Dominic Price can’t outrun his past in the pulse-pounding second installment of Layla Reyne’s Trouble Brewing series Assistant US Attorney Dominic Price is staring down the barrel of his father’s debts. The bullseye on his back makes him a threat to everyone he cares about, so when his lover wants to go public with their relationship, he bolts. Not because he isn’t in love–he can’t stomach the … stomach the thought of putting Cam in danger.
Kidnap and rescue expert Cameron Byrne is determined to figure out what trouble Nic is running from, but devastating news from home brings him back to Boston and to the cold case that has haunted his family for two decades. Shoving aside his pride, he calls Nic for help.
Together they search for answers, navigating the minefield of Cam’s past. But when they get too close to the truth, Cam must use every skill in his arsenal to save the man he loves…before it’s too late.
Trouble Brewing:
Book 1: Imperial Stout
Book 2: Craft Brew
Book 3: Noble Hops
more
This was a page-turner from beginning to end. The action scenes were intense, and the relationships and friendships shined throughout the story. If fast-paced romantic suspense is your jam, you won’t want to miss Craft Brew!
Craft Brew starts a few months after the end of Imperial Stout. There’s a lot to unpack in this book, between Nic’s fear of something happening to Cam because of him, the continuing storyline of Nic’s dad’s debts, a new job offer, Cam being recalled home for a family emergency, and the search for Cam’s missing sister. Weaved in between all of that is some new background information on both of our main characters.
Nic and Cam have a relationship that feels so genuine, and the amount of times that they rely on each other to keep each other grounded and calm in this book gave me all sorts of happy-sighs and feel-good swoons. And it was ramped up to the nth degree in this one as Cam once again investigates into his sister’s disappearance.
To be honest, I wasn’t sold on the book at first, and that’s because Nic and Cam spend a good chunk of it apart. And I didn’t want them apart, I wanted them together and all the kisses and all the happily ever afters. But Layla’s writing sucks you in, even if the characters aren’t occupying the same geographical location for a little while, and keeps you turning pages until you get to the end and bemoan the fact that book three WON’T BE OUT UNTIL FEBRUARY!
5-star read from me. Solid writing, awesome characters, riveting storyline, and I can’t wait until the next one.
4-4.5 stars
This is not a standalone, you really need to read the first book, but I would highly recommend reading the previous series to really understand all the dynamics and relationships.
I didn’t think it would be possible for Nic & Can to come close to how I feel about Aiden & Jamie, but they are getting there. In the first book I struggled a bit, I felt like I was missing something and we were dropped in their relationship and I was scrambling to catch up. No problem with that in this one, so caught up and loving it. Nic just flat does it for me, all that dangerous, potential restrained and hidden in a well tailored suit…. YUMMY! And poor Cam in this one, I was blindsided by the pain he was hiding.
Cam’s family dynamics threw me off just a bit, the story there and how they coped was hard to read. But it was well done to cause that reaction in me. As always with Reyne, there was plenty of gripping suspense, action, and deliciously steamy hot. While the relationship was on point for me this time, the suspense line didn’t quite work for me as well as some of their others. I’m so excited for the next one though, I think it’s going to be that perfect combination and really push this series over the top for me.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy
Craft Brew continues with two storylines left off in the previous book, specifically Family Drama (another of my favorite sub plots.) Nic’s estranged father has money problems that are landing hard on Nic, and not in a way that can be solved with a trip to a lawyer or a bank. We see some of the roots of those problems as well as some of the steps Nic takes to solve them.
And we get to see a little more of Cam’s issues. I don’t know why I found this part to be more satisfying, because typically the type of issue Nic is facing is the kind of thing that sucks me in. Maybe Cam’s issue grabs me more tightly because it’s set in Boston. Maybe it grabs me more tightly because the arc feels more complete. Either way, I was completely drawn in and I loved every minute.
Craft Brew does not stand alone. You’re going to need to go read the first book in the series first, but that’s okay. It’s not exactly a hardship.
I went into this book knowing how the first chapter of the third one began because I stupidly thought I could just read the third one as a standalone. Not happening, so I read the first two and I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would considering that it’s the middle book.
I cared about the characters, there was plenty of action and enough romance and sex to keep it in the romance category, but not so much that it distracted from the story.
I recommend it, but make sure you’ve read Imperial Stout first.
*I received an arc of this book.*
4.5 Stars
5+1 stars!!!
