
Member Reviews

Hot to Go has humor, romance, spice, and lots of situations that happen in real life such as marriages that are broken because one of the partners betrays the other, coincidences that place people together, misunderstandings that might break a great relationship, great friends that will always have your back. Its an easy read and a must-read for romance lovers.
I thank the author, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.

Our FMC is Suzie. Shortly after finding out her husband cheats on her with a red head in her own home, she goes on a trip to Mallorca to celebrate her cousins fourtieth birthday. There she meets Carlos and she pretends to be a french woman with the name Aurelie, sparks fly and they have the spiciest night together. The next morning they had agreed to meet eachother at 11 but Carlos is a no-show.
Six weeks later they turn out to be teachers at the same school and find out their names are Suzie and Charlie instead of Aurelie and Carlos.
Loved the story, the chemistry and the banter are so good! But you have to enjoy spice if you're going to read this. For me it is the perfect summer read!
Thanks to Netgalley, Storm Publishing and Kristen Bailey for entrusting me with an advanced copy to write an honest review about.

I wasn't a fan of this book and ended up DNFing. I just wasn't able to connect with the writing or the characters very well.

I love Kristen Bailey's writing. I love British humour. And I love Kristen Bailey's humour.
Hot to Go was hot, and intense, and hilarious, and heart wrenching. The characters are brilliant. The story is moving. The imagery is fabulous. So PICK UP THIS BOOK AND READ IT. Now. You'll NEVER regret reading it, and you'll find yourself remembering scenes, and considering the story for days afterwards.
I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley and Storm Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and Kristen Bailey for providing this free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I'll admit, I was a little wary at the beginning of this story with how confusing "Carlos" and "Aureille's" meet-cute was. English, Spanish, and French all in one conversation did not give me confidence in their ability to truly be anonymous to each other.
However, once we left Mallorca and traveled back to London, my faith was rewarded.
This was funny, charming, and a little bittersweet at points. Charlie and Suzie really formed a nice bond, once they got over the initial awkwardness and confusion. They perhaps got into a few too many shenanigans to be believable, but fate is a funny thing, isn't it.
Overall I enjoyed this, and it was a perfect summer read (lord knows I was feeling the heat in Seville with them).

This is the perfect romantic comedy for a summer vacation read. This wonderful novel was such a charming read that it left me feeling lighthearted, happy, and emotional. It truly captures the essence of summer and made me feel as though I was on a beach vacation—I wish I were! I felt a strong connection to the main character, Suzie. She is a French teacher who experiences a heartbreak, and her witty humor never fails to make me laugh. I would highly recommend this book, especially if you're looking for a fun read to enjoy during the summer!

Just this week I watched a tiktok video of a 20 something guy eating oatmeal and drinking coffee from a mug on a park bench when he was interrupted by and older woman asking him what he was doing. I thought it was going to be one of those moments where someone inserts themselves into someone else’s life to spread unnecessary hate but inside she said this:
“you are cultivating your own life….you are an inspiration to everyone.”
what pure chance and luck it is to come across someone who sees you as you are and finds it magnificent. It’s kind of magical in a way that these two random strangers meet in such an unlikely way and for a moment they are kindred spirits. And I think that’s what this book is like.
It was stars aligning and near misses and signs from the universe. It was sweet and light and funny. It was new beginnings. And I loved every second of it.
Suzie is sunshine and clear blue skies. She is so bright and witty and brave. She’s had a rough go of it but still maintains that’s lovely shining personality. I knew I loved her when she said “Literature and sunlight will soothe my soul. To hell with men.” so thank you Suzie for my new life motto. I love Suzie so much. I love the big wonderful support system she has and the new one she gained from Charlie. I’ve loved getting to know them all.
and Charlie. He is the sweetest gentleman and also a big dork in the cutest way. He is funny and kind and warm. He embodies the feeling you get when you wear your favorite comfy sweater. you just feel safe and taken care of. He is also such a romantic. I mean you don’t say, “You’re not just my girlfriend, you’re the other half of me.” and expect me not to swoon and giggle. This man had me blushing and it is a shame he’s only fictional.
Both Suzie and Charlie spent so much time thinking about what their futures are supposed to look like. You’re supposed to get married and have a perfect job with a perfect house and perfect kids and everything in life is just perfect. But that’s not a real life. Nothing is ever picture perfect and sometimes that vision that you have for your future isn’t the one you end up with. Humans are fickle beings. We grow and change. We make decisions and then change our minds. We love and learn and hurt and forgive. Suzie says it best I think:
“Maybe the future is overrated. There’s something special about living in the now, in perfect smaller moments with someone who makes you laugh so hard your face hurts, for taking each beautifully sunny day as it comes.”
The future is not set in stone. Anything can happen at any time that might knock you from the path you set yourself on. And that’s okay. Sure it can be scary and hard. But life is pretty beautiful too. So instead of spending time worrying about the future, maybe we should all take a page out of Suzie and Charlie’s story and focus on the now. Focus on all the people that love us and all the things we love right now. Because that’s what’s important. You spend too much time looking to the future that you’ll blink and miss the present. And you’ll miss so much life and love and adventure that way.
I’ve absolutely adored this book. Much more than I ever thought I would. Thank you Kristen Bailey for this book! I cannot wait to dive into your other books. Consider me a new fan!
Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC!!

