It’s not summer without a Kristen Bailey book, and Hot To Go brought the heat! Suzie is a French teacher on vacation in Spain, celebrating her older cousin’s 40th birthday. Charlie is a Spanish teacher in Spain for a bachelor party. A chance meeting leads to a summer fling, but when they both end up teaching at the same school, will the summer magic continue or will real life get in the way? I adore her romcoms because they are heavy on the com - I love books that make me actually laugh out loud! While this is a stand alone book, fans (like me!) of Kristen Bailey should appreciate all of the characters from her other books that we get to catch up with. Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC!

Hot to Go by Kristen Bailey is an absolute delight. This book definitely is a romantic comedy as it has sizzling romance and many laugh out loud moments.

When French teacher, Susie Callaghan, has a major romantic breakup and escapes to Mallorca with her cousins for a 40th birthday celebration, she does not expect to find romance with Carlos. However, when she is back in London to start at her new school, she is shocked to find that Carlos is actually Charles, the new Spanish teacher. And, since she was posing as a French tourist (the circumstances of their initial meeting make the false identities seem legit), Charles is equally shocked.

I had read a similar description of the novel by the publisher, and it appealed to me. However, if you are a fan of romantic fiction, you may think you know how the story will play out. But, this well written novel surprised me by being sexy and lighthearted without contrived misunderstandings that go on too long.

My favorite scenes included the banter between the two language instructors and the hilarious interaction among Susie and her cousins.

You need this book for the pool or beach! It was so fun and I absolutely loved the characters and the storyline. Such a fun story!

Sun, sangria… and a surprise staffroom reunion? ☀️📚

What happens in Mallorca definitely doesn’t stay in Mallorca in this spicy, sun-soaked romcom packed with chaos, chemistry, and second chances.

Suzie Callaghan’s life implodes when she catches her husband in the ultimate betrayal. Heartbroken and newly separated, she jets off to Mallorca with her cousins in search of distraction, sunshine, and sangria. What she doesn’t expect? A steamy holiday fling with a stranger who rescues her mid-skinny dip. Their chemistry is instant… until she returns home and finds out he’s not Carlos at all—he’s Charlie, her new co-worker and the school’s Spanish teacher. Awkward.

From accidental nudity to faculty meetings with a man she’s already seen naked, Hot To Go is a splash of light-hearted fun. Kristen Bailey blends familiar romcom tropes with British humour, a quirky cast, and more than a few eyebrow-raising scenes. It's a light-hearted, low-stakes summer romance that's more about fun than depth, which is exactly what I was looking for. While the heat level might be a bit much for some readers (think 3 chilies 🌶️🌶️🌶️), it ticks the boxes for an easy, escapist summer read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ — A light, cheeky read with plenty of summer vibes. Recommended for readers who love messy heroines, racy escapades, and second-chance spice.

such a funny and feel good type of summer book! totally loved this one from start to finish!!! absolutely would recommend!

If you are looking for a fast-paced, light-hearted romance to ease yourself back into reading, this book is a perfect choice. It delivers plenty of charming romantic comedy moments without diving into anything too steamy, making it an easy, breezy read. The story moves quickly, keeping you entertained from start to finish, and the humor adds just the right touch of fun. The chemistry between Suzie and Charlie shines through their wonderful, hilarious banter, making their interactions truly entertaining. It’s the kind of book that makes you smile and chuckle, perfect for a cozy afternoon or a quick escape from everyday stress.
Overall, this book is a charming read that will have you turning pages quickly, and enjoying every moment of the characters’ amusing journey. Great for anyone who loves light romance with a strong dose of humor!

Book Review: Hot to Go by Kristen Bailey

. Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my advanced reader copy.

Let me just say: Kristen Bailey knows how to make a rom-com pop. Hot to Go had me laughing out loud on page one and unexpectedly emotional by page fifty. It’s not just funny—it’s sharp, fresh, and full of heart. The story centers on a fiery, full-of-life protagonist navigating family chaos, messy love, and personal reinvention, all set against the backdrop of a holiday season that’s anything but peaceful. Bailey doesn’t do cookie-cutter characters. These people feel real—flawed, funny, and painfully relatable.

What I loved most was the banter. Every conversation crackled with wit, and even when the jokes came fast, they never undercut the emotional moments. Kristen Bailey strikes this perfect tone: cheeky, but grounded. You can feel the layers underneath the laughter—grief, loneliness, second chances. There’s depth to this rom-com, and that’s what makes it hit harder than most.

Yes, some plot beats were a bit predictable—you can guess the romantic arc pretty early—but honestly, that didn’t matter. I wasn’t reading for twists. I was reading because I cared about these characters and wanted to see them win. The pacing lagged just slightly in the middle, but it picked back up quickly, and by the final chapters, I was racing to the end, grinning like an idiot.

If you’re looking for something light but not shallow, warm but not sugary, this book delivers. Kristen Bailey is now on my must-read list, and Hot to Go is the kind of comfort read I’ll come back to when I need to feel good again.