i fell for this series when i read the previous book - ‘it happened one summer’ - two months ago and i was absolutely stoked to receive an advance copy of fox and hannah’s book, which i wanted to read desperately. i’m really not a a huge fan of the friends-to-lovers trope, but when you do it right (like what tessa bailey has done with this book) that trope can be *chef’s kiss*

‘hook, line, and sinker’ contained all of the things that i loved from ‘it happened one summer’ - a well-developed small-town setting and cast of side characters, lovable leads, plenty of well-placed humor - and then some.

Hook, Line, and Sinker is the second installment in Tessa Bailey's "It Happened One Summer" series. Ever since reading the first book, I was truly aching for a chance to read Fox and Hannah's story. Their relationship was hinted at in the background of Piper and Brendan's book--and I was so excited to see how their story would unfold when they were at the forefront. Tessa Bailey so effortlessly brought me back into the atmospheric town of Westport that readers fell in love with in "It Happened One Summer". This setting truly allowed the explosive chemistry between Fox and Hannah to explode, and I was immediately hooked. (Truly, I read this book within a span of a day) Everything from the buildup, to the steam, to the familial dynamics concurrent on the side made this such an enjoyable and addicting read. I had such high hopes for this sequel, due to my enjoyment of its predecessor, and I am so happy that my expectations were blown out of the water. Such a great book and series that I will be thinking about for ages to come. Bailey has truly set the bar for summer RomComs, "Hook, Line, and Sinker" was outstanding.

This book deserves ALL of the stars. I adored this book from start to finish. My only complaint is that the book ended. I could read about Hannah and Fox all day. Their story was everything. It was the most exquisite slow burn, heartfelt, friends-to-lovers story.

Tessa Bailey wrote Fox’s character and his struggles so well. I really felt for him. Everyone judged and forced him into a role he never wanted from a young age. Fox never thought he could deviate from that path since everyone who knew him believed he would be a playboy. It broke my heart. Watching Hannah help Fox realize his true potential and character was such a rewarding reading experience. His character arc was executed flawlessly. Hannah’s character arc was also written really well. Hannah believes she’s a secondary character rather than a leading lady. She wants to be a leading lady, but she isn’t sure she’s capable. Fox, however, knows she is. These two characters complimented each other perfectly.

I can’t say enough good things about this book. It’s a must-read for all romance lovers. Everyone needs to add this book to their TBR immediately.

I loved Tessa Bailey's Hot & Hammered series, so I was excited to read her series about the Bellinger sisters. Hook, Line, and Sinker is the second book in what I'm assuming will be a duology. It focuses on the younger Bellinger sister, Hannah. Unlike her famous older sister, Hannah has always played supporting character to someone else's lead. But she is determined to change that, and finally start taking charge of what she wants. Professionally... and personally? Fox is the town's resident Casanova, known for his one-night stands and little else. But he is uncomfortable with a role that he feels he has been forced into, and a reputation that he doesn't like.

This book is described as a friends-to-lovers story, but it didn't really feel like that to me. First of all, the friendship was of very short duration, and Hannah and Fox only ever labelled each other as friends because, although they were terribly attracted to each other, they both felt they couldn't have a relationship with each other for various reasons. Then Hannah comes to stay in Westport for work, and ends up staying in Fox's spare bedroom. Of course, the close proximity makes it *hard* for them to ignore their chemistry. But Hannah is pining after someone else. And Fox is worried that attaching himself to Hannah will ruin her reputation as a good girl.

I loved this book, and probably would have read it in one sitting had my life allowed. It is quite spicy, and was a different take on the bad boy and girl next door dynamic. Hannah was a fun character, and Fox was a secret little cinnamon roll. If you enjoy rom coms, you'll love the Bellinger sister books. I would recommend reading It Happened One Summer (Piper's story) first, since the start of Hannah and Fox's relationship is set up in that book.

I loved It Happened One Summer and "meeting" Hannah and Fox in that book, I knew their story would be a sexy, heartfelt one. And Tessa Bailey does not disappoint! This is a soft, emotional, deep-feeling romance about how the right people help heal us from past hurts and emotional damage. Hannah is such a sweet, caring, interesting character, a "supporting player but never the leading lady in life" in her words. Her journey as she starts to take bigger career chances and truly believe in herself is beautiful to see. But I think I was most moved by Fox's emotional growth arc from his pattern of playboy flings to a deeper and richer relationship once he found the right woman to be vulnerable with and risk everything for.

***Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
Pete Townsend's "Let My Love Open the Door"
This book was filled with music and love. Hannah and Fox were the perfect, quirky characters and they create their own soundtrack to find their way to one another. The book was filled with angst, steamy scenes, and a whole lot of pining. It was wonderful!

I loved this book. I loved that the characters talked to each other and that poor communication wasn't their biggest challenge. There is less of Westport and its supporting characters in this one but it is still a fun setting. Just a really fun summer read.

Thank you Netgalley and Avon for sending me this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Publication date: March 1, 2022

<b> Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

TW: toxic masculinity, slut shaming (focused on a male character)

Reading this book felt like a joyous reunion with old friends. After having read and loving Piper and Brendan in 'It Happened One Summer', it was nice to spend some more time with Hannah and Fox as they now played the starring roles. Personally, I found Hannah a little easier to relate to and thus my adjustment into her voice and point-of-view came to me naturally. I don’t necessarily like comparing books, as they are all unique in their own way, but the angst and slow-burn tension in 'Hook, Line, and Sinker' took the cake for me.

Taking place right after the events of book one, Hannah and Fox have seemingly taken on a platonic friendship, a friendship where the text frequently and relate to each other through song lyrics and vibes. After pitching a idea for the film she’s working on, Hannah finds herself back in Westport, staying with Fox and they are forced to confront the emotion they are both battling. This book covers themes toxic masculinity and slut shaming as we come to learn more about Fox, his reputation, his past, and his hopes for the future. This beautiful man has so many self-deprecating thoughts and it’s hard to read about someone feeling so low due the their environment and the people who are supposed to lift up and support them.

I really, really, wish Fox had sought professional help, as much as he was trying to work on his issues he was extremely reliant on Hannah for emotional support and affirmation. In doses this is healthy, and necessary in any relationship, but while Hannah was strong, and loving, she definitely had the burden of consistently watching her step so that Fox would not falter. That didn’t feel like a full partnership to me, because how can you be expected to always suppress and monitor yourself in favor of someone else? That is not healthy long-term and can lead to burnout and increased issues for the other person. Aside from that, I really rooted for Hannah and Fox, for them to get over their mutual pining that they wouldn’t admit out of fear of what the author would think.

If you’re looking for a lot of sex and early on, you’re aren’t going to get it, you’ll be teased just like the characters are, but overall you need to be patient. Sex isn’t just sex, and the waiting is a lesson and adds to the depths of these characters. It is slow-burn at its finest, filled with raw intensity and deep emotional connections. I was such a fan of this book, which simultaneously made me want to rip out my hair, giggle, and beam with elation as I experienced everything alongside these characters. Fox and Hannah are special, and you really get to witness their growth individually and together in this installment. I will say after book one I thought we would see more inclusion of Hannah and Piper’s mom at least, but alas it was not meant to be. I am sad to part ways with the Bellinger sisters, but their stories were beautifully told and rife with sassy banter, comedic gold, and touching moments of the heart.

P.S. That epilogue was just *chef’s kiss*

This book was a steamy read! From the moment the book starts out, you know that Fox and Hannah have a relationship like no other. You can feel the chemistry ignite, sizzle, and fire up through out the pages of this book. The author does a great job at intensifying the relationship in a way that you feel every movement between the two main characters. Such a good read.

I didn't know that there was a book about Piper's life and I am excited to read how they all tie in together!

12 stars!! I loved this book. I loved the characters, I loved their story, I loved the setting. I had my heart in my throat for the entire book. I have enjoyed Tessa Bailey's books before and this is one of the best. I haven't read the first in this series, but have purchased it for my library and am going to pick it up soon! This is one of my favorite books in recent past. Tessa Bailey is becoming a must-read author for me.

@tessabailey does it again! I’m obsessed 🥰 this sequel is everything I hoped it would be!

