them as individuals and really happy just to see more from each of them. Admittedly, while I still enjoyed Imperial Stout, I didn’t feel as much a draw to either man as I expected at the start, but I have confidence that will change as the series continues and the characters develop more. As for the action and suspense, I loved that it was a completely different set of circumstances and background than the previous series, ensuring it felt fresh and exciting. The pacing and writing style kept the intensity and excitement ramped up, making it hard to put the book down for very long. If you’re a fan of romantic suspense and law enforcement series that have a longer-running plot as well as concurrent subplots and cases resolved in each book, I’d definitely recommend Imperial Stout.

This is a spin off from the Agents Irish and Whiskey series.I hadn't read that series but how hard could a spin off be to get into?

Turns out....very hard


This is full on action from the first page(my head was spinning),there's no introduction here and I had absolutely no idea what was going on and even after reading the beginning a few times I still didn't get it any better.Too much of a convoluted plot thrown at you,characters I didn't connect to or care about.


Would it have made a difference if I'd read the Agents Irish and Whiskey series? To be honest,probably not.

NOTE:

I only read about 20% of this and really didn't want to give it a star rating because I don't think a rating here would be appropriate given the fact I didn't read the whole book...but it seems I have to rate it on here.

3-3.5 Stars

“Imperial Stout” is part one of Layla Reyne’s new “Trouble Brewing” duology. The story centered on San Fransisco FBI’s new ASAC, Cameron Byrne, and Assistant US Attorney, Dominic Price. Both were familiar names on Reyne’s earlier series “Agents Irish and Whiskeys” and it came as no surprise that a handful of characters from the series took the part here as well.

It’s a dual POVs third person story, a blend of romance and crime-solving that involved the biro and US attorney office. Not only they faced conundrum from outside adversaries, Cam and Nic also had to face problem from within; in the form of obnoxious superior, mole, and last-but-very-not-least the attraction between the men.

On the romance front, I think “Imperial Stout” is a bit low-key. Given that it’s clear they were attracted to one another since they first met, the number of physical encounter between Cam and Nic was not as many as I predicted. If you’ve read “Blended Whiskey” you knew there was that “explosive kiss” that both men couldn’t stop thinking about. But that didn’t dictate how things revealed here. Worry not, there were steamy scenes between the two, but responsible adult that they were they didn’t act on it every other time.

With the fast-paced course and the sitch at stake, one would expect our heroes were vigilant on their surroundings. After their “performance” on AIAW, I kind of had pretty high expectation of Cam and Nic - given they were being Aidan’s and Jaime’s go-to person. I got that the incidents occurred here were pertinent to the climax (of the story), not only in this book but also to gear up for the sequel. But reader could hope, surely?

I think one of the reason I tolerate Nic at all because of his age - that kinship sort of thing with someone with the same age; if not emotional, at least physically, lol. That said, his being former Navy SEAL should’ve put him in a much better state than moi! At the minimum, his sense of self preservation should’ve been more than shown here. Although, the ten year age gap between Cam and Nic wasn’t too obvious here, which made him rather robust for a silver fox. ;-)

Frankly I also wondered about the comfort of nepotism throughout reading; what’s with the involvement of certain civilians in the case. Again, I didn’t begrudge the familiar face’s cameo in this book, I also understand the officials often recruit private contractors. Still, it tickled me how close family of a certain Special Agent in Charge seemed free to roam the federal offices. One of the silver linings here is the big role another formidable female agent showed. I love it when there’s a kickass female in a story and that the heroes don’t feel intimidated but appreciated her instead. Although, one wish with that many help they could solve their problems in one go, instead of sort of having the last chapter hanging like this. Not really a cliffhanger, but hinting on trouble brewing on the sequel for sure.


