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blackveilbeccy's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Tropes: opposites attract, miscommunication
Enjoyed the musical parts of this story the most, but found the gratuitous sexual content too much. The texting was a more realistic part of the relationship development than the in-person stuff, which was essentially all Insta-lust, all the time. An enjoyable read, regardless. I did feel sorry for the MMC and the way he was treated by so many people.
Enjoyed the musical parts of this story the most, but found the gratuitous sexual content too much. The texting was a more realistic part of the relationship development than the in-person stuff, which was essentially all Insta-lust, all the time. An enjoyable read, regardless. I did feel sorry for the MMC and the way he was treated by so many people.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Alcohol, Bullying, Cursing, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, and Sexual content
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Grief, Toxic friendship, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Pregnancy
scubasarah's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Alcohol, and Sexual content
renpuspita's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Well, that was disappointing đ„±đ. I guess I have high expectation since I loved It Happened One Summer and friend-to-lover trope is totally my catnip. But sadly, Bailey didn't deliver with this one.
If I'm being honest, Hook, Line and Sinker have almost same formula with its predecessor. It deals with many issues, especially impostor syndrome and how Bailey try to address toxic masculinity in which happen to Fox. However, I just don't feel the charm and fuzzy feeling like I feel with book 1. I don't mind with slow burn because the sexual tension usually paid off in the end. I also don't mind the sex happen in almost near the end. What make me pissed off is the overused martyr trope. How Fox, constantly unsure of himself, even he already communicate and talk about his feeling with Hannah, still feel that he's unworthy of her. Even when Hannah try to leave him, but only just for a few hours (what the?), it's just feel forced because she believe him so she want to give Fox a chance. I just, what the point of the drama then?? *raise both hands*.
I also think that Hannah's conflict is pretty underwhelming, because I prefer to read about how she address her "impostor syndrome" or like in her own words, she is not a leading lady material. It's just, Idk, happen too fast? Also, she's feels like a fixer to Fox's problems. I also think the "friend to lover" trope is just a so so, since it's apparent that Fox already smitten by Hannah in their first meeting on Westport but constantly said that they are friend and try to be platonic because Fox believe that he's a womanizer to the core. Read that part make me sad and I do know why Bailey want to write about toxic masculinity and the first place, how Fox already resigned to what people's opinion deemed about him, that he see women as his conquest without they try to consider Fox's feeling. It's just all that passage delivered in inner monologue and too wordy for my taste. I have a feeling that if only Fox and Hannah address their growing interest rather than hide behind "well, we are FRIEND. Friend didn't screw each other even it's apparent we really do want have seggsss because of close proximity y'all!!", the story will end in 150 pages rather than going around for almost 400 pages. Figures.
Things that I liked maybe the creative process behind the movie production and how Hannah can search for any songs that suitable for the movie scene. Although I don't familiar enough with some titles that Bailey throw, maybe because most of the titles are classics 80-90's songs. Sadly, not enough Hannah and Piper's interaction, also the crews of Delta Ray are asshole, especially to Fox. I can't even with their prejudice toward Fox, even they are just joking about Fox's womanizer habit. Is it an example that boys will always be boys? Not enough interaction with Westport citizen too, although I liked to read Hannah and Christian (one of the actor in the movie) interactions.
Tessa Bailey's titles usually is a hit and miss for me. Unfortunately, Hook, Line and Sinker is those title that missed.
If I'm being honest, Hook, Line and Sinker have almost same formula with its predecessor. It deals with many issues, especially impostor syndrome and how Bailey try to address toxic masculinity in which happen to Fox. However, I just don't feel the charm and fuzzy feeling like I feel with book 1. I don't mind with slow burn because the sexual tension usually paid off in the end. I also don't mind the sex happen in almost near the end. What make me pissed off is the overused martyr trope. How Fox, constantly unsure of himself, even he already communicate and talk about his feeling with Hannah, still feel that he's unworthy of her. Even when Hannah try to leave him, but only just for a few hours (what the?), it's just feel forced because she believe him so she want to give Fox a chance. I just, what the point of the drama then?? *raise both hands*.
