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shile87's review against another edition
4.0
4.25 stars
I believe this should not be read as a stand alone. It is a spinoff of Agents Irish and Whiskey Series.
I enjoyed this book more that i did Irish and Whiskey book 1, Of course, that being said, Jamie will forever be a darling.
The writing is good, I enjoyed the mystery a just a bit. It was not the edge of your seat kind, but still good.
The characters are very likable. I did not like Nic in Agent and Irish series, i mean anyone who messes with my Jamie, deserves a grudge, but, i can't believe i am saying this, i am liking him more than Cam. Maybe it is because he is a Silver Fox and i have a weakness for Silver Fox Men.
Their relationship is still at an early stage, i want to see how this one develops. I enjoyed Nic and Cam's interactions and banter.
Onto book 2. Nic and Cam.
For an amazing comprehensive review, see lovely Simone's Review.
I believe this should not be read as a stand alone. It is a spinoff of Agents Irish and Whiskey Series.
I enjoyed this book more that i did Irish and Whiskey book 1, Of course, that being said, Jamie will forever be a darling.
The writing is good, I enjoyed the mystery a just a bit. It was not the edge of your seat kind, but still good.
The characters are very likable. I did not like Nic in Agent and Irish series, i mean anyone who messes with my Jamie, deserves a grudge, but, i can't believe i am saying this, i am liking him more than Cam. Maybe it is because he is a Silver Fox and i have a weakness for Silver Fox Men.
Their relationship is still at an early stage, i want to see how this one develops. I enjoyed Nic and Cam's interactions and banter.
Onto book 2. Nic and Cam.
For an amazing comprehensive review, see lovely Simone's Review.
suze_1624's review against another edition
4.0
Definitely need to read Agents Irish and Whiskey before this as characters are introduced in that series that come through to this one fully formed.
I enjoyed the tension between Cam and Nic.
Lots of action and techie issues to appease.
Two story arcs, one on a heist where Cam has to go undercover. And one seemingly related but ultimately not with attacks on Nic.
Both guys have secrets hinted at but as yet unsolved.
Enjoyed.
I enjoyed the tension between Cam and Nic.
Lots of action and techie issues to appease.
Two story arcs, one on a heist where Cam has to go undercover. And one seemingly related but ultimately not with attacks on Nic.
Both guys have secrets hinted at but as yet unsolved.
Enjoyed.
moonechika's review against another edition
4.0
this is abit of a tough read but still enjoyable once i ignored the confusions i had in the earlier parts. i've read the other 4books (excluding book4, including book4.5) but yes i was still confused bc it seems i missed out on parts, but i did not, it just started like that. i don't understand some of the phrases or jokes too.
the romance here took a backseat here, i felt more chemistry between them in the other series, compared to this book. it was dull or lacking. (also i miss Aiden and Jamie!!)
it was filled with so much action, it was so happening. and cool tbh.
but gosh, can i k/ill bowers?! he is so!!! annoying!
the romance here took a backseat here, i felt more chemistry between them in the other series, compared to this book. it was dull or lacking. (also i miss Aiden and Jamie!!)
it was filled with so much action, it was so happening. and cool tbh.
but gosh, can i k/ill bowers?! he is so!!! annoying!
snowynight's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
bfdbookblog's review against another edition
4.0
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.
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.
the_novel_approach's review against another edition
4.0
I’ve been waiting for this one, you guys. That cover, amirite?!? Guh. So, so gorgeous and eye-catching. I’ve been stoked to read this spinoff from Layla Reyne’s popular Agents Irish and Whiskey series since I heard it was in the works. If you read my review for Blended Whiskey, an Irish and Whiskey novella, then you saw my confession that I haven’t yet read Aidan and Jamie’s story arc. But, Imperial Stout, the first book in Reyne’s new Trouble Brewing series, was billed as a standalone, so I jumped in. Does the book stand alone? Largely, yes. But I do think I may have enjoyed it even more—mainly to be more familiar with the jobs and everyone’s roles—if I had read the Irish and Whiskey series. Not gonna lie, though…Nic and Cam quickly grabbed ahold of my heart!
