“I’m afraid my vagina might turn itself inside out if you try to give it another orgasm so soon.” — Scarlett BodineRaised by her three overbearing brothers, Scarlett is a hell-raising tomboy with a tool belt. A tornado stirring up trouble everywhere she goes. Her favorite pastimes? Drinking any man under the table and two-stepping. But she has zero interest in love. Scarlett’s only being … interest in love. Scarlett’s only being neighborly when she claims her sexy next-door neighbor as her new pet project.
Devlin is a man at rock bottom. Marriage, political career, five-year plan to Washington, D.C. All destroyed with one well-placed jab. The golden boy is now the black sheep relegated to Bootleg Springs, a tiny West Virginia town with two claims to fame: 1. Moonshine and 2. The cold case disappearance of a teen girl.
Devlin just wants to lick his wounds. But Scarlett has other ideas for his tongue… and the rest of him. She’s determined to bring him back to life, even if getting him back on his feet means never seeing him again. But when an old mystery becomes new news, she’ll need his help to survive the scandal.
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It was my first read by these two authors. I was recommended this suspenseful series but you can read each book as a standalone. Now I’d have to say I didn’t really find it suspenseful (yet) but there’s an underlining story that will float up when you read this book that you can’t help but feel so intrigued by that you just want to read every book to unravel the mystery. It didn’t catch me from the first page but I slowly warmed up to the story and I absolutely loved Scarlett’s personality! Definitely a breath of fresh air 🙂 I can’t wait to read the others in this series and have the ‘secret’ all revealed in the end!
When Scarlett’s father dies unexpectedly, the only way she seems to really cope with everything is through her work and it is something she does best. When Devlin first comes to the small town to escape his life, he didn’t expect to encounter a woman that seems to take nothing from anyone and is taken a little aback by it. But the more Scarlett is trying to worm her way into his life and being friendly, the more he can’t seem to deny the attraction he feels towards her. But when an old mystery finds its way back to the surface, Scarlett will have to face something she and her family may not have been prepared for. Will Scarlett and Devlin find a way to break down each others walls? And maybe in the process find their happy ending?…
Whiskey Chaser by Lucy Score with Claire Kingsley is a small town romance featuring moonshine, a special brand of local justice, and charm. Scarlett Bodine is the resident girl-next-door who can drink men under the table and wield hand tools better than kitchen tools. Devlin McCallister is a lawyer lying low after his wife left him for another man, undermining his political ambitions.
The charming town is the perfect backdrop for their story, where Scarlett charms his with her frank honesty and Devlin charms her with his humor and loyalty. Their chemistry is intense and they click in a way neither has ever experienced. Their relationship is steamy but also fulfilling for both of them.
On the surface their relationship is complicated enough … they live 2 hours away from each other, with Dev in the city schmoozing and Scarlett in Bootleg Springs with no interest in putting on an act. The roadblocks that get in their way end up being small in comparison to what develops when evidence from a decade-old cold case turns up implicating Scarlett’s recently deceased father.
Devlin is nothing if not devoted and Scarlett will learn that she doesn’t have to bear the situation alone, if only she’ll be as willing to open her heart to him as she is to break it herself.
LOVED LOVED LOVED!
I’ve been wanting to start this series for a long time and I’m so thrilled and happy I finally did!
The small town goodness and love and wholeheartedness of this story had my heart fluttering and filling with so many awesome feelings. I smiled a lot, I laughed even more, and I swooned constantly. And I immediately fell in love with the characters! Y’ALL. They are delightful and adorable and protective and sweet and they have manners! Yet not afraid to throw down if necessary.
The wittiness, the sassiness, the kickin’-ass-and-takin’-names attitude of Scarlett made me want to be her BFF and hang out with her. All the time.
And Devlin…sigh…this beautiful man with a huge heart needed something. A big, tall, overflowing cup o’ Scarlett Bodine is exactly that something.
The flirtation and lust and chemistry between Devlin and Scarlett was enough to make me ignore real life and never want to stop reading. There was a sizzle & spark every time they were near each other. The tension was so delicious. Their relationship was highly entertaining and fun to watch progress.
And the brothers…oh my… don’t get me started on them.
Okay, I’m starting.
I want them all.
