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inkiereads's review against another edition
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I’m so happy that Cam and Nic got their own spin off series! The tension between them was already clear in Irish & Whiskey, and it heated up even more in this first book! Great balance between the case and the romance, and I can’t wait to keep reading to find out what is going on!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Car accident
fresholivebread's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
FBI agent and AUSA search for a lost witness and face threats while falling for each other. Nic is an aloof silver fox, while Cam is dedicated and sexy. Nic has really grown on me since the last books, and I'm totally in love now. Also ex-SEAL and current AUSA is a hot combo. Cam's layer of vulnerability is endearing and I adored him (always have). The UST between them just burns off the page, the banter is great plus their chemistry is smoking.
That build up to their second kiss and the kiss itself? All kinds of 🥵. The way they supported each other's struggles, and the building of trust all leads to a wonderful romance. They're both super strong-willed, so the fight for dominance is hot as fuck. I enjoyed the action + intrigue, but the bit of forced OW drama for the case was meh. But seeing my loves Aidan and Jamie + gang was a treat!
Note: those who haven't read the Irish & Whiskey series, this will seem rather jumpy and disjointed. I was fine with it all - but someone starting with this series is likely to feel lost, and Nic/Cam would definitely feel underdeveloped to a degree. If I accounted for this, I would've probably dropped a 🌟, but the fact stands that I did love the book. I wish Reyne had laid it out better so that it could've worked as a standalone book.
That build up to their second kiss and the kiss itself? All kinds of 🥵. The way they supported each other's struggles, and the building of trust all leads to a wonderful romance. They're both super strong-willed, so the fight for dominance is hot as fuck. I enjoyed the action + intrigue, but the bit of forced OW drama for the case was meh. But seeing my loves Aidan and Jamie + gang was a treat!
Note: those who haven't read the Irish & Whiskey series, this will seem rather jumpy and disjointed. I was fine with it all - but someone starting with this series is likely to feel lost, and Nic/Cam would definitely feel underdeveloped to a degree. If I accounted for this, I would've probably dropped a 🌟, but the fact stands that I did love the book. I wish Reyne had laid it out better so that it could've worked as a standalone book.
hpstrangelove's review against another edition
3.0
Audiobook review. Narrator: Tristan James
Okay book. First one I've read by this author. Story was somewhat predictable. Not sure I'd continue the series although I do already have the second audiobook purchased with this one. The narrator did a decent job so I'll probably listen to book 2.
Okay book. First one I've read by this author. Story was somewhat predictable. Not sure I'd continue the series although I do already have the second audiobook purchased with this one. The narrator did a decent job so I'll probably listen to book 2.
loishojmark's review against another edition
4.0
I really loved Layla Reyne Agent Irish and Whickey series, so I ignored the in-between book about Adrian's brother and Mel... Well because one is a woman. But I threw myself into the first book in Trouble Brewing series, a spin-off and hoped for the best. It wasn't the best of the best, but it was damn good. I'm just partial to Adrian and Jaimie's books.
US attorney Dominic Price - who co-owns a brewery - hence the pun in the title, has a tuff couple of days. His star witness, who might be playing a double game, has just been kidnapped, his joint operation with the FBI is in jeopardy, and his father’s shady business deals is catching up with him.
Kidnap and rescue expert Cameron Byrne - goes deep undercover in order to save Nic’s witness, and close the case before anyone else gets hurt.
Both men have a past that they try to keep hidden and Layla Reyne gives just enough hints to make it interesting, but only guessing. And of course, it is just enough to make us come back for more in the next books. And after reading Irish and Whickey, I just know that Reyne has some surprises lined up for us.
I really like Reynes writing and her characterisations. You get to love these secretive, tuff men and the way she slowly builda up their relationship. You really get a sense of their chemistry. Of course you'll get frustrated with these two men who could avoid a lot of problems if they just Talked to each other instead of chewing on each other's tools all the time. No, I'm exaggerating. One of the reasons I like Reynes writing, is because the sexing doesn't take all the attention. The focus is the story and the main characters personal growth and development. Then the hot stuff comes in second. But if only those stubborn men would learn to trust each other and stop trying to protect their secrets and each other. But alas men will always be men. And I guess that is food for the next couple of books.
The reason for not giving 5 stars is my personal, subjective preferences. I would have loved to feel the characters more. To really feel their pain and angst.
But I for one, is in no doubt that I will read the rest of this series.
