“I tried to think of something—anything—to calm my raging hard-on. One wrong move and Leah Mae would rub up against it and that was liable to kill me dead on the spot.” — Jameson BodineModel turned disgraced reality TV starlet, Leah Mae Larkin, crash lands in her hometown of Bootleg Springs to lay low while a scandal threatens her career. She can’t shake the feeling that her agent—and supposed … supposed fiancé—manipulated her into the role of made-for-TV homewrecker. Connecting with her roots is just what she needs, and Bootleg Springs is home to her father, moonshine, and her childhood best friend, Jameson Bodine.
Only there’s nothing childlike about Jameson—a man who turns scrap metal into art and isn’t afraid to throw down on a rowdy Friday night with his brothers and hellcat sister. He might not say much, but still waters run deep. Seeing the ring on his crush’s finger? He doesn’t like it, but he can’t wish it away. No more than he can wish away the trouble his family is in, with evidence pointing to his late father in the cold case disappearance of Callie Kendall.
Jameson and Leah Mae are just two friends reliving their summers together, blowing off steam, and having fun for the first time in a long time. But Leah Mae is realizing what’s really important in her life, and it isn’t what she thought.
And sometimes steam turns into sparks—hot as molten steel—and friends aren’t just friends.
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CK & LS coming together in book 2 of Bootleg Springs made my day! I could not put this book down and devoured it in a day. This story is about Jameson Bodine and Leah Mae Larkin, Jameson – the quiet/keeps-to-himself, brooding artist & Leah Mae – a former resident of Bootleg Springs who left when she was 16 and pursued her dream of modeling/acting. I loved this friends-to-lovers troupe, especially since they were childhood friends who reconnect many years later. The Heat between these two is amazing, the comedy throughout the story, as well as supporting characters, is Hilarious and the feeling of family unity that comes from Bootleg Springs residents makes me want to pack up and move there. The ongoing mystery of the missing girl throughout this series keeps me on the edge of my seat. I absolutely loved this book and the writing from these two authors is a perfect blend. Sidecar Crush is a must read and is on my top 10 list of 2018!
This book! If you are looking for a book that will make you laugh, make you swoon and make you tear up, then this is the story for you! There are so many, many funny moments in this book. Bootleg justice is alive and well! Jameson is about as swoony as a hero gets. Seriously, this man is all southern charm and deliciousness. And there are so many (happy) tear moments. Add in one of the best first kisses I have ever read and an epilogue that I will NEVER forget? Perfect!
This is a great series! I loved Whiskey Chaser and Sidecar Crush is a fantastic addition to this series. We learn more about Callie and the mystery of her disappearance. I can’t wait for more from these two fabulous authors!!
Loved it loved it loved it!
4.5 Stars
I knew I would fall hard for Jameson. I always love the quite ones. The fact that he was an amazing artist and designed a piece inspired by Leah Mae was a bonus swoon. I felt bad for Leah Mae and everything she was going through with the fallout from the reality TV show but it gave the storyline the right amount of needed drama. And I continue to fall in love with these characters and this town with its “Bootleg justice” I cant wait for more.
This book two of the Bootleg Springs series. I love Jameson Bodine. He may be one of my favorite heroes ever. His thoughts and feelings are so deep, and he is so quiet, creative and intrinsically such a good guy. Oh, and he is incredibly handsome and built. Ahhhmazing! I love that his story was book two. We met him in the first book, but I really feel like this book gives readers a chance to know him. I love that we see the continuation of Scarlett and Devlin’s story and get to know other side characters better. The mystery of the disappearance of Callie Kendall continues and the small town is a character unto itself.
Leah Mae has made some mistakes: including being engaged to Kelvin the douche-canoe. Once that is remedied she is able to remember what is important in life. But her mistakes have created some conflict that has to be overcome for these two to get to their HEA.
I love that these two have their childhood friendship as the foundation for a very adult relationship. I love that they support each other. I really wish we could see a picture of the amazing sculpture Jameson creates through the course of the book. That said, imagination is a beautiful thing. I highly recommend this book and this series.
