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Agents Irish and Whiskey #1
Single Malt
The heart’s a resilient beast
Eight months after the car crash that changed everything, FBI agent Aidan Talley is back at work. New department, new case and a new partner. Smart, athletic and handsome, Jameson Walker is twelve years his junior. Even if Aidan was ready to move on—and he's not—Jamie is off-limits.
Jamie's lusted after Aidan for three years, and the chance to work with San Francisco's top agent directly is too good to pass up. Aidan is prickly—to put it mildly—but a growing cyber threat soon proves Jamie's skills invaluable.
Jamie's talents paint a target on his back, and Aidan is determined to protect him. But with hack after hack threatening a high-security biocontainment facility, time is running out to thwart a deadly terrorist attack. They'll have to filter out distractions, on the case and in their partnership, to identify the real enemy, solve the case and save thousands of lives, including their own.
Eight months after the car crash that changed everything, FBI agent Aidan Talley is back at work. New department, new case and a new partner. Smart, athletic and handsome, Jameson Walker is twelve years his junior. Even if Aidan was ready to move on—and he's not—Jamie is off-limits.
Jamie's lusted after Aidan for three years, and the chance to work with San Francisco's top agent directly is too good to pass up. Aidan is prickly—to put it mildly—but a growing cyber threat soon proves Jamie's skills invaluable.
Jamie's talents paint a target on his back, and Aidan is determined to protect him. But with hack after hack threatening a high-security biocontainment facility, time is running out to thwart a deadly terrorist attack. They'll have to filter out distractions, on the case and in their partnership, to identify the real enemy, solve the case and save thousands of lives, including their own.
194 pages, ebook
First published February 27, 2017
About the author
Layla Reyne
37 books993 followersLayla Reyne is the author of What We May Be and the Agents Irish and Whiskey, Fog City, and Perfect Play series. She writes sexy, intense LGBTQIA+ romance featuring competent adults in kitchens, sports arenas, car chases, and other high-stakes situations. Whether it’s adrenaline-fueled suspense, rival athletes, vampires and shifters in alt-realms, or love mixed with mouth-watering foodie goodness, queer folks finding happily-ever-afters is guaranteed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 608 reviews
August 23, 2017
Partner's to lovers is a trope I love and I definitely loved it in this book!
Aidan (Irish) Talley is heading back to work after eight months of healing and grieving from a horrible car accident that he had not only been seriously injured in, but one that also took the life of his work partner Tom and his husband Gabe. SAC Cruz (his boss and Gabe's sister) has cleared him fit to head back to work, but she has also put him in a new department working Cyber and assigned him a new partner, James (Whiskey) Walker.
Jamie is a Cyber Crimes expert and he his very good at his job. Once upon a time he was a pro NBA player but left the game when he was injured. He's still pretty well known and popular but he has never enjoyed being in the spotlight which is why he enjoys his new career of working in the 'cyber cave'.
The chemistry was strong with these two and the attraction was instant. But with Aidan still grieving and dealing with survival guilt he's not sure if he's ready to move on which is acceptable. He was with his husband for ten years. Jamie is also struggling with his attraction to Aidan. He has a habit on falling fast and falling hard. He's afraid with Aidan being so hot and cold towards him it will end with his heart being broken.
The cases the guys take on are really interesting. They make the perfect partners with Aidan being highly experienced in the field and Jamie being an expert in the cyber world.
Their last case was pretty exciting. It had some heart stopping moments that put me on the edge of my seat.
The story leaves a lot open to where it will go in the next book and I can't wait to get my hands on it.
I believe these two men have the making's of being an epic couple that will surely make their way onto my list.
If your like me and enjoy a crime drama with a side of a hot slow burn romance then I recommend this one for you.
Happy reading, dolls!
February 6, 2017
I hate to say it guys, but we've got a cliffhanger on our hands. Not a traditional cliffhanger when someone is in peril and we have to wait to see if they live or die, but a spoiler alert cliffhanger (I won't mention because it's a delicious twist) and a relationship cliffhanger (but, duh, we all know they will end up together.)
Aidan/Irish
Jamie/Whiskey
Because of all the potential spoilers, I'm going to wait to do a full review until the next book is out. I did enjoy this and look forward to the next book.
Aidan/Irish
Warm breath tickled his neck. “No promises, Whiskey. We have fun, we enjoy each other, we keep it casual and quiet,” Aidan whispered, voice low and seductive. He punctuated his proposal with a kiss just below Jamie’s ear, his tongue darting out to tease skin ever so briefly. Jamie’s body shuddered, hard. “Can you do that?”
Jamie/Whiskey
Because of all the potential spoilers, I'm going to wait to do a full review until the next book is out. I did enjoy this and look forward to the next book.
October 1, 2024
Re-"read" July 2018 via audiobook
Next desensitization therapy subject: Tristan James
Status: in progress
Preliminary result: nice voice, a bit monotone at times, no distinctive voices for the characters = Ugh!
Story: as amazing as the first time around
----------------------------------------
***4.5 Stars***
My initial thoughts? Here we go again! Insta-lust. Definitely one of my pet peeves, but...
For the first time, an author bothers to explain in a believable and realistic fashion to me why both men feel this way and I was able to relate, not to say be completely fine with it.
FBI-Agent Aidan Talley ("Irish") is still grieving. Eight months ago he lost his husband and his work partner in a car crash which slowly but surely proves to be not so accidental as it seemed. First day back at his job and he has to deal with a new case and a new partner. A new partner who stirs feelings in him he could not - should not - have. Despite his grief he is lonely, and his new partner, computer specialist Jameson Walker ("Whiskey"), meets exactly his type, but an irrational sense of guilt towards his dead husband makes him shy away from acting on his attraction.
As a former basketball star turned FBI-Agent, the burnt child - in this case Jamie Walker - dreads the fire after the media frenzy surrounding his person, when it comes to attention of any kind and hides himself in the cyber division of the FBI until he is partnered with Aidan. A man he already lusted after for three years, but who was definitely off-limits because of his marriage. He knows that life is too short to waste time when it comes to grabbing the chance and take what and who he wants, but he also knows what being in the spotlight can cost him.
Both men are more than reluctant to pursue their growing attraction, not just because of Aidan's survivor's guilt and Jamie's fear of exposure, but due to the fraternization policy of the FBI. This proves to be the least of their worries, though, when they find themselves tangled in a web of terrorism, corruption and betrayal that is their new case and there could be more at stake than just displeasing their employer, namely losing the life of your partner, the man who could be your second chance for love in your life.
I just love these two men. Jamie is such a sweetheart and I just wanted to wrap Aidan in a bubble, so he cannot be hurt again. I'm not really a big fan of age-gap, but these guys are just perfect for each other. There are swoonworthy scenes that just melted my heart, but there is also lots of banter between them that made me howl with laughter.
At times it was a bit difficult to read, though, especially at the beginning, and that is exactly the reason why I don't give this story solid 5 stars. It might be the fact that English is not my mother tongue, but there were a lot of technical terms I never heard of. It was a bit arduous to look them up and all the shortcuts like CDC, GNL, BLS, MIT, UT and whatever, left my head spinning sometimes. To add insult to injury, I'm not a computer person. I consider myself lucky to install a new program on my laptop without breaking something and random pop-up windows will bring me occasionally on the verge of a panic attack...
No, no, it is not that bad, but all the technobabble - Um, sorry, Jamie, the hacker lingo - left me feeling like I should have read a manual first or taken the crash course 'How to hack into a computer in five easy steps' beforehand. After a while I did not even try to pretend I understood every word they said and just went with the flow, just like at work when our technician tries to explain the engineering marvels to me. But it worked - just like at the office ;-) - and I got to the gist of what was going on.
This is a great start into an amazing new series and the ending left me more than anxious for the next book. It is not a cliffhanger in the classical sense, but a hint that this is just the calm before the storm and secrets threaten to put a strain on Aidan and Jamie's tentative relationship...
This review has been posted on Dirty Books Obsession
Next desensitization therapy subject: Tristan James
Status: in progress
Preliminary result: nice voice, a bit monotone at times, no distinctive voices for the characters = Ugh!
Story: as amazing as the first time around
----------------------------------------
***4.5 Stars***
He rotated and folded his arms on the tub's edge. "What would you do," he said, voice rough and rumbling, "if you'd already lost the love of your life, only to find a second chance at something - maybe love, you're not sure yet - and before you can even wrap your head around the idea, that second chance is almost snatched away? Not once but twice."
