“It Happened One Summer” by Tessa Bailey is a charming contemporary romance novel that has quickly become a favorite among readers looking for a perfect summer read. With its likable characters, witty dialogue, and delightful small-town setting, this book has much to offer. However, it also has its drawbacks, particularly in its portrayal of romance and pacing. In this review, we’ll delve into what makes this book a hit and what might make you pause.
Table of Contents
Summary of “It Happened One Summer”
“It Happened One Summer” follows the story of Piper Bellinger, a fashionable and carefree socialite whose life takes a dramatic turn when she is sent to a small town in the Pacific Northwest. After a wild party lands her in hot water, Piper’s wealthy stepfather decides she needs a lesson in responsibility and sends her to run her late father’s dive bar in Westport. There, she meets Brendan Taggart, a gruff and rugged sea captain who initially dismisses her as a spoiled city girl. As Piper adjusts to her new life, she discovers more about herself and starts to develop feelings for Brendan, leading to an unexpected and heartfelt romance.
What I Liked About “It Happened One Summer”
1. Likable Characters
One of the strongest aspects of “It Happened One Summer” is its characters. Piper Bellinger, despite her initial portrayal as a spoiled socialite, quickly becomes a character readers can root for. Her growth throughout the novel is both believable and endearing. Brendan Taggart, the gruff sea captain, is equally compelling. His stoic exterior and warm heart make him a perfect match for Piper, creating a dynamic and engaging romantic duo.
Even the side characters provided a bit of depth for the storyline they were well developed and dint feel flat.
2. Small-Town Setting
The small-town vibe of Westport is perfectly captured in Bailey’s writing. The setting provides a cozy, beachy atmosphere that enhances the story’s charm. The detailed descriptions of the town, its residents, and the beautiful coastal scenery make it an ideal backdrop for a summer read. This setting not only adds to the story’s allure but also helps ground the characters’ experiences and growth.
3. Entertaining Dialogue
The dialogue between characters in “It Happened One Summer” is witty, funny, and often heartwarming. Piper and Brendan’s interactions are filled with banter that feels natural and entertaining. The humor woven into their conversations adds a lightheartedness to the story, making it an enjoyable read from start to finish.
The dialogue between piper and Brendan will make you fall in love with their story.
What I Didn’t Like About “It Happened One Summer”
1. Cringy Sex Scenes
The sex scenes in “It Happened One Summer” are, unfortunately, a significant downside. The explicit nature and the so-called dirty talk often come across as cringy and forced. These scenes can be uncomfortable to read and detract from the overall enjoyment of the story. For readers who prefer their romance to be more subtle or less graphic, these parts of the book might be particularly off-putting.
I almost wanted to put the book down altogether but I settled for just skipping past these scenes. Am I the only one who thought they were cringy??
2. Insta-Love Romance
Despite being marketed as an enemies-to-lovers story, “It Happened One Summer” falls into the insta-love trope. The rapid development of Piper and Brendan’s relationship feels rushed and lacks the gradual build-up that makes enemies-to-lovers romances so satisfying. This quick transition can make the romance feel less authentic and emotionally impactful.
3. Length of the Book
At times, “It Happened One Summer” feels overly long. The pacing can be uneven, with certain sections dragging and causing the reader to lose interest.
I had to put the book down for a few weeks and then come back to it . The story just felt so long.
“It Happened One Summer” book review conclusion
In conclusion, “It Happened One Summer” by Tessa Bailey is a fun and lighthearted read with plenty of charm and humor. Its likable characters, engaging dialogue, and delightful small-town setting make it an appealing choice for a summer read. However, the book’s cringy sex scenes, insta-love romance, and uneven pacing might detract from the overall experience for some readers. Despite these drawbacks, fans of contemporary romance and beachy reads will likely find much to enjoy in this book. My overall rating of this book is 3.9/5 stars
page count: 416
release date: July 13, 2021
genre: romance, contemporary romance, adult romance
available : Amazon.com
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