TESSA BAILEY HAS DONE IT AGAIN! I L-O-V-E-D Hook, Line, and Sinker, the second in a series. Although this can certainly be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the first of the Bellinger Sisters entitled It Happened One Summer. I can't say enough good things about this one. Ms. Bailey, you are one of my faves and a definite one click. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The fact that this book took me 4 days to finish is an indication of my feelings on this book. I was….bored? I liked the characters fine, i actually thought that Fox had a better character arc and development than Brendan and I also think Hannah was written better than Piper. And typically, the tropes presented in this book would work really well for me - a slow burn, friends-to-lovers, mutual secret pining, forced proximity romance. I love all of those things. However. It was all FINE and i think that it was a Tessa Bailey slow burn sort of caught me unaware. One of the things that continues to bother me about TB’s sex scenes is the gendered essentialism language that’s so prevalent in her books. It just doesn’t work for me. I actually liked Hannah and her musical interests and the professional goals more than the actual romance in this book, which is a sad summation for a romance novel. I think it worked for a lot of people, it just didn’t suit my tastes.

Thank you Net Galley and to the publisher for giving me an advanced e-reader of this book!

Honestly, if I ever need a comfort rom-com, I look at what I haven't read by Tessa Bailey. This one had me bawled up in a blanket feeling all the feels. There was a lot more depth and emotion in this one than a lot of her others, and I didn't know I needed that until I read this. If you are expecting a fun-loving book, you might be disappointed in that aspect, but end up feeling all the emotions. I honestly really loved this one.

This book has one of my favorite tropes that is not raved about at all. I love friends to lovers, it is so underrated. Seeing a friendship bloom into more is something I love to see. I don't want to give too much away in this one, but I recommend picking this one up especially if you've loved Tessa's work so far!

Thank you @avonbooks @netgalley for my review copy!

Fox doesn’t do relationships. He’s a good time guy and he’s not looking to change that anytime soon. When Hannah temporarily stays in his guest room, he finds himself having more than just friendly thoughts.

I love this series so much. I was obsessed with Piper and Brendon’s story so I was freaking out when I got approved for this title. I didn’t love it quite as much as the first, but I was still totally smitten with Fox and Hannah. If you love romance and you haven’t picked up these books yet, you need to get on that!

📚Read if you enjoy a steamy romance or if you’re a fan of friends to lovers. My favorite trope 😍

✍️How I rated other books by this author:
It Happened One Summer 5⭐️

4.5 stars! I'm telling you, Tessa Bailey can do no wrong, but this is hands down my favorite series.
We met Fox and Hannah in IHOS but we only touched the tip of the iceburg with these two and all of the emotional baggage that has been weighing them down for years. Hannah has kept in touch with Fox since she left Westport (via text, and I absolutely love a good text string) and when the movie she's working on looks like it will be better filmed in the small town from her childhood, she finds herself staying in Fox's extra bedroom.
Fox is a playboy (yes, we all know I hate them but hear me out on this review), he has some deep rooted issues making him believe that he is just the fun guy, the one that is around for a laugh and to make you feel good. He isn't the one you settle down with. He's been told this by so many people over the years, he just decided to embrace it, that is, until he met Hannah.
Fox knows in his heart that Hannah is the one person that he cannot live without, but the doubt is so hard to overcome when you've been told the same thing by everyone else you know. No one will take him seriously, but no one can if he doesn't do it for himself.
Hannah has had a crush on her director for years now, she loves the dark and broody ones, so why can't she stop thinking about Fox? She has alwasy been the side-kick, especially to her sister Piper, but it is time she believes in herself and chases her dreams and makes them happen.
I loved the way Hannah handled Fox. He was trying to be so convincing but she stood her ground and saw through the lies to the real man inside. The man who was broken down and scared to be vulnerable. After you have been hurt, I understand it is hard to put yourself back out there, but the difference is trust. Not only trusting your partner but trusting yourself and having a voice. I think they both learned so much on their journey.
Thank you to Netgalley, Avon and Tessa Bailey for an early copy!

WOW!! Another amazing book by Tessa Bailey! This series is one of my favorites from this author. I absolutely loved Piper and Brendan's story and Hannah & Fox were no different. Hannah was such a fun character. Lively, caring, and ambitious. Fox was everything I needed in a book boyfriend, hot, thoughtful, and protective. The chemistry these too have is just amazing. Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes.

I loved seeing Hannah develop as a character. From going to a background lady to eventually finding her own niche was one of my favorite aspects of the novel. Having the push from Fox made it so much better. I wish there were more of these books in the series!!!

