Romantic Revelations: It Happened One Summer Review

The review

It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey is a romantic comedy novel that takes us on the journey of young, wealthy socialite Piper Bellinger. The novel opens with Piper, known for her party-loving ways, being shipped off from her comfortable life in Los Angeles after a particularly audacious party stunt. She is sent to the small fishing town of Westport, Washington, where she has to manage a bar left to her by her late father, a fisherman who died young. The novel offers alternating perspectives from Piper and her love interest, providing a multifaceted view of their blossoming relationship and individual growth.

The story's heart is set in the coastal village of Westport, Washington. This tranquil setting is a stark contrast to the high-paced glamor of Piper's life in Los Angeles, providing a rich backdrop for the narrative. Piper is joined in this new environment by her younger sister, Hannah, and together they quickly immerse themselves in the life of the small, close-knit town. The relationship between the sisters is crucial to the story as they navigate this unfamiliar place together. Piper's initial struggles with the rundown bar and the hostility from locals, including a certain tall, bearded fisherman, set the stage for her personal transformation.

This tall, bearded fisherman is none other than Brendan Taggart, a widowed crab fisherman who becomes the main love interest for Piper. Initially, Brendan is resistant to Piper's presence in Westport, but as they work together to restore the bar, their relationship takes a turn. The narrative details their emotional and physical encounters, their individual fears, and the challenges they face in their developing relationship. As Piper realizes her love for Brendan, she also grapples with her attachment to her past life in Los Angeles. The novel's conclusion is a testament to Piper's growth as she makes a choice about where she truly belongs and who she wants to be with, all without losing the essence of who she is.

Personal thoughts

I was really impressed by It Happened One Summer because of the combination of personal and relational growth between Piper and Brendan. Piper's transformation from a perceived airheaded socialite to a woman capable of much more than she or anyone else gave her credit for is a highlight of the novel. Her journey is marked by her new relationships with friends, family, and Brendan. The chemistry between Piper and Brendan is also instant and intense, making their relationship a compelling part of the story. Bailey's skilled storytelling includes sharp banter, high-heat scenes, and intense soul-searching for both Piper and Brendan, which I promise will keep you engaged in the story from start to finish!

Book details

Author: Tessa Bailey

Genre: Romance

Length: 385 pages

Series: Book 1 of 2 from the Bellinger Sisters Series

Tropes: Grumpy sunshine, small town, rom-com

Rating: 💡💡💡💡💡

Spice rating: 🔥🔥🔥

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