I also think that Hannah's conflict is pretty underwhelming, because I prefer to read about how she address her "impostor syndrome" or like in her own words, she is not a leading lady material. It's just, Idk, happen too fast? Also, she's feels like a fixer to Fox's problems. I also think the "friend to lover" trope is just a so so, since it's apparent that Fox already smitten by Hannah in their first meeting on Westport but constantly said that they are friend and try to be platonic because Fox believe that he's a womanizer to the core. Read that part make me sad and I do know why Bailey want to write about toxic masculinity and the first place, how Fox already resigned to what people's opinion deemed about him, that he see women as his conquest without they try to consider Fox's feeling. It's just all that passage delivered in inner monologue and too wordy for my taste. I have a feeling that if only Fox and Hannah address their growing interest rather than hide behind "well, we are FRIEND. Friend didn't screw each other even it's apparent we really do want have seggsss because of close proximity y'all!!", the story will end in 150 pages rather than going around for almost 400 pages. Figures.
Things that I liked maybe the creative process behind the movie production and how Hannah can search for any songs that suitable for the movie scene. Although I don't familiar enough with some titles that Bailey throw, maybe because most of the titles are classics 80-90's songs. Sadly, not enough Hannah and Piper's interaction, also the crews of Delta Ray are asshole, especially to Fox. I can't even with their prejudice toward Fox, even they are just joking about Fox's womanizer habit. Is it an example that boys will always be boys? Not enough interaction with Westport citizen too, although I liked to read Hannah and Christian (one of the actor in the movie) interactions.
Tessa Bailey's titles usually is a hit and miss for me. Unfortunately, Hook, Line and Sinker is those title that missed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic friendship
iamamyyyyy's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
The character progression in this book drove me crazy. Hannah's growth happened but largely took a backseat to Fox's. I would maybe be less annoyed by that if her separate character arc focused on that growth. Instead her story was mostly in service to Fox's. How can I help Fox see his true potential?? How can I help him push through his insecurities? Girl don't let this grown-ass man treat you as his therapist! Speaking of therapy, there are several instances of the character scoffing at the idea and how "so LA" therapy is which is just too much given that 90% of the conflict in this book revolves around this man's insecurities. Honestly Fox's internal conflict didn't even make that much sense. He seeks out women to have one night stands with and makes clear that's all it is, but then says women use him for sex? When that only happened one time ever? Yes it was wrong for his mom and the adults in his life to sexualize him when he was young and that is a big issue. Similarly, it is messed up how his coworkers and "friends" talk to him. But the way this was all dragged out until the third act breakup was just exhausting.
Aside from that, Fox and Hannah had great chemistry so some points for that.
Aside from that, Fox and Hannah had great chemistry so some points for that.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Toxic friendship
mypatronusisajedi's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Infidelity and Toxic friendship
arthur_ant18's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Sexism, and Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent, Toxic friendship, Cursing, Gaslighting, Infidelity, Emotional abuse, and Bullying
Minor: Grief
lizgriffinwords's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Another swing-and-a-miss, though for the first 25% or so, I liked it better than It Happened One Summer (hence the 3 stars, but that is GRACIOUS).
Foxâs âtragic backstoryâ⊠dude needs some therapy and some better friends, not a relationship. Two decades of reinforcing his toxic masculinity wonât evaporate overnight.
For all Hannahâs internal monologue about being a main character, not a side character⊠didnât feel like she achieved that. I should know, as someone who feels like a side character in her own life.
The romantic leads sexually manipulated each other. A lot. Which seemed super out of character for Hannah, given what had been established about her as a person in the first book & up to that point.
This is what I get for reading romances that arenât written by Ali Hazelwood, I guess.
