This book had more depth to it than the first one which is good because I actually thoroughly enjoyed the first one but somehow this book seemed…fuller.

And Nic actually asking for help? Actually realizing that he doesn’t have to stand on his own and fight on his own and that there is someone that he can lean on? Well, that was substantial growth and something I was glad to read. There is something about the way Layla Reyne writes that makes me need to know more about her characters, to really dig myself into the book and not put it down.

There is a pretty sizable slow burn in this book, which I love. And mysteries? I love a good mystery. And this was a good mystery! I am the person who watches and reads about cold cases to a degree that some people find alarming and the way I consumed this book was no different.

This book also did a good job with its discussion of intimacy and that not a lot of couples move at the same pace. God, was I relieved to see the reality of that situation play out. Sometimes one person is more open than the other, sometimes people are hiding their own hurt, guilt, and perhaps a little bit of shame? But that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t unburden themselves and this book deals nicely with that.

I will definitely be reading more of this series, and also hopefully more of Layla Reyne, because this? This is a style of writing I can get behind.

I love this series soo much! I’ve reread all books 3 times now and They are still as amazing as the first time! Layla Reyne is the Queen of romance!

Assistant US Attorney Dominic Price is still facing threats stemming from his father’s dire financial situation (his dad has gotten in over his head and the gangster to whom he owes money is coming to Nic to collect). Nic is doing his best to investigate more about the guy behind it all, but isn’t ready to fully come clean with his friends about what is going on, even though they could likely help. Nic is worried that his problems are going to threaten the safety of those he cares about, in particular, boyfriend Cameron Byrne. Although things are getting serious emotionally between the guys, Nic is still trying to keep some distance in hopes that his own baggage won’t land right on Cam.

When Cam gets a call that his mother is in the hospital, he immediately heads back to Boston with his best friend, Jamie, in tow. Nic wishes he could be there for him; in truth, so does Cam. But Cam isn’t out as bi to his family and now isn’t the time to tell them. But when Cam begins digging into a old case from his family’s past, one that haunts him deeply to this day, he realizes he needs Nic’s help. Together, the two of them work to solve a crime that is two decades old, one that will hopefully bring peace to Cam’s family and to him as well.

Craft Brew is the second book in Layla Reyne’s Trouble Brewing series, a spin off set in her Agents Irish and Whiskey world. In the first book, we got the set up for three different series threads: the relationship between Nic and Cam, the mystery of Cam’s past, and the threats against Nic (along with some mysteries about his own past). I really appreciated how well this second story advances all of those areas. Often the second book in a trilogy will feel a lot like a placeholder, or things can seem stagnant. But Reyne does an excellent job here giving us progress on all fronts and really keeping this middle book exciting and intriguing.

On the mystery end, this story primarily focuses on Cam’s past and what happened years ago that still haunts him. We learn about that library card in his wallet and why he holds himself responsible for a past family crisis. I don’t want to give away the details, but Cam investigates a cold case at the pleading of his ill mother, wanting to give her some peace as she faces a serious health crisis. Not only is this an exciting and well done mystery, but the investigation really gives us more insight into Cam, his family dynamics, and what has shaped him into the man he is now. Reyne is great with an investigative thriller and this story is exciting and well done.

The story with Nic and his father is less at the forefront here as they spend most of their time in Boston dealing with Cam’s case. But enough happens that the story doesn’t feel too backburnered. We learn more about Nic’s past, including whose initials are tattooed on that tree on his back, and Nic makes some advances on investigating the blackmailer with a little help from his friends. I liked that even though this story is clearly going to be the focus of the final book that we still got enough new information to keep it fresh and exciting while we wait. While we don’t learn all the details of Nic’s past, we do get a lot of new information here that really helps shape his character.

On the relationship side, things end up in a really good place for the guys. It is a bit shaky at first. Nic is determined to keep Cam at a distance because he worries for his safety. And when Cam doesn’t bring Nic along to Boston, and later keeps a professional distance in front of his family, Nic fears it is because Cam really does see him as somewhat of a liability. But never fear, these guys work it all out and things end in an appropriately sweet and mushy place for them.