Why am I not reading books by author Kristen Bailey every day?? It is the best way to start the day, end the day, and fill up the time in-between. You can laugh and cry and swoon and just have the best time.
Hot to Go is the latest book by this terrific author. It starts out fall-on-the-floor hilarious and never lets up. Only a couple of paragraphs into the Prologue and I was laughing out loud. Every woman can relate to Suzie’s inner musing: the heat, the timing, the random thoughts . . . the everything. The poor Uber Eats delivery man and the flying takeaway. And then we jump to Krystal’s slide show and Charlie’s starring role in it. What a clever use for ski caps and socks.
Carlos and Aurelie had a fantastic time in Mallorca. So easy, so smooth, so uncomplicated. It just rolled on and on and felt like nothing ever had before. Until Carlos didn’t show up as promised and it was time to end this little fantasy. So back to real life they go, each wondering what-if but also wondering if this wasn’t just a magical moment in time not meant to last forever. But – what-if?
Real life isn’t nearly as much fun as Mallorca. After Spanish teacher Charlie’s 15 seconds of fame at his old school and French teacher Suzie’s humiliating breakup with Paul, they both need a change of scene where their colleagues don’t know so much about their private lives. Which actually turns out to be not true at the new school, either, but that’s a story for later. Let’s just say that neither of them expects the other to be at this school, in their department, someone they’ll see every day, and they’re not sure how they feel about it.
Mallorca was an escape. With her mother gone, Suzie’s family consists of her four cousins: Beth, Emma, Lucy and Meg. It’s Meg’s 40th birthday and they are celebrating in Mallorca. A villa, sangria, the beach, a chance for Suzie to relax and just maybe have a summer fling. When his parents died, Charlie became the big brother, caretaker, guardian of his brothers and sister. His brother Max is getting married and his stag party is in Mallorca. Drinking, wearing costumes, drinking, a chance for Charlie to relax and recover from the Krystle debacle. Maybe a summer fling?
Well, it was quite the fling, but when Charlie can’t make it to the follow-up date, Suzie thinks that the what-if she felt was only in her mind. It was amazing and even though she knows she should, she can’t let it go. Charlie was obsessed with finding her, but no luck. So meeting at school and learning their true identities should be a good thing, another chance, right? Except when they try to recapture that magic it’s a dud. Their hearts are in it but it just won’t work.
Hot to Go is the comedy version of The Adjustment Bureau. The universe put them together in Mallorca, capriciously pulled them apart, put them together again back in London, made it difficult, put them back together again in Seville . . . . How much more of this emotional yo-yo can they take? Author Bailey had me howling and snorting and tearing up with laughter, but she also had me tearing up because we know what the universe knows: these two are meant to be, and we want desperately for it to happen.
Suzie’s cousins run the gamut of loopy to serious, but are always in her corner, always looking out for her. Charlie’s siblings keep him hopping, but they are fiercely loyal and determined to make him take time for himself, put himself first at last. The plot is even and smooth, full of surprises, characters are well-developed, interesting and in Paul’s case horribly. horribly evil. Bailey’s ability to write funny, sweet, sexy, and tender scenes is unparalleled. Her word choices are perfect. You feel every emotion and all the yearning and desire, and the humor is out of this world.
I received an advance copy of Hot to Go from Storm Publishing via NetGalley. Kristen Bailey is a favorite author and all of her books are favorites. When I finished Hot to Go I wanted to go back to that fabulous prologue and start again. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.