It’s settled. I love Cam and Nic more than Irish and Whiskey! Sorry guys, you have to move! This couple is just so intense in a good kind of way that I can feel the love pouring off of them in waves! This book is a little different than others, I think, because here they don’t just have a regular case investigation sprinkled with a dose of personal relationship, it’s centered on family ties, opens doors to Cam’s past and future.
When the call comes in the deep of the night, Cam drops everything to be with his family in their dark times. It’s tense and filled with anguish but Cam has to stay strong because only he can bring his family resolution and peace that eluded them all since that fateful day that she disappeared. It’s the hardest and the most painful case he has ever been involved in, and he will need all the help and support he can get.
Nic is set to be there for the man he loves but all is not simple. While his hand was forced many years ago to be in the open, Cam is not ready and that makes it even harder for Nic because he has to watch Cam tear himself apart over the tragedy that struck his family. There seems to be no change in the evidence but they get a lucky break – another girl is stolen, the trace is still fresh and they can find her and maybe put all the demons to rest.
It’s thrilling, action-packed and engrossing investigation, all the stops are pulled out, no stone left unturned, and what they discover is horrible and atrocious but it finally lifts the cover of guilt and pain and brings relief and the ability to grieve and let go. This book is very emotional, very personal journey for Cam, and Nic is there to catch him when he drifts too far from the shore. I loved, loved, loved this book, Cam and Nic, Cam’s family and all their friends! It was great! I highly recommend this book and whole spin-off!
Well, I’m soaked in tears and my heart is bursting. This was a emotional read indeed, so much feelings
Both Cam and Nic has their feelings on their sleeves and they both show it to each other unintentionally.
I love love love this story.
* Very good storyline
* Well described characters with lots of feelings, and secondary characters that “played” well with others
* No unnecessary descriptions of surroundings
* Lots of dialogues and no major unnecessary drama (I love that)
* Love scenes is emotional and intense
Wonderful mm romance with a bit of action, it can’t be better than that 5 stars
Cam (Cameron) and Nic (Dominic) have been a couple for months now and Cam wants Nic to move in. Nic is still struggling with the repercussions of his father’s actions, though, and doesn’t want anything to fall back on Cam, so he’s holding back. And then Cam gets the call to come home to his family when an emergency happens. Will it spur Nic to realize just how he feels about Cam? And what about Cam? He may be completely sure of his sexuality and his love for Nic, but his family is in the dark about it. He can’t possibly come out to them when one of his family is fighting for their lives, can he?
And in the background, there are shadows slithering around, causing both Nic and Cam more distress. Can they fight back and secure their future? Can’t they catch a break and be allowed to be in love without all the extraneous things getting in the way?
Whew, I loved Craft Brew! Even though I haven’t read the first book in this series, or any of the series this is apparently a spinoff of, I was easily able to get into Cam and Nic’s story. They are such amazing characters – strong and decisive and so head over heels in love with each other. I cannot wait for the next part of their story! This one ended in a sort of HFN way so I know more is coming. I wish it had been a HEA, but as there’s more to be told, I can deal with the sort of vague-ish ending. At least I know these two are happy and happily in love, so I’m happy.
Honestly, this may be my favorite book from this author yet. It was so suspenseful and action-packed, I hated having to put it down when life interrupted. The plot was fantastic and well developed, without being complicated. I was kept on my toes, and wanted to know how the case unfolded and ended, but not wanting the book to end at the same time!
Nic and Cam’s relationship evolved more in this book and it truly was relationship goals at the end. One of my favorite parts of a relationship is how each character comes to terms with it, and Nic and Cam’s was written so well. Layla is at the top of the romantic suspense game! I cannot wait for the next chapter in Nic and Cam’s story!
I love getting glimpses of Whiskey and Irish, and we thankfully got more of that in Craft Brew. If you haven’t yet, check out the Whiskey and Irish series with Aidan and Jamie.
–4.5 stars- More of Everything–
I don’t know what it is, but the second books in this author’s series are always my favorite. Craft Brew is the second release from the Troubled Brewing series and it offered even more than Imperial Stout- more character development, furthered relationship dynamics, more sexy scenes, heightened suspense, additional twists, and more intense action scenes. I got so caught up in Nic and Cam’s story that I couldn’t put it down until I knew how the case closed…and even then I was left wanting more time with this couple.
Craft Brew picks up about a month after Imperial Stout, and while it does follow a new case, the continuing storylines and side plots mean these really need to be read in order. For those familiar with the Agents Irish and Whiskey series, readers get to see Jamie back in action when he agrees to head back to Boston to help Cam with an ill family member and an investigation into a cold case that’s haunted Cam’s family for years. Although I liked Nic and Cam previously, I felt as though I got a much better look into their personalities and feelings over the course of this novel and it made me fall that much harder for them as individuals and as a couple. The back and forth about moving their relationship forward was enough to drive the romantic conflict, but not so much that it caused frustration and I enjoyed the steady advancement of their relationship. I could definitely feel more chemistry between these two than I had in the first book of the series.
