I was a huge fan of "It Happened One Summer", the first book in this series, so I had VERY high hopes for this one. I didn't think it was possible, but I loved "Hook, Line, and Sinker" even more! During IHOS, Hannah and Fox spent some time together in order to give Piper and Brendan time alone. That book wraps up with Fox leaving Hannah a gift of a record she had passed up during their trip to a vinyl convention. This book starts with Hannah thanking Fox via text and continues with their growing friendship over the course of 7 months, texting every day.

Hannah is struggling with becoming the leading lady in her own life. She has always played the supporting role, especially with a sister like Piper, who is always the star in any room. But she wants to move forward with her career, and hopefully with her love interest (the director), so she makes a bold step and suggests they move their movie production to Westport, where Piper, Brendan and Fox live. Brendan's parents are in town which means Hannah is staying with Fox, her new best friend and perpetual ladies man, for the duration of filming. And as a good best friend, Fox tries to give Hannah some help in catching the attention of her director. In fact, this is all new territory for Fox because he's never had a female friend, never had a woman interested in him for more than just sex. And he hasn't even been with anyone else since her visit last summer. He wants more than just friendship but is convinced she deserves better than him.

I loved the way Hannah and Fox saw the best in one another and insisted on supporting the other person's growth. I also loved having the dual perspective, so we could see Fox's internal monologue, too. The way they communicated with music, refused to accept lies and BS from one another and ultimately both chose to fight for what they really wanted was swoon-worthy.

All in all it was a fun, heartwarming read with the perfect HEA! Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I went into this book with high hopes because I LOVED It Happened One Summer and it blew me away. Dare I say, I might like this one even better! I read it in one sitting, which I hardly ever do! The slowburn romance between Hannah and Fox was absolutely swoon worthy! Also these characters are just so fleshed out that I felt like I really knew them! I loved reading Fox’s struggle with his identity and reputation as a player and how Hannah shows unflinching faith in Fox and his growth! Hannah is also just such a wonderful character with her drive and her passion for music! I seriously want to be friends with Hannah Bellinger! I seriously went straight from finishing this book to Pre-ordering a copy!

3.5-4 stars! I had high hopes for this after loving book 1 but even though this was good, Fox and Hannah didn’t draw me in like Piper and Brendon did. It’s surprisingly slow for a Tessa Bailey romance and this is the first time I’m gonna say I wanted more steam in a book by her. We have a former playboy hero who realizes he’s fallen for his new best friend but he’s terrified of his reputation ruining things so he keeps her in the friend zone. It’s still a really sweet friend to lovers romance but it was just missing that charm from book 1 for me.

Its official, Im now a Tessa Bailey stan. I will read anything of hers that comes out. I will soon be making my way through her backlist.

After reading It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey, I was so excited to see that Hannah and Fox would be getting their own book! I will say, that while I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as the first book, this was still quite a fun and enjoyable read! This was a great friends to lovers story for all you lovers of this trope. I thought it was done very well. If these two books are an indication of Tessa Bailey's other books, I think I'm sold! I'm becoming a fan of hers quickly!

This book has no right being this amazing. This duology as a whole is seriously god tier.

This particular installment will speak to anyone who has ever seen themselves as the support, rather than the main character, in their own story, to the people who always have the perfect song for the mood they are in, to those who struggle with imposter syndrome, and to the ones who always believe in those they care about, even when they don't believe in themselves. This story oozes charm and heart and sweetness and understanding. It's the perfect embodiment of the younger Bellinger sister.

And honestly, I love how Hannah prompts and encourages Fox to grow. Usually female characters are the ones who goes through the development in romance novels, so it's beyond refreshing to see the guy be the focus instead. Fox's character development is so wholesome and purposefully combats the societal pressures men face when it comes to maintaining a certain reputation and image. It's a topic that definitely needs more attention.

This is a wonderful follow up to ‘It Happened on Summer’ and gives a heartfelt send-off to the Bellinger sisters.

**arc provided by avon books & harper voyager through netgalley**

"'I'm in for the good, bad, and everything in between, Hannah... Decades. A lifetime. I'm in.'"

THIS BOOK. The perfect friends-t0-lovers.