I first discovered Kristen Bailey through her holiday books, Five Gold Rings and We Three Kings which were both five star reads and .. ahem.. need to made into movies! So I was very excited to get my hands on her newest romance and this one is pure delight! Laugh out loud moments, endearing siblings, cousins and students, and two slightly messy but loveable main characters! This one starts with a bang, a steamy romantic holiday romance with a great meet cute that involves a skinny-dipping incident that goes wrong! And then turns very messy when the holiday ends and life returns to normal. With her unique blend of sarcasm and humor and double innuendos, Bailey delivers a fun filled, steamy, heartwarming romantic story! I didn’t want to put this one down. I was immersed in the adventure of traveling to Mallorca, Seville and London with these characters!
A heartbroken Suzie Callaghan is whisked away by her cousins for a holiday in Mallorca. She doesn’t expect the sparks that sizzle when she’s rescued by the handsome Carlos. What’s a few white lies while on holiday? And for his part, Carlos is really just Charlie Shaw taking a break from his brother’s stag party. When “Carlos” turns up for work as the new Spanish teacher, both are stunned, a little betrayed but with a spark of hope? It couldn’t be quite the easy though!
Want to be whisked away for a summer holiday romance? Add this one to your beach bag!

Hot to Go by Kristen Bailey is the kind of summer read that brings equal parts laughter, heat, and heart. Packed with sharp humor, cheeky banter, and a generous dose of spice, it’s the perfect book to toss in your beach bag or enjoy poolside. This was my first read from Bailey, and after this entertaining ride, I’m excited to dive into the rest of her backlist. Don’t be fooled by the bright, breezy cover—this book definitely leans into the steamier side of romance, so if that’s not your thing, fair warning!
Beneath all the sass and flirtation, there’s a surprising emotional depth that caught me off guard in the best way. I even teared up at a few points. While the miscommunication trope did throw me off a bit, it didn’t take away from the overall enjoyment. One of the highlights for me was the juicy family drama—think messy, heartfelt, and full of “spill-the-tea” moments. This story might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you’re after a fun, fast-paced escape with sun-soaked vibes and some serious chemistry, make sure to grab this one when it drops on July 18, 2025. Whether you're craving a mental beach getaway or just want something light and flirty with heart, Hot to Go delivers.

This book isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel, but it delivers a unique blend of fun and heart. It’s a fresh and entertaining read that’s easy to get into. The characters came across as genuine, especially during their awkward moments, making it easy to relate to them. While a few scenes were over the top, it added to the story’s fun!
thank you for the arc!

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
kristen bailey doesnt disappoint, this book had me in stitches right from the first chapter...
from the first moment we meet suzie to the time she goes on holiday with her cousins.... its quite an event....
to the skinny dipping on the beach but its where she meet carlos, she emerges from the sea like a mermaid and he offers her his t-shirt.... the holiday romance they should have had
its all a tale of mishaps and misadventures would their romance holiday have survived ...well only if they had exchanged details and phone number... but alas they didnt and the holiday romance was doomed....
or was it....
its a great story so funny and believeable.... its so real to life its like reading about your friends misadventures and i cant wait to read more from this author

Thanks so much to the publisher and author for the eARC. I truly loved this book! I laughed out loud so many times reading that my fiance was so confused what was happening. Such a perfect quick addicting beach read. I will read her backlist now for sure.

