All those years of adolescent fantasies and this was how Bowie Bodine first touched my boobs. And he apologized. Real life was stupid and unfair.Small town deputy Cassidy Tucker’s dating life is a train wreck on repeat. All she ever wanted was a solid partner. A man to share pajamas with. The handsome, big-hearted Bowie Bodine. Wait. Scratch that. Mr. You’re-Like-a-Sister-to-Me is not welcome in … You’re-Like-a-Sister-to-Me is not welcome in her fantasies.
She and Bowie aren’t going to happen—that’s been clear for a long time—and as for the rest of mankind? Cassidy’s officially giving up on love and adopting cats. Good thing the cold case disappearance of Callie Kendall is heating up to keep her distracted. Except the investigation is testing her friendship with all the Bodines—Bowie in particular.
Bowie knows he can’t have his little sister’s best friend. He made a promise and he’s determined to keep it. But putting distance between them isn’t easy—not when she lives right next door.
Having her poke around trying to prove his father’s guilt isn’t helping either. All Bowie has ever wanted is to shed the No-Good Bodine reputation. It’s looking like he’ll never be free of that shadow.
But one nocturnal animal, a feverish against-the-wall kiss, and absolutely zero pajamas has a way of changing everything.more
RATING 4.5 STARS
Moonshine Kiss is book three in the Bootleg Springs series by Claire Kingsley and Lucy Score. Each book in this series can be read as a stand alone but there is a continuing story that continues through the series, the disappearance of Callie Kendall. The prime suspect is now the deceased father of the Bodine siblings. Each book is about a different sibling. This book focuses on Bowie and his sister Scarlett’s best friend, Cassidy.
Bowie Bodine is the Vice Principal of the Bootleg Springs High School and has lived in Bootleg Springs his entire life. He has also loved Cassidy Tucker most all of his life. But, she is his little sister’s best friend, is the sheriff’s daughter, the same sheriff who was more of a father to him than his own ever was, and he is the son of a man who was a suspect in a decade old missing person case, a man who had never had a stable life, a man who could never be good enough for her. And, he had made a promise. And if there was one thing that Bowie Bodine always did, it was to keep his promises.
Cassidy Tucker has been in love with Bowie probably since kindergarten. She and her best friend Scarlett fantasized when they were kids of planning the wedding, of being real sisters some day. But when Cassidy was nineteen, she finally had to accept that Bowie would never see her as anything other than his little sister’s best friend. Her heart was broken. She pursued her other love, to be a police deputy and work under her father. Her hope was to someday take over his job when he retired. She loved her town, and loved her job. There was always that little hole in her heart where Bowie was concerned. It didn’t help that they now lived right next door to each other. They each shared half of a house with only a door separating them.
Detective Connelly from the State Police Department has set up camp in their police station to investigate the newest evidence in the Callie Kendall case. It doesn’t take him long to gain the dislike of the entire town. And for some reason, he seems to have a huge dislike for Cassidy. He is just looking for a reason to fire her. He knows of her closeness with the Bodine family and as far as he is concerned, they are all guilty by association.
It’s been eight years since Bowie broke Cassidy’s heart by lying to her about his feelings. It’s a daily torture to try to keep his feelings hidden. He’s been sending all kinds of mixed messages but he can’t help it. She’s the only woman he’s ever wanted.
Bowie and Cassidy finally get their chance and Bowie is all in. He’s wasted all these years and he knows what he wants. But he has lost Cassidy’s trust. She doesn’t trust that he won’t hurt her again. Then there is the fact that Detective Connelly has threatened her with her job, a job she loves, if she doesn’t stay away from the Bodine family. Maybe they can just date in secret for awhile to explore their feelings for one another. That way she can keep her job and finally get to experience the man she has fantasized about all her life.
Okay, first, I really did love this. Once Bowie was in, he was ALL in. He was adorable. This was actually a pretty long book. And I felt like a lot more of it was dedicated to the Callie Kendall case this time. There is some new evidence uncovered and some new hypothesis of what could have happened with the death of their own mother. There are still so many unanswered questions though. I really am dying to know the answers.
While I loved delving more into the whole mystery part of this, I wish it hadn’t taken so long for Bowie and Cassidy to get going. I am completely in love with this town, though. These residents are a wacky, moonshine guzzling bunch and I love every one of them. What I especially love is the way they stick together, the way they have each other’s backs.
Bowie and Cassidy were made for each other, were two halves of a whole, they always had been. It makes me sad that they wasted so much time but it was wonderful watching them finally get their chance to make things right. They wobble a bit and make some mistakes. But with the whole town behind them, they are destined to find their way. There were some hints that Cassidy’s sister, Junie, might be next in line to get her own happy ever after. That is one story I can’t wait to read.
I love this series.
Callie Kendall, is feared dead.
New evidence had come to light that puts Bowie’s dad as the prime suspect in the case.
Bowie Bodine, Is the hot vice principle at the high school.
He’s been in love with Deputy Cassidy Ann Tucker, for as long as he can remember.
She is forbidden. Her father Sheriff Tucker has asked him to back off. He’s the man Bowie has always looked up to all his life, since Cassidy, has been planning her wedding to Bowie since she was in the seventh grade.
