Rating 4.5/5*

Whatever the weather, this story had me imagining I was sailing the beautiful Croatian coastline with the characters in this lovely story.

Maddie Wilcox is given the opportunity to work on a luxury yacht by her best friend, Nina. Although unsure, Maddie agrees, especially as she knows Nina’s brother, Nick, will be on board and she assumes he’ll be as great and easy to get on with as Nina. Their initial encounter, however, has her seriously rethinking everything as Nick seems an opinionated, spoilt and demanding snob and as for his model girlfriend – wow!! After this inauspicious start, the expectations of the holiday makers, the demands of their guests and their antics make this a very different cruise. With film star dreams, unexpected encounters and people pretending, not all is as it seems.

Get ready for tantrums, bullying, snobbery and demands from some of the guests of the person paying for the cruise who is nothing like them at all! It is a holiday of revelations, re-evaluations of relationships and surprises that is a highly entertaining read. There’s even an escape bid made by some who have been thwarted in their demands and an accident which inspires Maddie to dare to follow her artistic dreams again after being rescued by some famous folk! This is an action packed, fun read, with great characters, a beautiful setting – especially in the secret cove – and plenty of surprises. Original relationships need changing as true romances develop and new opportunities occur. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and have no hesitation in highly recommending it.

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.

I always enjoy these romantic escapes, and this one takes place in Croatia, on board a luxury yacht.

Nick, Nina’s brother from ‘The Little Paris Patisserie’, has a glamorous, if shallow girlfriend, who has just invited him to the holiday of a lifetime. Maddie, Nina’s friend is at a loose end and jumps at the chance to crew for the luxury yacht. There are only six guests but Maddie soon has her work cut out, dealing with their constant neediness.

Nick and Maddie’s first meeting, gives both of them the wrong impression of the other, but the claustrophobic atmosphere of the yacht throws them together and they realise they have more in common than they thought.

The description of Croatia and the secret cove allow you to experience the culture, romance and scenery. The glamorous lifestyle is also interesting but the shallowness of its players makes Tara and her friends hard to like. Maddie is lovely, but lacking in confidence, Nick is out of his depth, but eventually realises beauty is more than fancy packaging.

The romance builds slowly between the two outsiders, but there is plenty of conflict and rough seas, even when their passion is undeniable. Thankfully, they get the happy ending they deserve.

A lovely holiday read.

I received a copy of this book from One More Chapter in return for an honest review.

I love to travel vicariously through the power of words; such is the strength of this book that I have now added Croatia to my 'must visit' list. This is a lovely story which has everything - characters who dislike each other on sight, self-obsessed models, fabulous locations and underneath it all very human problems. The 'posh' guests aboard the yacht really show how the other half live and yet my heart is with Maddie all the way. There are some funny moments and some serious moments, which add depth to the book yet overall it is a warm, delicious summer read. Time to save up for that cruise as you'll want to visit all the fabulous places in the book.

The story starts on a slow note but picks up pace through the second half of the book. Tara and Cory were totally unbelievable! I really liked the two love stories as the story ended. Happy endings, indeed! Nick and Maddie's adventures were cheesy and romantic. Overall, this was a good read, though a bit too cheesy for my taste. Recommend it to those who love to read books of the genre romance.

This is the fifth book in the fabulous Romantic Escapes series and another beautiful country to add to my ever growing bucket list!

This can easily be read as a standalone however I have enjoyed reading in the order of the series, you will find characters pop up throughout the series and some characters are linked either by friendships or family, but as I said, reading as a standalone you won’t be missing out on anything as Julie has a superb way of recapping any characters.

So we are in beautiful Croatia relaxing on a yacht, crystal clear waters and no clouds in the sky but no relaxing for Maddie. Maddie needs a job, after spending a year in Paris she now has to get her head into gear and find a job after finishing her degree in History of Art but finding a job is becoming more tricky than she thought. When her friend Nina messages her offering her work on a yacht for two weeks as a hostess, Maddie jumps at the chance… How difficult can it be, a little cleaning and cooking (not that she is a whizz in the kitchen!) can’t be too difficult. It seems that boat life is for Maddie as she picks up the ropes pretty quickly!

One of the guests on the yacht is Nick, far from home and the family farm where he works he is looking forward to island hopping and holidaying with his new girlfriend and model Tara and her friends. Maddie is looking forward to meeting Nick, after all he is Nina’s brother who she has heard so much about and she hopes he could be an ally while on the yacht. However this doesn’t work out well after an awkward first meeting they don’t get off to a good start and Maddie is surprised that Nick is the complete opposite to how she imaged he would be.

