Hook, Line and Sinker by Phoebe MacLeod is a delightful, heartwarming romantic comedy set against the scenic backdrop of the English coast. With a charming mix of humor, quirky characters, and a captivating plot, MacLeod delivers a feel-good read that will appeal to fans of cozy romances and seaside escapades.

The story follows Polly, a stressed-out city dweller who takes a much-needed break in the quaint coastal town of Eastbury. There, she meets Matt, the local fisherman with a troubled past and a strong, silent demeanor. The chemistry between Polly and Matt is palpable from the start, and their slow-burning romance is woven through the larger narrative of personal growth, friendship, and healing.

MacLeod’s writing is full of warmth and wit, making the characters and their relationships feel incredibly authentic. Polly’s character is especially relatable, as she navigates the pressures of modern life while learning to embrace a simpler, more fulfilling existence. Matt, too, is written with depth, as his vulnerabilities and past traumas give him an emotional complexity that makes him more than just the typical brooding love interest.

The supporting cast of characters adds to the charm of the story. From Polly’s best friend, who serves as a humorous yet wise sounding board, to the quirky locals who make Eastbury feel like a real, lived-in place, MacLeod paints a picture of a close-knit community that feels both welcoming and genuine.

The setting of Eastbury, with its coastal views and idyllic atmosphere, serves as the perfect backdrop for the unfolding romance. The small-town dynamics and the slower pace of life create a soothing atmosphere that mirrors Polly’s personal journey of self-discovery and healing.

While the plot may follow a familiar romantic comedy formula, MacLeod’s refreshing writing and the depth of her characters elevate the story beyond predictability. The themes of finding love and belonging are treated with sincerity, making this an uplifting read that resonates long after the last page.

In conclusion, Hook, Line and Sinker is a heartwarming and enjoyable romance that will make readers smile, laugh, and perhaps even sigh with contentment. Phoebe MacLeod has crafted a charming tale full of heart, humor, and hope, making this novel a perfect pick for fans of feel-good fiction.

I want to start by thanking the author and publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of the book. I found this to be a really easy read. I can see this being a very popular beach read!

Okay, so I reallyyy did not like this book & would not have finished it if I wasn’t committed to reviewing it on Netgalley. This book is advertised as a sweet romance that takes place on a cruise ship between Ruby and Cameron, but in my opinion it is not a romance at all & only takes place on the cruise ship for about half of the book.

They don’t even get on the ship until 30% into the novel and get off it at 75% with nothing of substance happening in between. Ruby doesn’t meet the MMC until 35% through which I think is far too late for a stand alone novel. I think this makes it really hard to fall for the characters and their love story as well as the complete & utter lack of interest they show in each other.

Besides my dislike for the plot as a whole and the lack of any connection between the ~love interests~ as a Christian where my faith is the center of my life, I found this book to be extremely offensive as they go to church at one point and represent Christians horribly. Maybe the author had a bad church experience & met people who claimed to be Christians but did not actually have a relationship with Jesus & that makes me so sad for her but the call of Christians is to love others well like Christ loved us by going on the cross for us.

This book spent at least 30% of the plot bashing Christians and her friend dated someone who leads a church and he does not represent the faith well at all. Whether you are a Christian or not, I just think using your reader audience to bash on an entire faith that is so important to so many people (even if faith was only important to one person) feels so mean.

Although this book had some slightly familiar tropes, the author managed to make a story that felt fresh and interesting, whilst also giving the reader major wanderlust. At times the book struggled to keep my interest, so I wouldn’t describe as something you want to devour in one sitting, which I normally do with stories I’m hooked on, but it would make a perfect beach read as there’s enough to make you keep coming back for more, whilst also being able to pick it up and put it down as needed

I started reading this but unfortunately it wasn’t the book for me. I had a hard time getting into this story and had to DNF this. Out of respect for the author, I won’t be posting a review of this anywhere else.

The reads like a sitcom, if it were an extended movie edition that was then co-opted for a romance novel.

I quite liked Ruby’s character. She had an interesting story and I do think her journey felt quite apt considering all she went through. I appreciated how seriously the topic was taken, even though this is ultimately a lighter book.

