Ruby has sworn off men, and dating in general. She is happy at home with her roommate/best friend Sam and their cat Samson. When Sam suggests that the two of them go on a vacation, they decide that a cruise sounds perfect.

What Ruby DOESN'T know, is that Sam has signed them up to join a Singles Cruise. Of course Sam almost immediately meets a man she is interested in dating, leaving Ruby all alone on excursions they had planned to go on together.

Enter Cameron. Cameron is also not interested in dating, so Ruby and Cameron start hanging out and exploring their ports together. As soon as Cameron and Ruby start spending time together I was hopeful that they would change their minds about dating and start a relationship, I was so curious to see how things would end up for them that I could not put the book down once they started spending more and more time together.

As a cruise lover, I loved all of the cruise aspects discussed! I'm also a big cat lover, so was happy to hear all about Samson before and after their cruise.

The writing was fun and easy to read. I didn't want to put the book down! The characters were likable, at least the ones you were supposed to like!

This was my first book by Phoebe MacLeod, but it will absolutely not be my last!

I received an advanced copy in exchange for my review, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you, Net Galley and Publisher!

what a cute romance. this is the second time ive read a cruise romance, and i love how they always have these parties and activities, and how you have some forced proximity. this makes you get to know people relatively fast, as we read about in this book. i love how this romance develops, and how her best friends romance develops. i also really wasnt expecting the backstory, which is explained a bit later on in the book. the characters are cute, and i love their story, but it felt a little bit superficial to me, i would have love more depth.

thank you to netgalley and the author for sending me the book in exchange for an honest review

I’m a little torn about this book overall. I was very excited about the cruise ship aspect of this book, it was something new that I hadn’t read before and thought was a fun idea. It was a little less on the cruise ship than I was expecting and so I was a tad disappointed about that.

I think the FMC, Ruby, was well written and likeable. I enjoyed her story. But the MMC, Cameron, fell a little flat for me. I had a hard time attaching to him. Definitely a slow burn, it took a long time for anything to develop between them, and was overall a slow start. Once you got into it, it was a cute book. I also love a good book with a pet that plays an important role, and this had that.

Overall a nice, easy read. A little thought provoking at times, will give you some good laughs, but nothing super deep.

Hook, Line and Single by Phoebe Macleod is an absolute delight from start to finish. The story is warm, funny, and filled with charm, with Ruby and Cameron standing out as wonderfully relatable characters. Their dynamic is engaging and heartwarming, and the Mediterranean cruise setting adds a perfect sense of escapism that makes the book so easy to lose yourself in.

The humor is spot-on, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, and the pacing keeps you hooked throughout. Macleod’s writing has a natural, conversational flow that makes it feel like catching up with an old friend. My only small critique is that the ending felt a bit longer than necessary—it could have been wrapped up more quickly without losing any of the story’s impact.

Overall, this is a fantastic rom-com that leaves you smiling and is perfect for anyone looking for a feel-good, romantic escape.

3.5*

A light hearted, easy to read and feel good romance.

Summary
After a bad break up several years earlier Ruby has sworn off men so when her best friend, and serial dater, Sam tricks her into a singles cruise she’s furious. Luckily, she is befriended by fellow unwilling participant Cameron and they agree to fake a partnership to dodge unwanted attention. But as they explore the Mediterranean together, Ruby starts to realise Cameron isn’t just a safe bet—he’s funny, kind, and way too charming. Can Ruby stick to her no-romance rule, or is her heart already overboard? Can she overcome her demons?

Thoughts
This story has all the hallmarks of a good romcom:
🎭 Fake dating
🚢 Forced proximity
🌞 Idyllic location
🌴 Holiday romance/fling
😁 Situational comedy
☀️ Grump and sunshine relationship (friendship)

I liked the main characters and the cast of supporting characters bring warmth and humour to the story.

The plot was predictable but enjoyable all the same- but I think most romances are that way. I did find the beginning a little slow but when it picks up it's really enjoyable.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

**A Witty and Heartwarming Rom-Com You Won’t Want to Miss**

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Phoebe MacLeod’s *Hook, Line and Single* is an absolute delight from start to finish! Packed with humor, charm, and heartfelt moments, this novel captures the awkward yet endearing journey of navigating single life and finding love in the modern world.

