Thank you Netgalley and Avon Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I am so sad to say that I was actually pretty disappointed in this one, especially since I loved the first book in the series, It Happened One Summer. I loved these two characters in the first book, but considering the fact that this book is literally about them, we receive very little additional character development about Fox and Hannah. The personality traits that we do know about Fox and Hannah are perseverated on over and over again until it seems like they are their ONLY personality traits (i.e. Hannah=music and Fox=sex). It felt very one-dimensional and struck me as boring. I also felt that this book had way more internal monologuing than the first book, which in my opinion, cheapened the writing. Way too much telling and not enough showing.

Like the first book, I loved the Pacific Northwest setting and learning more about the career of king crab fishing. It was a cute, light, fast read, but not my favorite.

Hannah and Fox are back. I loved how this book started with their text messages for months. I found myself paying close attention to the date and time stamps.

Their sharing through music is lovely. And I really enjoyed that I knew many of the songs they played.

I love Fox so much. He may be my favorite male main character. His struggles with perceptions as only being about sex are so real, and we don't usually see them explored for men. In many ways, it's a perfect counterpoint to It Happened One Summer.

And he and Hannah are so good for each other. I adore friends-to-lovers, and that's kind of what we have here. They got to know each other first, and they both believe in each other. It's a slow burn and not as steamy as many of Tessa Bailey's books. This book is beautiful and special and tore my heart out.

Thank you to Avon Books and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. These opinions are my own.

4.5 stats rounded up

I don't know how but Tessa Bailey never fails to make me cry during her romance books.

I absolutely loved this so much. This is peak friends to lovers goodness. We have a rouge determined to play the part cast for him his entire life and the girl that changes everything. She teaches him to grow, to take chances, and to be the person he is and not the person he's been told to be. All the while holding her own quiet strength and triumphs.

I was honestly a mess during this entire book, I couldn't stop crying at how heartfelt and honest their relationship was. This book emotes honesty, heart, and charm but it also takes on bigger themes and topics. Our leading man, Fox, is crippled by toxic masculinity that has haunted him since childhood and his issues were addressed so expertly. It's definitely a topic that needs to be talked about more but I absolutely loved it here.

Easily another five star read from Tessa Bailey for me. I've not been disappointed yet.

While overall, I didn't think Hook, Line, and Sinker was quite as good as It Happened One Summer, I really loved both Hannah and Fox as individual characters and found myself cheering for them throughout the book. Plus there were definite folklore vibes so the Taylor Swift feels obviously had me utterly delighted.

Hannah thinks of herself as a support character and so, unsurprisingly, part of what I loved about this book was getting to watch her take risks and embrace some main character vibes and go after what she wanted. Fox, meanwhile, his character growth was... Lovely to watch, but honestly, I desperately wish he had gone to therapy. I mean, don't get me wrong. I loved watching Hannah break down some of his walls and challenge the way he thought about himself, and I think that Fox having those messages reinforced by an actual mental health professional would have been nice.

Beyond the brilliant characterization, what I loved about this book was Tessa Bailey's engaging writing, her humor, and the way she brilliants crafts a cast of characters. She drew me in to Westport just as well with this book as she did with It Happened One Summer and I love how rich of a setting she made. I also loved getting to see Piper and Brendan. This book was the compulsively readable book I needed in my life.

Something I didn't love, because I basically never do, was the overprotective nonsense that Piper and Brendan both engaged in with Fox. First of all, I think it's disrespectful of both Fox and Hannah and secondly, while it makes sense for the overall character arc of Fox, I just think it would have been REALLY nice if Brendan, as Fox's best friend, had noticed changes in Fox a little sooner. But Tessa Bailey really likes her alpha men and, I mean, it often works for me when she writes it, so what can I say?

One final thing, this book has a bit less steam than one might expect from Tessa Bailey, so just be prepared for that going in. It makes sense for the overall plot, but it's a change of pace to what I have become accustomed from her. Oh, and, of course, there's a lot of cisgendered language/stereotypes, although less than in It Happened One Summer so there's that at least.

Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!