She also loves her job.
It’s apart of who she is. It’s all she ever wanted after Callie Kendall went missing.
When her personal life and professional life start to get mixed up because of the Kendall case, she is torn.
The lead detective is gunning to have her loose her job. He doesn’t want her interfering with the case, because she’s dating the suspects son.
When Bowie, gets permission to date Callie, he goes in full steam ahead. He’s loves her and had every intention of marriage and a family with her.
Callie, doesn’t want to trust him. He’s broken her heart to many times.
As they navigate these new waters, there are many challenges.
Lucy Score, captured this love story perfectly.
Another great read in this series.
Looking forward to June’s story next.
I just know that Claire Kingsley, will blow it out of the water.
Welcome back to Bootleg Springs. The neighbors are nosey, the men are swoonworthy, and there’s a mystery afoot.
Moonshine Kiss is the third book in this series, and it’s hands-down my favorite so far (of course, I sort of feel that way about each book). Some of my go-to tropes are brother’s/sister’s best friend and friends-to-lovers, and Cass and Bowie deliver on both counts.
Cass is the devoted, by-the-book deputy and best friend of Scarlett Bodine, whom we met in Whiskey Chaser (Book 1). Bowie is Scarlett’s reliable, straight-laced older brother and vice principal at Bootleg Springs High.
While Cass and Bowie’s complex, steamy relationship is the primary focus, the mystery of teen Callie Kendall’s disappearance more than a decade ago continues to unravel.
Moonshine Kiss was equal parts sweet, steamy, and intriguing. Cass and Bowie are perfect for each other, and once they give in to their feelings, not even the complications brought on by Cass’s involvement in the investigation of Bowie’s now-deceased father can extinguish the flame. Speaking of which, the subplot of Callie Kendall’s disappearance, which is woven throughout the entire series, picks up quite a bit of momentum in this latest installment.
Lucy Score is an expert crafter of small-town romance, and Claire Kingsley knows just what it takes to make you fall in love with a family, one by one.
If you need something to read while you wait for the release of Book 4 (Bourbon Bliss), check out Lucy’s Blue Moon series or Claire’s Miles Family series.
Top 3 Favorite Scenes
1) Bat in the Bedroom (shared wall and no pajamas? No problem)
2) Cassidy’s Grandma and Bingo night (Moonshine and Bingo, what could go wrong?)
3) Trip down memory lane at the Bodine family home
Welcome back to Bootleg Springs with another FANTASTIC addition by Lucy Score. When I first started this series, I was very intrigued by the steam coming from the BFF deputy and the Teacher/Principal Bodine brother. This book did NOT fail to deliver. Cassidy Tucker has loved Bowie Bodine since she can remember. Even her best friend, his little sister helped her plan their wedding. But after a misinterpreted night, Cassidy’s heart is broken. Fast forward, and Cassidy is trying to find her own Happily Ever After, solve the Callie Kendall mystery, battle chauvinistic men in power AND figure out if she and Bowie had sex or not. This book had me laughing and falling in love myself as these two stubborn characters try to find their own HEA.
This book is full of Bootleg town shenanigans and funny one liners from my favorite Bodine, Scarlett. I really enjoyed Cassidy and Bowie’s story. The murder mystery still is far from solved, but I feel like it’s closer. Lucy Score is great at fast paced dialogue and always delivers on the fun factor. I’m really looking forward to the next installment.
4*
Cassidy has dreamed of her life with her best friend Charlotte’s brother Bowie forever. However he only sees her as another younger sister? The mystery of Callie’s disappearance is still affecting the family. Can they get some answers?
This book had me laughing so much loved the characters and the humour.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Can’t wait to see what’s in store for June bug.
Another great addition to the series.
Oh, wow! Reading MOONSHINE KISS is like being curled up on the sofa on a beautiful, wintry day with a hot cup of cocoa. You’re buried under a cozy quilt made by grandma and snuggled up next to the love of your life, while watching your favorite holiday movies!
I loved this book to pieces! Bowie and Cass are so hot and adorable together! I hate that a wee bit of a misunderstanding kept this couple apart for years, but when they finally sort things out, it’s amazing, and seeing their lifelong friendship move to the next level did wonders of swooniness for my heart!
Bootleg Springs continues to be the epitome of small town life that we’d all like to be a part of; especially the Moonshine escapades! LOL! It was such a pleasure catching up with our ever entertaining Bodine family, especially that crazy and lovable Scarlett, who also just happens to be Bowie’s little sister and Cass’s best friend. I find it absolutely amazing that Lucy Score never loses that humor and witty factor that’s been ever present in her stories. Not only that, but we delve even further into the mystery of Callie, and come out with a bit more interesting perspectives, and a whole lot more of juicy speculations!
Also, I’ve already been chomping at the bit on what’s in store for Cass’s big sister, June since this series began. After reading Moonshine Kiss and getting little tidbits about what’s to come for June, I’m seriously super excited to read what Lucy’s partner, Claire Kingsley has cooked up for us anxious readers about this adorable character. I loved Moonshine Kiss, and I’m looking forward to continuing on in the Bootleg Springs Series!
