Glow Job

by Kristen Bailey

A laugh-out-loud, escapist summer holiday rom-com, perfect for fans of Emily Henry, Beth O’Leary and Sophie Kinsella.

Chloe needs a holiday. She’s invisible to her boss, overworked and burnt out. What she gets is a chaotic wellness retreat at a sun-drenched Ibizan villa, run by a man whose resemblance to Pedro Pascal and sublime cooking make up for seeming a bit out of his depth.

Ben has taken a sabbatical from his London restaurant, and is trying to turn his late uncle’s rundown, rustic villa into a fully-booked, profitable, functioning retreat. He can wing the catering and count on the sunshine, but he hasn’t planned on clumsy, brilliant, and so overworked and underappreciated it’s quietly heartbreaking.

As the week unfolds – complete with feral goats, beach raves, skinny-dipping and wedding-crashing – both of them begin to feel a glow that neither of them saw coming.

But real life is waiting for them both back in London. And real feelings are a lot harder to pack up than a suitcase.

Warm, fizzing with Kristen Bailey’s signature humour and full of genuine heart, Glow Job is the summer rom-com you’ll never want to end, but will devour in one sitting.

Perfect for readers who

· Sun-soaked holiday romance

· Sizzling chemistry and spice

· Whirlwind time-pressured new love

· Workaholic heroine learning to let go

· Dual POV and found family dynamics

Readers adore Kristen Bailey’s

“FAVOURITE ROMANTIC COMEDY OF THE YEAR!” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Oh wow, I love this novel… it was like watching the best comedy of my life. Fantastic.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Obsessed… One of the best rom-coms I’ve ever read.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“The perfect spicy romcom to kick off summer!” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“All I can say is wow! I absolutely loved it… so good I didn’t want to put it down. Absolutely hilarious… a massive 5 stars from me.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Hot, sexy, and kept me wanting more!” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“A great big yes, yes, YES! A delight from start to finish.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Pure reading escapism. Had me laughing the whole time, with tears of laughter and joy.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“My favourite rom-com of the year.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Had me howling with laughter.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“The funniest book I have ever read!” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I LOVED this book!!” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Holiday

388 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication July 20, 2026

Reviews

[₊ ˚ ale ࿓ ♡ ⋆｡˚]

‎ ‎ ⌗‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ── 🐚🍋‍🟩🐈‍⬛ᝰ .ᐟ pre-read.
this book seems pretty interesting and cute!
thank you netgalley and kristen bailey for an arc in exchange of an honest review!

[niki ౨ৎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

౨ৎꨄ︎ 3 stars

Thank you NetGalley, Storm Publishing and Kristen Bailey for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

this book definitely has its perks and is a perfect summer read, especially if you are still not in a vacation mode! it has fun moments and can be defined as a rom-com. and the pacing of the middle part is so good, i couldn’t really put it down!! however,..

i won’t lie that the book misses the opportunity to pull you in. what it did to me was confuse me as i had to reread the prologue twice to understand who the main characters actually are. furthermore, the reader will understand why we get several different povs at the beginning, but i feel like it could have been done so much better.

when the pace finally picks up, it gets so much better. i enjoyed the setting and most of the moments. whilst the entire retreat thing seems to be a bit unrealistic (honestly, as a woman i would never ever sign up to a sketchy retreat abroad with zero information and reviews), the activities the main characters do are so fun, it adds to the summer vibe so much! it also made me miss ibiza ahh.

the characters are ok. not bad, but definitely not memorable. i was also having an issue to see any chemistry between chloe and ben. it just sort of happens and rather than having a stronger bond, it just gets sexual.

as someone that actually isn’t against third ard breakups and sometimes even enjoys them... the one here? no. there could have been million other reasons for the separation, but this one just made their whole relationship seem like a total joke.

i do, however, have to say that i enjoyed how the retreat helped both chloe and ben. you can definitely see a switch in them and how they benefited from that week. whilst they both still have some flaws, kristen did so well with them and their progress.

overall, the main issue for me is that i truly couldn’t connect to the story or the characters. not saying the book is bad, but there are many, many things that deserved to be polished. still, i can picture it being a perfect vacation read!

────୨ৎ────

౨ৎꨄ︎ pre-read: got the arcccc! summer holiday rom-com??? exactly what my heart needs 🙂‍↕️

[Lola · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

This was the summer rom-com book that you might need to read soon, especially if you’re the type that loves to match books to seasons.

It had multiple POVs which I usually don’t enjoy btw, but I paused my romantasy for this one, so that says a lot about how much I was entertained. It was spicy, but not too much.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy.

[Anita☆]

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the arc☆

[Gales Tales70 · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the stars !!!!

Glow Job is the perfect spicy romcom to kick off summer. All I can say is wow! I absolutely loved it. It was so good I didn’t want to put it down. It was absolutely hilarious with an LOL on pretty much every page. This is one of the best rom-coms to date. Kristen certainly knows just where to put those innuendos.