After reading It Happened One Summer, I was so excited to continue the series and follow the friends to lovers romance of Fox and Hannah. These two characters are so fun to read, each battling their own insecurities but coming together and uniting in love and music. I loved how music was such a core aspect in this novel, and the emotions music can bring and make a person feel in every moment. There was such a natural friendship and ease between these two main characters, and I really enjoyed reading the progression of their relationship and love for each other.

Hook, Line and Sinker, is such a fun romantic comedy, bringing the witty banter and the steamy romance I have come to expect from Tessa Bailey. Definitely check this one out on release day, I really enjoyed it!

I loved absolutely everything about this book. I am 100% calling dibs on Fox. He was just EVERYTHING! He was funny, flirtatious, supportive, caring and so insecure on the inside while pretending to be a confidant ladies man on the outside.
The way he talked about Hannah was so sweet and sad, because he put her on a pedestal so high that he would never think himself worthy of her. From the beginning you could feel how highly he thought of her. And Tessa Bailey did such an amazing job of describing Fox's feelings and emotions that I was feeling all that angst and yearning with him.
From their first kiss (which was scorching hot) to their fights and all the wonderful flirty banter in between, Hannah and Fox were amazing.
They did this crazy thing called communication and honesty! And it was good. Did they have some issues to work thru? Of course. But miscommunication and lies were never a problem and I adored that.
I loved how Hannah just saw Fox. She knew what he needed when he needed it. She was patient and nurturing while still pushing him to grow.
I really liked the use of music in this book. It brought in another layer of feelings and emotions. Anytime a song was mentioned I would play it in the background to get the right vibe.
I liked this second book in the Westport books even more than the first. Something about Hannah and Fox just clicked with me completely. This was a heartwarming friends to lovers romance that just hit all the right notes.

4.5 Stars

I started this book after struggling to finish several books. I knew I should be able to make it through this one. And I did. I enjoyed the ride. We have the playboy hero, who doesn’t believe he is real boyfriend material. The heroine is determined to act more like a leading lady than a supporting character. Music is a big part of this story. It’s the perfect mixture for a good time.

I voluntarily read an early copy.

After enjoying the fun of It Happened One Summer, I knew I couldn't wait to read Tessa Bailey's sequel, Hook, Line and Sinker. It definitely delivered, and very surprisingly, I found I loved the sequel even more than the first book in the story. I loved Hannah's fierce loyalty and determination and loved the slow burn of this friends-to-lovers romance between Fox and Hannah. Of course, there is a little bit of Bailey's signature steam between her characters but I also really loved how she delivered the theme of self confidence - revealing through the two protagonists that self-doubt can sabotage whatever you truly desire. Lastly, I also enjoyed the little glimpse into what Piper and Brendan have been up to. Definitely a light and fun quick read!

4.75 stars!

Hannah and Fox are two characters that stuck with me when I read them just as the sister and best friend in the preceding book, 'It Happened One Summer.' With the easy love I had for them both along with the friendship that they developed, it was a given how quickly and eager I got into their own love story.

Having met last summer, they remained in contact via text and through music for seven months. Each getting more and more invested with each message and song exchanged. Hannah's job in LA leads her back to her newfound home Wesport and Fox– who ends up extending his home to her during her time there. The close living proximity unfolds true feeling and emotions coming from both parties.

I love how Bailey heavily focuses on individual character growth and development. Personal breakthroughs were strong and ultimately led Hannah and Fox to one another completely. There is so much sexual tension, but less spice within the plot which I found refreshing and real. I felt the connection between the two was proven to be deeper than just physicality and attraction.

The communication and chemistry is ON POINT– knowing when something is on each others' minds and when they aren't addressing their true thoughts and feelings. They encourage and impact one another in the most powerful and loving ways. Hannah and Fox are a perfect depiction of how people fall effortlessly in love without knowing it.

Tessa Bailey does it again.
I live the characters in this book, especially Fox.
The struggle of self image he works through is pretty heart wrenching. It reminds us that no matter what we think of someone we never know their full story.
He and Hannah are magic together, so different but they just make sense.
This story really felt like it picked up right where the last one left off. I know there aren’t any other “main characters” to sideline for another book, but oh how I would love to see a book of the girl’s dad Henry! Take us back Tessa! We need more of this fishing town!