So I really thought this was a great second installment of the series. I am excited to see how it all comes together in the next book for Nic and Cam.

I can NOT get enough of Layla Reynes men. She writes about powerful, masculine, and alpha men that a reader can't help but fall in love with. Dominic and Cameron's story just hits the spot for romance and suspense. Ms. Reynes builds suspense like a master crafter and creates a strong and emotional romance.

I can't wait for even more. This was a must read for me and I love one clicking this author.

Cam and Nic don't have it easy. Each has their pasts strangling them in different ways. Plus they both suffer from a bit of martyrism which makes them make decisions to protect the other. Now Cam is called back to Boston and needs Nic, but being back in Boston has many challenges for Cam.

Nic doesn't fully know how to help Cam, but he can be his anchor.

"You're my rope. I can't have it severed. So yes, I'm ordering you stay in the fucking van."

The more trouble comes for Cam the more Nic starts to let Cam in. This book is full suspense, heat and love. I don't want this series to end as I love these two together. I will be sad when this series is down.

I liked this book more than the first one. There was just something about it that had me hooked from the first minute, and keep me in the book with an iron grip. I had a really tough time putting it down and enter RL again, and I was just wishing to get back to the story again to find out what happened next.

CRAFT BREW is the second book in the Trouble Brewing series, and should definitely be read after Imperial Stout. Trust me when I say you won't want to miss a single moment of the action!

Cam and Nic have been together for four months, and due to what is going on with Nic, he has been reticent about moving things along. They are still on the down-low, even though Nic has spent every night with Cam.

One night, Cam gets a call which shakes his world, and he is back to Boston, where his family needs him. Nic carries on, supporting Cam however he can, but it doesn't take long before Nic is there too.

Oh my, these two. Even when confused, they still try to put the other first. Hurt feelings are acknowledged, but grudges aren't held. I loved getting to know this pair a bit better. And learning more about Cam's past has certainly helped give me a better idea about his character.

One thing I will say, is I had to re-read parts of this towards the end. Let's just say my emotions were engaged, and leave it at that!

This book was so well-written, it flowed seamlessly. There is plenty of action without it being too much. Cases are solved, questions are asked, futures are decided. Is it over? Oh no, not by a long shot. The overall story arc is still live and kicking.

This is an absolute corker of a book, and I highly recommend the series - but please read them in order, otherwise you will be lost!

OMG I FREAKING LOVED THIS!!!

It was an avalanche of feels...and I loved every single minute of it.

"Cam fell into him. Into the kiss he'd missed. Into the arms that held on tight and kept him from shattering. Into love, more and more each day with this man."

This book continues building the solid foundation of Cam and Nic's relationship, while also dealing with the unsolved disappearance of Cam's little sister 20 years ago...and the fact that Cam's not out to his family. They hid their relationship from their friends....and now they'll have to hide from everyone.

This book was the perfect balance of romance and suspense. It's stuffed with feels from every direction. Especially Nic and Cam's growing love and affection amonst the turmoil in Cam's life, and the growing danger in Nic's.

Nic and Cam need each other. Ground each other. Support each other. And fall deeper and deeper in love every day. They are a true team. Partners.

I was on the edge of my seat reading so much of this book, wondering what twists and turns Layla Reyne was going to throw at me. At the same time, I was a puddle of goo simply melting at the unbreakable bond forging between these two men.

Usually, in a trilogy the middle book can be a bit of a miss. A filler to get you to the third book. NOT HERE.

If the first book hooked me, this one swallowed me whole.

I can't tell you how many scenes I highlighted. The vulnerability these men showed each other gutted me. The honesty, a breath of fresh air. The need, the desire, the trust, the respect, the love.....done. I'm done. Romance reader down.

"Do you love me?"

Nic's lips trailed across his cheek, nuzzling, as the hand on his thigh inched higher. "More than I should."

"Then I'm ready to present our case."

Nic pulled back, meeting his gaze. His pupils were blown so wide hardly any of the blue showed, but the dark brows across the top of them were knitted. "What are you saying, Boston?"

Cam smoothed over them with his fingertips, then down Nic's face. "No more hiding, from anyone. Family, friends, the fucking Federal Building. I don't want to regret not telling anyone how much I love you."

