A review by tsar
It Happened One Summer, by Tessa Bailey

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

 “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.” 

Maybe the reason to fall in love is too shallow, maybe their way of courting is too ridiculous, but sometimes, aren't those the reasons why romantic comedies are absurdly amusing that they become a comfort entertainment⁠—the often illogical motivation that invites laughter aside from swoon-worthy actions?

That is the vibe I can take from It Happened One Summer, the latest romance book written by Tessa Bailey, which also serves as the first installment of the Bellinger Sisters duology. The novel tells the story of Piper Bellinger, the older of the siblings and the spoiled rich woman akin to Paris Hilton-esque cheerful frivolity, who finds herself sent to a small fishing town as both a punishment and a chance to prove her worth after her step-father has had enough with the numerous scandals she's brought in. But what can that town do for her? It turns out that it doesn't only house handsome yet grumpy fishermen and a less glitzy lifestyle, but it holds an importance that will change her perspective forever.

As a romantic comedy, it's a said-and-done trope, having been featured in many books, upscale movies, and Hallmark offerings, yet the popularity never goes out of style. While the theme tends to be vexing and borderline soulless (for their sole focus is only the 'good parts' aka the dating and sex scenes), Bailey's approach leans towards the endearing description. In particular, her approach manages to humanize her characters' personalities, instead of making them simply caricatures of the trope she's borrowing.

An example goes to Piper herself as the tell-tale spoiled rich protagonist. Her shallowness due to her Los Angeles lifestyle before her abrupt move is expected, especially when we count that the LA reality for many celebrities and 'nepotism babies' is similar to this fictionalized version. Yet, her kindness and empathy have also always been there—it is something that she rarely shows for fear of the status quo or irrelevancy should she act without public knowledge. And since Piper already has a sense of altruism in her mind, Bailey uses the small-town stint as a medium to change her mind on how compassion should be shown even without cameras taking shots of her actions—the satisfaction feels genuine and joyful, and most of all, it feels like a natural course for her instead of a sudden transformation.

On the other hand, I find Brendan to be quite an enigma. For a character that sets out to be the grumpy male lead, he never feels like one. His nonchalance radiates coolness, and he is a people person whom the townsfolk respect instead of coming off as a confident yet arrogant fellow that will ignite the poorest assumptions about him. And the most intriguing part about him is how he acts like a giddy school girl when he realizes his attraction toward Piper for the silliest reason⁠—perhaps, this is where the romantic comedy formula and its absurdity spark off; his superficial reason to fall for Piper gradually transforms into a form of deep and genuine love, stripping down his simple idea of 'sexy Piper' by knowing her as a person beyond the social media photos and status as a rich woman. Bailey nails his often awkwardness when he tries interacting with Piper, it's humorous at best.

Since the characters' chemistry is what makes romantic comedies a winning charm, the chemistry between Brendan and Piper is seamlessly built up from their initial miscommunication in their first meeting to the days when they try hard to be civil with one another even though Piper still harbors a dislike towards the man, to the moment where they finally get together. And for someone who has just begun reading romance with smuttiness inserted inside the narrative (that's a lie, I have trained with fanfiction for years), Bailey has written sexual scenes that have a perfect balance between spiciness and intimacy—the explicit details are still imbued with all that 'wink-wink' nature that are not too vivid or graphical but enough to spike an imagination to leave readers hot and bothered.

How about the other characters in the novel? I don't have too many things to say about Fox except that he seems like a good friend and colleague because his presence in the novels seems too fleeting for me to make opinions, although I can see that the attraction he has for Hannah is a genuine impression. As for the younger Bellinger sister, I really like her! Hannah is a good sport and a supportive sister, but she's also not afraid to stay firm on her ideals. The sisterhood between Piper and Hannah is one of few that I adore, of their opposite personalities to the respect that each has for one another no matter how different their decisions are.

So, for my final thoughts, do I recommend this as a romance read? I do, very much. I swoon for Piper and Brendan, I love the cozy atmosphere of the small town, and most of all, it's a very much enjoyable read that checks all the marks of an excellent romantic comedy. 
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