Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
* Summer vacay hookup
* Workplace romance
* Forced proximity
* Both just had bad breakups

Thanks to NetGalley, Kristen Bailey, and Storm Publishing for this eARC! This was a great summer read.

What a way to start this book! 😱 Both FMC and MMC immediately had my interest with their wit and tough situations. And it gets funnier when they first meet! It’s a bit of lead up with details about the ordeals they deal with to get to Mallorca, but that sets up their circumstances of meeting together well. The dual POV in each chapter makes this fun because so many times there are missed chances until they finally meet again…at their new jobs!

It is so funny that they give themselves different names and personas in Mallorca, which are sooo very different from their lives as teachers. So I understood why at first things didn’t spark like they did on vacay. Their real lives don’t meet that spark, so when they are just themselves, they can’t hide behind those interesting and intriguing lies they tried to live out. So it was nice to see them fall for their real selves by the end! While it was a little lucky because they’re away on another trip, it was as themselves and as colleagues. So that added to the tension and ability to start fresh. I did actually tear up when they still have issues in part 4, especially because I’m not a big fan of the lack of communication trope. But I understood her reasoning, not his. I was thankful the author could satisfactorily resolve those things and was so happy with their ending!

I liked the pacing of this book, and I read it quickly as they both were witty and sweet with each other. Obviously they seemed so fated, which was maybe a little TOO much by the time they’re both in Paris. But it still worked for this romance. While the spice isn’t explicitly detailed, it is mentioned before and after with some allusions to how things went down 🤭

It’s the summer before school starts and both Suzi and Charlie are looking for fresh starts—Suzi’s back in London trying to move on from an ex, about to start a new job as a French teacher, and Charlie’s just relocated to teach Spanish. Before school kicks off, they both happen to be in Mallorca—Suzi for her cousin’s 40th, Charlie for his brother’s bachelor party—and that’s where the fun begins.

A chance encounter, some fake names (Carlos and Aurelie!), and one steamy night later, they plan to meet again… except Charlie never shows. Fast forward six weeks and surprise! They’re coworkers. Cue the awkward (and hilarious) reunion at the faculty meet-and-greet.

From enemies to reluctant coworkers to forced chaperones on a school trip to Seville (yes, they’re stuck corralling teens together), this story had all the ingredients of a great rom-com. I definitely had moments where I wondered if they’d ever figure it out, but the ending was so satisfying.

Loved the banter, the travel vibes, and the second-chance chemistry. Big thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the advanced copy—this was such an enjoyable escape! I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

It isn’t often that you read a romance book where you think the central conflict has been resolved, only to realize you aren’t even halfway through the book, hinting at more obstacles to the protagonists’ happily ever after. I fell in love with Charlie; he is an all-around great guy and perfectly suited to mend the fragments of Suzie’s broken heart.

The internal dialogue in the novel presents notable challenges due to its unconventional structure, particularly the use of second-person address within a character's thoughts, as if speaking directly to another individual internally. This approach risks significant confusion, especially in an audiobook format, where distinguishing between internal monologue and spoken dialogue becomes more difficult. Even in written form, the shift between second-person internal dialogue and third-person narrative thoughts is abrupt and disorienting, complicating the reader's ability to follow the character's introspection. This stylistic choice hinders the overall readability and coherence of the internal dialogue, ultimately impacting the work's effectiveness and preventing a five-star rating.

Is it a misunderstanding trope if it is based on lies the couple tells each other?

Sparks fly when recently single French teacher, Suzie, meets recently single Spanish teacher, Charlie, while on vacation. What harm can the lies they tell about who they are do when they will never see each other after this vacation fling?

This book is designed to make you believe in soulmates, as the characters keep finding themselves thrown together as if the universe wants them to be together. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop since Suzie’s ex, Paul, kept being brought up. Obviously, the author was hinting that there was more there. And wow was there!?!




ARC Star Ratings
1 - Do Not Recommend
2 - This book shows promise but requires substantial editing to address its notable flaws and unlock its full potential.
3 - The story's foundation is strong, though it could benefit from further refinement in certain areas to elevate its impact.
4 - A compelling and well-crafted story that I’d confidently recommend to readers.
5 - A great story that will stay with me. No Notes!

A very fun read and had the predictably that we all love from romance books. It was a great book break from my usual genre of psychological thrillers and I genuinely liked all the characters except for Max's friends and Paul. Brooke made me snort laugh a few times too.

Overall I thought this was a great book and a fun premise. I loved the beginning when they first met and then later turned up at the same place. These two did make a cute couple and I was rooting for them all along. I have read a couple books from this author and will definitely read more. I find humor and love in them!