Nic gripped his wrists. "You're putting yourself in the line of fire. I need you to understand that."

"I'm already there, baby."


I can't wait to see how this wraps up in the final book, but I also don't want Cam and Nic's story to end. I've fallen in love with the chosen family in this universe that Layla Reyne created...and I don't know how I'm going to say goodbye.

I am loving Nic and Cam and this series. As is always the case with Ms. Rayne, the story is well-written and filled with mystery, suspense, and of course, romance. I can't wait to see what is in store for Nic and Cam next!

I think I enjoyed Craft Brew more than I did the first book in this series. Although there wasn't quite as much character and relationship development as I would like, it was enough to progress the story along nicely and still leave room for more in book 3. I also loved that the guys were closer in this book, so I was able to feel more for them as individuals and as a couple.

Nic and Cam were struggling to keep their relationship on the down low, and then they suddenly had Cam's family drama to contend with. Luckily, they had really good friends they could count on who freely offered up help when needed.

Overall, this was another excellent story from this author with a great mix of action and romance. I can't wait to find out what happens in the next book.

Dominic Price and Cameron Byrne are back and better than ever in Craft Brew, the second book in Layla Reyne’s Trouble Brewing series. I enjoyed Imperial Stout, the first book in the series, but I loved this one even more. Craft Brew is action-packed, emotional, and sexy. The story flow was much better than in the first book, and Reyne shifted seamlessly between the two main story arcs: the business with Nic’s dad’s shady business dealings and debt, and the unsolved case of Cam’s missing sister, taken from the family two decades ago. And in the midst of it all, of course, is the intensifying romance between Nic and Cam.

The book opens with Cam saying four words to Nic that he wasn’t prepared to hear. “Move in with me.” Things are amazing between them, and, as Cam points out to him, Nic has spent almost every night of the past four months at Cam’s place. But, Nic doesn’t want to put Cam in danger, which he feels he would be by his proximity to Nic. It’s been a bit since Duncan Vaughn’s goons paid him a visit, but Nic doesn’t want to risk Cam getting caught in any sort of crossfire, hence his hesitation to accept Cam’s offer. However, Nic does spring on Cam that he has to go to San Diego for a month or so to cover for the US Attorney down there—which is true, but also provides the perfect opportunity to run away from Cam for a minute. Cam knows Nic is running, but he assures him that he isn’t going anywhere, that he believes in what they’re building together.

The five-week separation is tough, but things get even tougher when Nic’s apartment building goes up in flames, and then Cam gets a call from his brother telling him that their mom has had a heart attack and that he needs to get back home to Boston right away. When he gets there, his mom is stable, but everyone is nervous about her upcoming surgery and her prognosis, including her. In private, she asks Cam to please solve the cold case of his sister’s disappearance, because she needs closure before she goes, if the worst should happen. Cam has worked his entire career trying to find out what happened to Erin that day, and has come up with nothing but brick walls. But, this time he has some notes from his mom that might just prove to be the leg up they need.

The story of Erin’s disappearance definitely carries more weight in the book than the mess with Nic’s dad, but as I said previously, Reyne does a good job of moving both stories forward. We learn so much more about both guy’s pasts and get to see them really grow as a couple. I adore them together so damn much. They had a few stumbles and some growing pains, but I absolutely loved where they ended up. And, Nic is still my faaaavorite. I LOVE him so, so much. It was also fun getting to know Cam’s family, and I loved it that Jamie was there with them, too.

So, yeah, I loved this book even more than the first, and am now even more excited for the next one! Definitely hop on this series if you haven’t already!

Title provided via Netgalley for an honest review.

This was another title I found that I did not know was a series. I got started and I had to stop and pick up book one. That is the number one negative for me.

As much as I love MM Romance, I like even more where the story sometimes revolves around a non-romance plot, and the main characters in a relationship happen to be gay or Gay-for-you. It shouldn't have to be, but it normalizes same sex relationships on the page and thus the screen.

Dominic and Cam have a really steamy relationship, and I like that because trailing not far behind is a rollercoaster of intensity throughout the story as well!