Wedding ring, mud, bush …… IYKYK 🤭

Chloe needs a holiday. She’s invisible to her boss, overworked and burnt out. What she gets is a chaotic wellness retreat at a sun-drenched Ibizan villa, run by a man whose resemblance to Pedro Pascal and sublime cooking make up for seeming a bit out of his depth.

Ben has taken a sabbatical from his London restaurant, and is trying to turn his late uncle’s rundown, rustic villa into a mostly functioning retreat. He can wing the catering and count on the sunshine, but he hasn’t planned on Chloe: clumsy, brilliant, and so overworked and underappreciated it’s quietly heartbreaking.

As the week unfolds – complete with feral goats, beach raves, skinny-dipping and wedding-crashing – both of them begin to feel a glow that neither of them saw coming.
But real life is waiting for them both back in London. And real feelings are a lot harder to pack up than a suitcase.

If you like the following then this is definitely for you !!

* Sun-soaked holiday romance
* Sizzling chemistry and spice
* Whirlwind time-pressured new love
* Workaholic heroine learning to let go
* Dual POV and found family dynamics

Thanks so much to Kristen and Netgalley for the opportunity to be an early arc reader. I thoroughly enjoyed this and would highly recommend

[Jaclyn Wingfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really fun read! An easy, summer romcom that had me giggling! Ben inherits a villa in Ibiza and with help from his sisters turns it into a retreat. His first 3 guests are women who are burnt out from life (one workaholic, one new mom, and one mom of teenagers). A lot of fun and chaos transpires over their time at the villa, with a lot of heart to hearts and relatable moments in between.

I received this via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Wendy Tomchesson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the arc! I found the introduction of the characters to be a bit confusing. Once they made it to the island, things came together. The friendship between the women was warm and engaging, and Miguel brought the humor. I feel the book lacked emotional development and overall depth.

[flori · Rating 2 out of 5]

First of all, thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC!

This book gives the reader amazing writing, an entertaining cast with issues that weave together and issues that set them apart, and an interesting plot that has you intrigued throughout the entire read.

Being entirely honest, the only reason I didn't DNF this is because I can appreciate good, interesting writing whilst pushing aside my own opinions on it. I almost couldn't put this book down, I have to admit that. Kristen Bailey has a way with words, and a way with romantic comedy, that feels like it's Summer, and you're with your girl friends about to binge your favorite movies in someone's living room.

Regardless of all the positive things, I cannot give this book more than two stars. Throughout the whole read, I couldn't shake the way that non-native english speakers are portrayed in this book. Now, I am aware that this was most likely a move to sprinkle comedy into some characters and situations, but it truly feels like we are being mocked. English is not my first language, Spanish is. I have gone through every level of fluency, and I am aware of what a character not being fluent in English looks like, and what a character being a mockery looks like.

I don't think this was on purpose at all. I do wonder why comedy comes at the hand of mocking people that aren't like us these days, though.

I wish I would've been able to enjoy this to its full potential. I am, still, incredibly thankful for this ARC.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars for me. I don’t understand how three woman go to this random “retreat” with no reviews, no website, no real information other than a flyer. But I can put that aside because it’s a book.

This was much too insta love for me. The fmc was so distrustful of the mmc and then in love with him the next day? They were both deeply in love with each other and it was only 7 days? Normally, an insta love doesn’t bother me but this one didn’t work for me!

I also hated the third act breakup, it felt very silly to me. And then to top it off the fmc was the one to make the grand gesture even though the mmc was the one who was so awful?? I understand he was self sabotaging but that doesn’t make up for the awful things he said! He never even apologized??? Wouldn’t have done a thing about it until she came to him? Makes me sick.

I liked Jess and Zara and how they supported both Chloe and Ben but their only personality traits was that they were tired moms? And I get it! I’m a tired mom! But it was a bit too much to read about I thought. Maybe it’s just because I’m living that but idk!

Also the epilogue was crazy! It was like 20% of the book! At that point just make it multiple chapters.

Miguel was my favorite person in the book! No flaws to me. Not a bad read! Just not good.

Advanced copy received from NetGalley.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so good! The characters were lovable and their stories were enjoyable. I was laughing out loud at some of the situations that arose! There was a lot of foreign language phrases in the book that were not always interpreted or explained which was bothersome at times. This is the perfect vacation read! Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

~thank you to NetGalley & storm publishing for giving me an arc in exchange for an honest review~

Definitely a slow burn. I hate a slow burn. It was a cute read though. I enjoyed all the characters, each one different but they made the story love able. I think I just had high hopes for this and it wasn’t what I was expecting but it was still a good book.

[Allanah Butler · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would have been even better to read in summer, such a cute rom-com. I loved that all the characters were at different stages in life, but their struggles all felt equally important. Now I want to go to Ibiza...

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, my first by this author. The characters were all dealing with their own issues but felt like a great group. Parts of it made me want to laugh out loud. Very impressed!

Thank you to NetGalley for the early copy.