Their personalities were introduced in this book, and let me tell you, I can’t wait for each of their books. Especially Gibson. LORT. He’s so growly, grumbly, scowly, barely says a word…and I WANT HIM. Badly.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have more Bodines to read and fantasize about.
I immediately dove into book 2 after finishing this. I just can’t get enough.
What a great start to a new series by Lucy Score! She is one of my go to authors and this book does not disappoint. I LOVE the characters and the back home feel of the town and its people. Can’t wait to read the whole series!
Bootleg Springs, home of crazy, country, and protective townsfolk that are as close as family.
Scarlett, born and raised in Bootleg. The only girl of 5 children. The town handywoman and trouble extrodanaire.
Dev, straightlaced politician escaping the bleak reality of a cheating soon to be ex and his assault on her significant other.
These are the best, most lovable, and original characters in the quirkiest of towns. You will fall in love!
HEA with plenty of drama.
4.5 Stars
Wow what a great start to this series. I’m already in love with Bootleg Springs, WV and all of its inhabitants. Scarlett and Devlin have crazy chemistry. I enjoyed their story. Scarlett’s a tomboy in a family of brothers raised mostly by their father so she definitely knows how to handle men and has the spunk to hold her own against anyone. Devlin comes to Bootleg a bit defeated but meeting Scarlett ends up changing everything. They really were cute together. And the ending (epilogue) was perfect and so Scarlett. I loved it
This one is going on my “why didn’t I read this sooner” shelf for sure. The upside to that is the series is now complete so I can binge it.
This is book one of a series of standalone romances that are intertwined with a missing girl cold case mystery that runs through the series. The series follows the Bodine family in the small WV town of Bootleg Springs.
I grew up in WV and my mom’s side of the family thinks a lot like the Bodines. As a result I found that the way they interact is very similar to how I interact with my siblings. This was a fun read for me.
Scarlett is a firecracker. A spitfire in a tiny fairy frame that won’t take any crap from anyone. She is athletic, feminine, and smart as a whip. I love the things that come out of her mouth. When she meets Devlin, he is a broken man who has completely lost himself. It is very cool to watch her not only bring her back to life but help him find out who he really wants to be in his life for the first time. The sex, especially their first time, is smoking hot. Their banter and the way her brothers interact with Devlin is very entertaining. I am now 100% hooked on this series- not really a surprise because I have loved everything I have read by this author. I can’t wait to continue the series and find out the answer to the mystery once book 6 releases next week.
I am not really sure what to think after reading this book. This is a new author for me and I had heard good things so why not. Well that’s how I got here and yeah I finished it and thought okay just no. Now the book isn’t bad but what gets me is the need to make the twang and the people behind it seem ignorant when in fact it just shows that the editor and author didn’t check themselves before releasing this and basically didn’t give me enough reason to continue reading the series. Like I said it’s not bad just not for me. Too much time spent on the sex and chemistry and too little time on the story itself and the characters.
Love Scarlett and Devlin’s story. Love how Scarlett is a strong woman and gives Devlin the support he deserves. Looking forward to reading more about Bootleg Springs.
Welcome to Bootleg, where the men are hot and the women are spunky.
THIS book reminds me so much of the way I grew up. Bonfires. Beer. Silly antics with the boys. Reading this brought on a tidal wave of nostalgia and goosebumps and I just couldn’t put the darn thing down! Even after reading a book I always go back and stare at the cover to see if it correctly displays the vibes of the book. This one matches so perfectly it makes my heart sing and dance. JUST LOOK AT IT! It is gorgeous and it really gives you the redneck love story feels. Sigh.
The main reason this book is so amazing is because of Scarlett. I don’t think there’s ever been a female character that I loved and adored so much (I’m not cheating on you Celaena, I promise). She’s spunky, she’s a go-getter, and she knows exactly what she wants and will fight for it with zero excuses. She’s the woman I 100% strive to be.
“if there was a guy I liked? I let him know. Life was short, and orgasms were great.”
I mean, hellooo? Why can’t you just be my bestest friend in the whole wide world so we can sit out on the deck and drink beer, gossiping about orgasms for hours on end?
