It Happened One Summer (Bellinger Sisters #1). By Tessa Bailey. 2021. Avon (eBook ARC)

Brendan, a gruff, widowed fisherman finds himself pining after Piper, a LA socialite, who has come to town to prove to her stepfather she can rise above her shallow ways. Overall, this was an entertaining romance centered around two individuals rediscovering themselves enough to open their hearts up to each other, despite the misunderstanding in the last act that many authors seem obligated to do.

I had never read a book by this author and was disappointed in this one. Everything I had read led me to believe this author wrote excellent, entertaining books. I found the characters to be immature and the story just not what I was expecting or looking for. A disappointment for sure.

What a fun read, just enough spice in all categories to keep you reading til the end. Highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a fun and fast read.

All the hype delivers. Tessa Bailey doesn't disappoint. I keep referring to this series as a grown-up "Cowbelles". Two sisters, banished to a fishing town, to learn the value of a dollar?

LOVE LOVE LOVE

Tessa Bailey really delivered with this series. they are SO much fun. The characters are fun, the love interests are perfect book boyfriend material and I could not put it down. (I actually read it on a plane and was blushing away the whole time).

5/5 Stars. Bought a physical copy, and will be re-reading.

*Gifted by Netgalley & Avon Books, thank you! All opinions are my own.

Wow, this was one steamy book! But it was binge-reading-worthy. I enjoyed both of the love interests and how Bailey brought in other characters for the next story in the series.

This book was fast, flirty, and fun. I loved how fast we jumped into the story and relationship between our main characters. However, it really didn't give much more depth or plot besides bickering to hooking up.
Normally, I am not one to complain about the plot of a book being the development and exploration of a relationship. The characters were just too one-dimensional and lackluster for this development to have carried the entire book in this case. I needed either the romance to be more compelling or the characters to liven up.

I will never not like a Tessa Bailey book. She just has such a fun and romantic writing style. And I always find myself pulled in quick.

Piper and Brendan don't seem like the type that would hit it off. But I love the interaction these two have. and how the tension builds.

In typical me fashion. I was not a fan of Piper at the start. I sometimes (A lot of times) judge female protagonists harder then male. And Piper had my eyes rolling hard a couple times. But also relating in a weird way too. But as the story went on. I found myself really adoring her, and rooting for her even.

This kinda reminded me in a way of a cousin to a Hallmark movie. And I am always down for a good Hallmark movie haha.

A definite 5 star read for me.

I thought this book was very charming, however it came with some personal reading struggles. While I enjoy Tessa Bailey's writing as a whole, toward the end of this book, I was starting to get the ick. The ick had something to do with the sudden onslaught of the word 'baby.' I don't know what came over me, but it just didn't feel natural in the context. Then, once these characters got physical, it felt like too many romance scenes back to back that I found myself skimming over them to get to the next point. I did enjoy the lead up with Hannah as for setting up the second book, which I really enjoyed.

I really enjoyed this book. Piper's character arc was just so satisfying. She could easily have been one of those spoiled princesses that, despite the claimed heart of gold, just made you want to strangle her, but Bailey made her entirely relatable. She had a sheltered, privileged life, but you couldn't help rooting for her. And her chemistry with Brendan was great.

A fun and sexy romp that focuses on two opposites finding each other and some common ground.

Tassa Bailey's romances are always fun and flirty.

I couldn’t get into this one. I liked Piper’s character arc, but Brendan was a jerk and the plot felt cobbled together. YMMV.

I really enjoyed this, more than I thought I would! I loved the relationship dynamic between Brenden and Piper, it reminded me of my own relationship. The way he loved her and took care of her made me melt.

My first Tessa Bailey! It Happened One Summer was a fun read with a rom-com vibe and plenty of spicy moments. "Schitt's Creek-inspired" is a bit of a stretch, although the main character is clearly an homage to Alexis Rose (as noted in the Acknowledgements). Entertaining but not a personal favorite, mainly due to the cringe-y overuse of "baby" in the dialogue.

Another fun read by Tessa Bailey. First book in a series about the Bellinger sisters. Looking forward to the next one. Thanks for the advanced copy NetGalley. #NetGalley #ItHpenedOneSummer

I wish these tropes had worked for me. The ditsy girl with brooding guy, just didn't really do it for me. I didn't buy the bad boy persona, so never really felt the chemistry. I love Tessa Bailey and she can write a very steamy sex scene, but this wasn't for me.

There was a TON of hype behind this book

I'm not sure what it was, maybe it was the time of year that I tried to read it, but I got 50% in and ended up DNFing. Haven't had any desire to pick it up again

Thank you to @netgalley and @avonbooks for my gifted copy of It Happened One Summer, by Tessa Bailey! This fun romance is out now, and is one of my favorite Tessa Bailey books.

I loved being introduced to the Bellinger sisters! They were so much fun, and their adventures gave me many laughs. And, of course, the romance was so steamy and good!

Wonderfully fun and extra spicy! I loved the twist on Schitt's Creek and recommended it to all my friends!

A totally fun, totally sweet story from Tessa Bailey! Opposites attract in the best way in this summer tale set between the LA party scene and a PNW fishing town. Piper and Brendan have nothing in common at first glance. But the chemistry they are sparking could set a raging fire! Absolutely a good time read, and perfect to get lost in.

Bailey creates a wonderful setting, with even better characters. The story benefits from character development that fills the blanks and draws you in. The chemistry is raging. The doubts and insecurities keep the story moving and as a reader I was all in. Nice job on the secondary characters of Fox and Hannah; look forward to their story too.

I'm a sucker for a romance read and anything Tessa Bailey I tend to pick up! I adored this quick, sweet romance, regardless if it were predictable. Predictability is pretty common in romance reads, but I adored the twist of the local boy and the outrageously bougie girl from out of town getting together once she learns to not live as large. The transformation of her character is imminent and the growth is there. The sexual tension and flirty nature is palpable and I enjoy the steamy sections that led to the two characters getting together. I would definitely recommend this to readers!