My initial thoughts? Here we go again! Insta-lust. Definitely one of my pet peeves, but...
For the first time, an author bothers to explain in a believable and realistic fashion to me why both men feel this way and I was able to relate, not to say be completely fine with it.
FBI-Agent Aidan Talley ("Irish") is still grieving. Eight months ago he lost his husband and his work partner in a car crash which slowly but surely proves to be not so accidental as it seemed. First day back at his job and he has to deal with a new case and a new partner. A new partner who stirs feelings in him he could not - should not - have. Despite his grief he is lonely, and his new partner, computer specialist Jameson Walker ("Whiskey"), meets exactly his type, but an irrational sense of guilt towards his dead husband makes him shy away from acting on his attraction.
As a former basketball star turned FBI-Agent, the burnt child - in this case Jamie Walker - dreads the fire after the media frenzy surrounding his person, when it comes to attention of any kind and hides himself in the cyber division of the FBI until he is partnered with Aidan. A man he already lusted after for three years, but who was definitely off-limits because of his marriage. He knows that life is too short to waste time when it comes to grabbing the chance and take what and who he wants, but he also knows what being in the spotlight can cost him.
Both men are more than reluctant to pursue their growing attraction, not just because of Aidan's survivor's guilt and Jamie's fear of exposure, but due to the fraternization policy of the FBI. This proves to be the least of their worries, though, when they find themselves tangled in a web of terrorism, corruption and betrayal that is their new case and there could be more at stake than just displeasing their employer, namely losing the life of your partner, the man who could be your second chance for love in your life.
He had no idea where they went from here. But for tonight, he wasn't empty; he was holding life in his arms. Walker dropped a kiss in his hair and Aidan took a deep, contented breath of ocean and sex, of them, memorized it, and tucked it away so no matter what happened, he'd always have tonight.
I just love these two men. Jamie is such a sweetheart and I just wanted to wrap Aidan in a bubble, so he cannot be hurt again. I'm not really a big fan of age-gap, but these guys are just perfect for each other. There are swoonworthy scenes that just melted my heart, but there is also lots of banter between them that made me howl with laughter.
At times it was a bit difficult to read, though, especially at the beginning, and that is exactly the reason why I don't give this story solid 5 stars. It might be the fact that English is not my mother tongue, but there were a lot of technical terms I never heard of. It was a bit arduous to look them up and all the shortcuts like CDC, GNL, BLS, MIT, UT and whatever, left my head spinning sometimes. To add insult to injury, I'm not a computer person. I consider myself lucky to install a new program on my laptop without breaking something and random pop-up windows will bring me occasionally on the verge of a panic attack...
No, no, it is not that bad, but all the technobabble - Um, sorry, Jamie, the hacker lingo - left me feeling like I should have read a manual first or taken the crash course 'How to hack into a computer in five easy steps' beforehand. After a while I did not even try to pretend I understood every word they said and just went with the flow, just like at work when our technician tries to explain the engineering marvels to me. But it worked - just like at the office ;-) - and I got to the gist of what was going on.
This is a great start into an amazing new series and the ending left me more than anxious for the next book. It is not a cliffhanger in the classical sense, but a hint that this is just the calm before the storm and secrets threaten to put a strain on Aidan and Jamie's tentative relationship...
This review has been posted on Dirty Books Obsession
March 3, 2018
***ALL THE STARS IN THE SKY FOR THIS SERIES***
THIS SERIES IS MY FAVORITE OF 2017!! And this first book is a debut people...A DEBUT!!
This series has owned me this week and it has skyrocketed to the top of my 2017 favorites. Not only that....but it's now one of my favorite series with one of my favorite couples EVER!!
AMAZING!! PHENOMENAL!! I can't recommend this series enough.
Layla Reyne has easily planted herself on my auto-buy author list. Her writing is sharp and addicting and sucks you in effortlessly. Perfect balance between romance and suspense.
Full review for the series to come once I come down from this book high!
Jamie saw in Aidan's stormy gaze the battle his heart and mind were waging, but his partner's taut, vibrating body indicated victory was there for the taking.
Jamie entered the war.
GAH!! I could already reread the whole series. PICK THESE BOOKS UP!!!
I URGE you....
Read
August 23, 2017DNF at 63%
I really tried. But I couldn't cope with this writing style. I found it artificial, scattered and difficult to enjoy.
I noticed that I couldn't concentrate on the story-line and had to go back again and again to re-read what I had read on the previous page. It is normally not my art to read a book, and I blamed the story itself first, but it was most certainly the writing.
Besides, I have to confess that the case the both FBI Agents were working at and the way they approached it, was not very convincing and their investigation methods appeared amateurish, IMO.
Í failed to connect to the MCs. Maybe I should avoid romance books where one of the MC has recently lost his partner/husband/lover. And 8 months since he's gone (here: the tragic car accident) is damn SHORT to fall in love again. It's not a bad book, and it COULD GET BETTER in the sequel, most likely you'll enjoy it.
I tried. But when reading became a chore I decided to give up.
If you can manage all this, then you probably would enjoy this book.
***Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
I really tried. But I couldn't cope with this writing style. I found it artificial, scattered and difficult to enjoy.
I noticed that I couldn't concentrate on the story-line and had to go back again and again to re-read what I had read on the previous page. It is normally not my art to read a book, and I blamed the story itself first, but it was most certainly the writing.
Besides, I have to confess that the case the both FBI Agents were working at and the way they approached it, was not very convincing and their investigation methods appeared amateurish, IMO.
Í failed to connect to the MCs. Maybe I should avoid romance books where one of the MC has recently lost his partner/husband/lover. And 8 months since he's gone (here: the tragic car accident) is damn SHORT to fall in love again. It's not a bad book, and it COULD GET BETTER in the sequel, most likely you'll enjoy it.
I tried. But when reading became a chore I decided to give up.
If you can manage all this, then you probably would enjoy this book.
***Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
October 17, 2020
3.5 Stars
A promising start for grieving a dead spouse, age gap, second chance romance!
What I liked:
Aidan is newly back at the FBI after recuperating and mourning the loss of his work partner and husband who perished in a terrible motor vehicle accident. He’s been partnered with IT whiz Jamie Walker, to see if Jamie’s ready to become an official field agent. It’s the last thing that Aidan wants to do but he finds his situation advantageous as his BFF (who’s also his boss and sister in law) tasks both of them to secretly investigate the aforementioned deaths as new evidence points to foul play instead. What results is a slow burn attraction between Aidan and Jamie, and they work and play well together, their dynamic interesting and compelling.
What niggled:
It’s going to be understandable and warranted that Aidan will have an unbelievable amount of guilt for not only surviving but for possibly finding another attractive and daring to find happiness in the arms of the other. Running hot and cold, and then hot and cold some more, Aidan’s inability to fully commit results in an agreement to a just sex only arrangement with no emotional attachment. Riiiiiiiiight. Because that’s something that always comes out like roses. It’s a common expectation in stories such as these, and if it drives you crazy, you’ve been forewarned that 8 months of grieving doesn’t seem hardly enough time to move on.
What I hope for:
There’s no doubt that Aidan and Jamie’s relationship has plenty of ups and downs but the small wins were worth it despite the frustration. One can’t help but root for Jamie who has had his fair share of hurts and disappointments, who will take any scrap that Aidan deems to give him whether that’s accolades for a job well done or a kiss from the man he’s admired from afar for years.
Overall, a good beginning with equally good writing. This is law enforcement romantic suspense with great potential, and I’m off to read the next!
A promising start for grieving a dead spouse, age gap, second chance romance!
What I liked:
Aidan is newly back at the FBI after recuperating and mourning the loss of his work partner and husband who perished in a terrible motor vehicle accident. He’s been partnered with IT whiz Jamie Walker, to see if Jamie’s ready to become an official field agent. It’s the last thing that Aidan wants to do but he finds his situation advantageous as his BFF (who’s also his boss and sister in law) tasks both of them to secretly investigate the aforementioned deaths as new evidence points to foul play instead. What results is a slow burn attraction between Aidan and Jamie, and they work and play well together, their dynamic interesting and compelling.
What niggled:
It’s going to be understandable and warranted that Aidan will have an unbelievable amount of guilt for not only surviving but for possibly finding another attractive and daring to find happiness in the arms of the other. Running hot and cold, and then hot and cold some more, Aidan’s inability to fully commit results in an agreement to a just sex only arrangement with no emotional attachment. Riiiiiiiiight. Because that’s something that always comes out like roses. It’s a common expectation in stories such as these, and if it drives you crazy, you’ve been forewarned that 8 months of grieving doesn’t seem hardly enough time to move on.