Reyne drops us immediately into the action as Cam’s team, with assistant US attorney Dominic Price standing by in the surveillance van, tries to stop a heist and recover Nic’s witness. I must admit that I was a bit confused about the case in the beginning of the story. A heist case was briefly discussed in Blended Whiskey, so I wonder if it maybe began in the last Irish and Whiskey book, causing me to feel a little lost initially here. I did eventually get a good grasp on all the players and what was happening, but even so, the whole art heist plotline was pretty convoluted. Also, Nic’s involvement definitely seemed to go beyond what I would expect from an attorney, even an attorney in the DOJ. As an ex-SEAL, I totally get that he’d be used to being in on the action, so to speak—but, it felt at times like he did more agent-in-the-field type stuff than he did lawyer stuff.
When things go sideways in the case and members of the heist crew get away, taking the DOJ’s informant with them, Cam volunteers to go undercover to get Abby back, and find out who’s really behind the attempted theft. Cam’s past rears its head in the process, though, and while it benefits the undercover op, it brings up a lot of memories and concerns about crossing lines he promised to never cross again. Even though I felt like the case was sort of a mess, I loved getting bits and pieces of Cam, and learning more of his background. He is truly great at his job; such a quick thinker and deserving of every bit of respect he gets, I loved watching Cam in action.
And then we have Dominic Price. Sexy AF ex-SEAL and current assistant US attorney, Nic was my faaaavorite. I loved everything about him. I love that Gravity, the microbrewery he started with his buddy and former SEAL teammate, is his dream for the future, when he leaves the US Attorney’s office. And, I love that he wants to share that future with Cam. I don’t know what is so damn sexy about owning a brewery…but, it somehow did it for me! Ha! And the secondary storyline in the book, which revolves around Nic’s estranged father and the massive debt he’s in, bringing trouble and danger to Nic’s doorstep even though the two haven’t spoken in twenty-seven years, was quite compelling, and looks like it’s going to be one of the main plot points in the next book. We don’t know the whole story yet, but we do know that Curtis is a nasty piece of work. I actually might have whooped out loud and done a mini fist pump after this exchange between Nic and his dad:
So, yeah…Nic is sexy and awesome, and Nic and Cameron together were even better. And, we have so much more to learn about them! Reyne did an excellent job of whetting the readers’ appetite, giving us just enough to reel us in and leave us wanting more.
There were a few little things that I felt either didn’t get wrapped up or were wrapped up too quickly, but I had a ton of fun with this book, and I’m sure lots of loose ends will get tied up in Craft Brew, the next book in the series, which I already can’t wait for!
Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach
Reyne drops us immediately into the action as Cam’s team, with assistant US attorney Dominic Price standing by in the surveillance van, tries to stop a heist and recover Nic’s witness. I must admit that I was a bit confused about the case in the beginning of the story. A heist case was briefly discussed in Blended Whiskey, so I wonder if it maybe began in the last Irish and Whiskey book, causing me to feel a little lost initially here. I did eventually get a good grasp on all the players and what was happening, but even so, the whole art heist plotline was pretty convoluted. Also, Nic’s involvement definitely seemed to go beyond what I would expect from an attorney, even an attorney in the DOJ. As an ex-SEAL, I totally get that he’d be used to being in on the action, so to speak—but, it felt at times like he did more agent-in-the-field type stuff than he did lawyer stuff.
When things go sideways in the case and members of the heist crew get away, taking the DOJ’s informant with them, Cam volunteers to go undercover to get Abby back, and find out who’s really behind the attempted theft. Cam’s past rears its head in the process, though, and while it benefits the undercover op, it brings up a lot of memories and concerns about crossing lines he promised to never cross again. Even though I felt like the case was sort of a mess, I loved getting bits and pieces of Cam, and learning more of his background. He is truly great at his job; such a quick thinker and deserving of every bit of respect he gets, I loved watching Cam in action.