In the book, Scarlett has her eyes on her reclusive and broken down neighbor-man. His name’s Devlin. He’s a little grouchy at first, but fear not, it only takes about two days before he’s melting into a puddle at the feisty woman’s feet. She makes him feel alive, like he’s turning into the man he wants and is supposed to be instead of the man he was groomed to be. He’s lived a more strict and no-nonsense kind of lifestyle and Scarlett is more than happy to shake his world up a bit.
The romance in this was spectacular and surprisingly respectful. There’s no cheating, no ridiculous and cliche drama, it’s just a feel good sort of book with some mystery in the background to keep things exciting. I waited so long to read this and wish I stopped being stubborn and read it earlier. Thanks Ashley for the recommendation! Lots of love <3
This story made me laugh so hard my sides hurt. I absolutely loved Scarlett Bodine. She is a breath of fresh air. The small town of Bootleg Springs is full of curious characters who are impossible to love. Scarlett’s tough exterior and sassy self cannot stand up to Devlin’s charms. I loved this opposites attract story. Laughs, sex, mystery and angst are a potent potion in this tale which was absolutely charming. Great book to read if you’re down because you cannot avoid laughing at some of the hi-jinks.
Whiskey Chaser (Bootleg Springs Book 1) by Lucy Score with Claire Kingsley is a contemporary, romantic comedy with a hint of mystery. The story is told in first person, dual POV and takes place in the fictional small town of Bootleg Springs, West Virginia.
Scarlett Bodine is the town’s resident Miss Fix-it. She’s wild, outspoken, and has decided to make the man next door her latest project. Devlin McAllister is a disgraced lawyer and member of the Maryland State Assembly with political aspirations. He’s staying at his grandmother’s house while she’s abroad, waiting for the scandal to blow over. When Devlin meets his fireball of a neighbor, Scarlett, he doesn’t know what hit him and pretty soon he’s a goner. His heart doesn’t stand a chance against her spunky charm.
When the time comes, will Devlin leave Bootleg Springs as planned? Will his relationship with Scarlett last beyond its original expiration date? Can they find a way to make things work even though they come from very different worlds?
I really enjoyed Scarlet and Devlin’s love story. It was entertaining, humorous, and so much fun. I’m looking forward to more clues being revealed about Callie’s disappearance while the Bodine brothers find love in upcoming books.
This was a quick, fun and enjoyable read. I fell in love with the characters and loved that it was based around a family. The brothers have me wanting to read more!!
I didn’t realise though that the ‘mystery’ is developed throughout the series of the books and it’s not solved until the end of the series. I don’t like cliff hangers and to me this is a bit similar.
Overall though I did love this book and think it will be a great series.
Fun writing, humorous dialogue, believable characters. Nice job of inter twining characters.
Well Lucy has done it again! Everything she writes is pure gold!
Small Virginia town set in fictional Bootleg Springs, is filled with colorful neighbors and fun times. Makes me want to live there!
Scarlett Bodine is a tasked to help Devlin McCallister, a disgraced politician, find his true self after his wife cheats on him, by his grandmother. With her spark and love of life, she helps heal his broken soul and helps him find his true calling in life. Scarlett shows Devlin how to be more spontaneous. And Devlin shows her how to be in a relationship. He also helps her heal after her father passes away.
The town is filled with eccentric people that keep the laugher coming. Throughout the story of Scarlett and Devlin, there is a mystery that you are learning about with Devlin. Callie went missing 12 years ago and the whole town is trying to figure out the mystery of what happened to her. We also meet Scarlett’s 3 brothers and half-brother. We watch how they grow as a family and finally help Scarlett with the loss of her father.
This is the start of the Bootleg Spring Series written with Claire Kingsley. Each book is about one of Scarletts brothers and more of the mystery of “What happened to Callie?” is revealed.
Lucy Score sure know how to put into words all the feels, that we need, to make a great story. You feel like you are there and know these characters, like they are our friends. She is amazing in fleshing out the characters and making us vested in know what happens to each and everyone of them. I can’t wait for the rest of the series to come out!
4*
Devlin has shut himself away from his old life & society after his wife’s affair.
Scarlett is determined to show her new neighbour some fun, will she succeed?
When evidence of a missing girl comes to light will the community continue to support each other?
Secrets have a habit of destroying things.
