Book Review:
It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
Written by: Merrill Robinson
I read “It Happened One Summer” by Tessa Bailey in September of 2023, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it. In fact, for the last six months, I have done nothing but rave about this book and recommend it to anyone who loves a beardy, sullen, and growly blue-collar boy. Because, woah. Can you say, mega hot boat captain??
After thinking about the Bellinger Sister Series for the last six months, I wanted to start 2024 with a happy book that I knew would leave me with a smile. So, I listened to it in audiobook format through the Libby App. And I am so happy that I did.
I had a different experience each time I read the It Happened One Summer book. It allowed me to see Piper Bellinger and Brendan Taggart not only together as a couple but also how they individually grow through their character development. Unlike a typical rom-com, “It Happened One Summer” delves into Piper’s personal growth and self-discovery.
Tessa Bailey navigates Piper’s insecurities and explores her journey towards finding true happiness beyond the glitz of LA’s social scene. More than anything, it is a story of love, transformation, and self-discovery. Tessa Bailey connects the romcom aspect of hilarious narrative and pushes a character to their limits. She creates complex characters that you can’t help but love and root for every step of the way. It’s magnetic, spicy, and funny, and I love exploring the captivating dynamics of Piper and Brendan’s enemies-to-lovers relationship.
Let’s dive in…
Table of Contents
Tropes of It Happened One Summer:
- Grumpy/sunshine
- Enemies-to-lovers
- Small town romance
- Opposites attract
- Fish-out-of-water
- Miscommunication
Is It Happened One Summer Spicy:
Yes, It Happened One Summer is a spicy romance novel. If you are a new reader of Tessa Bailey’s books, I really want to stress the importance of being prepared for the steam factor. Piper and Brendan are magnetic, and their passionate and steamy romance will leave you swooning. But, if you’re not ready for a spicy romance book (or you are younger than 18), I recommend holding off on this one until you are of age or are ready to dive into the world of Tessa Bailey’s explicit romance scenes.
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
It Happened One Summer Spicy Chapters:
- Chapter 18; pages 214-225
- Chapter 21; pages 265-271
- Chapter 24; pages 300-303
- Chapter 26; pages 316-321
It Happened One Summer Summary:
The paparazzi are always after Piper Bellinger because she is a well-known, stylish, and wild child. Piper’s stepfather decides enough is enough when an unruly rooftop party and too much champagne land Piper in jail. He then cuts her off and sends Piper and her sister to Washington to take up some responsibility at the dingy bar their late father owned.
Piper has hardly been in Westport for five minutes when she meets Brendan, a large, bearded sea captain who believes Piper won’t last more than a week away from Beverly Hills. Well, so what if Piper is bad at math and gets shivers at the thought of staying in a run-down apartment with bunk beds? How serious could it be? She’s resolved to prove to her stepfather—as well as the attractive but grumpy boat captain—that she’s more than just an attractive appearance.
But because it’s a small town, Brendan keeps running into her. Despite their obvious differences—the rigid fisherman and the carefree socialite are irresistibly drawn to each other. Distractions are the last thing Piper needs, especially romantic feelings for a man who spends weeks at a time sailing off into the sunset. But as Piper makes new connections with her past and settles into Westport, she starts to question whether the glitzy, frigid world she formerly knew is really what she wants. Though Brendan and this town full of memories may have already won her heart, LA is calling her name.
Merrill's Takeaway of It Happened One Summer:
The book introduces Piper, a wealthy LA socialite whose life turns unexpectedly when a publicity stunt goes awry. After landing herself a night in jail for throwing the party of the season, she is stripped of her glamorous lifestyle. Piper is exiled to the small Pacific Northwestern town of Westport. Tessa Bailey went overboard (lol) on the fish-out-of-water plotline, drawing parallels to the charm of Schitt’s Creek, which inspired the book.
Brendan Taggart, the sexy, grumpy fisherman, steals the spotlight as the ultimate romantic hero. I absolutely adore Brendan’s character. He is the ultimate book boyfriend: He’s sweet and the epitome of “If he wanted to, then he would” due to the effort he puts into making Piper fall deeply in love with him. He even goes out of his way to ensure Piper’s sister, Hannah, is cared for – mostly so he can selfishly have Piper all to himself, but it’s the thought he puts into caring for Hannah that makes it sweet and heartwarming. I couldn’t have asked for more from a grumpy x sunshine summer romance. Look no further if you’re looking for a great beach read that will leave your heart feeling warm and fuzzy.
