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A review by sunkenbooks
It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I cant say I liked this book because I didn't like every element. I like a good number of them but some of the things just... got to me.
Some things I liked:
1) Piper. I liked Piper... a lot more than I thought I would. After I checked this out, I saw this advertised as kind of a Schitt's Creek inspired book and how Alexis and Piper are parallels. Well, I'm gonna admit, I didn't like Schitt's Creek and I didn't like Alexis. So I was kind of hesitant and came in with a bit of a negative attitude but honestly it was way better than my mind said it was going to be.
2) I adore me a good sister set (or any siblings) in fiction that doesn't come off as totally cringy. Hannah and Piper have such good sibling chemistry I love them.
3) Uhmmm, can we talk about the hotel bed scene. Woo boo! I shivered a little at that. Where he yanks her head back, mmmm. That will get me every time.
4) I liked that when it was found out Brendan used to be married, he wasn't just like "but my dead wife" the whole book because I hate that with a passion. It's just not my thing in a romance. It makes me DNF a book.
Now... some things I didn't like:
1) Most of the sex scenes. Sorry but vaginal orgasms are like myth to me, I've never had it happen and when a book is like "well I met the right man and now he does it" like... ok sure Jan. Also Piper sticking a finger in the butt without lube. Ouch. Made my butthole clench.
Also this goes to Tessa Bailey personally: please, please, please, don't ever describe a man's genitals as a "full, smooth dome" again. I needed to physically step away from the book when I read that.
2) Brendan as a concept was better than Brendan written. He goes from hardass to simp to Mr.-I-Just-Wanna-Fight. It's draining and boring. Hot Fisherman? Yes please! Brendan? I'll pass...
3) The ending was very, Hallmark movie esque. I just the whole "oh it's just a series of oopsie coincidences" and how they conveniently have no service and it ends in disaster. And how the girls have no idea that the rig caught on fire and now the entire town (except the rude ex-FIL) is now not there. And then Piper actually leaves for LA. And then Brendant gets a plane there perfectly. Just ugh.
Anyway. The book was fine. It was just not my cup of tea I think.
Some things I liked:
1) Piper. I liked Piper... a lot more than I thought I would. After I checked this out, I saw this advertised as kind of a Schitt's Creek inspired book and how Alexis and Piper are parallels. Well, I'm gonna admit, I didn't like Schitt's Creek and I didn't like Alexis. So I was kind of hesitant and came in with a bit of a negative attitude but honestly it was way better than my mind said it was going to be.
2) I adore me a good sister set (or any siblings) in fiction that doesn't come off as totally cringy. Hannah and Piper have such good sibling chemistry I love them.
3) Uhmmm, can we talk about the hotel bed scene. Woo boo! I shivered a little at that. Where he yanks her head back, mmmm. That will get me every time.
4) I liked that when it was found out Brendan used to be married, he wasn't just like "but my dead wife" the whole book because I hate that with a passion. It's just not my thing in a romance. It makes me DNF a book.
Now... some things I didn't like:
1) Most of the sex scenes. Sorry but vaginal orgasms are like myth to me, I've never had it happen and when a book is like "well I met the right man and now he does it" like... ok sure Jan. Also Piper sticking a finger in the butt without lube. Ouch. Made my butthole clench.
Also this goes to Tessa Bailey personally: please, please, please, don't ever describe a man's genitals as a "full, smooth dome" again. I needed to physically step away from the book when I read that.
2) Brendan as a concept was better than Brendan written. He goes from hardass to simp to Mr.-I-Just-Wanna-Fight. It's draining and boring. Hot Fisherman? Yes please! Brendan? I'll pass...
3) The ending was very, Hallmark movie esque. I just the whole "oh it's just a series of oopsie coincidences" and how they conveniently have no service and it ends in disaster. And how the girls have no idea that the rig caught on fire and now the entire town (except the rude ex-FIL) is now not there. And then Piper actually leaves for LA. And then Brendant gets a plane there perfectly. Just ugh.
Anyway. The book was fine. It was just not my cup of tea I think.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Death, Medical content, and Death of parent