Tessa Bailey’s “It Happened One Summer” delivers exactly what romance readers crave: sizzling chemistry, emotional growth, and the satisfaction of watching two seemingly incompatible people fall deeply in love. As the first installment in Bailey’s Bellinger Sisters duology (followed by “Hook, Line, and Sinker“), this novel introduces us to a world where LA glamour collides with small-town fishing culture in the most delightful ways.
Inspired by the fish-out-of-water premise of “Schitt’s Creek,” Bailey crafts a romance that balances humor and heart, creating characters whose journey feels both entertaining and emotionally resonant. While the novel occasionally relies on familiar tropes, Bailey’s talent for steamy scenes and character development elevates the story beyond standard romance fare.
The Plot: From Rooftop Parties to Crab Fishing
When LA socialite and professional party girl Piper Bellinger gets arrested after an out-of-control rooftop pool party, her stepfather decides enough is enough. His punishment? Sending Piper and her sister Hannah to Westport, Washington—the small fishing town where their late father once owned a dive bar—to learn responsibility by running the establishment for three months.
Immediately upon arrival, Piper clashes with Brendan Taggart, a gruff sea captain who’s convinced the city girl won’t last a week. As they repeatedly cross paths in the small town, their initial antagonism gives way to undeniable attraction. Despite their differences, Piper and Brendan find themselves drawn to each other, even as Piper discovers unexpected connections to her past and begins questioning where she truly belongs.
Character Depth: More Than Meets the Eye
What makes “It Happened One Summer” stand out is Bailey’s refusal to let her characters remain stereotypes. Piper could easily have been written as a one-dimensional party girl, but instead, we see her insecurities, her genuine desire to connect, and her willingness to work hard when given the chance:
“I can be in a room full of people that I know and still not feel like I belong.”
This vulnerability makes her journey from LA socialite to small-town bar owner genuinely compelling. Her growth feels earned rather than forced, and her realization that she craves genuine connection over social media fame resonates in our digital age.
Brendan, too, defies expectations. While he initially appears as the stereotypical grumpy hero, his backstory as a widower and his struggles with routine and change provide depth to his character. His steadiness balances Piper’s spontaneity, creating a relationship dynamic that feels complementary rather than combative.
The secondary characters are equally well-drawn, particularly:
- Hannah: Piper’s music-loving sister whose quiet strength and loyalty set up her own story in the sequel
- Opal: Piper’s estranged grandmother whose relationship with Piper forms one of the most touching subplots
- Fox: Brendan’s charming best friend whose chemistry with Hannah teases readers for book two
Strengths: What Bailey Does Right
1. Steam Factor
Bailey has earned her reputation as the “Queen of Steam” for good reason. The physical chemistry between Piper and Brendan practically sizzles off the page, with scenes that are explicit without losing emotional connection. Their first time together in the hospital is both unexpected and perfectly timed in the narrative.
2. Small-Town Atmosphere
The fishing community of Westport comes alive through Bailey’s descriptions. From the harbor to the local shops to the dangerous nature of crab fishing, the setting feels authentic and lived-in. The community’s initial resistance to outsiders, followed by their gradual acceptance of Piper, creates a satisfying arc that parallels the romance.
3. Emotional Intelligence
Bailey demonstrates remarkable emotional intelligence in her writing, particularly in how she handles Brendan’s grief over his late wife. Rather than making this a source of melodrama, it’s treated with nuance and respect, becoming part of who Brendan is without overwhelming the story.
4. Dual Transformation
Both protagonists undergo meaningful change. Piper discovers her capability and worth beyond her social media presence, while Brendan learns to break free from rigid routines and open himself to love again. Their growth feels natural rather than forced.
Critiques: Where It Falls Short
1. Pacing Issues
The novel occasionally struggles with pacing, particularly in the third act. The final conflict—where Piper returns to LA—feels somewhat rushed and manufactured. A bit more time developing this section would have strengthened the emotional impact of their reunion.
2. Reliance on Tropes
While Bailey skillfully employs romance tropes, some readers might find elements like the “big misunderstanding” before the climax a bit too familiar. The novel doesn’t always subvert expectations in its plot structure, even as it does so with its characters.
3. Limited Context
The novel could have benefited from more exploration of Piper’s life in LA beyond parties. Though we understand she feels inauthentic there, seeing more of her relationships and daily existence would have provided greater contrast to her Westport experience.
4. Quick Resolution
The resolution of Piper’s career dilemma happens somewhat abruptly. Her decision to stay and run the bar would have felt more impactful with more exploration of her business plans and vision beyond the renovation.
The Bellinger Sisters Series
“It Happened One Summer” sets the stage for the duology’s second book, “Hook, Line, and Sinker,” which focuses on Hannah and Fox. Bailey cleverly plants seeds for this relationship throughout the first novel, making readers eager to see how the quieter, music-loving Hannah will pair with the charming ladies’ man.
The series as a whole explores themes of finding home, rebuilding connections to the past, and discovering authentic identity. While “It Happened One Summer” stands perfectly well on its own, reading both books provides a more complete picture of the Bellinger sisters’ journeys.
Bailey’s Writing Style: Humor Meets Heat
Tessa Bailey has perfected a writing style that balances humor, emotional depth, and steamy romance. Her dialogue crackles with wit and sexual tension, while her descriptive passages create vivid settings without bogging down the pace.
What sets Bailey apart from other romance writers is her ability to write genuinely funny scenarios that don’t undercut the emotional stakes. Piper’s attempts at cooking, her first visits to the grocery store, and her introduction to small-town gossip all provide laugh-out-loud moments that feel organic rather than forced.
Bailey also excels at writing male perspectives that feel authentic rather than caricatured. Brendan’s thoughts and reactions, especially to Piper’s impact on his orderly life, read as genuinely masculine without falling into toxic stereotypes.
For Fans Of…
If you enjoyed “It Happened One Summer,” you might also like:
- The “Schitt’s Creek” television series, which shares the fish-out-of-water premise
- Sally Thorne’s “The Hating Game“ for enemies-to-lovers tension
- Helena Hunting’s “Meet Cute” for the blend of humor and emotional depth
- Bailey’s earlier works, particularly her “Hot & Hammered” series, which shares her signature steam and humor
Readers who enjoyed Bailey’s other work will recognize her hallmarks here—grumpy heroes, fiery chemistry, and authentic emotional growth—but will appreciate the fresh setting and premise.
Final Verdict: A Steamy, Heartfelt Romance Worth Diving Into
“It Happened One Summer” earns its place as one of Bailey’s strongest novels to date. Despite some minor pacing issues and familiar plot beats, the chemistry between Piper and Brendan, combined with their individual growth arcs, creates a romance that’s both satisfying and memorable.
The novel balances:
- Steamy scenes with emotional connection
- Humor with genuine heart
- Personal growth with romantic development
- City sophistication with small-town charm
For romance readers seeking an escape that offers both heat and heart, “It Happened One Summer” delivers on all fronts. And with “Hook, Line, and Sinker” continuing the story with Hannah and Fox, Bailey has created a world readers will be reluctant to leave behind.
