A flirty beach fling turns into an unexpected school reunion… with mixed results.

Hot to Go had the makings of a fun, sun-soaked rom-com: a broken-hearted French teacher, a dreamy Spanish beach, and a mysterious (shirtless) stranger who turns out to be… the new teacher at her school. 👀.. The sizzling initial meet‑cute—complete with secret identities—creates irresistible tension. The awkward transition from beach flings to staffroom glances is expertly done.

True to Kristen Bailey’s style, the book balances laugh‑out‑loud moments with genuine funny beats. She delivers her signature humor and snappy banter, and the chemistry between Suzie and “Carlos” (aka Charlie) starts off hot and promising.

But while I laughed and enjoyed the setup, the story sometimes felt a bit too predictable. Supporting characters outshone the main couple at times, A bit formulaic and lacked emotional punch, but overall the Mallorca setting is dreamy, the cousins add chaotic charm, and the school trip to Seville gives it a light Emily in Paris meets Teachers Behaving Badly vibe.

If you’re craving a summer fling vibe this is for you!!
⭐⭐⭐ 3-Star Ratings!!

This book was just an overload of smut the second it started. I really thought this was going to be a cute summer read but it talked about sex the second it started. I guess if you want a spicy summer read this would be a great choice for you. This just wasn’t my cup of tea.

This was not a bad read at all , here are my thoughts. The prologue was a bit confusing with so many characters introduced all at once, t made it hard to get into the story right away. The relationship between the main characters developed very quickly and felt mostly physical, so I didn’t feel connected to it. I would’ve liked to learn more about Suzie beyond her role as a teacher. Still, the story picked up toward the end, and overall it was an enjoyable experience. I would recommend reading this if you like a predictable romance.

This was a sweet, swoony summer romance packed with sunshine, holidays, and adorable meet-cutes. It had a fun vibe overall, and the characters were endearingly nerdy—expect plenty of witty linguistic banter!

However, the writing was occasionally confusing, especially during chapters with dual POVs. I often found myself losing track of whose perspective I was reading. There were also a number of typos and spelling errors that stood out and pulled me out of the story. The frequent use of pop culture references and Gen Z slang—while understandable given the characters are teachers—felt a bit excessive and may not stand the test of time.

The spicy scenes were hit or miss. Some lacked the right setting (often too public or rushed), and didn’t feel believable. That said, the first scene stood out as more effective due to its subtlety and less graphic approach.

Overall, I found Charlie and Suzie to be a charming couple, and I really enjoyed the European backdrop. I also appreciated the use of British English vocabulary and the metric system—finally, a break from feet and inches!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an ARC in exchange for a honest review.

The beginning of this book was great but the plot got way too chaotic after a few chapters because of the endless drama. The side characters were kind of cringe and too intrusive for my liking. The banter and chemistry between Charlie and Suzie was good. But the writing was just too confusing for me tbh. And because of the insta love, I was kinda thrown off too, ngl. Overall, this was a quick read but it just wasn't as good as I was expecting.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review

Hot To Go is the first book i have read from this author and it had me laughing from the first chapter! It is a fun rom-com about a holiday fling that turns serious when the main characters realise they work at the same school—and end up on a school trip together. A little cringe at times but the banter had me giggling throughout. It had a little bit of spice but not too explicit. If you're after a light, laugh-out-loud summer beach read this is the one for you!

Thanks to NetGalley, Kristen Bailey, and Storm Publishing for the ARC!

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.

HILARIOUS FROM START TO FINISH! I wish I could give this more than 5 stars. Easily one of my top reads of the year. You'll be laughing so hard that I suggest you don't read this anywhere outside your home. The scene of the first department meeting at school with the double entendres had me roaring like an idiot - I actually had to stop to catch my breath. Suzie's and Charlie's inner monologues were perfection; you feel like you're in their heads. The side characters were all fantastic. I especially liked the student named Lola, and Charlie's sister Brooke. Besides the romance itself - which was phenomenal - the family situations really pulled everyone together, which was lovely to read. Can't say enough good things about this one. Perfect beach read. Just don't read it at the beach. You'll embarrass yourself.

