It Happened One Summer | Review

Piper Bellinger is fashionable, influential, and her reputation as a wild child means the paparazzi are constantly on her heels. When too much champagne and an out-of-control rooftop party lands Piper in the slammer, her stepfather decides enough is enough. So he cuts her off, and sends Piper and her sister to learn some responsibility running their late father’s dive bar… in Washington.

Piper hasn’t even been in Westport for five minutes when she meets big, bearded sea captain Brendan, who thinks she won’t last a week outside of Beverly Hills. So what if Piper can’t do math, and the idea of sleeping in a shabby apartment with bunk beds gives her hives. How bad could it really be? She’s determined to show her stepfather—and the hot, grumpy local—that she’s more than a pretty face.

Except it’s a small town and everywhere she turns, she bumps into Brendan. The fun-loving socialite and the gruff fisherman are polar opposites, but there’s an undeniable attraction simmering between them. Piper doesn’t want any distractions, especially feelings for a man who sails off into the sunset for weeks at a time. Yet as she reconnects with her past and begins to feel at home in Westport, Piper starts to wonder if the cold, glamorous life she knew is what she truly wants. LA is calling her name, but Brendan—and this town full of memories—may have already caught her heart.

Why did it take me so long to read this book?! It was perfect, perfect, perfect.

Bailey has a way with words. This was my first book of hers to read, but I’m already sold on the rest of them. This book was written in 3rd person pov, but switched between Brendan and Piper. I loved that each time it switched, I could automatically tell which character it was because the voice was distinct. Piper and Brendan had different sounding thoughts (as they should have had) and I was just so happy to experience it.

Also, this book was so funny! I laughed out loud during multiple moments. Piper was just spoiled enough to make hilarious comments or have thoughts about things “normal/working class” people do. It was so fun to watch her try to acclimate herself to living without unlimited money and means. And she did so gracefully. Mostly.

Moving on to our leading man, Brendon! Okay, I looooove Brendon. He didn’t play games, fell in love first, and communicates! In fact, he encouraged Piper to communicate her feelings on multiple occasions. I know the bar is low on that one, but I love a man that can communicate his thoughts and feelings. On top of these character traits, who can resist a bearded fisherman?

Overall, this book was IT for me. I laughed, I sobbed (like actually), and I swooned. All necessary reactions for me to love a rom-com. I’ve immediately picked up a copy of Hannah’s story, the other Bellinger sister, and can’t wait to dive back into the world of Westport.

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed a gifted and advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rating

To check out my other reviews, click here. Or to check out more books by Tessa Bailey, go to her Goodreads profile or visit her website.