It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey

Bellinger Sisters #1.

Rating: ★★★★✰

Dates Read: 6/18/23 - 6/19/23

    Piper Bellinger, known for her fashion-forward lifestyle and wild reputation, constantly attracts the attention of paparazzi. However, her reckless behavior reaches a tipping point when an out-of-control rooftop party lands her in trouble, prompting her stepfather to take action. Fed up with her antics, he cuts off her privileges and sends Piper and her sister to Washington to take charge of their late father's dive bar, hoping to instill some responsibility in them.

    As soon as Piper arrives in Westport, she crosses paths with Brendan, a burly and bearded sea captain. He's got this idea that she won't survive a week outside of Beverly Hills. But hey, who cares if Piper struggles with math and the thought of bunk beds in a shabby apartment freaks her out? She's dead set on proving her stepfather wrong and showing this hot, grumpy local that there's more to her than just her looks.

    Except it's a small town, and Piper finds herself constantly crossing paths with Brendan. They couldn't be more different – she's a fun-loving socialite, and he's a gruff fisherman. Despite their contrasting personalities, there's an undeniable attraction simmering between them. Piper is wary of getting involved, especially with a guy who's often away at sea for weeks. However, as she reconnects with her past and starts to feel a sense of belonging in Westport, she questions whether the cold, glamorous life she's known in LA is truly what she desires. While LA calls her name, Brendan and the memories of this town might have already captured her heart. 

    “I’ll love you until my heart gives out. I’ll be your man for a thousand years. Longer if I’m allowed.”

    Tessa Bailey knows how to bring the spice, and Piper's character was just so damn lovable. This romance was pure perfection. At first, I was a bit skeptical about Piper's airheadedness, wondering how it would play into the romance. But as she's whisked away to a charming port town, the fish-out-of-water transformation begins, and she starts falling for the grumpy fisherman, Brendan. I appreciated how the book didn't shy away from highlighting Piper's high-maintenance nature, and Brendan's efforts to make her happy were heart-melting. The story beautifully delves into Piper's self-discovery and the changes both characters undergo to make their relationship work. Despite the growing they both had to do, Piper never had to change who she really was for Brenden. 

    This book had me hooked from start to finish. The grumpy/sunshine summer romance trope is just too adorable to resist! Piper and Brendan's pairing was utterly endearing, and their dynamic felt so real, like I was part of their story. Tessa Bailey's storytelling always manages to captivate me, and this book was no exception. Each of her novels feels fresh and engaging, and this one is my favorite so far. The characters, the plot, the steam factor—it all just clicked for me, leaving a lasting impression.

    In a nutshell, this was an incredibly delightful experience from start to finish. Piper and Brendan's story is one I won't forget anytime soon. I'm going to read Hannah and Fox's story immediately.