[Susie Langford · Rating 4 out of 5]

A total laugh-out-loud delight! 😂 This was my first time reading Kristen Bailey, and it definitely won't be my last. While I thought this would just be Chloe and Ben's story, the entire ensemble cast stole my heart—everyone is just so creatively written. It's physically impossible to read this without laughing, craving an Ibiza vacation, swooning over Pedro Pascal, and wishing you could join this friend group for a drink. 🥂

Thanks to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and Kristen Bailey for the advanced reader copy!
#GlowJob #NetGalley #KristenBailey

[Eve Tsak · Rating 3 out of 5]

♡ “Because it could end up being pretty perfect. And also… that I may be ridiculously in love with you.”

3.5 ⭐️

Sometimes you pick up a holiday romance hoping for something light and entertaining, and then it ends up being exactly the kind of comfort read you didn’t realise you needed. Glow Job was that book for me. From the very first pages I was smiling, and honestly, I don’t think that smile left my face for the entire book.

This is the perfect blend of holiday romance, friendship, humour, and heart. While the romance between Chloe and Ben is very much at the centre of the story, what I loved most was that it never felt like the only thing happening. Ben inherits a villa in Ibiza and ends up turning it into a retreat, bringing together a wonderfully chaotic cast of characters who made this book feel so much bigger than just a romance.

The friendships in this book were one of my favourite parts. Chloe, Jess, and Zara form such a lovely bond throughout the story, and I adored seeing women supporting one another, cheering each other on, and finding friendship in an unexpected place. Two of the women are mothers navigating their own challenges, while Chloe is figuring out her own path, and together they created some of my favourite moments in the entire book. The female solidarity running throughout the story gave it so much warmth.

♡ “This friendship might have been born out of anxiety about what we’d signed up for but there’s something warming about having them around, knowing that we have each other’s backs, that we are not on this strange retreat alone.”

The humour was absolutely top-tier. The banter was brilliant, the situations were ridiculous in the best possible way, and I found myself laughing constantly. Miguel completely stole every scene he appeared in. That man is genuinely one of the funniest side characters I have read in a long time and may actually be my spirit animal. Between Miguel, the retreat guests, and the wonderfully chaotic villa atmosphere, there was never a dull moment.

♡ “Well, at least he knows the man in the pool. The naked man, wearing a snorkel, who I think might be cleaning it.”

And then there’s Ben.

Ben was such a swoon-worthy MMC. He was thoughtful, caring, patient, and somehow managed to be both incredibly sweet and incredibly funny at the same time. One of my favourite moments was when Chloe had an awful day and he ran her a bath with lavender, vanilla, candles, and bubbles before staying with her until she fell asleep. It was such a simple act of care, but it perfectly captured who he was as a character.

♡ “He ran me a bath and looked after me. He stayed here until I fell asleep and held my hand.”

The romance itself developed at a pace that felt natural and believable. Chloe and Ben had fantastic chemistry, but what made them work was the friendship and trust that developed alongside the attraction. Their relationship felt grounded in genuine affection, making every romantic moment hit that little bit harder.

I also loved how unique the premise felt. An inherited villa in Ibiza, a retreat full of strangers, friendships forming alongside romance, and plenty of unexpected chaos made this stand out from a lot of other holiday romances I’ve read recently. It felt fresh while still delivering all the comfort and warmth I wanted.

♡ “She was beautiful in so many ways. And when she was gone, I felt it in a way I didn’t think imaginable. Like something, someone was missing. And I’ve missed her every day since.”

By the time I reached the epilogue, I was completely sold. It wrapped everything up beautifully and left me with that warm, satisfied feeling that the very best romance novels give you. The ending was absolutely perfect for these characters, and I finished the book feeling ridiculously happy.

If you’re looking for a funny, uplifting romance packed with friendship, heart, hilarious side characters, wonderful banter, and a genuinely lovely love story, I would absolutely recommend Glow Job. It was charming, comforting, and impossible not to smile through.

♡ Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book. ♡

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some books arrive at exactly the right moment, and this story felt like one of those comforting escapes I didn’t know I needed. As someone who enjoys romantic comedies that offer more than just romance—stories that explore self-discovery, healing, and the courage to choose happiness—this was a delightful summer read that completely transported me away from everyday stresses. With its sun-soaked Ibiza setting, hilarious situations, charming characters, and heartfelt emotional moments, this book delivers the perfect combination of laughter, romance, and warmth.

Chloe’s journey immediately captured my attention because her struggles felt incredibly relatable. She is the kind of person many of us recognize: hardworking, dependable, constantly giving her best, yet feeling invisible and undervalued. Her burnout, exhaustion, and longing for a break reflect the reality of modern work life, where people often forget to prioritize themselves. I loved watching Chloe slowly rediscover her confidence and joy throughout the story. Her transformation from an overworked employee who has forgotten how to relax into someone who embraces adventure and possibility was beautifully written.

