This was ok. A light-hearted romance, but honestly I couldn’t stand either of the main characters. Especially the male. He was so dramatic. Felt very immature. And the story itself was kind of drawn out. Could have cut about 50 pages or do. I spent the last 25% of the book wondering when they were going to wrap it up.

I probably wouldn’t recommend this to others.

I received this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Tessa Bailey does it again! Fox and Hannah's relationship was an absolute treat to watch unfold. I was very excited to receive their story after meeting them in Brenden and Piper's story. Fox was very much a teddy bear and I loved watching that side of him reveal itself.

This is a story about Hannah, self-proclaimed side-character (never the leading lady) and Fox, a self-proclaimed ladies man.

Hannah works for a production house with dreams of leading films scores. Fox is a king crab fisherman with no plans or desires for more responsibility.

Having met through Piper (Hannah’s sister) and Piper’s fiancé Brendan (Fox’s friend and boss), these two characters became long distance friends, texting everyday for 7 months, until Hannah is back in Westport for filming. Staying with Fox, their friendship (and sexual tension) is at an all time high. Hannah sees that Fox has been typecasted as only a good time, never the one and never boyfriend material. Fox has been told many, many times to stay away from Hannah and not to associate themselves for fear of ruining her reputation.

What follows is a beautiful love story about what it means to be a true friend and finding confidence in yourself - both professionally and personally - to go after what you truly what.


This book was cute! It’s a true good-girl meets bad-for-her boy story. I loved watching their relationship blossom and I actually loved that we (as the reader) were plopped right in the middle-ish of their story - the prologue features them texting for months straight after their initial meeting. This book also has SPICE (🌶🌶🌶🌶).

*thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review*

I genuinely don't know how to review a book I so deeply loved. This is one of those books that is so good I just want to shove it at absolutely everyone and stare them down until they read it. How am I supposed to function when there are lines like this in the world:

"I've never even had you, and your body haunts mine."

Like are you kidding me with this Tessa Bailey? Who gave you the right to write something so freaking perfectly beautiful?! I love you...and Fox.

I know everyone loves IHOS, and I agree! Don't get me wrong, I would do anything for Brendan and Piper. But this book? There is something so comforting about it, and I just want to hug Fox and love him and give him the world, though luckily he has Hannah to do that! The development of their friendship and relationship was so genuine, and they put in the work, which made the slow burn worth it. And I absolutely adored their text exchanges (I could have read a whole book of them) and the use of music throughout was so perfect for them.

I couldn't put this book down and it made me feel so deeply, I absolutely loved it. I would have love to have seen even more growth and expanding on some of the plots, but I think that's because I would love to live in Westport with these characters forever. Never has an epilogue made my heart feel so full!

If you love friends-to-lovers with a hero who is absolutely gone for the heroine, sea shanties, communication through music, salt lamps, record players, or bingo, this is the book for you! Absolutely one of my favorite reads this year!

I LOVED It Happened One Summer and I couldn't wait to read a book about Piper's sister Hannah. Hannah is trying to break free from her role as a film assistant and what she really dreams of is scoring movies. I really liked how Hannah was always doing this in her head, thinking about the perfect song as accompaniment to mundane events in life. Fox is a fisherman (and a player) reluctant to take on more responsibility at work as well as in his personal life. When Hannah talks her film director into filming on location, she expects to stay with her sister. But her sister's future in-laws will be in town and there's no room for Hannah, so she has to stay with Fox, Piper's fiance's best friend. Forced proximity is a particular favorite trope of mine, and this one was done to perfection. This book was a pitch-perfect romcom, with both hilarious witty banter and real heartfelt emotions. Bailey just keeps getting better and better and I cannot wait to see what she will write next.

Is Tessa Bailey a genius or is she a genius, people?

I am absolutely kicking myself for not having read this sooner but I think I was nervous. I've read a few different romances with the trope of the ~playboy whose phone is constantly going off with booty calls he has lined up~ and they typically have at least one moment in the book where things go south between the couple in some, stupid, preventable way.

