This story had all the makings of a sweet and fun rom-com but just didn’t build up to what I was looking for. The MCs story really didn’t start until over a third of the way in and by that point it was difficult to buy in due to really missing a lot of time to build their connection. The side line characters and story lines overshadowed the overall story’s between the main characters and left a lot on the table to do. Overall a good, easy read but missed what it’s marketed as for myself as a reader.

In a nutshell:
If summer can’t come soon enough for you, then you and I are in the same boat (pun very much intended). Luckily, this book will transport you straight to the Mediterranean for an adventure-filled cruise and several European destinations. The best part is going along for the ride with the most memorable cast of characters and a super relatable heroine.

Synopsis:
Ruby and Sam are roommates and best friends, but while Sam is looking for love pretty much…everywhere, Ruby has sworn off men, dating and love altogether. So when a girls’ cruise trip turns into the lion’s den, aka a singles group, Sam is in her element, and Ruby is left making the best of it. It's a good thing Cameron isn’t looking for a match amongst the singles either. Passing for a couple while hanging out as friends for the rest of the cruise should be easy then…right?

Tropes:
• Fake dating
• Friends to lovers
• Forced proximity
• One bed

My thoughts:
I absolutely loved this book. If you are as obsessed with Bridget Jones as I am, you must read this. The British humour shines in the dialogue and general writing style to the point where I was laughing out loud whenever picking this book up. Literally on the bus, train, plane…yes, I did read this book while travelling, but that’s besides the point. Guys, when I tell you I was laughing so hard that my husband was like “What are you reading that could possibly be so funny?”, then he read over my shoulder and started laughing too and before we knew it, he read the whole book with me because he was so invested and found it so funny. Literally, do I even need to say more?!

So maybe Bridget Jones and British humour is not your vibe? Fine, okay, then come for the perfectly executed fake dating/friends-to-lovers scenario where the FMC and MMC get to know each other, bring out the best in each other, and communicate in an OPEN AND HEALTHY way! Or come for the friendship, the quirky side characters, or the most handsome cat in England – Samson. You can even come for vacation inspo and planning ideas, because OH MY GOD I want to go on a Mediterranean cruise now! Oh, what’s that? You want trauma? You want to cry? This book also has that, so get comfy in that therapy chair and enjoy the ride!

When I tell you that this book has something for everyone, I mean it. It gave me exactly what I needed when I needed it. And it was so fast-paced as well, it played like a movie in my head and I still think about some scenes in this book (Cannes, anyone? 😉) a week after finishing it. Perhaps this fast-paced style isn’t for everyone, and some would like to spend more time following the characters in one location or situation. Sure, that’s nice sometimes. It may give the feeling that there is more depth to the story, but at the end of the day, I just wanted a fun, easy book to distract me from real life and make me feel good, and that’s what I got. And as I said before, this book didn’t shy away from more profound moments either, it gave me just the right dose of heartbreak to balance everything out.

This book hooked me from the first page and didn’t let go anymore. I flew through it and honestly can’t recommend it enough. I will definitely read more from Phoebe MacLeod because her writing style is exactly my cup of tea. <3

Thank you Boldwood Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

#HookLineandSingle #NetGalley

In this funny and tropey new romance novel, readers follow Ruby as her flatmate tricks her into going on a single cruise under false pretences. Running into fellow duped passenger Cameron on board, Ruby and Cameron agree to platonically pair off for the duration to keep unwanted attention away from them. However, proximity on a cruise and the beautiful Mediterranean towns might lead to less-than-platonic feelings, so Ruby must keep her heart safe before she’s in too deep to this totally platonic arrangement. Funny, tropey, charming, and entertaining, this new romance novel from Phoebe MacLeod is a great summer or vacation read for readers looking for summer fun and escapism in their next book. The characters are funny and witty with great chemistry, and the cruise and Mediterranean settings really add to the charm and atmosphere of the novel’s events as a fantastic backdrop for Cameron and Ruby’s relationship. The characters are the star of the novel for their great chemistry, banter, and development over the course of the novel, while their individual and shared storylines do a great job developing their relationship and their own growth. Funny, charming, and entertaining, this is a great new summer romance novel that readers of the genre will love.