What do a model turned reality tv star and a reclusive artist have in common? Not much on the surface. Jameson and Leah Mae grew up together in Bootleg Springs. Best friends with secret crushes, a mysterious event in town drove them apart. Back in Bootleg Springs, disgraced and humiliated, Leah reunites with her childhood friend and learns what it means to be true to yourself.
I absolutely LOVED Jameson. This story was great. My favorite characters were back, causing trouble, interfering in people’s lives and causing mischief. Great story. Love the Bodines so much.
Sidecar Crush (Bootleg Springs Book 2) by Claire Kingsley with Lucy Score is a contemporary, romantic comedy with a touch of mystery. The story is told in first person, dual POV and takes place in the fictional small town of Bootleg Springs, West Virginia.
Jameson Bodine and Leah Mae Larkin were childhood best friends. Leah Mae moved away with her mother when her parents divorced, but spent her summers in Bootleg Springs with her father. But when a girl her age disappeared, her mother refused to let her return. That’s when Jameson and Leah Mae lost touch.
Now twelve years later, Leah is a model turned reality TV star. She returns to Bootleg Springs to visit her father with her fiance and agent, Kelvin. Frustrated with how she’s being portrayed on the show, reconnecting with her roots and having some fun with Jameson may be exactly what Leah Mae needs.
What will happen when old feelings surface? Will Leah Mae return to L.A. as planned? Will her relationship with Jameson last beyond its initial expiration date? Can they reconcile two very different lifestyles? Or will they part ways for good?
I really enjoyed Jameson and Leah Mae’s love story. They were both relatable and loveable characters. I liked this book even more than the first one. It was romantic, sweet, funny, and entertaining. I look forward to more love stories and more clues about Callie’s disappearance in upcoming books.
4*
Jameson is the quiet one of the Bodine family but always felt alive with his friend Leah Mae.
Leah Mae had left bootleg Springs when her parents divorced. Then she got her lucky break modelling & an agency but her latest work leaves her unsettled. A return home has her rethinking her career & life especially when she reconnects with Jameson.
I loved the book & can’t wait for more of the Bodine family & friends.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Loving this series
Ok….I’ll admit after reading book 1 of this series, I wasn’t totally sold on Bootleg Springs. I didn’t connect to the story much, so when Sidecar Crush was released, I didn’t read it right away. And now I’m totally wondering why the heck I waited so long. It was absolutely fantastic!! Everything about this story kept my attention and I didn’t want it to end. Loved the relationship that developed between Jameson and Leah Mae. They were so sweet together, as they already had that friendship from years ago. Yes, they had to get to know who the other had become over the years, but that bond between them never faded. And getting a little bit more on the Callie Kendall mystery – excited to see where that mystery takes us!
This was just a wonderful story of rediscovering your roots and what is truly important in life. Cannot wait to see what’s up next in the town of Bootleg Springs!
I enjoy Ms. Score’s books especially this series but I have to admit this book is my least favorite of the series
Kingsley brings readers a funny and emotional read. I highly recommend it to fans of the contemporary, small town romance genre.
Loving this series…
It’s Boxing Day here in Australia and I feel like I have Christmas Hangover. The best remedy for a Christmas hangover is reading and coffee, in my opinion. Unfortunately, this means that reviewing is not my highest priority today. I finished Sidecar Crush, wanted to share my enjoyment, so decided that my review would be short and sweet. Here goes…
I do not see the appeal of being famous. This could be because I’m not one for being observed or scrutinised. I hate the idea that people could be assessing my every word or clothing choice. I’m also not a fan of “putting on a face” for the public. So, considering all this, I found it hard to connect with Leah Mae in the beginning. I found it even harder to understand how a quiet, extremely private and shy person like Jameson would or could be a perfect match for Leah Mae. But, as time went on, Leah Mae’s shell cracked and we saw the real instead of the reality “Leah”.
At times Leah Mae’s blind commitment to her career seemed stupid. How could she be so easily manipulated? How on earth could she love let alone like Kevin…I mean Kelvin? The guy was an absolute DOUCHEWAFFLE. Even the two seconds worth of contemplation Leah Mae did when faced with taking on a new contract had me confused.