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

***NOTE: Review will be posted to blog listed with the link below on release day, July 23, 2018. ***


First thing first: I am going to implore any of you that see this book and go into reading it as a standalone to not do it. Yes, I know it’s listed as first in a series and well, I guess you could read the whole universe it’s involved in backwards but I don’t recommend it. This is a spinoff of one of my favorite series: Agents, Irish & Whiskey and in that series is where we first meet Assistant US District Attorney Dominic Price and Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Cameron Byrne. There is history with these two long before you open this book and you really need to witness their sexual tension that leads up to a kiss at a wedding.Then gets ramped up to 11 in this book as they are working a case together. Nic and Cam were so special in the AIW series that I was begging for them to get their own series and when the author teased about it and then confirmed, I was so ready. See, they were so freaking good as supporting characters for Aidan and Jamie that they would have to blow my socks off in their own series and boy did they ever! This is just the first book, a book that amazed me, had me riveted to the page and squirming with all the sexual tension between Nic and Cam that I melted right off my chair when they finally give in. The book is a good one. The series it came from is stunning and I would love for everyone to meet all the players that show up in this to get the full experience.

Okay?
Thanks.
Now to try and review this…

"An attraction that had boiled over in that one kiss…"

This story is one hell of a ride. We begin straight away with the action as Nic and Cam are running an operation that gets turned upside down and puts both men in danger. Told from Nic’s POV first, we know his thoughts keep straying to keeping Cam safe and that he wants nothing more than to have a second kiss. Gunfire and shit hitting the fan leads the men and their combined team efforts to find out what with wrong with the op when a dignitary’s wife is killed and we get thrust into Cam’s POV. Why am I telling you this? Because it’s important to set up the beginning of this book, to let us know that no matter what the argument is, these two are in over their heads and pretty much head over feet for one another, they just don’t know how to handle it yet. So, back to Cam’s POV and his worry regarding basically everything that comes along with crushing on Ex-Navy SEAL and Assistant US District Attorney Dominic Price when they are thrust into a deeper situation than either man predicted.

Wow.

Okay, I am talking in major circles so let’s just put this simply: Nic and Cam are working together on a case that is actually led by Aidan Talley, who is currently on his honeymoon. The men have to deal with asshole US District Attorney Bowers, who I wanted to punch repeatedly throughout this book. I still don’t know what was up the dude’s ass when it came to the entire team other than he is just an asshole, but anyway. They have to consider what their CI may know about her girlfriend’s plan and how the third party came into play during the operation she was working on with them.

Good lord. I have to say that when I first met Dominic Price as someone involved with Aidan I didn’t like him and my dislike was purely due to the fact that Aidan belonged with Jamie. But through the AIW series and Nic’s actions, he started to grow on me. When Jamie’s best friend and the FBI’s best kidnap and rescue agent Cam is brought in to help and he meets Nic, the spark of attraction was palpable between them and I started to see Nic different. I started to adore Nic more times than not and I really fell hard for him once the series was done and then that small POV in Blended Whiskey tipped the scales. I love Nic and we get so much more of him than I could have expected with his back story. And not just of his SEAL days, but what he has gone through with his family and the father he hasn’t spoken to in 27 years. I also love that we get parts of him with his brewery, his feelings about Jamie, Aidan, Mel, Danny and more important about Cam. Nic is so lost in what he wants from Cam but he doesn’t know how to reach out and grab hold of it.

Now, Cameron is another story. I’ve loved him from the moment I met him on the page and thinking of his Boston accent coming through makes me grin. Once again, Cameron has a heartbreaking backstory that is visited here and only hinted at a deeper story that led him to his passion of being a kidnap and rescue agent. A reminder is always on Cameron of someone lost and while we get the who towards the end of the story, it is in no way a closed case, literally. But Cam, I love being in his head seeing how he works as an agent and seeing how much he wants Nic. How these two see one another, I wish they could put it to film and play it for each other so they would know how deep the feelings between them go before that second kiss every happens.
Oh yeah, that second kiss. This story is so freaking fracking full of UST, it’s insane and I am absolutely crazy for it. The way they dance and circle around the attraction is so good and it hurt so badly, but I would totally ask for more. Knowing that their attraction and being witness to their first kiss helped ramp up the tension between then. I have to say, UST done well is fantastic. Reyne gives it to us again and again in a way you don’t mind, because you know UST this good will have an explosion of emotions when the men let themselves become intimate. And… it’s totally worth it. Trust me on that.

