The Hotel by the Sea

Romantic Escapes #13

by Julie Caplin

Pack your bags and get ready to fall in love with The Hotel by the Sea—your next romantic getaway awaits!Rebecca needs to escape. After making a complete fool of herself watching the man she's secretly loved for years run off with someone else—she jumps at a temporary job at the family-run Quinta do Mar hotel. Sun, sea, and a fresh start sound perfect.

What she doesn't expect is Felipe Rebelo.

Charming, infuriatingly confident, and always ready with a flirty quip, Felipe seems to have life sorted. But beneath his carefree exterior lies a man carrying the weight of his entire family. The last thing he needs is another responsibility. Especially one who challenges him at every turn, makes him laugh, and is dangerously easy to fall for…

Escape to Portugal's stunning Algarve coast in this uplifting summer romance about finding yourself, choosing happiness, and discovering that love isn't about being needed—it's about being seen.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Adult

337 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 23, 2026

About the author

Julie Caplin also writes contemporary romance as Jules Wake.

Julie Caplin is addicted to travel and good food. She’s on a constant hunt for the perfect gin and is obsessively picky about glasses, tonic and garnishes. Between regular gin tastings, she’s been writing her debut novel which is set in just one of the many cities she’s explored over the years.

Formerly a PR director, for many years she swanned around Europe taking top food and drink writers on press trips (junkets) sampling the gastronomic delights of various cities in Italy, France, Belgium, Spain, Copenhagen and Switzerland. It was a tough job but someone had to do it. These trips have provided the inspiration and settings for the trilogy, The Little Cafe in Copenhagen, The Little Brooklyn Bakery and the The Little Paris Patisserie.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet read from Caplin that has “escapism” written all over it. This time, readers are transported to beautiful Portugal and I loved how vividly the setting is conveyed to readers. It was a captivating read that proved a great distraction from mundane life!

Rebecca’s new, summer job as a Pilates instructor at a hotel in the Algarve sounds like bliss. The stunning views (both countryside and her colleague) make it idyllic and it really seems like she has found her feet. Rebecca’s homelife hasn’t exactly been a constant stream of happiness and this summer job is an opportunity to leave behind negative memories and focus on herself, once and for all.

Except, she doesn’t anticipate falling for Felipe and the flirtatious banter between the characters from the beginning shows that this is going to complicate Rebecca’s summer. However, I loved the fact that she didn’t know what Felipe’s work was – inadvertently falling for her boss. I don’t think this relationship would have developed in the slightest if Rebecca knew what she was letting herself in for. On the other hand, when readers learn about why she was so keen to leave England behind, it makes her happiness even more significant and I was really rooting for these characters.

Rebecca’s stay in Portugal is full of energy. Not just because of her work, but also thanks to Felipe’s cheeky and sassy cousins. They are a whirlwind and I enjoyed how they added another layer to the story. Honestly, I think they would have driven me mad if I had to live with them, I liked how Caplin uses these characters to help bring Rebecca’s happy ending. Not only that, they come to represent how the hotel is a family business and that everyone has to do their fair share of work. As Rebecca’s exercise classes grow in popularity, it represents her being welcomed and feeling like she belongs – at long last.

Yet, it’s not all smooth sailing and wonderful Portugal descriptions. When someone from home arrives at the hotel, Rebecca’s world is sent in a tailspin. I liked seeing how Rebecca would manage her feelings but I was curious whether she would finally realise the importance of her own self-happiness, rather than indulging in others around her first.

Full of sun, sea and beautiful coastlines, this book takes readers to a gorgeous hotel in Portugal. It’s a shame it’s fiction, because I would certainly check in, book myself in for one of Rebecca’s classes, and have a drink or two with Felipe!