Then there is Ben, the charming yet slightly chaotic owner of the Ibiza wellness retreat. His character brought so much fun and warmth to the story. While he appears to have everything under control, he is also trying to rebuild his life and prove that he can turn his late uncle’s neglected villa into something meaningful. I appreciated that his character was not portrayed as a perfect romantic hero but as someone flawed, uncertain, and genuinely trying his best. His kindness, passion for cooking, and ability to see the beauty in small moments made him impossible not to root for.

The chemistry between Chloe and Ben was one of the highlights of the book. Their relationship develops naturally through shared experiences, unexpected adventures, and moments of vulnerability. From dealing with chaotic retreat guests to encounters with feral goats, beach parties, and unforgettable mishaps, their time together is filled with humor and spontaneity. The author does a wonderful job balancing the laugh-out-loud moments with deeper reflections about loneliness, dreams, and the importance of feeling valued.

What I particularly enjoyed was the theme of finding yourself when you step away from the life you thought you were supposed to live. The Ibiza villa becomes more than just a holiday destination—it becomes a place where Chloe and Ben confront their fears, rediscover their passions, and learn what truly matters. The story beautifully reminds readers that sometimes a change of scenery can help us see ourselves more clearly.

The writing style is light, engaging, and filled with vivid descriptions that made me feel as though I was sitting under the Ibiza sun, enjoying the beautiful scenery alongside the characters. The humor added so much charm, while the emotional moments gave the story depth and heart. It is the kind of book that makes you smile, makes you believe in unexpected connections, and leaves you with that warm, satisfied feeling after finishing a wonderful romantic escape.

Overall, this was a charming, uplifting, and thoroughly enjoyable rom-com. It is perfect for readers who love stories about second chances, personal growth, and finding love when they least expect it. For me, this was more than just a holiday romance—it was a reminder that life is meant to be experienced, not simply endured, and sometimes the best adventures begin when we finally allow ourselves to take a break.

[Hr_with_penandpapers · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, a massive thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and the incredibly talented Kristen Bailey for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! 🫶✨

​OMG!! I completely fell in love with this book and devoured it in a single day! It was an absolute whirlwind of an emotional and hilarious ride. The story centers around a wellness retreat experience, and Kristen Bailey writes it so vividly that I felt like I was right there, going through every single high and low alongside the characters. It’s the perfect blend of genuine heart, relatable life lessons, and oh my god....the comedy! The book is absolutely filled with laugh-out-loud, clever double-meaning jokes that had me giggling the entire time. I loved it so much! 🧘‍♀️💆‍♀️🤪

​Let’s talk about the characters because they truly stole my heart. First of all....Ben. Oh, Ben! 🥺🫠💓 He is the absolute greenest of green flags! Reading his side of the POV did things to my heart that I wasn't prepared for. He is pure perfection. Then there's Chloe. If you have ever been a workaholic or a victim of toxic office politics, she will speak directly to your soul. Her journey is such a beautiful, eye-opening reminder of how crucial it is to step back and relax. It teaches you that you are a human being with a heart and soul, not a robot built just to work. 💼

​Admittedly, the prologue threw me off a bit at first, and I was confused as to why those other specific pov were being introduced. But as the story unfolds, everything clicks perfectly into place. You realize it’s about the other two women joining the retreat, and they are so much more than just background noise. They are deeply developed characters with their own real, raw insecurities. Watching them confront their struggles and grow was incredibly beautiful to witness. 👥🌱

​The only reason this is a 4.5 and not a full 5 stars for me comes down to the ending. Don't get me wrong, Ben is amazing and he really put himself out there....I mean, the man almost got arrested in the process! 😂 But as a romance lover, you know how the genre is... it just makes you expect the most wonderfully crazy, over-the-top, grand gestures! I just wanted a tiny bit more effort on his side at the very end to give me that ultimate, dramatic swoon....❤️‍🔥

​But honestly, that's just my romance-obsessed heart talking! What makes this book so special is that as these characters evolve, you feel yourself growing right along with them. It’s funny, it’s deeply touching, and it leaves you with the warmest feeling inside.

​Glow Job is officially out on July 20th! 🗓️ Do not miss out on this absolute gem...add it to your carts and TBR lists right now! You won't regret it! 🛒💨✨

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I inhaled half of it in three hours, mostly because Kristen Bailey writes the kind of light, easy prose that flows whether you're invested in the plot or not.

This book is less a romance and more a love letter to Ibiza, and honestly that's what saved it for me.

What worked was the atmosphere. A Spanish finca villa, food clearly catered by a personal chef sent down from heaven, massages, pool, quiet. The book genuinely captures that specific summer-vacation feeling where you come alive again, where your shoulders drop two inches and your sense of time gets fuzzy.
I felt like I was on the retreat with them. The side characters were warmer and more interesting than the leads, and the mood the book sets is its real strength.

And then there's Ben. Walking green flag, every woman's secret dream, the kind of MMC who is so unrealistically perfect that he transcends critique. Men like him don't exist. I refuse to believe otherwise. I loved every minute of him.