That was NOT the case in this book. GOOD LORD. For starters, I'm not sure that I have ever read about a character similar to Fox's that, on the outside, was the stereotypical hot playboy who NEVER is in a relationship for the exact reasons that Fox was. My heart hurt so. Damn. Bad for him. It was one of those age old cases of growing up with a shitty example of a father, thinking certain behaviors were a norm when clearly no young kid should EVER be thinking that way, acting on those said behaviors starting in his teenage years, and then because they lived in such a small town, everyone around him continued to perpetuate that stereotype for him. SO BASICALLY THIS FUCKING MARSHMELLOW OF A HUMAN BEING thought his only worth was in being that hot, wild cat, never-to-be-tamed, kind of man. Sure he still found pleasure in the hookups but was he ever fully satisfied--NO and yet he still didn't even think he would ever even deserve that kind of normal happiness with a woman. Good fucking lord. Toxic masculinity at its finest right there, folks.

In comes Hannah. The quieter, more reserved Bellinger sister but ones that loves with the fierceness of a thousand burning suns. She considers herself to be in a supporting role instead of holding a leading lady title so naturally she's gotten really good at being a hype woman and solid support system for everyone in her life other than herself. When Hannah and Fox were foisted upon one another so that Piper and Brendan could spend time together in It Happened One Summer these two left a massive impression on one another.

AND I AM SO SOFT FOR THE WAY IN WHICH THAT MANIFESTS. Like I am a sucker for text exchanges in romances so naturally the ones we saw here were so lovely. And the records. And the secret record player. And the moments when they ask each other what kind of song their day was and they both just get what the other is asking.

But the main thing I loved? Hannah. Hannah may find it easier to be a supporting actress but damn if those qualities aren't SO important in a person. The way she was so supportive and loving to Fox when he needed it most--when he needed to believe he was worth something more than just a playboy who would never take life seriously she was there. She did not allow him to sabotage their friendship/relationship when he felt it was treading too close into "real feelings" territory. Like I'm talking multiple times. She was steadfast and just simply loved with every fiber of her being. Good lord I'm literally tearing up thinking about it LOL. I don't know, something about this was just extra special to me and I loved every second. (Also not like this needs to be said the steam was obviously hot as hell *insert 10 flame emojis*)

I read It Happened One Summer (the first Bellinger sisters book). While I liked it, I didn't love it. However, I loved the characters of Fox and Hannah so I was really excited to see that they were getting their own book! I loved this one! This book provided a depth to their relationship that I felt was missing with Piper and Brendan in the first book. Sequels aren't always better but they were in this case.

Hook, Line, and Sinker
by Tessa Bailey
Pub Date: March 1, 2022

What a fun story! I, admittedly, have not read the first Bellinger Sister book, but I don’t think that affected my feelings about this one! There were mentions to storylines that had to have happened in the first book, but I didn’t feel like I missed out! But I just might turn around and read #1 now!

This story is about sister Hannah and her evolving relationship with fisherman, Fox Thornton. I loved this story for the acknowledgment that some people are sexualized from such an early age! The things we say, the things we comment as innocent gab, sometimes does not translate that way for others. Can Fox realize/accept that he is more than a beautiful face and charm? Can Hannah step into the leading-lady role with her career & love life?

I also felt this connection with Hannah and her love for music! The feelings songs can emote and the way a good vinyl can just create the mood. Here for it!

Only reason I gave this 3.5 stars was that I felt it got really repetitive. It’s spicy/steamy & has great dialog.

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

As always, thank you to NetGalley for the ARC and to Avon Books for approval to read this one

Since their introduction in It Happened One Summer, I have been dying for Fox and Hannah's journey and I was not disappointed. Our Westport resident ladies man, Fox, has finally met his match with Hannah Bellinger and I was totally there for it! Fox's player exterior hides a soft, insecure interior and his character arc was both heart-warming and satisfying. Hannah is just the best and the only person who really gets him. Her parallel journey takes her to new levels of self-confidence both personally and in her career. This was a both steamy and sweet friends-to-lovers romance and I have so enjoyed my time visiting the town of Westport.

Hook, Line, and Sinker felt like a love letter to music. After meeting Hannah and Fox in It Happened One Summer, I was stoked to read this one.

Fox is a King crab fisherman that has a reputation as a playboy. He's always down for a good time until he meets Hannah. Hannah seems more interested in being his friend and his personality. After being friends and texting for months, Hannah comes to Westport for work and is staying in Fox's spare room. Hannah and Fox grapple with their growing attraction and friendship. Especially since Hannah's crush is in town. But as they spend more time together, Fox and Hannah realize that it might be worth risking their friendship if it means they can be together.