Ruby is happily single but her roommate Sam is definitely on the hunt for a husband. Ruby agrees to go on a cruise with Sam and once onboard finds out the cruise is set up for single people. Wanting nothing to do with the singles activities she ends up talking to Cameron who is also not interested in hooking up with anyone on the cruise. Since Sam has dumped her in pursuit of a husband Ruby and Cameron start platonically doing the sight seeing together and inevitably get closer the more time they spend together. It was quite a while into the book before they even meet so I think we could have seen more from them earlier. It was fun seeing their sight seeing adventures! I really didn’t like Sam. I found her childish and spoiled and her manipulation of everyone was frustrating. The ending seemed a bit rushed and I would have liked a little bit more there.

this was an interesting romance about a singles cruise and two friends --sam and ruby. I was wondering if this going to be about ruby . Slight romance and finding love and fake dating to falling in love. It took a while for them to get on the boat.

I loved the premise: Being tricked into going a singles cruise and playing a bunch of dating gameshow style games. Hilarious! I think there were a couple places this fell short. The religious plot line, it felt unnecessary. The banter was a little bit weak, but had so much potential. I still enjoyed this book!

This was alright. I enjoyed the main character at first - her strong opinions and independence. When she met Cameron though, I didn’t get the sass the way I wanted, the way she was giving it to others. I loved Ruby’s banter with other characters so it was disappointing the way she just jumped into being open and friends and fake dating with Cameron. There were valid reasons for not legitimately dating, but then it all felt rushed.

The writing style was quick and descriptive, although some parts seemed try hard and cheesy, like it was trying to hard to be funny. The best part was the cruise details - it sounded like so much fun!

This one started off great and I had really high hopes for that to continue. but it just fell really flat and I DNF'd at 60%. I really enjoyed the premise of this book - a grumpy FMC and a really handsome & kind MMC on a singles cruise in the Mediterranean? YES! That just sounds like my kind of light hearted read.

The pacing was just a mess - it took 30% of this book to even get to the cruise as there was just so much filler and unnecessary drama with Sam (the best friend - it truly felt like her romance novel most of the time!). The connection with Cameron and Ruby started off strong - but then it just seemed to fall apart - it said they were getting closer but it just felt like the direct opposite and was rather hard to read as a result.

That being said - the female characters were so well written. The bookstore, the grumpiness of Ruby and her desire to forever be single? I loved it! Give me a grumpy girl any day of the week as those are the books I crave. Then throw in Sam and that really amazing dynamic and the out of this world banter that they had? Absolutely beautiful story of their friendship! This one really could be sold just as an excellent story of female friendships.

Kudos to the author, and I really look forward to reading more of her work as I did love her characters and writing style! This one does have a lot of potential for sure!

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

Full disclosure, this book confused me. After reading for 90 minutes, I left the book to go find a review because I thought I was somehow reading a completely different book. The first quarter of the book had me so lost! I did find the Sam/Ruby relationship interesting but I honestly had no idea how the book I was reading was going to match the description because it took FOREVER to get on the boat and meet Cameron. While I liked Cameron, it was hard to really get invested in their relationship because there was just soooo much set up time ahead of them meeting. Their adventures of the boat were fun but it still felt like there was something missing between them. Also, the "secret" was interesting but the execution not well done. You have Sam suggesting therapy multiple times only for Ruby to essentially flip a switch and be completely all in with Cameron what felt like minutes later.

i really enjoy this read it was a lot of fun , light hearted and funny to lots of wit ,

i really enjoyed the characters they were pretty story willed yet so funny together and totally spicey

i highly recommend if you love a story with summer vibes easy read

I am giving the book 4 heart throbbing stars

If you want a lighthearted and fun book to read, this book is for your! To be honest, I wasn't sure about this book at first. I was not really liking the first chapter but then it started to get better and better and as soon as the two main characters (two best friends who are both single ) are on the boat, the story gets super super good and super fun! I was not disappointed! I was pleasantly surprised! I had the best time reading this book! Lots of fun moments on the boat, lots of visits of lovely places around the mediterranean sea, lots of romance and lots of sun! I highly recommend this book if you want a book to relax and have a fun moment!!!