This book was exactly what I expected. Witty banter. Adorable people being adorable together. Spicy Spanish Sunsets. And good writing! It kept me engaged the whole time and I couldn’t wait to get back to it to see how things were going to shake out between « Aurélie » and « Carlos ». This was the first book I’ve read by Kristen Bailey but it won’t be the last.
Also, as a teacher, I can tell you that both the teachers and the students were portrayed accurately in this. We do take all the things home and can’t turn it off. Kids also behave just like they did on the trip. 10/10 for accuracy.
Thank you so much to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the free eARC in exchange for my honest opinions.

A romcom with a really good dose of comedy! Thoroughly enjoyed Suzie and Charlie's story told from both povs. The dialogue and inner thoughts were spot on and the relationships between all the characters were heartfelt. I look forward to reading more books from Kristen Bailey.
Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the arc copy of this book for review.

Hot To Go is the very definition of a romcom!! I haven’t laughed this hard reading a book in a while. The humor leans heavily into secondhand embarrassment—borderline cringey at times—but I absolutely didn’t mind. In fact, I loved it. The banter was on point—not just between Suzie and Charlie, but also with the friends and family around them. The whole cast added so much chaotic charm to the story.
This book brought the heat, the laughs, the mess, and all the awkwardness that reminds you just how gloriously human love can be. What made it extra special, though, is how magical Suzie and Charlie felt together. From the beginning, Kristen painted them as two souls completely in sync, and you could feel how much they genuinely adored one another.
As someone who hoards stationery like Suzie and swoons for dorky, gentlemanly guys like Charlie, this book felt like it was written for me. I cackled, I swooned, and I had the absolute best time reading it.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

So this was EXCELLENT?!
I love British rom coms and this was no exception. Suzie meets Spaniard Carlos on holiday with her cousins, and they have a whirlwind fling. However, when the new school year starts, she discovers that 'Carlos' is the new teacher down the hall - and actually called Charlie!
This was a super funny, cute British romance. It felt super real, like it could happen, and the twist at the end was just glorious. Honestly, I had an excellent time reading it. And I kinda want to be best friends with Suzie now, is that weird?!
Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!!

I loved this book! It's been a while since I read a fun book with a little spice in it. Wait, I don't think I ever have. I enjoy reading Katherine Center, but I always want a little more "action". This definitely delivered on both the romance, the fun and the spice. I liked the characters, I was able to connect with them and was rooting for them to get together, there were many times where I was smiling like a maniac to my Kindle and laughing out loud. I'm unsure if there was some grammar mistakes, or because it is set in Britain and maybe the language and way people use word differs, but sometimes I had to re-read the same sentence a few times to make it make sense. Other than that I think the book was near perfect. The universe was definitely pushing those two to be together and maybe that seemed a little too good to be true, but I have already recommended this book to a few people and will be looking forward to Kristens next book. Can't wait to read it.