What didn't work was almost everything around Ben. Chloe books a wellness retreat and then proceeds to be paranoid to the point of rudeness about everyone there, which is a weird tonal choice for a heroine I'm supposed to root for. I didn't care about her from page one. Both leads share the humor of my boyfriend, which means the jokes were genuinely bad and I cannot, in good conscience, pretend otherwise.

The biographies pulled me out hard. We have a twenty-something-year-old who's apparently a successful architect, another one is a restaurant owner AND learned his craft from all over the world. When? At age five? It's that thing some authors do where they need their characters young and wild but also adult and absurdly accomplished, and the math just doesn't math.

The steam was almost entirely off-page, which felt strangely chaste given the otherwise indulgent vibe of the book. I'm used to romance hitting me with the salacious details. This one whispered them from the next room. Not my thing, but a deliberate choice some readers will appreciate.

The third-act miscommunication trope sent me into orbit. It's so unnecessary, so childish, and the tension throughout the book was already too soft to support that kind of artificial blow-up. The book didn't need it and the book would have been better without it.

It is a perfect summer read for the right reader. If you want your romance less graphic, more atmospheric, and you're craving that lazy-Mediterranean-afternoon energy, this delivers. If you want sharper characters, real heat, and tighter tension, you'll find yourself loving the setting more than the love story. Which is, honestly, exactly what happened to me.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review.

[_newromantics_reborn_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re still looking for books to add to your summer TBR list, add this one immediately! It’s very sunny, very funny and full of surprises. You’ll think: Not much can be happening during a small retreat in Ibiza? Wrong. You forget to count the wild goats into the equation. And the Hierbas. And also spa treatments debacle.

This story, while it’s mainly a romance, also talks about different aspects one’s life. Chloe is 25 and she’s burnt-out because of her job. She has a hard time taking a break and setting boundaries. Jess is also 25, but she’s a first-time mom of twins. She struggles to regain her confidence. Zara is in her forties, mother of three teenagers who are pushing her limits, married to a man who can’t see she’s at her lowest. They all need a break, and Ben, our 28 years old MMC, who opened his newly acquired villa in Ibiza as a retreat, will help them get there.

Firstly, the author’s writing was amazing. It was very funny and her characters relatable. The setting was incredibly vivid, and I think I know where I’ll go for my next vacation.
I think the Pedro Pascal thing got a bit out of hand, but I can’t lie and say it wasn’t what made me immediately apply for this ARC…
I was so confused by the prologue at first, but it all came together nicely afterwards. I think it added to the whole story, especially at the end. It felt very cinematic to me, like threads unfolding and twisting together, and eventually making sense as a whole. A bit like "Love Actually".

The chemistry between Chloe and Ben was through the roof. They saw each other, understood what the other needed, and I think it couldn’t have been more perfect. It’s insta-lust, but for once, I did like this trope. It’s obviously also more than that, and contrary to other insta-lust stories, I did feel their connection. I was rooting for them.
I liked that it was a dual pov. We can actually see how Chloe and Ben see each other and their perception of themselves: the Chloe Ben sees is confident, strong, smart, playful, very funny, and how Chloe describes herself through her inner monologue, who’s a bit shy, reserved, awkward and not really confident, for example. And how he helps her see what he sees. I was very impressed by this side of the writing.

Glow Job absolutely delivered everything it said it will, and I finished it with a big smile on my face. I absolutely recommend it to everyone who wants a funny, "rom-comy" summer read.

My favorite side characters: Dean, Miguel, Flo and Norah.

Thank you Storm Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc review: Thank you to NetGalley & Storm publishers for the advance copy

4.5⭐️ I had a lot of fun with this one. It was the perfect read to start off summer. This was my first Kristen Bailey novel and I loved it.

I was attracted to this book because of the fun cover and title. I was hoping for a light hearted summer escape romance with loads of humor and Glow Job definitely delivered!

The humor started at the very beginning when we were introduced to the ladies that would end up as the first guests of Lorenzo’s, a Villa advertising a relaxing retreat in Ibiza. Chloe, Jess & Zara were each experiencing stressful (yet humorous) lives and needed a solo relaxing retreat escape. What they got was so much more and I was here for all the laughs.

Once the ladies arrive at the villa and meet our Ben (the hot chef, Pedro Pascal lookalike, green flag MMC, Villa owner & resident nice guy) and his sidekick Miguel, (the snorkel & flipper wearing nude pool cleaner, love yourself gift bag giver, masseuse and creator of all the fun shenanigans), the humor kicks it up a notch (or 5) & consistently gets better and better.

All of the excursions were full of surprises and so many laughs. From the nightclub to the beach, the homemade spa masks and the impromptu wedding catering I did not stop laughing. The humor was written so well, it felt like I was watching a movie. The innuendos 🍆🍑🐐🥛🐈🎂 made everything even more hilarious. I laughed out loud until my eyes watered.

This rom-com was more com than rom not a bad thing!) but the romance between Chloe & Ben still was the perfect amount of fun, flirty romance love with a dash of spice. I loved these two together and would have liked to have seen more of them together.

