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Bootleg Springs #5
Gin Fling
A slow grin spread across his face and I had to turn away from the wattage. It was like staring at the sun. The handsome sun that was making my core temperature rise and causing a hormone dump in my brain. — Shelby Thompson
Personal trainer Jonah Bodine discovers more than he bargained for with the half-siblings he didn’t know he had in small-town West Virginia. Not only is his dead father a person of interest in a cold case disappearance, but the entire town seems way too invested in Jonah’s happily ever after potential.
His summer of solitude in a lakeside cottage is ruined when his matchmaking sister saddles him with an unwanted roommate.
Adorable, snort-laughing nerd Shelby Thompson came to Bootleg Springs looking for answers and ends up getting adopted by the town’s nosy elders. Maneuvered into sharing a cottage with the handsome trainer, she makes the best of a sticky situation by offering her perpetually shirtless roommate a strings-free summer fling.
Jonah is tempted. Very tempted. But Shelby has secrets. And as the Callie Kendall mystery unravels, Shelby’s own past comes back to haunt her. The danger is very real and so are the feelings she’s developing for Jonah.
Pleasure Buttons: Small-town. Romantic comedy. Romantic suspense. Summer fling. Roommates to lovers. Rescued puppies. Family series. Mystery. Happily ever after.
Personal trainer Jonah Bodine discovers more than he bargained for with the half-siblings he didn’t know he had in small-town West Virginia. Not only is his dead father a person of interest in a cold case disappearance, but the entire town seems way too invested in Jonah’s happily ever after potential.
His summer of solitude in a lakeside cottage is ruined when his matchmaking sister saddles him with an unwanted roommate.
Adorable, snort-laughing nerd Shelby Thompson came to Bootleg Springs looking for answers and ends up getting adopted by the town’s nosy elders. Maneuvered into sharing a cottage with the handsome trainer, she makes the best of a sticky situation by offering her perpetually shirtless roommate a strings-free summer fling.
Jonah is tempted. Very tempted. But Shelby has secrets. And as the Callie Kendall mystery unravels, Shelby’s own past comes back to haunt her. The danger is very real and so are the feelings she’s developing for Jonah.
Pleasure Buttons: Small-town. Romantic comedy. Romantic suspense. Summer fling. Roommates to lovers. Rescued puppies. Family series. Mystery. Happily ever after.
404 pages, ebook
First published June 24, 2019
5428 people are currently reading
10029 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Score
61 books61.3k followersLucy Score is an instant #1 New York Times bestselling author. She grew up in a literary family who insisted that the dinner table was for reading and earned a degree in journalism.
She writes full-time from the Pennsylvania home she and Mr. Lucy share with their obnoxious cat, Cleo. When not spending hours crafting heartbreaker heroes and kick-ass heroines, Lucy can be found on the couch, in the kitchen, or at the gym.
She hopes to someday write from a sailboat, oceanfront condo, or tropical island with reliable Wi-Fi.
Sign up for her never annoying newsletter at https://www.lucyscore.net/subscribe-l....
She writes full-time from the Pennsylvania home she and Mr. Lucy share with their obnoxious cat, Cleo. When not spending hours crafting heartbreaker heroes and kick-ass heroines, Lucy can be found on the couch, in the kitchen, or at the gym.
She hopes to someday write from a sailboat, oceanfront condo, or tropical island with reliable Wi-Fi.
Sign up for her never annoying newsletter at https://www.lucyscore.net/subscribe-l....
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June 21, 2019
Gin Fling is book five in the Bootleg Springs series by Lucy Score and Claire Kingsley. I don’t think I’ve ever been more excited to find out how a series is going to end. This is the next to the last book. Jonah Bodine’s story. And I’m telling you, it is FULL of so much! There are so many big reveals, but still some questions left to be answered. And Jonah was everything I hoped he would be and more.
Jonah Bodine grew up with his single mom, never knowing the father he was named after. A year before, when he realized he had four half siblings, he packed up and headed to Bootleg Springs, West Virginia to get to know them better. He never had a real plan. Didn’t know how long he was going to stay. But he found himself smack dab in the middle of the town mystery. Who killed Callie Kendall? And all the evidence seems to be pointing to the father he was named after.
Jonah is a personal trainer and he has spent the year gaining clients in Bootleg Springs and one by one, forging relationships with the town’s residents. He is also bonding with his three brothers and sister. He still sometimes feels like an outsider, the illegitimate son of a suspected killer. But most of the time, he finds himself accepted, part of something he never imagined he would be, a family.
Shelby Thompson is GT’s younger sister. She is working on her doctoral degree and is studying the residents of Bootleg Springs for her thesis. She loves this little town. Loves being closer to her big brother and Junie. She needs a more permanent place to stay while she works on her degree. Unfortunately, Scarlett uses this opportunity to do a little match making and puts her in the same house as Jonah as roommates. Jonah who is so beautiful, who she might have a little crush on, and who thinks she is a hated journalist and despises her.
“I’m here to learn why it is that the residents of Bootleg Springs work so well together.”
“Shelby, there’s no secret there. We’re neighbors. That makes us family.”
I’m telling you, this book had so much!!! At first, things build slowly. And then, hold on to your horses! The secrets started coming in hot and heavy. Everyone had secrets here. At the same time, there were so many sweet, adorable moments between all of our favorite couples we’ve fallen in love with over this series! Get ready for sexy, hot Jonah as well because once this man decides what he wants, he is all in!!! (pun intended!)
The final book in this series will soon be behind this one, Gibson’s story. At the same time, we’ll get all of the questions answered. I’ve had my own theories from the start and I can’t wait to see if I am anywhere close to being correct. Can you read this as a stand alone? Probably. There is the Callie Kendall mystery running throughout the series but enough information is given to get you through. But then you’d be missing all of the awesomeness of getting to know ALL of the Bodine siblings and their love interests. Every book is more amazing than the one before it.
“Bootleg Springs had cast its spell on all of us, drawing us in and making us feel like we belonged.”
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/44036...
Jonah Bodine grew up with his single mom, never knowing the father he was named after. A year before, when he realized he had four half siblings, he packed up and headed to Bootleg Springs, West Virginia to get to know them better. He never had a real plan. Didn’t know how long he was going to stay. But he found himself smack dab in the middle of the town mystery. Who killed Callie Kendall? And all the evidence seems to be pointing to the father he was named after.
Jonah is a personal trainer and he has spent the year gaining clients in Bootleg Springs and one by one, forging relationships with the town’s residents. He is also bonding with his three brothers and sister. He still sometimes feels like an outsider, the illegitimate son of a suspected killer. But most of the time, he finds himself accepted, part of something he never imagined he would be, a family.
Shelby Thompson is GT’s younger sister. She is working on her doctoral degree and is studying the residents of Bootleg Springs for her thesis. She loves this little town. Loves being closer to her big brother and Junie. She needs a more permanent place to stay while she works on her degree. Unfortunately, Scarlett uses this opportunity to do a little match making and puts her in the same house as Jonah as roommates. Jonah who is so beautiful, who she might have a little crush on, and who thinks she is a hated journalist and despises her.
“I’m here to learn why it is that the residents of Bootleg Springs work so well together.”
“Shelby, there’s no secret there. We’re neighbors. That makes us family.”
I’m telling you, this book had so much!!! At first, things build slowly. And then, hold on to your horses! The secrets started coming in hot and heavy. Everyone had secrets here. At the same time, there were so many sweet, adorable moments between all of our favorite couples we’ve fallen in love with over this series! Get ready for sexy, hot Jonah as well because once this man decides what he wants, he is all in!!! (pun intended!)
The final book in this series will soon be behind this one, Gibson’s story. At the same time, we’ll get all of the questions answered. I’ve had my own theories from the start and I can’t wait to see if I am anywhere close to being correct. Can you read this as a stand alone? Probably. There is the Callie Kendall mystery running throughout the series but enough information is given to get you through. But then you’d be missing all of the awesomeness of getting to know ALL of the Bodine siblings and their love interests. Every book is more amazing than the one before it.
“Bootleg Springs had cast its spell on all of us, drawing us in and making us feel like we belonged.”
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/44036...
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June 14, 2019Oh my, y'all! I can't believe Claire Kingsley and I are wrapping up Bootleg Springs. It seems like only yesterday we were kicking the idea around of a small-town family series.