I loved the sister relationship in this book, Piper and Hannah are different and love each other fiercely, it reminds me a little of my relationship with my sister. I loved watching Hannah realize she was a leading lady in her own story. I also appreciated how Hannah found a way to connect with her father, who she doesn't remember. Hannah's love of music is one I share, and I loved how she was able to connect to others, namely Fox and her father, through it. I also enjoyed watching Hannah realize what her dream job was and that she was able to go for it, despite it scaring her.

Fox, my sweet Fox. He had so much pressure to be a flirt and live up to his father's reputation. Watching him grapple with what he wanted vs. what he thought he deserved made my heart ache for him. His internal monologue of why he couldn't be with Hannah, while repetitive, felt true and is something that would take time to get over. I felt like this was a mature relationship and I loved that it was a slow burn, focusing more on emotional intimacy vs. physical. Hannah championed Fox and that support allowed for him to find inner strength and trust in himself.

I've read a lot of Tessa Bailey's work, but this is by far my favorite of hers. This relationship felt mature, real, and vulnerable. And of course, it was steamy, but I appreciated that those scenes added to the intimacy already estabilished.

I'm going to miss Westport and the Bellinger sisters!

Thank you to Avon & Harper for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

“You can’t live life worrying about what people will think. You’ll wake up one day, look at a calendar, and count the days you could have spent being happy.”

I liked this book so much more than the first book in this series. The characters felt so much more relatable to me and this romance was not only 🔥🔥 but so sweet and swoon worthy. I loved it!

Genuine, heartfelt, and vulnerable, this book surprised me with the depth of emotional development and relatability of the plot arcs. From dealing with imposter syndrome from a career standpoint to learning to grow beyond the negatively stereotypical expectations of others, this story navigated a host of emotional topics with realistic vulnerability and grace. I truly enjoyed Hannah and Fox’s individual character growth, as well as the development of their relationship as they challenge each other to grow beyond their self-imposed limitations. A wonderfully romantic yet vulnerable story, this is a must-read for all romance lovers and fans of Tessa Bailey.

3/5

I really liked the beginning of this book and thought this sequel would be better than It Happened One Summer but towards the middle and end the story fell short. The internal conflict for Fox and Hannah not wanting to pursue each other was so repetitive. Every chapter was constantly restating their fears and questions about each other which felt like overkill. I think this book would’ve done better if it was more of a novella.

I adored Hannah’s character development though and her becoming more confident at her job and being more assertive. I think Hannah is such a relatable character in regards to always wanting to be a supportive friend and feeling more comfortable hanging in the background.

I liked seeing the relationship between her and her sister, Piper. I would love a story of just them getting into some shenanigans similar to IHOS.

Overall, it was a quick read and I enjoyed being taken back to Westport and seeing Brendan and Piper again but this story just missed the mark.

My ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

There aren't enough words for how much I LOVED this book!! I absolutely loved It Happened One Summer and then I read this one and think I loved it more. Hannah as a character amazed me with her fierce strength. She kept failing or falling, getting hurt, being judged but she kept growing and getting better and stronger. It was amazing to read! Her tenacity was impressive!
I obviously swoon for Fox....there are so many lines I highlighted as I read. He was unexpected. The hot guy that knows he's hot and yet hates how it's become an expected character trait...Hates that he's considered a love 'em and leave 'em kinda guy. I just wanted to hug him.
This book was funny and that's the way to my heart....make me laugh and I'm yours. Tessa Bailey I now need every single book because you've solidified yourself as my go to for romance.
AND for the real question everyone is asking....was it steamy? Was it spicy? Hell yes it was...we wouldn't be here otherwise.

After reading 'It Happened One Summer', I was so excited to get my hands on this ARC and dive into Hannah and Fox's story! Fox is a sexy crab fisherman that has a bad boy sexual reputation, and Hannah is a music loving loyal woman who doesn't always live in the spotlight. Hannah is Fox's first female friend and now that she's coming to town for work, ends up staying at Fox's place! What could go wrong in this friendship that has been mostly via text?