I refer to it as a sitcom because there are so many supporting characters and they all feel like tools to weave humor throughout the tale. Every character has a unique personality and something not-so everyday about them.

Cameron was probably my favorite character of them all. I love the ability he had to make connections and pull the best out of people. He felt like the personification of kindness, serendipity, and adventure.

Ultimately, I really enjoyed the story but I found some of the side characters distracting and I felt that the story moved pretty quickly almost as if I were watching the events — sometimes I like to slow down and understand what’s in the minds of the characters, rather than finding out when they finally communicate their feelings. I also wish I could have read Cameron’s POV. I would have loved to experience his own buffed up version of the events, as a fun yet practical hopeless romantic.

A fun, lighthearted book that had beautiful locations and relatable characters. An easy read which would be perfect for a holiday, or helping you plan your next one as you read about some wonderful locations in Europe.

Sadly, this one just didn't quite do it for me. There were some funny, lighthearted moments for sure but I just really couldn't connect with the characters at all. It had a more superficial feel to me and a little more depth would have bumped it up to a 4 star. While this book wasn't necessarily a home run for me, I would definitely try another book by this author in the future!

This was such a great read! It was cute and the cover really attracts you to the book. The book has strong character development while making a relatable plot.

When Ruby's friend Sam signs them both up to a single's cruise without her knowing, she is furious. She has her reasons for wanting to stay single but decides to make the best out of the holiday. Luckily there's another single that is not interested in coupling up - enter Cameron. The two pair off and spend time exploring The Mediterranean without the pressures of their enthusiastic host. But will anything else happen?

Overall I really enjoyed this book and found it hard to put down! It's a lovely light-hearted, feel-good romance. As well as Ruby and Cameron, I enjoyed reading about the other characters on the cruise and seeing how the cruise panned out for them. Something else I loved was the amount of description there was rather than just the plot. I really felt like I was on the cruise too! The only that put my rating down a star was the abrupt ending. I felt like there should have been a few more chapters, and we reached the epilogue rather quickly.

This book was a funny, light, and quick read while still managing to tackle some solid, deeper topics. It’s an adorable story that many women who've been deeply hurt at some point in their lives might find relatable. The characters felt real and engaging, and the addition of a delightful cat named Samson was just the cherry on top—how can you go wrong with that?

The story follows Ruby, who has sworn off men, as she embarks on a cruise with her best friend, Sam. From a singles mixer on the ship to an unexpected twist when Ruby misses the boat after a day ashore, the plot keeps things fresh and enjoyable. This detour added more dimension to the story in a way that staying on the ship wouldn’t have. Sam’s subplot remains present but doesn’t overshadow Ruby’s journey, which worked well for the pacing.

The book’s quick pace made it an engaging read, covering themes of love, friendship, and personal growth in under 300 pages. While it had plenty of laughs and low-spice romance, the inclusion of a jump-scare chapter at a mega-church and some other religious elements felt a bit jarring. While this didn’t fully detract from the experience, it may be worth noting for readers sensitive to religious themes.

Overall, this is a well-written, entertaining story that balances humor with meaningful moments. It had me laughing and appreciating the thoughtful twists along the way. I’d absolutely recommend it to friends looking for a cute, shorter read, and I look forward to exploring more of Phoebe MacLeod’s books in the future!

Thank you to Phoebe MacLeod, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

So much happens in this short read I found it very enjoyable I laughed quite a bit The book is well written and engaging. Fast paced but not too fast.
I felt that the characters were realistic and relatable. Going through things I feel many go through after being hurt.
Overall this is a feel good rom-com.
I would definitely recommend this to a friend.

This was a funny, light and quick read, but packed in some solid topics to give it some depth.

We find Ruby who has sworn off men heading on a cruise with her BFF. They go to a singles mixer on the ship and it evolves from there. I liked the way the story veered when Ruby ends up missing her ship after a day ashore. It was a cute segué that added to the story in a way that staying on the ship wouldn't have. It also kept BFF Sam's secondary plot "there" but in the background (I was less interested in this, but appreciated its addition to the book). Low spice and lots of laughs contribute to an entertaining read.