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Veronica – ☆☆☆☆☆
The men have been keeping their relationship secret and things are getting serious. Nic is worried about his father’s creditors finding out about his relationship with Cam and putting Cam in danger. From Cam’s end, he is called back to Boston when his mother falls ill. At his mother’s request, he reopens the investigation into his sister’s disappearance 20 years prior.

For me, the investigation into Erin’s disappearance, this is where the story really took off. I didn’t know where the investigation was going, and I was intrigued as we follow the clues, old and new. But Cam doesn’t investigate alone. He calls in Nic, best friend Jamie, as well as his former partner in Boston to help and he needs all the help he can get.

I’m a sucker for a mystery and crime, and when it is combined with a developing romance. In Craft Brew, the balance between the two is perfect and with danger swirling all around them as well as family drama added in, I was completely immersed in the story. I was in book heaven. And when Craft Brew came to a close, all I could think about was when can we have more Cam and Nic? I want more.


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆☆
Is it disloyal to think I might actually love this series a little bit more than the original Irish and Whiskey books? I really love the combination of action and relationship development in this second book, and Nic and Cam just keep getting better together.

I don’t even know where to start with the action in this book. It’s a fast paced and exciting read. Nic is still running from the gangster in San Francisco and Cam ends up chasing a serial killer in Boston. The investigation in Boston is fast paced and beautifully constructed. Nic’s issues fade into the series storyline as he flies to Boston to assist Cam and Jamie.

Nic and Cam are more settled in this second book and their connection is warm, solid, and grounding. I love the lack of angst and the way they lean on each other for support. These two are still sexy and the chemistry is still brilliant, but in this book they feel like true partners.

Much of this story is set in Boston, Cam’s hometown. I loved getting to know his family and getting glimpses of his younger life. The first book explained Dominic’s history and this one makes Cam feel more human and more vulnerable than he has before.

I really love this series. The characters are fabulous, their relationships are beautiful, and the action never stops. This isn’t a standalone novel – new readers need to start with the Irish and Whiskey books before this series – but this is a great addition to a fantastic series.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This the second book in the series, and you really need to have read Imperial Stout first. Even better, read the Agents Irish and Whiskey series which is both excellent and precedes this series. I am assuming that you have read Imperial Stout in this review.

The nightmare for Nic continues, with his father having done deals with the mob. Nic and Cam may now be together, but they are not open about it and that does not make Cam happy. He doesn't understand that Nic is protecting him from the trouble that his father is causing. In the meantime, a call from Boston throws all their plans into disarray.

The situation in Boston requires Cam to join forces with Jamie and Aiden, and even call Nic in, and finally a number of cold cases, including his sister's, are solved. This is a really good mystery story, with the added issues of being so close to Cam, his brothers, and parents. It removes Nic from the limelight but does not remove the problems which will hopefully be resolved in the next book.

Through all the difficult times, Nic and Cam discover the strength that they find in each other, and the passion which supports them through the good and most definitely the bad.

If I could give this book more than five stars I would. Cam and Nic are so good together, especially when they argue. Their banter is one of my favorite things about them as a couple. While this book is mostly set in Boston and there’s no official case for the two to investigate they manage to get into plenty of trouble. Cam rushes home for a family emergency and Nic is close on his heels. Even though Nic is afraid of dragging Cam down with his own family issues, he wants--needs to be there for the man he loves.

Layla Reyne knows how to tell a romantic suspense story. She has mastered the suspense part and the romance part is top notch. There’s mystery in this book as Cam looks into a cold case that has haunted his family for years. It hurt my heart and I ached for all the Byrnes.
Cam is in deep trying to do what his mother asks of him and he’s struggling. Which is why Nic shows up to help. Because the two of them together are stronger than anything that could get in their way. I think one reason I love this book more than the first is because I was totally focused on Cam and Nic in this book. Whereas in the first one I was still riding the Agents Irish and Whiskey trilogy high and excited to be back in Whiskey-verse. While Aidan and Jamie do show up in this book I wanted more Cam and Nic and what they’ve been building. From the first line to the last I was totally wrapped up in these two.

It’s a waiting game now until book three and I am so impatient for that.