The protagonist is instantly relatable—smart, funny, and refreshingly real as she tackles the ups and downs of dating after a breakup. MacLeod’s witty and engaging writing style makes every page a pleasure to read, filled with laugh-out-loud moments and sharp observations about relationships and self-discovery.

The supporting cast of characters is equally lovable, adding depth and fun to the story. Whether it’s hilarious dating disasters or heart-to-heart moments with friends, every interaction feels authentic and meaningful.

MacLeod excels at blending comedy with heartfelt emotion, creating a story that’s as touching as it is entertaining. The pacing is perfect, with just the right amount of romantic tension and personal growth to keep you hooked until the very end.

*Hook, Line and Single* is not just a rom-com; it’s a celebration of resilience, self-acceptance, and the courage to embrace life’s surprises. Phoebe MacLeod has delivered a wonderfully uplifting and feel-good read that’s perfect for fans of romantic comedies with a lot of heart. Highly recommended!

25% into the book before they get on the cruise and she finds out it's a singles cruise. And very little of the first 25% of the book felt necessary to the story, 8 chapters that I feel could have been 1.

35% in and she finally meets the love interest. Again most of this could be skipped or been much more concise.

45% in and it's platonic and friendly, is this meant to be a slow burn?! There's been no sparks at all, it's all very comfortable and friendly and mutually beneficial, which doesn't really lead to a great story. There's been no conflict, no real needs being met, it's just a slow and steady telling of how two folks meet and maybe it eventually grows into more, but do we need to read about it for so many pages?! I'm at a loss to know what compelled the author to write this story? Very little is compelling me to keep reading it.

Okay 46% first sparks (hand holding, first kiss for the benefit of the crowd but at least the sparks were felt)

58% in, is there a point to this?

69% and she is starting to have some bursts of attraction, we may get some sexual tension built by 80% in?! Otherwise, it's been a fairly bland travelogue for the last 40% of the book.

84% in and the past that made her swear off dating comes out, but it really has not been well established that there was a history to tell, no hint of the secret before now, no internal struggle that we have watched her try to overcome and fear she never would. It could have been hanging over her but the reader sure didn't know it until now, so there was very little tension and yearning for her to figure it out in order to let in a good man who had now confessed his feelings to her.

92% and the book is over, the other 8% is post book content, so all these things happened even later in the book than I noted...

They got themselves there, but it was rough. I don't know if I'd want less, and just have this be a novella or if I want it to just be better, but lots of it didn't need to be there and didn't help the story, lots of the internal story that should have been there wasn't. It just wasn't up to par, which is sad cause I liked all the characters and the premise of fake dating for the singles cruise could have worked and the circumstances that led her to her current situation is actually something that should be hashed out in a romance book, but we didn't get enough of her internal struggle throughout the book. It had potential but just didn't come together in a satisfying way.

The premise of this book is so exciting, with two characters who are adamant they aren't looking for love finding themselves unexpectedly on a singles cruise.

I loved the way Ruby and Cameron actually got to know each other. I'm so used to insta-love romances that it was very refreshing to see a natural relationship progression, making it feel all the more real.

I wish we had gotten more of them by the halfway through mark however. They definitely grew as friends first, which I found very heartwarming. But I was wishing there was a little something more drawing me to Cameron, other than how kind he was.

When my kindle reading speed told me I had less than an hour left of reading, I realised that very little solidified romantic moments had happened between Ruby and Cameron. Combined with Ruby not spending much time with her friend Sam on the holiday either, things felt a little lackluster. Although this is likely a more realistic approach to how a romance plays out, I think there needed to be more to hook the reader and keep things exciting. It would have been fun to watch Sam and her new romance with Robin play out too.

Unfortunately I didn't feel much sparks fly between our two main characters, but I did really enjoy the book. The writing was great and easy to read, and the plot kept my interest. There was lots of exploration off the cruise ship, and the group activities were fun. I wish there was a little more time spent on the cruise ship, in restaurants, or enjoying musical entertainment; perhaps even just on a balcony enjoying the sea, as this is marketed as a cruise ship romance.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review this!

*I received this book as an Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review*

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me a copy of Hook, Line and single in return for an honest review. I thought this book was cute! It follows a Ruby Johnson as she travels the Mediterranean on a cruise with her best friend Sam. The catch? Sam forgot to mention that it was a single cruise. Luckily she meets Cameron who is able to provide her with a cover. Ruby was very relatable as I’m sure we all have, or have experienced, a friend like Sam. I absolutely loved the story!