These characters are so well written and the chemistry between Hannah & Fox is undeniable. You can feel their relationship come to life and you’ll be turning the pages so quickly to see how it ends. I wish I could follow this journey of the Bellinger sisters forever and ever 😭

PLUS - there are so many amazing songs mentioned that you’ll want to write them all down and create an epic playlist 🎶

thank you so much to @netgalley and @avonbooks for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. PUB DATE: 3/1/22 and you know I already preordered my copy!

Ugh, Tessa Bailey you have done it again and captured my heart!!! I’d dare say that I loved the second book in this series more than the first. Fox and Hannah are both so lovable and you couldn’t help but root for them in this amazing friends to lovers romance. Bailey does a spicy romance better than anyone else and this one certainly didn’t disappoint. Fox is that classic bad boy who has a soft side (doesn’t hold back in the bedroom tho)! Hannah comes back to Westport to film a movie and since Brandon’s parents are in town she cannot stay with her sister Piper, conveniently fox has an empty room for her. If you read the first one you know that fox and Hannah became quick friends and that friendship continued even from LA. With fox’s past they both kind of knew that a relationship was off the table. But as we all know a little forced proximity and a close friendship, things can get spicy real quick!! I loved that Bailey also addressed a few harder topics and issues within this relationship not just what’s on the surface. Overall, a well done romance and I highly recommend you pick this one up in March and it happened one summer if you haven’t already!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing team for providing me with this ARC!

This was such a cute read!! I liked Fox and Hannah’s vibe from book one and they really shined in their own. It’s between a 3.5-4 just because some parts with their relationship felt like Hannah had to do more emotional pushing for Fox to get moving. After a few chapters of his insecurities repeating itself, it can get a little grating BUT I will say, his growth was really nice to see and he started pulling his weight in the emotional labor of the relationship. Hannah’s growth was also wonderful to see as she found her leading lady spotlight! Overall, their romance was really cute because they started as friends and really pushed each other to do what needed to be done for themselves!! It also had a lot of moments that made me laugh out loud! The epilogue made my heart so damn full!!!!

I....liked it? Maybe not as much as It Happened One Summer, but I did really enjoy Fox. I'm liking that with this new series, Tessa Bailey seems to be dropping the toxic-male-lead trope and having them be at least semi-decent human beings. I do think that this one was a bit long and drawn out - not the slow burn part, but them taking so long to get their stuff together.

Also, Piper and Brendan completely treated Hannah and Fox like children, and it was annoying. They're fully grown humans.

THIS BOOK WAS ADORABLE. Throughout the whole story, you could tell how much Hannah and Fox cared for each other. The banter the tension everything about this book was so good. Huge thank you to net galley and the publishers for letting me read this ARC.

If you like friends to lovers this book is for you!! It was so well-paced I could not put this book down especially at the end. (Speaking of the end... THE EPILOGUE WAS SO ADORABLE IT MADE MY HEART MELT.) This book had everything emotional heartbreaking moments, steamy and romantic moments, and just overall adorable moments.

Seriously this book had me on an emotional rollercoaster and I loved every minute of it. Definitely recommend :)

As I turned to the first page of this book, I realized that it was a sequel to It Happened One Summer. I thought that would make the beginning hard to understand without the missing pieces. However, one chapter in and I was hooked. Bailey did an exceptional job with vivid descriptions of the town of Westport. I read this book in a day but I still found myself having to take breaks because I felt like I was in the scene with these characters and invading their privacy. I give this book 4.5 stars because it was a telling story about how the toll harsh assumptions can take on a person. Now I am excited to read about Piper and Brandon's love story!

Thank you @netgalley for sending me this e-arc! 🙌🏼

I think I may love Hannah and Fox's relationship more than Brendan and Piper! Brendan still has my heart but Fox and Hannah are so perfect for each other! I loved reading about their love.

Again another perfect summer read! I was rooting for them the ENTIRE time, since the first book. I also think that this is something to think about when people judge men so quickly! Fox is a good representation of that and I'm glad that people and himself, started to see who he really was and who he could be!