And then we have Dominic Price. Sexy AF ex-SEAL and current assistant US attorney, Nic was my faaaavorite. I loved everything about him. I love that Gravity, the microbrewery he started with his buddy and former SEAL teammate, is his dream for the future, when he leaves the US Attorney’s office. And, I love that he wants to share that future with Cam. I don’t know what is so damn sexy about owning a brewery…but, it somehow did it for me! Ha! And the secondary storyline in the book, which revolves around Nic’s estranged father and the massive debt he’s in, bringing trouble and danger to Nic’s doorstep even though the two haven’t spoken in twenty-seven years, was quite compelling, and looks like it’s going to be one of the main plot points in the next book. We don’t know the whole story yet, but we do know that Curtis is a nasty piece of work. I actually might have whooped out loud and done a mini fist pump after this exchange between Nic and his dad:
His father’s gaze swung back to him. “Hardened up, huh? See, I did do something good for you after all.”
“You didn’t do shit,” Nic said, taking no small amount of satisfaction that Curtis shrank back a step. “I made me the man I am. And I won’t let your mistakes jeopardize everything I’ve worked for.”
So, yeah…Nic is sexy and awesome, and Nic and Cameron together were even better. And, we have so much more to learn about them! Reyne did an excellent job of whetting the readers’ appetite, giving us just enough to reel us in and leave us wanting more.
There were a few little things that I felt either didn’t get wrapped up or were wrapped up too quickly, but I had a ton of fun with this book, and I’m sure lots of loose ends will get tied up in Craft Brew, the next book in the series, which I already can’t wait for!
Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach
acanuckreader's review against another edition
3.0
Received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
My Thoughts:
This book probably would’ve been a little bit easier for me to understand if I had previously read the series which it had spun off of.
Since I did not, I was in for a tiiiiny bit of confusion. And when I say tiny I mean that there was a few times where I actually found myself re-reading things, and whole chapters to make sure I understood what the heck was going on.
That being said, the banter, camraderie and teamwork between almost all of the characters in this novel kind of made it for me.
Cam and Nic made up the rest. They were interesting enough to keep me looking, and trying to imagine the scenarios they found themselves in. The backstory was there just enough to keep me from putting down the book and wondering if I should read the whole other series first.
It was refreshing in a way to have there be two characters who were within the LGBTQIA+ family and not have it be the end of the world for other characters, like some huge big thing. Because frankly it shouldn’t be. The two characters were accepted, without argument. It was nice. I enjoyed it.
I think before I do read the second one I will give Reyne’s other series a lookie-loo so that I fully understand what is going on this time around 🙂
My Thoughts:
This book probably would’ve been a little bit easier for me to understand if I had previously read the series which it had spun off of.
Since I did not, I was in for a tiiiiny bit of confusion. And when I say tiny I mean that there was a few times where I actually found myself re-reading things, and whole chapters to make sure I understood what the heck was going on.
That being said, the banter, camraderie and teamwork between almost all of the characters in this novel kind of made it for me.
Cam and Nic made up the rest. They were interesting enough to keep me looking, and trying to imagine the scenarios they found themselves in. The backstory was there just enough to keep me from putting down the book and wondering if I should read the whole other series first.
It was refreshing in a way to have there be two characters who were within the LGBTQIA+ family and not have it be the end of the world for other characters, like some huge big thing. Because frankly it shouldn’t be. The two characters were accepted, without argument. It was nice. I enjoyed it.
I think before I do read the second one I will give Reyne’s other series a lookie-loo so that I fully understand what is going on this time around 🙂
prgchrqltma's review against another edition
5.0
Everything I liked in the Irish&Whiskey series - family, friendship, competence, weapons - is here, too. Since I like the balance toward action in a action romance book, this was good for me. There was a little bit of world building around the brewery, but the balance was on criminal investigation.
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.***