Thanks to @netgalley and @stormbooks_co for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review and to @kristenbaileywrites for my spot opening the book tour.
Hot To Go is the spicy Mediterranean getaway you didn’t know you needed —and Kristen Bailey absolutely delivers (as per usual). After the brilliance of Sex Ed and Textbook Romance, I honestly thought she couldn’t top herself, but here she is again, mixing sunshine, sarcasm, and sizzling chemistry into a rom-com that had me cackling, swooning, and fanning myself all in the span of a few pages. Bailey proves once again why she’s in a league of her own when it comes to romantic comedy — effortlessly blending heart, humor and heat into something genuinely special.
After a brutal breakup, French teacher Suzie Callaghan escapes to Mallorca for sun and sangria with her cousins (yes, THOSE Callaghan cousins 😍) — not expecting to fall for a handsome stranger who rescues her during a midnight skinny dip. What begins as a steamy holiday fling quickly unravels when “Carlos” turns out to be Charlie, the new Spanish teacher at her school. Now forced to work side by side, awkward meetings and unresolved tension make things messy — and when a school trip to Seville brings them together again, their spark proves impossible to ignore. Can a summer fling survive the real world?
Suzie is the kind of protagonist you immediately root for. She’s funny, self-deprecating, vulnerable and completely lovable, even when she’s spiraling into an overthinking rant. She’s still recovering from a breakup that left her questioning everything, and watching her try to navigate post-breakup insecurities while wrestling with a surprise new attraction is just as funny as it is tender. Her journey will be about learning to trust again — both herself and the possibility of someone new. She’s not perfect, and that’s exactly what makes her feel so real. Her arc is hopeful and realistic, reminding us that sometimes second chances aren’t about going back… but about daring to go forward.
Charlie is pure rom-com gold. He is hot, like Aaron Taylor-Johnson hot. Equal parts flirtatious and sweet, he brings just the right balance of mischief and emotional depth to keep things interesting. He’s charming, charismatic, and has an alter ego that adds a delicious layer of rom-com mayhem. That playful twist to his identity adds tension (and plenty of hilarious misunderstandings) to the mix, without ever feeling contrived.
From their very first meeting, the chemistry between him and Suzie practically crackles, and you just know you're in for a ride full of banter that’s quick, clever and sizzling — a proper highlight of the book. Their connection feels effortless, making every interaction a joy to read. Kristen’s signature double entendres are everywhere, and this time she’s pulling them off in three languages — English, French and Spanish. Isn’t that genius? Comedy queen with a side hustle as a language teacher. Laughter and learning, two for one. What more could you ask for?
Bailey’s trademark humor is on full display here, and she’s firing on all cylinders. The dialogue is punchy and clever, full of innuendo, wordplay and brilliantly awkward situations.
Now, let’s talk about THOSE scenes. Kristen doesn’t shy away from heat, and this is probably one of her spiciest books to date. It’s cheeky and a bit naughty, but always with that trademark awkward realism that makes it feel true to life. You know the kind: a bit messy, a bit clumsy, a lot sexy — and somehow still hilarious. As always, the heat never overshadows the story itself. Every intimate moment feels authentic, emotionally charged, and laced with Bailey’s playful sense of fun.
But underneath all the jokes and spice, there’s real heart. Kristen nails the balance between humor and emotion. Themes like identity, honesty and self-worth are woven throughout in a way that never feels heavy-handed. Suzie’s journey is about more than just finding love again — it’s about learning to see herself clearly after heartbreak, rebuilding her confidence, and opening up to possibility. It’s not just “girl meets boy and everything’s perfect” — it’s “girl meets boy, things get complicated, everyone makes a bit of a mess, but maybe, just maybe, it’ll work out.”
Long-time fans will love the cameos from familiar faces — yes, we’re still in the Bailey-verse! — but new readers can jump in without missing a beat. The supporting cast (Suzie’s cousins especially) add layers of chaos and comedy, creating a dynamic, energetic backdrop for Suzie’s story. And the setting? Pure escapist bliss. Mallorca and Seville are captured in all its glory, from lazy beach days to late-night rooftop confessions. You can practically feel the sun on your skin while reading.
One of the things that sets Kristen Bailey apart is her ability to write characters who are flawed, relatable and ridiculously funny — but also full of warmth and emotional complexity. Hot To Go isn’t just a fun romantic romp (though it absolutely delivers on that front), it’s a story about healing, growth, and letting yourself be surprised by joy again. It’s a reminder that love doesn’t always show up where or how you expect it, but when it does, it’s worth taking the risk.
Breezy, bold and bursting with heart, Hot To Go is Kristen Bailey at her absolute best. Whether you’re lounging by a pool or hiding from real life with your nose in a book, this one will lift your mood, warm your heart and probably make you laugh-snort at least once (guaranteed!). Highly recommended for anyone who believes in second chances, steamy romance, and the healing power of inappropriate jokes.
Kristen, please, never stop writing. My bookshelf (and my heart) need you. 💛

Yet again, this was another Kristen Bailey book that I absolutely adored!! It's cute, funny, the summer holiday vibes are on point... It's honestly the perfect book to read by the poolside in summer!! Plus characters from all of Kristen's other books make appearances which was a really nice surprise ☺️