This closed-door romance is a quick, short read with an enjoyable main character, Ruby. She has sworn off men and dating for years after a break-up with her boyfriend in college, and happily lives in season England, sharing a flat with her best friend, Sam. Unlike Ruby, Sam is desperate to find love, and her dating history and dalliances provide much of the comedic relief in the book.

As part of her quest to find love and force Ruby to expand her horizons, Sam books them on a singles cruise through the Mediterranean. Sam immediately drops Ruby like a hot potato to find herself a partner. Ruby, alone and still not seeking attention from men, buddies up with Cameron, a cute guy who also swears he is not seeking love, in a mutually-agreeable ruse to keep unwanted suitors at bay.

Predictably, hijinks ensue. Ruby and Cameron are forced to come to terms with potential feelings and we realize there may be more there. The chemistry between Ruby and Cameron is fine but not amazing, although the banter was entertaining. There is basically zero spice in this book, so for those looking for a chaste read, this could be a good option for you. The friendship between Ruby and Sam is the best part of the book, as you believe they do love each other as best friends. The ending felt a little rushed (They're off the boat already? Did I skip a chapter?), but gives you the happily ever so many romance readers crave. I'd give this 2.5 stars, but have to round down on this system.

There was some aspects of this book that I adored (Ruby's support system, her bookstore, her cat, and Cameron), and there were some aspects that bothered me (the church that was more of a purity cult than a loving and welcoming place and the vicar who sacrificed biblical tenents in order to win over a potential wife). If the author was going to write about Christians, I wish she would have shown a character with a nuanced faith who respects others but also encourages them to follow biblical teaching. Sam is also a terrible friend for the majority of the book.

Pacing wise, this book had a number of starts and stops for me. However, if the reader sticks with it, it is a heart-warming story of second chances and overcoming heart break.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

4⭐️
**Big thanks to Boldwood and NetGalley for the eARC**

Fake dating? Only one bed? What a wild ride!

Best friends Ruby and Sam are off on an adventure to help Sam get over her long, poor dating history. Sam books them on a cruise for a sun filled, 10 day Mediterranean adventure. Little does Ruby know, but Sam has some extra motivation to take this cruise—her happily ever after. Ruby is thrust into activities she didn’t sign on for and finds a new friend, Cameron. He keeps her company and trouble only continues to unfold. Can both girls end up with a happily ever after?

I enjoyed MacLeod’s Hook, Line, and Single. It was a cute read about two friends on a cruise ship. Such a unique take on finding your HEA. I have never read a book about a romance on a cruise ship. Sam became a little annoying with how often she abandoned Ruby for the chance for love. Ruby was a wonderful and supportive friend who constantly got left behind. Everyone ultimately grows and HEAs ensue, so I can forgive Sam her prolonged bad friend practices.

I recommend this for a fun, quick read!

Like a cruise holiday, this book is fun and has lots of hopping around, but doesn’t stay in one place long enough to make much of a connection.

Eternally-single Ruby and relationship disaster best friend Sam find themselves enrolled in a singles club on a mediterranean cruise. Ruby is not a bit surprised when Sam immediately couples up with someone and abandons her for most of the rest of the holiday. Cue Cameron, an innocuous enough guy who, like Ruby, is not looking for love. The two decide to go on the cruise excursions together. Complications and romance inevitably ensue.

Ruby and Cameron are likeable characters, if a little flat – I didn’t feel there was anything particularly special about either of them that was compelling enough to make the other suddenly abandon their sworn singledom. But they change their minds remarkably quickly after simply spending a pleasant time with a pleasant person whose looks are pleasing. Even this fairly superficial relationship is rushed as the characters don’t actually meet until about a third of the way through the book.

This aside, there was a lot to like about the book: some of the minor characters (Ruby’s family, Orange Brad, Threesome Pete, and, of course, Samson!) were especially well-drawn and added to the decent level of humour throughout. Some of the mediterranean settings lent a carefree, summery vibe to the plot, and the dialogue between the main characters felt natural and witty.