I've enjoyed Kristen Bailey's other books, but sadly, this one just didn't work for me. I'm a teacher, so I love to read books about teachers, but I felt like a lot of the things that happened in this story were so outlandish and unrealistic. I don't think that the dual POV was helpful because it didn't add anything to the story. I'll try more of her books in the future, but this one just wasn't my favorite of hers.

Netgalley ARC (gifted)

Firstly: thank you so much to Netgalley and Storm publishing for gifting me this ARC.

Sadly, this book was not for me. I really tried to get into the story and the beginning was intriguing. I got about 20% into this book and had to put it down. I might pick it back up later but at the moment I really don’t think so.

I had a hard time connecting with the characters. The writing style, humour, and their personalities just did not do it for me.

The dialogue and characters felt really cringe for me and I couldn’t imagine people talking/acting this way. The sexual openess between the sisters/cousins was a bit too much for me and it felt like forced girlpower. I couldn’t relate to any of the characters or their bonds with eachother.

I really hope other people will enjoy this book more than I did!

Thank you to the publisher and thank you to NetGalley for the chance to review this e-ARC. Full review will be available soon

I loved the British phrases/colloquilaisms - I’m from England but moved to Canada at a young age, and am both nostalgic for and really miss these terms. Cozy and hilarious, the banter had me in absolute stitches. I haven’t laughed so hard in ages! Incredibly body positive, and hygge, with spiritual undertones, which I ADORED. I also enjoyed that when Charlie and Susie reconnected it wasn’t instantaneously perfect, but was more realistic. One of the best romances I’ve ever had the absolute pleasure of reading. I DEVOURED this book and simultaneously savoured every word. Thank you so much NetGalley for the free ARC. 🥰🫶🏻 Definitely had me wanting to pick up the rest of her books.

Two things I loved very much about this book: the cover was eye-catching and vibrant. And the dedication which I always read. This dedication was epic. I smiled as I read it. C'est magnifique!

I really tried to give this book a fair chance, but something about the writing didn’t quite sit right with me. I found it difficult to connect with the characters, despite Suzie and Charlie being likeable. The plot was original and definitely had potential, but I felt the storyline could have been more fully developed.

The humor, in particular, didn’t quite land for me—it often felt a bit cringy, which made it harder to stay engaged. That said, I know there are readers who will appreciate this style of writing and humor more than I did. It just wasn’t my cup of tea.

Thank you to Kristen Bailey, Storm Publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC.

Hot To Go had me laughing out loud from the very first chapter. It’s awkward, hilarious but also sweet and relatable. Holiday one night stand turned into more when the MCs realize they teach at the same school and have to take a school trip together 🤭

I enjoyed both MCs and their support systems with their family. You can tell how well loved and protected they are even though some of these cousins were noisy, chaotic and messy as heck. Aside from the over sharing and lack of boundaries, they were an extremely fun bunch to meet and seeing their banter always left me giggling right along with them.

2.5 🌶️ | Scenes weren’t overly explicit that it took away from the book (in my opinion) - short, sweet and to the point.

If you’re looking for a rom-com summer vacation read, I definitely recommend this one!

♡ Dual POV
♡ European summer holiday romance
♡ Strangers to lovers
♡ Forced proximity
♡ One bed

💌 Thank you NetGalley, Kristen Bailey and Storm Publishing for this ebook!

A summery, sweet, fun-loving story of two teachers and a one night stand. As I write this review, it is 97° in the shade. And it is wildly hot on a beach vacation for Charlie and Suzie. While in Mallorca, they connect and hook up for a one night stand. They each give a fake name.

Little do they know that Charlie and Susie ware going to be coworkers, fellow teachers on the same staff in London. This makes things a little awkward. But there’s a lot of great chemistry between them and they have satisfying banter. A great beach read for the summer and a cute one night stand turned relationship story.