Cam (Cameron) and Nic (Dominic) have been a couple for months now and Cam wants Nic to move in. Nic is still struggling with the repercussions of his father's actions, though, and doesn't want anything to fall back on Cam, so he's holding back. And then Cam gets the call to come home to his family when an emergency happens. Will it spur Nic to realize just how he feels about Cam? And what about Cam? He may be completely sure of his sexuality and his love for Nic, but his family is in the dark about it. He can't possibly come out to them when one of his family is fighting for their lives, can he?

And in the background, there are shadows slithering around, causing both Nic and Cam more distress. Can they fight back and secure their future? Can't they catch a break and be allowed to be in love without all the extraneous things getting in the way?

Whew, I loved Craft Brew! Even though I haven't read the first book in this series, or any of the series this is apparently a spinoff of, I was easily able to get into Cam and Nic's story. They are such amazing characters - strong and decisive and so head over heels in love with each other. I cannot wait for the next part of their story! This one ended in a sort of HFN way so I know more is coming. I wish it had been a HEA, but as there's more to be told, I can deal with the sort of vague-ish ending. At least I know these two are happy and happily in love, so I'm happy.

I liked this more than Imperial Stout... so much so that I remember thinking YAY I like a book! I think that this has been a hard year of reading for me. I'm finding it harder and harder to find a book that really takes to me and makes me feel any kind of feeling besides "meh". So, thank you book for being good!

Yes, there were still moments that I kind of had to shake my head at because, really, Nic and Cam (mostly Nic) continue to push the boundaries of what their jobs should really allow them to do, but this is fiction so I try to let it slide.

I liked getting to know Cam more, his history and how things in his old life had impacted him so much. It was great to see Nic be so supportive and helpful to Cam when he really needed him. What I really wish was moved forward more was Nic's story and what's going on with his father, but I'm guessing that the next book will be it.

I also appreciated the movement in Cam and Nic's relationship. It's still pretty new and they have yet to tell anyone about it. All of that, mixed in with the mystery Cam is trying to solve in Boston made for a good story.

So cheers to a book that actually made me feel a little bit.

*ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*

Although I wasn’t wild about Imperial Stout, the first book in Layla Reyne’s new Trouble Brewing series, I wanted to read book two, Craft Brew, because I was intrigued by what was clearly going to be the series’ overarching plotline, and hoped for progression. I got a little of what I wanted, but Ms. Reyne is clearly keeping her powder dry for the final book, Noble Hops, so Craft Brew focuses on a different story and shines a light on a past tragedy and a desperate search for closure.

In Imperial Stout, Assistant US Attorney and former Navy SEAL, Nic Price, discovered that his father – from whom he has been estranged ever since he came out more than twenty-five years earlier – was in hock to some pretty unsavoury characters. Knowing them to be ruthless gangsters who will stop at nothing to get what they want, Nic tried to keep this news to himself out of concern for those around him, especially for his lover, Special Agent Cameron Byrne. Of course, the truth will out, and Cam found out about the threats made against Nic and his father, but Nic fears for Cam’s safety should anyone discover they’re a couple, which is why he stubbornly avoids giving Cam an answer to the latter’s suggestion they move in together.

Nic has just returned from five weeks spent in San Diego covering for an absent colleague and he’s pretty much just set foot inside his front door then where’s a fire in his apartment block – in the apartment right above his – which is quickly proven to be arson. This convinces him more than ever that he can’t afford to move forward with Cam until he’s got to the bottom of things – and in the middle of all this comes really bad news for Cam. His mother has had a heart attack and is in a bad way, and he needs to go home to Boston at once. Cam is understandably cut up and preoccupied as he gets ready to head home, and Nic senses there’s something else lurking behind his concern for his mother, but it’s not the time to tackle it. Cam sets off for Boston accompanied by Jamieson ‘Whiskey’ Walker, his long-time best friend and husband of Cam’s FBI partner, Aidan Talley.

