Yikes, this book was a mess. I couldn't get past chapter one. I found the dialogue to be cringe-y and couldn't wrap my head about the friendship and the cruise plot.

Hook, Line and Single was an easy, fun book to read - and would be very appropriate for a cruise or Mediterranean vacation similar to that in the book. Ruby is totally happy being single, unlike her flatmate Sam. So when Sam drags her on a singles cruise, she expects it to be the same old story, watching Sam have a torrid love affair. But when she meets police officer Cameron, Ruby starts to wonder whether she deserves a romance of her own.

I found this book to be really quirky. It includes everything from a subplot regarding religion and the place that religion plays in our lives, to a scene set on a nudist beach (which answers the age old question - is there more sunburn on a nudist beach? I'm someone who gets incredibly seasick, and so am not the best candidate for a cruise, but the book really vividly describes the sense of community which can arise from touring these beautiful places together. I also really appreciated the relationship between Em and Sam. They have been friends for decades and so have a really realistic dynamic - no one can annoy the other one as well, but if someone else attacks them, they're fiercely loyal to each other. The relationship of these two as they learn how to navigate remaining close to a friend along with ongoing romantic relationships is really rich, and I think a lot of women will be able to relate to them.

I do wish we had more of a sense of Cameron's background. We got a great sense of his role at the Kent Police (including some interesting discussion on firearms in the UK), but less a sense of his family, his background and how he's been shaped by his life experience. I would have liked to have known more about him, but he and Ruby still seem to really connect and the character has a great sense of kindness that made him a fun romantic interest.

I'd recommend this book at anyone who enjoys Sarah Adams or Beth O'Leary

I loved every second of Hook, Line and Single by Phoebe MacLeod—consider me a huge new fan! This book had everything I crave in a rom-com: laugh-out-loud moments, swoon-worthy romance, and characters that felt like friends by the end. The witty banter was top-notch, the storyline was refreshingly fun, and the chemistry? Absolutely spot-on.

I adored the way the romance unfolded—it had just the right mix of humor, heart, and those “I can’t stop smiling” moments that make a book unforgettable. Phoebe MacLeod has a new forever reader in me, and I cannot wait to dive into more of her books! If you love feel-good, laugh-out-loud rom-coms with a side of heart, this one is a must-read!

"Hook, Line and Single" was a cute little vacation rom-com to get me out of this reading funk. I liked that the focus was first on Ruby and Sam's friendship and how Ruby was trying to support Sam in her failed relationships. It wasn't strictly just falling in love. However, once they got onto the cruise I felt like everything moved way too quickly. I don't think we hung on to Sam's deception/selfishness as long as we should have. I also wasn't a huge fan of the idea that Cameron just immediately started to fall for Ruby. I wish we had gotten to see more of their outings so that their connection seemed stronger by the end. Once the cruise was over, I think it would have been better if Ruby and Cameron spent more time texting, talking, and spending time with each other before the revelation that Cameron already liked Ruby. The time frame was too short (1 week on a cruise and then 1 week in the real world. Didn't flow right with me.)

This one was okay. Nothing spectacular, but easy. And I need easy books most of the time. I will still recommend it, but I'm not swooning over it. Glad I got to read it, though.

I’m not religious or particularly conservative, but I had a hard time with the idea of a vicar, Robin, going on a singles cruise and getting involved with Ruby’s promiscuous friend, Sam. While the story justifies it by mentioning that he was sexually active before becoming a vicar, it still felt out of place. I also expected the focus to be on Ruby and her budding relationship with Cameron, but instead, Sam dominated the story with her antics and constant whining. Her friendship with Ruby felt incredibly one-sided—she was self-centered and never seemed to consider Ruby’s feelings. In the end, it felt like Ruby’s relationship with Cameron was just a subplot, which made the overall narrative feel unbalanced.

Thank you to NetGalley for this free advanced copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A delightfully unique and hysterical strangers to friends to lovers story set upon the high seas. Ruby sets off on a cruise with her best friend for some rest and relaxation and upon arrival realizes she's been duped into a singles cruise, her worst nightmare. I loved this unique story and meeting a unique cast of characters. Dating games, excursions, Bachelor style dates - it was the dating game of the high seas and I think I may need to take myself on this type of cruise. I loved the vulnerability of Ruby as she formed a friendship with Cameron. The best relationship start with a friendship and though that's all they thought they would be to each other - life sometimes has other plans. The amount of giggles and swoons I made while reading this story had my family checking on me to see if i was okay. MacLeod does not disappoint and I can't wait to read more from her in the future.