With some demanding guests, (oh some just drove me mad) Maddie has her work cut out for her but as the holiday goes on and some plans change Maddie and Nick find themselves pushed together and soon realise just how much they have in common and sparks begin to fly! I love that the chapters switched between both characters of Maddie and Nick, giving you an extra insight into the characters but then it can also make me want to bash their heads together. I really liked Maddie, she is someone I am sure everyone could relate to, hard-working, fun but deep down she hides some insecurities which makes her so normal and relatable.

As always the descriptions of the locations in Julie’s books are amazing and really sets the scene and makes you feel like you are there, my most favourite part was the secret cove itself, it just sounded absolute perfection with its crystal waters. These books always have a habit of making me hungry too with mouth-watering delicious food, Julie really does have a great way of capturing everything about the location.

I loved this book and I really didn’t want it to end, surely Maddie’s story is only just beginning! I am really hoping this isn’t the last in the romantic escapes series as I enjoy the stories so much, where are we jetting off to next Julie?

Huge thanks to Julie Caplin and Rachel Random Resources for giving me the ARC which I have reviewed honestly.

How could you not want to pick up this book when you see the beautiful cover? It looks like the perfect summer read, doesn’t it? Well, if you are not managing to escape the UK for your holidays this year but want to travel vicariously through your summer reading, you won’t do better than picking up a copy of The Secret Cove in Croatia by Julie Caplin.

Up until recently, I worked in travel and Croatia has become one of the hottest destinations in Europe over the past few years, although I haven’t managed to get there in person yet. Having read this book, I feel like I have actually been because, like all of her titles in the Romantic Escapes series, Julie has managed to capture the feeling and all the tiny details that transport the reader to the location of the story. Having spent a lot of time selling this destination to my travel clients, I could tell that the author had actually visited the location she was writing about and had fallen in love with the place, this really shone through in the writing and made me fall in love with it too.

The books follows the story of Maddie. Struggling to find a way to follow her passion in life, she takes a job as crew on a yacht for the summer, only to find that the brother of her best friend is one of the passengers, which causes endless difficulties. I adored both Maddie and Nick from the beginning. Maddie is just the kind of heroine a modern woman can relate to, not perfect but kind, determined and sassy, she knows her own mind and isn’t going to take any nonsense from a man. She does have her vulnerabilities though, which make her very sympathetic and I can guarantee you will be on her side and praying for her to get a happy ending from the start. Nick is a suitable foil for her, and I really enjoyed the glimpses we got inside his head too. I think it can be tricky to switch between male and female perspectives sometimes and make it equally convincing, but it really works in this book.

There are lots of other characters to round out the plot, lovely and loathsome to give a fun balance, and there is a refreshing mix of funny moments with some serious topics, a huge dash of romance and a sexy frisson as well. It really makes a tasty summer cocktail of a read which will tickle your reading tastebuds and give you a happy rush by the end. I absolutely loved it all, but the real pleasure was feeling that I had truly taken a trip to Croatia without having to leave the house. As a writer, I can see the skill that has gone in to this book and I am in awe.

I defy anyone to pick up this book and not finish it without a big smile on their face and a happy heart. The perfect romantic, summer read, I was very sad when it was over. Big high five from me, I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Julie Caplin is the author who helped thaw my cold, dead heart - I shied away from any romance related books for years, but took a chance on the first book of this Romantic Escapes series, The Little Cafe In Copenhagen, and haven't looked back since! The Secret Cove In Croatia is the fifth instalment to this series, and I have found it to be just as heartwarming as it's predecessors. 

Losing myself in this book for a few hours was like taking a mini holiday - The vivid descriptions of Croatia and all the little port towns, mixed in with the antics of the holiday makers aboard the Avanturista, made it so easy to get swept away with the story, wishing I was sunning myself on the top deck of a yacht, not curled up on my sofa with a blanket!

Watching the relationship between Maddie and Nick develop was so entertaining - Moving from frosty cold to hot (Very hot, in fact!) as they grew together, but not skipping that fun, awkward, friends-who-sort-of-fancy-each-other stage. 

Aside from this blossoming romance, we are given a lovely supporting cast of characters; some new faces, alongside some more familiar ones from earlier in the series. It's one of my favourite things about this series - Each book is uniquely it's own story, able to be read as a standalone, but followed as a series you get sneak peeks at how some of your favourites from previous books are getting on!

