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.

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.