The ending was good, but it just didn’t hit for me. The epilogue felt more like a last chapter instead of an epilogue. I was left feeling a bit bummed that things wrapped up in such a way that left me with questions like “and then what happened?”. I would have liked to have seen a strong epilogue that takes us a year or so later and gives us a more complete sense of what was next for Chloe & Ben as a couple

Thank you Kristen Bailey for writing this story. I loved the amazing tropical small Spanish town setting, relatable and enjoyable characters and all the laughs

[The Lit · Rating 4 out of 5]

🚨 SPOILER ALERT: READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!
​I am giving Glow Job by Kristen Bailey a solid 4-star review. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
​I absolutely loved this book! It makes for a completely gripping, lighthearted romantic escape to settle in with on your Kindle, serving up an incredible blend of small-town energy, humor, and heart.
​ARC Disclosure: Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing an early digital review copy (eARC). All thoughts and reflections shared here are entirely my own.
​The Review
​The story throws us right into a vibrant, sun-soaked setting where unexpected life shifts force our main characters into close quarters. We follow Ben and Chloe as they navigate a sudden, life-changing inheritance plot that completely upends their regular routines. Forced to work through the quirky stipulations of their new reality, they have to manage local expectations, hilarious misunderstandings, and a growing chemistry that becomes completely impossible to ignore. Kristen Bailey masterfully balances a highly entertaining, feel-good plot with wonderful pacing and a deeply endearing romantic journey.
​The Good
​I absolutely loved Ben and Chloe as our main characters! He is completely adorable and endearing, and she is a character people can really connect with. Their chemistry shines from the very beginning, making it incredibly easy to root for them.
​The core romance tropes are wonderfully well developed throughout the narrative, keeping you completely hooked. I also found the inheritance plot a bit Hallmark-like, but that is actually perfect for me because I'm a total sucker for these kinds of stories! It adds a cozy, comforting, and highly predictable charm in the best way possible. To make things even better, even the secondary characters are interesting, adding a fantastic layer of humor, depth, and community to the entire book.
​The Not So Good
​The only minor drawback for me was that a few of the comedy-of-errors situations in the middle felt a bit stretched out to keep the leads apart. However, because the main couple is so incredibly lovable and the supporting cast is so genuinely fun to be around, the pacing never stalls for long!

[Bee Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swear to Hecate, if I tried to write a book like this it would come out as a total cringe-fest — but I don’t know what Kristen does to these books, these pun-filled, dirty-humoured, romcoms with enough cheese to kill someone with lactose intolerance — they just always work and leave me absolutely cracking up. I might even call it a guilty pleasure but I feel absolutely no guilt whatsoever.

Chloe immediately felt like a friend, someone who says whatever nonsense forms in their head, is a bit of a mess, and cannot be one of those people who pretend their life is perfectly under control. She’s overworked, under appreciated, highly strung and honestly needs a holiday … of course, the one she gets is straight out a romcom. Our ensemble is completed by Jess, a tired new mum who ends up on a meant to be relaxing break in the same place as Chloe, and Zara, holidaying with a family who take her for granted and honestly stress her out.

Finally, the lovely Ben who left the city behind to refurbish an old family property and try to open a retreat where he falls into a whirlwind romance with Chloe. I loved them all — despite sharing the story between four people, it didn’t make the pace slow or cause any confusion.

The introductory chapters had a wonderful pace, set the characters up without too much exposition and let us get into the juicy, sun-filled drama quickly. Chloe and Ben took centre stage, of course, their holiday romance intense and surprising, with a looming time limit for something so sweet and steamy, with the threat of it all falling apart if they don’t fix it and the other girls join the party for another beautiful aspect — finding love in friends, in chosen family, and in ourselves.

So in short, too many feelings, and I’m also hungry now, so thanks KB. An indulgent, fun romcom that is best read on a sun lounger with a pinã colada in the other hand — clothes optional.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben is a chef in a London restaurant he and his three sisters own. His uncle Lorenzo dies and leaves Ben his villa in Ibiza. His uncle was a larger than life character who held hedonistic parties, although the villa has deteriorated over the past few years. Ben goes out to fix up the villa and his sisters suggest he should run it as a holiday destination, maybe offering spa treatments, or gastronomic tours.

Ben's first three guests are three very different women. Zara is a married mother of three teenagers, having just had a less than satisfactory family holiday in which she threw everyone's phones in the pool she is looking for a week of relaxation and pampering and wine. Chloe is an architect who bears the brunt of all the work in the department while her colleagues swan around and take the credit. She hasn't had a holiday for years and is almost at breaking point. She just wants to decompress. Finally Jess, a harassed mother of small twins, she also had a recent family holiday which was just the same as being at home (feeding babies, cleaning up after babies, etc) and she just needs a rest and to learn to love herself again.

Ben is winging it a bit, the villa is spectacular and he has brought it back to all its glory, he knows how to cook fantastic meals using local produce, everything else he will make up as he goes along.

