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Member Reviews

When I saw the cover and the premise for this one I thought it would be the perfect summer read. It definitely is an easy and fast read. It's cute, spicy and sweet, is it phenomenal no, the execution didn't work fully for me. Some things just felt off like the smut scenes sometimes and I couldn't fully relate to the characters.

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The premise of Hot to Go had a lot of potential, but unfortunately, the execution didn’t quite work for me. It’s a quick, quirky read, but I found myself skimming sections and never felt fully pulled into the story.

I enjoyed the family dynamics, especially the bond between the FMC and her cousins, and the FMC’s offbeat personality. The main characters’ meet-cute was quirky, funny, and endearing, but the rest of the story didn’t quite follow through on that early spark. The writing was decent, but the style and humor just didn’t click with me personally.

One of the biggest challenges for me was the structure. The chapters were quite long, and the mid-chapter POV shifts often made it hard to follow. I found myself flipping back more than once just to figure out whose perspective I was in.

Sadly, this one just wasn’t the right fit for me, but I can definitely see it appealing to readers who enjoy vacation rom-coms with strong family themes and quirky charm.

Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

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This was a fun, quick and wholesome read! I enjoyed the storyline, especially some of the twists that were quite unexpected compared to other romance books.
One star less because the writing style did sometimes put me off and made the read a little less smooth.

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From the bat, this book started out with a kick. It immediately had me hooked (as it would with everyone else) and captivated. The strong writing style continued throughout the entire book. I absolutely loved the MC’s, especially Charlie (Carlos). They were so cute together and this book was the ultimate rom-com cute book, perfect for vacation. I read this at the beach and finished it in a matter of days!

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This book is for anyone looking for a light, shallow, easy romcom with some spice! It’s a fun summer read that takes the reader on fun trips around Europe. Kristen Bailey always writes hilarious characters and plots, and while I’ve enjoyed her others a bit more, these characters provide a fun escapism into a second-chance trope.

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If you're into messy rom-coms with heart and heat, this one's for you!

💬 Hilarious banter
💥 Awkward moments galore
❤️ A hot love interest with real emotional depth

BUT…
😅 Some scenes felt a little too chaotic
⏳ Pacing was uneven

Still a fun, flirty read when you want something spicy and slightly unhinged! 😂🔥

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I always enjoy Kristen Bailey's comedic light-hearted writing. This was no exception. She does a great job in emphasizing the "com" in rom-com, and this one didn't go too far over that line into farce like sometimes can happen in previous books. It had a great summer-time vacation feel to it, making it a great beach read for the summer. It was cute and had some steamy moments. There are some connections to previous book series but aren't strictly necessary to enjoy the story, but I had read a couple of them so it stood out. I also love all the Britishisms as a Canadian reader. I will say the writing is a bit quick and unpolished, and a bit fanfiction-y. I think it could have done with a few more rounds of editing to elevate it to publishable standards.

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Another brilliant read by Kristen Bailey which had me laughing out loud.
Suzie has had her heart broken and after moving away decides to go on a holiday to Spain to get away from it all with her cousins. While there she meets a mystery man and then fate intervenes.
The characters were well written and the school trip was a brilliant part of the story.
This was a brilliant romantic read with so many funny moments. I would recommend this as a brilliant summer read and can guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
Thanks to NetGalley, Kristen Bailey and Storm publishing for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

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The perfect summer book! Two singletons are on respective get-aways in Mallorca and in meeting, they offer up alternative identities and have a whole story about who they are, where they live, but they're not telling the truth. What seemed like a vacation fling then turns into a "oh my goodness" scenario when their paths unexpectedly cross when they are back home.
It's a sweet romance with a slow burn and some spicy bits!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to this eARC.