I fell in love with Fox and Hannah while reading the first book I think series. Everything about book two made me smile and watching these two friends become more was amazing. The ending was so darn satisfying and I can't wait to see what Tessa writes next.

Hook, Line and Sinker follows Hannah and Fox after the events of It Happened One Summer. Hannah travels back to the seaside town Westport to film a movie. While in town, she stays with her friend Fox who she kept in touch with after leaving Westport last year.

Hook, Line and Sinker is just as good as It Happened One Summer, if not even better. I really appreciate Fox and Hannah’s characters and their development. The two characters know that they need to grow to be together. It is wonderful to see Fox and Hannah flourish into better versions of themselves as they fall in love.

This romance is one that commands your attention. I loved the characters and the story remains interesting throughout. Some parts feel a bit cheesy which is an issue I had with It Happened One Summer. However, I really enjoyed my time reading it and would love to read more by Tessa Bailey in the future.

There's something about a sequel that lives up and surpasses its first novel. Hook, Line and Sinker is everything I wanted for Hannah and Fox. I love the deep dive look into Fox's life and how society has treated him since day one because of his circumstances. You don't often seen the flip side of the coin like you do here. Good for Hannah for following her heart and being able to see past the playboy image for true love. 10/10 from start to finish.

For the last few months, I've been desperately checking NetGalley to see if I'd gotten approved for this book. And when I tell you I screamed when I saw the email... well, let's just say my family are still scarred. I'd fallen in love with Fox and Hannah in the last book - probably more so than Brendan and Piper themselves. I absolutely loved their characters, and the little glimpse we'd gotten in IHOS was already enough to hook me.

I waited 24 hours before I sat down to write this review because I knew that I needed time to really gather my thoughts about the story. In short, I loved it.

I feel like it's pretty rare to find a story where the female main character hadn't done something to slightly tick me off once. But here she was in Hannah Bellinger. I LOVED her. She's the type of person who's the epitome of pureness, sunshine, happiness... all the positive adjectives you can think of. In saying that however, she's not written like a Mary Sue - she's got her flaws, her adversities, and the character development she goes through to overcome them was absolute perfection.

Speaking of character development, Fox's storyline was also beautifully done. I'm not going to lie - there were a few parts in the book that made me want to just sock him in the face... but I can honestly say he semi redeemed himself in the end. (Honestly, if I were Hannah, I'd have expected slightly a bit more grovelling but each to their own, I guess). His character does a complete 180 from our first interaction with him in the previous book, but I found it done so well that I loved going through this journey with him. His emotions were real, raw, and justified, and the thought process he goes through to overcome his issues in order to properly be with Hannah were entirely believable.

All in all, I loved the plot. I found it well-paced, their relationship development well-done, with all plot holes tied up in a neat little bow at the end. The only thing I found a bit up in the air was Hannah and Piper's relationship with their parents - there was barely any mention of them and I found that a lot of it was left unsaid, however this was minuscule.

It's kind of bittersweet to say goodbye to this universe, I genuinely didn't want it to end, but it was still beautifully done. If Westport were a real place, it'd have gone on my bucket list for sure.

Thanks to Tessa Bailey for the two beautiful books, and thanks to NetGalley and Avon/HarperVoyager for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Fox and Hannah’s book!! I cannot tell you how excited I was to receive an e-arc of this book. I was obsessed with It Happened One Summer, and Tessa Bailey has done it again with Hook, Line, and Sinker! THIS SERIES IS EVERYTHING!! The setting, the characters, the relationship development.. its all just *chefs kiss*. I am so enveloped by this little town Tessa has brought to life, and these books just give me all the best cozy, happy vibes. The serotonin boost is real.

On to my thoughts on Hook, Line, and Sinker - I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Fox and Hannah were fantastic together. Hannah was sweet, trusting, and so honest; perfectly balancing Fox’s rough edges and serious emotional baggage. This poor boy was SCARRED, but Hannah saw right through the walls Fox put up in an effort protect himself from really being seen. This story actually ended up being a lot deeper than I expected, but in all the best ways. It was really cathartic to see this healthy relationship unfold between Fox and Hannah, and to watch them work through their issues together. I feel like it’s hard to find that balance between a healthy relationship and still having enough drama to keep the story interesting, but this booked did a great job of it, the same way It Happened One Summer did. Really I think I’m just a major fan of Tessa Bailey’s writing style and how she develops her characters. She also does an incredible job of making a book feel wholesome and adorable while also creating chemistry that is off the charts. This book was a sloowwww burn to the point the tension was almost too much to bear, but when it finally broke - OH MAN it did not disappoint. Fox and Hannah didn’t just have sparks, but freaking fireworks going off between them. I’m going to stop rambling before I give anything away, but just know that this book is SO worth the wait! I already preordered my copy for March and will definitely be rereading it when I get the physical book in hand!