I LOVED the sexual tension between Hannah and Fox. It made for a slow burn that was so worth it. Both of them had great character development. I loved the connection to music they both had while being long distance best friends and how that developed into a relationship that was all about truth, support, and pushing the other to be full of strength; whether that be at work, mentally and/or in their other relationships, socially. Hannah going for it at work and Fox overcoming the judgement of others was so important, inspiring, and something most people can relate to in some way in their life!

I loved Hannah finally getting that connection with her late father and that it was through music; plus the way that Fox had such a big influence on finding that connection was perfect.

The steam was fabulous and never too much or not enough for me!

AND the cameos and inclusion of Piper, Brendan, and of course Grandma Opal were great. I especially loved the Epilogue and how it wrapped up for the four of them!

Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager & Netgalley for a free ARC of this book in return for an honest review!

This was one of my most anticipated 2022 book releases— I love Brendan + Piper’s story, and could not wait to dive into Fox + Hannah’s story after getting a small glimpse from It Happened One Summer. Also, Tessa Bailey never disappoints.

I love Piper, but found sweet Hannah to be the more relatable sister. I tend to gravitate towards enemies to lovers but I LOVED the slow burn friendship between Hannah and Fox.

Hannah’s FINALLY back in the town of Westport for work *cut to me looking up pictures of Westport, WA*, but finds herself crashing at Fox’s for the time being. And we all know how well “platonic pals” thrive under one roof. We see lots of growth in these two characters and I was living for it. Miss Hannah finds herself finally sticking up for herself and putting herself into the leading lady position. Fox struggles with his past and overcoming the judgement of others. It was a great read from start to finish.

Anyways, enjoy your chocolate ice cream and let me know when you get to the ginger lotion part.

This book is for you if you like:
-friends to lovers
-slow burn
-close proximity
-‘off limits’ (best friend’s gf’s little sister)
-character development
-steamy😁

Thank you to NetGalley & Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC in exchange for my honest review! Hook, Line, and Sinker available March 1!

I’ve been the happy reader of a number of good books recently, but until Tessa Bailey’s Hook, Line, and Sinker, none of those good books have been ones I’ve read for review. Now I’m pleased to award my first DIK grade of 2022 to this thoroughly enjoyable, sexy and emotionally sweet story.

Hannah Bellinger is an LA-based production assistant who dreams of being a music coordinator for movies. She’s working on a romantic short directed by a guy who “once made the entire crew wear blindfolds on set so they wouldn’t dilute the magic of a scene by viewing it”, and on whom she has “a long-unrequited crush”. When a moment of inspiration leads her to speak up and successfully argue for shooting in Westport, the Washington town where her sister Piper (of It Happened One Summer) lives, Hannah finds herself temporarily relocated. But with Piper’s guest room already occupied, what’s a girl to do but stay “with Fox Thornton, king crab fisherman and a lady-killer of the highest caliber”, and Hannah’s text buddy of the past seven months (they met when she stayed in town previously – ‘previously’ as in not in this book?) Needless to say, the director doesn’t stand a chance.

The best way I can describe the pleasure of Hook, Line, and Sinker is that it does all the heavy lifting. It’s an effortless read that breezes along on unpretentious dialogue, endearing characters, and a solid romantic relationship. The only time I felt any need to exert myself in order to understand and enjoy the book was when Hannah made an unfamiliar music reference and even those moments were so few that I didn’t have time to lament my lack of musical knowledge.

Bailey has a knack for writing relationships that combine abundant emotional and physical chemistry. Fox has spent his life caught in family/romantic/professional environments where people have focused, to the exclusion of all else, on the fact that he’s a potently attractive man. Consequently, his sense of self has been crumbling under the weight of the innuendos, jokes, and assumptions people make about him. Hannah is refreshingly emotionally perceptive – she always sees through Fox, which keeps her from chasing all the red herrings he tosses out in a last-ditch attempt to keep her from getting too close lest she be disappointed by the man behind the “giant squid wrapped around an anchor” tattoo. Part of Hannah’s campaign to prove to Fox that she sees him as a person and not a sexy rest-stop on her life’s journey involves refusing to sleep with him early on. Thus, Hook, Line, and Sinker simmers longer than other Bailey books do, and feels just a little less graphic than some of the others. But note that I say “little” – there’s still enough outdoor cunnilingus to merit the hot rating(!)

