Ruby is always the supportive friend when Sam, her best friend and flat mate, has disastrous breakups with men. So when Sam suggests a cruise for a holiday getaway, Ruby agrees. What she doesn’t know is they are part of a singles group. While Sam is actively trying to find her soulmate, Ruby is on her own to visit the various ports. She strikes up an unlikely friendship with Cameron. As the days go by she realizes she likes Cameron but is forced to deal with her patsy to love forward. A fun and comedic story with a happy ending. I enjoyed Ruby and Cameron’s adventures at port. Having a phone being stolen and missing the boat are real life situations that could happen. Throwing in the nude beach was an interesting twist but worked well into the story.

Hook, Line, and Single is a standalone novel by British author Phoebe MacLeod. Ruby Johnson is co-owner of a unique bookshop in Margate, Kent, England, co-owner of a flat with her best friend Sam Thorncroft, as well as co-cat parent to Samson, the most handsome cat in Kent. Sam has had yet another bad breakup and says she is swearing off men and dating sites, but then talks Ruby into accompanying her on a Mediterranean cruise. As a travel agent, Sam presents the cruise she proposes as one in which they will have many perks, including private rooms with balconies. What Sam does not disclose is that she has signed them up for a singles cruise.

It would seem that while Sam may be ready to delete dating sites, she is definitely not discontinuing her search for the perfect mate. However, Ruby has said over and over that she has no interest in romance, which may stem from an incident in college. But on a cruise that is designed for match ups, how will they each be matched?

This is a fun adventure with a cast of interesting characters and a Mediterranean trek that will take the reader along on a journey of discovery. With laugh out loud moments coupled with heartfelt moments, I found this to be a very enjoyable story and I do recommend this book.

Another perfectly sweet, absolutely charming and delightful book by Phoebe MacLeod! This rom-com is a very quick and easy read. It is filled with hilarious moments and characters and a sweet slow burn romance. I really enjoyed reading this book. It brought smiles to my face especially when reading about the various characters on the cruise. Sam is such a hopeless romantic, it is hard not to get caught up in all her passion. Ruby and Sam are perfectly paired best friends. Cameron is more relaxed than Ruby and takes life one step at a time as it comes. He is another opposite to Ruby yet still perfect for their friendship and possibly more. 🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️

***** ***** *****
Ruby never imagined finding love. In fact, she swore she never would be more than single. Sam, her best friend is a hopeless romantic and always on the lookout for her perfect match which is how Ruby finds herself on a singles cruise under false pretense.

Despite being misled and finding the cruise has crazy activities in between the tours and sightseeing, Ruby meets Cameron. Since neither have interest in finding love, they make a pact to enjoy this cruise together. It all leads to fun, new friends and adventures. And somewhere in between all these moments, feelings of caring and love develop.

However, Ruby is not sure how to move forward. She is overwhelmed and a past experience holds her back from truly letting anything more happen with Cameron. Still, maybe with a little help from her best friend she might be able to move forward.

I struggled a great deal to finish this book. While the travel premise was inviting and the writing style perfectly acceptable, I had several issues with the book. The first third of the book was all about main character Ruby's best friend Sam and Sam's unfortunate dating luck. There were a few scenes that were very uncomfortable including one that takes place in a church. In this book, the author presents two rather extreme views of Christianity and their opinions on sex without presenting the middle ground. While I am not a religious person, I do think it is important to be respectful of people's religious beliefs regardless of the religion, and I can see how these scenes may be offensive to those who practice this faith.

Once Ruby finally meets her love interest, Cameron--which is not until thirty-five percent of the way into the book--the story focuses mostly on them. However, this slow burn is very slow and doesn't have much burn. There was no romantic tension between Ruby and Cameron, and the few moments of physical attraction that Ruby experiences are brief and shoved away. They are very sweet as friends, but they just feel like friends until they rush together at the end. I also struggled with Ruby's reasoning for not wanting a relationship. She makes it out to be this huge secret she has to keep from her best friend, but in the end, I didn't understand why. The reasoning was pretty typical, but then the author blows past a serious mental health topic in a passing manner. It felt as though that part was added in just to create a little more drama rather than actually commentating on an important mental health issue.

My biggest issue in this book, though, was the way Sam and Cameron treated Ruby--Sam, the best friend, especially. Both characters lie and manipulate Ruby into situations she doesn't want to be in for their own interest. I could understand this if it was part of Ruby's character development, like if she were learning how to stand up for herself, but Ruby is presented as this fiercely independent woman who knows what she wants, but she just takes the manipulation.