What I hope for:
There’s no doubt that Aidan and Jamie’s relationship has plenty of ups and downs but the small wins were worth it despite the frustration. One can’t help but root for Jamie who has had his fair share of hurts and disappointments, who will take any scrap that Aidan deems to give him whether that’s accolades for a job well done or a kiss from the man he’s admired from afar for years.
Overall, a good beginning with equally good writing. This is law enforcement romantic suspense with great potential, and I’m off to read the next!
August 31, 2017
Simply. Dreadful. DNF @ 37%. I really, really wanted to make it further into this book, if only to give my review more credibility. But I just can't do it. I just don't hate myself that much.
I don't know what lifeforms the author modeled her characters on, but it wasn't human beings. None of these characters are recognizably human, in word or in deed. Just as a couple of examples:
- Gay-but-closeted FBI agent Walker goes into poetic raptures over the color of fellow agent Aidan's eyes at their first meeting, IN PUBLIC WHILE AT WORK at the FBI office. And of course gay-and-out Aidan never imagines for a moment that Walker is other than straight, because... because... Umm, because straight guys always coo at him about his eyes? Yeah, that must be it.
- Eight months after his husband's death, in fact on the very day of their wedding anniversary, Aidan's sisters hound him and harass him about how he should now be dating. Eight. Months. Wedding. Anniversary. WTF?
The writing feels "off." Some critical scenes occur off-page, but events that should just be summarized in passing are instead played out in excruciating -- and I do mean excruciating -- detail.
I could go on, but further griping isn't worth my time -- or yours. The short version is: this is ridiculous, and not in the good way. I mean, I enjoyed most of the Cut & Run series, so obviously I can do ridiculous. But this isn't the fun and funny type of ridiculous, this is the attempting-to-be-earnest-and-utterly-failing-at-it type of ridiculous. This is the I-sprained-my-eyeballs-from-rolling-them-too-hard type of ridiculous.
The next time I want to see FBI agents fall in love, I think I'll just go re-read some Josh Lanyon.
I don't know what lifeforms the author modeled her characters on, but it wasn't human beings. None of these characters are recognizably human, in word or in deed. Just as a couple of examples:
- Gay-but-closeted FBI agent Walker goes into poetic raptures over the color of fellow agent Aidan's eyes at their first meeting, IN PUBLIC WHILE AT WORK at the FBI office. And of course gay-and-out Aidan never imagines for a moment that Walker is other than straight, because... because... Umm, because straight guys always coo at him about his eyes? Yeah, that must be it.
- Eight months after his husband's death, in fact on the very day of their wedding anniversary, Aidan's sisters hound him and harass him about how he should now be dating. Eight. Months. Wedding. Anniversary. WTF?
The writing feels "off." Some critical scenes occur off-page, but events that should just be summarized in passing are instead played out in excruciating -- and I do mean excruciating -- detail.
I could go on, but further griping isn't worth my time -- or yours. The short version is: this is ridiculous, and not in the good way. I mean, I enjoyed most of the Cut & Run series, so obviously I can do ridiculous. But this isn't the fun and funny type of ridiculous, this is the attempting-to-be-earnest-and-utterly-failing-at-it type of ridiculous. This is the I-sprained-my-eyeballs-from-rolling-them-too-hard type of ridiculous.
The next time I want to see FBI agents fall in love, I think I'll just go re-read some Josh Lanyon.
April 26, 2018
This was a pretty good start to this series. Action packed and two MCs I really liked. The ending was a bit cliffie, so I am glad book two is out. Also, that ending was not what I expected. Not at all.
August 14, 2017
4.5 Stars!
Really great start to this series.
The perfect mix of romance and suspense.
Nice tension and chemistry between the MCs.
An intriguing mystery.
I've started book 2 and Aiden is starting to piss me off with his self-denial and guilt.
Really great start to this series.
The perfect mix of romance and suspense.
Nice tension and chemistry between the MCs.
An intriguing mystery.
I've started book 2 and Aiden is starting to piss me off with his self-denial and guilt.
November 30, 2017
4.5 Strong Stars.
Aidan Talley - "Irish"
Jameson Walker - "Whiskey"
I really enjoyed this one. The technical lingo "cyber-crime" stuff made my eyes glaze over a bit but I guess the author did her job and her research.
"Autumn"? Would an American use that expression? You guys call it "Fall" - I am not nit-picking but maybe Jameson has some Irish connection ... he is named after an Irish whiskey after all!
Fast paced and hard to put down. Sex scenes were hot.
Tell me about it! I don't have the red hair but the Irish accent is still with me and sometimes people comment on it. Not that I care. Never giving up my Irish accent. They wonder how I still have it seeing as I haven't lived in Ireland for almost thirty years! "You can take the girl out of the bog ...." and all that Blarney!
Looking forward to the next installment.
I shouldn't compare it to other books or authors but it did have a certain feel of the "Cut & Run" series to it! That's a compliment to the author. I LOVED that series. My two favourite guys ever!!
What does he want? That is the question! It's only been eight months since a tragic event in his life and I am sure he is feeling the "Catholic guilt" that us Irish love to feel!
She had one Irish expression in the book and I was delighted to see she had the correct accent on the word. I am a bitch when it comes to Irish in books. I don't pretend to be fluent, but I did study it in school for almost twelve years.
I remember sending Himself off the Commune when my first-born's name had to be registered and I told him if he came back with no accent on the "a" on his name on the Birth Certificate, it was grounds for divorce. LOL. He done good. "Seán", not "Sean" ...
Aidan Talley - "Irish"
Jameson Walker - "Whiskey"
I really enjoyed this one. The technical lingo "cyber-crime" stuff made my eyes glaze over a bit but I guess the author did her job and her research.
"Autumn." Walker answered, voice dropping an octave.
"Like a pile of fall leaves back home, right after it rains. Dark brown swirled with brick and flecks of gold."
"Autumn"? Would an American use that expression? You guys call it "Fall" - I am not nit-picking but maybe Jameson has some Irish connection ... he is named after an Irish whiskey after all!
Fast paced and hard to put down. Sex scenes were hot.
Neither of us wanted to be the red headed freckled kids with the funny accents ...
Tell me about it! I don't have the red hair but the Irish accent is still with me and sometimes people comment on it. Not that I care. Never giving up my Irish accent. They wonder how I still have it seeing as I haven't lived in Ireland for almost thirty years! "You can take the girl out of the bog ...." and all that Blarney!
Looking forward to the next installment.
I shouldn't compare it to other books or authors but it did have a certain feel of the "Cut & Run" series to it! That's a compliment to the author. I LOVED that series. My two favourite guys ever!!
"What do you want, Irish?"
What does he want? That is the question! It's only been eight months since a tragic event in his life and I am sure he is feeling the "Catholic guilt" that us Irish love to feel!
She had one Irish expression in the book and I was delighted to see she had the correct accent on the word. I am a bitch when it comes to Irish in books. I don't pretend to be fluent, but I did study it in school for almost twelve years.
I remember sending Himself off the Commune when my first-born's name had to be registered and I told him if he came back with no accent on the "a" on his name on the Birth Certificate, it was grounds for divorce. LOL. He done good. "Seán", not "Sean" ...
February 22, 2019
Dreadful, the writing isn't for me, got to around 10% thinking it might get better but the irritation came close to rant inducing.
He lost his husband eight months ago. Everyone he meets is busy setting him up with his new FBI partner. First time people see him since his loss they say 'lucky you' because of who he's with, no thought of his loss. On his wedding anniversary, first without his husband, his own sister says 'you need to get back out there' again, no support or acknowledgement of loss.
I mean seriously:
?!?!?!?!?!?!
Eight months is nothing to grief. This was his husband also his FBI partner died in the car crash - where he was driving. In fact a good portion of that eight months would include treatment of his injuries and rehabilitation. Not that having pins in his arm stop him playing Basketball. But then being the driver in a fatal collision doesn't stop him encouraging his new FBI partner 'the kid' to impress him with his defensive driving by speeding through heavy traffic in a fancy car.
Of course is new partner is: handsome, pretty, gorgeous, poetic, charming, some kind of sports star, a whizz with vehicles both mechanically and behind the wheel and some super brainy hacker. He's great friends with everyone, no idea where he finds the time.
Irish or whatever his name is feels uncomfortable offering his dead partner's desk to 'the kid' but it's ok to lust after him from the get-go.