The book’s only real weakness is a slightly rushed last act. The break-up/low point results from a ‘falling at the first hurdle’ situation, and the first hurdle in question doesn’t feel big enough to merit such a response. And the emotional resolution comes so hard, fast, and perfect on the heels of the low point that it’s a little unbelievable. With a few more pages and development these issues could have been vanquished, but as it is they’re the equivalent of a tiny hole in a sweater: not large enough to impair function or overall style, but just detectable enough to be faintly frustrating.

Honestly, all I can say is I hope next time Tessa Bailey does a series about siblings she takes a page from Bridgerton and gives the family eight kids instead of two. Perhaps she’ll reveal a secret half-sister and reward us with a third book to turn the Bellinger Sisters duology into a trilogy? A girl can dream.

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I enjoyed Piper and Brendan in the first book, but I absolutely loved Hannah and Fox in this one. I was more intrigued with the possibility of their love story at the end of book one, so this was a much awaited read for me. One of the best things about this series is the close relationship Piper and Hannah have. We definitely get to see that strong sister bond in this book as well. Their parents are terrible so I’m glad that they have each other and that they are close.

The book opens and we learn Hannah and Fox have been texting. No spoilers here, so no worries. I just love how their friendship has continued since the end of the first book. They have great conversation and you can tell there are feelings below the surface. Hannah still sees Fox as the playboy and Fox thinks he’s only of value for what he can provide physically to a woman. Fox believes everyone views him as the fun guy and not to be taken seriously in relationships.

Hannah ends up back in Westport for work and she needs to live with Fox while she’s there. This is just the beginning of the story and what unfolds is such a sweet and beautiful friends to lovers romance.

What drew me in the most was the vulnerability of Fox and the steadfast determination of Hannah to help Fox see his self worth. There was major angst and definitely a pull towards each other they kept fighting. It was beautiful, and that’s why the slow burn was perfect. Don’t get me wrong, it’s spicy, very spicy, but the way it developed gave time for the relationship to grow, and Fox had to learn to love himself before he could truly love Hannah.

If you love forced proximity and friends to lovers you are going to want to read this. If you like a hero who is completely lovable, needs to see his value, and a heroine who is steadfast, loyal, and determined to help him do just that…. then I think you’ll truly enjoy this book. It’s my favorite of the two and I’d whole heartedly recommend. 4.5 stars from me.

Thank you to @netgalley and HarperCollins for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Hannah Bellinger is a leading lady in all the ways it counts. I loved her in It Happened One Summer and that only grew in this book where she returned to the small fishing community with a movie production crew and a long time crush in tow. Her growth through the story was something to behold. She navigated her feelings for Sergei and dissected her feelings for Fox, she figured out her professional goals and made the difficult choices for herself. Fox for his part was more layered that I could have guessed. I enjoyed digging deep on his character and seeing how he found his way free from old expectations and shed that for something of value.

Tessa is amazing at creating a story that is full of banter, pining, slow burn steam, and emotion.

Can we declare Tessa Bailey the queen of rom coms yet? Or has that already been done? Hook, Line, and Sinker is an excellent follow up to It Happened One Summer. How she managed to make me fall in love with two fictional fishermen, I will never know. Fox is not just the typical player that he seems to be. He has so much more depth, making him such an intriguing and well rounded character. His friendship with Hannah is so sweet and their banter is great. We get to see so much more of who Hannah is as well. Her struggle with always feeling like the side character in her own story is so relatable. It’s obvious that they are attracted to each other, but their reasons for not getting together don’t seem so trivial and frustrating like most friends to lovers stories. Friends to Lovers is one of my favorite tropes, and this is one of (if not) the best FTL books I’ve read.

Here are some of the selling points of the book:
-Friends to Lovers
-The Guy Falls First
-The pining is immaculate.
-The spice is superb
-The Epilogue is amazing (and features a small glimpse into Piper and Brendan’s future too)

The bonus included in this great story is an incredible “soundtrack.” If you don’t already collect vinyl records, this book will make you want to start.

I was fortunate enough to receive an arc of this book, but I had already pre-ordered a physical copy. I cannot wait to lend it out to all of my friends, because I cannot imagine anyone not enjoying reading this. Thank you to Avon Books, NetGalley, and Tessa Bailey for the advanced copy of this incredible book!