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 ThompsonPersonal 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 … 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.more
Wow—as these books progress–the more action packed they are getting and I am LOVING IT!! I love the fact they are getting more action packed but do not lack the comedy! First off, can I PLEASE move to Bootleg Springs? UGH!! hahahaha
I was excited to get to Jonah’s book and see him finally feel included, happy, love sick–you name it! Jonah has been the addition to the Bodine family but he always seems to stand just a bit to the side line not feeling 100% included– in this book–you really get to know Jonah and cannot help but to fall in love with him. I really enjoyed his and Shelby’s story!!!
Jonah Bodine is a man at a crossroads. He’s become close to all of his siblings but not sure where he really fits into Bootleg Sptings life. Maybe it’s time to move on. So when his mischievous sister thrusts a new roommate on him..let’s just say he’s not a happy camper. Shelby Thompson isn’t happy either. She knows what Jonah thinks of her, even if he couldn’t be more wrong. It takes a bit of Bootleg justice to set the record straight. Shelby trains for a mini triathlon with Jonah’s coaching and that brings them closer together. They agree to a no strings summer fling since they both may soon leave the area. Shelby along with June does some amateur sleuthing as the Calle Kendall case stays at the forefront of the Bodine clan. The case takes a few more twists and turns becoming more complicated.
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!
I couldn’t love this story any more if I tried.
I’ve loved Jonah since the beginning, when he showed up, shocking everyone by telling them he was a Bodine. He’s sexy, he’s a gentleman, he’s very healthy & fit, so caring…and very easy to love.
I absolutely adored Shelby. A quirky heroine with a huge heart and determination to do things on her own, to accomplish things by herself, to make herself feel better about herself – and not feel weak.
They can’t fight their connection, their sizzling chemistry when they end up being roommates. I love these two together.
Humor, heart, sass, steam, passion, lovable characters, small town shenanigans…it’s all in this story, and it’s all the things I’ve come to love in this amazing series.
More info is revealed on the Callie Kendall case, too, making me need to know WTF happened.
Now, onto Mr. Grumpy Pants… Gibson Bodine. *SWOON*
Gin Fling (Bootleg Springs Book 5) by Lucy Score with Claire Kingsley is a contemporary, romantic comedy with a touch of mystery and suspense. The story is told in first person, dual POV and takes place in the fictional small town of Bootleg Springs, West Virginia.
Shelby Thompson is in Bootleg Springs studying the town while working on her thesis for her PhD in social work. When Scarlett finagles her into sharing a cottage with Jonah Bodine, she’s annoyed but determined to make the best of it. Jonah is hostile towards Shelby thinking that she’s a snooping reporter. He doesn’t want anything to do with her and can’t believe that his half-sister would set him up like this! Sparks fly between Jonah and Shelby and as attraction grows, they consider a summer fling.
Will Shelby leave Bootleg Springs when she’s done with her thesis? Will her relationship with Jonah last beyond the summer? And who has been following Shelby and why? Does it have anything to do with the Callie Kendall investigation? Is Shelby in danger?
I loved Jonah and Shelby’s story! They were both relatable and loveably flawed characters. There was an exciting element of danger that ramped up the anticipation leading up to a nail-biting twist. The story was romantic, sweet, funny, suspenseful and very entertaining.
We got a glimpse of that initial speak between Jonah and Shelby back in book 3 (I think) before Cassidy ruined it with misinformation. Maybe that’s why Jonah changed his mind so fast when he finally found out she wasn’t a reporter. They had a sting pull to each other and a lot of sexual tension that turned into great chemistry. Jonah’s past heartbreak was well heartbreaking and it explained some of his character traits just liked Shelby’s past and new diagnosis told us so much. I felt for both of them. But I’m so happy they found each other.
And OMG did we learn so much about the Callie Kendal case in this one. If it’s going where I think it’s going I can not wait to read the next one.
This book was absolute perfection! When Lucy had me tearing up in the first chapter and cracking up in the second, I knew it was going to be quite a ride.
There are so many things I love about Bootleg Springs, but one of my favorite parts is that the Bodines and their significant others feature prominently in all the books. By orchestrating the series in this way, Lucy and Claire don’t just tell us about a small town and its founding family, they bring Bootleg Springs to life.
And, of course, I must mention Callie Kendall. I thought Bourbon Bliss picked up the pace on the mystery of her disappearance, but it’s got nothing on the Gin Fling revelations. I cannot wait for the conclusion in Book 6!
Jonah is more than muscle as he holds a heart of gold. Shelby is a lot more than her first impression. Jonah ends up in close quarters with Shelby due to his family’s meddling and they learn each other’s secrets. They help each other overcome fears earned through their pasts and build the hope of a future together. They end up making each other better as all relationships should do.
It is exciting to read about Shelby training with Jonah and becoming physically stronger. I really liked how Jonah encourages all of his Bootleg clients- very cool.