With thanks to One More Chapter, Harper Collins, NetGalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Nicki]

5 Stars!
I love this series, and this was another fab book from Julie Caplin, one of my favourite authors.
It’s set in Portugal, on the Algarve, as Rebecca the main character gets a job at a family run hotel, as a Pilates instructor. The hotel and location sounded gorgeous and made me feel like I’d been transported there along with Rebecca.
I loved Rebecca right from the start, she’s a strong independent woman who doesn’t need a man to rescue her, or rely on her. She’s nursing a broken heart because of Will, the man she’s secretly loved for years. He definitely hasn’t felt the same way about her, and has gone off with someone else. Then she meets Felipe at the hotel, and the chemistry between them is so good straight from the start, that she almost forgets about Will.
I loved following Rebecca as she settled into her routine at the hotel, with Felipe and his family. It was a really lovely story, seeing her try all the different foods, she wouldn’t normally eat and having fun as Felipe’s young cousins, Katerina and Cristina give her fashion tips.
The romance between her and Felipe, was fun and flirty with a bit of spice. It felt very natural, and I really wanted it all to work out for them.
Of course because it’s a romance it wasn’t plain sailing, but I was quite surprised with the plot development, and annoyed for Rebecca and Felipe, especially Felipe! I was shouting in my head at both of them, to open their eyes and stop what was about to happen! I can’t say any more because of spoilers!
If you’re looking for a fun, flirty romance, I definitely recommend this one. In fact as usual I recommend the whole Romantic Escapes series!
Thanks so much to One More Chapter and NetGalley for my digital ARC.

[Linniegayl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, this is a tough one for me to review. The setting (Portugal) and the descriptions of food were fantastic and probably 5 stars. I liked Felipe's family and their interactions with both him and Rebecca. However, for at least the first third of the book I felt nothing regarding the interactions/romance between Felipe and Rebecca. Then, when Will appears (the man Rebecca has been in love with for years and whom she has catered to every whim for years)? UGH! It was so obvious he was using Rebecca, didn't see Rebecca for what she was.

The ending was nice, and it's clear we have our next heroine and most likely a story set in Paris. I'll read it, but this one for the most part was just mediocre. So this is a half-hearted, 3 stars, very close to just 2 stars.

[Kirsty · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hotel by the Sea by Julie Caplin

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Rebecca needs to escape. After making a complete fool of herself watching the man she's secretly loved for years run off with someone else—she jumps at a temporary job at the family-run Quinta do Mar hotel. Sun, sea, and a fresh start sound perfect.

What she doesn't expect is Felipe Rebelo.

Charming, infuriatingly confident, and always ready with a flirty quip, Felipe seems to have life sorted. But beneath his carefree exterior lies a man carrying the weight of his entire family. The last thing he needs is another responsibility. Especially one who challenges him at every turn, makes him laugh, and is dangerously easy to fall for…

My Opinion

The Hotel by the Sea is the thirteenth book in the Romantic Escapes series but it can easily be read as a standalone. With a lovely setting and some charming characters this was a delightful novel. Julie Caplin has written an uplifting novel that was difficult to put down.

Rating 4/5

[Barbara Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

When the man Rebecca has loved for years runs off with someone else, she decides it's time for a fresh start and takes a temporary job at the family fun Quinta do Mar resort as the Pilates instructor She's ready to clear her mind and her heart. What she's not ready for is Felipe. Felipe is gorgeous and funny and seems to have it altogether but undemeath it all is a man whose life is heavy and he needs to rest. The last thing he needs is someone who chalks him ike Rebecca does. As Rebecca settles into life at the resort. the romance between her and Felipe slowly develops but their friendship grows first. He has her trying new foods and seeing new things and forgettall about the man who broke her heart.
This is part of a series but I haven’t read all the books in the series and I had no trouble reading this one. The setting was stunning, the food sounded amazing and Felipe's family were fun to get to know.
Need a fun and firty romance to escape into for a few hours? Look no further.
Thanks to One More Chapter and NetGalley for this eAre in exchange for my review

[Lynne Aubrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fast paced predictable read.

[Amanda Giles · Rating 2 out of 5]

If been looking forward to another in this series but this one fell flat for me. The romance came too fast and there was so little of the description around the Portuguese culture and scenery that I loved so much in the others.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebecca needs to escape and a new start to her life. She had been in love with Will since forever. After his wife died, she stood by him and pulled him out of his grief. She finally decided to let him know how she felt about him and he left her at the banquet when he left with another woman. She wanted to run and hide, so accepted a job as a pilates instructor at a family run hotel in Portugal. From the moment she arrived she loved it and knew she had made the right decision. It's her first day there when she meets a man in the pool, Felipe Rebelo. He is a charming, confident flirt who she has fun with. He is carefree, competitive and just what she is looking for to get her mind off Will. He is the son of the owner, but doesn't seem to do much around the Quinto-do-Mar. When they spend a weekend in Portugal, Rebecca is in love, but returning to the hotel, Will is waiting for her.

