A review by nyxthereader
It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

• Piper Bellinger is sent to run her late father's dive bar in Washington after getting in trouble with the law. She meets Brendan, a sea captain who thinks she won't last in the small town. Despite their differences, they feel an undeniable attraction. As Piper reconnects with her past and starts to feel at home, she must decide if the cold, glamorous life she knew is what she truly wants or if Brendan and the town have already caught her heart.

I loved this book, way more than I thought I would. I've been put off reading it for something so shallow I'm also embarrassed about It, and the reason was the cartoon on the cover having a beard (I know, I know, don't come for me please).  But oh boy, am I grateful I read it, thanks to my friend who was sure I would love it. 

I have to say Brendan was the show's star in this one. He's so amazing I forgot he had a beard and a knight complex, overshadowed by his calming temper, relentlessness and determination towards his feelings for Piper, once he made peace with them (the princess treatment was a big part too 😅). I believe we all deserve a Brendan in our lives!! I finished this book almost a week ago and he's all I can think about, I even pondered rereading the book as soon as I finished it (very unlike me).

Piper was also a surprise. At the beginning of the book I was not impressed with her and the life she lived, I didn't think she would change the way she did but I'm so happy about it. She deserves everything good and more. Her development was probably my favourite thing about this book. The way she started to realise who she truly was behind the numbness she was feeling in LA and how she created bonds with locals without even attempting to. Everything came to her naturally, as she belong to Westport as soon as she step foot in it.