Gin Fling is the next-to-last book in the series and it's my final contribution to the Bodine family and Bootleg Springs. I'm so attached to these characters it's almost embarrassing! So let's talk Gin Fling. The only thing Jonah Bodine got from his father, was his name. He wasn't interested in anything else until he found out about his four half-siblings.
He arrives in town to meet the family he never knew he had just in time for the Bodines to discover their father's link to the cold case disappearance of a teenage girl. In the year since he came to Bootleg Springs, personal trainer Jonah has witnessed his brothers and sister finding their happily ever afters and he's beginning to wonder if he'll ever find his.
Leave it to sister Scarlett who forces him into a roommate situation with the one woman in town he can't stand. But adorable nerd Shelby Thompson, adopted little sister to pro football player George "GT" Thompson, turns out to be pretty hard to resist.
With neither one of them planning to put down roots in this tiny West Virginia town, can they survive a steamy summer fling? Especially when Shelby's past comes back to haunt them and the Callie Kendall case explodes.
Seriously, guys. I can't wait for you to read Jonah and Shelby's story! Gibson is up next in the final book!
Gin Fling is the next-to-last book in the series and it's my final contribution to the Bodine family and Bootleg Springs. I'm so attached to these characters it's almost embarrassing! So let's talk Gin Fling. The only thing Jonah Bodine got from his father, was his name. He wasn't interested in anything else until he found out about his four half-siblings.
He arrives in town to meet the family he never knew he had just in time for the Bodines to discover their father's link to the cold case disappearance of a teenage girl. In the year since he came to Bootleg Springs, personal trainer Jonah has witnessed his brothers and sister finding their happily ever afters and he's beginning to wonder if he'll ever find his.
Leave it to sister Scarlett who forces him into a roommate situation with the one woman in town he can't stand. But adorable nerd Shelby Thompson, adopted little sister to pro football player George "GT" Thompson, turns out to be pretty hard to resist.
With neither one of them planning to put down roots in this tiny West Virginia town, can they survive a steamy summer fling? Especially when Shelby's past comes back to haunt them and the Callie Kendall case explodes.
Seriously, guys. I can't wait for you to read Jonah and Shelby's story! Gibson is up next in the final book!
July 7, 2019
The dude in this book is a personal trainer. He works out constantly and eats only healthy. He also tells everyone else that they should eat healthy... a lot ... who wouldn't fall in love with a guy like that?
And kale chips are just as good as tortilla chips too, right?
And, it's not like we don't know if we aren't exactly living the healthy lifestyle.
"Jilly, mixing chocolate and alcohol doesn't make a healthy smoothie and twerking isn't considered an exercise routine. Also, get off that table, you might hurt yourself."
Oh, thank you Helpy Helperson!
Now, fuck off! I'm twerking.
I'm only volunteering at the senior center for a couple more hours. They love me here.
See? He loves it.
So, I found the hero in this book, Jonah, to be a little too..... not fun.... for me. It's hard to like a guy who shaves all his body hair, wears bike shorts, and eats kale as if it isn't a vile weed from the bowels of hell.
Good tip!
The girl.... um... can't remember her name....Let's just call her "New Girl" because that is obviously what they were going for here. She's got bangs y'all! Her bangs are mentioned every few pages so you don't forget.
That doesn't sound like something I'd do. Sorry.
New Girl is hiding a big secret, and let me just warn you - it's not a very good secret. I wanted something really juicy, like maybe she had an evil twin that kills every man she sleeps with, or that she was secretly a ventriloquist and slept with her dummy who talked in his sleep at night. You know, something cool. But no, it was boring. *sigh*
She and Jonah end up having to live in the same house because...you know, it was impossible for them to avoid that... uh, sure.
They hate each other.... for reasons.
Which inevitably means they are in lust. Because we all know that the person we hate is actually a sexy beast that we want.
I strongly disagree with this trope.
God, I hate vegan butter.
The book was okay, and they were nice enough people, but it wasn't my favorite at all. I didn't like how the girl, Shelby (hey, I remembered!) kept throwing herself at Jonah. She asked him to have sex with her, he refused, so she started negotiating ways to convince him. He said he'd think about it, and then she keeps asking him every day if he decided yet. It was really desperate, IMO. If a guy has to "think about" whether or not he wants your offer of free sex? Girl, he's just not that into you. Take a hint - move along.
Other than that, I had no real complaints. Just that one page worth. All in all a pretty good day for Jilly.
And kale chips are just as good as tortilla chips too, right?
And, it's not like we don't know if we aren't exactly living the healthy lifestyle.
"Jilly, mixing chocolate and alcohol doesn't make a healthy smoothie and twerking isn't considered an exercise routine. Also, get off that table, you might hurt yourself."
Oh, thank you Helpy Helperson!
Now, fuck off! I'm twerking.
I'm only volunteering at the senior center for a couple more hours. They love me here.
See? He loves it.
So, I found the hero in this book, Jonah, to be a little too..... not fun.... for me. It's hard to like a guy who shaves all his body hair, wears bike shorts, and eats kale as if it isn't a vile weed from the bowels of hell.
Good tip!
The girl.... um... can't remember her name....Let's just call her "New Girl" because that is obviously what they were going for here. She's got bangs y'all! Her bangs are mentioned every few pages so you don't forget.
That doesn't sound like something I'd do. Sorry.
New Girl is hiding a big secret, and let me just warn you - it's not a very good secret. I wanted something really juicy, like maybe she had an evil twin that kills every man she sleeps with, or that she was secretly a ventriloquist and slept with her dummy who talked in his sleep at night. You know, something cool. But no, it was boring. *sigh*
She and Jonah end up having to live in the same house because...you know, it was impossible for them to avoid that... uh, sure.
They hate each other.... for reasons.
Which inevitably means they are in lust. Because we all know that the person we hate is actually a sexy beast that we want.
I strongly disagree with this trope.
God, I hate vegan butter.
The book was okay, and they were nice enough people, but it wasn't my favorite at all. I didn't like how the girl, Shelby (hey, I remembered!) kept throwing herself at Jonah. She asked him to have sex with her, he refused, so she started negotiating ways to convince him. He said he'd think about it, and then she keeps asking him every day if he decided yet. It was really desperate, IMO. If a guy has to "think about" whether or not he wants your offer of free sex? Girl, he's just not that into you. Take a hint - move along.
Other than that, I had no real complaints. Just that one page worth. All in all a pretty good day for Jilly.
August 15, 2021
Sharing the heavy load...
Another great instalment to this series and another excellent performance by the narrators. Gin Fling is all about learning to share the burden of your worries. With Jonah, it was obvious that he is still adjusting to having a new family. In Shelby's case, it was all about coming to terms with a change to her health, and learning that she doesn't have to deal with it alone.
I can't wait to get to Gibson and that very sexy drawl of his in Highball Rush. 😍
**********
A Summer fling that grew into an Autumn, Winter and Spring fling too...
I can admit that for 2.5 seconds, I hesitated to start Gin Fling because of the continuing Callie Kendall mystery. It was a silly hesitation because I know that the mystery is not the main part of these stories, but I just want to get to the bottom of the mystery already. That 2.5 seconds that I hesitated was the only hesitation because once I started reading, I was sucked into Bootleg Springs like normal and loved the journey to love for Jonah and Shelby.
I can't believe we're coming to the end of the Bootleg Springs series. This town and its people are just so amazing, I really want to move there myself. I absolutely loved that Shelby's character was studying the dynamics of how this small town worked. If where I currently live had the same dynamics, I would be running for the hills. If I was living somewhere like Bootleg Springs, it would be awesome.
I really enjoyed getting to know Jonah and Shelby better. There was a lot to learn about these two and I loved seeing them share their vulnerabilities and communicate their concerns. It was surprising how well suited they were for each other. Shelby lived off dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets for crikey's sake, and Jonah is all about the grilled chicken and veggies. He's always doing things and she's always observing things. They were so mismatched but perfect together.
Don't get me wrong, I absolutely loved Jonah but how hard would it be living with a personal trainer? Having someone monitor your eating habits, assess your exercise regime and constantly advising you on healthy choices would probably get a wee bit old. Then, you would also be living with someone who has a perfect body. I'm just not sure my ego could take it. Before I could commit to living with a personal trainer, I'd need physical proof that they can have off days. A pimple or bloated tummy would suffice, just something to make me feel better when I had an off day.
Now...Callie Kendall...
