Super cute and full of holiday spirit!

I read Julie Caplin's Christmas romance last year and really enjoyed it, so I was so excited to dive into this one. This was giving Hallmark movie vibes y'all. It was cute, fun and super romantic. Plus we get to see Christmas in London. What's better than that?

Belle and Finn seem like an unlikely couple but seeing them get closer and the forced proximity trope working it's magic, these two turned out to be perfect for each other. I really liked their dynamic and their chemistry.

Caplin did a great job with the setting. She knows how to make it feel like Christmas! I could easily picture The Ritz all decorated, the snow covered streets and the hot chocolate (which sounded delicious). This will get you in the holiday spirit for sure.

Very charming, lovely holiday romance!

A fun, festive romance with some seriously spicy bits!
This book really put me in the mood for Christmas, it is so immersive that you feel like you're at the Ritz with Belle and Finn!
He's the grumpy, aloof explorer and she's the super organised, executive assistant who has been given one job by her boss - don't fall for her nephew.
Belle is annoyed at having to babysit her boss's nephew until she meets Finn, who is equally blown away by her.
Their festive love story takes them all across London, but with both of them putting their careers first they know that there is an expiry date on their relationship.
Their connection and chemistry felt so real. Despite being so different, they found a lot of common ground and both helped each other to overcome obstacles that were keeping them apart.
I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a really festive romance and a couple who can't bear to be apart from each other.

CHRISTMAS AT THE RITZ by JULIE CAPLIN ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Ordered by her overbearing boss ——-to meet her Nephew and be at his beck and call over Christmas whilst—— is away, Belle Woods reluctantly arrives at the Ritz. Having overheard a conversation, Belle is expecting an obnoxious, over entitled man, what she’s not expecting is the six foot three, handsome man that introduces himself in a broad Scottish brogue.

When Finn McAllister overhears his Aunt’s assistant mumbling less than flattering comments about him, he decides to have a bit of fun and play on her assumptions, demanding her time and insisting she accompany him everywhere.

As the pair spend time together however, the atmosphere starts to thaw and they find themselves drawn together, but Belle’s not looking for a relationship and Finn’s preparing for a expedition…..

———————————

Well, what a delightful, seasonal read this is!

Belle and Finn’s chemistry is off the charts as they fight their feelings knowing there’s no future for them.

Ms Caplin’s detailed descriptions of Christmas in London and the Ritz, are perfect, enabling you to really picture the scenes and imagine the joy of the season in the capital city. Her knowledge of the streets, directions and places of interest really, really draw you in, from the Natural History Museum to the Royal Albert Hall.

Both Finn and Belle’s emotional turmoil stemming from their parents issues are dealt with sympathetically. At first I found Belle’s enabling of her mother’s behaviour frustrating but she soon starts to gain confidence, following her own feelings. I also found Finn’s occupation a really interesting change.

There are a few mild open door spicy scenes but these are dealt with in an extremely sensitive manner. I particularly loved that the book spans over a year, the pacing is perfect and fitting.

I read an ebook version of this wonderful festive, feel good delight, with just under 400 pages (print edition), good editing and a illustrated festive cover. I recommend this cosy read that releases on November 5th 2026.

With thanks to Julie Caplin and NetGalley for an early read of this delightful read. All comments are my own honest, unbiased opinion.

🎄 Enemies to Lovers
🎄 Christmas Romance
🎄 Open Door Spice 🔥 (Tasteful)
🎄 London Setting

ARC received via NetGalley.

Julie Caplin is the queen of travel romances. I love the Romantic Escapes series and Christmas at The Ritz is a fantastic addition to the Christmas-themed spin-offs.

When Belle's boss is unexpectedly called away on business over Christmas, she asks Belle to look after her nephew, who's travelling from Scotland and will now be on his own in London for the holidays. After overhearing what was meant to be a private joke between Finn and his aunt, Belle takes umbrage at being labelled a "minion" and automatically thinks the worst of him.

When they first meet in the lobby of The Ritz, Finn thinks Belle is stuck-up and decides to have a little fun at her expense, letting her think that he's never been to London before (even though he studied at university there) and he gets around using an old-fashioned compass. Belle goes along with it because her boss has promised she'll get her dream secondment to New York.

Christmas in London sounds so magical as Belle and Finn make the most of their time together from seeing a baby giraffe and scaring Belle out of her wits with a huge spider at London Zoo to a meet-up of dachshunds, ice-skating, a T-Rex in a Christmas jumper, a carol concert at the Royal Albert Hall and a showstopping Father Christmas in a department store. Despite its many attractions, London doesn't detract from Belle and Finn's romance, it's an added bonus.

The only trouble is Finn's a famous explorer and on Boxing Day, he's jetting off to the Brazilian rainforest for months. Both Belle and Finn have been brought up to believe because of their parents' ill-fated marriages that long-distance relationships never work out so even though they're falling for each other, they both know that their time together has an expiry date. I really appreciate that the reason their relationship could only be temporary was believable and true to the characters. They both cared for each other so much that there wasn't even a question of asking either one of them to give up their dream careers.

