Hook Line and Sinker
I was so excited to receive an arc of this book! I loved It Happened One Summer (Book 1 of the Bellinger Sisters) with Brendan and Piper, and I also fell in love with the beginning of Hannah and Fox’s story in that book. So, I couldn’t wait to pick up their story in the second book! Hook Line and Sinker was the perfect continuation of the Bellinger Sisters and was a fun romcom that had wonderful chemistry, humor, witty banter, heart, and was so entertaining!
Synopsis: King crab fisherman Fox Thornton has a reputation as a sexy, carefree flirt. Everyone knows he's a guaranteed good time--in bed and out--and that's exactly how he prefers it. Until he meets Hannah Bellinger. She's immune to his charm and looks, but she seems to enjoy his... personality? And wants to be friends? Bizarre. But he likes her too much to risk a fling, so platonic pals it is.
Now, Hannah's in town for work, crashing in Fox's spare bedroom. She knows he's a notorious ladies' man, but they're definitely just friends. In fact, she's nursing a hopeless crush on a colleague and Fox is just the person to help with her lackluster love life. Armed with a few tips from Westport's resident Casanova, Hannah sets out to catch her coworker's eye... yet the more time she spends with Fox, the more she wants him instead. As the line between friendship and flirtation begins to blur, Hannah can't deny she loves everything about Fox, but she refuses to be another notch on his bedpost.
Living with his best friend should have been easy. Except now she's walking around in a towel, sleeping right across the hall, and Fox is fantasizing about waking up next to her for the rest of his life and... and... man overboard! He's fallen for her, hook, line, and sinker. Helping her flirt with another guy is pure torture, but maybe if Fox can tackle his inner demons and show Hannah he's all in, she'll choose him instead?
What appealed to you the most in this story?
All the heart! This story was about making connections/relationships, finding oneself, and realizing that you are who you want to be. I loved the community and all the supporting characters that build each other up and support one another. Plus, they are the kind of crew you really want to get together with for a good time!
How was the romance?
This slow burn and fake dating troupe romance was just right! I loved watching Hannah find herself and I loved watching Fox fall for her. Hannah was such a sweet, spunky, quirky, and endearing character. And the steamy, broody Fox and his backstory really captured my heart. It was nice to see a male character work through his own insecurities and internal conflicts.
Steam level - Open door and baby get me a fan!
How was the pace?
This story had a very steady pace that had me turning the pages quickly as I found myself enmeshed in the character’s lives. Not once did I feel bored or like this was just “another” romcom.
Do you recommend this book?
Overall, I had fun with this lighthearted romance. The banter was great. The relationships between the characters were even better. And the romance brought the steam. The book was a successful read for me. I laughed and chuckled my way through it, and I am hoping there is a secret third sister, because I don’t want to leave these characters or town behind.
Thank you, Avon, for this gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