Well, I can still be surprised where this mystery is heading. New information has come to light from an unlikely source and I didn't see it coming. When Shelby's life was in danger, I loved that all of Bootleg Springs came together to protect one of their new initiates. We are so close to finding out the who, what, where and how's that I can't wait for the final reveal in Gibson's story.
I absolutely LOVE the Bootleg Spring series and Gin Fling was an excellent addition to the series. If you haven't tried it yet, I suggest you...start at the very beginning, a very good place to start...
Another great instalment to this series and another excellent performance by the narrators. Gin Fling is all about learning to share the burden of your worries. With Jonah, it was obvious that he is still adjusting to having a new family. In Shelby's case, it was all about coming to terms with a change to her health, and learning that she doesn't have to deal with it alone.
I can't wait to get to Gibson and that very sexy drawl of his in Highball Rush. 😍
**********
A Summer fling that grew into an Autumn, Winter and Spring fling too...
I can admit that for 2.5 seconds, I hesitated to start Gin Fling because of the continuing Callie Kendall mystery. It was a silly hesitation because I know that the mystery is not the main part of these stories, but I just want to get to the bottom of the mystery already. That 2.5 seconds that I hesitated was the only hesitation because once I started reading, I was sucked into Bootleg Springs like normal and loved the journey to love for Jonah and Shelby.
I can't believe we're coming to the end of the Bootleg Springs series. This town and its people are just so amazing, I really want to move there myself. I absolutely loved that Shelby's character was studying the dynamics of how this small town worked. If where I currently live had the same dynamics, I would be running for the hills. If I was living somewhere like Bootleg Springs, it would be awesome.
I really enjoyed getting to know Jonah and Shelby better. There was a lot to learn about these two and I loved seeing them share their vulnerabilities and communicate their concerns. It was surprising how well suited they were for each other. Shelby lived off dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets for crikey's sake, and Jonah is all about the grilled chicken and veggies. He's always doing things and she's always observing things. They were so mismatched but perfect together.
Don't get me wrong, I absolutely loved Jonah but how hard would it be living with a personal trainer? Having someone monitor your eating habits, assess your exercise regime and constantly advising you on healthy choices would probably get a wee bit old. Then, you would also be living with someone who has a perfect body. I'm just not sure my ego could take it. Before I could commit to living with a personal trainer, I'd need physical proof that they can have off days. A pimple or bloated tummy would suffice, just something to make me feel better when I had an off day.
Now...Callie Kendall...
Well, I can still be surprised where this mystery is heading. New information has come to light from an unlikely source and I didn't see it coming. When Shelby's life was in danger, I loved that all of Bootleg Springs came together to protect one of their new initiates. We are so close to finding out the who, what, where and how's that I can't wait for the final reveal in Gibson's story.
I absolutely LOVE the Bootleg Spring series and Gin Fling was an excellent addition to the series. If you haven't tried it yet, I suggest you...start at the very beginning, a very good place to start...
July 9, 2019
They saved a puppy.
He wasn't a manwhore.
She enjoyed sex.
I clicked 3 for this.
2.5 actually, because of 3 reasons above.
They tried to portray him as a good guy, but I wasn't convinced.
The heroine was ok.
Suspense started to annoy me. I guess the last book about the huge manwhore gibson will be also about his lost young love, Cassie, the girl, who was missing for years. Gah, he'll have many surprises for her... chlamydia, herpes etc 🙄
The way they trashed a woman Misty Lynn was low and shallow. It shows the influence of the 2nd author Lucy Score wrote this series with. Shallow.
But hey, he wasn't a manwhore! Maybe because the next male protagonist will be in double 🙄
He wasn't a manwhore.
She enjoyed sex.
I clicked 3 for this.
2.5 actually, because of 3 reasons above.
They tried to portray him as a good guy, but I wasn't convinced.
The heroine was ok.
Suspense started to annoy me. I guess the last book about the huge manwhore gibson will be also about his lost young love, Cassie, the girl, who was missing for years. Gah, he'll have many surprises for her... chlamydia, herpes etc 🙄
The way they trashed a woman Misty Lynn was low and shallow. It shows the influence of the 2nd author Lucy Score wrote this series with. Shallow.
But hey, he wasn't a manwhore! Maybe because the next male protagonist will be in double 🙄
June 26, 2019
OMG. IF I DIDN'T LOVE BOOTLEG SPRINGS BEFORE, WELL I DEFINITELY DO NOW.
RTC.
I just, I thought this series couldn't get better. I thought they had given me everything I wanted. But I was so, so wrong.
Jonah and Shelby are PERFECT. I probably said that about Scarlett and Devlin, Bowie and Cassidy, Jameson and Leah Mae, and even JuneBug and GT, but I mean it this time.
I absolutely love how Bootleg Springs takes in these two outsiders and makes them part of their own. Jonah has the Bodine blood and that basically makes him Bootleg, but the real proof that he is a Bootlegger is the initiation. That special brand of Bootleg Justice.
I'm in love. I'm in lust. I'm waiting for my forever with a Bootleg Springs citizen. Do they still have single Bootleggers in my age group??
At this point, the only thing I'm missing is Gibson Bodine falling in love (and Oh, I have so many theories and canNOT wait to see who the lucky lady is) and getting his HEA. And, the obvious, what happened to Callie Kendall?!
December 4, 2022
This book has been the best in the series so far as far as advancing the mystery plot. A good focus on the mystery in this book and finally some answers. Although this is book five out of six so it would be weird if we weren’t finally getting answers.
As far the romance - I’d say it was pretty mediocre. It started strong with a good forced proximity and I had high hopes but it kind of fizzled out. Never really connected to the characters or felt much chemistry. The romance was a bit of a bore and took a back seat to the side plots.
Still love the small town vibes and all the side characters - but with every book I read I like Scarlett less and less. Good thing her book was first, I would not want to read it at this point she is really starting to annoy me.
As far the romance - I’d say it was pretty mediocre. It started strong with a good forced proximity and I had high hopes but it kind of fizzled out. Never really connected to the characters or felt much chemistry. The romance was a bit of a bore and took a back seat to the side plots.
Still love the small town vibes and all the side characters - but with every book I read I like Scarlett less and less. Good thing her book was first, I would not want to read it at this point she is really starting to annoy me.
June 17, 2019
Expectations for this addition and the next to finish out the Bootleg Springs series are high. Gin Fling blew those out of the water! With everything happening between the Bodine siblings and their significant others, Jonah getting an unexpected roommate, George winning at pets, June's aliases, dino nuggets, everyone getting "Scarlet Bodined" and the twists in the ongoing Callie mystery, I didn't want this story to end.
My heart was bursting with love for Jonah. This brother from another mother feels like such an outsider when, in reality, this little West Virginia town has welcomed him with open arms. Reading his journey was so rewarding. Be on the look out for some epic Bootleg Justice! And Shelby, ahhhh I just love her nerdy little soul. She was an incredible heroine with horrible eating habits, a big heart, and hefty goals.
The ongoing mystery throughout the series continues and has you shaking your head, taking notes and adjusting all the theories. In addition to updates on all our favorite Bootleggers, we finally get to meet Jonah's mom and several other new characters. They're a lovely addition to the colorful communal fabric of Bootleg Springs. I've fallen head over heels for the Bodines and the town folk as a whole. While excited to read the last book in the series soon, I'm also saddened that the series will be over. Lucy and Claire have fabricated a world of kooky characters with humongous hearts where I want to vacation every summer.
My heart was bursting with love for Jonah. This brother from another mother feels like such an outsider when, in reality, this little West Virginia town has welcomed him with open arms. Reading his journey was so rewarding. Be on the look out for some epic Bootleg Justice! And Shelby, ahhhh I just love her nerdy little soul. She was an incredible heroine with horrible eating habits, a big heart, and hefty goals.
The ongoing mystery throughout the series continues and has you shaking your head, taking notes and adjusting all the theories. In addition to updates on all our favorite Bootleggers, we finally get to meet Jonah's mom and several other new characters. They're a lovely addition to the colorful communal fabric of Bootleg Springs. I've fallen head over heels for the Bodines and the town folk as a whole. While excited to read the last book in the series soon, I'm also saddened that the series will be over. Lucy and Claire have fabricated a world of kooky characters with humongous hearts where I want to vacation every summer.
