LOVER OF BOOKS

Imperial Stout by Layla Reyne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First of all - Beer themed book titles, what could be wrong with that? Second of all, Layla Reyne has done it again with the continuation of the world she created in Agents Irish and Whiskey.

We met AUSA Dominic Price in Cask Strength when Aidan Talley was dating him in an effort to keep his feelings for Jamie "Whiskey" Walker in check. The man didn't take too kindly to being used as a distraction, but in the end he not only forgave Aidan, but he came to his aid when things came to a head in book 3. Agent Cameron Byrne is Jamie's oldest friend and the best kidnapping and rescue specialist the FBI has. Aidan had worked with him in the past and when he's promoted to Special Agent in Charge after Mel's resignation, Cam is the first person Aidan thinks of to be his ASAC.

The attraction between the two men began in Barrel Proof, book 3, and ignited in Blended Whiskey, the novella about the marriage of Aidan and Jamie. A slightly inebriated kiss in an elevator and Cam is seriously thinking of breaking all his set in stone rules for the AUSA, including the no fraternizing with co workers, even though they aren't technically co-workers. Working together to bring down a ring of thieves trying to steal Serbian artifacts, the two are thrown closer together while dealing with a US Attorney with an agenda and a grudge, a botched take down, new players in the game, an informant who may or may not be playing both sides, and to top it all off - someone is gunning for Dominic Price - literally.

Nic's past rears it's ugly head while Cam tries desperately to keep his firmly buried, but neither man gets his wish to leave the past in the past and all they can do hold on tight and cling to the life line the other represents. Oh - and all the usual suspects do make an appearance or two, reminding us all of how important family is to the Talley clan, and how Cam and Nic are Talley's now, by bonds of friendship and fire, if not through blood.

This was an amazingly good set up book for the next two in the series. The players have been introduced, the supporting cast is in place and the plot has been revealed. Layla's writing is sharp, crisp and clean. Her attention to detail is excellent. Her continuity is above par as she interweaves this new spin off series with her original one, leaving the connections strong but allowing each new character to speak for themselves and hold the spotlight when it's their time.

This series is definitely gonna be some 'Trouble Brewing' for sure. Can't wait for the roller coaster to start picking up speed! Let the chaos commence.


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