This was a cute vacation rom-com. No real spice so it was pretty tame. I did laugh out loud a few times as the banter was funny. Usually I find these types of books cringy and get second hand embarrassment for the characters and the scenarios they find themselves in and I have to speed read through those sections. I actually enjoyed this one.

This book is a steamy, second chance, summer romance 🏖️ Suzie has a piping hot holiday fling but is shocked to learn her Spanish lover “Carlos” is actually the new hire, Charlie, at her new school teaching gig.

I thought this book had a great concept but fell a little flat in execution. In my opinion it took a little too long for the main characters to meet and for that reason it felt very slow in the beginning. The writing style was also a bit confusing at times and hard to follow. Also, I found I missed a lot of the British lingo and references (mostly in the beginning) since I am not British myself. The ending felt rushed and my biggest (albeit silliest) gripe is that no one dealt with the bed bugs!?

I read this book while on a beach vacation myself and I think it brought the perfect vibes for that! Suzie and Charlie had great chemistry and banter for sure. Definitely read if you’re looking for smutty, holiday vibes 🤭 3⭐️

Thank you so much NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC!

Hot to Go is equal parts hilarious and spicy. Suzie and Charlie meet on holiday in Mallorca using fake names and nationalities and their chemistry is off the charts. Unfortunately fake names also means missed opportunities to stay in touch. But what if the stars align, and the universe crosses their paths in their ordinary lives? Can those sparks exist in everyday London?

This is a perfect summer vacation read - there's laugh out loud banter and shenanigans, there's steamy love, there's familial and found family love and not one but two trips to Spain. I especially enjoyed the side characters of Suzie's fiercely loyal Callaghan cousins and the motley crew of teachers at the school. When I'm looking for another book full of banter and sizzle, Kristen Bailey's back catalog will keep me busy with those characters in her previous Callaghan series and Sex Ed and Textbook Romance.

Thank you Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the digital galley. #HotToGo #NetGalley.

3.75⭐️

This is a sweet story about two basically star crossed lovers who keep finding their way to each other only to be interrupted by inopportune life events. I want to say this upfront because there are some flaws that readers should be aware of going in, but I don’t want them to seem like deal breakers or to turn you away from giving this a go.

I’ve seen other reviews suggest an issue with the editing. However, it’s not the editing, it’s the formatting that’s confusing.
Examples:
Dialogue is written with single apostrophes instead of quotation marks. This makes it less obvious to the eye when conversation starts and ends.
Internal dialogue is not differentiated between narrative and internal dialogue. We’re used to see this on separate lines and italicized, in Hot to Go it’s just another sentence in the same paragraph.
Both things take some getting used to, but you will get used to, but they are not insurmountable.

This book is also written with a heavy English voice. It’s mostly in the first third of the story, and gets less bogged down by slang as you go. Or maybe this is something I got used to? Maybe I’m now just so well versed in London slang I could go on Holiday!

Despite the description, this book is not as spicy as I thought it would be. I’d put it at a 2.5 using the Romance.io rating scale, somewhere between glimpses and open door. Come for romance, not the spice. It’s not unsatisfactory, but it’s not…inspiring, if you know what I mean.

Overall, I really liked the characters and their connection. I wish they met up sooner in the story so we got more time with them (it’s about 17% of the way in where they finally meet). I would read more about them if I could! However, this book is not without its flaws, none of which should be deal breakers. Give it a go, you wanker!

I have liked to read this book a lot, but the first 20-30% where a bit slow. And she quite says the same stuff over and over again and I got a bit annoyed .
As the story goes I got more and more envolve in it. And I like how it ended, but that back and forth that they had made me a bit angry 😂

Thank you Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

This book is a perfect summer read. It's a fun story about Charlie and Suzie who seem to keep finding each other while navigating their relationships. You'll find witty remarks, funny moments and plenty of romance. I will definitely be adding more of Kristen Bailey's books to my TBR.

I found the writing in this novel to be somewhat confusing and often overly drawn out. While reading, I frequently caught myself losing focus or feeling unsure about what was happening. The constant use of pop culture references also felt a bit excessive and, at times, unnecessary.

That said, the book had its charm, and I can see why others might enjoy it but overall, it just wasn’t my cup of tea.

Sadly, this book was a miss for me. The concept was good, but execution felt was lacking. I should've known from the opening sex scene that this wasn't going to be a hit for me but felt like I should give it more of a chance. I didn't love the writing style, either – the way the internal and external dialogue was written felt confusing, without enough differentiation between them. I've had this going for a couple weeks and kept picking up other things, so I'm finally throwing in the towel.

