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!!

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!

I’m going, to be honest, and say that I was very hesitant to read this book. The biggest reason is that I wasn’t a fan of Tessa Bailey’s recent holiday release Window Shopping. However, Hannah, Fox, and the town of Westport captured my heart! Hannah was one of the most mature characters I’ve ever come across in a romance novel. She was certain of her love for Fox and was willing to fight for them and for him no matter what. That conviction and dedication that eventually made its way to Fox was definitely a heart-fluttering moment. I loved these two just as much as I loved Piper and Brendan. As always Tessa brought the smut onboard for us. Overall a 4.5/5 ⭐️ I will defiantly miss this crew of characters and this series! 💕

Tessa Baily can do no wrong in my book, and neither can the Bellinger sisters. After reading It Happened One Summer, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book. Thanks, NetGalley! I loved watching Fox and Hannah fall in love. Tessa Bailey is such a good rom-com writer, and her spicy parts are *chef's kiss*! There is something truly magical about a guy who doesn't date, just hooks up, meeting his perfect match and falling in love. And Hannah finally realizes things are going nowhere with the supposed man of her dreams. Luckily, Fox is there to pick up the pieces.

Of course this story wouldn't be complete without Brendan and Piper, so they come along for the ride, as well. If you love It Happened One Summer, you will not be disappointed in Hook, Line and Sinker!

Thanks to the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Hook, Line, and Sinker was actually the first 2022 release I read...way back in August of last year. Despite not getting around to sharing my review until now, I loved this book. It might be my favorite by Tessa Bailey that I've read. The small crumbs of Hannah and Fox that we got in It Happened One Summer had me really looking forward to seeing their relationship play out in this book, and I was not disappointed.

Hannah was such a great character, and I'm sure a lot of us can relate to her feeling of not being the leading lady in her own life at times. I also looooved Fox and how his relationship with Hannah paralleled him taking on responsibilities in other areas of his life, as well as standing up for the respect he deserved. Overall, the way their relationship developed from a really adorable friendship to more was so well done.

While there are some references to things in the first book of this duo, you can absolutely read this one without reading the other.

4.5/5

Hook, Line, and Sinker is the much-anticipated follow-up to It Happened One Summer and is a must-read romantic comedy.

Hook, Line, and Sinker follows the story of Hannah and Fox. Fox is a man with a reputation and is known for giving the ladies a good time. But when Fox meets Hannah, all bets are off. Hannah isn’t falling for his charm or antics. For the first time in Fox’s life, a woman wants to be just friends. However the more time these two spend together, the more the lines of friendship start to blur…

Hook, Line, and Sinker was everything I was hoping it would be and then some. I loved the slow-burning romance between Hannah and Fox. These two were amazing friends and had an undeniable connection. Fox could charm the pants off of anyone, but Hannah refused to just be another notch on his bedpost. I really loved watching these two grow from friendship to more. I loved how much faith Hannah had in Fox, the way she built up his confidence, and showed him that even a player deserves more.

Hook, Line, and Sinker is a smartly written and entertaining romantic comedy. I loved being back in Westport and catching up with Piper and Brendan. Hannah and Fox’s story had me hooked from the first page and had me devouring their story in just a few short hours.

In the end, all that’s left to say is that I loved and adored this book. It checked off all of my boxes and was just the romantic comedy I was hoping it would be. Hook, Line, and Sinker is the perfect book to spend your day getting lost in. I hope you will fall head over heels for Hannah and Fox just as I have.

After reading It Happened One Summer, this was a highly anticipated second in the series. Tessa Bailey has some steamy romances which is usually why I am drawn to her writing. This particular book was more mellow but it didn't take away from the story. Hannah and Fox had to navigate their friendship to see if they would eventually be able to work as a couple. It was hard to put down. Definitely a great read and another wonderful book from Bailey.

Favorite quote: “Hannah had a playlist consisting of three hundred and eight love songs and not one of them could describe this moment accurately. Not even close.”

I love this book so much. One of my top romance reads ever, and that’s saying a lot because I read a... lot of romance.

Hannah and Fox are just friends - best friends even. They text every day from afar, they send each other music recommendations, and now, they're roommates. Let the tension build and the growing affection begin!

Fox is my dream man. My new book boyfriend. My new favorite leading man. Aside from the fact that he’s a bit dense at times, he is so pure and sweet and well-rounded and unintentionally deep and I loved him beyond.

I aspire to have Hannah’s patience one day, and shall strive to attain her level of self-composed. The way she just gets Fox is next level; it’s bone-deep the way she understands what he’s trying to say when he says the wrong thing, or even when he says nothing at all.

Hannah + Fox’s relationship was everything I wanted it to be and somehow even more.

I don't know what it is about text messages in books, but something about them just gives me life and make me really happy. And the texts in this book do NOT disappoint! The texts, the steam, the spicy, the affection, the love, the banter, everything in this one was amazing!

i liked It Happened One Summer, but I absolutely LOVED Hook, Line, and Sinker. different enough yet similar in all the right Tessa Bailey-esque ways, this is one of my new favorite reads.

PUB DATE MARCH 1, 2022 - mark your calendars!

Thank you to Net Galley and Avon Books for the #arccopy in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely adore this book. I read ‘It Happened on Summer r a while ago and loved it so this book was high on my TBR. Fox and Hannah’s story starts in ‘It Happened on Summer’ and they became friends. They are complete opposites. It is a slow burn and friends to lovers. This love story felt so real and I could feel the chemistry through the book. I loved this so much and cant wait for Tess Bailey to release more books.