I just wanted to hug Fox! I swear there were so many takeaways from this story, I don’t even know where to begin. So many people told me they liked Hook, Line, and Sinker more than It Happened One Summer and now I know why. The evolution of Fox in this story was just…WOW! I know, not the best way to describe it with easy access to a dictionary but that is what comes to mind. Like Hannah, journeying back to Westport was filled with memories, hope, and dare I say it – closure as we wrap up our journey with Piper and Hannah Bellinger.
Welcome back to Westport, Washington! In the second installment of the Bellinger sisters series, the story shifts its focus to Hannah – the self proclaimed “supporting actress” to her leading lady sister Piper. Having just returned to LA to continue her work as a production assistant, she finds herself more alone than she has ever been before. Two years into her unrequited crush for Sergei, the director – Hannah isn’t sure where she is going in life and while music fills heart, mind, and is the embodiment of her soul – something else is missing. It doesn’t help that she has reconnected with Fox, a relief skipper she met the prior summer. Rekindling their friendship gives not only companionship but a connection to a place where she had experienced one of the best summers of her life. Returning to work, she is surprised when a opportunity presents itself – Sergei needs a location suggestion for the movie as LA doesn’t feel right! What surprised her even more is when she opens her mouth and suggests Westport! She only suggested for her sister right? And her grandmother? She couldn’t possibly be suggesting it so she could see Fox. Fox who has essentially slept his way through the city of Seattle. Fox who clearly stated he didn’t do relationships. No – absolutely not, it was because she was just nostalgic. That’s it. It has to be – especially when she finds out Piper’s in-laws are going to be staying in the guest room and floats the idea of staying with Fox.
Fox couldn’t be more thrilled to see Hannah again! She hadn’t left his thoughts since he met her the summer prior. That little fact is something he is determined to keep to himself. He couldn’t even imagine what the crew would say if they found out the player of Westport had a little crush. He gets a small taste of it when Brendon warns him to keep his hands to himself. Why doesn’t that surprise him. It’s how everyone has always seem him. Going to Seattle to get his rocks off, the butt of every joke, “Hide your daughters! Fox is on the hunt!” Doesn’t matter anyway, you can’t run away from the labels that have been on you since high school. He was no better than his father so why even bother. Maybe it was for the better, Hannah was his first female friend and he would only ruin things if it got physical. That’s just who he was. Why change now?
There is so much to say about this book so I apologize in advance for the length of this review. For starters, I liked how the friendship between Hannah and Fox unfolded. He took such care of it and was so delicate. If any of his old ways came through, he was quick to apologize. Through words alone he showed how much he cherished Hannah and their bond. Hannah was in true form in this story. Watching her come into her own and not only be a force of nature, but be the gust of wind Fox desperately needed, her inner strength was something to be revered.
I loved Fox’s evolution in this story! The battle of mind and heart, past and present, perception – it was like watching a boxing match. So raw, so psychologically violent, so much pain. You wanted to cheer for him but scream at him at the same time.
I will honestly admit I was actually surprised how tame this book was compared to how Tessa Bailey normally writes steamy scenes. Don’t get me wrong, they were still dynamite but this book was more about the build up, teasing, and intimacy of it.
Hook, Line, and Sinker takes ALL the feels, wraps them a beautiful bow, and waits for you to unwrap it, gifting you with joy, laughter, heartache, tears, and hope. While I am sad to see this series come to an end, I couldn’t imagine it continuing in any other way.