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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Oof. I have a lot of thoughts on this book.
This is very British, which I wasn’t aware of going in—so I’ll take some of the blame there. I often find British humor around sex pretty crude, and that’s just not something I enjoy reading. The opening sex scene felt particularly unsexy and set a strange tone for the rest of the story.
The writing itself was confusing and hard to follow. The constant switching between internal and external dialogue was awkward; I really wish the internal thoughts had been set apart with italics to make it clearer.
A minor understanding of French and Spanish helps, too. Without some language knowledge, I think certain sections would be frustrating.
The sexual innuendos mostly made my eyes roll. There was no real buildup to the spicy scenes—they felt childish and inauthentic. Some moments also seemed really inappropriate; there’s a time and place for that sort of thing, and this often missed the mark.
This book will definitely work for some readers, but unfortunately, it wasn’t for me. If you’re a third of the way in and not feeling it, it doesn’t really change. This was nearly a DNF for me.
This is very British, which I wasn’t aware of going in—so I’ll take some of the blame there. I often find British humor around sex pretty crude, and that’s just not something I enjoy reading. The opening sex scene felt particularly unsexy and set a strange tone for the rest of the story.
The writing itself was confusing and hard to follow. The constant switching between internal and external dialogue was awkward; I really wish the internal thoughts had been set apart with italics to make it clearer.
A minor understanding of French and Spanish helps, too. Without some language knowledge, I think certain sections would be frustrating.
The sexual innuendos mostly made my eyes roll. There was no real buildup to the spicy scenes—they felt childish and inauthentic. Some moments also seemed really inappropriate; there’s a time and place for that sort of thing, and this often missed the mark.
This book will definitely work for some readers, but unfortunately, it wasn’t for me. If you’re a third of the way in and not feeling it, it doesn’t really change. This was nearly a DNF for me.
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
TW: cheating
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
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!
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!
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.
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.
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
My Rating: ⭐️ 5/5
Author: Kristen Bailey
Publication Date: July 18, 2025
Publishing House: Storm Publishing
FMC: Suzie Callaghan | MMC: Charlie Shaw
First person POV, dual narratives
Linear timeline (Written in 5 parts based on setting)
Settings: London, Mallorca, Seville, Paris
M/F Romance
Spice Level: 🌶️ 3/5 mild-moderate explicit scenes
Tropes/Themes: meet-cute, holiday(vacation) romance, rom-com, same workplace, ex encounter, tight knit family, shenanigans, starting over, healing from grief
CWs/Potential Triggers:
Breakup/Divorce, Alcohol Use, Identity Deception, Infidelity, Misogyny, grief/parental deaths
Summary:
After a messy breakup and a tough year, Suzie Callaghan is so not looking for love, but then she meets Carlos (Charlie) on a much-needed holiday with her five hilarious, loving female cousins, in Mallorca. He’s charming, hot, and just flirty enough to make her believe in fun again. One unforgettable night later, she figures she’ll never see him again…until he shows up as the new Spanish teacher at her school.
Cue the chaos, the awkward hallway run-ins, the slow-burn tension, and all the laugh-out-loud moments as Suzie tries to navigate her new life, second chances, and an unexpected shot at something real. It’s flirty, funny, and full of heart!!
My Thoughts: I laughed out loud and swooned so many times throughout this book!! This is the perfect summer rom-com! I loved the different settings that were vividly described and set the scene perfectly. I also appreciated both Suzie and Charlie’s relationships with their family and the important roles their family members also play.
Thank you Storm Publishing for providing me a copy of this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own!
Author: Kristen Bailey
Publication Date: July 18, 2025
Publishing House: Storm Publishing
FMC: Suzie Callaghan | MMC: Charlie Shaw
First person POV, dual narratives
Linear timeline (Written in 5 parts based on setting)
Settings: London, Mallorca, Seville, Paris
M/F Romance
Spice Level: 🌶️ 3/5 mild-moderate explicit scenes
Tropes/Themes: meet-cute, holiday(vacation) romance, rom-com, same workplace, ex encounter, tight knit family, shenanigans, starting over, healing from grief
CWs/Potential Triggers:
Breakup/Divorce, Alcohol Use, Identity Deception, Infidelity, Misogyny, grief/parental deaths
Summary:
After a messy breakup and a tough year, Suzie Callaghan is so not looking for love, but then she meets Carlos (Charlie) on a much-needed holiday with her five hilarious, loving female cousins, in Mallorca. He’s charming, hot, and just flirty enough to make her believe in fun again. One unforgettable night later, she figures she’ll never see him again…until he shows up as the new Spanish teacher at her school.
Cue the chaos, the awkward hallway run-ins, the slow-burn tension, and all the laugh-out-loud moments as Suzie tries to navigate her new life, second chances, and an unexpected shot at something real. It’s flirty, funny, and full of heart!!
My Thoughts: I laughed out loud and swooned so many times throughout this book!! This is the perfect summer rom-com! I loved the different settings that were vividly described and set the scene perfectly. I also appreciated both Suzie and Charlie’s relationships with their family and the important roles their family members also play.
Thank you Storm Publishing for providing me a copy of this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own!
Hot to Go by Kristen Bailey is a friend's to lovers, workplace romance, and second (and third) chance romcom that was such a fun read! Suzie heads to Mallorca with her cousins on holiday after her long time relationship ends due to cheating. She meets Carlos and they form a steamy and instant connection. What was intended as a vacation fling turns into a lot more several months later when they discover they are both teaching at a local school. I adored this book with its immense humor, strong formed characters, and charming storyline. The pacing was just right, allowing for a slow burn tension to build. I would highly recommend this book, especially if you are looking for a fun summer read!
Thank you Netgalley, Storm Publishing, and the author for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
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
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
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.
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.