I read It Happened One Summer a little while ago and immediately loved Hannah and Fox. Toward the beginning of the book, Hannah is shy, sweet, and has a hard time advocating for herself- as she likes to say, she's not a "leading lady" like Piper. However, as the book progresses, Hannah finds her voice, while still remaining caring and lovable. Her drive and passion for music was inspiring. She's everything in a main character and was the perfect match for Fox.

Fox's character development was completely unexpected to me coming from the first book. Fox's struggles with self worth and toxic masculinity were nothing short of heartbreaking, and it was beautiful to watch Hannah help him restore his faith in himself.

Together, Hannah and Fox were magical. The depth of their own trauma and emotions shocked me but only furthered their connection. Not only did their shared interest in music spark their relationship, but it gave them a place to communicate and express their love for one another. The songs mentioned in the book- some of my favorite- fit its vibe perfectly and helped drive the story.

Overall, this book was beautiful. It was a perfect book to close my summer with and an amazing end to the Bellinger Sisters duology. Tessa Bailey did not disappoint!!

This friends to lovers read was a good read that I enjoyed from the start. Hannah and Fox's story was a slow burn story with well written characters with chemistry that had a swoony story to be told. Both characters had issues that they had to work through but had me rooting for them to get their HEA. Overall, this was a good read that I enjoyed from the start and would recommend to others.

The book I needed when I needed it. Back to school always means a lack of reading time but when I did grab a few minutes I could fall right into Fox and Hannah’s story. Hannah wanting to become the star of her own movie and Fox convinced he will never be leading man material… watching them both grow personally in order to be the people they are meant to be was the heart of this story. One of the things I loved about this book is that there is never a question about how they feel about each other. It’s a story of growth and acceptance.

Somebody grab the crab pots because I totally devoured Hook, Line, and Sinker in three days and I'm ready to come back to shore! After reading so many poorly executed Enemies to Lovers in the past, it was like a fresh breeze from Westport to enjoy a Friends to Lovers dynamic this time. Hannah and Fox shared their friendship and an emotional connection before they took their relationship to the next level. I was already rooting for them in the previous book, It Happened One Summer, and preferred them over Piper's puddle-deep courtship with Brendan.

I could tell Hannah and Fox were going to be something special because of their time together in the first installment, but I didn't expect to see their relationship capable of such depth. They were honest with their feelings, shared their struggles together, and explored open communication. This was a welcome respite from the usual romance novels where they just rip their clothes off and become emotionally constipated throughout the book. The close proximity of the shared apartment was a nice touch that helped build the tension to a fever pitch. Ooh, they're simple tropes, but I sure do love them!

My main critique is the same beef I had with Hannah in It Happened One Summer: her passion for music. I understand it's a crucial part of her character and aligns with her career, but it was rather cloying. As someone who likes gentle Enya ballads, film soundtracks, and showtunes, I'm not interested in other people's playlists. I like relaxing music to serve as a background when I'm reading. I'm not looking for deeper meaning with songs or a chance to foist my listening habits onto other people. Hannah was a total music snob and I was not here for it. I also didn't like the love triangle element and the dirty talk turned me way off, but my main prickly pear was that Hannah wouldn't shut her gob about music. We get it.

This was a vast improvement from its predecessor, even if the playlist pontification had me rolling my eyes towards the harbor. Unless there's a secret Bellinger sister hiding in the Hollywood Hills, I'm afraid this may only be a duology. This was a great rollicking ride on the crab boat and I'm happy to have survived my trip without reaching for a life ring. These two were made for each other and their epilogue was charming, but I could have done without Fox's beard. Yuck! I've got my line out for any Tessa Bailey books in the future that will match the catch of the day I've found in Hook, Line, and Sinker!

Omg! I loved this one so much! It’s so cute! I love Hannah and Fox’s friendship. Friends to lovers is the best. I love how much Hannah laughs and how sweet she is. The STEAM was so good! Loved it! I haven’t read the first book in this series and I didn’t feel lost so that’s great! I cannot wait to read more by Tessa Bailey! This is my first book by her and I absolutely loved it!!!