If you're looking for the perfect romance to get you in the Christmas spirit and make you feel all warm and cozy, I would definitely recommend Christmas at The Ritz.

did someone say a festive read by Julie? in that case i said a big whoopeeeee. i love Julies writing. she brings so much warmth and heart into her reads. i gobble them up as soon as i see one, and often they go to the top of my pile so i can do so. and once again with this book she bought all the smiles, love an festive goodness.
the cheeky way in which our pair took each other on went for a great story. it felt just as sparkling as the Christmas shop windows. Belle and Finn didn't get off to the best start. and both have made assumptions. but ha, yeh right because we already see their connection. i knew from that first few lines, and then them meeting that i was going to love reading about these two.
their connection instant, their back and forth brilliant. i was beaming from head to toe and this quickly tuned into red topped ears when their connection started to do those subtle shifts into something more.
when Finn and Belle are forced together it could've gone all sorts of wrong. but as they spend more time together the ice between them melts ever so quickly.
but they both know what comes at the end of their times together. and that is going to very different and separate ways so they try their best to fight their feelings.
being able to spend Christmas in the Ritz felt like some sort of magical dream. it felt like i could swish around and i too would be there. Julie always manages this so well. she brings the places she writes about to life and colour. Julie does this with all the locations she takes us too. and i adored so much, how she took me to places i could only dream and wish to go myself.
in our current world times i needed a book just like this to bring joy into my world. once again Julie proves how perfect she fits into the genre she writes. there is a reason she is one of my favorite authors. im still getting over just how much her last book meant to me! and thats saying something. i couldn't have loved this book more.
dont be fooled though just because i say it brought me joy. that doesn't mean it wasn't without proper humans flaws and foibles and ones not made all by themselves but by the nature of the parents that came before them. this was handled again with the care and detail it deserved. it only served to make me love our characters and root for them even more.
a wonderful read by a wonderful author. give me anything Julie writes and ill happy snuggle down with it.

I can’t think of anyone better to show me London at Christmas - Julie Caplin is the most romantic of guides. Belle and Finn’s story is completely gorgeous; smart, sexy and completely endearing.

Christmas at The Ritz is the perfect Hallmark holiday romance, filled with gorgeous London Christmas descriptions, cozy vibes, family drama, and a charming romance between Belle and Finn. I loved how relatable and lovable they both were, and Julie painted the perfect Hallmark Christmas vibes!

This is definitely a book I’ll be returning to every Christmas ❤️🎄✨

After reading Christmas at the Ritz, my first thought was, “I’m buying a flight to London today so I can be there for Christmas!”

This book was an absolute joy to read. It’s a cozy, cute, and sweet slow-burn romance with plenty of spice, set against the magical backdrop of London at Christmastime. The descriptions were wonderful—you truly feel as though you’re walking the beautifully decorated streets, admiring the sparkling lights, and experiencing the city alongside the characters. By the end, I was dreaming of staying at the Ritz and visiting every place mentioned in the story!

The main characters were lovable, relatable, and wonderfully developed, and I really enjoyed watching their relationship unfold. Their chemistry was fantastic, and the story managed to be funny, sexy, and heartfelt all at once.

What I especially loved was that there were so many layers beyond the romance. Female friendship plays an important role in the story, while complicated family dynamics and personal growth give the characters and the plot added depth. These elements made the story feel more meaningful and helped make the characters feel like real people rather than simply romance archetypes.

Overall, Christmas at the Ritz is a wonderful holiday read. If you’re looking for a fun, easy-to-read, engaging romance that will keep you turning the pages, with a handsome male lead, a strong and independent female lead, plenty of funny moments, great chemistry, and lots of Christmas cheer, this is definitely one to add to your holiday TBR!

Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Collins UK One More Chapter and Julie Caplin for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A cosy Christmas romance this story will have you curled up in a blanket in front of the fire even if it is only metaphorically. I could never afford to stay in the Ritz but you can feel that maybe a little richness rubs off in the festive magic.

The magical, first snow of the year in book form.

When Belle Woods is tasked with keeping her boss’ nephew company while he visits London at Christmas, she doesn’t expect Finn to be a handsome adventurer who challenges her.

The lush descriptions of London at Christmas are sheer luxury, painting a picture that feels so real that I can almost taste the mince pies and pigs in a blanket.

Belle and Finn are amazing leads, each carrying their own baggage that makes them relatable and loveable without falling into cliches. Also, we need a show on tv or streaming like the one Finn makes.

The Christmas Escapes series is one that I will be going back to yearly when the Christmas season rolls around because it truly embodies all of the warm and cozies. I would argue that the locales are characters in and of themselves with the depth that they add to each of the stories as well.

Thank you to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter I One More Chapter and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for my honest review.

Oh I absolutely loved this! Julie Caplin at her best. A really lovely Christmas read that I couldn't put down. Highly recommend.

This was such a cute book, loved the characters and the storyline.
The cover is stunning as well. Will definitely be recommending this book to my friends!

Thanks Netgalley for letting me read this book for an honest review