Hook, Line, and Sinker: A Heartfelt, Spicy Romantic Comedy about Friendship, Flirtation, and Finding True Love (Bellinger Sisters Book 2)

AN INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES AND #1 USA TODAY BESTSELLER

In the follow-up to It Happened One Summer, Tessa Bailey delivers another deliciously fun and spicy small town rom-com about a former player who accidentally falls for his best friend while trying to help her land a different man…

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 in this charming friends to lovers romance.

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 in a classic slow burn, 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?

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Published Mar 1, 2022

368 pages

Average rating: 7.67

408 RATINGS

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✨ Summarized by Bookclubs AI

Readers say *Hook, Line, and Sinker* is a heartfelt, witty friends-to-lovers romance with strong chemistry, playful banter, and emotional depth—especi...

Across the Globe Book Buddies
Oct 19, 2025
Perhaps I’ll try again. First time reading (listening) to this author and the format - the book opening with a lengthy exchange of text messages, including dates/time-stamps - didn’t lend well to audio.
Sierra Upshaw
Mar 06, 2026
8/10 stars
Great read! Light yet well written enough to keep my interest. I loved that the mask character was a creative. Perfect book while on the beach or on vacation. Def recommend.
TheLifeOfJello
Feb 04, 2026
7/10 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5) Hook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa Bailey I went in expecting a light, flirty rom-com, but what I got was a story with so much heart, vulnerability, and emotional depth wrapped in witty banter and undeniable chemistry. Fox Thornton is the ultimate charming flirt on the outside, but watching his layers peel back and seeing the insecurity he hides behind his reputation made him incredibly endearing. And Hannah? She’s thoughtful, grounded, creative, and quietly strong in a way that balances Fox perfectly. What I loved most was how this story wasn’t just about falling in love, it was about learning to see yourself as worthy of love. Their friendship-first dynamic felt natural and refreshing, and the slow burn tension had me smiling, squealing, and fully invested. The way they encouraged each other’s dreams and growth made their relationship feel healthy and real, not just romantic. Tessa Bailey’s writing is sharp, funny, and emotionally rich. The dialogue felt authentic, the setting was cozy, and the side characters added so much warmth to the story. The only reason this isn’t a full 5 stars for me is that I wanted just a little more at the end a bit more time to sit in their happily-ever-after.
literarily_occupied
Aug 12, 2025
8/10 stars
⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 4 stars

This book is so much fun and I love Hannah and Fox!

It's a friends to lovers romance that will have you laughing and with just the right amount of angst and sexual tension.

ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Lauren Greely
Jul 01, 2025
8/10 stars
3.5 ⭐️ 3.5 spice

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