Review: Cask Strength by Layla Reyne
SYNOPSIS:
Professionally, the FBI team of Aidan “Irish” Talley and Jameson “Whiskey” Walker is as good as it gets, closing cases faster than any team at the Bureau. Personally, it’s a different story. Aidan’s feelings for Jamie scare the hell out of him: he won’t risk losing another love no matter how heart-tripping the intimacy between them. And loss is a grim reality with the terrorist Renaud still on their trail, leaving a pile of bodies in his wake.
Going undercover on a new case gets them out of town and off the killer’s radar. They’re assigned to investigate an identity theft ring involving a college basketball team in Jamie’s home state, where Jamie’s past makes him perfect for the role of coach. But returning to the court brings more than old memories.
As secrets and shocking betrayals abound, none may be more dangerous than the one Jamie’s been keeping: a secret about the death of Aidan’s husband that could blow his partner’s world apart and destroy forever the fragile bonds of trust and love building between them.
REVIEW:
After a delightful first book; I have to say, this book was infuriating. Aidan’s behavior throughout the story, while sometimes justified, most of the time it had me in a blind rage. My heart ached endlessly for Jamie and at the end of the day, I am not sure Aidan even deserves Jamie.
Half of this book is spent with Aidan denying his true feelings for Jamie. He keeps things casual by dating around and letting Jamie believe that he is back to his old ‘man eater’ ways, which is extremely disappointing. All the chemistry and close calls of the first book are basically shafted while Aidan behaves as a child throwing a temper-tantrum all because he feels something deeply for Jamie. In contrast, Jamie handles Aidan’s sh*tty behavior all in good stride, he is patient but eventually reaches his breaking point. It’s only when Jamie’s ex confesses he still has feelings for him that Aidan pulls his head out of his *ss and stops treating Jamie like sh*t. The whole journey of their relationship this story was infuriating.
In terms of the plots and ongoing investigations, I was hooked. I loved how things are continuously evolving regarding Aidan’s old partner and husband. This mystery has me absolutely invested, every giant twist leaves me reeling. Especially, the ending which has me excited for how the next book will play out. While it does give closure on one case, this underlying case is now becoming the center focal point and I worry that the revelations will wreck Aidan.
Then there is the case that Aidan and Jamie are currently assigned. I loved getting a glimpse into Jamie as a character. The man just has a huge heart and had me endlessly swooning with his kindness and tenderness. It also feels like this case was a potential hint that these men could have something outside of the FBI once all these things are over. Overall I am left with mixed feelings as I wrapped up the story. But I will be reading the next book.
LINKS:
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