They take time out from the mutual lusting to solve and wrap up a big child abuse case - in a week. Which is also oddly emotionless. Then are on to some ambiguous computer-speak threat. It seems fancy FBI agents only do one case at a time yet have a secretary.
Nothing about this felt believable, the characterisation is unnatural, even after I got over the eye-rolling over the quirky Whiskey naming. I don't get the inclusion of close bereavement as a mere gimmick.
He lost his husband eight months ago. Everyone he meets is busy setting him up with his new FBI partner. First time people see him since his loss they say 'lucky you' because of who he's with, no thought of his loss. On his wedding anniversary, first without his husband, his own sister says 'you need to get back out there' again, no support or acknowledgement of loss.
I mean seriously:
?!?!?!?!?!?!Eight months is nothing to grief. This was his husband also his FBI partner died in the car crash - where he was driving. In fact a good portion of that eight months would include treatment of his injuries and rehabilitation. Not that having pins in his arm stop him playing Basketball. But then being the driver in a fatal collision doesn't stop him encouraging his new FBI partner 'the kid' to impress him with his defensive driving by speeding through heavy traffic in a fancy car.
Of course is new partner is: handsome, pretty, gorgeous, poetic, charming, some kind of sports star, a whizz with vehicles both mechanically and behind the wheel and some super brainy hacker. He's great friends with everyone, no idea where he finds the time.
Irish or whatever his name is feels uncomfortable offering his dead partner's desk to 'the kid' but it's ok to lust after him from the get-go.
They take time out from the mutual lusting to solve and wrap up a big child abuse case - in a week. Which is also oddly emotionless. Then are on to some ambiguous computer-speak threat. It seems fancy FBI agents only do one case at a time yet have a secretary.
Nothing about this felt believable, the characterisation is unnatural, even after I got over the eye-rolling over the quirky Whiskey naming. I don't get the inclusion of close bereavement as a mere gimmick.
April 15, 2017
I really enjoyed this first book in this new series. I am a sucker for all kinds of suspence/mystery and action books and I do love me some hot FBI agents. This books totally delivered on those points, but it also gave me something extra... A hot (former) jock turned FBI geek, all in one !! I have found myself a new favorite character...mr. Jameson Walker.
Now before I continue with this review...let's talk about that name some more !! Jameson Walker..nicknamed "Whiskey" ....how freaking awesome is that. I myself loved the name and I loved the man (and I love the whiskey).
I do want to warn everyone who starts this series, that this first book is not very high on the romance. There's a lot of sexual tension, lusting and even some hot trysts (after 70%), but real romance and love...no....not yet that is ;) I am sure that we will get more of that in books 2 and 3. At least I hope so.
This book is also heavy on the police technicallity. These men work cybercrime, so there is a lot of hacking and technical computer lingo going on. I myself love that shit...but some might not.
Aiden is back at the job after he took a 8 month leave, because he lost his partner on the force, Tom and his husband Gabe, in one freaky accident. He himself got hurt (physically and emotionally). His boss, who is also his sister in law (Gabe's sister) is reassigning him to a different department though. He is gonna work cybercrimes, with a new partner...cybercrime expert...Jameson Walker.
Jameson (Jamie) has been working cybercrimes for three years now and he is quite the hacking expert. He is a former (famous) basketballplayer turned FBI-agent. He loves his job, he loves the anonymity after he spend so much time in the spotlights. He feels quite at home in his cave.
These two have instant chemistry and Jamie has been lusting after Aiden for three years. But Aiden..he is still dealing with his husband's death and he isn't ready to let go.
Jamie understands this and he himself also wants to be cautious, for his own reasons.
These boys get send on an assignment, which I myself found very interesting, having to do with someone hacking a lab, that holds all sorts of deadly diseases and shit.
Spending a lot of time together in close quarters eventually leads these two to let go....sexually at least.
Things are left pretty open at the end. So prepare for a mild cliffy. I can't call it a HFN because the both of them aren't ready for more yet...especially Aiden.
“No promises, Whiskey. We have fun, we enjoy each other, we keep it casual and quiet”
Very curious to what will happen next .....bring on the next one please !!!
Now before I continue with this review...let's talk about that name some more !! Jameson Walker..nicknamed "Whiskey" ....how freaking awesome is that. I myself loved the name and I loved the man (and I love the whiskey).
I do want to warn everyone who starts this series, that this first book is not very high on the romance. There's a lot of sexual tension, lusting and even some hot trysts (after 70%), but real romance and love...no....not yet that is ;) I am sure that we will get more of that in books 2 and 3. At least I hope so.
This book is also heavy on the police technicallity. These men work cybercrime, so there is a lot of hacking and technical computer lingo going on. I myself love that shit...but some might not.
Aiden is back at the job after he took a 8 month leave, because he lost his partner on the force, Tom and his husband Gabe, in one freaky accident. He himself got hurt (physically and emotionally). His boss, who is also his sister in law (Gabe's sister) is reassigning him to a different department though. He is gonna work cybercrimes, with a new partner...cybercrime expert...Jameson Walker.
Jameson (Jamie) has been working cybercrimes for three years now and he is quite the hacking expert. He is a former (famous) basketballplayer turned FBI-agent. He loves his job, he loves the anonymity after he spend so much time in the spotlights. He feels quite at home in his cave.
These two have instant chemistry and Jamie has been lusting after Aiden for three years. But Aiden..he is still dealing with his husband's death and he isn't ready to let go.
Jamie understands this and he himself also wants to be cautious, for his own reasons.
These boys get send on an assignment, which I myself found very interesting, having to do with someone hacking a lab, that holds all sorts of deadly diseases and shit.
Spending a lot of time together in close quarters eventually leads these two to let go....sexually at least.
Things are left pretty open at the end. So prepare for a mild cliffy. I can't call it a HFN because the both of them aren't ready for more yet...especially Aiden.
“No promises, Whiskey. We have fun, we enjoy each other, we keep it casual and quiet”
Very curious to what will happen next .....bring on the next one please !!!
Read
March 15, 20175 hearts or... ALL THE HEARTS EVER!!!!
I really wanted to be eloquent with this review. I wanted to do the writing justice with a symbiotic review that really explained how much I adored this book. I wanted to do a lot of things, say a lot of things but the only thing that comes to mind now that I’ve got fingers to the keyboard is… FUCK. You know, that four letter word can be used in so many ways and I used it over and again while reading this. The romance? Fuck. The mystery? Fuck! The emotions? Fuck. The intimacy? Fuck… me. Yeah. That word is perfect and while it’s a bit vulgar, it’s what simply comes to mind when I think of what I just read.
I’ll admit, when I first read the blurb for this the nicknames are what caught my eye, I am a sucker for them but the reminiscence of one of my favorite couples who just happen to be in the FBI and partners while being secret lovers made me jump up and volunteer for it. I could not have trusted my instincts more with this story. It was amazing, just so good and while I mentioned the similarity to that couple from another series… the chemistry with Jamie and Adrian blows them out of the water. If you know what I mean, then you know what I mean. You know?
Anyway.
Told from the dual POV’s (Thank Gawd!) of Secret Agents Adrian “Irish” Talley and Jameson “Whiskey” Walker, we are brought into the story 8 months after a tragic accident took the life of not only Adrian’s partner, but also his husband. Adrian is beside himself as he deals with his loss but when his sister in law and boss, arrives to give him his new assignment and new partner, Adrian is ready to get back to work though hesitant to be around Walker. Of course Adrian lets us in on the numerous reasons why he is hesitant but once they are on the same page together? I just wanted to smoosh them together and make them kiss. It was way too early but a girl can hold out for the right moment.
Let me get this out and say the UST with this book is palatable. You can feel it, you can taste it and you so want it to come to a point where they give in because you need it as much as they do. Phew… is it hot in here? Does anyone have a fan?
Again… anyway.
Adrian fancies the young and talented FBI Agent/Ex-Basketball champion/hacker that is Jamie and Jamie has had a crush on Adrian for three years but always respected his marriage. These two, they have chemistry that Walter White would envy (don’t roll your eyes at me!) but the respect they have for one another as partners and as professionals is what really matters. You can’t have a romance if you don’t have respect and these two, they are just so wonderful. I adored being in both their POV’s and I think it helped the story that we got both Adrian and Jamie as they not only worked the on and off the book cases but as they worked out their feelings for one another.