ALL THE STARS! HIGHLY RECOMMEND

I was ecstatic to be able to read this book. I liked “It Happened One Summer” when I read it, but I didn’t like it as much as everyone around me because I couldn’t relate to the main character. That was not the case with this book. Hannah is a much more relatable character than Piper was in the first book, so I became emotionally invested in Hannah and Fox’s story.

I also love the “friends to lovers” trope so much more than “enemies to lovers.”

The plot of “Hook, Line, and Sinker” is much more believable and relatable.

I really liked this story. I enjoyed the communication between the two and how they grew personally and romantically. There were a few spelling mistakes, and I wish Hannah had asked Fox to pick up something heavy and bite her lip at the end to call back to Fox, telling her to flirt, but this book was done really well. I liked the reverse trope of misogyny; really well done. This book is a 5/5.

"I tried to keep you out of here.” He knocked his free fist against his chest. “But you won’t go. You’re never going to go. You just won’t.”

Yeah, I might've swooned over this book - and this beautifully broken hero - in a big way. I devoured it in one sitting, and I was hooked the whole way through. I really, really LOVED it. We met this couple in It Happened One Summer, the first stellar book in this interconnected series, and I've been impatiently waiting for their love story ever since. I'll admit to being a little worried about this playboy of a hero, but I shouldn't have been - he's the best part. It's angstier and more emotional than I anticipated, with a focus on self-worth, expectations, reputations, and doubt. Fox is more broken than anyone knew, and he's got to piece himself back together if he's got any hope of a future with his girl. I loved the intimacy, the level of trust and determination, and this slow burn to SIZZLE romance had the kind of sexual tension that heats up the pages.

The story follows Fox, a fisherman whose playboy reputation has followed him around since high school. He's always been the good time guy, the man who leaves before his heart is involved - and no one expects anything different from him. Fox met Hannah last summer, and she sparked something inside of him that he doesn't know how to handle. When Hannah left town, she kept in touch in Fox, and they've developed a text-based friendship in the months since. So when she returns to town and moves in with Fox temporarily, it puts their friendship to the test. Things between them don't feel purely platonic, but Fox is confident that he can't be the man Hannah deserves... even if he wants to be.

Will this read as a standalone? I guess so, but I don't recommend it. We met both Hannah and Fox in It Happened One Summer, and the foundation of their relationship was developed there. When Hook, Line and Sinker begins, they've been friends for months and are already teetering on the edge of more. I actually really loved that element of the story - Fox has been quietly working on himself for months, and he's already started to change and grow. He might not believe himself worthy of Hannah, but he's proving that he can be the man she deserves. I'm not always the biggest fan of reformed playboys (especially in a friends to lovers scenario), but this was executed in such a great way. Yeah, the focus of the book is Fox's past and his doubts about the future, but his actions showcase all of the ways he's worthy. I adored him, even if I kinda wanted to shake him sometimes. Together, these two have some serious chemistry, and their love story was so immensely compelling - I might've even liked it more than the first book, and that set a very high bar. This had my heart in my throat the whole way through, and I couldn't help swooning. I was lucky enough to receive an early copy, and am voluntarily leaving a review of this emotional romance.

This may be the favorite rom-com of the year! I loved this book and will recommend it over and over again. I am going to buy myself a copy for my personal shelf!

I hate to say it, but this is not my favorite series by Tessa Bailey. I have given many of her books 5 stars and will continue to read them, but this series set in my home state has left me on the disappointed side.

First, let me talk about what I loved about Hook, Line, and Sinker. I was 100% behind the Hannah and Fox relationship. Their friendship was adorable and I loved their text messages. The connection they had when they were in the same city was perfect. I could feel the attraction between them and was happy with their emotional connection. I loved that Hannah saw behind the mask Fox wore. It was all so sweet and there were some fun moments between them.

What didn't I love? Well, the pacing was off for me. I'm not exactly sure what it was, but the book felt super slow to read. I had to force myself to keep going despite loving so much of the story and romance. The only things I could think of that might have slowed it down for me were the third person narration or the length of the book. I couldn't figure it out. Other than that, I enjoyed this book. Well, until I got to the epilogue. Then things went downhill fast for me. 

Here’s where I get RANTY. I had some issues with It Happened One Summer and the accuracy of a fictional typhoon hitting the Washington coast and town of Westport. I was pleased that the vibe of Westport felt more accurate in Hook, Line, and Sinker and that WA felt more factually accurate. Then, the epilogue happened. How hard can it be to Google information about a state? I could point out all the things wrong geographically and also involving animals that aren’t native to the area, but I won’t. I will say it was frustrating for a reader who has lived in WA their whole life and enjoys this author’s writing. It was a letdown.

