I prefer watching rom-coms on a screen rather than reading them However, thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources, I came across this book. I liked the cover and decided to participate in the blog tour of Julie Caplin’s latest, The Hotel by the Sea.

⚡ The Quick Take

The Vibe: A vivid, cinematic escape to the Portuguese coast that feels like a summer holiday.
Best For: Readers who enjoy lighthearted, escapist fiction.
Key Takeaway: While the atmosphere is intoxicating, the emotional logic of the characters occasionally feels as fleeting as a summer breeze.
Wordsopedia Verdict: 3 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐

Plot Summary: What Is “The Hotel by the Sea” About?

Rebecca needs an escape—and fast. After the crushing humiliation of watching the man she has secretly loved for years, Will, choose someone else, she jumps at a temporary job at the family-run Quinta do Mar hotel in Portugal. Sun, sea, and a fresh start are exactly what the doctor ordered.

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 that carefree exterior lies a man carrying the weight of his entire family on his shoulders. The last thing he needs is another responsibility—especially one as challenging and dangerously easy to fall for as Rebecca.

Characters: A Study in Connection

Caplin draws her characters with such distinct, sharp lines that I felt I was watching them move through the hotel’s halls. However, as a reader I often fall in love with characters, feel for them and dream of meeting them in real life. The connection here was a bit uneven.

Felipe: He is the heartbeat of the story. While he presents a flirty facade, his depth comes from the shadow of his family obligations. He was the character I found most grounded and genuinely endearing.
Rebecca: I found it difficult to truly warm up to her. Her perspective on her family was overwhelmingly negative, and the repeated references to these grievances became more irksome than poignant. Furthermore, I found her emotional logic jarring; after years of pining for Will, her quick transition into a physical relationship with Felipe felt abrupt.
Will: To be blunt, Will is boring as hell. He is selfish to the core, perpetually mourning his dead wife, Alicia, while claiming to love Rebecca without ever actually showing it. He isn’t a hero in any sense; he’s just a man who takes up space without giving anything back.

Atmosphere and Imagery: A Sensory Souvenir

If there is one thing Caplin excels at, it is bringing a setting to life. The Portuguese coastline is not just a backdrop; it is a living entity. The cinematic clarity of the prose made the cobbled streets feel real beneath my feet.

Food and drink are the heartbeat of this book. However, as a vegetarian and teetotaler, I had to remain contented as a silent observer of the Portuguese wine and fresh fish being served. Yet, the writing is so evocative that I could appreciate the texture these elements added to the world-building, even if my own plate looks very different.

❖ The Highlights

Masterful Setting: The portrayal of Portugal is stunning and immersive.
Felipe’s Layers: A male lead who carries far more weight than his initial flirty introduction suggests.
Visual Fidelity: Characters and locations are easy to visualize and see in action.

❖ The Hiccups

Emotional Pacing: The transition from Rebecca’s long-term pining for Will to her connection with Felipe felt hollow.
The Will Factor: A supporting character who is more draining than interesting.
Repetitive Notes: The protagonist’s negative family outlook hindered her character growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Hotel by the Sea a standalone?

Yes, while it is part of Julie Caplin’s Romantic Escapes series, you can easily read it as a standalone without having read the previous books.

Is it a clean romance?

It leans more toward the steamy side of contemporary romance. I found the speed at which the physical relationship developed a bit surprising given the protagonist’s long-term emotional history with her best friend.

How is the pacing?

It is a light, breezy read. The plot moves quickly, much like a holiday romance, making it perfect for a weekend escape.

My Verdict

The Hotel by the Sea is a comfortable, one-time read. It captures the bright, scenic charm of a holiday romance effectively, making it a perfect pick for those who enjoy a breezy escape. While it may not have the philosophical depth I usually seek, it is a pleasant stay for a weekend.

This review reflects my honest and voluntary opinion as part of the Rachel’s Random Resources blog tour.