I’m looking forward to reading more from the family.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
A welcome to the start to the series
The Bootleg Springs series is finishing this summer – so if you haven’t started it, what the hell are you waiting for? Book 1 is hilarious and hot and fun and all the things you can expect from this series — plus a little mystery and a gorgeous small town to boot.
I cannot say enough good things about this book, the start of the new series by Lucy Score and Claire Kingsley.
Lucy’s Blue Moon series rocks my socks, but I think Bootleg Springs may just “boot” it out of first place in my heart. I did have a little trouble keeping the brothers straight, but that’s why they each get to have their own book! I love that a surprise member of the Bodine family shows up, because I had that happen in my own life recently and I liked seeing how it played out in this first book.
I didn’t think it was possible, but Ms. Lucy has upped her game in the writing of the sexy times. Woo-wee, did Scarlett and Devlin have some hot sexy times! Always appreciated.
I also love that there was a bit of a mystery involved, and silly me thought it would be solved by the end of “Whiskey Chaser.” Speaking of mysteries, can I tell you how much I LOVED the epilogue? We get a tiny little glimpse into the future of the fine people of Bootleg Springs, but no spoilers! I have no problem sticking around for the next five books so I can see everybody get the happy ending that is revealed in the epilogue.
I’m doing a happy dance…
A Goodreads friend recommended Whiskey Chaser and I’m absolutely STOKED that she did. There is NOTHING better than starting a new series, trying new to me authors and having SUCCESS with a sub-genre that normally drives me BONKERS!! There were happy dances and big goofy grins at the end of this one. I LOVE FINDING A GOOD READ!!
I normally struggle with small-town romance but this was nothing like the ones I’ve tried in the past. I loved that the townspeople were friendly, caring, intimate and familiar without being judgemental, narrow-minded or stuck in the past. The characters are diverse without being treated differently for their skin colour, beliefs or sexual orientation. Bootleg Springs is appealing in so many ways and if it was real, I would seriously contemplate a visit.
When my friend recommended Whiskey Chaser, with a little peek at the blurb I was heading straight to Amazon. With an intro like…
“I’m afraid my vagina might turn itself inside out if you try to give it another orgasm so soon.” — Scarlett Bodine
who wouldn’t be tempted?
Scarlett is a unique and funny character that I instantly liked. She’s a little crass, is always looking for fun, and works bloody hard to make something of herself. When we meet her for the first time, she’s having a party in her backyard with friends and family after the death of her father. Hmmm…that probably sounds bad. Well, it’s not as bad as it seems. Scarlett is one of the only people who actually cared for her alcoholic father, but even she admits that his passing has relieved her of some of her stress. She’s having a great time when a very good-looking bloke steps onto her property trying to stop all of the singing, dancing and merriment.
Devlin has ruined his life and the last thing he wants is to be exposed to people having fun. He’s in the process of scraping off his cheating ex-wife, regretting an altercation with his ex’s lover AND his life-long dream of a career in politics is looking very shaky. Devlin is staying in his grandmother’s cabin by the lake to hide out until the things settle down. What he doesn’t want is to have to interact with the people of Bootleg Springs. What he doesn’t expect is to fall instantly in lust with his next door neighbour. What he never thought possible was a Spitfire, her small town and the people in it to change EVERYTHING.
Seriously, I get the giddy, happy dance feeling when I find a book this good. It was so easy to get sucked in to spend a whole day reading. All of the characters from Bootleg Springs were quirky, cool and a lot of fun. Sure, they are far from perfect but that makes them even more interesting. The storyline was interesting and kept my attention from start to finish. We’re treated to a hot and steamy romance that definitely had my heart pumping. It was funny without being silly. There was a touch of intrigue that I think will be an ongoing mystery throughout the series. All of these things combined to make me a very happy reader who was thoroughly entertained.
I smiled, smirked, squirmed and swooned…all of the winning components to make an awesome contemporary romance. I’ve already purchased Sidecar Crush, Bootleg Springs #2 and I think I’m going to start it straight away. I love finding a new series that’s already got a few books out. If #2 is as good as this one, I’m going to be a wee bit excited and there’s a good chance I’ll be hassling the authors to hurry up and give them all to me NOW!!
I want to live in this small town. In this book I fell in love with the characters and its setting. It is suspenseful and the love story is fabulous.