Hot To Go is a fun novel filled with travel, charm and top-notch banter.

The meet cute of Charlie and Suzie is so funny and charming that you cannot help but smile while reading. You feel immersed in the culture of Mallorca as their relationship begins.

I really enjoyed the connection Charlie had with his siblings. While their relationship dynamics is more complicated than most siblings, I love that we got to see the differences between Charlie’s connection and relationship with each sibling.

I would love to be adopted into the group chat between Suzie’ and her cousins. That would be an endless source of comedic gold and a great way to alleviate a bad day at work.

My biggest criticism for the book is the representation of the teachers. As a teacher, I can assure you that if I drank alcohol on a school trip or went off on a side excursion leaving the students unattended, I would be immediately fired and my teaching certificate revoked. NOW - did that keep me from enjoying the book or the adventures that were had? Absolutely NOT! I still enjoyed it very much. I just had a side conversation happing in my head going “no freaking way!”

Hot To Go is a perfect summer read! Who doesn’t love stories with traveling abroad, good food, swimming in the sea, good drinks, great friends, a hot date and five-star banter?!

This one was a bit of a mess, honestly. Way too long for what it was, with a ton of random side info that didn’t really add anything to the story. The bond between the characters felt super forced—but it never really came through in a believable way. Almost was a DNF, and had to skim through pages to get through.

There were a couple laugh-out-loud moments that made me smile, but overall, it just didn’t land. I kept hoping it would pick up or click at some point… but nope. Just kind of missed the mark for me.

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the advanced copy of this book. I had high hopes for this, as I love the author. But other books of hers are just more enjoyable.

I really enjoyed this book—it’s a fresh, fun take on the holiday romance trope with just the right balance of heat and heart. The setup had me hooked straight away, and there were plenty of mic drop moments, near misses, and well-timed twists that kept things moving.

Suzie’s journey from heartbreak to healing was equal parts funny and satisfying. Her chemistry with “Carlos” (aka Charlie) is electric, and the tension when their paths unexpectedly cross back in the real world? Chef’s kiss.

I loved the setting, the heat, and the chaos of their school trip reunion. I’d gladly read more stories set in this world.

Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

#HotToGo #NetGalley #TheFitishReader #RomComReads #HolidayRomance #SummerReads

I am a teacher and was laughing out loud before finishing the dedication. That is right- the dedication along hooked me!

Suzie and Charlie’s story was in turns fun, sweet, and never boring! I loved how their respective families - both in and out of work- were the supporting cast. It is impossible not to see some of someone you love- or your self- in these well drawn characters. That is because, while the romantic love of Suzie and Charlie is in the forefront of this book, this is only one of the love stories brought to life in these pages- love between cousins, siblings, and parents and their children is just as relevant and Bailey actually uses these stories to ground the inevitable and well-earned HEA.

I can’t believe I have never read Kristen Bailey before. I just checked out Sex Ed from the library and can’t wait to get the backstory on Mia and Ed!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Hot to Go by Kristin Bailey was an entertaining read! The story had just the right balance of humor, romance, and spice. I’d say it’s medium/high on the heat scale. The writing style was light and witty, with great pacing that kept things moving without ever feeling rushed. This would make a perfect summer or vacation read when you’re in the mood for something engaging, and a little bit flirty. I’d definitely recommend it to fans of contemporary romance looking for something upbeat and fun. #hottogo #netgalley

First: Thank you NetGalley, Kristen Bailey and Storm Publishing for this ARC!
Second: ADD THIS TO YOUR SUMMER TBR RIGHT NOW.

Seriously, oh my goodness, this book had me in absolute stitches. I cannot even begin to tell you the amount of times I was either cackling out loud, or trying to stifle a laugh in order to not wake my husband. British RomComs hit different, you guys, and if you're a big fan of Sophie Cousens like I am, then just know this book is RIGHT in line with that style of humor.

Additionally, any story that centers around teachers... I'm in. (And when the teachers are so accurately represented, we give a big ol' clap for that) (especially when she mentions how people mock teachers for our extended summers, but it's all about the recharge to get ourselves ready to be able to give ourselves so fully to the intensity of the school terms) (And this quote: "I love how people think that as soon as the bells goes we skip out with the kids, hand-in-hand, head to our cars and drive home in time for the four o'clock gameshow and a cup of tea. The reality of modern teaching if that we're usually here late. We occasionally bring work home with us but the truth is it litters our brains, our harddrives and it never leaves us because it's more than just a job." PREAAAACHHHH!!!!!)

