“Suddenly all those old country love songs I’d played so often made perfect sense.” ~ Gibson Bodine Gravel-voiced Gibson Bodine takes his lone wolf image seriously. The tough guy. The bad boy. He lives alone. Works alone. His one love—besides starting a good brawl—is sitting on a rinky-dink stage in a backwoods bar playing guitar and singing about things he’ll never have.When a video of him … have.
When a video of him playing goes viral, Gibson ignores the unwanted attention. He’s got bigger things to worry about. Like the bomb his half-brother’s mom just dropped on him. And the fallout from the memento he’s been carrying around for thirteen years.
He doesn’t have time for fame… or love… or meddling neighbors stopping by with casseroles and questions.
But one night in a bar, fifty miles from home, he meets her. And she changes everything.
In Bootleg Springs—home of the best moonshine and nosiest neighbors in West Virginia—secrets don’t keep. When the truth about Callie Kendall’s fate brings danger home, it’s up to Gibson to step up and be the hero. And maybe find what he’s been missing all along.
Love.
more
Hold on to your hat!
This has got to be the best series finale ever in the history of evers. What will you find in this episode of Bootleg Springs? Book club, bootleg justice, chocolate brownies, music, moonshine, sweet kisses, unusual pets, romance, suspense, belly laughs, fiery passion, pepperoni rolls, dancing, bonfires, softball, and love, love, love. Thank you Claire Kingsley and Lucy Score for the unforgettably wild ride.
This entire Bootleg Series is wonderful!
“I’ll give you what you need, darlin’.” –Gibson Bodine
I’m not easily persuaded when it comes to my sexy, grumpy heroes. I always want the woman to be worthy of their bleeding hearts, and Gibson Bodine is no exception. He may be the posterboy for brooding heroes, and would rather everyone just let him be, but he’s also talented, humble, and very protective of his family and friends. All amazing qualities that would serve you well in a town like Bootleg Springs.
“Gibson Bodine. He was such an enigma…he was hard to crack. He was hiding a lot of pain behind that angry facade…”
I’m such a softie because it made my heart expand and my eyes tear up to see Gibson do something for himself for once: to finally let go of the past so he could move forward to a better future.
I absolutely loved every minute of this story, and these authors chose the perfect heroine for our Gibson. I’m not exaggerating when I say that this last book in the Bootleg Springs series was definitely well worth the wait. All my suspicions have been confirmed, and it’s nice to know I’ve still got the “Columbo” genes/skills.
I’m a little sad that we’re at the end. I knew it was going to bittersweet for me, but it has been one heck of an amazingly beautiful ride! And the mystery that has plagued readers from the very first book about the missing girl was wrapped up perfectly. These books are interconnected stand-a-lones, so I would definitely recommend reading the previous books in the entire Bootleg Springs series before finishing things off with Gibson’s and ____ story! Aht! Aht! Bet you thought I would reveal the heroine’s name, didn’t you?! Nope! You’re just going to have to read the book for yourselves! You won’t regret it, I promise!Hats off to the dynamic duo of Claire Kingsley and Lucy Score for a series well done. I’m going to miss those crazy Bodines!
**I received an ARC, and this is an honest review.**
**P.S. Loved, loved, loved the Bonus Epilogue!!**
I’ve been waiting for this book FOREVER. Well not really but it felt like it. Lucy Score and Claire Kingsley have been promising us that all of our questions would be answered in this book. They delivered!!
First off, THIS IS NOT A STAND ALONE BOOK. Do NOT read if you have not read the first five books in the Bootleg Springs series. You need to follow along with the rest of us and find the clues that these two authors drop like a trail of bread crumbs throughout the series. While I love Blue Moon and Jetty Beach Bootleg Springs is officially my favorite small town.
This book follows the oldest Bodine sibling Gibson. He’s grumpy, likes being left alone, works with his hands, loves his siblings even though they drive him nuts, and has promised himself that he will never ever fall in love. He saw first hand how getting pregnant with him ruined his parents dreams for their lives. He has used his parents rocky relationship as an excuse to keep anyone who might threaten that at arms reach. Oh how wrong he is.
Watching Gibson fall head over heels made this book one of the sweetest yet in this series. He promised his mama that he would only get married if he was crazy in love and watching him get there made me cry. Realizing that with the right person love and marriage is totally worth it is amazing.
This book has my favorite Bootleg Springs Justice moment EVER, Book club fun, moonshine softball, Mona Lisa McNugget, and more of our favorite other characters. It thoroughly answered my questions and had me reading far too late because I had to know what happened. The bonus epilogue is the icing on the cake and made me lose it because it was so freaking perfect.