This was given to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
US attorney Dominic Price - who co-owns a brewery - hence the pun in the title, has a tuff couple of days. His star witness, who might be playing a double game, has just been kidnapped, his joint operation with the FBI is in jeopardy, and his father’s shady business deals is catching up with him.
Kidnap and rescue expert Cameron Byrne - goes deep undercover in order to save Nic’s witness, and close the case before anyone else gets hurt.
Both men have a past that they try to keep hidden and Layla Reyne gives just enough hints to make it interesting, but only guessing. And of course, it is just enough to make us come back for more in the next books. And after reading Irish and Whickey, I just know that Reyne has some surprises lined up for us.
I really like Reynes writing and her characterisations. You get to love these secretive, tuff men and the way she slowly builda up their relationship. You really get a sense of their chemistry. Of course you'll get frustrated with these two men who could avoid a lot of problems if they just Talked to each other instead of chewing on each other's tools all the time. No, I'm exaggerating. One of the reasons I like Reynes writing, is because the sexing doesn't take all the attention. The focus is the story and the main characters personal growth and development. Then the hot stuff comes in second. But if only those stubborn men would learn to trust each other and stop trying to protect their secrets and each other. But alas men will always be men. And I guess that is food for the next couple of books.
The reason for not giving 5 stars is my personal, subjective preferences. I would have loved to feel the characters more. To really feel their pain and angst.
But I for one, is in no doubt that I will read the rest of this series.
This was given to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
haletostilinski1's review against another edition
5.0
Cam and Nic's books, the couple I have been waiting for, are here! And the start of their story does NOT disappoint!
I saw that these two had chemistry in the third book, and wondered if we'd get a book for them - luckily we're getting a whole damn series :D
This series starts two weeks after where [b:Blended Whiskey|39308726|Blended Whiskey (Agents Irish and Whiskey, #4.5)|Layla Reyne|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1521319792s/39308726.jpg|60902457] left off. Cam and Nic kiss, but stop there, and haven't kissed since.
But now they're working on a case together, and becomes more complicated than either was bargaining for.
And part of the case forces Cam to face parts of his past, the not so pleasant parts, and hints at a tragedy he might have gone through, while Nic's past literally comes back to haunt him - or well, it's more his estranged father's mess, but it starts to open parts of Nic's past he wants to stay buried.
But this starts their love story, and of course I LOVED it. Their chemistry...UGH their chemistry was off the charts. The UST was ached sooo good, that there were so many moments I wanted them to just go at it, but then also the wait was sooo damn good!
This starts with them working pretty closely together because Aiden and Jamie are on their honeymoon at the start (ashfkasfh I wish we could get a short story of their honeymoon!) but then they come back around halfway through or thereabouts and while we didn't really get much of any couple-y moments with them, just the fact that they're married and happy and in love made me giddy. I have a feeling these two will help Nic and Cam get their butts in gear at some point down the line, because they had to fight through shit for their happy ending too.
But anyway! The story was just so good. The case takes up a big portion of the story, but it was interesting and exciting and you were wondering who they could trust and who they couldn't and who was behind it all and why.
And when Cam has to go undercover, it's like - I knew he would never turn, like at all, but I still ended up worrying anyway, or more, worrying over what Cam would have to do going undercover. But there was some fun things that come out of Cam being undercover for Cam and Nic, so that was fun to read.
Danny and Mel make an appearance as well in this, and its always fun to see them.
Nic's boss, though...that dude is so shady, and a complete asshole. I wonder if he's hiding something and if he's gonna be a big factor in future stories...hmmm. Just know that this guy will piss you off a lot. He even ruins an operation they have by freaking out their informant and it all goes to shit because of him and then he has the GALL to blame Cam and Nic. UGH. He'll be fun to hate, that's for sure.
Also, since this is the start of their love story, it ends on a very tentative, barely there HFN. But so much shit happens that by the time the case is over they've barely started their relationship, so that's why it's so tentative. Also, these two are still hiding things from each other (obviously, as drawn as they are to each other, they don't quite trust each other enough for all the deep shit yet) and it ends on a "yay they're happy and together and starting something!" but also a "oh shit angst will happen for sureee, better be prepared."
But I'm not too worried because off of Reyne's stories have ended on a happy note, but I actually can't wait to go even further into Cam and Nic's relationship. They're just so interesting and hot and passionate together.
And they're definitely in the little family unit now of Aiden, Jamie, Mel and Danny. They've all become so close and trust each other so implicitly and it's wonderful. Having people like that in your life is a lucky thing to have, and I just love the close relationships they've all come to develop.