I've heard good things about this series and kept saying that I was going to pick one up, and I'm glad I finally did. After reading this book, I'm ready to pack my bags and head off to the Algarve coast. The setting, the food and the fun all call to me. I loved the atmosphere at the hotel and the loving family that we meet. Cristina and Katerina, Felipe's young cousins were such a hoot as well as being adorable. Felipe and Rebecca were perfect for one another. They were both competitive, not looking for a commitment, fun, independent and had spent their lives looking after others in their families. It was time for them to finally look out for themselves and I was rooting for them to do so. I really couldn't understand what Rebecca saw in Will. Talk about a stick in the mud. Themes of finding what you really want out of life, following your passion, loving and caring for your family, and finding true love all play out nicely in The Hotel by the Sea. I definitely recommend this summer romance.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hotel by the Sea is the kind of romance that feels like stepping into a warm breeze — sun‑drenched, gently hopeful, and threaded with just enough emotional depth to make the journey linger. Rebecca’s escape to the Algarve begins as an act of self‑preservation after a painfully humiliating moment, but it quickly becomes something far more transformative. The Quinta do Mar hotel, with its sea‑salt air and easy charm, offers her the fresh start she didn’t know she needed.

And then there’s Felipe Rebelo.

Charming, infuriating, and effortlessly magnetic, he’s the sort of man who seems to glide through life untouched — until you look closer. Beneath the teasing confidence lies a man carrying the weight of his family’s expectations, someone who has learned to hide his own needs behind a smile. Watching Rebecca and Felipe circle each other — sparring, softening, surprising one another — is a delight. Their chemistry is bright and playful, but there’s a tenderness beneath it that gives the story real heart.

What makes the novel shine is its sense of place. The Algarve coast is painted with such warmth that you can almost feel the heat rising off the cobblestones and hear the waves brushing the shore. It’s the perfect backdrop for a story about rediscovery — of joy, of confidence, of the kind of love that doesn’t demand anything except honesty.

This isn’t a romance about being rescued; it’s about being seen. Rebecca learns to step into her own light, and Felipe learns that vulnerability isn’t a burden. Together, they find something that feels both unexpected and inevitable.

Uplifting, sunlit, and full of heart, The Hotel by the Sea is a gorgeous summer escape — a reminder that sometimes the best journeys begin the moment you finally walk away.

With thanks to Julie Caplin, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Aga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for this ARC, out April 23rd.

This was such a sweet, summery read and exactly the kind of book that makes you want to throw a few dresses into a suitcase and immediately book a trip to Portugal.

Rebecca moves to Portugal to work as a Pilates instructor at a family-owned hotel, hoping for a fresh start and, if we’re being honest, to stop pining after Will, her friend she’s very much in love with. Rebecca and Will gave me serious Iris and Jasper in The Holiday vibes, and let’s just say Will did absolutely nothing for me. In fact, I found him just as frustrating as expected.

Felipe, though? A completely different story. He is kind, loyal, dedicated to his family, and yes, blessed with an outrageously hot body, which certainly does not hurt. But beyond that, he felt like the more layered and emotionally grounded character, and I really liked the depth he brought to the story.

What I enjoyed most was Rebecca’s journey. Beneath the sunshine, romance, and gorgeous setting, this is really a story about figuring out what you want, learning to let go of what is not serving you, and finally choosing yourself.

And honestly, the real scene-stealers here were Felipe’s younger cousins. They brought so much chaos, sass, and laugh-out-loud energy to the story. Exactly the kind of tweens who cause mild havoc and somehow make everything better.

Overall, this is a lovely beach-and-poolside read with summer vibes, family drama, romance, and a setting that practically begs for a cocktail in hand. A perfect one to pack for holidays.