I guess what made this story so enjoyable is that we get to see both Leah Mae and Jameson work through their problems (real life and relationship) using their brains. This does not mean each problem was faced in the same way. Sometimes it was a group effort where talking it out gets the result. Another time it was standing up for yourself with support at the ready. There were even times when it was just a matter of sitting down and contemplating the situation. It was just so realistic and quite refreshing.
Four stars instead of five because the big “L” came out a wee bit too quickly when I think it should have been the little “l” for lust instead. I know that they had known each other since they were kids and hadn’t acted on their initial attraction, but jeez, it was together…then straight to love. I may have eye-rolled a smidgen.
I love the Bodine’s and I probably haven’t given Jameson a big enough dedication to all his goodness. Let’s just say there isn’t a lot I could find fault in. I don’t mind that he’s the quiet one in the bunch. Quiet doesn’t mean he won’t hand out a dose of “Bootleg Justice” when it’s called for. He also won’t hesitate to get up to a wee bit of shenanigans with the Bodine’s. Jameson is a HOTTIE a sweetheart and a sensitive gentleman. Very swoon-worthy.
More words than I thought I was capable of, to be honest. I’m about to go and have my afternoon kip. To sum up…Laura Mae eventually works out where her priorities are and being famous is not as good as holding your head up with pride. Jameson realises that being invisible is no longer the way he wants to live his life and now that his career has taken off, there will be no chance of being forgotten.
I love the way each instalment comes to its conclusion. I get the happy buzz of a contemporary romance finishing on a high and a love story I believe can go the distance.
I’m sure I said short and sweet in the beginning…OOPS!!
Loved this story!
They always say watch out for the quiet ones and but I didn’t see any warnings about Jameson. He is all the swoon!!! Jameson is the most reserved of the Bodine clan, a talented, sometimes reclusive artists. Leah Mae moved away from Bootleg Springs and stopped spending her summers there a long time ago but once she comes back to town to visit her dad, she reconnects with her childhood best friend. Nothing like coming home to show you everything that could be better about your life. I loved absolutely everything about Jameson and Leha Mae and every member of the Bodine family. I can’t wait until the next visit to Bootleg Springs!!
*Borrowed from KU*
Another wonderful story. I cannot get over how great this series is. It is down home fun, a place I want to move to, be a part of and I cannot believe how funny these people are!
This story tells the romance between another brother and a feisty and fun female character. I loved the humor and how we get to know another part of this family better. I liked the continuation of the mystery aspect, though I really want to know it all NOW! I could not put this story down and tried not to read it in public as I was snorting and laugh out much too loud!
I would recommend this story to anyone and everyone. If you love one of these authors, both of them or are new them them you cannot go wrong with this story or this series. It is fast becoming my favorite series ever! Thank you ladies and more please! I graciously received an ARC and am leaving my honest review; but please try this story for yourself.
Kiss, kiss, kiss
Jameson Bodine is THE most romantically sweet Hero I’ve ever read. The epitome of the strong silent type. A sensitive artist, Jameson is dealing with the lingering after effects of an abusive father. But don’t ever mistake his soulfulness as weakness, he is as strong as the sculptures he creates from scrap metals.
Leah Mae Larkin had spent her childhood summers chasing through Bootleg Springs with her best friend Jameson, but the two lost touch when she pursued a modeling and acting career. Jameson and Leah Mae reconnected after she came home to visit her dad, and okay, hide out from the media after appearing in a reality show gone wrong. There is an instant spark between the two that is undeniable, they pick up right where they left off all those years ago.
Both sweet and a little shy, Jameson and Leah Mae have the slowest burning romance. I adored all the longing glances and lingering touches. But boy when they finally ignited that fuse, the fireworks were so sparkly and bright.
And again, with the Bootleg Justice, and the Bodine siblings. Moving seamlessly from Lucy Score’s Whiskey Chaser, Claire Kingsley’s Sidecar Crush has the same humor, the same small town sleepy sexiness, and the same raucousness. Bootleg Springs is yet another town I want to inhabit, and the Bodines need to be my friends!