Also, the sex...it takes a bit for us to get it but when we do...whoo boy ;) was it hotttt. Needed a fan after.
I just love these two, I love this book and I'm hooked, ready for more of their story. HIGHLY recommend, especially if you loved the Irish and Whiskey series, because this story follows along the lines of that, and it has another couple to love and root for and go "hot damn!" when they get into bed together ;).
Loved this!! So much! Two enthusiastic thumbs up from me :D
***ARC generously provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.***
I saw that these two had chemistry in the third book, and wondered if we'd get a book for them - luckily we're getting a whole damn series :D
This series starts two weeks after where [b:Blended Whiskey|39308726|Blended Whiskey (Agents Irish and Whiskey, #4.5)|Layla Reyne|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1521319792s/39308726.jpg|60902457] left off. Cam and Nic kiss, but stop there, and haven't kissed since.
But now they're working on a case together, and becomes more complicated than either was bargaining for.
And part of the case forces Cam to face parts of his past, the not so pleasant parts, and hints at a tragedy he might have gone through, while Nic's past literally comes back to haunt him - or well, it's more his estranged father's mess, but it starts to open parts of Nic's past he wants to stay buried.
But this starts their love story, and of course I LOVED it. Their chemistry...UGH their chemistry was off the charts. The UST was ached sooo good, that there were so many moments I wanted them to just go at it, but then also the wait was sooo damn good!
This starts with them working pretty closely together because Aiden and Jamie are on their honeymoon at the start (ashfkasfh I wish we could get a short story of their honeymoon!) but then they come back around halfway through or thereabouts and while we didn't really get much of any couple-y moments with them, just the fact that they're married and happy and in love made me giddy. I have a feeling these two will help Nic and Cam get their butts in gear at some point down the line, because they had to fight through shit for their happy ending too.
But anyway! The story was just so good. The case takes up a big portion of the story, but it was interesting and exciting and you were wondering who they could trust and who they couldn't and who was behind it all and why.
And when Cam has to go undercover, it's like - I knew he would never turn, like at all, but I still ended up worrying anyway, or more, worrying over what Cam would have to do going undercover. But there was some fun things that come out of Cam being undercover for Cam and Nic, so that was fun to read.
Danny and Mel make an appearance as well in this, and its always fun to see them.
Nic's boss, though...that dude is so shady, and a complete asshole. I wonder if he's hiding something and if he's gonna be a big factor in future stories...hmmm. Just know that this guy will piss you off a lot. He even ruins an operation they have by freaking out their informant and it all goes to shit because of him and then he has the GALL to blame Cam and Nic. UGH. He'll be fun to hate, that's for sure.
Also, since this is the start of their love story, it ends on a very tentative, barely there HFN. But so much shit happens that by the time the case is over they've barely started their relationship, so that's why it's so tentative. Also, these two are still hiding things from each other (obviously, as drawn as they are to each other, they don't quite trust each other enough for all the deep shit yet) and it ends on a "yay they're happy and together and starting something!" but also a "oh shit angst will happen for sureee, better be prepared."
But I'm not too worried because off of Reyne's stories have ended on a happy note, but I actually can't wait to go even further into Cam and Nic's relationship. They're just so interesting and hot and passionate together.
And they're definitely in the little family unit now of Aiden, Jamie, Mel and Danny. They've all become so close and trust each other so implicitly and it's wonderful. Having people like that in your life is a lucky thing to have, and I just love the close relationships they've all come to develop.
Also, the sex...it takes a bit for us to get it but when we do...whoo boy ;) was it hotttt. Needed a fan after.
I just love these two, I love this book and I'm hooked, ready for more of their story. HIGHLY recommend, especially if you loved the Irish and Whiskey series, because this story follows along the lines of that, and it has another couple to love and root for and go "hot damn!" when they get into bed together ;).
Loved this!! So much! Two enthusiastic thumbs up from me :D
***ARC generously provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.***
enemies2lover's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
foxindocs's review against another edition
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Refreshing to read something characters in their 30s and 40s, and that's focused on plot.
scarletine6's review against another edition
Don't know why, but I just could not get into this book. DNF
amyiw's review against another edition
3.0
The ending was good but the romance was a slow burn that didn't get really hot. The infiltration and making a case was really good but I wanted a great romance too. Also it took a while to get to get the case going and was a drag for the first 1/2 of the book. This was not as good a Irish and Whiskey but it was worth reading if you enjoyed Irish and Whiskey.
alyssadokusho's review against another edition
4.0
[4.25] not me liking the spin-off more than the og couple