ARC Review: Hook, Line and Single by Phoebe MacLeod

I went into Hook, Line and Single with high expectations, especially after loving An (Un)Romantic Comedy. A rom-com set on a Mediterranean singles cruise? It sounded like the perfect mix of fun and romance. While the book had its moments, it didn’t fully hook me the way I’d hoped.

💕 What I loved
- Witty Banter & Humor – Phoebe MacLeod’s signature humor shines through, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.
- Fun Premise – A grumpy heroine reluctantly embarking on a singles cruise? That setup had so much potential.
- Ruby & Sam’s Friendship – Their dynamic adds warmth and liveliness to the story.
- A Unique Detour – Ruby missing the ship was an unexpected twist that added some excitement.

🤔 What I wish can be different
– The cruise doesn’t start until about 30% into the book, and much of the early focus is on Ruby’s best friend, Sam.
– Cameron, the love interest, isn’t introduced until later, making their connection feel rushed.
– The romance often takes a backseat, which left me wanting more chemistry between the leads.
– Some themes, particularly the church subplot, might not resonate with all readers.

🎭 Final Thoughts
While Hook, Line and Single had its entertaining moments, it didn’t fully deliver on the romantic sparks I was expecting. If you enjoy lighthearted reads with humor and strong friendships, this could still be an enjoyable pick. However, if you’re looking for a deeply engaging romance, the slow pacing and limited development between the main couple might leave you wanting more.

✨ Thank you, Boldwood Books and NetGalley, for the ARC! This review reflects my honest thoughts.

I recently finished reading this book and I must say, it was a captivating and refreshing experience. From the moment I started the book, I was hooked by its grounded and relatable portrayal of romance.
The plot is incredibly realistic, which is something I truly appreciated. The love story unfolds at a pace that feels true to life—there are no unrealistic twists or melodramatic moments that often plague romantic novels. Instead, the characters face real-life challenges, personal growth, and emotional struggles that anyone can relate to. The story touches on themes of trust, vulnerability, and the importance of self-discovery before fully opening up to someone else.
What stood out most to me was the character development. The protagonist evolve throughout the book, and their emotional growth is depicted with such care. Their flaws, strengths, and vulnerabilities are portrayed in a way that makes them feel like real people, not just characters on a page. It’s rare to find a romance where the characters' emotional journeys are as important as their romantic connection, and [Book Title] does this beautifully. Their interactions felt authentic, and the relationship built naturally over time, making it all the more rewarding by the end.
This book made me reflect on my own experiences and left me with a sense of hope that love can grow in the most unexpected ways. It's a novel about finding love not just with someone else, but also with yourself. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a romance that feels real, with characters that are fully realized and a plot that keeps you invested from start to finish.

A cute beach read! The characters were likable but lacked depth, both FMC and MMC were superficial. The cat was really cute I love when a book has a cat character!
Overall not bad I just wish it had a little more to it.
Thank you NetGalley for an arc.

4⭐️

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this arc, in exchange for an honest review.

I did enjoy this story at the very beginning. There was so much to relate to with in life, and the humour definitely got me through the 20% mark quickly. After though, the book fell really flat following Ruby’s friend Sam. The story didn’t really move anywhere and became stuck until the cruise idea arrived. It was lovely to see a cruise detailed in a book, as I find this is rarely captured. However, it would have been much nicer if there was more focus on Ruby and Cameron. I found their scenes very short and so much focus being lost due to other characters in the book. I definitely agree with other reviews that Ruby and Cameron become a side plot, as well that their storyline needed more flourishment. I certainly found the ending very rushed and suddenly finished, but a perfect ending non the less.

Phoebe Macleod’s Hook, Line and Single is a sunny, uplifting and uproariously funny page-turner that makes for the perfect romantic escape.