The Byrnes are a close-knit family, and Ms. Reyne sketches the familial relationships well. Cam is closest to his brother Bobby, with whom he shares a bit of a chequered past, but is not on the best of terms with his youngest brother Keith, who still blames Cam for the disappearance of their sister, Erin, some twenty years earlier when she was just twelve years old. Cam has been weighed down by guilt he has never been able to assuage over what happened that day, because he was supposed to have met Erin to take her home, but instead, went off with Bobby to “score some real cash.” (We’re not told what that involved.) Cam has tried several times to find out what happened to Erin, but the case is so cold it’s dead and buried, and he’s been unable to make any progress. But now, his mother begs him to take it up again, and even though the rest of his family are against the idea, Cam can’t possibly turn down what might turn out to be Edye Byrne’s dying wish. Unbeknownst to him, she’s embarked on an investigation of her own over the years, making notes in the backs of her beloved romance novels; Cam agrees to go through them and then see if he can tie them into something that will give them some more concrete leads.

Craft Brew is a more cohesive read than Imperial Stout, which was short on character and relationship development, with a frenetically paced, somewhat superficial plot that required way too many suspensions of disbelief. By the time this book opens, Nic and Cam are in a relationship although still keeping it quiet, and we’re learning a little more about what makes each of them tick. The storyline concerning the mystery of Erin’s disappearance – which turns out to be linked to a number of other disappearances of young girls over the past twenty years – held my interest, although I can’t deny that there are still some very creaky plot elements (how was Cam’s mum able to come up with so much information while Cam, a highly trained FBI agent, wasn’t able to?) and unlikely coincidences along the way that stretched my credulity paper thin.

After reaching the section where Cam goes to Boston leaving Nic behind, I wondered whether they were going to spend the rest of the book apart, which is never a good recipe for a romantic novel. Fortunately, one of those coincidences I mentioned means that Nic’s presence is required in Boston and naturally, there’s no way he’s not going to haul ass in order to be with and help the man he can now admit he’s in love with. But that little niggle Nic had as Cam was leaving? It turns out that Cam has never told his family he’s bisexual; and it’s obviously not the right time to come out to them now. Nic is understanding and supportive, and puts no pressure of any kind on Cam, rightly saying that telling them is his decision… but he also makes it clear that while he’s prepared to wait for Cam to come out to them in his own time, he doesn’t want to wait forever.

I like Cam and Nic, I like the secondary cast of familiar characters from the Irish and Whiskey series and the close-knit relationships between them and I enjoyed meeting Cam’s family and finding out a bit more about his past, which was something missing in the previous book. We also learned more about Nic and the secrets he’s keeping, although it’s clear there is more to come, and Cam has yet to learn some of the things the reader is now privy to – which I’m guessing will happen in the next book.

But the plot contrivances I mentioned above drag the book down as a whole, and I lost count of the number of times Nic told Cam to ‘just breathe’ at times of stress and worry. I also had to wonder at the way the author so often brings up Nic’s former rank as a SEAL captain as a way of impressing people or getting them to do things. Would it really be that big of a deal given he’s been a civilian for well over a decade? Small things maybe, but they took me out of the story each time I came across them.

I’m going to give Craft Brew a cautious recommendation with the caveat that if you haven’t read the previous book – or the Agents Irish and Whiskey series – you’re likely to be completely lost. If you’re already invested in the Trouble Brewing series and characters, then this is an enjoyable, if flawed read that satisfied at least some of this reader’s need for more character growth and development in the central relationship.

Grade: B-

I skimmed a couple of reviews of Craft Brew before I started mine. Bad habit, I know, but really, I just take quick glances - it's really hard to not look at all. Anyway, at least one reviewer mentioned that they didn't even have to read the description of this book to make the request for the ARC. I can totally relate, because I feel exactly the same way. I'm loving the Trouble Brewing series just as much as the Agents Irish and Whiskey series - so picking up any book in this series is a no-brainer ;)

Craft Brew took Cam & Nic to Boston because of a family emergency. That emergency led to a request that Cam couldn't refuse, even though it brought up some pretty strong memories that were connected to one of his biggest regrets. A case he could never solve and caused him to carry a lifetime of guilt.

I loved this addition to the Trouble Brewing series for a lot of reasons. Readers learned a lot more about Cam & Nic. There were more "warnings" for Nic. Cam's history and his family were obviously a huge part of Craft Brew, but there was a lot more to the story. I liked seeing everyone's roots. It was also great watching Nic and Cam become even closer - regardless of Nic's reservations. Oh, and seeing characters from the Irish and Whiskey series was a nice bonus. ;)

I like where the characters were left at the end of Craft Brew, but the series isn't over yet. I can't wait to see where Layla Reyne takes these characters next.