Back to the good things. Fans of the first book will enjoy this one. It's a cute story with lots of favorite characters involved. Both Hannah and Fox learn more about themselves and grow in the best way possible. They're sweet together.

Thank you to @netgalley and @avonbooks for my gifted copy of Hook, Line, and Sinker, by @tessabaileyisanauthor. This book is out March 1st. Hook, Line, and Sinker follows Hannah Bellinger, after the conclusion of It Happened One Summer. And though Hannah is very different from her sister, she and her adventures are just as much fun and romantic.

I just love and adore Tessa Bailey. So far, both of the Bellinger Sisters books have been easy to get lost in and forget what’s going on in real life. You get swept up into the adventures of this tiny fishing village and these two sisters who are learning to get grounded in reality. Though, Hannah is more grounded and it shows. But, on to that now.

Hannah was a delightful main character. I loved how grounded she was, and how she didn’t want to depend on her stepdad to make a name for herself. You really got to see her grow throughout this book too, and it was delightful. Fox was such a fun person too. Without saying too much, there were times when I just wanted to tell both of them some very strongly worded things.

Overall, grab this if you’re in need of a fun romance! It’ll have some spoilers from It Happened One Summer though, just as a warning.

This book made me giggle and clench my toes like a school girl but also cry at 2 am so that’s always fun. Ms. Tessa Bailey, once again, DID NOT DISAPPOINT! I can’t wait for everyone to read this book when it finally comes out and fall in love with Hannah and Fox and their beautiful story <3
(Make sure to read the first book of this series first!)

For those of you who read It Happened One Summer, and have been dying to get your hands on Hook, Line, and Sinker to read Fox and Hannah's story like I was...it did not disappoint!

I fell in love all over again with Westport, fishing, and Tessa Bailey's characters (and believe me, if you've got me wishing I could move to a small fishing town in Washington, that's all you need to know). The little bit of tension and banter that we got to see in It Happened One Summer had nothing on the fully fleshed out storyline between these two characters.

Hannah and Fox start off as friends, sharing their (one old and one newly-found) love for music, witty banter, and need for true and deep connection with a person that understands them so fully. They're both at a sort of cross-roads in their careers, needing the confidence to take charge and the support to get them there. They contrast and blend together so beautifully; both as just friends and as a couple.

Through being forced into close quarters, deep conversations, a new record player, and a dash of jealousy, Fox and Hannah strip each other down to their barest bones and build each other back up intertwined.

While they both had their path of progress, both as people and eventually as a couple, I really loved how focused Hannah was on encouraging Fox to grow and process his emotions. Usually in romance books, the majority of character development seems to be owned by the female character, with the male lending support and praise, so it was really refreshing to see it the other way around.

All in all, Hook, Line, and Sinker was a super cute read and a perfect ending to the Bellinger Sisters Duology.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC!

I read "It Happened One Summer" and absolutely loved Brendan and Piper together. I was, however, incredibly excited to hear that there was a story for Fox and Hannah coming out. Even in Piper and Brendan's story you could feel the chemistry between the two friends. I am a sucker for a friends to lover romance, which is exactly what Hook, Line, and Sinker is but it is also close proximity because Hannah is staying with Fox for a couple of weeks while her Director is shooting a movie in their little fishing town. Fox and Hannah try so hard to hide their feelings from one another because Fox is not a relationship man and Hannah is definitely a relationship woman. As the story progresses, the feelings of Fox and Hannah grow. Hannah helps Fox to see that he is so much more than what he believes himself to be and Fox does the same for Hannah. They both can become "Leading Ladies."

I loved loved loved this story so much. I have been looking forward to it. Tessa Bailey is always such an amazing writer. Her stories blow me away every time. I am honestly sad that this is going to be the last book in this series. The Bellinger sisters are hilarious and their men our amazing broody fisherman who are so easy to fall in love with!

@wannabe_bookstagrammer review

Hook, Line, & Sinker by Tessa Bailey

Thank you so much to @netgalley & @avonbooks for the opportunity to have this eARC, read this amazing book early, and tell all my #bookstafriends about it.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (0-5 scale)

I’ve been a #wannabebookstagrammer for 5 months now & I still love my handle, so I’m going to claim my ignorance as long as I can. My name is Leigh Ann, and I still don’t know how people give star ratings to books. I’m still at DNF or 3, 4, 5 (6) I think. This book is a romcom but it is SO MUCH MORE than a romcom. And the dedication page, the reason we even have this beautiful book in the first place, deserves a star of its own!

Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 (0-5 scale)

Now steam, I think I’m getting that one figured out. I like all the steam options, but since my friends all like different levels of steam I like to share.

What I’m starry-eyed over:
🤩 turquoise books with cute book covers—EVERY TIME! I have this eARC yet the paperback will be delivered to me by @amazon on March 1st, pub day, because QOTD: does anybody else do that? I know @barnesandnoble will get some in the store early but why can’t they mail preorders early so they get to me on the exact pub day? (such a first world problem, I know 🙄).
🤩 The year of texting. Oh my goodness, give me more texting.
🤩 ALL THE FEELS we want from the ROM! And the COM! I busted out laughing because of the funny parts. My tears almost turned to bawls because I felt so much unconditional love. And the steam! Of course, I felt a lot of physical desire, lust, need--@tessabaileyisanauthor knows how to please her needy readers.
🤩 Fox & Hannah—they are fantastic characters that I adore, and they are so well developed and both transform into such beautiful versions of themselves. I think it was third-person but in a dual point of view which helps so much when we want to know our MC’s deepest darkest secrets and thoughts.
🤩 And the chemistry between them is so HOT even before anything really happens between them. The slow burn (for those of us who like some action) gets a star on its own, so we might be at 7. When I got to chapter 20, I could barely move on—it was that good. I wanted to highlight all of chapter 20. I waited a day then reread chapter 20, and it was just as hot the second time, so much that I totally recommend you read it in this 2-day fashion. I talked myself into handling any emotional drama that was coming my way and finishing the book because I had faith that Tessa Bailey would give me the HEA.

What I’m wishing/dizzy about:
💫 I lost some sleep because I couldn’t put the book down (school/work night problems).
💫 Saying the Lord’s name in vain (Jesus Christ rubs me the wrong way, but Oh God isn’t quite as bad for me). But, I can get over it because I really want to go back and reread all the parts when Fox talks dirty and naughty and sexy!

Okay, WHAT?! I expected to like this book but I didn't expect to fall in love so hard!

This book is for you if you've ever felt like a "supporting role" rather than a "main character".

I think my absolute favorite part of this book is that the characters show SO MUCH GROWTH. Sometimes it's nice to read a book where you're not screaming at the MC's to get their ish together.

It was so refreshing for the male MC to be the one who goes through the most growth/development. Don't get me wrong, Hannah also shows growth... But Fox. Gosh I love Fox.

Their relationship is intense, the chemistry *drool*, I just love everything about them together.

This story is sweet and heartwarming with the perfect amount of spice.

Thank you to NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager, as well as Tessa Bailey for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Wow. Wow. Wow. This book was just wow. The moment I started this book I was hooked. Hannah and Fox's relationship was just so cute and just oozed sweetness, angst, hot tension, flirty banter, understanding, friends to lovers and did I mention hot tension?? I just loved them. I really enjoyed how music was a big part of their relationship and how it brought them closer and closer throughout the book. In "It Happened One Summer" Piper and Brendans relationship was definitely what introduced my love for Tessa Bailey, but Hannah and Fox have a more intense and more emotional love story that I enjoyed just a little more. And that epilogue???? WOW

Both Fox and Hannah see themselves as supporting characters, just on the sidelines doing what they need but not being in the spotlight, but they both see each other as so much more. They both start to have deeper feelings for each other, but are both too stubborn to admit what they want. The support they have for each other allows for both of them to start being more vulnerable and revealing more about themselves that seemed to be hidden below the surface. Fox and Hannah both start asking if friendship is really what they want or do they want more? Tess Bailey knows how to make you fall in love with the characters and their love story and she did not disappoint with this one!

Thank you NetGalley and Avon books for the ARC!!

Hook, Line, and Sinker is the 2nd book in the Bellinger Sisters Series. If you loved It Happened One Summer like me, you’ve probably been dying to see what’s in store for Hannah and Fox and the palpable tension between the two. Well, Miss Tessa Bailey does not disappoint.
When work brings Hannah back to the small fishing town of Westport, she finds herself temporarily sharing an apartment with none other than Fox. Did I mention they’ve been texting since last summer?

This is a sexy, friends-to-lovers romance about moving past your own misconceptions of yourself so you can be the person you really want to be, and finding the person that will hold your hand along the way.

If you love pining, forced proximity, and a main character who has gone to therapy and knows how to communicate, this is the book for you.

This was an incredibly earnest and heartwarming story. I really enjoyed how much the characters spoke about their emotional state and opinions, which is not something you find often in books. I also really appreciated the perspective of the role toxic masculinity played in Fox’s life. Overall 100/10!