[ARC Review] It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey

Release date: July 13, 2021
Format: eARC
ARC provided by: Avon/Harper Voyager and Netgalley

--------------------

Piper Bellinger has spent her life getting by just fine on her pretty looks and her stepfather’s millions. But when Piper’s partying ways go a bit too far, she finds herself sent to Westport, Washington - a small fishing town where no one is impressed with her socialite status and millions of Instagram followers. Piper’s father lived and died a fisherman in Westport, but he definitely isn’t the only fisherman she’s interested in learning about while in Washington. Brendan Taggart lost his wife seven years ago, and his life has been full of no-nonsense routines ever since. He makes the same fishing trips, gets the same groceries, and orders the same thing at the restaurant. But then Piper walked into the bar in Westport, and his life as he knew it was over. Inciting feelings he never felt before, Brendan suddenly found all his plans thrown to the side, his routines completely upended. Brendan’s job is dangerous, but falling in love with Piper might be the hardest task he’s ever taken on. 

I absolutely adored It Happened One Summer. I find Tessa Bailey’s writing so easy to fall into, and her newest book is no exception. I love watching characters fall from grace and rebuild themselves into a better person throughout the book, and Piper does exactly that. I love the character’s slow realization that the life they used to thrive in, full of flashing cameras and fake friends, isn’t the life that truly makes them happy. Brendan was a different kind of leading man: rough and tough fisherman on the outside, dirty-minded softy who’s not afraid of Piper’s materialistic sensibilities on the inside. I really loved the character of Brendan and everything he brought to the table. Once Piper cracked his tougher, routine-driven exterior, he was funny, protective, and nurturing. I will for sure be looking for more romances with men like Brendan because he was such a lovable character. 

If I have any complaints about It Happened One Summer, it would be Piper and Brendan’s relationship itself. I guess I found it a little harder to believe that the small-town fisherman would love, and even sort of encourage, the materialistic values that Piper had. Sure, Brendan made good money off his fishing boat and could easily support Piper’s Hollywood lifestyle, but it seemed a bit out of character for someone like him to encourage that sort of lifestyle. I truly did love Piper and Brendan together - it was hot, it was playful, and it was sweet -  but Brendan occasionally seemed out of character with his materialistic side. 

Overall, I loved this book. The plot pulled me in and I was instantly hooked. Piper and Brendan had a great story, and I can’t wait to see what happens next in Westport, Washington.

Thank you to Avon/Harper Voyager and Netgalley for providing an advanced review copy in exchange for an honest review.