This book certainly was not my cup of tea, but there are some fun travel adventures and a few quirky tertiary characters. As always, reading is subjective and what doesn't work for one person may be a favorite for others.

3.5 stars

I’ve wanted to read this author for a while, and with my own very first cruise planned for this summer, I thought what a fun book to get started with! There was a lot of fun in this story. I enjoyed the characters relationships with each other. Ruby has some great friends, and her family members were fun to spend time with as well. The whole going to church to meet a guy for her friend Sam was hilarious! Besides knowing from the blurb that Ruby was being tricked into a singles cruise by her friend, it was obvious something was up when her friend was asking her how she would describe herself in a dating app bio. Although honestly I think her friend did a good job with what she said.

So many of the activities the singles group had going were ones that made me cringe and are part of the reason my introverted self would not want to be a part of those things. It was so realistic though for me, to see how her friend Sam kind of left her behind in finding her own perfect guy. That’s happened to me most of my life. My friends find a guy, then I get left behind, not even included as a third wheel. Cameron was a pretty nice guy and while we knew that Ruby had reasons and didn’t want to date anyone, we didn’t know the specifics, so I got a little irritated with her as she kept pushing him away. When we finally did get her reasoning, I could see how it made sense. However I was glad to see that she could see how much she was hurting him and it made her look at her reasons after finally sharing them with Sam. And honestly, as great as Cameron was, there wasn’t a ton of romance involved on his end either, other than doing lots of things to help her out. This is an instance where I think if we’d gotten half the book from his POV it could have made up for that.

Even though I’m a dog person, I do adore the stories with cats that are such a big part of someone’s life, just like my dogs are for me. So I loved their cat, and how it went to the bookstore for work with her! And the nude beach scene was funny, I did appreciate that! However, the part where she didn’t know about morning wood? That was a little unbelievable if she’d been in a serious relationship or had sex before. Especially at her age, and her talk about how a vibrator was a good enough stand-in for a man. I have no problem with that, just doesn’t sync up with not knowing that. Her jokes about “little Cameron” were funny though, and Frou Frou, those parts did keep me giggling.

A pleasant romance read that was set at the perfect pace to keep me reading in a short sitting. Hook, Ling and Single would be a great book for the beach (or a cruise) but I will say that I didn’t find the two main characters who were best friends, all that nice to each other. This was brought up a few times in the book too, but never really developed. Still, a pleasant and fast-paced, wholesome friends to lovers story.

A huge thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Phoebe MacLeod for the opportunity to read this book before the publishing date!🤭

It took a little bit for the FMC Ruby to finding meet Cameron but once they do this is a super cute palette cleanser romcom on a cruise! 🚢

It’s total summer vibes. ☀️

I usually like Phoebe MacLeod’s books, but this one just did not hit right. Hardly any romance and the religion bashing was a no go.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this book. ~I was given this book and made no commitments to leave my opinions, favorable or otherwise~

Hook, Line and Single.

I’m going to be honest and come straight out to say I had to force myself to finish this book. It was not as marketed, and some parts made me extremely uncomfortable. However, this is full of potential to become something more.

This book was advertised as a sweet romantic comedy, but there was no romance and barely any humour. In fact, the only humour for me came from their game of B-stard Bingo, which happened in the first chapter, and from Barry, the singles club director. However, if religion bashing and toxic friendships are your bag, then this could be for you.

The first 30% follows Sam as she enters one disastrous relationship/date after another but has sworn off men. She drags her best friend and roommate, Ruby, around with her while she tries to find a man. It is at this point I’ll mention that Ruby is the FMC and Sam is a side character. Why we follow the side character’s story is beyond me.

At 30%, we finally get to the ship, where we find out Sam has signed commitmentphobe Ruby up for the Single Mingle Club without her knowledge. At 55%, we’re no longer on the cruise, but Ruby and Cameron (MMC) have missed reembarking in Spain and will spend the next 20% of the book traveling around to rejoin the cruise. We then spend 10% more on the cruise before home time. This is now 77%, and this is where any form of ‘romance’ element can be seen to start.

I am appalled at the religion bashing that happens in this book and I’m an atheist. It was borderline offensive and an incorrect representation of the faith. I can kind of see what the author was going for, but it kept happening and became quite a large part of the story, which is weird as the story wasn’t even about the characters it centers around.

This is supposed to be a romantic comedy but there is zero romance and we don’t even meet the MMC until around 30% which is far too late.