@merrillsbooks 🦀PIPER AND BRANDAN🛍️ It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 #books #booksbooksbooks #ithappenedonesummer #tessabailey #bookrecommendations #booktok #bookworm #bookish #bluecollarboys ♬ Aesthetic Vibes - Megacreate
There is an undeniable chemistry between Piper and Brendan, a grumpy yet charming fisherman. Their chemistry is so off the charts that the spicy elements make this book an unforgettable read. Piper’s vibrant and bright personality breaks through Brendan’s curmudgeonly exterior. They are the epitome of the grumpy/sunshine trope, and it adds a layer of sweetness and complexity to their love story that leaves you wanting more.
The supporting characters, including Piper’s sister, Hannah, and Brendan’s best friend, Fox, are the characters of Hook, Line, and Sinker in this duology, The Bellinger Sisters. It’s Hannah and Fox, as well as the other residents of Westport, who contribute to the heartwarming atmosphere of the story. Piper and Hannah uncover more of their father’s legacy in Westport each day that they are there as they spruce up their late father’s bar, locally named No Name. Their development and everyone’s eagerness to help these two blonde sisters make this story emotional, and you can’t help but love everyone in the small town of Westport.
For me, “It Happened One Summer” is a novel of a perfect blend of enemies-to-lovers dynamics, grumpy/sunshine romance, and a journey of self-discovery. Tessa Bailey’s hilarious and dynamic storytelling prowess shines through. She always leaves me eager for more. Whether you’re a fan of spicy romance novels or seeking a novel of transformation and love, this book promises an unforgettable happily ever after.
Be sure to check out my review for the second book in The Bellinger Sisters series by Tessa Bailey, Hook, Line and Sinker.
Is There Going To be an It Happened One Summer Movie:
The long and short of it, yes, there is going to be an It Happened One Summer movie. At this time, we don’t know any news about production and when it will be coming to the screen. In June 2022, Deadline announced that BCDF Pictures and Frolic Media would adapt It Happened One Summer into a movie but to the public’s knowledge, they have yet to start production of the movie. However, Tessa Bailey did an interview with Authentic Books where she gave her dream cast for the film adaptation.
Favorite Quotes:
“You can wrap me as tight as you want around that little finger, but I won’t play games about what this is. Get me, Piper?”
“The captain is a little sensitive about Piper,” Fox explained, still wearing that shit-eating grin. “He doesn’t know what to do with his confusing man feelings.”
“Trying to figure out what to do when no one is watching. And wondering if maybe that’s the stuff that actually matters.”
“Oh, this wasn’t good. She didn’t even know which part of her was in command. Her head, her heart, her lady business. Or maybe they all were, three bitches hitting the switches of her control panel.”
“Piper, spoiling you makes my dick hard”
“He wouldn’t stay so firmly rooted in his practices and routines that a good thing would come along and slip away.”
“That sparkle was positivity and life and promise of better things, and she always, always had it, glowing within the blue of her irises, lighting up the room.”
“And when her face transformed with pure joy and she waved enthusiastically, Brendan knew he loved her.”
“Piper, the man looks at you like…he’s full of cracks and you’re the glue.”
“He’d ridiculed her at the outset. Now he wanted to fight off anything that made her sad.”
“You can be as high maintenance as you want, honey. But I’m the only one who does the maintenance.”
“When the reward is as perfect as you, as perfect as this, the work is a fucking honor.”
“I’ll love you until my heart gives out. I’ll be your man for a thousand years. Longer if I’m allowed.”
About Tessa Bailey:
New York Times Bestselling author Tessa Bailey can solve all problems except for her own, so she focuses those efforts on stubborn, fictional blue collar men and loyal, lovable heroines. She lives on Long Island avoiding the sun and social interactions, then wonders why no one has called. Dubbed the “Michelangelo of dirty talk,” by Entertainment Weekly, Tessa writes with spice, spirit, swoon and a guaranteed happily ever after.
Catch her on TikTok at @authortessabailey or check out her website for a complete list of books and newest releases.