June 26, 2019
I am so in love with this series and these characters that I am going to be sad to see their journey come to an end. Gin Fling is the second to the last book in the series and it is Jonah Bodine's turn to fall and fall hard. What keeps me coming back to this series for each new book is a fantastic partnership and writing from these two authors. These characters and this town are written with such realism that they jump off the page. I literally want to summer in Bootleg Springs. Jonah and Shelby have a typical Bootleg Springs romance, meaning interference from Scarlet and the townspeople, some misunderstandings, more twists and turn in the disappearance of Callie Kendall, the conversion of some new citizens to the town, and a little Bootleg Justice. There is plenty of the witty banter and humorous dialogue we have come to expect from these authors. I love that we were introduced to Jonah's mom and Shelby's parents. Once again, there are plenty of twists and turns surrounding what happened to Callie Kendall that will set the conspiracy theories off and running. But at the heart of it, this series is really about the power of family and love.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the author.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the author.
June 26, 2021
I have been following this series from Miss Score. Sadly so far I have not found the best out of the series. Gin Fling is no exception.
I sort of guessing the plot from the very beginning. I thought the banter or the close knit family humor can add more interest. It turned out to be just OK.
I have to admit that I feel bored in the middle. When thr sex scene came up, it is also mediocre. I do not hate nor like Gin Fling. Just hoping more fling.
3 stars
I sort of guessing the plot from the very beginning. I thought the banter or the close knit family humor can add more interest. It turned out to be just OK.
I have to admit that I feel bored in the middle. When thr sex scene came up, it is also mediocre. I do not hate nor like Gin Fling. Just hoping more fling.
3 stars
July 10, 2019
This is fifth in a series and, unlike most romance series, the books have a mystery plot threading through them all. So only skip around if you don't care about spoilers and missing pieces from that mystery plot. The rest of the relationships are explained well-enough in text, but I still recommend reading in order to pick up the full impact of those stories, as well.
Jonah has been kind of an enigma since this series started, but one that I didn't much care about to be honest. I mean, he's a little stand-offish and very self-contained and seems about one step away from jumping back to the life he had before coming to Bootleg Springs.
Offsetting that a bit is that I've kind of liked Shelby (though she's only been in the last book or two) and I was interested in getting to know her better. And that worked out very well, I think. I liked her right from the start, beginning with tormenting Jonah by taunting him about his false assumption. That back and forth was fun, but I particularly liked that she was insightful enough to point out to him how he has misread the town and his family. And not from a judgey space, either.
So this turned out to be a great romance, frankly. I liked that Jonah was so invested in helping her with her physical challenges (and in a kind and encouraging way). And I liked that she was so invested in helping Jonah figure out his place and the people around him in a way that was also helpful and encouraging. So they make a great team, is what I'm saying. And once they got over the miscommunication that let them delay coming together until it could be its own book, they even communicate really well.
And I loved the development with Jonah's mother. I loved her visiting and I loved how attached she got (though I don't completely buy it, I'm willing to give it a pass because I want it so much) but most of all I love that she steps in and just loves the siblings in a way that they didn't even realize they had been missing—not as a replacement mother or anything. But certainly as a maternal and interested presence.
So this turned out way better than I expected and garners a 4½ stars that I'm rounding up because all the pieces fit so well together. Oh! And the development with the central mystery kicks it up a notch even from there. I just love that (spoiler because it's speculation and relies on late-novel events)
A note about Steamy: I finished this nearly a week ago so I forget how many explicit sex scenes there were. It was about the middle of my steam tolerance, and I don't think it was more than a couple. Since they were part of how the two connected so well in caring for each other, it was a particularly strong aspect of the novel, I think.
Jonah has been kind of an enigma since this series started, but one that I didn't much care about to be honest. I mean, he's a little stand-offish and very self-contained and seems about one step away from jumping back to the life he had before coming to Bootleg Springs.
Offsetting that a bit is that I've kind of liked Shelby (though she's only been in the last book or two) and I was interested in getting to know her better. And that worked out very well, I think. I liked her right from the start, beginning with tormenting Jonah by taunting him about his false assumption. That back and forth was fun, but I particularly liked that she was insightful enough to point out to him how he has misread the town and his family. And not from a judgey space, either.
So this turned out to be a great romance, frankly. I liked that Jonah was so invested in helping her with her physical challenges (and in a kind and encouraging way). And I liked that she was so invested in helping Jonah figure out his place and the people around him in a way that was also helpful and encouraging. So they make a great team, is what I'm saying. And once they got over the miscommunication that let them delay coming together until it could be its own book, they even communicate really well.
And I loved the development with Jonah's mother. I loved her visiting and I loved how attached she got (though I don't completely buy it, I'm willing to give it a pass because I want it so much) but most of all I love that she steps in and just loves the siblings in a way that they didn't even realize they had been missing—not as a replacement mother or anything. But certainly as a maternal and interested presence.
So this turned out way better than I expected and garners a 4½ stars that I'm rounding up because all the pieces fit so well together. Oh! And the development with the central mystery kicks it up a notch even from there. I just love that (spoiler because it's speculation and relies on late-novel events)
A note about Steamy: I finished this nearly a week ago so I forget how many explicit sex scenes there were. It was about the middle of my steam tolerance, and I don't think it was more than a couple. Since they were part of how the two connected so well in caring for each other, it was a particularly strong aspect of the novel, I think.
June 18, 2019
Lucy Score and Claire Kingsley have created an amazing series with fantastic characters, steamy romance and an intriguing cold case mystery. Gin Fling is Jonah Bodine's story.
Jonah is the brother no one knew about. He has been welcomed by his siblings but still feels a bit on the outside. Shelby Thompson arrived in town under questionable circumstances and finds herself at odds with the Bodines. When they are forced to be roommates, sparks fly and soon both are considering a summer fling. Now, as friends and lovers, they find themselves at the heart of the mystery of what happened to Callie Kendall all those years ago.
This story is absolutely fantastic. There are many, many twists as well as a lot of hilarious Bootleg fun. I can't wait to read Gib's story but I'm so sad to see this series end.
Jonah is the brother no one knew about. He has been welcomed by his siblings but still feels a bit on the outside. Shelby Thompson arrived in town under questionable circumstances and finds herself at odds with the Bodines. When they are forced to be roommates, sparks fly and soon both are considering a summer fling. Now, as friends and lovers, they find themselves at the heart of the mystery of what happened to Callie Kendall all those years ago.
This story is absolutely fantastic. There are many, many twists as well as a lot of hilarious Bootleg fun. I can't wait to read Gib's story but I'm so sad to see this series end.
June 25, 2019
I've tried to write this review a few times, but each time it ends up a rambling love letter to Bootleg Springs. I promise to focus, but you will have to stick with me, because there is a lot to say about this one. Long story short? Buy this book immediately and devour it. You'll try to savor it, but you won't be able to put it down.
I love this book and everything about it. I adore Jonah and Shelby. I love seeing each of the couples from the previous books. I love hearing from the town residents through the snippets of Shelby's survey at the ends of the chapters. I love the writing and how both of these characters grow throughout this book. I love that I was on the edge of my seat going through so many emotions regarding the mystery of Callie Kendall. And I love the way I feel like I just might die waiting for Highball Rush, but I also don't want it to come because I don't want to ever leave Bootleg Springs.
Jonah and Shelby bring all the feels. Neither of these characters are native to Bootleg Springs, and they both feel a little bit disconnected. They see themselves as puzzle pieces that just don't quite fit. However, it was absolutely beautiful the way everything else was able to come together, and they could find their place once their pieces joined together. (Get your head out of the gutter...okay, that too.) Not only did things come together for them, but it was as if they were the missing pieces Bootleg Springs had been waiting on as well. They both made the Bodines and Bootleg Springs as a whole better just by being there.
And the mystery...oh my goodness! So many theories were thrown out, brought back, altered, and carefully crafted while reading this. There were some major twists and turns as well as answers revealed. I love the thoughtfulness that went with crafting this series. Things that were foreshadowed along the way, and things that were in place as little red herrings to keep you guessing. I find myself going back through the previous books to check my facts with each new one that is released, and I absolutely love it!
Lucy and Claire have created something so special with this series. The community as a whole is just incredible. This small town is like no other, and I adore it.
I love this book and everything about it. I adore Jonah and Shelby. I love seeing each of the couples from the previous books. I love hearing from the town residents through the snippets of Shelby's survey at the ends of the chapters. I love the writing and how both of these characters grow throughout this book. I love that I was on the edge of my seat going through so many emotions regarding the mystery of Callie Kendall. And I love the way I feel like I just might die waiting for Highball Rush, but I also don't want it to come because I don't want to ever leave Bootleg Springs.