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Midnight dips, mistaken identities, and a man who is definitely not Carlos.
Suzie just wanted to cry in peace, sip sangria, and maybe make some bad decisions in Mallorca. Instead? She accidentally falls for a hot Spaniard who turns out to be Charlie from HR. Okay, not HR—but the new Spanish teacher at her school, which is somehow worse. This book is messy, hilarious, and hotter than a classroom with no A/C. The chemistry? A+. I had the best time watching these two try (and fail) to pretend their vacation hookup didn’t follow them home.

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Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book. All of the opinions are my own.

I am sad to say, this one just didn’t land for me. Was it cute? Yes. Was it quick? Sure. Did I enjoy it? Sometimes. Ok this had a great potential, but it just did not deliver for me, unfortunately. I needed to skim over some of the pages. The connection felt rushed though I really liked it in some parts and some scenes were funny. I will think about my review more, and maybe come back to it. However, this one will be a great read when you just want a cute summer story, which will make you laugh and feel good.

Overall this was good for a quick summer read, but nothing that memorable.
Goodreads rating: 3 stars

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This was a cute and unique rom com! The characters had a lot of depth to them and the situations they found themselves in were unique, compared to other books I have read. Toward the middle it got a little slow paced, but it picked up in the end and it was everything I wanted. Perfect for mood readers looking for something new!

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If you're looking for a hot, easy, summer romance read, this is for you! Susie and Charlie's chemistry is as hot as Mallorca in June and I love the way life keeps bringing them together. I also love the dynamic between Susie and her cousins. They are the sisters she never had.

Personally I did not love the writing style. I found the way dialogue and inner monologues bled into each other to be hard to differentiate, and I love dual pov, but I wish they had been separated by chapter. (I did read an ARC so this may possibly change?) I also felt as if the third act break up was rushed and was not a huge fan of the end, chance meeting as it leaves an open ending, but overall, Hot to Go is a great beach read!

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me this ARC!

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This was a hilarious, laugh-out-loud book that's good for a summer vacation vibe. However, it threw me for a loop when (view spoiler) I know, I know. I shouldn't be uppity about it but it's just a preference of mine as a reader. (and as a person as well) It was a fun read but my personal biases was a hindrance to my enjoyment towards the end of the book.

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One-time read. A bit slow. Nice writing style.

First thing I saw when I came across this book is the author name. I think I know that name. I googled. There it is..the author of 'Great Sexpectations'. I remember that I liked that book. This one had a fast start but it went a bit slow going on.

First thing that irritated me is the long chapters. I am more into short chapters. I liked dual POV though.
The concept of destiny brings us together is nice and the setting is also nice except when they meet in Paris at last. That felt artificial and pushing.
I liked the characterisation of both the leads, The famous six sisters and the siblings.

Overall, it is a nice read for me but unfortunately not so memorable one.

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First off, I want to thank NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing me with the ARC of this book. I’d never read anything by Kristen Bailey before, but I have to admit she completely won me over! Now I’m really curious to check out her other works.

Tropes:
Summer romance
Teachers
Workplace romance
Forced proximity
One bed

Suzie Callaghan, a heartbroken French teacher, decides to turn over a new leaf after a betrayal that left her shattered. Having moved to London for a fresh start, she heads off to Mallorca with her cousins looking for sun, relaxation, and a few glasses of sangria. The last thing she expects is to fall in love, especially with a Spanish stranger who comes to her rescue after a late night swim.
What starts as a steamy summer fling, built on white lies and made up identities (she pretends to be “Aurelie,” he goes by “Carlos”), turns into something way more complicated when her mysterious Spaniard shows up at her school as Charlie Carter, the new Spanish teacher. Now they have to pretend they don’t know each other during department meetings, while both feel betrayed by each other’s lies and wonder if that summer magic can survive everyday reality.

Suzie is the kind of protagonist you can easily relate to: vulnerable but determined, hurt but ready to put herself back out there. Her healing journey after the betrayal feels authentic and touching. She’s witty without going overboard, strong without being perfect. Her growth throughout the story is well-crafted, though sometimes I wished I could get to know some aspects of her personality better beyond her role as a teacher.