Foxâs âtragic backstoryâ⊠dude needs some therapy and some better friends, not a relationship. Two decades of reinforcing his toxic masculinity wonât evaporate overnight.
For all Hannahâs internal monologue about being a main character, not a side character⊠didnât feel like she achieved that. I should know, as someone who feels like a side character in her own life.
The romantic leads sexually manipulated each other. A lot. Which seemed super out of character for Hannah, given what had been established about her as a person in the first book & up to that point.
This is what I get for reading romances that arenât written by Ali Hazelwood, I guess.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Sexual content, and Toxic friendship
kb33's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
Iâm not a huge fan of the previous Tessa Bailey books Iâve read, nor do I like when the male character is a huge player. But this book...
Hannah and Fox were so great, so likable and relatable. Hannah took a chance in her job, not because of a man, but because she planned to anyway, and Fox just made her feel better about it. Fox knew his reputation and the things heâd done to perpetuate that were all bullshit, and heâd already been wondering if he could be different. Hannah just helped give him the courage to visualize it and do it. And sure, some people will bitch about âwokeâ or complain about trying to remove masculinity instead of just toxic masculinity, and Iâm pretty sure those people just feel guilty about their role in toxic masculinity so fuck them. I thought it was truthful, brave, and amazing.
I also liked that the little additions of Piper and Brendan didnât feel phoned in like in so many other series.
And the epilogue. Holy shit. Not over-the-top sweet, and so perfect.
Hannah and Fox were so great, so likable and relatable. Hannah took a chance in her job, not because of a man, but because she planned to anyway, and Fox just made her feel better about it. Fox knew his reputation and the things heâd done to perpetuate that were all bullshit, and heâd already been wondering if he could be different. Hannah just helped give him the courage to visualize it and do it. And sure, some people will bitch about âwokeâ or complain about trying to remove masculinity instead of just toxic masculinity, and Iâm pretty sure those people just feel guilty about their role in toxic masculinity so fuck them. I thought it was truthful, brave, and amazing.
I also liked that the little additions of Piper and Brendan didnât feel phoned in like in so many other series.
And the epilogue. Holy shit. Not over-the-top sweet, and so perfect.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism
Minor: Toxic friendship and Death of parent
bookishgoob's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Going into this, I was super excited to go back to Westport. It happened One Summer set this story up so well I think. Part of the way through, the first 10-20% I felt betrayed and kind of bored. But as Hannah got back to Westport I started to feel better and more happy. Watching her relationship with Fox unfold was so beautifully done. I am not a huge friends to lovers fan, it usually just feels like there isnât enough dramatics for me, but once in a while I find one I enjoy and this was one of them. The spicy scenes were sweet and filled with pining and need. The declarations from each of them felt so pure and warranted. I had wanted them together since he was introduced in IHOS. I saw some complaints in other reviews about Hannah basically being a MPDG for Fox. being his therapist and helping him figure himself out rather than step into her âleading ladyâ roll like she set out to. However, this story takes place over the course of a few weeks. Itâs hard to turn yourself from side character to leading lady over night. I do see where theyâre coming from with her being âFoxâs therapistâ to an extent. But, she was being a supportive friend. Iâve been the support for my friend while still building up my confidence. It wasnât a roll she was forced into. She had real depth and Love in her character, she wasnât there to serve Foxâs plot. They were there to serve each otherâs. Iâm not used to a HEA like this one. Nothing could have prepared me for the tears of joy that came to my eyes and I finished the last page. I absolutely adored this story, the relationships, the drama, the pining, the being unsure of the others feelings. It felt so absolutely real and filled me with butterflies. I am so happy I read this book (also did anyone else picture JJ from outer banks as fox????) but I am so not ready to leave Westport! I hope we get a Christmas novella or something đđđ The Westport boys and the Bellinger girls will have my heart in flutters for the foreseeable future!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Toxic friendship
andeng's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Sexual content, and Emotional abuse