Hook, Line and Single is an enjoyable and entertaining read , it’s about two best-friends going on a cruise together and the fun that ensues.

I really liked this story even if I feel it didn’t quite match up to its synopsis, or rather didn’t spend that much time on the cruise it was still very entertaining.

If you’re looking for a light and enjoyable read to brighten up your winter days , look no further than Hook, Line and Single.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC!

*3.5 Stars*

I love a good fake dating premise - especially when the characters want nothing to do with each other! While I wish the pacing of the story was a bit quicker, this was a fun vacation read.

Phoebe MacLeod comes through once again with Hook, Line and Single. The light and enjoyable work filled with a lovely story and fun and funny characters is exactly what I've come to rely on MacLeod for.
When Ruby's roommate and best friend, Sam, convinces her they deserve a vacation she finally relents and packs her bags ready to relax and sight-see on their lovely cruise. Upon boarding this ship Ruby realized Sam wasn't completely forthcoming in what they are signed up for.

This will they, won't they romance had me staying up a little too late to see what was in store for Ruby and Cameron.

Thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for a copy of this great read in exchange for my honest review.

"Hook, Line, and Single" follows Ruby Johnson, co-owner of a charming bookshop in Margate, Kent, and her best friend Sam Thorncroft as they embark on what's supposed to be a relaxing getaway. However, Sam's secret plan of signing them up for a singles cruise sets the stage for an unexpected journey of self-discovery and romance.

The novel presents a mix of lighthearted moments and more serious undertones. Ruby, sworn off men due to past experiences, finds herself reluctantly participating in the cruise's matchmaking activities. Her grumpy demeanor contrasts nicely with the sweet and handsome Cameron, whom she ends up fake-dating to avoid the cruise's romantic pursuits. Their developing relationship forms the core of the romantic element, though it takes some time to fully materialize.

I enjoyed the colorful cast of supporting characters, including Barry, the enthusiastic cruise director, and Robin, a clergyman who catches Sam's eye. The author also weaves in Ruby's backstory, exploring the reasons behind her aversion to relationships, which adds depth to her character arc.

Ruby and Cameron meet on a singles cruise. Neither is sure about trying to meet someone, and they start off as friends but will it lead to more? A fun read.

I really, really enjoyed this one! The characters are relatable, the dialogue is natural and the storyline is dramatic, funny and easy to read. 10/10.

This story is about two best friends who go on holiday together and meet new people and have new experiences. It's a fun, lighthearted romance.

"Hook, Line and Single" by Phoebe MacLeod is a funny romance novel that whisks readers away on a romantic adventure through the Mediterranean. It's the story of Ruby, a young woman who has vowed to give up men and enjoys her friends, cat, and gadgets. Her flatmate, however, cons her into boarding a singles cruise much to her frustration. While onboard, Ruby crosses paths with Cameron, who similarly is there falsely. They plan to pair up platonically to keep away from the sexual advances of the other guests as well as the matchmaking attempts by the overeager host, Barry.

While Ruby and Cameron go on hikes in quaint villages and hang out together, Ruby can't help but like having Cameron around. The narrative gets across the dynamic that develops between Ruby and Cameron perfectly, a mixture of warmth, humor, and surprising bonding moments. Ruby and Cameron come alive as complete, fully developed people, not unlike the interactions in real life.

Phoebe MacLeod's writing is gripping and smooth, and this book is ideal for readers of light-hearted romantic comedies. The novel also explores aspects of friendship, self-discovery, and the value of taking a chance in life. All in all, "Hook, Line and Single" is a heartwarming and fun read that will have people smiling as they finish the book.

Hook, Line and Single is Phoebe Macleod‘s newest stand-alone romantic comedy. It’s a fake-dating travel romance set primarily on a cruise ship in the Mediterranean Sea.

28-year-old Ruby Johnson swore off men after a disastrous relationship in college. She lives with her best friend, Sam Thorncraft, and her beloved cat, Samson, in Margate, England. Ruby co-owns a bookstore and coffee bar with a gay man, Jono. Sam has a very active dating life, although she primarily goes out with losers. After her latest bad relationship goes sour, Sam tricks Ruby into going on a singles cruise.