[Emily Pankhurst · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rated 4.5/5

Netgalley Review

The writing was engaging from the beginning right through to the end. There were some emotional and thoughtful moments that were nice to read about. 

The chapters were generally fairly long, with some of them being split. It meant that you could get immersed in certain parts of the story before moving on. There was a good flow between the chapters, with the story moving forward well. I liked the Epilogue at the end, although I would still have liked to read more!

There was a good pace to the story, slowed down only by the little details, such as the places that the characters were in and the jobs that the characters had, that brought realism to the story. 

The characters were excellent. There was a real warm family feel, which was further highlighted by the fact that the main character hadn't experienced that before in her life. It was a joy to read about and added a nice extra layer to the story. 

There was a lot of will they, won't they and beating around the bush, but it was entertaining to read about.

I enjoyed the different layers to each of the main characters and reading about things from their individual points of view. I enjoyed knowing what each of the main characters thought about each other and I was willing them to see it and work it out for themselves. 

Lastly the settings. They felt well researched, detailed and really pulled you into the characters' world. They added a nice texture to the story and really brought it to life. 

Overall a lovely summer read and a nice addition to the series.

[Debbie Southwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another cracking book by Julie Caplin, thirteenth in the romantic escapes series. Rebecca moves to a new job as a Pilates instructor at a family run hotel in Portugal to get away from Will who she loves but who she realises doesn’t feel the same. Here she meets Felipe the owner of the hotel, not that she realises that at first, she just thinks he is the pampered male of the family. As time progresses however Rebecca learns more about Felipe and his family and the fact that Felipe has taken a lot on following the death of his Father and Uncle including giving up his career in cycling and ensuring he looks after the family members, including his Mum, sisters and cousins.
When Will turns up Rebecca has to make a decision on how she really feels, now she has met Felipe and had the experiences with him does she love Will or has Felipe made her rediscover herself and her confidence.
As always with Julie’s book you feel as if you in the country her book is based in, feeling the sun on your face, eating the home cooked family meals, being embraced by the family and I’ve add another country to my bucket list as I do every time I read a new book of hers.
This book was a little more spicy then her usual romantic escapes but it didn’t detract from the story of how people can make you feel and that you should never let anyone dull your sparkle.
Thank you to Netgalley and One More Chapter for an advance copy of the book with opinions all my own.

[Magically Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

You ever go on vacation and just find someone you instantly click with? Or have the best giddy feeling with? That is what this book reminded me of. A memory from the past of a time when vacation and instant chemistry with a boy changed the summer around.

Rebecca gave herself a fresh summer start, and I wish we could all do that. When heartbreak becomes too much, just pick up and find a summer job in Portugal to work at. And she didn't run in a sense that she couldn't heal, just that she needed a break from normal life. She was strong throughout the book. And yes she did make the right decision.

Felipe got the short end of taking on too much responsibility and not always following what he wants to do. But the way he treats Rebecca made my heart swoon. He couldn't have been better if he tried.

Cannot wait for the next story.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
Spice Level: 🌶️
Dual 1st POV
Publisher: HarperCollins UK / One More Chapter
Pages 384

Portugal Setting
Instant Chemistry
Love After Heartbreak

Thank you to HarperCollins UK / One More Chapter, and author Julie Caplin, for providing me with the eARC of “The Hotel By The Sea”.

[Pam Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Portugal sparkles in the sunshine and provides a great backdrop to the story. Rebecca takes up a job at a family run hotel to try to escape the situation she finds herself at home. Nursing a broken heart having been rejected by one of her oldest friends, she relishes the challende of teaching pilates at this wonderful resort. She finds a welcoming family there which feels such a contrast to her own family. Brought up with older brothers, she enjoys the company of the young girls of the family and begins to work out how she wants to present herself to the world. She lacks confidence in her own tastes and enjoys the love and affection the family have for each other.

Felipe is the son of the house who has had to take on responsibility for his nieces, sisters and mother following a family tragedy. You realise how he has built a shell around himself, keeping his feelings of overwhelm hidden out od sight. Throughout the story you begin to see Felipe and Rebecca both work out what they want for their futures and friendships develop. With some humour and lots of romance throughout, this is a great addition to the series.

