He’s a hilarious addition to the book, constantly making remarks about the man in his sister’s life, while also being Taylor’s number one defender, protector, confidante and supporter. As is the case with many romance novels, the side characters are a blast - especially Taylor’s brother Jude. The novel’s success lies in its characters. In these two characters, we see how two utterly different genres can come together in a puzzle that showcases the best qualities of both romance and mystery. Taylor is paired with Myles, a bounty hunter love interest (complete with tattoos and a tragic backstory) who is intent on keeping her away from the investigation and the danger that comes with it. However, she’s also a fan of true crime podcasts and harbors the need to prove to herself that she can be brave, which is why she hops on the investigation train after discovering a dead body in the vacation home she rented for herself and her brother. She is, in many ways, a traditional romance novel lead - brown hair, green eyes and a sunshiny smile to match her second-grade-teacher personality.

The novel’s main character, Taylor, is the reason why this seemingly odd mix of genres works.

The story combines the murder mystery genre with romance, which may be a combination that readers don’t see often. Known for novels like “It Happened One Summer” and “Hook, Line, and Sinker,” Bailey pulls off another successful romance novel that will surely be a summer favorite. LA is calling her name, but Brendan-and this town full of memories-may have already caught her heart.Tessa Bailey’s new novel, “My Killer Vacation,” is a fun, funny and killer vacation (get it?) from all other thoughts and responsibilities.

The fun-loving socialite and the gruff fisherman are polar opposites, but there’s an undeniable attraction simmering between them.Īs she reconnects with her past and begins to feel at home in Westport, Piper starts to wonder if the cold, glamorous life she knew is what she truly wants. How bad could it really be? She’s determined to show her stepfather-and the hot, grumpy local-that she’s more than a pretty face.Įxcept it’s a small town and everywhere she turns, she bumps into Brendan. Piper hasn’t even been in Westport for five minutes when she meets big, bearded sea captain Brendan, who thinks she won’t last a week outside of Beverly Hills. So he cuts her off, and sends Piper and her sister to learn some responsibility running their late father’s dive bar. When too much champagne and an out-of-control rooftop party lands Piper in the slammer, her stepfather decides enough is enough. Piper Bellinger is fashionable, influential, and her reputation as a wild child means the paparazzi are constantly on her heels.

Piper it happened one summer