Apologies, but as it is, this is a hard no from me.

Plot: 🌟🌟
Characters: 🤩🤩
Spice:🌶️
Writing:✍️🏼✍️🏼
Overall:💜💜
.

The fourth book I've read from MacLeod, Hook, Line and Single was an enjoyable easy read.

I'm a sucker for the 'meet cute' trope and couldn't wait for the sparks to fly and for Ruby and Cameron to hit it off, their chemistry was through the roof!

The characters were all charming, so relatable and real.

It's fun, full of humour and I got to go on a free cruise too!

4.5 stars (round to 5 stars on Goodreads and Retail sites) If you enjoy a contemporary romcom, Hook, Line, and Single by Phoebe MacLeod is the book for you. Ruby is happy being single and is furious when her friend Sam tricked her into joining her on a singles cruise. When Sam met someone she really liked, Ruby agree to go sightseeing with Cameron, another person in the singles group who was really not looking for a relationship. They agreed to platonically pair off to fend off advances from other members in the group. The problem was that Cameron was really handsome, and fake dating required some handholding and kisses. Spending so much time in Cameron’s company, Ruby finds she enjoys herself more than she expected. The question is whether Ruby will be able to protect her heart. This was a great book. I loved the way that Ruby and Cameron connected and the friends to lovers vacation story was great. I enjoyed the descriptions of the European cities they visited and the off the wall experiences that they shared. I’ve reviewed several of this author’s books now, and I love the way she uses the story to describe the courtship which builds gradually rather than an extended look at the couple in the relationship. It seems more genuine. The uncertainty of dating, or in this case not dsting, creates so much angst and leaves so much room for hilarious mishaps. She keeps me laughing and her finish always leaves me with a smile on my face. I definitely recommend this book for readers who enjoy a friends to lovers vacation romcom and especially those who enjoy Tessa Bailey and Sophie Kinsella.

I would like to thank Rachel’s Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are solely mine.

this book was a fun and easy read but it ended up being a bit slow for me. I felt like it took too long to get to the plot of the book and i wasn’t the biggest fan of the romance

📚 E-ARC PUB WEEK BOOK REVIEW 📚

Hook, Line, and Single By Phoebe MacLeod
Publication Date: February 17, 2025
Publisher: Boldwood Books

📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

📚MY REVIEW:

What a fantastically cute rom-com! Phoebe MacLeod always gives me a swoon-worthy story to make me smile, and Hook, Line, and Single was no exception!

This book is about Ruby, a headstrong twenty-something who's sworn off men after a massive heartbreak at University. Her best friend and flatmate Sam convinces Ruby to join her for a holiday on a cruise. What Sam doesn't tell Ruby is that she's also signed them up to be a part of the singles group on the boat -- and all the matchmaking events that come with it. When Sam instantly meets a man, Ruby fears the cruise will be a lonely one for her. Cameron, another member of the singles group, asks Ruby if she's like to spend the day with him - just as friends - and since Sam is preoccupied, Ruby agrees. Cameron is kind and good-looking and all the things, but Ruby has sworn off love... Right?

Initially, I wasn't sure I was going to love this one. But once the meet-cute happened between Ruby and Cameron on the cruise ship, I was diving heart-first into this story! I honestly couldn't believe how quickly I read it. This grumpy sunshine story was really fun, with loads of exotic locales and wild adventures for our main characters. I loved that this book didn't have a typical trajectory of your everyday rom-com...the story continues beyond what you'd expect. I thought the romantic tension between Ruby and Cameron was well done, and Ruby's hesitation to trust someone again felt genuine and real. My only complaint was Sam, who was absolutely a terribly selfish best friend and really grated on my nerves. Though I liked her a little more as the story came to an end, her character's lack of depth was just the ick in this read.

This was a happily-ever-after rom-com that's the perfect read when you're in the mood for a fun love story with unexpected adventures and the most adorable meet-cute you could ask for!

#HookLineAndSingle #PhoebeMacLeod #BoldwoodBooks #boldwoodbookclub #NetGalley #NetGalleyReviews #ARC #bookreviews #bookrecs #romcoms #romcomreads #lovestories #happilyeverafter #booklover #bookrecommendations

This book was not what I thought it was, not my favorite read, took a while to get to the point. I adored The Fixer Upper by Phoebe MacLeod so was excited for this book, but it did not deliver this time. Took too long for me to enjoy. the character meeting needed to be faster. The world building with characters like Sam she stood out when it needed to be Ruby.

hope the next book is better!