As with any good book, there are some characters I just loved to hate. Simon being top of my list. Looking down his nose at everyone, acting holier than thou at all times, Simon is the sort of guy I would have loved to chuck overboard, had I been on that boat! His treatment of everyone, Maddie and Nick in particular, is awful from the word go. Supermodel Tara is not much better; she has her own share of issues that her prickly exterior hide from the public eye, but deep down she is still an awful person. Despite all this, Maddie shows her true colours as a genuinely caring person by trying to reach out and help however she can when she catches a glimpse of one of Taras deep seated issues. 

Overall, I loved loved loved this latest addition, and it has left me feeling homesick for a holiday I haven't even been on! Time to go back to staring wistfully at travel sites, preferable with a homemade cocktail in one hand...

I won’t hesitate in the slightest to rave on about how much of a fan I am of Julie Caplin and the Romantic Escapes series. With each one I am transfixed by idyllic settings, great characters, romantic storylines as well as the fun and frolics along the way.
I was beside myself with excitement with the opportunity to read ‘The Secret Cove in Croatia’ and take part in this book tour, I couldn’t wait to see what adventure was in store.
I cannot pick a favourite of this series, but I have to say this one is truly special. I was over the moon to discover our main character was Maddie and couldn’t wait to see what life had in store for her (we’d met her previously as a minor, but extremely ace, character in The Little Paris Patisserie’). I will add Nick (our rather yummy sounding leading man) is also mentioned in that same book but the characters do not meet or have anything to do with one another – their connection is Nicks sister! This book does go into that in some ways – they can all be read independently but honestly, if you haven’t read the previous books this is the perfect chance to give them a go.
Maddie is such a sweetheart, I adored her before, and I’m so pleased she has chance to shine. She hasn’t got confidence in her artistic abilities, so thinking she isn’t good enough and in between jobs the chance to crew the yacht comes at just the right time. It doesn’t start that well and she is looked down upon by members of the party, but she does meet genuinely good people, especially the ‘celebrity’ yacht owner who takes great care of her when she needs it the most. Bill ends up being one of my favourite characters, so down to earth and not at all what you would expect.
Croatia has never been a place that particularly interested me before, I’d genuinely never considered it to be a holiday destination but now I am sold. It sounds beautiful and full of special places; Julie writes about them so well you honestly feel like you are there and enjoying it for yourself.
Life aboard a yacht must be incredible, it sounded so glamourous and how lucky of Maddie to get herself a job aboard. I liked the inclusion of the Captain who added that authentic cultural flair and knowledge, even if at times his actions seemed to be a little suspect. I love learning something about the setting of books I read so enjoyed the scenes about his family, home life.
The range of quirky, fun characters encapsulated on the yacht was such a mix – each added something different throughout the book. Poor old Nick, blatantly being used by someone who had little care for anything other than outward appearance… I couldn’t wait for him to come to his senses and sort himself out, it was easy to see he was meant to be with Maddie.
Julie has done it again, whisked us away for a romantic treat. A gorgeous summer read that will not disappoint. I cannot recommend it enough for you travel, escapism and romance fans.

I feel like Julie Caplin ought to by my travel buddy. She writes about the most delightful places, they don't need to exotic, but in her descriptions, you just want to be there lapping up the experiences of her characters.

Julie's main characters are always down to earth hard working people who have worked to get the opportunities.
As usual I loved her characters and winced several times in this story about some of the antics.

This book was read virtually in one sitting and I loved it.
So that's Copenhagen, Iceland and now Croatia that I NEED to go to....lottery numbers anyone?

Where oh where will book 6 take us to?

Thank you NetGalley, Julie Caplin and Harper Impulse.

The first half of this book was a little too slow for me and it took me a while to get into it because I found it hard to connect with the characters until I was half-way through the story. But then the second half got really entertaining. I enjoyed the banter between Maddie and Nick, and some of the descriptions made me wish I was on a vacation at sea.

I have read and enjoyed the previous books in The Romantic Escape series, so I was delighted to receive an early preview copy of this book from Netgalley and the Publisher.
Although this book is number 5 in the series, it is also a standalone novel.
This book is set in Croatia and the descriptions of the locations in the book made me want to visit them. It is refreshing to read a book set in Croatia, as there don't seem to be many books set there.
This book features Maddie, from the Little Paris Bakery, the artist, who is friends with Nina. Maddie has returned to England, and is desperate for work, as she is struggling to find work in the Art Industry.
Nina discovers that her brother Nick is going on holiday with a group of his model girlfriend's friends. The luxury yacht that they have charted is in need of a last minute crew member. Maddie is offered the job, but soon discovers that Nick is stuck up,and unbearable, nothing like his sister Nina.
I really enjoyed this book, it was easy to read, and the characters are well developed. The location was stunning, and described in such a way, that you are able to visualise it perfectly.
This is a great book for reading on holiday, or in the Summer. It is lighthearted and fun to read.
I have enjoyed the Romantic Escape series, and I am looking forward to reading more books in the series.

