Hook, Line, and Sinker (Bellinger Sisters, #2) – A Fishy Affair
As I dove into "Hook, Line, and Sinker," the second book in the Bellinger Sisters series by Tessa Bailey, I was hopeful. I’ve been swept away by the author’s knack for creating captivating characters and hilarious banter in the past. But, as much as I wanted to swim in these romantic waters, I found myself floundering instead. Spoiler alert: this review is going to be as delightful as a rock thrown in a pond—1.5 stars, folks!
Characters: A Mixed Bag
First up, let’s talk about Hannah. The supposed protagonist is a vinyl-loving, music-obsessed rich girl who’s hopelessly smitten with her Russian boss. I mean, I can get down with a fellow vinyl enthusiast, but Hannah’s character felt more like a supporting character trying desperately to be the star of her own show. My main takeaway? She spends the entire book playing therapist to Fox, whose main redeeming quality seems to be his stunning looks and a taste in music better than hers.
Speaking of Fox, our designated “fuckboy,” who is stunning and sun-kissed but with an overwhelming load of issues. Honestly, the best parts of the book came from Christian, who, despite only appearing briefly, somehow had more personality in those fleeting moments than the so-called main characters combined. How’s that for a plot twist? His interactions with Hannah were refreshingly funny, even if he was juggling a few challenges of his own.
Themes and Writing Style
The book taps into themes of self-sabotage and unrequited love, but unfortunately, it often felt more like self-indulgence rather than something the reader could engage with. The pacing was slow, dragging through cliché moments that left me yearning for drama but being served lukewarm situations instead. It’s disheartening when the stakes are low, and the “friends to lovers” trope feels more like “friends to nowhere.”
I mean, consider the line, “I hate that I like you,” which sounds like a tongue-in-cheek moment until it’s clear that the connection between Hannah and Fox lacks the spark it aims for. Who were we rooting for besides Christian? As Hannah herself acknowledges, she was more of a supporting player than a leading lady.
Memorable Moments
One of my biggest grievances was the romance—or lack thereof. While the book marketed itself as a rom-com, I was left wondering if I missed some inside joke about humor. The sex scenes were also a blur for me; I skimmed through them to avoid discomfort, recalling points where “wet girl” and “freaky girl” were just cringeworthy phrases cemented in my brain.
And yet, there were moments that made me chuckle, particularly when Christian was zinging Hannah with his sarcastic remarks. That’s where the heart of the story thrived, albeit briefly.
Conclusion: Who is This For?
So, who might enjoy this read? If you’re a staunch fan of Tessa Bailey’s previous works and cherish her writing style, you may find solace in this book. If you enjoy tales of beautiful people living out their high-stakes drama but with less emotional payoff, this is still worth your time. However, if, like me, you crave depth and sizzling chemistry in your romance novels, you might want to skip this one.
In conclusion, "Hook, Line, and Sinker" left me feeling like I had cast a line with no catch in sight. I wanted love, drama, and captivating characters, but what I got felt like a lazy unveiling of a story that promised much but delivered little. Maybe the only thing worth reeling in here is the memorable banter from Christian—and boy, did he deserve more than what he got! 🎣
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