Oh Adrian, my poor fellow clueless ginger who hides his fire. What am I going to do with you aside from getting you drunk on bourbon so you can loosen up and ask the right questions? I loved your dedication to your marriage, to being a widower and honoring the memory of Gabe and the life you shared with him. I ached for you loss on your anniversary and yet turned into a puddle at what happens with Jamie. I felt the pull as you tried to fight it and boy your jealousy when it comes to Whiskey was off the charts hot. Dude, growling is always hot when you are basically marking your territory around your man. Just saying. But ultimately, you are an amazing and honorable man who loves family and fears losing what you love. You’ve lost so much already that I get compartmentalizing your emotions, but Jamie… he is so worthy.
Now, Jamie. Good lord how could I not adore you? You are the quintessential computer nerd/hacker with the natural athletic ability to make anyone jealous and yet you are as humble as pie. You are such a southern gentleman with amazing way of describing someone eyes that it’s no wonder men and women fall at your feet. It’s a shame the women don’t catch on that you are only into men, but it’s a blessing that you get to spend more time with Adrian and make him really see you.
Wow. This one has me rambling but I haven’t even said anything.
Let me get to the point. This story is amazing. The writing is stellar. The romance is ridiculously swoon worthy and the mystery is superb. I was impressed by all the twists and turns both cases the men are working on and how they were all coming together. I loved reading all about Jamie and what he not only did for the FBI but in his own personal hacker time. The man truly is talented with those fingers of his and I loved getting more of Adrian’s family as well. Danny was amazing and Mel, as Adrian’s sister in law/boss/late husband’s sister was one hell of a bad ass woman. The action sequences in this were cinematic and the emotions had me on edge. I was either gasping in shock, rage or pure lust with this book and I loved every damn page of it.
As I write this, I realize that I have a stupid amount of highlights and notes and haven’t used a single one. I think I will keep it that way because I am not ready to share yet. Sorry. I am greedy when it comes to these two and all that they are becoming to one another.
I will say that this book blew me away and THIS. IS. ROMANTIC. So romantic and so action packed and layered that I can’t get enough. That end??? HOLY SHIT! My mouth hung open as I read it and knew I needed the second book immediately. I am a bit sad seeing as there are only three books listed – as of now - for this series as this is one I could read long term.
And before I forget, that title is amazing. OMG is it amazing. According to my late father, a second generation Scottish American, the single malt is a myth. It is in fact a blended whiskey, but a special blend from a single distillery. Giving Jamie two names referencing the amber liquor and giving him the two “lives” of the high profile basketball player and the hide in the basement cyber hacker FBI agent blending into the single man was done brilliantly. Adding in the title of Single Malt and you have me applauding. Bravo, dear author. Bravo.
Wow.
Le Sigh and Le Unf.
I’ll stop my rambling and end with this.
Single Malt… Agents Irish and Whiskey… The Romance… The Intrigue… It was perfect. I want more. Hit me again, bartender.
I really wanted to be eloquent with this review. I wanted to do the writing justice with a symbiotic review that really explained how much I adored this book. I wanted to do a lot of things, say a lot of things but the only thing that comes to mind now that I’ve got fingers to the keyboard is… FUCK. You know, that four letter word can be used in so many ways and I used it over and again while reading this. The romance? Fuck. The mystery? Fuck! The emotions? Fuck. The intimacy? Fuck… me. Yeah. That word is perfect and while it’s a bit vulgar, it’s what simply comes to mind when I think of what I just read.
I’ll admit, when I first read the blurb for this the nicknames are what caught my eye, I am a sucker for them but the reminiscence of one of my favorite couples who just happen to be in the FBI and partners while being secret lovers made me jump up and volunteer for it. I could not have trusted my instincts more with this story. It was amazing, just so good and while I mentioned the similarity to that couple from another series… the chemistry with Jamie and Adrian blows them out of the water. If you know what I mean, then you know what I mean. You know?
Anyway.
Told from the dual POV’s (Thank Gawd!) of Secret Agents Adrian “Irish” Talley and Jameson “Whiskey” Walker, we are brought into the story 8 months after a tragic accident took the life of not only Adrian’s partner, but also his husband. Adrian is beside himself as he deals with his loss but when his sister in law and boss, arrives to give him his new assignment and new partner, Adrian is ready to get back to work though hesitant to be around Walker. Of course Adrian lets us in on the numerous reasons why he is hesitant but once they are on the same page together? I just wanted to smoosh them together and make them kiss. It was way too early but a girl can hold out for the right moment.
Let me get this out and say the UST with this book is palatable. You can feel it, you can taste it and you so want it to come to a point where they give in because you need it as much as they do. Phew… is it hot in here? Does anyone have a fan?
Again… anyway.
Adrian fancies the young and talented FBI Agent/Ex-Basketball champion/hacker that is Jamie and Jamie has had a crush on Adrian for three years but always respected his marriage. These two, they have chemistry that Walter White would envy (don’t roll your eyes at me!) but the respect they have for one another as partners and as professionals is what really matters. You can’t have a romance if you don’t have respect and these two, they are just so wonderful. I adored being in both their POV’s and I think it helped the story that we got both Adrian and Jamie as they not only worked the on and off the book cases but as they worked out their feelings for one another.
Oh Adrian, my poor fellow clueless ginger who hides his fire. What am I going to do with you aside from getting you drunk on bourbon so you can loosen up and ask the right questions? I loved your dedication to your marriage, to being a widower and honoring the memory of Gabe and the life you shared with him. I ached for you loss on your anniversary and yet turned into a puddle at what happens with Jamie. I felt the pull as you tried to fight it and boy your jealousy when it comes to Whiskey was off the charts hot. Dude, growling is always hot when you are basically marking your territory around your man. Just saying. But ultimately, you are an amazing and honorable man who loves family and fears losing what you love. You’ve lost so much already that I get compartmentalizing your emotions, but Jamie… he is so worthy.
Now, Jamie. Good lord how could I not adore you? You are the quintessential computer nerd/hacker with the natural athletic ability to make anyone jealous and yet you are as humble as pie. You are such a southern gentleman with amazing way of describing someone eyes that it’s no wonder men and women fall at your feet. It’s a shame the women don’t catch on that you are only into men, but it’s a blessing that you get to spend more time with Adrian and make him really see you.
Wow. This one has me rambling but I haven’t even said anything.
Let me get to the point. This story is amazing. The writing is stellar. The romance is ridiculously swoon worthy and the mystery is superb. I was impressed by all the twists and turns both cases the men are working on and how they were all coming together. I loved reading all about Jamie and what he not only did for the FBI but in his own personal hacker time. The man truly is talented with those fingers of his and I loved getting more of Adrian’s family as well. Danny was amazing and Mel, as Adrian’s sister in law/boss/late husband’s sister was one hell of a bad ass woman. The action sequences in this were cinematic and the emotions had me on edge. I was either gasping in shock, rage or pure lust with this book and I loved every damn page of it.
As I write this, I realize that I have a stupid amount of highlights and notes and haven’t used a single one. I think I will keep it that way because I am not ready to share yet. Sorry. I am greedy when it comes to these two and all that they are becoming to one another.
I will say that this book blew me away and THIS. IS. ROMANTIC. So romantic and so action packed and layered that I can’t get enough. That end??? HOLY SHIT! My mouth hung open as I read it and knew I needed the second book immediately. I am a bit sad seeing as there are only three books listed – as of now - for this series as this is one I could read long term.
And before I forget, that title is amazing. OMG is it amazing. According to my late father, a second generation Scottish American, the single malt is a myth. It is in fact a blended whiskey, but a special blend from a single distillery. Giving Jamie two names referencing the amber liquor and giving him the two “lives” of the high profile basketball player and the hide in the basement cyber hacker FBI agent blending into the single man was done brilliantly. Adding in the title of Single Malt and you have me applauding. Bravo, dear author. Bravo.
Wow.
Le Sigh and Le Unf.
I’ll stop my rambling and end with this.
Single Malt… Agents Irish and Whiskey… The Romance… The Intrigue… It was perfect. I want more. Hit me again, bartender.
April 22, 2017
5 Stars
Oh...my..goodness....this book was fan-freaking-tastic!!!
I am completely smitten with this book and can not wait for this series to continue....
This book was the kind of law enforcement thriller that I love, add two MC's that I can find no flaws with and that each bring a different kind of perfect flawed humanity to the story...that right there is my perfect storm, my sweet spot if you will.