If you haven’t read Bootleg Springs yet, then you need to.
Highball Rush is the fantastic finale of a phenomenal series! A match made in romance readers heaven, two literary geniuses – Claire Kingsley and Lucy Score – getting together and gifting us with this amazingly funny, suspenseful, steamy rom-com series with all the feels!
Highball Rush is book 6 in the Bootleg Spring series, and while each book is a story of a couple with their own HEA, there is an underlying mystery woven through the entire series and doesn’t get resolved until book six. You will want to start with book one, and I promise you – you will not be disappointed!
I’ve anxiously awaited each new installment in the series and tremendously enjoyed all six books. Bootleg Springs is a quirky little town where everyone knows everybody’s business, but also where everyone will stand up for each other and help their own. I loved meeting all the characters over the past year and feel as if they’ve become close friends. I’d love nothing more than to vacation in Bootleg Springs, visiting and having fun at the bonfire by the lake with the Bodines.
In Highball Rush we witness the last Bodine brother find his forever love; and the interwoven mystery unravels in a dramatic culmination of events as danger lurks around.
Claire Kingsley has masterfully brought the series home with captivating story line, relatable and remarkably well developed characters and just the right amount of swoon, steam and laugh out loud fun!
Bravo!!!
This is the end and I’m devastated. The last book of Bootleg Springs was everything. Gibson gets his HEA and the mystery that, literally picked up in the previous book, is solved.
I didn’t expect this book to be so emotional. I cried, like a lot, and swooned even more. Gibson is definitely my favorite Bodine and his girl was unexpected but totally welcomed.
I’m so sad that this series is over. I will miss the Bodines sooooo much. On the other hand, you get a glimpse of Blue Moon (the town in another of Lucy’s series) and you know that this will be your next stop. At least mine is.
Sixth and final book in the Bootleg Springs series. Full length told in dual POV. It can be read as stand-alone, but I would recommend starting the series from the beginning. Each book is about a different Bodine sibling with secondary characters the same throughout the series. There is also a small-town mystery throughout the series that is finally solved and tied together. Brooding loner Gibson finally understands what it is to fall stupid in love and to let go of his hurts from his past. This series has a big cast in a small town that has its own character!
WOW–What an ending to this AMAZING series. I was SO excited to get to Gibson’s book because is that quiet, brooding, alpha male. I don’t want to give anything away so I will keep this review short. The only problem I had with this book is that it was the end of Bootleg Springs and I just wanted to keep reading more! hahaha
Highball Rush lived up to my every expectation for the finale to the Bootleg Spring series. What a fabulous cast of characters Claire Kingsley and Lucy Score created for the Bootleg Springs series: mischievous, resourceful, talented, strong, resilient, quirky, funny and just darn good people. The kind you’d want as friends and neighbors. And the stories? They’re all about community, small town living and strong family ties with some mystery, suspense and a bit of danger woven throughout. But, most of all the stories are all about relationships both romantic and familial. Bootleg Springs is proud of its heritage and moonshine is celebrated as well as imbibed at every opportunity. Bootleg justice is carried out swiftly and creatively to those who are deserving.
Gibson is the last of the Bodine clan without a mate or love in his life. He’s been angry, confrontational and a loner for a long time. He does find happiness and love but you will have to read the book to discover the who, how, when and where. The Callie Kendall saga concludes with all questions finally answered.
Make sure you download the bonus epilogue it’s a heartwarming snapshot of the Bodines ten years into the future.
Talk about saving the best for last! This book was EVERYTHING:a broody, protective hero with a heart of gold; a strong and empowered heroine; a sweet and sexy love story; incredible family/friend/community dynamics; a dangerous mystery; action-packed moments; Bootleg justice; and a satisfying ending that wraps up six intense books and delivers all the answers we’ve been looking for.
Wow, what a ride! By far the best book of the series, Highball Rush was far more than I could have hoped for. I’d been looking forward to Gibson’s story from the beginning. Who doesn’t love a grumpy, mysterious hero? I don’t even know how to describe how perfect I found his story to be. Claire and Lucy are absolute geniuses. I loved the way everything played out. The series may be over, but this is exactly the kind of book that never completely leaves you.
LOVED LOVED LOVED!
Such bitter sweetness finishing this book.
The ending to an amazing series, and I am sad.
But yet my heart is SO HAPPY and SO FULL.
The Callie Kendall case is solved.
I love the Bodines.
So. Much.
I want them to throw ME into the lake.