When it comes to stories like that of high level attorneys, FBI agents and the like I am always floored by how the author can pull someone like me into the story. I know nothing about being a SEAL, a JAG officer, a AUS or a ASAC, about running covert operations or thievery of Siberian artifacts, but OMG I was so in this story. Reyne’s words are always cinematic and I was in the thick of it every stop of the way. I was as entrenched in the storm of bullets as they flew and I was feeling the sexual tension that I needed a release just as bad as Cam and Nic! It’s just so good and while reading all of this, I felt like I knew what I was doing because the characters did.
Of course, I love that we get to see Aidan and Jamie again as well as Mel and Danny. I was so happy that Lauren was working with the team because she really does excel as a Mini Jamie and her wit always cracks me up. Getting to see a new side of Cam kinda like we did with Aidan as Ian gave more to the story and the romance between him and Nic and I just ate it up. I read and I read even when I wasn’t supposed to be reading at work. The files on my desk have piled high and I will have to scramble to meet deadline but I don’t care. The book was that good and everything including the secrets were worth it, because I know there is at least one more book after this. More Nic and Cam is not a bad thing at all.

So after all that, I need to add one more thing.

I have fixation with book titles and that moment in the story that it clicks, that the title makes sense. What I loved about the AIW series is how I could relate the whiskey to the romance and guess what? I can relate the beer to this series too.

You see. Imperial Stouts were created to be stronger beer, a more aggressive brew that could survive its temporary and yet difficult stay without spoiling and with that they became a different and new style of beer. With this book, we have the same universe, yet a new style of coupling between Nic and Dom and how they blend their world of the US Attorney’s office and FBI together. What we also get is their temporary, but difficult stay of not breaking rules or crossing line by being intimate with one another without spoiling all the yummy UST. You see where I am going with this? Imperial stouts are brewed to be formidable and have the ability to weather the storm in the cold climates where they were originally favored. Formidable and able to weather the storm are pretty much the same descriptions you could use for Dominic and Cameron’s new found relationship and romance. Both men are formidable in their careers and both men have been through much more than I would have expected, but they can outlast the past and together they can push the envelope of what is the accepted standard and create something new. Something that is just theirs while harboring no disrespect to heritage or tradition, but simply broadening it with who they are. Yup, this title works and I will leave you with this: The combination of roasted barley and other dark characters malts will give an imperial stout a bittersweet personality… barley, which is known to be milder when combined with a dark character.

Hmm…

This is an offshoot of this author's Agent's Irish and Whiskey series but can be read as a stand alone. If you've read the other series then you've met these MC's before. They were both in the other books quite a lot.

This story is a totally new case that the two are working on together. It was a bit convoluted and you have to suspend huge amounts of reality to follow along. ( ie. attorneys do not act as snipers on their criminal cases). But that's the case in all this author's books so if you're a fan you're already aware of that.

I like the relationship between these two more than Adian and Jaime. I'm not sure why. (probably cuz there's not the ott nickname stuff which made me nuts) They're both really likable. As for the steam factor, these two are pretty hot together.

There are appearances by most of the crew from the other series and some of them play a role in this case.

Overall this was an easy to read, mildly enjoyable story. I'm not a huge fan of this author's work so you may get more mileage out of this than I did. I like these when I'm in the mood for an easy, mellow read. If you're a big fan of the other series then I think you'll really enjoy this one.

**ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**

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

- Review to come

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

I love author Layla Reyne and I really enjoyed her Agents Irish and Whiskey series, so I was very excited when I learned that two secondary characters from that series would now have their own books (series title: Trouble Brewing). One thing that I really loved about Imperial Stout is that there is a lot of action and suspense, and even a little mystery involved too. This is definitely not just a straight-up romance, though there is nothing wrong with those!