I will admit that this is a thriller and the romance is not what drive this story, but for me the build up was perfect, I was very engaged it both characters, the drama taking place and didn't miss a physical connection because these characters were very connected. Like I said, I loved the build up and really enjoyed how it played out, it felt very real. How it was left hanging and all the bombs dropped at the end would usually drive me absolutely crazy, here it just has me dying to see what happens next.
I found a new set of hot, and I do mean absolutely on fire, FBI agents to swoon over and I can't wait to see what is in store for them.
Oh...my..goodness....this book was fan-freaking-tastic!!!
I am completely smitten with this book and can not wait for this series to continue....
This book was the kind of law enforcement thriller that I love, add two MC's that I can find no flaws with and that each bring a different kind of perfect flawed humanity to the story...that right there is my perfect storm, my sweet spot if you will.
I will admit that this is a thriller and the romance is not what drive this story, but for me the build up was perfect, I was very engaged it both characters, the drama taking place and didn't miss a physical connection because these characters were very connected. Like I said, I loved the build up and really enjoyed how it played out, it felt very real. How it was left hanging and all the bombs dropped at the end would usually drive me absolutely crazy, here it just has me dying to see what happens next.
I found a new set of hot, and I do mean absolutely on fire, FBI agents to swoon over and I can't wait to see what is in store for them.
August 9, 2020
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*I Liked It*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
This book was actually really interesting. I liked the characters, I liked the action, I liked the plot... Yeah, I didn't want to put down the book. Sure, there was some things that I wish where in it, but I still quite enjoyed this read. Plus the sex was hot and I like the theme of work partners turned friends turned lovers. Why did everyone have nicknames though? Overall, I'm definitely continuing this series. Looking forward to seeing how the relationship will develop.
Th Characters:
The list is long so I've put it in a spoilers tag.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/M).
Series: - Series, Book One.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Jameson ‘Jamie’ ‘Whiskey’ Walker, I think.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Yes.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Actually I do.
Will I read this again in the future? - Unsure.
Rating - 3.5/3 stars.
July 19, 2018
Wow. Just wow! I so loved this book, if I loved it any harder my Kindle would break - I kept squeezing it so hard from adrenaline and sheer fangirling going on! And they way the they called each other "Whiskey" and "Irish" - so s*e*x*y! *melting in a puddle hot*
It's the first time I read about agents investigating cyber crimes and I thought to myself: "Oh well, I will survive through this". But it was so engrossing, so new and fresh I could not stop reading - even though I was right there with Irish and technobabble problem! The way those two worked together like a well-oiled machine was amazing. The tension between them could be cut with a knife. And when they finally got together it was just so beautiful, so tender and thoughtful and so steamy at the same time. I loved them!
The secondary characters were all instrumental in building the world around Whiskey and Irish telling subtly their own point of view about them and showing the funny, the professional, the personal and the crazy sides of both MCs and making me like them more and more in the course of the book.
The final showdown was very intense and edge-of-your-seat gripping and oh so very satisfying. And the direction the relationship between Jamie and Aidan turned intrigued me. I think it will be an awesome love story between them and I can't wait to see how they are together in the next book. I highly recommend it!
It's the first time I read about agents investigating cyber crimes and I thought to myself: "Oh well, I will survive through this". But it was so engrossing, so new and fresh I could not stop reading - even though I was right there with Irish and technobabble problem! The way those two worked together like a well-oiled machine was amazing. The tension between them could be cut with a knife. And when they finally got together it was just so beautiful, so tender and thoughtful and so steamy at the same time. I loved them!
The secondary characters were all instrumental in building the world around Whiskey and Irish telling subtly their own point of view about them and showing the funny, the professional, the personal and the crazy sides of both MCs and making me like them more and more in the course of the book.
The final showdown was very intense and edge-of-your-seat gripping and oh so very satisfying. And the direction the relationship between Jamie and Aidan turned intrigued me. I think it will be an awesome love story between them and I can't wait to see how they are together in the next book. I highly recommend it!
Read
March 25, 2017DNF @45%
I tried. God knows I did. This is me being in the minority, since everyone appears to love this.
The mystery/suspense overshadowed the romance. Sometimes that's ok, I 've occasionally enjoyed such stories like Bitter Legacy or A Solitary Man. But here I couldn't get into the storyline at all, and kept spacing out with all the details about the main case. Maybe it's the fact that English is not my mother tongue, because sometimes I was completeley unable to understand what the hell they were talking about
I also felt that I had to suspend disbelief sometimes. Like the first time James talks to Aidan commenting on the color of his eyes (creepy). Or the fact that Aidan chose to trust his new partner from the get go (with whom he had no prior relationship whatsoever) with information about the top secret undergoing investigation for his dead partner's accident. Or the fact that they called each other "baby" at work.
I skimmed to the end to see what the big cliffhanger is, and no, I'm not a fan.
So, that's me giving up. New Year's resolutions and all.
I tried. God knows I did. This is me being in the minority, since everyone appears to love this.
The mystery/suspense overshadowed the romance. Sometimes that's ok, I 've occasionally enjoyed such stories like Bitter Legacy or A Solitary Man. But here I couldn't get into the storyline at all, and kept spacing out with all the details about the main case. Maybe it's the fact that English is not my mother tongue, because sometimes I was completeley unable to understand what the hell they were talking about
I also felt that I had to suspend disbelief sometimes. Like the first time James talks to Aidan commenting on the color of his eyes (creepy). Or the fact that Aidan chose to trust his new partner from the get go (with whom he had no prior relationship whatsoever) with information about the top secret undergoing investigation for his dead partner's accident. Or the fact that they called each other "baby" at work.
I skimmed to the end to see what the big cliffhanger is, and no, I'm not a fan.
So, that's me giving up. New Year's resolutions and all.
February 6, 2017
I devoured this book and I couldn't get enough. I like crime shows on TV so this book was right up my alley. I loved everything about it, the plot, the characters, the suspense, the romance... Jesus fuck the romance was exquisite!
I'm an absolute sucker for emotionally damaged characters and for brainiacs who are sexy as hell, and this book gave me the best of both worlds. Jameson "Whiskey" Walker is a hotter than hell brainiac smarty pants hacker extraordinaire. Ex basketball star who gave up his career in order to become an FBI agent, Whiskey is one of the bureau's best hackers and Aiden Talley's new partner. Whiskey is ten years Aiden's junior and he's been nurturing a crush on Aiden for the past three years, ever since he joined the bureau.
Aiden Talley is a damaged man who's dead inside after losing both his husband and his partner in a car accident 8 months ago. Recently returning to his job, Aiden finds himself partnered with 30 year old Whiskey, who makes his head spin and makes him want things he shouldn't. Caught between the strong need to feel alive again and his guilt at betraying his husband's memory, Aiden is fighting his attraction towards Whiskey, but the need to feel alive is stronger than the guilt.
The chemistry these two have is the real deal; it seriously made the hair stand up on my body. I was sucked into this overwhelming attraction between them and was rooting for them the whole time. I loved that even though there are plenty of things happening and many bad guys to catch, the emotional connection between Aiden and Whiskey was still the main focus of the book, perfectly etched into the plot. And when they finally gave into the chemistry, I forgot all about the bad guys or the fact that there are criminals to catch and bombs to deactivate.
This book was the perfect start to an awesome series, even though Aiden and Whiskey will continue to work toward their happily ever after in the next two books. I'm a fan!
I'm an absolute sucker for emotionally damaged characters and for brainiacs who are sexy as hell, and this book gave me the best of both worlds. Jameson "Whiskey" Walker is a hotter than hell brainiac smarty pants hacker extraordinaire. Ex basketball star who gave up his career in order to become an FBI agent, Whiskey is one of the bureau's best hackers and Aiden Talley's new partner. Whiskey is ten years Aiden's junior and he's been nurturing a crush on Aiden for the past three years, ever since he joined the bureau.
Aiden Talley is a damaged man who's dead inside after losing both his husband and his partner in a car accident 8 months ago. Recently returning to his job, Aiden finds himself partnered with 30 year old Whiskey, who makes his head spin and makes him want things he shouldn't. Caught between the strong need to feel alive again and his guilt at betraying his husband's memory, Aiden is fighting his attraction towards Whiskey, but the need to feel alive is stronger than the guilt.
The chemistry these two have is the real deal; it seriously made the hair stand up on my body. I was sucked into this overwhelming attraction between them and was rooting for them the whole time. I loved that even though there are plenty of things happening and many bad guys to catch, the emotional connection between Aiden and Whiskey was still the main focus of the book, perfectly etched into the plot. And when they finally gave into the chemistry, I forgot all about the bad guys or the fact that there are criminals to catch and bombs to deactivate.