The mystery of Callie continues as more clues come to light. Shelby ends up in the middle of a dangerous situation, but Bootleg Springs bands together in the face of the challenge.
I love this little town that these authors have created. It has so many quirky and cool people, but ultimately I love how they come together and support each other in the face of any threat and become a force to be reckoned with.
This is part of an amazing series! Be sure to start at Book One. You won’t be disappointed.
This is a must-read series. I am already getting sad that this series will be over in one more book. The Bodines are an interesting clan and Bootleg Springs will suck you in. Jonah is the half brother that isn’t sure he’s sticking around. Poor guy loses a place to stay every time a roommate finds their forever mate. This time, he’s not moving in with the other last single Bodine. He’s getting a place on his own…or so he thought.
I really liked Shelby and her nerdtastic ways. Despite everything she has gone thru, she keeps her chin up with a smile.
Really good read! I think book 4 in this series is still m favorite, but this one is a close second!
There aren’t enough words for how much I love this series! Gin Fling (Bootleg Springs Book 5) is both perfect for the sexy, electric romance between Jonah and Shelby, and the way it leads us into the final leg of the Callie Kendall mystery. Bootleg Springs is a must-read series!
I love Bootleg Springs & was so happy to go back & visit these characters again, even though I know the series is almost over. I was so excited to get Jonah’s story, to see him get his much deserved HEA. Jonah & Shelby started out on a rocky road due to having to share a house but I just loved the Bootleg Justice that was served. It was so nice to see how the town & Bodine family loves & cares for Jonah who has always felt like an outsider. I also enjoyed seeing Shelby’s relationship with her brother GT (George) & how Jonah helped her deal with her training. There were so many feels with this book & I could not stop reading it.
This is one of my favorite family series ever. One of my favorite small town series. If you like either or both of those then you have to read these books. Jonah finds a family, a love, and a home. It is so sweet seeing him becoming intertwined with his siblings. I’m so glad Shelby wasn’t a no good journalist. I’m bittersweet about the next book because it will be over, but I HAVE to know the answers to all the Callie questions. Come get swept up in the chaos of Bootleg Springs. You won’t regret it.
I really enjoy this series. I like the ongoing mystery throughout the series and all of the characters are just so great. I’m so glad the last one will be out soon. I can’t wait to see how this all wraps up!
Love Bootleg Springs!
Wow! Between the Callie mystery and the story of Jonah and Shelby, you’ll fall in love too! Lucy Score writes fabulous, fun, intriguing stories. And we finally find out what happened with Callie! Another 5 star winner!
I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing it. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely.
Ok so I love Lucy Score and Claire Kingsley books. Boot Springs has been a joy to read. I love the charters and story line. I would suggest this book series to everyone who likes to read.
Jonah has really been my favorite along Scarlet. When they brought Shelby in to the twice of one of the reporters and just made the story. Good guy and bad girl trying to prior into their lives. I loved seeing how these two live together. Fight like cats and dogs. Johah finding out the he was completely wrong about Shelby and how she helps him figure out who he is with his family and the town. How he helps her with the medical problems she is facing. They come together and make this cute little couple. I don’t want to give anymore away. So please if you read my review you need to pick up this series. It will make you laugh and cry. I’m just sorry that it’s about to end. I received this book for my honest review.
Once again, Ms Score and Ms Kingsley bring us small town entertainment at its finest. Shelby and Jonah’s story is heartwarming and funny with of course the underlying mystery and intrigue as we find out more about Callie Kendall. This cast of characters is endearing and written brilliantly. I laugh out loud at some of the antics and my heart melts at other words. I love this world and these characters. I look forward to the final book in this series.
If I could give this book more than five stars, I would. I’ve been waiting for this book for what felt like years, and it did NOT disappoint.
Shelby is so much more than I expected, and watching her growth throughout this book was awesome. She’s got so many layers and a deep backstory, so I was literally yelling “you go, girl!” as she overcame her demons to become absolutely unstoppable. And Jonah – the one who felt like he didn’t belong – finally finds his place and figures out what he wants from this crazy little town that he’s been in for the last year. He also has a deeper backstory than I thought, but it explained so much about him – and opened the door for his and Shelby’s story to be something special.
And Callie’s story…woo howdy, did her story take a sharp twist that I did NOT see coming. I gasped so loud while I was uncovering what had happened to her that I got some major looks from the people in the hotel lobby I was reading in (sorry, folks). Her story isn’t even done yet, and it got even crazier in this book.
There’s one more book in this series, and each has been so incredibly amazing. I’m sad that this journey is almost over, but I’m going to be rereading all of the books for years to come. Each book gets better, and this one was no exception. Amazing, amazing read.
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 find myself just wanting 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. For crikey’s sake, Shelby lived off dinosaur shaped chicken nuggets 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…
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.