Hook, Line, and Sinker

Seven months after the action of It Happened One Summer, Bailey gives listeners another glimpse of the Bellinger sisters. Hannah, a production assistant, misses her sister Piper terribly. After suggesting filming in the small town of Westport, WA, she impresses her director and crush, Sergei, and returns to town. But Piper’s in-laws are visiting, which lands Hannah in the guestroom of the sexy fisherman, Fox, who has a heartbreaker reputation. The forced proximity is more than either can handle. Romance and narration are slow, and listeners may get whiplash from the will-they-or-won’t-they game. The sex scenes are on fire, but some sexy talk is cringeworthy. The story is light on comedy as well. The prologue, a series of texts between Hannah and Fox, helps with the backstory and showcases the romantic undertones of their friendship, but it is not ideal for the audio format. Lauren Sweet’s narration gives depth to the characters, particularly Fox. Kudos to Bailey for spotlighting the slut-shaming of men and the 10-year epilogue that helps wrap up this duology.