Jonah and Shelby bring all the feels. Neither of these characters are native to Bootleg Springs, and they both feel a little bit disconnected. They see themselves as puzzle pieces that just don't quite fit. However, it was absolutely beautiful the way everything else was able to come together, and they could find their place once their pieces joined together. (Get your head out of the gutter...okay, that too.) Not only did things come together for them, but it was as if they were the missing pieces Bootleg Springs had been waiting on as well. They both made the Bodines and Bootleg Springs as a whole better just by being there.
And the mystery...oh my goodness! So many theories were thrown out, brought back, altered, and carefully crafted while reading this. There were some major twists and turns as well as answers revealed. I love the thoughtfulness that went with crafting this series. Things that were foreshadowed along the way, and things that were in place as little red herrings to keep you guessing. I find myself going back through the previous books to check my facts with each new one that is released, and I absolutely love it!
Lucy and Claire have created something so special with this series. The community as a whole is just incredible. This small town is like no other, and I adore it.
June 26, 2019
WOW! Just WOW! Gin Fling was everything and more ….it blew me away! First of all, Bootleg Springs is one of my all-time favorite “fake” places, with aspects of real places and features of the surrounding areas combined. I live in southwest Pennsylvania, about 25 minutes to the West Virginia border so I feel like I am an honorary West Virginian. I loved seeing Pittsburgh and Cheat Lake mentioned in the book, we often go boating on Cheat Lake and there is an alcove that reminds me exactly of Bootleg Springs. It’s crazy that Lucy’s imagination is so “real”.
Jonah & Shelby were the perfect couple! Both not original bootleggers and feeling like outsiders, they are both welcomed with open arms, after several misunderstandings, some sibling jabs, and bootleg justice of course! Oh, and who could forget Scarlett? One of my favorite lines “I’d been Scarlett Bodined. And I hadn’t seen it coming.” LOVE her!
This book was a roller coaster of emotions from the dedication to the author’s note at the end! The twists and turns that the book made and the ongoing “What happed to Callie Kendall?” will leave you waiting for the final installment in this series! Jonah may have stolen my heart for a little bit but I have a feeling that Gibson will hold a permanent place! CAN NOT WAIT!
Jonah & Shelby were the perfect couple! Both not original bootleggers and feeling like outsiders, they are both welcomed with open arms, after several misunderstandings, some sibling jabs, and bootleg justice of course! Oh, and who could forget Scarlett? One of my favorite lines “I’d been Scarlett Bodined. And I hadn’t seen it coming.” LOVE her!
This book was a roller coaster of emotions from the dedication to the author’s note at the end! The twists and turns that the book made and the ongoing “What happed to Callie Kendall?” will leave you waiting for the final installment in this series! Jonah may have stolen my heart for a little bit but I have a feeling that Gibson will hold a permanent place! CAN NOT WAIT!
June 26, 2019
I am sitting here, writing this review, basking in the afterglow of another five-star read. Gin Fling is the very definition of “all the feels” because Lucy Score will make you feel every emotion known to man. I have read the previous four books in the series, and although Gin Fling can be read as a standalone, you will have a much better insight into the Bodine family, their friends, extended family, and this entire small West Virginia town in general if you treat yourself to the other books as well. I want to live in Bootleg!!!
The first four books featured Scarlett and Devlin, Jameson and Leah Mae, Bowie and Cassidy, and June and George (GT). Book 5 features Jonah Bodine, their long lost brother and Shelby Thompson, self proclaimed nerd and sister of GT, along with all of the wonderful characters from the previous books. New characters are introduced like Jonah’s mom, Jenny, as well as George and Shelby’s parents which just further adds to my enjoyment of the story.
Lucy and co-author Claire Kingsley, have given each character such a unique personality. I adore the writing and how you feel immersed in their culture, town and family. There are so many funny moments in Gin Fling, inside jokes, and just a sense of belonging. That’s the beauty of this book because many of the characters started out feeling alone, and then this family and town embrace them, accepts them for who they are, and your cheeks will begin to hurt from smiling so hard.
Everyone has their faults, and I love how easily Shelby and Jonah bond, support, and relate to each other. It wasn’t always this way, because when they first met, Jonah had some series misconceptions about our sweet heroine so this is definitively an enemies to lovers troupe, but once his sister, the medaling and magnificent Scarlet gets involved, you will be routing for these two the entire time.
Jonah arrived to Bootleg a year ago to connect with the half-siblings he had never met. You love him right away and even though it was difficult for his siblings to accept the fact that their father had an affair resulting in a child, they took the time to get to know him and initiated him into Bootleg the only way they know how–with smothering affection and plenty of pranks and advice.
Jonah’s personality is so attractive. He is a personal trainer and the total package. He is loving and caring, strong and athletic, giving and protective, and a devoted brother and son. He is relatable and down to earth. He isn’t materialistic and embraces the simple things in life. He appreciates nature and helping others, and it’s obvious how much he adores Shelby. They share some trying times, and he is there for her every step of the way. It goes to show you that all you really do need is love and watching these two connect and learn to confide and depend on each other was really beautiful to read.
I love the slow burn of their friendship and how they learned to accept and trust one another, and how supportive they are of what happened to them in the past, how they are embracing the present and how they dare to dream of a future. These are all the feels I was talking about…you will sigh and gush, worry and scream, and laugh and cry right along with them.
As readers of this series know, each book does feature a hot and steamy romance, but the true grit is the underlying mystery of the disappearance of Callie Kendall. Shelby is independent, feisty, loving and kind, and has awesome sleuthing skills and instincts. She is in the town working on her doctorial thesis in social work, a very noble profession, and comes across clues that make her question the investigation. I love her positive attitude and her sense of humor! I love her food preferences and her fear of bears, and how she is not afraid to be herself or admit when she is wrong. She is so funny and endearing, charming the readers along with Jonah every step of the way.
This book also has lots of suspense and angst and Book 5 reveals so much more as to what really happened all those years ago. Now we just have to wait until Book 6 and all of our questions will be answered. The final book will feature the reserved and temperamental oldest brother, Gibson Bodine, the last of the siblings to find love.
The last chapter of Gin Fling reveals some big time hints as to what can be expected and I basically stopped breathing and re-read it just to be certain I wasn't hallucinating as I sometimes do when I get engrossed in a great book! I love reading all of the theories on Lucy Scores' Spoiler Dungeon facebook page and will be sure to add my own as we anticipate Book 6 in July.
I knew Lucy and Claire wouldn’t let us down and think I am just going to revel in this book a few days before I start on another one because it was that good.
The first four books featured Scarlett and Devlin, Jameson and Leah Mae, Bowie and Cassidy, and June and George (GT). Book 5 features Jonah Bodine, their long lost brother and Shelby Thompson, self proclaimed nerd and sister of GT, along with all of the wonderful characters from the previous books. New characters are introduced like Jonah’s mom, Jenny, as well as George and Shelby’s parents which just further adds to my enjoyment of the story.
Lucy and co-author Claire Kingsley, have given each character such a unique personality. I adore the writing and how you feel immersed in their culture, town and family. There are so many funny moments in Gin Fling, inside jokes, and just a sense of belonging. That’s the beauty of this book because many of the characters started out feeling alone, and then this family and town embrace them, accepts them for who they are, and your cheeks will begin to hurt from smiling so hard.
Everyone has their faults, and I love how easily Shelby and Jonah bond, support, and relate to each other. It wasn’t always this way, because when they first met, Jonah had some series misconceptions about our sweet heroine so this is definitively an enemies to lovers troupe, but once his sister, the medaling and magnificent Scarlet gets involved, you will be routing for these two the entire time.
Jonah arrived to Bootleg a year ago to connect with the half-siblings he had never met. You love him right away and even though it was difficult for his siblings to accept the fact that their father had an affair resulting in a child, they took the time to get to know him and initiated him into Bootleg the only way they know how–with smothering affection and plenty of pranks and advice.
Jonah’s personality is so attractive. He is a personal trainer and the total package. He is loving and caring, strong and athletic, giving and protective, and a devoted brother and son. He is relatable and down to earth. He isn’t materialistic and embraces the simple things in life. He appreciates nature and helping others, and it’s obvious how much he adores Shelby. They share some trying times, and he is there for her every step of the way. It goes to show you that all you really do need is love and watching these two connect and learn to confide and depend on each other was really beautiful to read.