With goats in the pool, a naturalist beach, a naked Spaniard in goggles and flippers, a fight, a wedding, inappropriate gift bags, and an unexpected guest the week is full of surprises, not least the fact that kindly Ben manages to help each of the women regain their natural glow.

This was a perfect summer beach read. Loved it.

I received a book from the publisher via NetGalley.

[Rebecca W · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Glow Job, our two main characters are both dealing with different types of burnout in their respective careers. Chloe is overworked, underappreciated and frankly, very poorly treated by her boss and her co-workers. Ben is a chef working at a family owned restaurant with his sisters in London when he receives word that he's inherited a villa in Ibiza from his late uncle. In an attempt to reset, Ben decides that he will open the villa as a "retreat" and (miraculously), gets guests right away in the shape of Chloe and two other ladies, each coming for their own reasons and escapes.

The book starts off with a POV from each of the guests as well as our MC's, sort of leaving us wondering what all these people have in common but the author does a great job of weaving that all together so that we have not only our main characters with backstory but also our side characters. It's done really well so that we understand why they're there but they also don't take over the story and distract from our two MC's. I especially loved Zara's character and how she tied in throughout the story.

I had a great time reading this book, with it's quirky settings (Casa de Clap!) and fun, over the top characters (um hello Miguel!), and of course, our MC's love story. While this is definitely a romance, and there are lots of funny moments, I also appreciated that there was personal growth in each MC's perspectives on life and what they wanted and how to get the things they wanted vs living the corporate grind. That resonated a lot with me and I appreciated the depth of the story telling. I would definitely read this book again and recommend to my friends!

Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the advance copy!

[Shawna Purnell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read to the ARC! This was the first book of Kristen Bailey’s that I’ve read.

I was instantly attracted to the beach cover and also the title, which I thought was clever and cute.

The dedication was adorable! Loved it.

The prologue was way too long. There were too many characters introduced all at once. I really wish there was a short and sweet prologue that immediately intrigued me, and that the characters were described in their own separate chapters.

The main female characters consist of 1. Chloe, who is overworked and greatly under appreciated at her job as an architect 2. Jess, who is an overwhelmed and exhausted mother of twin babies and 3. Zara, a slightly (mostly?) crazed mom of three teenagers. I really liked Chloe, but Jess and Zara were forgettable.

The MMC is Ben, a London restaurateur who is lonely and unlucky in love. When his favorite uncle, Lorenzo, passes away, he suddenly inherits a villa in Ibiza.

With the his new home quickly becoming a money pit, Ben’s three sisters convince him to turn it into a retreat.

Chloe, Jess, and Zara are all in desperate need of a break and choose to book the retreat based on a flyer (?!).

The overly cautious Chloe is suspicious of Ben’s “too nice” personality but can appreciate his “nice face.” She’s still very weary that the women may possibly be lured to their deaths in the hills of Ibiza.

They arrive at the villa, and I thought the book would get interesting, but I was wrong.

I’m guessing Chloe and Ben fall in love and there are some mediocre sex scenes involved. I’ll never know. DNF in Chapter 7. Too much of a wordy, slow burn for me. I really wanted to love this one!

[JudyAnnLovesBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

GLOW JOB by Kristen Bailey was my first read by this author and wow, did this book deliver! I came away with a smile on my face and a lighter, happier heart (Does that make sense? Because that's exactly how it felt!).

This is a romcom at its core, but it's so much more than that. It’s a genuine feel good read that leaves you feeling light and airy, as if you yourself have been on vacation. The sun drenched Ibizan setting is vivid and inviting. You can practically feel the warmth on your skin and taste the sea air.

Chloe is incredibly relatable. Invisible to her boss, overworked, burnt out and desperately in need of a break. When she ends up at a chaotic wellness retreat run by Ben (who looks like Pedro Pascal and cooks like a dream) the magic begins. Ben's trying to turn his late uncle's rundown villa into a functioning retreat and he's clearly winging it, but there's something so endearing about his efforts.

The chemistry between Chloe and Ben is palpable. Watching them both slowly come alive over the course of the week, through feral goats, beach raves, skinny dipping, and wedding crashing, is pure joy. The way Ben sees Chloe for who she truly is, when she's been overlooked for so long, is quietly heartbreaking and utterly beautiful.

Kristen Bailey will have you laughing out loud a time or two but there is genuine heart here too. This is the summer romcom you'll devour in one sitting and never want to end. If you're looking for a book that will make you smile, sigh and feel like you've had a mini vacation, GLOW JOB is exactly what you need. I’m giving it the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read: E-book (ARC)
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶

Review:
First of all, thanks to the author and NetGalley for giving me this opportunity to ARC read this book.

I loved it. I absolutely adored this book on so many levels. The characters? Perfection. The location? The best. The funny things that happened? I laughed so many times.