And the Tuckers, they’re pretty awesome too.
I want to live in Bootleg Springs.
I’d like to partake in some Bootleg Justice.
I love the town chicken, the moonshine, the bonfires, the secret town meetings…Have you figured out how much I love this book? This series? A LOT. I love EVERYTHING about it.
Pretty sure Gibson is my favorite. There are many reasons why, but number one is the dirty talking. YES. PLEASE. *swoon*
This is most definitely one of my favorite RomCom series!! I will recommend it to everyone who will listen!
Highball Rush (Bootleg Springs Book 6) by Claire Kingsley with Lucy Score is a contemporary, romantic comedy blended with mystery and suspense. Told in first person, dual POV, the story takes place in the fictional small town of Bootleg Springs, West Virginia, and concludes the Bootleg Springs series. While each book focuses on a different couple, there is a mystery that spans the entire series so they must be read in order.
Gibson Bodine is a loner and the broodiest of the Bodine siblings. When a video of him singing and playing his guitar at the local bar goes viral, he has no interest in being in the spotlight but a persistent record label doesn’t want to take no for an answer. Gibson continues to decline offers to speak with the label so they decide to send one of their reps, Maya Davis, to West Virginia to see if she can persuade him to sign a recording contract.
When Gibson sees Maya for the first time, he feels an intriguing sense of familiarity. He may not be interested in a record deal, but he’s definitely interested in knowing more about her. But Maya has some big secrets. Meanwhile, the town’s investigation into the Callie Kendall case is gaining momentum and Jonah Bodine Sr. continues to be a person of interest. What will happen when the truth is revealed?
I absolutely loved this book! I had been looking forward to Gibson’s love story and was not at all disappointed. This series has been so enjoyable to read and the recurring characters in each book have felt like visiting with old friends. Throughout the series, I had been keeping track of all the clues related to the Callie Kendall case and was excited to finally have all my questions answered. The authors did a great job of tying up loose ends. Romantic, suspenseful, quirky, mysterious, and fun – this was the perfect ending to a fantastic series!
Oh my gosh…this series…this ending! I am so sad to say goodbye to the Bodines and Bootleg Springs! This has been an amazing journey with this quirky family and town. In my opinion, they saved the best Bodine for last (although they all have a piece of my heart)! Gibson…broody, moody, so sexy and with the biggest heart? The mystery of Callie Kendall is finally solved! Thank goodness for the bonus epilogue as it neatly wrapped up all these amazing couples.
The final book in the Bootleg Springs series, this book ties up all of the loose strings of the Callie Kendall mystery. Readers learn what happened, how it happened, and who did what.
Gibson is a growly alpha-hole who covers his internal pain with being a jerk. But music is his outlet and in the course of singing in a bar, he sees “the one”.
I love their relationship. They have an immediate trust and understanding of each other. I love how Gibson opens up so quickly to her and would do anything for her.
I was so happy to see this oldest Bodine brother get his girl. He very nearly took over as my favorite Bodine brother but Jameson still holds that title by a hair.
I don’t want to give anything away but just know you will not regret reading this book
Book 6 of the Bootleg Springs series is EVERYTHING! Amazing! Awesome! Emotional! HOT! I am not going to spoil this story, since it wraps up a mystery that has been ongoing throughout the series and it gives you all the feels. (Thank you ladies, for this awesome adventure you took us all on, along with you guys) I don’t know how Claire and Lucy have done it, but this has been one of the best book series I have ever read. Wrapping up this series with the brooding, sexy, oldest Bodine sibling, Gibson, was absolutely perfect. You must read this book and the previous 5. Your life will not be complete till you do. 😉
I’m sad that it’s over…
If you haven’t tried the Bootleg Springs series yet, I highly recommend giving it a try now that it’s reached the end. I have seen each of the Bodine’s…and a few extras, fall in love, and enjoyed watching their journey to happiness. Each instalment showed another dimension to the craziness of this small town and I loved the feeling of anticipation, wondering what they will get up to next.
Both authors, Claire Kingsley and Lucy Score brought the town and its people to life for me. I was excited on the release day and read each instalment as quickly as possible. These were sexy stories but the storylines were never just about the bedroom shenanigans. Each couple is on a journey to happiness and it’s obvious when they’ve found their perfect person. The mystery kept me captivated and wanting more. Sure, for about 2.5 seconds (somewhere in books #3 and #4) I thought it was being dragged out too far, but then another secret was revealed and I was sucked back in.