I love the slow burn of their friendship and how they learned to accept and trust one another, and how supportive they are of what happened to them in the past, how they are embracing the present and how they dare to dream of a future. These are all the feels I was talking about…you will sigh and gush, worry and scream, and laugh and cry right along with them.
As readers of this series know, each book does feature a hot and steamy romance, but the true grit is the underlying mystery of the disappearance of Callie Kendall. Shelby is independent, feisty, loving and kind, and has awesome sleuthing skills and instincts. She is in the town working on her doctorial thesis in social work, a very noble profession, and comes across clues that make her question the investigation. I love her positive attitude and her sense of humor! I love her food preferences and her fear of bears, and how she is not afraid to be herself or admit when she is wrong. She is so funny and endearing, charming the readers along with Jonah every step of the way.
This book also has lots of suspense and angst and Book 5 reveals so much more as to what really happened all those years ago. Now we just have to wait until Book 6 and all of our questions will be answered. The final book will feature the reserved and temperamental oldest brother, Gibson Bodine, the last of the siblings to find love.
The last chapter of Gin Fling reveals some big time hints as to what can be expected and I basically stopped breathing and re-read it just to be certain I wasn't hallucinating as I sometimes do when I get engrossed in a great book! I love reading all of the theories on Lucy Scores' Spoiler Dungeon facebook page and will be sure to add my own as we anticipate Book 6 in July.
I knew Lucy and Claire wouldn’t let us down and think I am just going to revel in this book a few days before I start on another one because it was that good.
June 19, 2019
Whiskey barrel full of emotion!
This Bootleg Springs installment packs a wallop and I’m a hot mess of feelings! From workouts to weddings, this small community closes its ranks to heal the hurting, uplift the lonely, and right the wrongs. (bootleg justice, baby!) Jonah and Shelby’s romance is fraught with peril, but these two are also funny, sweet, and crazy hot! The goals they achieve (no spoilers!) had me cheering with tears of joy!
Gin Fling goes a long way to closing the circle on the “what happened to Callie Kendall” missing person case, but the threads that are left dangling are still keeping me guessing! I can’t wait for the wrap up of this series! Bootleg Springs is a crazy cool hot spot and I love it!
This Bootleg Springs installment packs a wallop and I’m a hot mess of feelings! From workouts to weddings, this small community closes its ranks to heal the hurting, uplift the lonely, and right the wrongs. (bootleg justice, baby!) Jonah and Shelby’s romance is fraught with peril, but these two are also funny, sweet, and crazy hot! The goals they achieve (no spoilers!) had me cheering with tears of joy!
Gin Fling goes a long way to closing the circle on the “what happened to Callie Kendall” missing person case, but the threads that are left dangling are still keeping me guessing! I can’t wait for the wrap up of this series! Bootleg Springs is a crazy cool hot spot and I love it!
June 30, 2019
I received an ARC of this book and loved it!💖💖
It’s back to Bootleg Springs for readers who are closely following this series written by our favorite dynamic duo, Lucy Score and Claire Kingsley. With that comes more sexy and fun times that usually includes shelling out some good old bootleg justice, overzealous matchmaking, and getting hammered on the best moonshine to fill a mason jar. In the middle of all this, there’s the mystery of “What Happened to Callie Kendall?” This inquiring mind definitely wants to know.
All the things this series has been—witty, sexy, romantic—continued to be with the story of Jonah and Shelby. Misunderstandings (and some sneaky manipulations—hee, hee, hee!) was a hindrance to the impending relationship. However, Jonah and Shelby managed to put those things behind them once they found a way to administer some “bootleg justice” of their own. 😂
But what really touched me were the easy and personal conversations between these two characters. During a lot of these intimate moments, it was so sweet and romantic the way Jonah and Shelby were always so in tuned with each other’s feelings and emotions. Intimate talks about their pasts exposed just how much childhood experiences played a vital role in the kind of people they became. It also revealed the sheer vulnerability of these two characters. One longed for connections that had been missing in childhood…the other worked hard to always be good enough--both characters’ vulnerabilities shot the “feels” arrow straight to my heart. 💘💞 I’m with Shelby on this: "a vulnerable, shirtless Jonah was practically catnip," and I, too, was a “sucker for authentic vulnerability.”
And let’s not forget about those sparks that flew between Jonah and Shelby. Their chemistry always crackled between them like a sensual, seductive fire.
“Our eyes locked, breath mingles. I was no longer sure that the heat on my skin was from the bonfire alone…whisper-soft, his lips brushed mine… and the kiss changed. He was still gentle, still slow, but now he was tasting me. Thoroughly savoring every breath, every sigh, every second.”
This couple was sexy, and I loved the romance that blossomed between them. They may have convinced themselves that a fling was all they wanted, but their hearts never got that memo.
Being back in Bootleg Springs also meant taking a trip back to beautiful, country life. It wasn’t hard to picture the amazing scenery where people sat around enjoying a good time together, soaked up the sun, and reveled in the cool breeze that often came in off the lake. Growing up as a southern girl--especially during the summer--the evenings like this were normal and one of the best things about country life. This story definitely took me all the way me back to those moments.
One of my other favorite things about the Bootleg Springs series was the continuous interweaving of daily life of all the people in this crazy and kooky community. Everyone was family. And if you weren't, you would be one way or the other, especially if the residents had anything to say about it. Things like “I’d been Scarlett Bodined,” and “…Just like that, Bootleg Springs reeled in a fresh catch” was not only hilarious, but actually a common, and (eventually) welcomed occurrence. 😂😂 I just couldn't enough of all the love and that wonderful sense of community.
The most beautiful, heartfelt, and best ever surprise was Jonah’s mom, and what she came to mean to all the Bodine children. Her love and kindness was exactly what this family needed, and there was definitely a lot of happy tears being shed on my end.
Although it’s going to be bittersweet, I can’t wait to see how the dynamic duo ends this series. Even with more things coming to light about what truly happened to Callie Kendall, it will be interesting to see how that complete mystery unfolds. It also doesn’t hurt that the last book will be featuring my favorite brooding hero, Gibson Bodine. 💖💖
It’s back to Bootleg Springs for readers who are closely following this series written by our favorite dynamic duo, Lucy Score and Claire Kingsley. With that comes more sexy and fun times that usually includes shelling out some good old bootleg justice, overzealous matchmaking, and getting hammered on the best moonshine to fill a mason jar. In the middle of all this, there’s the mystery of “What Happened to Callie Kendall?” This inquiring mind definitely wants to know.
All the things this series has been—witty, sexy, romantic—continued to be with the story of Jonah and Shelby. Misunderstandings (and some sneaky manipulations—hee, hee, hee!) was a hindrance to the impending relationship. However, Jonah and Shelby managed to put those things behind them once they found a way to administer some “bootleg justice” of their own. 😂
But what really touched me were the easy and personal conversations between these two characters. During a lot of these intimate moments, it was so sweet and romantic the way Jonah and Shelby were always so in tuned with each other’s feelings and emotions. Intimate talks about their pasts exposed just how much childhood experiences played a vital role in the kind of people they became. It also revealed the sheer vulnerability of these two characters. One longed for connections that had been missing in childhood…the other worked hard to always be good enough--both characters’ vulnerabilities shot the “feels” arrow straight to my heart. 💘💞 I’m with Shelby on this: "a vulnerable, shirtless Jonah was practically catnip," and I, too, was a “sucker for authentic vulnerability.”
And let’s not forget about those sparks that flew between Jonah and Shelby. Their chemistry always crackled between them like a sensual, seductive fire.
“Our eyes locked, breath mingles. I was no longer sure that the heat on my skin was from the bonfire alone…whisper-soft, his lips brushed mine… and the kiss changed. He was still gentle, still slow, but now he was tasting me. Thoroughly savoring every breath, every sigh, every second.”
This couple was sexy, and I loved the romance that blossomed between them. They may have convinced themselves that a fling was all they wanted, but their hearts never got that memo.
Being back in Bootleg Springs also meant taking a trip back to beautiful, country life. It wasn’t hard to picture the amazing scenery where people sat around enjoying a good time together, soaked up the sun, and reveled in the cool breeze that often came in off the lake. Growing up as a southern girl--especially during the summer--the evenings like this were normal and one of the best things about country life. This story definitely took me all the way me back to those moments.