I've been a huge fan of Bailey's previous rom-coms. Usually she nails positive, open sex talk with keeping the actual bedroom door somewhat closed. Something about the relentless, detailed sex talk in Hot to Go felt almost strident, and although there were still some very funny moments, this romance just felt forced and perhaps a little rushed. The book read like it was a much earlier draft than I usually find with my ARCs. The writing was messy, with dialogue tailing frequently and randomly into thoughts and an odd occasional use of second person. I will still give future books of hers a try, and this book did make me want to read her earlier 5-book series about the Callaghan sisters, who also feature in this novel, but sadly Hot to Go was a big miss for me. Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for a digital review copy.

This was a relatively cute story, but I did feel like it was missing a few chapters between the ending and the epilogue. I’d recommend for those that love the idea of fate, but maybe a bit more of an uk focus vs American!

Hot to go ,when you are cheated on and heartbroken, you just need a vacation and anomalous sex. Not to find out later that the dashing Mexican is instead Charlie the new Spanish teacher at your school

A huge thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and author Kristen Bailey for providing me with the eARC of “Hot to Go”, in exchange for my honest review.

Publication date: 18th July 2025

Charlie and Suzie are both teachers whose love lives blow up in their faces. During the summer they visit Mallorca on separate trips but find each other and sparks fly. The only problem, they both lie about who they really are.

Fast forward to the end of summer and they are both starting jobs at a new school, only to find out that the other person works there too. Serendipitous maybe? Or not really…

I love a story where the main characters feel like real flawed people, this makes them more relatable, and this is the case with Suzie and Charlie. They have flaws, they make mistakes, they have their own personal histories that shaped who they are, and you know what, they are human. This gave them depth and made their characters interesting and humorous. Being a precious teacher myself, I also loved that aspect of the book.

The side characters in the book, both Charlie and Suzie’s families, the teachers and students, were all hilarious and definitely added an extra layer to the story, and were one of my favourite aspects of this book.

Like most books in this genre, there is a third act ‘break up’. Honestly, I wasn’t a fan of this and did not think it was needed, especially as Charlie and Suzie have many other challenges in their relationship.

3.5 stars

Hot to Go is a fun, flirty summer read with just the right balance of spice and humor. Suzie and Charlie’s chemistry jumps off the page, and their forced proximity back at school adds a delicious layer of tension. Kristen Bailey does a great job blending laugh-out-loud moments with genuine heart, making this more than just a typical holiday fling story. The sunny settings and chaotic mishaps made it a perfect escape. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this early!

Oh this is a perfect summer read! Suzie and Charlie have a meet cute and instant chemistry on vacation - where they are Aurelie and Carlos. When they get back to their real lives, and end up working in classrooms side by side, the chemistry is still there. Sometimes lies and life makes it harder for them to connect and form a real relationship. I couldn't stop reading to see how they could overcome everything together.

This is a funny story, full of hilarious side characters. It shows how love can take time and life can make it hard. I rooted for Suzie and Charlie the whole time, and fell in love with their families.

I am going back to read more Kristen Bailey!

After my last 2 books left me spiraling into an existential mid-life crisis, I knew the follow-up had to be rom com or horror. Went with a rom com ARC from NetGalley.

You know what I hate? When a book is also a song title. And especially when it’s an earworm song.

Anyway, Suzie is on a girls-trip holiday with her cousins. Charlie is on a bachelor holiday with his friends. They hookup. And like, no big deal, right? It’s not like they’ll ever see each other again - they’re in another country! Oh, what’s that? Charlie and Suzie are teachers at the same school now? Whoopsie!

Look, I don’t want to say there was way too much filler nonsense and not enough romance, but there was way too much filler nonsense and not enough romance. And soooo much about teaching. Boring, mundane, too-much-word-count teaching life. I swear that was my complaint on the author’s last one too. But you don’t what it didn’t do? Send me spiraling into a mid-life crisis. So there’s that.

Anyway, it’s trying too hard to be funny - so over-the-top… I mean, teachers and students can’t possible behave like this with each other… and not trying hard enough to be romantic. There was no connection, there was no relationship… just no. Thanks for proving that sometimes books can just be books, I guess. They don’t all have to change lives.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this book for an honest review!

I loved this! It was such an easy summer read. I needed something lighter and this was definitley it!
The pace was really good and i felt like i didn't want to put it down!

It had good banter, it made me laugh out loud! There were a few parts i thought went on to long or could of been a little repetative but it didn't put me off.