Ruby’s heart is firmly under lock and key. She doesn’t need a man to lead a fulfilling life and she’s perfectly happy to be single. With a thriving social life, a gorgeous cat and modern technology, Ruby is happy to leave the flirting and dating to her friends – so she’s furious when she is tricked by her flatmate into going on a singles’ cruise! But all might not be as bad as she initially thought, thanks to gorgeous Cameron who is also on the boat against his will. Cameron has the perfect plan to keep the matchmaking from host Barry at bay: pretend that the two of them have fallen madly in love with another!

It’s a plan that is absolutely foolproof – or so they both think! As they begin to explore the Med together, Ruby begins to enjoy spending time in Cameron’s company and starts to fall in love with her fake boyfriend! Could she dare to dream of a future with Cameron? Will she confess her feelings to him before the boat docks at its final destination? Or is Ruby just setting herself up for disappointment?

Phoebe Macleod always delivers and Hook, Line and Single is a terrific romantic comedy that I couldn’t read quickly enough. Hilarious, heartrending, emotional and feel-good, Hook, Line and Single by Phoebe Macleod is the ideal treat for romantics everywhere!

I've read 20% of this and not only have we not yet met the MMC, we haven't even gotten to the cruise. I'm out.

Phoebe MacLeod delivers another delightful rom-com with Hook, Line and Single, a witty and heartwarming story set against the picturesque backdrop of a Mediterranean singles cruise. With humor, adventure, and a touch of romance, this novel is the perfect escape for fans of lighthearted contemporary fiction.

Plot Overview
Ruby Johnson has sworn off men and is content with her cozy life in Margate, complete with her best friend Sam, their shared flat, and her beloved cat, Samson. However, Sam, a hopeless romantic, tricks Ruby into joining her on a singles cruise under the guise of a relaxing holiday. Frustrated and determined to avoid the ship’s matchmaking events, Ruby finds an unlikely ally in Cameron, a Kent police officer who also boarded the cruise under false pretenses. Together, they agree to a platonic partnership to deflect unwanted attention, but as they explore charming European cities and navigate comical mishaps, Ruby starts to wonder if love might be worth another shot after all.

Strengths
MacLeod excels at creating relatable and entertaining characters. Ruby is refreshingly independent and witty, while Cameron is a charming and kind-hearted leading man. Their chemistry is natural and builds at an enjoyable pace, making their evolving relationship feel authentic. The setting is beautifully described, bringing the Mediterranean cruise experience to life with vivid imagery and immersive details.

The novel also touches on themes of friendship and self-discovery. Ruby and Sam’s relationship is realistic, portraying both the joys and challenges of long-term friendships. The book’s humor shines through the antics of the quirky side characters, particularly Barry, the overenthusiastic cruise host, and the unpredictable cruise guests who add plenty of comedic moments.

Areas for Improvement
While the book is a fun and engaging read, the pacing at the beginning feels a bit slow, with a substantial portion dedicated to setting up Ruby’s backstory in Margate before the cruise adventure truly begins. Additionally, while Cameron is a wonderful love interest, more insight into his background would have deepened his character development and connection with Ruby.

Final Thoughts
Hook, Line and Single is a charming, laugh-out-loud rom-com that transports readers to a sun-soaked adventure filled with romance and self-discovery. It’s perfect for fans of Sarah Adams and Beth O’Leary who enjoy sweet, slow-burn romances with strong character dynamics. Whether you’re lounging on a beach or curled up at home, this book makes for an entertaining and delightful escape.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

3.5* rounded up.

I enjoyed this book, particularly Ruby and Cameron’s adventures outside of the cruise, however I did enjoy Robin and Sam as characters too.

I enjoyed Ruby’s character arc and seeing her become more confident and comfortable made this a feel-good read!

A lighthearted fun read, filled with Phoebes trademark humour and plenty of will they won’t they romance. The main characters have enough issues to make their relationship journey a rocky one and although their ultimate union is inevitable there is enough drama and romantic suspense to keep the pages turning.