One of my other favorite things about the Bootleg Springs series was the continuous interweaving of daily life of all the people in this crazy and kooky community. Everyone was family. And if you weren't, you would be one way or the other, especially if the residents had anything to say about it. Things like “I’d been Scarlett Bodined,” and “…Just like that, Bootleg Springs reeled in a fresh catch” was not only hilarious, but actually a common, and (eventually) welcomed occurrence. 😂😂 I just couldn't enough of all the love and that wonderful sense of community.
The most beautiful, heartfelt, and best ever surprise was Jonah’s mom, and what she came to mean to all the Bodine children. Her love and kindness was exactly what this family needed, and there was definitely a lot of happy tears being shed on my end.
Although it’s going to be bittersweet, I can’t wait to see how the dynamic duo ends this series. Even with more things coming to light about what truly happened to Callie Kendall, it will be interesting to see how that complete mystery unfolds. It also doesn’t hurt that the last book will be featuring my favorite brooding hero, Gibson Bodine. 💖💖
June 16, 2019
Gin Fling is just another wonderful addition to the Bootleg Spring series! Truly, every installment in this series keeps getting better and better, and I love every single minute that I can spend in Bootleg Springs.
Jonah and Shelby started out on the wrong foot, but thanks to some sneaky moves by Miss Scarlett, they were forced into being roommates, which didn't go well at first. But once Jonah found out the real reason behind why Shelby was in town, and Bootleg Justice was handed out, they started to truly get to know one another. Neither one of them was sure if they were going to stay in town past the summer, and a fling sounded like a good idea as there was a mutual attraction there. But, I don't think either one of them realized how much the town of Bootleg Springs was going to grab ahold of them......and I also don't think they were prepared to fall in love with the other.
Gin Fling gets us one step closer to finding out what happened to Callie Kendall, but once again.....we're left with many unanswered questions. And as much as I'm excited for to find out what really happened all those years ago, I'm really not as once we get those answers, this incredible series will come to an end. And I'm not ready for that. I've completely fallen in love with the town of Bootleg Springs and all those who live there, and I truly wish this town was real. Yes, people are nosy and there is no privacy whatsoever - but there is a real sense of family and belonging with those who live there.
Have your tissues ready for book 6, as I'm sure the finale is going to take us on an emotional and wild ride!
Jonah and Shelby started out on the wrong foot, but thanks to some sneaky moves by Miss Scarlett, they were forced into being roommates, which didn't go well at first. But once Jonah found out the real reason behind why Shelby was in town, and Bootleg Justice was handed out, they started to truly get to know one another. Neither one of them was sure if they were going to stay in town past the summer, and a fling sounded like a good idea as there was a mutual attraction there. But, I don't think either one of them realized how much the town of Bootleg Springs was going to grab ahold of them......and I also don't think they were prepared to fall in love with the other.
Gin Fling gets us one step closer to finding out what happened to Callie Kendall, but once again.....we're left with many unanswered questions. And as much as I'm excited for to find out what really happened all those years ago, I'm really not as once we get those answers, this incredible series will come to an end. And I'm not ready for that. I've completely fallen in love with the town of Bootleg Springs and all those who live there, and I truly wish this town was real. Yes, people are nosy and there is no privacy whatsoever - but there is a real sense of family and belonging with those who live there.
Have your tissues ready for book 6, as I'm sure the finale is going to take us on an emotional and wild ride!
August 10, 2022
I think I say each new book in this series is my favorite, but it's really true. Jonah had always known about his siblings but doesn't come to meet them until their father dies, because that's how much he wants nothing to do with that man. And Shelby comes to Bootleg Springs for research. Their romance is beautiful and natural. They have chemistry, but they also have a mutual respect for each other which builds quickly into more. But the real star of this book, like the others, is Bootleg Springs. I love the town, the community that is more like one big dysfunctional family. The animals in this one really enhance the story, making it so real (Jonah and Shelby lament their increased paper towel consumption when potty training a puppy) and also funny. June's pet is so perfect, and the part where she and Shelby go "undercover" is a definite favorite. I appreciate Shelby so much. Her "nerd girl"persona doesn't stop her from overcoming what life has thrown at her. She is a warrior, and Jonah perfectly captures how to support her without stunting her need to be independent. They are a great match, complementing each other's strengths and needs so perfectly. The Callie story takes an abrupt turn in this one, as we know we are getting close to the resolution of it. And I have been waiting for Gibson's story all along so I'm beyond excited for the final installment. I'm also dreading it, because then there will be no more. But Lucy and Claire do fantastic work, so I'm sure they will come up with more amazing stories to entertain us. I'll leave you with my favorite quote from this one:
"Love wasn’t just being there in the good times. Real love was standing next to someone on their darkest days. Real love was sweating together, striving together. Falling down and getting back up. Hurting, healing. That’s where the bond came from. The work."
"Love wasn’t just being there in the good times. Real love was standing next to someone on their darkest days. Real love was sweating together, striving together. Falling down and getting back up. Hurting, healing. That’s where the bond came from. The work."
June 16, 2019
Jonah Bondine and Shelby Thompson, book 5 in Bootleg Springs is everything a reader can hope for and so much more. Jonah and Shelby did not grow up in Bootleg Springs, however due to family both of them are temporarily staying there. And just like the other 4 books Jonah gets a roommate who suddenly is off the market? The Callie Kendall investigation is blown wide open and will leave you wondering…. Is there anyone in the world who is NOT a part of the Callie Kendall disappearance? I can’t wait for book 6!!!
Buy the series, read the series and fall in love with Lucy Score, Claire Kinglsey and the entire Bootleg Springs community!!!
Buy the series, read the series and fall in love with Lucy Score, Claire Kinglsey and the entire Bootleg Springs community!!!
June 17, 2019
Gin Fling returns us to the world of Bootleg Springs and the Bodine family, and it is a gosh-darn delight. I love this family and this town so much. There is so much humor, heart, family, and moonshine throughout the first five books, with a mystery unravelling across each. It’s so rare to find the perfect combo and balance between mystery, humor, and romance.
I’m not sure how much to say without giving away the plot of the overarching mystery, but let’s just say it took another intriguing turn this book and I am on the edge of my seat waiting for the 6th book to come out next month. Jonah is my favorite Bodine so far, but I’m willing to fall in love with Gibson next as well.
I’m not sure how much to say without giving away the plot of the overarching mystery, but let’s just say it took another intriguing turn this book and I am on the edge of my seat waiting for the 6th book to come out next month. Jonah is my favorite Bodine so far, but I’m willing to fall in love with Gibson next as well.
June 26, 2019
What can you say about a book that has you tearing up and it’s only the first chapter? Here was my thought, “I can only imagine what is yet to come. Am I really ready for it?”
Just when I think these authors can’t write a better book than the last one they go and prove me wrong. This story is worth the gasps, the swoons, the laughter, the heartache, the intrigue, Mona Lisa McNugget (speaking of McNuggets can you say Dino nuggets), Katherine, Billy Ray and even the crazy, Misty Lynn. Tag on the tenderness, romance and heat and you have yourself a story you don’t want to end.
This is a town you want to visit and probably want to stay. I know I do. Nobody writes down home country caring people like these authors. This was so much more than a one dimensional story. There are layers over layers yet easy to read and more than interesting. These are your friends. They get into your heart. Jonah and Shelby are easy to love both are trying to find their place in life,in locale,and just trying to find where they fit. Can they do it together? Well that’s one of the burning questions. As much as I love this series it makes me sad to see that it will be coming to it’s conclusion soon. This book is a dichotomy because you want to read as fast as possible but then again you want it to keep going. So savor every word. This is special because you may just see yourself in this book at different spots. So do yourself a favor, maybe have a gin and tonic, a Dino McNugget get comfy and enjoy some down home Bootleg family. You deserve it. I did!
Just when I think these authors can’t write a better book than the last one they go and prove me wrong. This story is worth the gasps, the swoons, the laughter, the heartache, the intrigue, Mona Lisa McNugget (speaking of McNuggets can you say Dino nuggets), Katherine, Billy Ray and even the crazy, Misty Lynn. Tag on the tenderness, romance and heat and you have yourself a story you don’t want to end.
This is a town you want to visit and probably want to stay. I know I do. Nobody writes down home country caring people like these authors. This was so much more than a one dimensional story. There are layers over layers yet easy to read and more than interesting. These are your friends. They get into your heart. Jonah and Shelby are easy to love both are trying to find their place in life,in locale,and just trying to find where they fit. Can they do it together? Well that’s one of the burning questions. As much as I love this series it makes me sad to see that it will be coming to it’s conclusion soon. This book is a dichotomy because you want to read as fast as possible but then again you want it to keep going. So savor every word. This is special because you may just see yourself in this book at different spots. So do yourself a favor, maybe have a gin and tonic, a Dino McNugget get comfy and enjoy some down home Bootleg family. You deserve it. I did!
