Series: Bellinger Sisters, #1
Traits & Tropes: grumpy hero; sunshine heroine; self-discovery; widower; small town; opposites attract
Publication Date: 07.13.21
Genre/Setting: Contemporary; Westport, Washington, USA
Heat Level: 4
Rating: 4.5/5
4.5 stars rounded up.
Piper Bellinger is famous for being famous. She's got a reputation as a rich party girl, setting trends and influencing others. When a public breakup leads to too much alcohol and bad decisions culminate in an illegal rooftop party, Piper's stepfather has reached the end of his rope. He cuts her off and sends Piper, along with her sister, to learn responsibility by running their late father's dive bar in small-town Washington.
Within minutes of arriving, Piper meets brooding sea captain Brendan, who makes no secret of his belief that she doesn't belong there. Sure, Piper has no idea how to cook or fend for herself and the shabby apartment above the bar is less than welcoming, but she's determined to prove herself to her stepfather, and the grumpy, but also sexy, captain.
But Westport is a small town and Brendan is impossible to avoid. He is her complete opposite but that doesn't stop the fierce attraction simmering between them. Piper isn't ready to deal with anything as messy as feelings, especially for a man with such a dangerous profession, but as she begins to feel welcome and at home in Westport, she begins to wonder if she really wants to go back to her shallow old life. The glitz and glam still call to her, but Brendan has quickly claimed her heart.
This story was adorable! Probably the most adorable thing I've read all year. I'll admit, I couldn't stand Piper at first with her shallowness and whining, but she grew on me, especially as she became more self-aware and grew as a person. Brendan was amazing and is now on my favorite heroes of all time list. I loved his determination and persistence to get what he wanted with Piper, refusing to let her self-sabotage or shut him out because of her fears and insecurities. He knew just how much to push her and was a huge catalyst for a lot of her character growth. The steamy scenes here were on point and I loved the small town setting as well. Piper's developing relationships with the other locals, as well as new depths with her relationship with her sister, were excellent reading. Piper also helps Brendan come to terms with his grief and guilt over his wife's death seven years prior. I loved how mature Brendan was about everything. His refusal to play games was such a turn on to me (as well as to Piper) and totally solidified his position as a top hero. This book was light, steamy, and sweet, and it left me feeling good when I finished, even if it did feel just a little bit like a happy for now, rather than a happy ever after. I look forward to Hannah and Fox's story and hope we get some more time with Piper and Brendan in there too.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3789803763
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/3579496864
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