OH MY HEART. Just when I thought Tessa Bailey couldn't write a romance I loved more than "It Happened One Summer"- she had to go and knock it out of the park with this sequel! What an absolute swoon worthy+ steamy+ dreamy love story. Fun loving Fox and music loving Hannah have formed a friendship since Hannah left Westport last year. They text, talk on the phone and listen to music together regularly- each of them finds comfort and confidence in their platonic relationship. Until Hannah moves back to town for a project that's filming locally...and neither of them can hide their growing attraction + feelings. However, Fox fears commitment and Hannah is struggling creatively + professionally. Can their love overcome their worries? Full of heart, laughs, feels, and of course all the music references, this sexy + fun story charmed me to no end. I definitely fell hook, line and sinker for these characters, their chemistry + banter, and the quaint town of Westport all over again.

Thank you so much to Avon + Netgalley for this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

While Piper and Brendan are pretty cute together, Hannah and Fox are relationship goals! I knew when I read It Happened One Summer that these two were going to be HOT!

I love a good friends to lovers story but this was so much more. It about overcoming limits you’ve set for yourself and tearing down the image that others see you as because of your past. Finding the one person who believes in you and gives you the confidence that you’ve been sorely lacking.

I absolutely loved this book! I love the text messages between Hannah and Fox. I love how protective she is of him. I love how he opens up to her. They’re just so good together! This is a definite must for the romance reader.

An absolutely wonderful follow up to ‘It Happened One Summer’!! I loved this book and characters so much. A perfect friends to lover romance that was done to perfection. The growth of Fox, from a serial man wh*re to a reliable leader and partner and Charlotte from supportive/in the shadows friend for the leading lady was done soooo well!

It’s so unrealistic for main characters in books to change FOR someone else because in the real world it’s so much more complex then this. In ‘Hook Line and Sinker’ both characters challenged each other to BE better. Hannah also felt disconnected from her late father sad see her get closure and finally get a piece of him was so beautiful.

Fox if he wanted to be with Hannah he was going to do a lot of soul searching to believe he deserves her and everything in life.

The backdrop of Westport is so cozy and just paint the picture seaside town.

Hannah’s love of music was also weaved in the story so well. Fox and Charlotte always asking each other how their days were through songs. Those sea shanties...omg I would love to hear them!

I REALLY hope this isn’t the last we see of them. I’ll pay Tessa in gold for one more book with these characters

There are books that come along and find you at the exact perfect moment. Tessa Bailey’s ‘Hook, Line, and Sinker’ is one of those books. The follow-up to the witty, wonderful ‘It Happened One Summer,’ ‘Hook, Line, and Sinker’ turns its attention to the younger Bellinger sister in this glorious friends-to-lovers tale.

When Hannah Bellinger meets Fox Thornton in a small fishing town in Washington state, she buys into his playboy narrative. He’s handsome and charming, and definitely Mr. Right Now. So, she places herself firmly in the friend-zone, and continues her friendship with him after she heads back to her home in LA. Months later, when Hannah’s job brings her back into town and she needs a place to crash for a few weeks, Fox volunteers his spare room. While there, Hannah realizes there’s a lot more to Fox than meets the eye. But she has her sights set on someone else, and refuses to ruin the friendship by becoming another notch on Fox’s bedpost. Fox is convinced that he’s destined to be a player, yet finds himself drawn to Hannah’s goodness and inner strength. So, he does what any good friend would do, and tries to help her snag the man she wants… someone that isn’t him. What could possibly go wrong?

As is typical with Bailey’s work, ‘Hook, Line, and Sinker’ is filled with fantastic character development, layered emotion, and a whole lot of steam. The banter and the explication are top-notch, and I thoroughly enjoyed the way that Bailey develops both Hannah and Fox as characters. There’s a sense of nostalgia in this book; a sense of longing for love and fulfillment. You can tell that Bailey put her heart and soul into this novel, and the results are nothing short of brilliant.

I didn’t think it would be possible for Bailey to top ‘It Happened One Summer,’ but I think she did it. This book is an 11/10 must-read, and the perfect coda to the Bellinger sisters’ collective tale.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for generously providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

essa Baily has not let me down! I absolutely loved Hannah and Fox's story! The steam was fantastic, the dirty talk was breathtaking, the love story was so beautiful and emotional. I always look forward to a new Tessa Bailey because she really know how to do a romance the right way with such a satisfying conclusion!