I LOVED the way this book had the temperature as a theme, hahaha, and how that heat came full circle -- from London to Mallorca to Seville... things were HOT, and actually in more ways than just temperature alone... *wink*

Overall, the premise had me equal parts squealing, "Oh god, no, this is making it worse!" while absolutely eating up the chaos. You start by having these two characters who have just gone through less-than-desirable experiences (the #cocksockgate LOL, and a cheating partner!) and are now single in another country, on a trip with multiple other people. When our two main characters Suzie and Charlie meet each other, it's already pretty unconventional -- he's stumbled upon her in the water at night, and she's totally naked and very far from her clothes & family. When the two of them exchange fake names are Aurelie from France and Carlos from Mallorca... but then they end up really connecting right away... oh yeah, you know we're in for some trouble.

From there, it was just such a wild ride. The whole time we're in Mallorca, I kept thinking, "These two are going to both be teaching at the same school, aren't they?" and that was probably the only prediction I got right, ha! I think the best part about this book is that the author would continuously set you up towards a situation where you're like, "Oh, so this is going to happen... and then this will happen..." but you were always wrong on the second part because something else would come about!

This was a fun book with two characters with such great chemistry that just keep finding themselves in sticky situations. This book was seriously witty, the banter was on point, and the spice was just right. The build-up and anticipation for their inevitable end together was seriously so well-executed, and I loved how this book was divided into different parts to help us really a) get the know the characters in different settings more, and b) string us along even longer.

This was a quick read, a great little quirky British rom-com quirky read, and just the type of summer romance read you want to escape to.

I really wanted to like this book but the authors writing style was not for me personally. There were moments the book was cute but other than that it was very chaotic and all over the place with both FMC and MMC.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book but it was not for me personally.

I really wanted to enjoy this, but honestly? It was exhausting. From the very first chapter, everything felt way too over-the-top — too much chaos, too much drama, and the humor just didn’t land for me.

Suzie and Charlie could have been a fun couple, but the constant awkward situations, oversharing with coworkers, and cringey side characters made it hard to connect with the story. It felt more like a chaotic soap opera than a romantic comedy.

I know this might work for some readers who enjoy bold, loud romcoms, but it just wasn’t for me.

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

This rom-com was a really lovely read—funny, heartwarming, and full of charm. The humor throughout kept me smiling, and the camaraderie between the FMC and her cousins was a real highlight. Their dynamic felt genuine and added so much warmth to the story. The romantic moments were also beautifully written (and MMC as well), striking just the right balance between sweet and sincere. If I had one small note, it's that one or two details could’ve been explained a bit more clearly, but overall, the book was a very enjoyable experience and left me with a smile on my face.

This was my first novel by Kristen Bailey, and I wasn’t familiar with her style. The writing is captivating and easy to read,I couldn’t put the book down because I kept wanting to know more about the characters, their banter, and the way they connect.

Suzie and Charlie’s story had me on the verge of tears from laughter and emotion; curious by the “destiny” that awaited them.
I wish I had a family like the Callaghans... well, maybe not the part where they overshare everything, literally.
Some reveals caught me by surprise; perhaps addressing the secrecy earlier on could have helped set the stage a bit more.

Personally, I’d say this book is perfect for people who enjoy rom-coms: it’s a quick, comfy, and funny read—especially for summer. I absolutely recommend it.
Who knows? Maybe someone out there is living an adventure, just like Suzie and Charlie.

This book starts off very out there! And then continues to be very out there. I was not expecting it when I picked it up and it was very jarring at first. Once I realized that was the vibe for the book it was a lot easier to not be shocked at what I was reading. Overall it was a fun summer read just was not what I was expecting which made it hard and a little cringey at times to read.

Fun holiday romcom in a book yes please.
This was my first time reading a book by Kristen and I enjoyed the banter and comedy of this book and experienced multiple laugh out loud moments. It certainly lived up to its romcom name.
The cousins were an absolute troop and love the dynamic between them all. I also really enjoyed the siblings relationship with each other and how much Charlie and Max cared for each other - lets normalize more healthy male relationships!
A holiday romance that follows you home is always entertaining. At times I did struggle a bit with the flow/chemistry of the characters when they were back home but I know that is part of the story. At times things were a bit cringy and awkward. Also what was with their aversion to beds?
Overall a fun read and the perfect way to dust off some Spanish and French language skills.
This is a closed door, low spice romance - there is lightly detailed reflection and discussion of moments past.