Overall, a fun holiday read that could have benefitted from starting more ‘in the action’. Low spice, fake dating, friends to lovers, holiday romance.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

I have never heard of this author before and was excited when I was provided this ARC copy via NetGalley. This was such a quick and easy read that I ended up reading it very fast and couldn't put it down! Immediately you are drawn to the characters and you can really visualize every scenario happening. I loved the relationships between the characters namely the main characters of Ruby and Cameron. I thought it was refreshing how they started off as friends first and it developed into much more and I really loved the ending and the epilogue as well. There were some minor grammar mistakes here and there but that can easily be fixed by more editing and revision. Honestly I would not change anything with this story or book just a few suggestions if I'm being picky. Regarding some of the extra characters that Ruby and Cameron met when they were on their own I would love to see them being incorporated more especially in the end to wrap the story up. I don't want to give away any specifics to risk spoilers but maybe Ruby did stay in touch with one of those characters or there's a scenario that involves another encounter with Ruby, Cameron and those specific characters. Obviously it's not necessary but it would be a nice suggestion that would really make the book perfect. I would love to see a sequel because I connected with the characters so much! Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback and review.

In this closed-door romance, Ruby has been celibate for years by choice after too many disappointing experiences with men. She's perfectly happy with her flaky roommate and cranky cat, thank you very much. Her roommate, poor taste haver in men Sam, signs them up for a cruise, convincing Ruby that she needs a vacation and to get away from it all. Unbeknownst to Ruby, it's a singles cruise. While Sam flits about trying to find the man of her dreams, Ruby pairs up with hottie Cameron, pretending to be a couple so everyone else will just leave them alone. Could there be more there?

This is a light, quick read that follows Ruby and Cam on their European adventures and into the happily ever after. There's not a lot of tension, and Ruby describes the sex as "satisfying," which I suppose for a protagonist who hasn't kissed a guy in 7 years, translates to mind-blowing?

This was a catch. A great romcom that had me laughing through it all, that also delivers on second chance romance.

Romance at it's best. Totally gonna binge read this author.

Cute book with some definite laugh out loud moments. I really enjoyed all the various characters, even Brad. This would be a great beach read!

I will admit that this is my first Phoebe Macleod book, and I was not disappointed.
I've always wanted to go on a cruise, and I'm drawn to books that include cruises in their timelines, so this was a good choice.
Ruby is perfectly happy living with her best friend, Sam, who is hopeless at dating but doesn't give up, and their cat, Samson, the most handsome cat in Margate, and working in her bookshop with her friend Jono.
There's no need for a man, She's sworn off them.
When an opportunity arises for the two BFs to go on a cruise, she reluctantly agrees, only to find that Sam has signed them up for a cruise with a minor difference; they are part of a singles group, with the intent of 'mingling'.
Not best pleased, Ruby grudgingly gives it a go, with unexpected results.
Cameron, the inevitable love interest, is a caring, considerate bloke, and, as a reader, I did find myself rooting for him.
The side characters are all great, with members of Ruby's family, like her sister, Em, who could probably do with her own novel outing. Samson the cat has his special appearances, and any story with a cat will reel me in.
It's a romance. Of course, there is a love story, but there is a darkness behind it, and Ruby's reluctance to even consider a relationship is slowly revealed at the end, giving her a great character arc.
An easy, enjoyable read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.

I have never read a book by Phoebe Macleod before but I am an avid cruiser so that why I originally chose to read this book. However I am so glad I did as it was such a brilliant read and I’m now going to go back and read all her previous books.

Ruby and her flatmate/best friend Sam head off on a cruise together which unbeknown to Ruby Sam has signed her up for a singles cruise. What follows is a rollercoaster of events with some interesting characters and plenty of adventures.

I loved Ruby and Cameron as characters but also enjoyed reading about Ruby’s family and found them quite funny characters and would have liked to have more chapters with them in it.

There is lots of humour in the book and it had me laughing out loud in places which was brilliant but is also showed the relatable side of relationship break ups and the aftermath of this which I think was dealt with really well.

Overall a brilliant 5 star read which I could not put down.
Thanks to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Phoebe Macleod for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Ruby hasn’t dated in 7 years but her best friend / roommate Sam loves to date. When Sam tricks Ruby into a singles cruise, Ruby is livid but tries to make the best of it even when Sam meets Robin. Ruby meets Cameron and they become travel friends. At the end, Ruby has to face what happened in her past.

I was really excited based off the fact there was a cruise involved. However, I didn’t really feel a huge spark with Cameron and, honestly, it felt like it was more of Sam’s story. It was okay (and short) overall.