Ruby is upset when she discovers that her free cruise is really a mechanism for Sam to meet single men. She quickly learns that she can’t get out of the arrangement and is upset when Sam immediately abandons her to pursue eligible men. Ruby keeps running into the same passenger in the Singles Mingle group. Cameron is a handsome police officer who is also from Kent, and he is getting over a recent break-up from his longtime girlfriend. So Ruby and Cameron fake a relationship to protect each other from the flirtatious advances of the other singles and the matchmaking efforts of Barry, the enthusiastic Singles Mingle Director.

When Ruby and Cameron are sightseeing in Spain, a thief steals Ruby’s wallet and her phone. They miss getting to the ship on time because they are at the police station reporting the theft. They then have several days of forced proximity while they attempt to meet back up with their cruise ship. While Ruby is happily single and absolutely denies wanting a relationship, she finds herself enjoying Cameron’s company. When the cruise ends and she returns home, she has to decide if she wants to continue seeing Cameron.

Meanwhile, Sam immediately falls for the mysterious Robin Andrews, who isn’t as sleazy as some of the other men in their group. She spends every waking hour with him, but he refuses to reveal his occupation.

Hook, Line and Single is different from previous books by this author because it contains a higher level of romance, sexual descriptions, and many F-bombs. Usually, this author writes cozy character-driven stories with minimal romance, and there is very little profanity or sexual references. The secondary female character, Sam, is very sexually active and uses the F-word frequently. For most of the story, Sam is a terrible friend to Ruby. A second complaint of this book is that the first third of the book occurred in Ruby’s hometown of Margate, and detailed Sam’s dating disasters. So the book blurb is only representative of the second two-thirds of the book. Some readers may be disappointed that it takes so long to reach the anticipated storyline.

While I ultimately enjoyed Hook, Line and Single, this story is my least favorite from this author. I really disliked the raunchy descriptions of Sam’s sexscapades and her use of profanity. Additionally, there was religion-bashing throughout the story. I think readers would enjoy this story better if it were cleaned up more.

The hero, Cameron, was absolutely perfect. Barry, the group leader on the cruise, was hilarious. Ruby’s younger sister, Emerald, was hilarious, as was their parents. Samson the cat was the third main character and deserves his own epilogue. I’m thankful that the author redeemed Sam and got to a happy ending. I hope this story is not indicative of this author’s future writing style; I loved her cozy, closed-door rom-coms.

I received an Advance Review Copy (ARC) from NetGalley and Boldwood Books for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Cute lil slow burn romance. Enjoyed seeing Cam and Ruby fall in love. The idea of the fake dating on a relationship cruise was fun. Didn't love the best friend. 3.5 Stars!

Very much enjoyed this. A light hearted read about a singles cruise.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

2 ⭐️
Was not a fan, like the concept of the story nice but the ending just completely ruined it for me. Could’ve been a good solid 4 star read but just wasn’t for me
Only finished because I had the ARC. Just didn’t really vibe with the story. The MC and the flatmate irked me just meh. Flatmate was a shit friend

Pacing was also a bit all over the place

This is a cute, lighthearted read that manages to cover some serious themes in a relatable way. Ruby and Sam have both had their romantic mistakes (Threesome Pete, anyone?), but Sam isn't ready to give up. She registers them both (unbeknownst to Ruby) on a singles cruise, which is where the...ahem...fun...begins. But actually it does! With a series of misadventures that reminded me of an old I Love Lucy episode, Ruby and the new friend she makes on the cruise must somehow reconnect with their boat and make it to the end of the cruise. There are a number of surprises and reveals along the way, and everyone gets their HEA, naturally.

Ruby is happy being single and has been sworn off men for good. But when her flatmate tricks her into going onto a singles cruise, she is furious. Despite that, she is going to enjoy the cruise no matter what. She meets Cameron who also has no idea what he has let himself in for. So they both agree to pair up to avoid any other flirtatious advances from others. But Ruby finds him attractive at the same time. This was a really fun read with plenty of laugh out moments from start to finish. I always enjoy Phoebes books as her characters are so relatable. Another fantastic read!