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A review by ladysadiereads
Hook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa Bailey
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? No
5.0
I have literally read this arc twice... and will probably have this as a favorite for a long time!
Fox is a quintessential modern rake - re: man whore - but he is also deeply sensitive and not actually all that happy about his status... or actively pursuing it. He is desperately happy to be Hannah's best friend though. Hannah couldn't possibly be more the settle down and commit type if she tried - but she hasn't quite found someone to do that with.
I deeply loved these two - their friendship stood as its own relationship, unpacking years of toxic masculinity and implied intimacy takes time and these two actually worked through that. I think the other part that was so gorgeous was that their friendship was so natural - it really started in book one but progressed so much and was so solid that when they figured out that they were in love it was even more perfect. I wish there had been more of them unpacking the whole fisherman dad thing? But I loved the references to sea shanties (and the theme of music in general) and that Piper and Brendan's relationship didn't overshadow theirs. It is Tessa Bailey - so also there is the perfect level of dirty talking steam and a build of sexual intimacy from page one!
TL/DR Review
Stars: five brilliant musical stars.
Series: Bellinger Sisters Book Two - Can be read as a standalone but read both ‘cause they are both awesome
POV: dual third POV
Steam: It is Tessa Bailey. Prepare yourself.
Tropes: friends to lovers, blue collar hero, BF’s sister, modern rake/ wallflower, forced proximity
For Fans Of: Any sitcom friends to lovers story
Theme Song: (it needs a whole album) Need My Girl by The National
Subgenre: contemporary romance
CW/ TW: low key toxic family dynamics, language, mentions of cheating
Thank you to the author and publisher for my complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Fox is a quintessential modern rake - re: man whore - but he is also deeply sensitive and not actually all that happy about his status... or actively pursuing it. He is desperately happy to be Hannah's best friend though. Hannah couldn't possibly be more the settle down and commit type if she tried - but she hasn't quite found someone to do that with.
I deeply loved these two - their friendship stood as its own relationship, unpacking years of toxic masculinity and implied intimacy takes time and these two actually worked through that. I think the other part that was so gorgeous was that their friendship was so natural - it really started in book one but progressed so much and was so solid that when they figured out that they were in love it was even more perfect. I wish there had been more of them unpacking the whole fisherman dad thing? But I loved the references to sea shanties (and the theme of music in general) and that Piper and Brendan's relationship didn't overshadow theirs. It is Tessa Bailey - so also there is the perfect level of dirty talking steam and a build of sexual intimacy from page one!
TL/DR Review
Stars: five brilliant musical stars.
Series: Bellinger Sisters Book Two - Can be read as a standalone but read both ‘cause they are both awesome
POV: dual third POV
Steam: It is Tessa Bailey. Prepare yourself.
Tropes: friends to lovers, blue collar hero, BF’s sister, modern rake/ wallflower, forced proximity
For Fans Of: Any sitcom friends to lovers story
Theme Song: (it needs a whole album) Need My Girl by The National
Subgenre: contemporary romance
CW/ TW: low key toxic family dynamics, language, mentions of cheating
Thank you to the author and publisher for my complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.