Craft Brew (Trouble Brewing #2)

Release Date E-Book and Audio: October 8;

Release Date Paperback: October 30

Publisher: Carina Press

Genre: M/M Romantic Suspense

Tropes and Themes: Workplace romance, forced proximity, friends-to-lovers, coming out

Blurb

Assistant US attorney Dominic Price is staring down the barrel of his father’s debts. The bull’s-eye 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 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.

Carina | Amazon | Universal

Excerpt

He took the steps two at a time, but ground to a halt inside the door. Across the cabin, Cam stood by the mini-bar, arms braced on the polished wood, torso heaving with deep, labored breaths. Nic glanced over his shoulder; Aidan and Jamie hadn’t emerged from the terminal. Stealing a moment, while he still had a chance, he crossed the cabin and wrapped his arms around Cam from behind.

Cam stiffened at first, but after another hitched breath, he relaxed into the hold, and Nic hugged him tighter, same as he’d done earlier. He nuzzled the nape of his neck, inhaling deep. “I wish you’d let me go with you,” he whispered.

So I can make sure you come back.

Cam’s “I do, too” was so quiet Nic barely heard it.

But it landed like a kick to his chest.

“Then why—”

Cam rotated in his arms, silencing him with a quick, hard kiss. “Please wait until I get back to move on Vaughn.”

Maybe he was worried about the mess Nic’s family was in somehow reaching his in Boston. “Is that—”

“Your turn to be quiet and careful. I can’t be there dealing with my family and worrying about you back here. Just wait to make any moves, please.”

Nic nodded, because at least Cam was talking about returning. “Okay, we won’t move on Vaughn until you’re back.”

Cam lifted his hands, framing his face. “And think about telling Aidan, at least about the mole inside the Bureau. And go to Moore. I trust him.”

“Shh, Boston.” Nic laid his hands over Cam’s. He was rambling again, worrying about him and Vaughn instead of what was truly terrifying him. “Don’t worry about me,” Nic reassured him, making up for the earlier lost opportunity, as best he could. “I’ll fly under the radar. I’ll be safe. You worry about your family.”

“You are—”

Using Cam’s own moves against him, Nic kissed him quiet, silencing the demanding flutter of his own damn heart as well.

“Call me if you need me,” Nic said. “I’ll be on the first plane out. Or I’ll phone a friend again, if need be.”

5 of 5 Stars

I’m not going to lie, I was a little bit nervous about starting this book for a few reasons 1) the relationship tension surrounding these two was palpable; 2) book one in the series was a bit of a disappointment considering the build-up and anticipation and 3) I loved the first series and those MC’s…A LOT and I was really, really looking forward to reading more about Cam and Nic (and also hoping to get a little more of Irish and Whiskey).

I am SO glad I didn’t give up after book one. And I will say again that I really don’t think this can be read as a spin-off series on its own. It honestly would be too confusing without having read the first series and book one is definitely required before this one. If you haven’t read those, do yourself a favor and just start from the beginning, you won’t regret it. Jamie (Whiskey) plays a major role in this book so I’d be remiss in not recommending you read his series first.

This book is tense and emotional. There are moments of sweetness and sorrow. The story surrounding Nic’s father continues to unravel but this book mostly centers on Cam and his family. Their relationship continues to grow and my God do I love these guys together. They are just right for each other. The protective nature in each of them runs deep so they butt heads try to protect each other which is half the appeal. Their sexual chemistry is strong but its their emotional chemistry that makes them so amazing in this story. I’d be hard pressed to say which of them is my favorite but there are a few times it would have picked Nic…hands down…from a couple of lines alone.

As I mentioned earlier, some of the characters from the original series make appearances. Jamie plays a major and he is as bad arse as ever.

These guys are well on their way to an HEA and I can’t wait for Nic to finally get the ordeal with his father resolved (which we’ll have to wait until book three to happen). In case you couldn’t tell by the 5 star rating, this is absolutely a must read!

What Others are Saying

“CRAFT BREW is a fast-paced, suspenseful novel that will take you on an emotional thrill-ride from beginning to end. I couldn’t stop turning the page to find out what happened next!” — Hailey Turner, bestselling author of the Soulbound series and Metahuman Files series

“I loved this book. In the second installation of the Trouble Brewing series the relationship between Nic and Cam is stretched to breaking point, as Nic’s troubles circle ever closer and they have to delve into Cam’s past. Layla Reyne infuses the story with all her trademark action scenes and taut plotting, but she never loses sight of the romance at the centre. This is both hot and touching, and remains the spark that totally lights up this series.” — Lily Morton, author of the bestselling Mixed Messages series

Book 1 – Imperial Stout

Pre-Order Book 3 – Noble Hops

(Expected Release: February 2019)

Amazon

Read the Series that Started it All!

About the Author

Author Layla Reyne was raised in North Carolina and now calls San Francisco home. She enjoys weaving her bi-coastal experiences into her stories, along with adrenaline-fueled suspense and heart pounding romance. When she’s not writing stories to excite her readers, she downloads too many books, watches too much television, and cooks too much food with her scientist husband, much to the delight of their smushed-face, leftover-loving dogs. Layla is a member of Romance Writers of America and its Kiss of Death and Rainbow Romance Writers chapters. She was a 2016 RWA® Golden Heart® Finalist in Romantic Suspense.