Craft Brew is the second book in Trouble Brewing and shouldn't be read as a stand alone - but after book 1. I enjoyed the first book but I loved this one!

Cam and Nic are both characters that I love with in depth backstories that we are slowly learning. I didn't feel near as lost in this book with all the secondary characters which were in the original series (this being a spinoff) and I thought the way they were written into this book was done much better than the first. I also loved the introduction of Cam's family and really enjoyed a few of his brothers who I hope we see again.

This book takes place a few months after the end of the first book. Cam and Nic are together but still haven't told their friends or family. Nic is still worried that the people after his father and him because of his father might hurt Cam so he's not 100% in. Trouble/danger is still following Nic and he's very protective of Cam do to his past. When Cam gets word that his mother has had a heart attack he rushes home to be with his family leaving Nic behind since he isn't out as bisexual to his family. However, his mother asks him to solve his sister's missing person case and it brings up a lot of painful issues for Cam since he feels responsible for her disappearance. When Cam discovers his sister might be the first in a long line of similar disappearances and a new girl is missing he calls Nic for help. Nic drops everything to go to Cam but discovers he is not out when Cam introduces him as a friend and co-worker. Let me say that the way Nic handled this was AMAZING! He was hurt but he didn't throw a tantrum, or get angry at Cam or pull away. He handled it as a mature adult and gave Cam all the support he could without stepping over the lines that Cam had drawn. He didn't insist Cam come out but let him know that at some point if they wanted to continue to build a relationship together he would need to be honest with his family. No pressure just understanding, love and support. It was so nice to see this and made me fall for Nic a lot harder than I already had.

The rest of the book is Cam, Nic and Jamie (from the original series - which I am going to have to go buy now) working to solve the case. It was a great mix of action and romance and by the end Cam and Nic are solid. It isn't a HEA but a very realistic and committed HFN. The plot with Nic's father isn't finished and will obviously carry over into the next book. I have a theory on that which I can't wait to see if it's possibly true. <spoiler>I think it's possible that Vaughn is Garrett and the reason he is so big on taking down Nic's father is that he feels Nic's father is responsible for him losing everything including Nic</spoiler>

I'm looking forward to the next book and can't wait to see how it all turns out. This book was full of action, emotion and characters I love. I highly recommend both the first book in this series and this one!

--4.5 stars- More of Everything--

I don’t know what it is, but the second books in this author’s series are always my favorite. Craft Brew is the second release from the Troubled Brewing series and it offered even more than Imperial Stout- more character development, furthered relationship dynamics, more sexy scenes, heightened suspense, additional twists, and more intense action scenes. I got so caught up in Nic and Cam’s story that I couldn’t put it down until I knew how the case closed…and even then I was left wanting more time with this couple.

Craft Brew picks up about a month after Imperial Stout, and while it does follow a new case, the continuing storylines and side plots mean these really need to be read in order. For those familiar with the Agents Irish and Whiskey series, readers get to see Jamie back in action when he agrees to head back to Boston to help Cam with an ill family member and an investigation into a cold case that’s haunted Cam’s family for years. Although I liked Nic and Cam previously, I felt as though I got a much better look into their personalities and feelings over the course of this novel and it made me fall that much harder for them as individuals and as a couple. The back and forth about moving their relationship forward was enough to drive the romantic conflict, but not so much that it caused frustration and I enjoyed the steady advancement of their relationship. I could definitely feel more chemistry between these two than I had in the first book of the series.

From the suspense and case standpoint, Craft Brew was excellent. The case’s personal impact on Cam heightened all the emotions, and the action scenes had me balanced on the edge of my seat. I love how this author lets each character’s strengths shine- both with the main characters and secondary characters, and in doing so you really get to know and become invested in the individuals over the course of the series. With the tie-in to the past series, Craft Brew had that familial feeling which heightened the intensity and excitement. If you’re into romantic suspense, this is a series I’d easily recommend.