In short: new starts
Thanks to the publisher

[Majken Skov · Rating 5 out of 5]

swimming in the Atlantic

So this rating is a little bit caused by loyalty and appreciation for the series as a whole. The beginning of the book was not edited sufficiently. And the resolution of the conflict including the female main character’s break with her past self - her former job and dreams among other things - was too neat and easy in my opinion. But really - never mind all that. Julie Chaplin always delivers as good a holiday as you can get in a book so now I want to go Portugal. Rebecca is both likable and believable. I consider it a great strength of the series that the main characters have rather diverse personalities.
I am even very forgiving about the amount of physical activity in this one. It was actually very close to pleasant to read about all that cykling and pilates and swimming.
I hope the next book is about Ana and my fingers are crossed that there will be port in that one. Not that I’m complaining about the very nice slightly sparkling white wine in this book. It went well with the sea and the swimmingpool and the sun and the prawns. But I also like port.

[Claire Rowlands · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to @Harpercollins and @Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
✈️ Out with the "Unrequited Love," in with the Algarve! 🇵🇹☀️
If your hobby is "watching the love of your life marry someone else," please take a page out of Rebecca’s book and book a flight immediately.
The Vibe Check 🏨
In The Hotel by the Sea, Julie Caplin takes us to the Quinta do Mar hotel. Rebecca arrives with a bruised ego and a desperate need for a "Reset" button. What she gets is Felipe Rebelo—a man who is 50% charm, 50% infuriating confidence, and 100% the reason your Kindle might overheat.

Why it’s your next 5-star read:

The Scenery: I’m convinced Julie Caplin doesn’t write books; she writes travel brochures that happen to have a plot. You can practically smell the salt air and taste the pastéis de nata.

The "Felipe" Factor: He’s the flirty, "life-of-the-party" guy who is secretly carrying the weight of the world. Watching him and Rebecca challenge each other is pure dopamine.

No Damsels Here: This isn't about Felipe "saving" Rebecca. It’s about two people finally being seen for who they actually are, not just what they can do for others.

⚠️ Warning:

Side effects include an uncontrollable urge to quit your job, move to Portugal, and start working at a family-run hotel. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Rating: ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Mood: Sun-drenched, witty, and deeply romantic.

Is it really a vacation if you didn’t bring a book that makes you want to move there? 🏖️ What’s your ultimate "escape" destination? Tell me below! 👇

#Bookstagram #AlgarveVibes #SummerReads #BeachReads #PortugalTravel

[Jessica’s Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖 Title: The Hotel By Sea
📖 Author: @juliecaplinauthor
📖 Pages: 305
📖 Genre: Romance/ General Fiction
📖 Publisher: @onemorechapterhc
📖 Release Date: 23rd April 2026
📖 Format I read: Ebook/ Digital

💭 My Thoughts 💭

This is book 13 of romantic escapes I’ve read a few of them now. This is one of my favourite’s so far. I loved the characters, the location and just the overall feeling I get reading Julie’s writing.

Rebecca was such a strong fmc I loved she had put herself first and travelled to Portugal for her new job. I really wish I could attend one of her Pilates classes.

Felipe was charming and vulnerable. He had been through so much trauma within his family and needed to focus on himself for once.

Portugal is a country I’m yet to visit in real life and Julie brought it to life so much with her vivid descriptions. I really hope I can experience it for myself one day soon.

The Quinita do mar and the Rebelo family are definitely worth the visit this summer.

Jessica’s Bookshelf Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Kari Bunce (Books With Herb) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Portuguese Escape for the Soul! 🇵🇹
The Hotel by the Sea is exactly the kind of literary vacation I needed. If you’ve ever dreamed of running away to a fabulous beachside hotel run by a warm, welcoming family, this book is for you!

The story follows Rebecca, who flees a broken heart in England for a summer job as a pilates instructor in Portugal. I loved watching her fall in love—not just with the charming, hardworking owner, Felipe, but with the city of Lisbon and the vibrant life she begins to build there.

The real test comes when her past (in the form of her ex, Will) shows up just as she’s finding her footing. Seeing Rebecca transform into a strong, decisive woman who has to choose between her old life and her new Portuguese sunshine was so satisfying.