From the suspense and case standpoint, Craft Brew was excellent. The case’s personal impact on Cam heightened all the emotions, and the action scenes had me balanced on the edge of my seat. I love how this author lets each character’s strengths shine- both with the main characters and secondary characters, and in doing so you really get to know and become invested in the individuals over the course of the series. With the tie-in to the past series, Craft Brew had that familial feeling which heightened the intensity and excitement. If you’re into romantic suspense, this is a series I’d easily recommend.
*eARC received via Netgalley*
5 Stars
Review by Elizabeth
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog
Layla Reyne has written an excellent second installment to the Trouble Brewing series with Craft Brew. I found myself hooked on Cam and Nic’s story from page one. So hooked in fact that I was up all night reading this gem.
Craft Brew is in no way a standalone so be sure to read the first installment, Imperial Stout, to get their story in its entirety.
Cam and Nic are faced with two very important cases that will either make them or break them. Not only are they faced with finding the man responsible for threatening Nic’s life at all turns, they are responsible for finding out the truth behind Cam’s missing sister, Erin, who disappeared twenty years ago without a trace. It is up to Cam to find out what exactly happened to his little sister.
I love that they are fiercely protective of each other after only being together a short time. Nic is scared to love but you can tell from the beginning how he feels about Cam. I also love that when it came time to meet Cam’s family Nic did not give him crap for not being “out”. Those two are perfectly made for each other. It also helps that the chemistry is off the charts.
Craft Brew is by far one of the best MM romances I have read to this date. If you are a lover of angst, suspense, mystery, heck anything. Read this series. You will be begging for more.
I cannot wait to read their HEA in the third installment. Cam and Nic both deserve it.
With every page I read I fell more in love with Cam and Nic! Each man has been so hurt and damaged in their past. Watching them learn to trust and lean on each other is perfection. They so carefully open themselves up to the possibilities that come with love. The hopes and dreams that they each thought were beyond them.
When Cam is called back to Boston for a family health emergency it opens up old wounds from a long ago tragedy. Being there without Nic is harder than he thought it would be. When he finally reaches out for Nic’s help it makes him that much stronger.
These two are made for each other! They hold each other up when needed. There are moments in this story that will rip your heart out. Sorrow and tragedy beyond measure. The one constant throughout this story is love. Love of family. Love of your partner. The last moments of this novel were so touching and beautiful. So healing. I am anxiously waiting for the next installment of Cam and Nic
**Copy provided to the reviewer via NetGalley for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.**
Craft Brew is Book two in Layla Reyne’s Trouble Brewing series. This series must be read in order, and the first one must be read before this one. Seriously. If someone tells you differently, they are wrong. 😉 I think for maximum enjoyment you should have read the Agents Irish and Whiskey series before this one, too.
The first book ended with Nic and Cam being in a good place, but any reader of Reyne’s should know not to get comfortable in that feeling. I have loved Nic from his first introduction in the previous series and this series doesn’t change that love. I liked Cam coming into this book, but didn’t love him. This book changed that and we got to see Cam, all sides of him. We learned Cam’s dark secrets and more of his life.
And we learn Cam’s heartbreak and his past with his missing sister. This storyline was heartbreaking and I kept thinking: maybe there’s a chance. Don’t get me wrong, if the author had handled it differently I would have been annoyed because it just wouldn’t have been believable, but I was willing to accept it. I loved seeing Cam’s time with his family, even more so when he got his act together about Nic.
This story ends with a HFN ending but Nic and Cam are in a good place, again. I know some of what Nic and Cam are facing so I’m not expecting a sweet, easy HEA from them in the next book. Anything these two men have in life will be hard fought. But, those are all good things and Nic and Cam will come out stronger and I’ll love them even more.
Rating: 5 stars!!
The next installment of Cam and Nic’s story. Cam is called back to Boston for a family emergency. When his mom asks him to look at his sister’s disappearance, he can’t refuse her. Needing Nic’s help he asks him to come.
Spicy thrill ride. Great mystery and amazing writing. Both guys are super intense. The story is riveting. I like the progression of the relationship. It is organically changing. I got tense at times from the action and suspense. Absolutely wonderful!! I can’t wait for the next installment!