The fact that I received this ACR was actually fate. I read It Happened One Summer earlier this year and immediately fell in love with Bailey's writing. I applied for the Hook, Line, and Sinker ARC on a whim. Months passed and I preordered the book only to find an email the next morning letting me know I got approved for the ARC.

I devoured this book. I probably read it all in one sitting. Hook, Line, and Sinker follows Hannah, sister to Piper and production assistant, and Fox, playboy fisherman. When Hannah must stay with Fox while she works on a new film, they both actively try to deny their attraction to each other while working on themselves and how they are perceived.

This book was sweet and funny and so heartfelt. After reading It Happened One Summer, I had really high expectations for this book and it definitely lived up. The tension alone was worth the read and Tessa Bailey tends to do this thing where she writes a kind of formulaic Romcom, but with a slightly empowering twist and the ending of this book follows this set up very well, letting each character grow for themselves before coming together.

This is definitely worth a read and I'm very excited to get my hands on a physical copy!

I cannot stress how much I enjoyed this book. I was head over heels in love with Fox the moment he stepped on the page in "It Happened One Summer" but reading his and Hannah's story and learning more about who Fox is as a person was so delightful. For a Tessa Bailey book, I would say this was a little bit more of a slow burn, but it was not a slow read, and there was plenty of tension to keep the book moving even when the relationship wasn't necessarily moving.

This is definitely a book that I would recommend to someone who, similar to me, comes to romance because they love the emotional intelligence parts of the storyline. But even if you're more into the spice, there is plenty of that as well!

I really loved the first book in this series about Piper and her story, but would be lying if I wasn't jonesing for Hannah and Fox's story as soon as I finished Piper's. I think I might have liked it MORE than book one....The characters and their relationship really got the chance to develop and shine over the seven months they were apart. I loved the peeks into their dynamic through the text message chains, and I really liked seeing Hannah totally crush it at her job and come into her own. I'm a sucker for a strong boss lady who also gets herself a mans!

Thank you NetGalley and HaprerCollins for this delightful ARC!

It's not often I find the second book of a series better than the first, but this was definitely the case with Hook, Line, and Sinker. I wasn't sure if I was going to like Fox at first (I'm kind of tired of attractive white men bemoaning about being attractive and how that's only what people think they're good for), but I was pleasantly surprised by how much depth he had. He wasn't just an attractive white man bemoaning on how attractive he was, but had a lot of unresolved self-image issues based on his childhood that really was no fault of his own. Talk about a product of your environment. I ended up liking him so much more than Brendan in the first book, and I felt that he had far more growth than Brendan. I also really liked Hannah, and I liked how we could see her come into her own and gain the confidence she needed to move upward with her job. How she ever liked Sergei, I have no idea because I wanted to punch him in the face numerous times, but I guess that whole tortured artist bullshit doesn't work with me. Character wise, I liked Hannah and Fox far more than I liked Piper and Brendan, even after they realized that they liked each other more than friends.

The whole friends to lover trope is one of my favorites, and this one didn't skimp on the good stuff. We got to see how their friendship built through their texts, their interactions for six months after Hannah left to go back to LA. We saw their relationship grow, and it wasn't this instant love as with Piper and Brendan. Hannah and Fox felt more real than their predecessors. Fox also wasn't a jealous buffoon who didn't think with only his dick half the time. By the time Fox and Hannah revealed that they liked each other and wanted to be with each other, I believed it. It wasn't a slow slow burn, but it was slow enough to really get me invested as a reader.

Tessa has a really bad habit of making her previous characters even worse than in their first book. That whole, "Don't fuck my fiance's sister because it could end up bad for me" with Brendan enraged me so badly, and I don't know why Fox was even friends with him in the first place. Did Brendan make amends? Kind of? I don't know, I stopped caring what he had to say after his selfishness in the beginning. Piper wasn't any better, warning Hannah to stay only as friends with Fox because she "heard" about him and didn't want her sister to end up as another "notch in the bedpost." Not like Hannah was a grown ass woman with her own agency to make up her own mind. Honestly, I was surprised at how little time Piper and Brendan had in this book, but I can't say it wasn't better for it.

For me, this book was several inches better than the first one, and I'm interested to see how it reads when it comes out edited and completed. The epilogue was a bit too schmaltzy for me, but it's a rom-com so I'll allow it.