It's a multiple POV story, but we mainly follow Ben and Chloe. Ben runs a newly opened getaway in Ibiza, where work-a-holic Chloe, newly mom to twins Jess and in-a-need-of-me-time mom of three teenagers Zara come together. I love how all of these three women have their own, unique personality and lives they leave behind for a week, to get some well deserved rest.
And then there's Ben, the too-good-for-his-own-good kind of man. He's sweet, thoughtful, adorable AND looks like Pedro Pascal (do I need to say more!?).
Miguel has my whole heart. He kind of reminded me of this guy from The Proposal movie, Ramone. He was so funny and I laughed so many times, he carried half of this book on his shoulders.

Ben and Chloe are so sweet and adorable together. It didn't feel rushed at all, even though fell in love within a week. But the story felt right paced, not forced. Absolutely perfect chemistry. Although there was some spice, the book was not focused on that at all.
The side stories from Zara and Jess were also nice and fun, especially in the end when everything came together (Zara, I love you girlie).

Honestly, we all need a Ben in our lives.

And goats.

✨️Found family
✨️Friends to lovers
✨️Goats
✨️Ibiza
✨️Funny Spanish guy
✨️Perfect Summer read

🗓 Release date: July 20 2026

[bookishWife · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very heartwarming book with a unique premise that perfectly captures the feel-good atmosphere of a holiday romance.

Chloe is a 25-year-old woman struggling with burnout. Tired of her toxic office environment and realizing she deserves better than being everyone's doormat, she impulsively books a vacation to Ibiza. The story also explores the lives of two side characters who are equally in need of a break, adding depth to the overall narrative.

Ben, a chef from London, has just inherited a villa in Ibiza from his late uncle. Filled with fond childhood memories and recognizing the villa's potential, he takes time off work to restore the property. On a whim—and with plenty of encouragement from his siblings—he decides to open it as a retreat. What starts as a joking suggestion quickly becomes a reality, and Chloe, Jess, and Zara become the first guests at the newly renovated retreat.

The book can feel a little confusing at the beginning as the different storylines and characters are introduced. However, once everything falls into place, it's an incredibly charming read. The banter is witty, the humor is delightful, and there are plenty of moments that will make you smile. I especially enjoyed watching each character grow emotionally throughout the story, which made their journeys feel genuine and satisfying.

Overall, this is a warm, uplifting read that combines romance, friendship, self-discovery, and a touch of escapism. If you're looking for a book with vacation vibes and lovable characters, this is definitely worth picking up.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Karrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I've only ever read a Christmas book by Bailey (which I loved) so I was excited to read a non-holiday book by her. I absolutely loved this story, all the characters, and of course the setting! The FMC, Chloe, is an over-worked and way underappreciated architect with the worst boss. The MMC, Ben, is a chef on the verge of a burnout who has just inherited his beloved Uncle Lorenzo's villa in Ibiza. After some prompting from his sisters, they talk him into opening the villa as a retreat. Chloe is talked into going for a week, where she is joined by Zara, a mom of three teens who are abysmal, and Jess, a new mom of twins who needs a self-confidence boost. Jess and Zara have some chapters told from their point of view as well, but most of the story alternates between Chloe and Ben.

The majority of the story takes place in Ibiza with the group at the villa after we learn why all the characters need a break. Ben tries his best to hone in on what he notices about each woman and make sure they get what they need. He's helped by his uncle's best friend, Miguel, an old eccentric man who was the perfect addition to this story! He may have been my favorite character of all. Each woman begins to learn something about herself and get what she needs while at the retreat. I wish this was a real place because I'd want to go to! Without any spoilers, this is a romance book!

This was such a great read and I hope there is a sequel. I absolutely loved it and didn't want the story to end. Perfect for any vacation or for a fun beach read!

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Tropes: Vacation romance, forced proximity
Spice Level: 🔥🔥

Chloe is completely burned out. Overworked, underappreciated, and running on empty, she books a wellness retreat in Ibiza hoping for a much-needed reset. What she finds instead is a gloriously chaotic retreat run by Ben, a London restaurant owner who inherited the villa from his uncle and is somehow trying to turn it into a wellness destination despite having absolutely no idea what he’s doing. Between escaped goats, beach raves, skinny-dipping, and plenty of unexpected mishaps, Chloe and Ben find themselves spending more and more time together—and what was supposed to be a relaxing getaway quickly turns into something much more.

This was such a fun summer read. The Ibiza setting was gorgeous, and I loved the mix of sunshine, humor, and romance. Ben was easy to fall for, and his passion for food added a fun layer to the story (seriously, don’t read this one hungry). I also really enjoyed the found family vibes among the retreat guests—it made the whole story feel warm, welcoming, and a little chaotic in the best way.

The reason this landed at 3.5 stars for me is that some of the comedy felt a little over-the-top at times, and I never felt quite as emotionally invested in Chloe and Ben’s relationship as I wanted to. The chemistry was definitely there, but I wanted a little more depth to their connection before the ending.

Overall, though, this was a light, funny, and entertaining romance with major vacation vibes. If you’re looking for a feel-good summer rom-com filled with sunshine, laughter, and a little self-discovery, this is a great one to toss in your beach bag. 📚☀️🏖️