It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey.

I almost did not want to read this book because I had read so many of these kinds of tropes but there is something that boredom does to you. In this case, boredom did a lot of good.

It Happened One Summer focuses on the transformation of one Piper Bellinger, wealthy child and influencer who has never had to work a day in her life. However, Piper soon makes Step-Daddy so mad that he ships her off to Westport, Washington to look after her late father’s bar. Piper soon faces harsh realities that makes her question the strength of her relationships and influence, also it throws her on the path of one Brendan Taggart, sea captain who is very doubtful of her ability to survive in a place as harsh as Westport, away from the glitz and blitz of glamorous LA.

This book doesn’t just employ romance to speak to the audience but also throws light on real life topics, sketching the importance of purpose, family and character. The characters are well developed, dialogues flowed impeccably and each page just left me looking forward to the next. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars. It was the perfect escape for a weekend.

Now, I liked this book for a lot of reasons and the main reason was Piper. Piper was not your average rich girl. She was a spoiled brat and yet, she had the never-give up spirit which would come in handy in the end. Apart from that, watching Piper grow out of all she knew into what she didn’t was endearing. The small changes and the little moments she began to take notice of - it warmed my heart for a reason. Of course, all this did not happen at once. She had to face doubt and a lot of embarrassing moments to get to that point.

Apart from that, between the Bellinger Sisters, there was undoubtedly a bond that could never be broken. As rich as they were, spoiled maybe, they stuck up for each other. This we see when Hannah bites one to Brendan when he becomes too much of an arsehole to her sister. Then the author beautifully brushes the topic of identity crisis. It was subtle but very hard to miss. Piper was changing and I read as she warred within her, especially with her insecurities and what she had come to believe all her life. If I am being honest, maybe this is one of the very few fictional female characters who has left an impression on me without the use of guns or some sort of super skill.

Brendan was like every other masculine figure in such stories. Arsehole in the beginning and then a sucker for love in the end. However, he was a man worth fighting for especially for Piper, and like with love he had his own insecurities.

If you’re looking for an escape with friendly banter and steamy romance, this is a book you should read.