I look forward to reading more Phoebe MacLeod books! Thank you to Phoebe, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I just read a brand new romantic comedy. Hook, Line, and Single by Phoebe MacLeod was very enjoyable.

An excellent read for any and all readers! Author comes at you with both barrels and knocks you out of your shoes! Great job fleshing out all the characters. I give this book FIVE stars! Definitely recommend!

This book was an absolute feel good romance. From the friendship that starts it off to the romances that are built in the storyline, I really enjoyed reading this one from start to finish.

Ruby is very much grumpy/ sunshine and you don't know why for most of the book. When her best friend signs them up for a singles cruise without telling her, Ruby is none too pleased. They get roped into different events through the singles group and when Ruby's friend finds a love interest, Ruby is left to fend for herself, which is where Cameron steps in.

This book had me laughing quite a bit and I didn't put it down for an entire day.

This book was absolutely adorable while still tackling important and relevant topics that many women face. The characters were wonderfully relatable, and their experiences felt authentic and engaging throughout the story.

The book dives into a variety of significant themes, including bad dates, toxic relationships, and the complexities of friendships. I appreciated how these issues were explored with both humor and depth, making the story both enjoyable and thought-provoking. Conversations about religion and therapy were also seamlessly woven into the narrative, adding layers of introspection and authenticity.

Overall, this was a fantastic read! It managed to balance lighthearted moments with meaningful discussions, leaving me eager for more. I can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy to add to my bookshelf. Highly recommend!

Hook, Line and Single by Phoebe McLeod is a lighthearted and fun romance, but it doesn’t quite stand out in the crowded sea of contemporary romances.

Ruby May has sworn off love, and she’s perfectly fine with that—until her flatmate tricks her into a singles cruise. Furious at first, Ruby is determined to spend the trip avoiding matchmaking guests and cheesy onboard activities. Enter Cameron, another unwilling participant in the love boat experiment. When he and Ruby agree to fake a partnership to dodge flirtatious advances and meddling host Barry, the plan seems like a safe bet. But as the Mediterranean cruise unfolds, so does their chemistry. What starts as a platonic pact turns into something more, with Ruby questioning her resolve to keep love at arm’s length.

While the premise is entertaining, the execution feels fairly predictable. The fake partnership Ruby forms with Cameron has its sweet moments, but their chemistry never quite sizzles, leaving their romance feeling a little flat.

The book does have its strengths. McLeod’s writing is easy to read, and there are humorous moments, particularly involving Barry, the enthusiastic cruise host. The Mediterranean setting is pleasant, though it could have been more vividly described to really immerse the reader.

It’s a book that delivers some laughs and charm but doesn’t leave a lasting impression. Perfect for when you’re in the mood for something light and breezy, but not one I’d revisit.

This book was such a cute, light hearted romcom that kept a smile on my face the entire time! I’m also a big spice lover but it was nice to read something without too much heat! I am also a huge lover of a grumpy/sunshine trope. A lovely read!

Unfortunately, Hook, Line and Single didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I was hoping for a light, fun rom-com, but the book felt more like a string of familiar tropes that never quite came together.

Ruby, the main character, is a woman who’s sworn off love, and while I understand her reasons, her resistance to romance became repetitive quickly. Her flatmate tricks her into a singles cruise, which felt like a forced setup to get the plot moving. When Ruby meets Cameron, the chemistry just wasn’t there. Sure, they agree to fake a relationship to avoid the other guests, but their dynamic felt flat, and Cameron was just another “nice guy” without any real depth. I didn’t feel invested in their romance at all.

The supporting characters, like Barry, the cruise host, were more caricatures than fully realised people, which took away from any humour or charm the story could’ve had. The Mediterranean setting, too, didn’t come alive for me—descriptions were surface-level and didn’t help draw me into the experience.

Ruby’s emotional journey felt underdeveloped. Her hesitance to trust again didn’t feel like it was explored deeply enough to make her growth feel earned. Overall, Hook, Line and Single was an easy read, but it lacked the heart and depth I was hoping for. If you're looking for a light, predictable rom-com, it might work, but I found it ultimately forgettable.