I also wanna just be best friends with Hannah. She seems like the most down to earth and cool girl! I'm so glad she didn't give up on Fox or herself. It also shows that a couple doesn't have to give up the things that they love individually just to be together! I love that she became this badass successful woman! 5🌟

Holy fucking shit. Christ. Really? Is it even legal for a book to be tooth-achingly sweet and mind-blowingly heart wrenching at the same time? Is it? Because if not, someone needs to stick the Feds on Tessa Bailey as soon as humanly possible.

Hook, Line, and Sinker is the eagerly-anticipated follow up novel to Tessa Bailey's sexy, Schitt's Creek inspired rom com "It Happened One Summer"—only this time, Piper's cool, music-loving sister Hannah Bellinger takes the driver's seat as our irresistible leading lady. When her current film project moves to film in Westport last minute, Hannah finds herself crashing with Fox Thornton, local flirt and maybe possibly also Hannah's best friend. While they've built an earnest and genuinely endearing long-distance friendship over the last 6 months, both Fox and Hannah find it increasingly hard to deny their electric attraction to one another once they finally see each other in person—even while they both obstinately try to convince themselves that they are "just friends." Yeah, right.

At the risk of spoiling too much ahead of time, I'll stop at this but y'all. Y"ALL. This book has everything we love.. Slow burn romance? Friends to lovers? Sexy love interest with secret pain? Genuine emotional moments between two people who love and trust each other desperately, but are too terrified of letting the other down to say it out loud? Oh, and a panty-melting car fucking scene? Yes, yes, yes, yes and oh god just like that don't stop y e s. I adored "It Happened One Summer," and will be the first to admit I was hesitant that this book would live up to that expectation but holy shit—it actually fucking incinerated it.

This book was an absolute delight and I'm itching to get a hard copy in my hands as soon as possible. With a delightful mix of wit, charm, angst, romance, and adding an extra 4 million points for that sucker-punch of an epilogue, Hook, Line and Sinker earns a...non-numerical rating, actually. This books feels like listening to You're Still the One by Shania Twain in your car in the pouring rain. Just try it, you'll see what I mean.

ARC received from Netgalley.

Oh my! The conclusion to the Bellinger sisters did not disappoint! I am a sucker for Friends to Lovers and I knew throwing Hannah and Fox into the mix was going be good. I related to Hannah so much in this story. This “supporting” cast star of It Happened One Summer struggles with being a “leading-lady” in real life? Seriously it felt like Tessa Bailey pulled my deepest emotions out of me and put them on paper.

I absolutely loved going back to Westport. The fact that they there was the element of so much music and film references was just infinitely better. Plus getting to see Piper and Brendan, Opal and so many more people was so great. I’m sad the Bellinger sisters are over but this confirmed that Tessa Bailey is an instant buy for me!

Hannah and Fox have a friendship. A completely platonic friendship. They text almost daily and haven’t seen each other in a few months. They met when Hannah and her sister relocated to a small crab fishing town in the PNW for the summer. Hannah works as a production assistant on a movie set and gives the director - who she has a deep crush on - the idea to move the location to Westport. The director runs with the idea, but why is Hannah all of a sudden nervous to see Fox again.

Fox was a goner for Hannah the moment they set eyes on each other last summer. So when he finds that she’s coming to Westport and will most likely be staying in his guest bedroom - he’s excited. The bond that Hannah and Fox share is special to him. And he wouldn’t do anything to mess that up. So what if half the town thinks that he’s a manwhore, as long as Hannah believes in him - it’ll be okay. But the closer these two are in each other's presence the more they want things that might end up hurting their friendship. Are they willing to take that chance?

Oh, how I loved Fox and Hannah. From the very first pages with their sweet back and forth text messages I was a goner. Their friendship was so sweet and vulnerable and I loved how they slowly - oh so slowly - became more than just friends. The relationship was never one sided and the way they balanced each other out was always perfect.

I felt Hannah and Fox’s insecurities. Imposter syndrome is real and most of us feel it on a day to day basis. But the support that they both got from their friends, family and most importantly from each other made them stronger and I loved the journey both of them took to get there.

Hook, Line, and Sinker is definitely one of my favorite Tessa Bailey romances. I feel like she does friends-to-lovers so well. So if you’re looking for a book that will put a silly grin on your face, make you feel some angst and have you swooning - definitely pre-order Hook, Line, and Sinker!