June 28, 2019
What an amazing book! I have been looking forward to the final two books in this series for what seems likes YEARS!
Shelby is studying for her doctorate and arrived in Bootleg at the wrong time! The town folk assumed she was a reporter and treated her as one, until they found out the truth! What Jonah is the last to realise is that all the questions she is asking the town about is to do with her final paper.
It all comes to a head when the two end up living together in one of Scarlett’s Rental properties, of course matchmaker Scarlett knows exactly what she is doing!
Jonah Is a fitness instructor and he sees Shelby running - badly - so he agrees to help her train for an upcoming event, she admits that she has found out recently about a condition she has, and is determined to complete this event whilst she can.
What follows is a love story of two people who haven’t had it easy in life but are determined to make it better. Will their agreed summer fling turn into something ever lasting or will their past finally catch up with them, afterall, no love story runs smoothly!
As for the Callie case, well, let’s just say there are more clues and many more mysteries to solve!
Shelby is studying for her doctorate and arrived in Bootleg at the wrong time! The town folk assumed she was a reporter and treated her as one, until they found out the truth! What Jonah is the last to realise is that all the questions she is asking the town about is to do with her final paper.
It all comes to a head when the two end up living together in one of Scarlett’s Rental properties, of course matchmaker Scarlett knows exactly what she is doing!
Jonah Is a fitness instructor and he sees Shelby running - badly - so he agrees to help her train for an upcoming event, she admits that she has found out recently about a condition she has, and is determined to complete this event whilst she can.
What follows is a love story of two people who haven’t had it easy in life but are determined to make it better. Will their agreed summer fling turn into something ever lasting or will their past finally catch up with them, afterall, no love story runs smoothly!
As for the Callie case, well, let’s just say there are more clues and many more mysteries to solve!
June 18, 2019
Holy cow! One of my favorite reads of 2019!! With unparalleled romance and edge of your seat suspense, this book has it all!
Jonah Bodine may only be half related to his siblings but over the past year he has started to settle down and fit into Bootleg Springs. His business as a personal trainer has taken off especially since the local elders need to stay fit JAfter finding a small rental for the summer, he is looking forward to the time alone but his landlord (aka - meddling sister) has different plans; she rents the other room to Shelby Thompson.
Between deciding if Bootleg Springs is his new permanent home and dealing with the possibility of his dead father having murdered a young girl years ago, the last thing he needs is a nosy roommate. Will Shelby bring Jonah to his breaking point or will she help him find his way?
The sparks that fly between Jonah and Shelby are amazing, it is true love. Both of their suspenseful pasts help them create a strong future. I can’t wait for Gibson’s book but at the same time I am so sad it is almost over!
Jonah Bodine may only be half related to his siblings but over the past year he has started to settle down and fit into Bootleg Springs. His business as a personal trainer has taken off especially since the local elders need to stay fit JAfter finding a small rental for the summer, he is looking forward to the time alone but his landlord (aka - meddling sister) has different plans; she rents the other room to Shelby Thompson.
Between deciding if Bootleg Springs is his new permanent home and dealing with the possibility of his dead father having murdered a young girl years ago, the last thing he needs is a nosy roommate. Will Shelby bring Jonah to his breaking point or will she help him find his way?
The sparks that fly between Jonah and Shelby are amazing, it is true love. Both of their suspenseful pasts help them create a strong future. I can’t wait for Gibson’s book but at the same time I am so sad it is almost over!
June 21, 2019
I want to be so excited that we’re getting closer to solving the Callie Kendall mystery and finding out everyone’s happily ever after. But I’m also so sad that it means we’re getting closer to the end of all things Bootleg. Hot springs and town chickens. Regular orders at the diner and floating deck parties. Apple pie moonshine and Bootleg justice. And love. So much love. The neighbors and strangers who become more kind. The friends and family kind. And the deep seated romantic kind that makes you smile and swoon and sigh.
And speaking of love? I loved every part of Shelby and Jonah’s story. From their fake fight, to their constant care of each other. How they fit into each other’s lives and became part of the fabric of Bootleg. Two self-proclaimed outsiders found a home in each other and in the town that protects its own.
And speaking of love? I loved every part of Shelby and Jonah’s story. From their fake fight, to their constant care of each other. How they fit into each other’s lives and became part of the fabric of Bootleg. Two self-proclaimed outsiders found a home in each other and in the town that protects its own.
June 26, 2019
Lucy Score does it again!! I LOVED this book and couldn’t put it down!! It was full of ALL the feels and the authors trademark humour. I didn’t want it to end.
The summer fling you’ll never forget heats up with Jonah and Shelby, as the central characters. I really enjoyed watching these two navigate their feelings for each other as well as deciding on what they want out of life.
This story comes with a massive sense of family. Not just with the immediate families but the whole town of Bootleg Springs. Some of the best moments come when the Bodine’s and the rest of Bootleg are together.
The mystery surrounding the disappearance of Callie Kendall is blown wide open. Several times I audibly gasped as a massive secret is shared from an unlikely source. The danger increases with each piece of information uncovered and I CAN’T WAIT for the final instalment in this saga but I also don’t want it to be over.
I highly recommend this whole series!
The summer fling you’ll never forget heats up with Jonah and Shelby, as the central characters. I really enjoyed watching these two navigate their feelings for each other as well as deciding on what they want out of life.
This story comes with a massive sense of family. Not just with the immediate families but the whole town of Bootleg Springs. Some of the best moments come when the Bodine’s and the rest of Bootleg are together.
The mystery surrounding the disappearance of Callie Kendall is blown wide open. Several times I audibly gasped as a massive secret is shared from an unlikely source. The danger increases with each piece of information uncovered and I CAN’T WAIT for the final instalment in this saga but I also don’t want it to be over.
I highly recommend this whole series!
June 18, 2019
No spoilers because I always want people to read books for themselves and feel all the feels in real time. Also this is book 5 in the series you will need to read them in order. If you haven't go to the beginning find Scarlett and Devlin's book. You're welcome!
This is Jonah Bodine Jr's book and it has all the feels! I started crying on page 17 and laughed hysterically through most of the rest of it. Our heroine is unrealistically concerned about being attacked by a bear and Jonah is basically just a dream man. This is the story of how the get over their feud and attempt to have a fun summer fling together and it is amazing. Shelby is an inspiration for nerd girls everywhere!
This is Jonah Bodine Jr's book and it has all the feels! I started crying on page 17 and laughed hysterically through most of the rest of it. Our heroine is unrealistically concerned about being attacked by a bear and Jonah is basically just a dream man. This is the story of how the get over their feud and attempt to have a fun summer fling together and it is amazing. Shelby is an inspiration for nerd girls everywhere!
June 27, 2019
WOW! I can’t get enough of those Bodines. This series is the best. Love the characters and all the little snippets of suspense and mystery. Jonah and Shelby were just perfect together. Please write fast, I can’t wait until the final book. Maybe there should be a spin-off. 😉 I received this ARC for an honest review.
July 9, 2019
There is something about Bootleg Springs that is like visiting old friends. Seeing past couples, living their best HEAs, getting to see old supporting characters enriching the fabric of this little community, I love it. In this latest installment in Bootleg Springs, I enjoyed Jonah and Shelby’s personal journeys, which are well done. About the only thing I’ll say is, because I absolutely adored June and George (the previous book’s hero/heroine) SO MUCH, that this story wasn’t as compelling to me. I didn’t quite buy into Jonah’s reasons for hesitating to begin a relationship with Shelby, and when they did hook up, it was more sweet than fireworks for me. The setup for the climax to the story was pretty much telegraphed really early on and the Callie Kendall disappearance was more interesting than that finale.
But in the grand scheme of things, I still enjoyed the story, I still enjoyed the romance and I would still recommend a visit to Bootleg Springs. I would just start at the beginning, because while this could be a standalone, there’s so much great romance (and overarching storyline info) that you’d miss out on if you didn’t go back to the one that started it all, Whiskey Chaser. Just my two pennies.
**Borrowed through Kindle Unlimited**
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October 15, 2022
I think this is my favourite so far in the series. More amazing characters and twists and turns I didn’t see coming!
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