Charlie is charming, funny, and has that touch of mystery that never hurts. His connection to family, especially his role as guardian to his brothers, adds depth to his character and makes him even more appealing. He’s sweet but not saccharine, confident but capable of vulnerability. The fact that he’s also looking for a fresh start after some issues at his previous school makes him more human and relatable.

The chemistry between Suzie and Charlie is electric. From their first beach encounter to the awkward situations in school hallways, every interaction between them sparkles with tension and connection. Their dialogue is brilliant, full of sharp banter and moments that make you smile.

Kristen Bailey’s writing flows beautifully and draws you in, with humor that wins you over page after page. Dialogue is her strong suit: natural, witty, and never forced. Using dual POV lets you get inside both protagonists’ heads, making the story richer and more layered.

The secondary characters, especially Suzie’s cousins, are a real plus: chaotic, funny, and incredibly loyal, even if they’re a bit nosy at times. Charlie’s family adds sweetness and authenticity to the story.

However, not everything is perfect: sometimes the perspective shifts can feel a bit confusing, and the relationship, while intense, maybe relies too heavily on physical attraction in the early stages.

In conclusion, “Hot To Go” is the perfect read for anyone looking for a summer rom-com.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

🇮🇹
Prima di tutto, voglio ringraziare NetGalley e Storm Publishin per avermi fornito l’arc di questo libro. Non avevo mai letto nulla di Kristen Bailey prima d’ora, ma devo ammettere che mi ha conquistata completamente! Ora sono davvero curiosa di scoprire le sue altre opere.

Tropes:
Summer romance
Teachers
Workplace romance
Forced proximity
One bed

Suzie Callaghan, insegnante di francese dal cuore ferito, decide di voltare pagina dopo un tradimento che l’ha lasciata a pezzi. Trasferitasi a Londra per ricominciare, parte per Maiorca con le cugine in cerca di sole, relax e qualche bicchiere di sangria. L’ultima cosa che si aspetta è di innamorarsi, soprattutto di uno sconosciuto spagnolo che la soccorre dopo un bagno notturno.
Quello che nasce come un’avventura estiva piccante, costruita su bugie bianche e identità inventate (lei si spaccia per “Aurelie”, lui per “Carlos”), si trasforma in qualcosa di più complicato quando il misterioso spagnolo si presenta nella sua scuola come Charlie Carter, il nuovo insegnante di spagnolo. Ora devono fingere di non conoscersi durante le riunioni di dipartimento, mentre entrambi si sentono traditi dalle reciproche bugie e si chiedono se quella magia estiva possa sopravvivere alla realtà quotidiana.

Suzie è quel tipo di protagonista con cui è facile immedesimarsi: vulnerabile ma determinata, ferita ma pronta a rimettersi in gioco. Il suo percorso di guarigione dopo il tradimento è autentico e toccante. È spiritosa senza essere eccessiva, forte senza risultare perfetta. La sua evoluzione nel corso della storia è ben costruita, anche se a volte avrei voluto conoscere meglio alcuni aspetti della sua personalità oltre al suo ruolo di insegnante.

Charlie è affascinante, divertente e ha quel tocco di mistero che non guasta mai. Il suo legame con la famiglia, soprattutto il ruolo di tutore dei fratelli, aggiunge profondità al personaggio e lo rende ancora più attraente. È dolce ma non sdolcinato, sicuro di sé ma capace di vulnerabilità. Il fatto che anche lui stia cercando un nuovo inizio dopo alcuni problemi nella scuola precedente lo rende più umano e relatabile.

La chimica tra Suzie e Charlie è elettrizzante. Dal primo incontro in spiaggia alle situazioni imbarazzanti nei corridoi della scuola, ogni loro interazione scintilla di tensione e complicità. I loro dialoghi sono brillanti, pieni di battute taglienti e momenti che ti fanno sorridere.

