The Bootleg Springs books must be read in chronological order, which coincides with their publication order, by following this sequence:[3-10]
| Order | Cover | Title | First published | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Whiskey Chaser | 2018[11] | Introduces the town and central mystery. |
| 2 |
|
Whiskey Chaser: Bedtime Story | A follow-up to Scarlett and Devlin’s story. | |
| 3 |
|
Sidecar Crush | 2018[12] | Continues the Bodine family thread. |
| 4 |
|
Moonshine Kiss | 2018[13] | Advances the investigation. |
| 5 |
|
Bourbon Bliss | 2018[14] | Expands the mystery through June’s investigation. |
| 6 |
|
Gin Fling | 2019[15] | Advances the Callie Kendall mystery. |
| 7 |
|
Highball Rush | 2019[16] | Brings the mystery and Gibson’s connection to the foreground. |
Works in sequence
The core reading experience consists of the main Bootleg Springs sequence, in which the romances are linked by the town, the Bodine family, and the ongoing Callie Kendall mystery. These books carry the principal narrative progression and should be read in order for the clearest understanding of the case and its consequences.[4-9]
Whiskey Chaser: Bedtime Story is supplementary, as it extends Scarlett and Devlin’s established relationship rather than serving as a major step in the series. It is useful for fuller coverage of the couple and the Bootleg Springs atmosphere, but it may be left aside during a first pass through the central storyline.[3]
Readers who want the complete supplied sequence should include the short follow-up after Whiskey Chaser. However, those focused on the main mystery may continue to Sidecar Crush.[3-9]
1. Whiskey Chaser
Whiskey Chaser (2018)[11] introduces Bootleg Springs through Scarlett Bodine and Devlin McCallister, whose relationship begins as Devlin retreats from a public scandal. As he settles into town life, he becomes involved in Scarlett’s world.)[4]
This book also establishes the Bodine family and the disappearance of Callie Kendall, placing the town’s cold case at the center of the series.[4]
2. Whiskey Chaser: Bedtime Story
Whiskey Chaser: Bedtime Story is a follow-up centered on Scarlett and Devlin after their relationship has been established. Rather than beginning a new main romance or redirecting the central mystery, it revisits the couple within the everyday life of Bootleg Springs.[3]
It is best read after Whiskey Chaser, where its relationship context is already in place. It is available on the author’s website.[3]
3. Sidecar Crush
Sidecar Crush (2018)[12] shifts the focus to Jameson Bodine and Leah Mae Larkin, reconnecting childhood friendship, local gossip, and public scrutiny. This book remains tied to the series through the Bodine family’s continuing association with the Callie Kendall case.[5]
It also adds new questions about Jonah Bodine Sr.’s past and the circumstances surrounding Callie’s disappearance.[5]
4. Moonshine Kiss
Moonshine Kiss (2018)[13] centers on Cassidy Tucker and Bowie Bodine, combining their long-standing personal history with Cassidy’s role as a deputy involved in the investigation. This book gives the cold case a more formal police dimension while keeping the Bodine family’s emotional stake in the mystery prominent.[6]
It also sets up further inquiry into connected family events.[6]
5. Bourbon Bliss
Bourbon Bliss (2018)[14] follows June Tucker and George Thompson while bringing June’s analytical mind into the Callie Kendall investigation. The romance surrounds June and George’s relationship.[7]
Meanwhile, the larger sequence continues through claims about Callie’s possible return, questions over identity, and evidence that reshapes the town’s understanding of the case.[7]
6. Gin Fling
Gin Fling (2019)[15] focuses on Jonah Bodine and Shelby Thompson, pairing their relationship with further developments in the town’s long-running mystery. Shelby’s outsider research, Jonah’s place within the Bodine family, and new information about Callie’s fate all expand the continuing storyline.[8]
This book depends on the investigation and family context established in the earlier installments.[8]
7. Highball Rush
Highball Rush (2019)[16] brings Gibson Bodine’s connection to Callie Kendall into the center of the series. This book draws together the town mystery, the Bodine family history, and the danger surrounding the reopened case.[9]
It functions as the payoff to the long-running questions that began in Whiskey Chaser and developed across the intervening books.[9]
References
- Books. Lucy Score.
- Books. Claire Kingsley.
- Whiskey Chaser – Bedtime Story. Lucy Score.
- Whiskey Chaser. Lucy Score. ISBN: 9781945631207.
- Sidecar Crush. Always Have, LLC. ASIN: B07CWWH2Z3.
- Moonshine Kiss. Lucy Score. ISBN: 9781945631351.
- Bourbon Bliss. Always Have, LLC. ASIN: B07M6F2HBC.
- Gin Fling. Lucy Score. ISBN: 9781945631474.
- Highball Rush. Always Have, LLC. ASIN: B07T9TZ9RP.
- Reading Order. Claire Kingsley.
- Whiskey Chaser. Lucy Score. Copyright page. ISBN: 9781945631207.
- Sidecar Crush. Always Have, LLC. Copyright page. ASIN: B07CWWH2Z3.
- Moonshine Kiss. Lucy Score. Copyright page. ISBN: 9781945631351.
- Bourbon Bliss. Always Have, LLC. Copyright page. ASIN: B07M6F2HBC.
- Gin Fling. Lucy Score. Copyright page. ISBN: 9781945631474.
- Highball Rush. Always Have, LLC. Copyright page. ASIN: B07T9TZ9RP.