Hook, Line, and Sinker
By Tessa Bailey
Release Date: March 1, 2022
Ebook Available from WV Reads!
3 Stars - This long love story from newly minted rom-com queen Tessa Bailey has so many cute factors. Hannah and Fox have super chemistry but also make a perfect quirky couple for a light read. This book really would have been great at half the length, I think. But music lovers, small town tv show watchers, and friends-to-lovers fans will find so much to like.
Tessa's more intense romances from back in the day were solid four-star reads for me. Now the whole romantic comedy tidal wave sweeping the romance novel nation wipes me out. Fox and Hannah are instantly likable and easy to root for as a pair. But after awhile their almost respective insecurities weigh down the story. Hannah's not content to be a supporting actress in life and she's trying to squeak out of her comfort zone. Fox finds his world upside when faced with a roommate he has romantic feelings for. Gotta feel for them both.
I'm not a fan of the story being told in texts and song lyrics. I need dialouge and showing not telling. But it's a cute way to be modern and heartfelt so that's fine for many readers so I'm in the minority. The whole classic music but throw in some Lana Del Ray thing went over my head. I have simple music tastes but I'm sure headphone wearers everywhere will eat all that up. The book has a very fun Gilmore Girls vibe. Plus there's plenty more Brendan and Piper for fans of the first book. I found that one somewhat forgettable so this can be a standalone. Bailey wastes little time turning up the heat on these two. And I was oddly into all the side drama with Sergei. I was a bit exhausted at the halfway point though and discouraged when these two had made little progress on themselves and the pursuit of a meaningful relationship. Still, there's lots of fun to be had here in Westport! Tessa's very unique style is sure to charm as always.
(NS)