This book was the perfect start to an awesome series, even though Aiden and Whiskey will continue to work toward their happily ever after in the next two books. I'm a fan!
August 15, 2021
Whiskey (given name: Jameson Walker) helped the Tar Heels win two national basketball championships and is now with the FBI in the Cyber Crimes division. Irish (given name: Adian Talley) is an Irish ex-pat and just returning to the FBI after the car crash that changed his life. His FBI partner Tom, and Aidan's husband Gabe died in the crash and Aidan is determined to find out what happened that day, and who is to blame.
But first Irish and Whiskey must solve a case involving cyber attacks on a bio-containment facility (think anthrax, etc.) in Galveston and race against the clock to figure out and prevent the terrorists' end-game.
The author does a stellar job of getting readers up-to-speed on all things cyber and "biohazardy" and keeping us informed and intrigued throughout. There are a good amount of action scenes and suspense and the pace of the book is fast .... and okay, furious. Juxtaposed with all this action is the relationship developing between Aidan and Jamie which is a slow and very hot burn, as each man needs to to work through past relationships. And when they finally come together, oooh, oooh it's worth the wait.
This is the first book in the series, and I wouldn't say that the book ends in a traditional cliffhanger. It's more a matter that the bioterrorism case has been solved, but now new information is revealed that may bring Aidan closer to what exactly happened to bring about the deadly car crash.
I give Single Malt 4.5 stars and am anxiously awaiting the next book in the Agents Irish and Whiskey series, Cask Strength, due May 1, 2017.
I received an ARC from Carina Press, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
But first Irish and Whiskey must solve a case involving cyber attacks on a bio-containment facility (think anthrax, etc.) in Galveston and race against the clock to figure out and prevent the terrorists' end-game.
The author does a stellar job of getting readers up-to-speed on all things cyber and "biohazardy" and keeping us informed and intrigued throughout. There are a good amount of action scenes and suspense and the pace of the book is fast .... and okay, furious. Juxtaposed with all this action is the relationship developing between Aidan and Jamie which is a slow and very hot burn, as each man needs to to work through past relationships. And when they finally come together, oooh, oooh it's worth the wait.
This is the first book in the series, and I wouldn't say that the book ends in a traditional cliffhanger. It's more a matter that the bioterrorism case has been solved, but now new information is revealed that may bring Aidan closer to what exactly happened to bring about the deadly car crash.
I give Single Malt 4.5 stars and am anxiously awaiting the next book in the Agents Irish and Whiskey series, Cask Strength, due May 1, 2017.
I received an ARC from Carina Press, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
July 1, 2017
3,5 rounded up to 4 stars
I completely forgot about writing this review. Hmm, this is the very reason I promised myself not to use "review soon" anymore. Anyway, I should write a few words about this one, as it was a nice surprise.
I ended up loving it more than I expected. It's quite an action packed book, but I wanted SO much more between these two hot men. I get it, there are 3 books in this series, BUT I don't work good with slow burning between the main characters.
Aidan (Irish) was still grieving his husband's death and now he is partnered with a young hot man, Jamie (Whiskey). It was unexpected how they fell in sync from the very start. But I just couldn't wait for them to accept their huge attraction and well, act on it. Sooner!
The writing is great, this book really makes you want to read more.
The ending makes you wonder what really happened with Gabe, Aidan's husband, and who wants Aidan dead. I bought the second book, Cask Strength right away and read it almost in one standing. Great development of the action and characters!
I completely forgot about writing this review. Hmm, this is the very reason I promised myself not to use "review soon" anymore. Anyway, I should write a few words about this one, as it was a nice surprise.
I ended up loving it more than I expected. It's quite an action packed book, but I wanted SO much more between these two hot men. I get it, there are 3 books in this series, BUT I don't work good with slow burning between the main characters.
Aidan (Irish) was still grieving his husband's death and now he is partnered with a young hot man, Jamie (Whiskey). It was unexpected how they fell in sync from the very start. But I just couldn't wait for them to accept their huge attraction and well, act on it. Sooner!
The writing is great, this book really makes you want to read more.
The ending makes you wonder what really happened with Gabe, Aidan's husband, and who wants Aidan dead. I bought the second book, Cask Strength right away and read it almost in one standing. Great development of the action and characters!
March 3, 2021
Criminal stuff is one of my jams, I've read a lot of books about it so I have a lot to compare this one to and even though it had it's charm it could have been more. 🧐🧐
I liked the characters they were good, smart, hardworking and in equal footing with the criminal part, the dynamics were engaging and the chemistry was there. It was a little bit insta-love, specially considering that Aidan lost his husband 8 months before this happens, so that was a negative aspect to me, I know everyone grieves differently and time is just time, but he is hot for Jamie even before they met as partners, so it seemed a little bit cruel to me, but what do I know?
The crime needed work, it was confusing at times and not because of the computer slang, there were a lot of things happening with a lot of people involved in the investigation side and in the witnesses side too, so it felt like too much and somehow sometimes it didn't feel like enough, when James did a lot of the work in the computer and Aiden did his thing but it wasn't shown. Balance was needed. 🧐🧐
At the end it was short, charming and there is a bigger crime brewing so I'll try the next one soon and see how it goes. 🥰❤
I liked the characters they were good, smart, hardworking and in equal footing with the criminal part, the dynamics were engaging and the chemistry was there. It was a little bit insta-love, specially considering that Aidan lost his husband 8 months before this happens, so that was a negative aspect to me, I know everyone grieves differently and time is just time, but he is hot for Jamie even before they met as partners, so it seemed a little bit cruel to me, but what do I know?
The crime needed work, it was confusing at times and not because of the computer slang, there were a lot of things happening with a lot of people involved in the investigation side and in the witnesses side too, so it felt like too much and somehow sometimes it didn't feel like enough, when James did a lot of the work in the computer and Aiden did his thing but it wasn't shown. Balance was needed. 🧐🧐
At the end it was short, charming and there is a bigger crime brewing so I'll try the next one soon and see how it goes. 🥰❤
January 3, 2019
Fast paced and compelling characters
Well that was a damn good read, excellent quality in execution, plotting and character development.
I loved every bit of this first glimpse into the world of agents Irish and Whiskey from the suspense itself, to the great secondary and background characters, to the main men themselves.
This whole narrative just worked for me, I had no clue where the twists were going to come from or who the bad guys accomplices were going to be and the tension was expertly delivered.
There is a wee bit of an on going plot cliffhanger but I'd expect that in a series of suspense romances featuring the same main couple.
Now onto book two!
Well that was a damn good read, excellent quality in execution, plotting and character development.
I loved every bit of this first glimpse into the world of agents Irish and Whiskey from the suspense itself, to the great secondary and background characters, to the main men themselves.
This whole narrative just worked for me, I had no clue where the twists were going to come from or who the bad guys accomplices were going to be and the tension was expertly delivered.
There is a wee bit of an on going plot cliffhanger but I'd expect that in a series of suspense romances featuring the same main couple.
Now onto book two!
Want to read
January 2, 2020Price drop to $0.99, 1/1/20!
May 29, 2024
Read for the fourth time May 2024
Nothing changed here - I still love this series, and Jamie and Aiden to bits!
Read for the third time August 2022
And enjoyed it all over again! A fabulous comfort read.
Reread in July 2017.
And I loved it even more than the first time. So much in fact I upped my rating from four to five stars.
My first review with a slight addition:
This was a fabulous start to this series.
Loved Aiden and Jamie, who are both complex and well drawn characters.
The pull between them is off the charts, but Aiden's guilt and defeatist attitude are even bigger. He put Jamie (and me) through emotional trauma again and again for all the 'wrong' reasons. And Jamie is just the sweetest guy, and so blooming forgiving.
The slow burn is delicious and well done, even if it gets overtaken by the action/thriller plot at times. And yes, I agree with Aiden, the 'techno-babble' did leave me high and dry at times, and there were times I was left adrift, searching for meaning. Saying that, this did not bother me at all when I read this book the second time.
No doubt, these two are super hot together, and that they are meant to be in every other way, too.
Well, if it wasn't for the surprise plot twist at the end, which puts the men's relationship completely up in the air, yet again.
Great stuff! Off to read book 2!
Nothing changed here - I still love this series, and Jamie and Aiden to bits!
Read for the third time August 2022
And enjoyed it all over again! A fabulous comfort read.