La scrittura di Kristen Bailey è scorrevole e coinvolgente, con un umorismo che ti conquista pagina dopo pagina. I dialoghi sono il suo punto di forza: naturali, spiritosi e mai forzati. L’uso del doppio punto di vista permette di entrare nella testa di entrambi i protagonisti, rendendo la storia più ricca e sfaccettata.

I personaggi secondari, specialmente le cugine di Suzie, sono un valore aggiunto: caotiche, divertenti e incredibilmente leali, anche se a volte un po’ invadenti. La famiglia di Charlie aggiunge dolcezza e autenticità alla storia.

Tuttavia, non tutto è perfetto: a volte i cambi di prospettiva possono risultare un po’ confusi e la relazione, pur essendo travolgente, si basa forse troppo sull’attrazione fisica nelle fasi iniziali.

In conclusione “Hot To Go” è la lettura perfetta per chi cerca una rom-com estiva.

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Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for sending me this ARC!

Hot To Go was a lighthearted, easy-to-read romance book. I enjoyed the POV switch between Suzie and Charlie; it was good to get both of their perspectives. I did feel like something was missing though - I wish that Suzie and Charlie had more communication once they recognised each other (text chains or emails or something) so they could rebuild the chemistry slowly instead of it dissolving to nothing, then picking back up again the moment they left the UK. The 3rd act 'break-up' felt a bit rushed, and there should have been more drama with Paul to make Charlie's decision to leave feel more realistic.

The cousins were my favourite characters, and I wish we had more of them as they provided great comic relief. I also loved the neighbour!

Overall, a fun read, but not my favourite. 3.5 stars.

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Sparks fly when Suzie and Charlie meet on vacation, both looking for fun under fake personas. But when they wind up working together a few months later, real life’s complications get in the way.

So many romance tropes rolled into one! I laughed out loud several times, especially with some of the side characters’ dialogue. Charlie’s modern slang irked me a bit, but that’s definitely a me-thing. Overall, it was cute, a good balance of character development and steamy scenes!

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This book was hilarious. Seriously so funny. Multiple times I found myself literally laughing at loud and talking to people about just how well the humor was written into the story. Overall, I found the book to be cute, engaging and entertaining.
The only true criticism I have is with the number of times I found myself having to read in different languages. The characters being teachers of two different languages was cute but just perhaps slightly overdone with the writing being in that language. Yes, most times it was translated shortly after but I could have just used a little less of it.
I really enjoyed this book and have recommended it to my fellow reader friends who are now waiting for the release date to downloaded it. Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC.

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Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5)
Steam Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 (moderately descriptive open door scenes)

Quick Notes:
*Single Guardian
*Teachers
*Four Parts
*Spanish Culture
*Romantic Comedy

My Thoughts:
Kristen Bailey is a favorite of mine when it comes to romantic comedies. Her writing is easy to binge and has that witty and fun banter that never crosses over to slapstick immaturity.
I loved how this book centered around teachers like some of her previous books, and I definitely loved that the FMC shared my name! Both Charlie and Suzie were lovable, fun characters that had great chemistry together. I also enjoyed how fate kept throwing them together in totally unexpected circumstances. Charlie's love for his family was really endearing, and I would have loved just a bit more of that along the way. It was nice to see his siblings cheer him on and encourage him to find happiness.
Suzie's storyline did rub me the wrong way just a bit near the end when some information was revealed that totally caught me off guard. I understood why those circumstances caused conflict, but I really wished it had been addressed a bit earlier. There was already a good amount of miscommunication, and this secret was just a bit much.
The other thing that kept this from being a full 4 stars is that the relationship relied heavily on the physical. I am fine with reading open door books, but I wanted a little more time with the characters getting to know each other other than what we did get. While most of the intimate moments were fade to black, the details were brought up in conversations later, making this book very much open door. There's also lots of innuendo and comedic situations involving intimacy that would make it hard for closed door readers to skip.
I'll definitely still read more from Kristen Bailey, but this one just wasn't quite a hit for me.

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