Highball Rush brings the series to a close and it was an excellent conclusion. Bootleg Spring and its inhabitants again showed what a community should be all about. Their loyalty to each other was admirable and it made me envious for their closeness. I loved the way they banded together and dealt with obstacles in their own special way. Socialising was a big part of this town. The baseball games were hilarious, the moonshine sounded appealing and the local businesses were ones I wanted to visit. I really want to be a part of Bootleg Springs.
Have I been vague enough???
Sorry, my lovely friends, but that’s all you’re getting from me. If I was to even give a smidgen of detail, I might accidentally give it all away.
I LOVED IT!!
THE EPILOGUE AND EXTENDED CONTENT WAS AMAZING!!
I’M STILL SMILING!!
My advice…JUST DO IT!!
I love finishing a book with a big smile on my face. What a great series! I enjoyed every single one and I liked how the mystery was spread out between all of them. I’m so bummed this was the last one but what a ride it was.
is what happens when two exceptional authors collaborate on a series, They blow your mind!
July 24, 2019
Verified Purchase
Format: Kindle Edition
Claire Kingsley and Lucy Score, have truly out did themselves, with this series.
I intend to put it in the once a year, reading bucket list.
“For the last thirteen years, Bootleg Springs had been famous for two things: Bootlegging and the disappearance of Callie Kendall. To those of us who lived here, it was known for a lot more. For gossip that traveled as quick as the leaves changed in fall. For nosy, meddling neighbors who were always getting in each other’s business. For resisting change, and not letting go of the past. For people who knew your name and your history. And for people who stood up, and showed up, for each other. No matter what.”
Gibson Bodine, is a brooding man, who seems to be broken and missing a piece of himself.
His father, always blamed him, saying that when he was born, he ruined his dad’s dreams.
He is the oldest of four boys and one girl.
He does cabinetry work, but it’s a loner.
He sings in a band, but he’s known for getting into fights.
He’s dished out, his share of Bootleg Justice.
Maya Davis, works for a record label.
When Gibson, is videoed at a bar, singing a song he wrote, for a girl in his past, it goes viral and the record company takes notice and sends Maya to broker a deal with him, as he won’t return their calls.
As they spend time together, they start to fall for each other.
There are many plot twists and turns.
This is a heartwarming and heart wrenching story that will make you beg for more.
A standing “O”, to this duel ingenious writing team.
Thanks for one of the best series every.
It will be a timely classic for me.
Where to begin with this book? It was the perfect end to this series. It checked every box you could ever want in a book. I am actually a little sorry to be writing this review because this is a series no one who read it wanted to see end. I feel like I’m going to be missing my friends. I became invested in the people and their lives. They took small town living to a whole different meaning. They showed us what it means to see the heart and soul of people who have each other’s backs. Of course there’s always the town troublemakers. Wouldn’t life be dull without them. Even they are needed to show us the flip side of life. They add to life’s color.
The authors who wrote this series are genius. They knew just how to delve deep into these characters lives and bring them to life. Anyone who reads these books will want to visit Bootleg and meetup with all these fabulous people.
The collaboration between the authors is flawless. Each story melded right into the next one.
As far as this book, Highball Rush, well we get to find out all the answers we were looking for. All the mysteries are solved. If you read the previous books you have theories as to what happened. You’ll find out how good of a detective you are or if you should turn in your badge. We get to see all the transformations and connections that are made. The best part is witnessing Gibson and seeing him gradually come back to life. There’s a saying that goes, “The Bigger they are the harder they fall”. Never was there a truer phrase. He fell like a great Redwood in the Forrest. It was beautiful. I felt all the “feels” in this book. He was the perfect hero for the end of this series. Every time I read the newest book I thought they were my favorite but then the next one would be right there with the first one. What I will say is the perfect characters started and ended this series. It was perfectly book ended!
I could go on and on with my love for this book. This book made me so happy to read it and yet sad that it’s over. You can bet Mona Lisa McNugget the sixth that I will be re-reading this series over and over. I will say that the bonus material and afterwards alone that the author provided are worth the price of the book. If it doesn’t get to you, check your heart. Mine grew two sizes reading it. I know this is the end for our Bootleg family but I always hold out hope that we’ll be hearing more from them. They will remain timeless with me. Bravo to both authors. Thanks for the memories. Y’all done real good!
I was in tears by the end of this book. Not only because it was the end of an awesome series but because of Gibson. He was the loner, the one who held so much resentment towards his father that his story was so transformative.
Highball Rush completes the mystery of Callie Kendall, delivers some final Bootleg justice and will warm the Cock Spurs of your heart. Gotta love the Blue Moon reference!