I liked this story and read it quickly. There was good anticipation built up as we know the characters are bound to end up together. I very much enjoyed this authors Christmas story We Three Kings so I jumped at the chance to read this one. I didn’t connect to the characters as much, but she still writes really funny situational romantic comedy.

Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC. Book to be published July 17, 2025.

This just wasn’t for me. I’ll keep it brief to avoid spoilers.

Now, I’m not a prude but some of the things that occurred and were spoken about in this book were just crude and disgusting. Maybe some people would find this funny (and I did at first) but as the story progressed I found myself cringing and scrunching up my nose.

If you like characters that talk about everyone’s sex lives, guys that think it is funny to dance around with only a sock on (and not hanging on their foot…), and the nosiness that comes from coworkers and family, this may be the book for you.

*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.

I really wanted to love this one...the description had me thinking of warm holidays and total escapism.

The problem for me was that I just didn't really fall in love with these characters. Both Suzie and Charlie are just...fine. They don't really have fun, I-want-to-root-for-you personalities.

I will say, my first thoughts were - "this is an interesting way to start a book". Really different (i didnt hate it).

Thank you very much to the publishers and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All views are my own.

Ugh. I'm disappointed. I loved Kristen Bailey's book, We Three Kings (honestly favorite holiday read last year!), finding it hilarious and heartwarming. When I saw the same description for this book, I couldn't resist reading it. Sadly, I only made it through the first quarter of the book, before calling it quits. It is laced with Bailey's signature humor, but the heartwarming description has not come through at all. So far, the only thing standing out is all things sex, and this is only the first quarter. The story is completely getting lost. I'm not giving up on reading more from Bailey. I'll just be looking for more of her works that resonate like We Three Kings.

Consider me a member of the Kristen Bailey fan club. 'Hot to Go' is a romp com with all of her signature warmth, wit and heart that makes for a delightful read. I love her witty humour and style of writing which never fails to make me chuckle. I loved Suzie aka Aurelie and Charlie aka Carlos and how their journey started back-to-front from a hot holiday fling to navigating being new colleagues and getting to know each other properly.

The other thing I loved was the school community, from the students heavily invested in their teachers' personal lives (and vice versas) and the teachers. It was also a welcome return to Beth and the Callaghan sisters, plus Mia, Ed and Zoe. There was so much lovely banter that even the supporting characters felt like real-life people you think about when they're off-page.

At times, however I felt the pace dragged a bit with some chapters that could've been shortened, so it took me a bit longer to finish. I can't believe I'm saying this, but perhaps less of the Callaghan cousins in the start, and some of the school scenes before Seville would've just tightened the story to keep the pace moving. However this is minor.

Thanks to Storm and NetGalley for the ARC.

Laugh out loud read!!! I seriously laughed throughout the whole entire book!
I loved the dual POV between Suzie & Charlie to hear each of their inner thoughts around the situations they encountered throughout the book.
Also, Suzie’s cousins were a hilarious group - I couldn’t put this book down!
Will definitely recommend….5 stars!

Hot To Go - Kristen Bailey (Gifted ARC)

I loved this, it had strong Sophie Kinsella, Helen Fielding vibes and I genuinely adored it, read it all in one evening! It’s just such a sweet and wonderful romance, it’s funny, occasionally laugh out loud so, and has some peculiar Britishisms that I really enjoyed! Which incidentally really reminded me of Bridget Jones. (Completely agree about the whole too hot to shag thing, this heatwave has been grim … FANS AND CALIPPOS AT THE READY!) I loved Suzie, and her character development. I also really appreciated her relationships with her cousins, the kinda girl gang every gal needs. Charlie was so sweet, and funny, and sexy, and endearing! All the students were hilarious, it reminded me of secondary school in both a horrifying, but also amusing way, because I’m luckily far gone from that now! This was a great rom com, that I really enjoyed, (it would make a great film, I’m just saying!) Definitely recommend picking it up when it’s published, which is July 18th 25, for a wonderful summer read. Have your fab lollies, and possibly a sangria or two at the ready! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️