Overall, really fun easy read!

Suzie is trying to bounce back from a recent break-up and get her life back on track starting with a fun holiday to Mallorca with her cousins. She doesn't expected to have an amazing, steamy holiday fling with Carlos. But back in London and starting her new teaching role in strolls Carlos, or Charlie? The holiday fling has followed her home, but where will it lead?

This book was laugh out loud funny and laden with sexual innuendo and I had a fun time reading about Suzie and Charlies relationship. I loved the setting in Spain and England, it gave be throwbacks to our travels and the joy and excitement of seeing new places with special people.

Hot to Go is light-hearted romantic comedy and the easy read for your next sunny holiday.

I knew that Kristen Bailey was the queen of romantic banter but I didn't realise that her books followed a set. The 5 sisters featured in this book have all had their own book already and the school in question in this book is the same one in two of her previous books. What is more, the characters all appear in each others books! My TBR just got a lot bigger!

The best part about this book was the humour. The relationships of sisters, cousins, siblings, colleagues and new love all have the banter and humour that really speaks to me. All of her characters are funny, flawed and fantastic and it is a ray of sunshine to read a Kirsten Bailey book.

Being a teacher myself, the foray into a high school in England is a lot of fun. I love the different sides to the characters as they deal with student issues and behaviours, especially on a school trip to Spain.

Charlie seems to me to be the perfect book boyfriend and along with the sweetness of Suzie, they make a lovely couple. There are moments of bonding, backstabbing and bondage along with hilarity, holidays and handcuffs. All in all, don't go past this book!

Thank you to @netgalley for the ARC.
Kristen Bailey has become a favorite author of mine. This story is about Suzie and Charlie. Two people that meet on vacation and due to some extenuating circumstances, they are unable to meet the day after they first meet. Having not exchanged numbers or even last names, it seems like all is lost.
However, in the Fall, they find that they are new teachers at the same school.
Will they be able to get their relationship on track?
A very quick read, but enjoyable!

This is the perfect summer read I love how the universe kept throwing Suzie and Charlie back together. Their banter is so fun and their chemistry jumps off the page.

Hilarious and Fun!! 🤩
The romance between Susie and Charlie is scorching!!! So many roadblocks but so many more serendipitous moments that bring them together!!
The supporting cast is vibrant and hilarious!
I absolutely loved this!

Hot To Go written by Kristen Bailey is a perfect summer book full of laugh out loud moments, humor, witty banter, spice, and feel good moments. I have never read a book by this author before, but I have a few of her books already on my tbr, so I'll be sure to read those after having fun with this light hearted story. I know the cover is beautiful and summery, but there is a lot of spice, so if that's not your thing, then you might want to skip this book. Hot To Go is a great book to read by the pool full of light heartedness, but it's also super emotional at times, and yes, I did shed a few tears. This was a fun enjoyable story, but the miscommunication threw me off a little bit, but nonetheless, it was still a fun summer read. Family drama is one of my many favorite tropes, I mean who doesn't love a little gossip and drama? But anyway, I loved the family dynamics and drama with spill the tea moments. I know this book won't be for everyone, but if you are looking for a fun summer read, mark your calendars for July 18th, 2025 because you won't want to miss out on this spicy story. If you are looking for a quick escape to the beach, then Hot To Go better find it's way to your tbr. Whether you are experiencing winter right now, or you just want to dip your toes into the sand or water, Hot To Go will have you packing your bags and planning your next vacation.

THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND STORM PUBLISHING FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!

Hey Alexa, play Hot To Go by Chappell Roan.

Mallorca- leafy palm trees, sandy beaches, blue skies, sunny days, and mountains.

"I tilt my head to the sun, searching for light, hoping my heart shaped sunglasses won't leave silly tan lines on my face".

"I guess you can meet someone and the spark can be strong, they fill some space in your mind, and then they are all you can think about, your mind wandering to what could happen....."

"Holiday romances rarely have happy endings".

"Asking someone to be your friend is almost as hard as asking someone out some times".

"Where in any romance book does a hero step away from big emotions?"