I usually don’t read romcoms this was actually a first for me and I really enjoyed it! I will definitely read more from Tessa and post reviews on my accounts closer to release day :)

What an adorable, heart-warming friends to lovers romance! My knock on IT HAPPENED ONE SUMMER was I felt the main characters were so sexual (not that this is a problem) and it didn't necessarily match up with their personalities on a day to day. Tessa Bailey did such a great job balancing the tension/build up, steam, and soul searching. When I say the build up was superb.... I mean I was reading this in an airport and sweating. SWEATING, I tell you. I could not put it down. Friends to lovers is not my favorite trope, but this relationship felt very real and the progression was natural, not forced. Also, I really love steam (which is why I enjoyed IHOS), and while this one had less steam I still absolutely loved the scenes we did get.

If you read IHOS and didn't really vibe with Brendan don't let that stop you from picking up HOOK, LINE, AND SINKER. Read this is you gravitate towards the damaged and beautiful :) Fox was a F O X.

Instagram Review to come!

I was so happy to be back in Westport!

Fox… what can I say about him? I LOVED his character! Finally getting a main man character like this was amazing. I loved seeing him grow and change, we normally don’t get to see this! As much as this was Hannah’s book this was also Fox’s book as well!

Loved the writing, loved the story! I loved it all! I smiled so much, I laughed out loud and I cried ugly tears! This is the kinda romance I’m always looking for!

Tessa Bailey is an auto buy author for me now!

Thank you to the moon and back for the ARC copy for review Netgalley!

I loved "It Happened One Summer" but I think I might love Hannah's story even more. This is friends to lovers and had so much more banter and angst than I was expecting.

Hannah and Fox are heartbreakingly beautiful as they both face their insecurities and fears together. Music is established as a sort of language between them because Fox sees the way it means so much to Hannah and wants to be a part of something she loves. It is such a sweet relationship between two people that refuse to give up on the other person even when they don't fully believe in themselves.

I loved all of the glimpses of Piper and Brendan being happy together, and it was amazing to get a glimpse into the future in the epilogue giving a sense of closure to both sisters stories. This was such a wonderful duology that I will definitely end up reading again at some point!

As I said in my review for the first book in this series, I’m so pleasantly surprised by this Tessa Bailey series. I’ve been fairly vocal about not loving the alpha assholes that are sometimes overpresent in romance books, and in many of her early books. I’m much more into a cinnamon roll, Ren Bergamn esq, hero. Brendan (from the last book) and Fox both took me by surprise in how they sneakily fit into that mold.

I’ve come to realize that I seem to instantly fall for books where you get the ‘group chats’ or text messages between the characters. There’s just something about that easy back and forth banter that just sucks me right into their story. You mix that with the music and communication through songs and records for both Hannah and Fox and I was a goner for this book. I also really enjoyed that both Fox and Hannah helped each other grow throughout the story. It felt balanced and real. In so many books, it seems like there’s only one character doing the emotional work. 1 person is already ‘there’ and the other is working to catch up (with help of course) and let’s be honest. That’s not real life. We are all a work in progress (and as Jess Sims always says, a masterpiece at the same damn time) no one is ever ‘perfect’ or done, or has it all figured out. We need more of this! More books showing that it’s ok to not be ok, and to work on your emotional issues to get there. On that same note, we need more Foxes. We need more male characters who #1 aren’t afraid to specifically ask for consent, but also being vulnerable, and taking on the issue of sexulization and how toxic that can be for both boys and girls.
Of course, there’s also the forced proximity of sharing an apartment, the always delightful small town fishing village, and oodles of chemistry and 🔥🔥🔥. Add this to your TBR to grab when it releases March 1st.