Domnic “Nic” Price is assistant US attorney, and he also co-owns a brewery, which is where the title of the book and series comes from. He loves his jobs and always seems impeccably well put together, but there are things about himself and his family that he keeps close to the chest. Unfortunately, his father has gotten himself into trouble and now people are after Nic – though whether they really want to kill him or not remains to be seen. As for Cameron “Boston” Byrne, he’s a kidnap and rescue expect with the FBI but he has his own secrets. He hasn’t always done things legally, but he’s determined to put that behind him and be a better man, until his past proves important to an undercover operation.

Imperial Stout is a bit of a slow burn when it comes to Nic and Cam, but I thought it worked. There jobs mean they are in danger are a lot, and it’s not easy finding time to build a relationship, even if they are attracted to each other. I liked the moments when they opened up to one another and started to see past their exteriors, especially with Nic, who usually seems so unflappable. Caring for each other doesn’t make their jobs any easier because they can no longer be completely objective about each other putting themselves into danger – and there is definitely danger!

I can’t wait for more Nic and Cam. The book ends with the overall story line wrapped up, but there is still more to come concerning Nic’s dad – and I’m excited to see how Nic and Cam’s budding relationship evolves! I definitely recommend checking out Layla Reyne’s books. You can read the Irish and Whiskey series before this to better understand secondary characters and their relationships to each other, but I think you’d be okay starting with Imperial Stout too.

Awesome!

A great blend of drama and suspense, action and steam. This is my first book from this author and I’m looking forward to more. Plus, I can’t wait to see what happens with Nic and Cam!

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.

Though I've read other books by this author, I haven't read the series this one spins off of. Although I was able to catch on pretty quickly, I did feel like there were things that weren't explained and pieces I was missing about some of the relationships because I hadn't read those books.

That being said, this was still a very enjoyable story and I definitely have plans to go back and read the original series. The fireworks between Nic and Cam (both professionally and personally) made the story easy to get into and provided a nice backdrop to the twists and turns in the case they were working. I was genuinely surprised by the final reveal of the "bad guy."

Although I loved all the characters, I found myself drawn to Cam's tragic backstory. I had a harder time connecting with Nic, but I have a feeling that will change as the series progresses. Because yes, I will definitely be reading the next books in the series.

Imperial Stout is the first book in a series that is a spinoff of the Irish & Whiskey series. I haven't read the Irish & Whiskey books - yet - and I didn't feel lost at all, so jump in now and enjoy this exciting book. It's jam packed with action from start to finish. Dominic "Nic" Price is a US Attorney and his star witness in a high profile case has been kidnapped. Now he has to rely on the very hot FBI Kidnap and Rescue specialist Cameron Byrne to get the witness back. Cam is going undercover to infiltrate the crew that is holding his witness hostage. Will they all get out of this alive?

This is a great suspense filled story with a nice M/N romance mixed in. I highly recommend it.

Loved this book! Nic and Cameron were great, and their chemistry made the book almost too hot to hold! This is my first Layla Renye book, and now I can't want to go back and read all Irish and Whiskey books!

as soon as I saw Imperial Stout I wanted to read it. I was intrigued by both Nic and Cam from the original trilogy, and it never even crossed my mind to pair them together. I’m not sure why; they were HOT.

I really really liked this book! The case was interesting. The overarching storyline of Nic’s family history was interesting. I thought their job and their chemistry were balanced, without rushing either. The romance itself was scrumptious! I loved their heat. I loved that even though they knew it wasn’t the greatest situation, neither really ran from it or kept the other at arms length.

It was also awesome because we got more of Jamie and Aiden, and I did like them as a couple. I loved reading them as husbands, working on the case and having Nic and Cam’s back. It was wonderful being back with these characters, and since I loved this one so much I can’t wait to be back with them again!