Ah, back to Bootleg Springs. This book is Bowie Bodine and Cassidy Tucker’s story. I enjoyed their history and loved the back story of these two. They have a history together and there are lighthearted moments as well as some sad. We are getting a little more info on the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Callie. I loved this book and I’m anxiously waiting for June’s story next!
It’s time to return to Bootleg Springs and watch another Bodine sibling fall hard. I love this series. It has been amazing right from the start. Lucy Score and Claire Kingsley have hit a home run. This series is so well written that you really want to go live in Bootleg Springs. That is the hallmark of both these author’s. They craft stories that just grab you from the first page and leave you wanting the next book as soon as you finish the one you are reading. I loved Bowie and Cassidy’s story. It is a story of young love, second chances and going after what you want from life. These two are stubborn characters and there were several times when I just wanted to slap both of them. That said, they had a lot of history and baggage to overcome from the past and some interference in the present. The secondary characters in this series are some of the best that I have read and add humor and authenticity to the town and its story. I can’t wait to see what these two authors have in store for June Tucker and the remaining two Bodine boys. I’m confident that their stories will be worth the wait.
If you are looking for a romantic comedy, set in a fantastic small town with plenty of great characters, witty dialogue, humor and suspense, I highly recommend this series.
I voluntarily read an advanced copy provided to me by the author.
I adored every single word of this book. Every. Single. Word. Bowie and Cassidy were meant to be and I am so glad that they finally have their happily ever after. Then we have the murder or non murder of Callie. Is she or isn’t she? Where is she? What happened? Who did it? This mystery has me on the edge of my seat wondering, and my mind is busy spinning my own theories. I love the phenomenal way that Lucy Score and Claire Kinsley have weaved this mystery throughout these books.
Another trip to Bootleg Springs and another smile I can’t wipe off my face.
Even if you haven’t read the first two installments of this series, and if you hadn’t already fallen in love with every citizen of Bootleg Springs, (save Misty Lynn, of course,) you will be hopelessly sucked into this book within the first chapter.
Moonshine Kiss crossed all my t’s and dotted all my i’s – young love, heartbreak, second chances, a strong woman struggling with how to have it all, a nice guy you want to finish first more than anything in the world, and a crazy mystery that has the whole town on the edge of their collective seats. Not to mention the best BFF/sidekick a girl could have.
I laughed, I teared up, I snorted, I got chills, I laughed some more, and then I swooned. Lucy Score does it again.
I can’t wait for Book #4!
Every time I start a Lucy Score book I know three things will happen.
1. I will chuckle and laugh out loud mutiple times.
2. Her characters will be relatable and I will love both protagonists.
3. The story will be so good I can’t put the book down.
Moonshine Kiss was all these things and more!
Bowie Bodine definitely made his way onto my favorite book boyfriends list. He’s just the right combination of sweet and romantic with a sense of humor and strong and willing to fight for what’s right and his family.
Cassidy kicks butt! I love that she is a cop in Bootleg Springs and that her job is important to her. Too often female characters don’t have their own real interests or careers. Cassidy is smart, funny, and cares about her town, friends, and family.
After two books of dancing around each other, we finally get Bowie and Cassidy’s back story and see how it affects their present relationship. I was rooting for them to get together from page one, but in true Lucy Score fashion, there’s so much more to the story than just dating.
There are also a number of clues and advancements in the series mystery of what happened to Callie Kendall. They are totally organic to the plot and don’t take you out of the main story at all.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
I love all the elements of this book. The small town, the mystery of what happened to the girl and then the romance aspect. Each book in this series is a different couple but i weaves a bit more of the story. I love the writing and each couple!
I do love this series. However I’m surprised but this one honestly took me awhile to get into. I liked the beginning chapters set in the past but then it plateaued a bit for me and I didn’t swoon for Bowie the way I did for Jackson and Devlin. And I usually love a second chance romance. But I finally fell for them both just not as hard as the others.
But I did like how much this uncovered in the investigation (understandably since Cassidy is a deputy). And now I have my solid theory on what I think happened. Only three more books to see if I’m right. (Who knows, maybe me theory will change in the next book)
So much to love!
It’s impossible to isolate one thing I love about this book. The town, the people, the hero, the heroine, the cats, the moonshine, the mystery. It’s all woven seamlessly into a wonderful story.
Cassidy Tucker has loved Bowie Bodine her whole dang life. She had tried not to spend the years pining, to little success. Because Bowie also happens to be her next-door neighbor, her best friend’s brother, her emergency contact, the man of her dreams.
Bowie has a lot to make up for. A careful man. A solid citizen of Bootleg Springs. Because of his family’s past scandalous behavior, he knows he’s not good enough for Deputy Cassidy Tucker. But oh, does he long for her.
Usually I am drawn to either one main character or the other, but with Lucy Score, I undoubtedly wind up falling in love with both main characters. As usual, the town and its people become a character that add so much richness to the story, as well as the ongoing mystery of “what happened to Callie Kendall?”
Fall in love with Cassidy, Bowie, and Bootleg Springs!