This was my first book to read by Phoebe MacLeod, this was a fun, lighthearted, and quick read, yet it tackled some meaningful topics that added depth. The two main female characters who are best friends and flat mates, Ruby and Sam. Who both have completely different view points on men. Ruby, who has sworn off men and Sam who can't be without one. After Sam's last bad break up she has " sworn off men" and decides the two friends need to go on a cruise to get away from it all. Sam talks Ruby into going, but as they get onboard the ship, Sam has to confess that she signed them up for a singles cruise. Ruby is furious, but it is too late to get off the boat. So off they go to a singles mixer on the ship. This is what sets the story in motion, but the plot takes an interesting turn when Ruby unexpectedly misses the ship after a day ashore. This twist added a fresh and enjoyable element to the story that wouldn't have been possible had she stayed on board. With minimal spice and plenty of laughs, this was an entertaining read. I look forward to reading more from Phoebe MacLeod! Thank you to NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars

I enjoyed this easy read filled with friendship, laughs and new beginnings. Ruby and Sam are taking a cruise, but Sam has failed to tell Ruby about some of the information about it. They are embarking on a singles cruise and Sam can’t wait, while Ruby wants to get off the ship. Will they meet Prince Charming? This was a perfect read for me just now, not too heavy, flirty and a quick read. The characters are likeable and easily relatable. A well rounded 4 star read. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.

This book wasn’t what I expected from reading the synopsis and reviews. In this way I found it quite disappointing. The main plot itself was engaging and enjoyable aside from a few aspects.

I would argue that this book is far from “sweet” and “charming,” terms used by other reviewers. I argue this primarily because the dialogue was often uncomfortably raunchy and made the characters appear incredibly immature. I'm well aware that this is an adult romance but it still felt quite cringey.

Also, the depiction of the male priest character as someone unashamedly engaged in a slew of unchristian behaviours was incredibly bizarre. I truly don’t know what the intention was with this character, whether it was aiming for an “accurate” representation of priests or just comedic value. It ultimately just came across as weird as he went completely against all that he was supposed to stand for.

I wouldn’t really recommend this for readers looking for a sweet and fun romcom. This could could appeal to those entertained by raunchy humour.
Thank you to Boldwood Books for providing me with this copy for an honest review.

Hook, Line and Single by Phoebe MacLeod

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

Blurb

Ruby may be young, free and single… but she’s absolutely not ready to mingle.

Ruby is happily sworn off men. There’s nothing she needs that can’t get from her friends, cat or, frankly, the wonders of modern technology. So when her flatmate tricks her into going on a singles cruise, she’s furious.

Thankfully, Ruby isn’t the only one onboard under false pretences. Cameron also had no idea what he was letting himself in for. So after Ruby and Cameron strike up conversation, they agree to platonically pair off, to protect each other from the flirtatious advances of the other guests – not to mention the matchmaking efforts of Barry, the enthusiastic host.

There’s just one problem. Cameron isn’t just in the same boat as Ruby – he’s also good looking, kind and fun. As they explore the picturesque towns of the Mediterranean, Ruby finds herself enjoying his company much more than she’d intended.

Can Ruby keep her heart safe, or will she be in too deep by the time the boat docks at its final destination?

My Opinion

Phoebe MacLeod is back with another enjoyable read. Sam and Ruby are booked onto a singles cruise – only Ruby isn’t aware that she is being set up. With the main focus of this book being a cruise, this is going to make for a great holiday read. Phoebe has written some great, relatable characters. An entertaining read.

Rating 4/5

Hook, Line and Single-Phoebe Mclac Leod
Ruby, sworn off men, happy and content in her work life, great housemate and an adorable furry companion she sees no point in dating and is carrying scars from a past relationship.
Sam, very much a date-aholic, hell bent on finding the one, always finding all the wrong ones.
Will they both find their happy ending?

I am obsessed with lovely, light, feel-good, hug-in-a-book novels at the minute and Mac Leod's beautifully written piece of romantic fiction ticks that box perfectly.
The characters are so relatable and it makes me kind of want to book a singles cruise myself asap.
I see myself in both Ruby and Sam,I am both a hopeless romantic and a terrible cynic all wrapped up in one and I think most women could see themselves in both characters at different stages in their lives.
This book gave me alllll the fuzzies. Loved it. Flew through it.

I ended up DNFing this book 50% in. The writing is decent however the characters did not work for me and their interactions did not feel realistic. Concept was good but could have done more like the single bed trope, faking dates for the best prizes etc.