Reread in July 2017.
And I loved it even more than the first time. So much in fact I upped my rating from four to five stars.
My first review with a slight addition:
This was a fabulous start to this series.
Loved Aiden and Jamie, who are both complex and well drawn characters.
The pull between them is off the charts, but Aiden's guilt and defeatist attitude are even bigger. He put Jamie (and me) through emotional trauma again and again for all the 'wrong' reasons. And Jamie is just the sweetest guy, and so blooming forgiving.
The slow burn is delicious and well done, even if it gets overtaken by the action/thriller plot at times. And yes, I agree with Aiden, the 'techno-babble' did leave me high and dry at times, and there were times I was left adrift, searching for meaning. Saying that, this did not bother me at all when I read this book the second time.
No doubt, these two are super hot together, and that they are meant to be in every other way, too.
Well, if it wasn't for the surprise plot twist at the end, which puts the men's relationship completely up in the air, yet again.
Great stuff! Off to read book 2!
June 30, 2017
Damned these stories split in 3. So, advice : wait until the release of the complete book !!
Aidan, one sibling from a wealthy and close-knitted Irish family, is grieving both Gabe, his husband and Tom, his FBI partner, killed during a car crash while Aidan was driving. After 8 months of leave, Aidan is going back to work in a new division for him, cyber crimes, and with a new partner, Jamie.
Jamie, an ex-professional player, more at ease behind his computer than on the field, is thrilled to be partnered with and mentored by Aidan, his crush since he joined the FBI.
Of course, they both need to learn about each other to build a good working relationship, trust being essential with all the risks they face in their work. And they have to deal with the chemistry sizzling between them, an evidence from Jamie, and a welcome feeling for Aidan despite some lingering guilt toward his lost husband and his fear of losing somebody again. Working cases help fuelling their attraction. But their main case, albeit done under the radar, is to figure out why Gabe and Tom died.
The first third of this story is well written, quite gripping and very promising. I really enjoyed the MCs, the grumpy but efficient Aidan and the charming Jamie. And I’m really eager to discover how their relationship will evolve : I’m quite sure it’s going to be very hot and with delicious bumps on the road.
Aidan, one sibling from a wealthy and close-knitted Irish family, is grieving both Gabe, his husband and Tom, his FBI partner, killed during a car crash while Aidan was driving. After 8 months of leave, Aidan is going back to work in a new division for him, cyber crimes, and with a new partner, Jamie.
Jamie, an ex-professional player, more at ease behind his computer than on the field, is thrilled to be partnered with and mentored by Aidan, his crush since he joined the FBI.
Of course, they both need to learn about each other to build a good working relationship, trust being essential with all the risks they face in their work. And they have to deal with the chemistry sizzling between them, an evidence from Jamie, and a welcome feeling for Aidan despite some lingering guilt toward his lost husband and his fear of losing somebody again. Working cases help fuelling their attraction. But their main case, albeit done under the radar, is to figure out why Gabe and Tom died.
The first third of this story is well written, quite gripping and very promising. I really enjoyed the MCs, the grumpy but efficient Aidan and the charming Jamie. And I’m really eager to discover how their relationship will evolve : I’m quite sure it’s going to be very hot and with delicious bumps on the road.
June 12, 2017
This book pulled me along in spite of myself. It hews to a well-worn and very popular M/M formula, in the tale of two brilliant, handsome, talented FBI agents paired together, with sparks flying despite one agent's widowerhood of 8 months. I did like the emphasis on the FBI case, and an actual workable plot to the mystery. It has some of my pet peeves (like disappearing major injuries, agents as lovers letting it affect their work, pet names, and irresistible MC looks) but was entertaining enough that I read it in one go. Sometimes I'm in the mood for something fun, fast and tropey, and this was one of those times. The ending is a thin HFN, with both the relationship and bigger underlying case unsettled, although the main case in the book is complete. I expect this series to appeal to some of the fans of classic M/M thriller series.
April 16, 2024
Aidan va a regresar a su trabajo como agente del FBI después de la muerte de su esposo y su pareja del FBI. Debe retomar su vida, aunque el dolor de sus pérdidas todavía se sienta fresco. Pero cuando le asignan un caso en el que tiene que trabajar con su nuevo compañero, sabe que va a ser difícil resistirse al joven.
Ahora entre los dos deben descubrir que es lo que está pasando, capturar a los implicados y todo sin caer en la tentación de que la química entre ellos pueda despertar. Será posible? Con la atracción que sienten lograrán mantenerse separados y cumplir con su trabajo? O explotarán esa atracción?
Es un libro entretenido, fácil de leer, lleno de acción, emoción y misterio. Se enfoca bastante en los protas, pero no deja de lado el misterio, y todo se complementa muy bien. Me gustaron mucho los protas, sus personalidades, sus miedos, temores y sobre todo su forma de amar.
Me gustó mucho este primer libro y es seguro que buscaré leer los próximos de esta serie.
Ahora entre los dos deben descubrir que es lo que está pasando, capturar a los implicados y todo sin caer en la tentación de que la química entre ellos pueda despertar. Será posible? Con la atracción que sienten lograrán mantenerse separados y cumplir con su trabajo? O explotarán esa atracción?
Es un libro entretenido, fácil de leer, lleno de acción, emoción y misterio. Se enfoca bastante en los protas, pero no deja de lado el misterio, y todo se complementa muy bien. Me gustaron mucho los protas, sus personalidades, sus miedos, temores y sobre todo su forma de amar.
Me gustó mucho este primer libro y es seguro que buscaré leer los próximos de esta serie.
July 31, 2017
7/29/17 rereading because book 3 is out and I waited to read 2, and I'm going to read all 3 in a row.
3/16/17 Amazing series start
New to me author and it appears to be a debut novel, although I'm sure Layla Reyne has published before, just probably not in MM. (Edit: I'm assuming she's written or published before, because it was done well.) That was an excellent story overall. I had some minor niggles; occasionally it was difficult to follow who was speaking a bit of dialogue and sometimes an excess of character names and detail. Some of that may just be my aging brain. But I do appreciate a good dose of suspense and law enforcement action and this delivered in spades.
It was also a long, slow burn romance and the pages oozed UST until the last 30% or so. It was how it needed to be though, as Aiden (Irish) and Jamie (Whiskey) are newly matched FBI partners and Aiden a recent widower. The action is pretty fast paced and intriguing with lots of twists and turns. By the end, there's a tentative HFN and the lead-in for book two. It's a cliffhanger but for a different, albeit connected, mystery. Fortunately the second book is out soon and the third to follow shortly thereafter. I'm looking forward to seeing more of these two and really hoping for a couple of more doses of smexy time!
3/16/17 Amazing series start
New to me author and it appears to be a debut novel, although I'm sure Layla Reyne has published before, just probably not in MM. (Edit: I'm assuming she's written or published before, because it was done well.) That was an excellent story overall. I had some minor niggles; occasionally it was difficult to follow who was speaking a bit of dialogue and sometimes an excess of character names and detail. Some of that may just be my aging brain. But I do appreciate a good dose of suspense and law enforcement action and this delivered in spades.
It was also a long, slow burn romance and the pages oozed UST until the last 30% or so. It was how it needed to be though, as Aiden (Irish) and Jamie (Whiskey) are newly matched FBI partners and Aiden a recent widower. The action is pretty fast paced and intriguing with lots of twists and turns. By the end, there's a tentative HFN and the lead-in for book two. It's a cliffhanger but for a different, albeit connected, mystery. Fortunately the second book is out soon and the third to follow shortly thereafter. I'm looking forward to seeing more of these two and really hoping for a couple of more doses of smexy time!
April 17, 2017
Loved Irish (Aiden) & Whiskey (Jamie).
“I need...”
“What do you need?” Walker angled his face in, more than a mere brush, noses nudging each other, mouths inches apart.
“I need to feel alive again.”
“Then kiss me, Talley,” he whispered..
This book is low on steam but high on cyber talk. It took me some time to get used to. But I'm looking forward in reading about Aiden & Jamie's relationship. Aiden is having a hard time letting his husband go.
“No promises, Whiskey. We have fun, we enjoy each other, we keep it casual and quiet.
Can you do that?”
April 16, 2017
I really enjoyed this - the pace, the storyline and the chemistry between Irish & Whisky. Although this book was light on heat, it was heavy on "wanting" and I had a feeling this was one big build that would continue into future books. Looking forward to the next adventure which hopefully brings these two into more smokin hot moments
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