It truly felt like taking a mini-vacation without leaving the house. A delightful, heart-warming read!

Rating: 4 bones from Herb and me. 🦴🦴🦴🦴

#Goodreads #TheHotelByTheSea #JulieCaplin #TravelFiction #Lisbon #BookReview #SummerReads #RomanticEscape

[Trini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another winner from Julie Caplin. This series is so warm, lovely and takes the reader on a wonderful vacation on every page. Rebecca temporarily moves to Algarve, Portugal to get away from her heartbreak and also her whole family. There she meets Felipe, who she believes is a playboy and similar to her brothers who think men are better.

However, she starts to learn more about him and herself during her time there, and discovers that the partnership and love she wants can be found by the sea, and not with the man she thinks she's in love with. There are ups and downs with both failing to realise and communicate what they want but as with all the escapists book, we get the HEA we wants.

As always, the secondary characters are wonderful and warm, not least Portugal and it's charms, Caplin's descriptions of the places, food and culture always makes me want to book a ticket after reading!

Thanks to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGallery for the ARC

[theweebookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the latest in the Romantic Escapes Series and is a perfect feel good stand alone read.

I was fully invested in the main characters of the story, Rebecca, Felipe and Will.

Rebecca came across as so down to earth and I enjoyed watching her character grow, develop and come into her own. I couldn't understand her fixation with Will and I was hoping she would eventually see him for what he was. Felipe on the other hand came across as the better man. He had endured so much trauma in his life he had built so many barriers around himself.

I felt the chemistry and friendship between Rebecca and Felipe was well written. Added to this we have the rest of the Rebelo family, and the antics of the two young cousins had me chuckling. They are certainly full of character and sass.

The book wouldn't have been complete without the beautiful descriptions of the area it is set in.

A lovely family centred, warmhearted read which I thoroughly enjoyed.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy the author's books and have read quite a few of them. All take place in such a fun and new location. Fun and romantic escapist read.
An exotic location read, fun, flirty and oh so charming.
This one welcomes a newcomer to beautiful "Portugal's stunning Algarve coast in this uplifting summer romance about finding yourself, choosing happiness, and discovering that love isn't about being needed—it's about being seen."
I just loved this one, it made me so happy while reading this feel-good book.
Loved the characters, so warm, outgoing and friendly. They make our newcomer feel right at home and part of the family. The setting sounds so tropical and wonderful like a perfect vacation spot that welcomes you in and you just want to forget about home life and stay there.
So glad I got a chance to read this, and I look forward to reading many more by the author.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hotel by the Sea is the first book from the Romantic Escapes series I have read and after finishing this I am looking forward to starting the series from the beginning.
Rebecca was in love with Will, but she sadly figures out he does not feel the same way. She makes the decision to go to Portugal and take a job as a Pilates instructor at a small hotel there. Working at the hotel that is a family owned, she connects with Felipe and wants to learn more about him. While trying to get her on the path she wants Will shows up. She now needs to decide if it is really over for her with Will, or does she want to see if Felipe may be her future.
The characters in this book felt so real as I was reading this book.
Thank you NetGalley , Julie Caplin and One More Chapter for the copy of The Hotel by the Sea. This is my personal review.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebecca needs to escape from the most humiliating experience of her life. A Summer job at a family-run hotel in Portugal is the perfect solution, but it proves to be more life-changing than she imagined. I like the chemistry between Felipe and Rebecca and the way their relationship is developing. Family, duty, and living your own life are recurring themes in the story. The setting is summery and evocatively described, giving the story its unique edge. The romance is conflicted and gentle and feels authentic. It's a contemporary romantic tale with a touch of spice that works well, given the initial "live-in-the-moment" ethos of Rebecca and Felipe's romance. It's a perfect holiday read with characters you invest in, a coastal setting and passionate romance.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Ade · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect summer escapist book. As always Ms Caplin has managed to transport readers to sunny Portugal with picturesque descriptions of sandy beaches, great food and beautiful views.

Rebecca has taken a job as a Pilates instructor in coastal Algarve, Portugal. Running from an embarrassing situation with her crush and some family drama, she finds solace in her boss, Felipe.