The Secret Cove in Croatia by Julie Caplin is the fifth installment of the author's 'Romantic Escapes' series, and the second that I have read and thoroughly enjoyed. If you are seeking a fun, lighthearted read, set against a charming and exotic backdrop, then you will not go far wrong with this delightful book. This is the perfect escapist read, full of sunshine, humour, drama and, of course, romance. I am very much looking forward to the continuation of this series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Impulse and Killer Reads for this ARC.

I read this in one sitting. It was a very easy read and a very good way to spend a sunday.

The writing and character development was very good. Julie managed to make me loath some people and love others. I was invested in what happened to Maddie and the ending was uplifting (despite being a written more on the cheesy side than the rest of the book.

I did enjoy the story line, although it was a little predictable at times!

Overall though i give this book 4 stars for a nice easy read with a strong story line.

This is the first of Julie Caplin's books I've ever read, but it for sure won't be the last. It's the fifth in a series, but reads perfectly well as a standalone. I loved Maddie and Siri, and some of the rest of the yacht's passengers weren't some I looked on with love.

It's also given me so much wanderlust for Croatia. Definitely will have to put it on my bucket list for 2020. If it's any way as beautiful as Julie describes it, it's a beautiful part of the world.

Reading Julie’s books (This is the fifth book in the series of Romantic Escapes) I am always transported to the country that she is writing about and end up adding the destination to my places to go list!
This is another wonderful story and I love the way that the characters in each of the books are known to each other in some way so that you get a feel for what is happening with the characters from previous books, but at the same time this can be read as a standalone book too.
Maddie is an Artist who needs a job as she feels her painting is not good enough so she gets a job assisting on a luxury yacht that has been hired by Douglas, who just happens to have invited his girlfriend and her friend Tara, who is a model and her latest man Nick, who is a sheep farmer, amongst others.
Maddie has heard about Nick as he is also her friend Nina’s Brother so she has a picture in her mind of him. Maddie is bubbly, kind hearted and adventurous. Nick is down to earth so is struggling with his relationship with a demanding famous model.
Maddie is attracted to Nick but it’s not until they visit the secret cove of the title that the attraction between them is too strong and they give in to their true feelings.
Lots of great characters, some I loved, some I didn’t like very much and others I felt sorry for.
I look forward to the next book in the series to escape with.

The Secret Cove in Croatia by Julie Caplan is the story of Maddie Wilcox, who is offered the opportunity to work on a luxury yacht for the summer, where her best friend’s brother, Nick, is one of the guests. When they first meet, Maddie can’t believe that such an entitled jerk is related to her best friend. Despite the horrendous first impression, Maddie and Nick discover they might have more in common than they thought.

I went in expecting this to be an easy summer read. Instead, I found this book really difficult to get into. I didn’t find any of the characters particularly likable or interesting. I felt that the book seemed to drag on, repeating the same interactions over and over again. For the type of book it is, I expected to fly through it, but that was definitely not the case. I typically really enjoy light, contemporary romance novels but this one just didn’t do it for me.


ARC provided via NetGalley for an honest and thoughtful review.

This ARC was courtesy of netgalley - all thoughts and opinions are mine and unbiased

I've not read any of this author's work before but will certainly look out for her in the future

I absolutely loved this

The descriptions of Croatia are done lovingly and with such enthusiasm, its made me want to go there

Well written, the slow burn of the romance was dealt with beautifully

A great summer read

Well, I had to request for this book since it has Croatia in it's name, and not only it's my homeland, but I've been living here whole my life. It's interesting to see how foreigners see my country, and I have to say, even though I have been on all the described places in the book, I'd want to go there again after reading it :).

This book is romance novel at it's finest, and can't be more of a perfect beach book than it is. For all the romance lovers, this one is a must read, just as Croatia is a must visit. Trust me, I know :).

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book
The descriptions of Croatia made me want to pack a bag and go immediately I loved the storyline the interaction between the models and Marie made entertaining reading
The slow burning romance bubbles along nicely and was an ideal summer read

I’ve enjoyed every book I’ve read by this author, and this was no exception. I loved the authenticity of the setting, both Croatia and the yacht. There are characters I loved to hate, with those vital vulnerabilities that allow the reader to empathise with them if not sympathise, but most of all there were characters to love.