Suzie Callaghan lives in Brighton, England with her husband of two years, Paul. Paul Glass is a manipulative bitch, and a lying cheating douche bag. One Thursday, Suzie was on a teaching course in London over night, but one day when she orders food, Suzie learns from a Uber Eats delivery driver that a red headed woman was at her house with Paul while Suzie was gone. Keep in mind, Suzie and Paul bought this house together and another woman is staying in her house while she's away. It turns out Paul was having a three month long affair with this red headed woman that he met at the gym, every Tuesday they got together in Paul and Suzie's house. Recently broken hearted, Suzie is invited to her cousin's fortieth birthday party in Mallorca for a five day summer holiday vacation where Suzie expects sun, sangria, and siestas, but she gets something totally different. This summer holiday trip is a chance for regeneration and a chance for Suzie to find her mojo again. Before leaving for Mallorca, Suzie leaves her job in Brighton and relocates to South London to get away from Paul. Oh, Suzie is also a French teacher. I felt so bad for Suzie, I mean she was literally on a teaching course over night trip and then she learns from an Uber Eats driver that her husband is having an affair. Emma, Beth, and Lucy who are Suzie's cousin's are the best bodyguards a girl could ever ask for, they were just so funny. In Mallorca, Suzie meets Carlos who y'all need to meet immediately.

Charlie Carter is a Spanish teacher at a school in West London, where he earned the nickname Carlos from another teacher. Charlie thinks he looks absolutely nothing like a Carlos. Charlie has a penchant for spontaneous dancing, y'all this man was absolutely hilarious, he had me laughing the entire time. Krystal who is an English teacher has been dating Charlie for a few months, well one day Krystal is giving a trip presentation when her phone malfunctions and shows a video of Charlie dancing naked while he's drunk to a room full of teachers instead of giving the trip presentation. Charlie is completely humiliated and embarrassed, so of course Charlie and Krystal break up. Charlie's little brother Max is getting married, so Max, Charlie, and a group of Max's friends are having an Avengers themed guys trip in Mallorca, where Charlie is reliving his teenage years. The Playa de Sol hotel where the guys are staying is a party palace hotel with beach access, unlimited drinks, and foam parties. Charlie's dating life is in shambles after a few too many failed relationships, so while they are in Mallorca, they are there to celebrate Max before he gets married and overall just have a good time without being worried about relationships. If you ask me, I truly think Charlie is the life of the party, he's absolutely hilarious and will have you swooning. I felt bad for him when he was humiliated, but he got back up on his feet and went to Mallorca to have a good time with his brother and friends.

Suzie and Charlie first met when Suzie was skinny dipping with her cousins, but drifted away from them because she had a fear of getting arrested for public nudity before starting her new job, so she was panicking and managed to lose her cousins in the ocean. Their first time meeting, Suzie and Charlie have a multilingual flow of conversation between French and Spanish. Keep in mind, they don't know their real names yet, so they give each other fake names and fake nationalities. Suzie becomes Aurelie and Charlie becomes Carlos where he says he's a yoga teacher in Mallorca and Suzie claims she's from France. After finding each other, Aurelie and Carlos have mysterious no strings sex with a stranger and to just feel alive and recharged again. Aurelie and Carlos have a fried doughnuts beach date which turns into a sparks flying sex marathon. After their spicy time, Aurelie and Carlos agree to meet at the beach the following morning at eleven, but Carlos is a no show, well Aurelie can't do anything because they gave each other fake names, no phone numbers, no last names, and no social medias, so they have no way of getting in contact. Six weeks later, theses two are reconnected at a school where they both teach modern languages. They make sexy jokes in the classroom, but the sparks aren't there when they try and pick up where they left off this time with a recent confusing sex debacle. The banter is hilarious between them, but the romance is lacking, so they both try to salvage a working relationship as colleagues. You will need to read this book to find out why Carlos was a no show. Do they work better as colleagues or should they try and find their spark again? Well, the answers are waiting for you. The banter was so funny, I was just laughing nonstop.

I fell in love with this book from the very first page when it had me laughing out loud. It’s such a cute, super fun, easy to read rom-com. It’s the perfect summer read, it’s pure joy.

I adored it all - the characters, the different places they visited and the general premise of the whole story. Both main characters are extremely likeable, I really enjoyed their witty banter throughout. Their overall dynamic felt authentic & real which made their love story even more believable. Their personal stories are so different yet they complemented each other wonderfully. Suzies cousins were a massive highlight for me, their loyalty to Suzie is paramount. Everything I love to see.

The settings were described so vividly that I felt like I was there & they are all places I now can’t wait to visit. In my opinion, Dual POV stories are superior in the romance world & this book certainly proves that. This made the book so addictive as I couldn’t wait to read about how the other person was feeling in each chapter. I couldn’t put the book down.

If you’re after a light, funny, extremely loveable summer read then I 100% recommend picking up this book, you won’t be disappointed.

*Thank you NetGalley, Storm publishing and of course Kristen Bailey for my first electronic ARC of this book. Thank you for letting me read this joy of book ahead of its release.