This is a book about reclaiming and rediscovering one’s self, honesty, courage and conviction. The chemistry between Rebecca and Felipe was amazing and I loved how they balanced each other out with their honest takes about their lives.

I enjoyed the found family trope and the mischievous teens were a highlight for me. The plot was engaging from start to finish and the pacing was right.

Check this out if you enjoy

📖 Found Family
📖Escapist Romance
📖Family Drama

[Laura-Elise Bishop · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gorgeous Portugese getaway! I have read most of Julie's travel romance series and they do not disappoint!
Rebecca is leaving her male dominated life, and the man she (secretly) loves behind her to take a job as a Pilates instructor in beautiful Portugal. The resort is family run, and she quickly becomes more than friends with handsome playboy Felipe. She throws herself into her new life, but she is stilll thinking about lifelong friend Will, who she has loved for years.
When Will arrives in Portugal, she has to make some decisions about her past, present and future.
Love a strong heroine, a man who knows how to treat women, and gorgeous scenery that makes me feel like I'm there too!

[Book Escapes Babs · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite holiday destinations in recent years has been Portugal. This was a most welcome return visit, and it had me picturing the amazing sights and scenes that have become so familiar to me.

The Hotel by the Sea is delightfully romantic with some gorgeous characters whom I took to immediately. Rebecca is Anna's cousin, whom we met in the delightful A Little Place in Prague. Like Anna, Rebecca is determined to make a name for herself outwith the pressures of her family brewery.

Taking a seasonal job on Portugal’s Algarve, Rebecca gave me pure job envy. This envy was driven by the location, not the workload! I wouldn’t know where to begin with Pilates, even though I’m sure it would do me a world of good. The idea of being at one with body and mind in a beautiful setting is highly appealing. The descriptions of the hotel and local area were on point, but it was the food that captured my imagination. Portugal boasts some of the most amazing food and drink, so I was thrilled to follow the extensive menu of local dishes and wines.

Felipe was a complex character who, despite seeming to be an easy read, revealed a terrific depth which had me itching to learn more about him. His easy relationship with Rebecca was a pleasure to follow and I found myself hoping for a happy ending to their stories. Of course, happy endings are more delicious when hard won, and there are juicy obstacles to overcome.

I don’t think I could have loved this book more. Julie’s character development is always expertly handled, with satisfying story arcs, relatable connections and warm communities. The Hotel by the Sea is a welcome addition to Julie’s Romantic Escapes series, and I cannot recommend it enough.

[Roo · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely sunny read, filled with hope and happiness. Rebecca is off to Portugal to start a new job,after a bad breakup. She’s exciting and can’t wait for a new adventure. She didn’t expect to bump into Felipe, the hotel manager, he’s stunning, but stressed. Will Rebecca be able to help him or just mix up his feelings. A lovely summer read, set in a beautiful country, the author knows how to pull you in with her descriptive text. This series is great, it’s like going on a holiday with every read. Fab 5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy,

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read this lovely, escapist book, I now have a new place at the top of my 'to visit' list. Julie Caplin brings Portugal to life as Rebecca starts a new job in a hotel there. I loved the family connections and with a dashing romantic hero to boot, what's not to love?

Of course, it's not all plain sailing as Rebecca has her own reasons for fleeing to Portugal but when she meets Felipe, she has a life changing decision to make.

Great characters, lovely descriptions of Portugal, a great escapist read.

[Emily West · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved every book in the romantic escapes series and this one is not different. You feel like you are part of the story, both in terms of the characters and the relationships that they form, as well as the beautiful settings. Each book has made me dream of the location and this definitely had me dreaming of the Portuguese coast. A wonderful book that allows you to escape somewhere beautiful, even if only for a short time.

[Tortuga · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can truly recommend all books from the romantic escapes series and this one is no exception! Set in the beautiful Algarve Region in Portugal it is truly a sun-drenched escape to this dream destination.

The characters are very likeable and the chemistry between Rebecca and Felipe was so well written! I loved how their relationship grew and how Rebecca made Felipe feel seen and accepted.

I can’t wait for the next romantic escape with Julie Caplin.