Review: Barrel Proof by Layla Reyne (Agents Irish and Whiskey #3)


Note: This ARC was provided by Carina Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Aidan captured one of Jamie’s hands, tangled their fingers, and brought their woven knuckles to his lips. “Partners, Whiskey, always.”
Jamie smiled as he repeated the vow back to him. “Partners, Irish, always.”

Waaaaah! I can't believe it's over! Layla Reyne's debut series, Agents Irish and Whiskey, quickly and surely made its way onto my list of all-time favorites. For the longest time, there was only one M/M romantic suspense series that I had on that list of mine, but if there was any series that more than belonged right next to it, it would, hands down, be this trilogy involving FBI Special Agents Aidan "Irish" Talley and Jameson "Whiskey" Walker. From the amount of heart-thrumming romance and sex keeping in step with the pulse-strumming mystery and suspense, Reyne's story arc reaches its thrilling climax with the secrets that have been kept from Aidan finally coming to light.

It's taken him a while but Aidan Talley is ready to admit he loves Jamie Walker. On the heels of that confession is a revelation that leaves Aidan reeling. Jamie's been keeping things from him, things that involve Aidan's late husband as well as his deceased former partner. As much as he loves Jamie, Aidan is filled with feelings of hurt and betrayal and the only way he wants to deal with it is by distancing himself from the two people he thought he could trust. However, these two partners will have to resolve their issues quickly when Pierre Renaud--the terrorist they've been after--makes his presence felt and this time, this game will be played on home turf and no possible winners.

First things first: you're going to have the read the series in order. That's Single Malt, followed by Cask Strength, and it concludes with Barrel Proof. Over the three books, there's one prevailing story arc and the questions that have lingered regarding Aidan and Jamie's main nemesis, Renaud, and how Aidan's husband and his partner were involved with the man are answered. Some of the things revealed left me gobsmacked because I so didn't see them coming, and when it comes to books that have the mystery angle to them, I like trying to be a step ahead, and clearly, that didn't happen here. When an author manages to trip me up, my admiration for them multiplies.

There was a point in this third book where Aidan and Jamie's relationship was tested and then there were other times where their love for one another was undeniable, either one willing to put their own lives on the line when need be. I didn't expect certain aspects to be resolved the way they were, but again, that simply makes me want to give Layla Reyne a much deserved standing ovation because she so kept me on my toes over three books. I'm going to miss Aidan and Jamie and the rest of the cast of characters who've made their presence felt in the Agents Irish and Whiskey series, but I'm also itching to see where Reyne takes us next. I'm giving five-plus stars to Barrel Proof. ♥



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Read my reviews for the Agents Irish and Whiskey series:


Single Malt (book one) - five-plus stars - My Review

Cask Strength (book two) - five-plus stars - My Review

Barrel Proof (book three) - five-plus stars - My Review (posted above)

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Release Date: 07 August 2017

Date Read: 04 August 2017

Learn more about Layla Reyne.

Purchase Barrel Proof on Carina Press | Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo.

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