This one started off great and I had really high hopes for that to continue. but it just fell really flat and I DNF'd at 60%. I really enjoyed the premise of this book - a grumpy FMC and a really handsome & kind MMC on a singles cruise in the Mediterranean? YES! That just sounds like my kind of light hearted read.

The pacing was just a mess - it took 30% of this book to even get to the cruise as there was just so much filler and unnecessary drama with Sam (the best friend - it truly felt like her romance novel most of the time!). The connection with Cameron and Ruby started off strong - but then it just seemed to fall apart - it said they were getting closer but it just felt like the direct opposite and was rather hard to read as a result.

That being said - the female characters were so well written. The bookstore, the grumpiness of Ruby and her desire to forever be single? I loved it! Give me a grumpy girl any day of the week as those are the books I crave. Then throw in Sam and that really amazing dynamic and the out of this world banter that they had? Absolutely beautiful story of their friendship! This one really could be sold just as an excellent story of female friendships.

Kudos to the author, and I really look forward to reading more of her work as I did love her characters and writing style! This one does have a lot of potential for sure!

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

Full disclosure, this book confused me. After reading for 90 minutes, I left the book to go find a review because I thought I was somehow reading a completely different book. The first quarter of the book had me so lost! I did find the Sam/Ruby relationship interesting but I honestly had no idea how the book I was reading was going to match the description because it took FOREVER to get on the boat and meet Cameron. While I liked Cameron, it was hard to really get invested in their relationship because there was just soooo much set up time ahead of them meeting. Their adventures of the boat were fun but it still felt like there was something missing between them. Also, the "secret" was interesting but the execution not well done. You have Sam suggesting therapy multiple times only for Ruby to essentially flip a switch and be completely all in with Cameron what felt like minutes later.

i really enjoy this read it was a lot of fun , light hearted and funny to lots of wit ,

i really enjoyed the characters they were pretty story willed yet so funny together and totally spicey

i highly recommend if you love a story with summer vibes easy read

I am giving the book 4 heart throbbing stars

If you want a lighthearted and fun book to read, this book is for your! To be honest, I wasn't sure about this book at first. I was not really liking the first chapter but then it started to get better and better and as soon as the two main characters (two best friends who are both single ) are on the boat, the story gets super super good and super fun! I was not disappointed! I was pleasantly surprised! I had the best time reading this book! Lots of fun moments on the boat, lots of visits of lovely places around the mediterranean sea, lots of romance and lots of sun! I highly recommend this book if you want a book to relax and have a fun moment!!!

ARC Review: Hook, Line and Single by Phoebe MacLeod

I went into Hook, Line and Single with high expectations, especially after loving An (Un)Romantic Comedy. A rom-com set on a Mediterranean singles cruise? It sounded like the perfect mix of fun and romance. While the book had its moments, it didn’t fully hook me the way I’d hoped.

💕 What I loved
- Witty Banter & Humor – Phoebe MacLeod’s signature humor shines through, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.
- Fun Premise – A grumpy heroine reluctantly embarking on a singles cruise? That setup had so much potential.
- Ruby & Sam’s Friendship – Their dynamic adds warmth and liveliness to the story.
- A Unique Detour – Ruby missing the ship was an unexpected twist that added some excitement.

🤔 What I wish can be different
– The cruise doesn’t start until about 30% into the book, and much of the early focus is on Ruby’s best friend, Sam.
– Cameron, the love interest, isn’t introduced until later, making their connection feel rushed.
– The romance often takes a backseat, which left me wanting more chemistry between the leads.
– Some themes, particularly the church subplot, might not resonate with all readers.

🎭 Final Thoughts
While Hook, Line and Single had its entertaining moments, it didn’t fully deliver on the romantic sparks I was expecting. If you enjoy lighthearted reads with humor and strong friendships, this could still be an enjoyable pick. However, if you’re looking for a deeply engaging romance, the slow pacing and limited development between the main couple might leave you wanting more.

✨ Thank you, Boldwood Books and NetGalley, for the ARC! This review reflects my honest thoughts.

I recently finished reading this book and I must say, it was a captivating and refreshing experience. From the moment I started the book, I was hooked by its grounded and relatable portrayal of romance.
The plot is incredibly realistic, which is something I truly appreciated. The love story unfolds at a pace that feels true to life—there are no unrealistic twists or melodramatic moments that often plague romantic novels. Instead, the characters face real-life challenges, personal growth, and emotional struggles that anyone can relate to. The story touches on themes of trust, vulnerability, and the importance of self-discovery before fully opening up to someone else.
What stood out most to me was the character development. The protagonist evolve throughout the book, and their emotional growth is depicted with such care. Their flaws, strengths, and vulnerabilities are portrayed in a way that makes them feel like real people, not just characters on a page. It’s rare to find a romance where the characters' emotional journeys are as important as their romantic connection, and [Book Title] does this beautifully. Their interactions felt authentic, and the relationship built naturally over time, making it all the more rewarding by the end.
This book made me reflect on my own experiences and left me with a sense of hope that love can grow in the most unexpected ways. It's a novel about finding love not just with someone else, but also with yourself. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a romance that feels real, with characters that are fully realized and a plot that keeps you invested from start to finish.

A cute beach read! The characters were likable but lacked depth, both FMC and MMC were superficial. The cat was really cute I love when a book has a cat character!
Overall not bad I just wish it had a little more to it.
Thank you NetGalley for an arc.

4⭐️

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this arc, in exchange for an honest review.

I did enjoy this story at the very beginning. There was so much to relate to with in life, and the humour definitely got me through the 20% mark quickly. After though, the book fell really flat following Ruby’s friend Sam. The story didn’t really move anywhere and became stuck until the cruise idea arrived. It was lovely to see a cruise detailed in a book, as I find this is rarely captured. However, it would have been much nicer if there was more focus on Ruby and Cameron. I found their scenes very short and so much focus being lost due to other characters in the book. I definitely agree with other reviews that Ruby and Cameron become a side plot, as well that their storyline needed more flourishment. I certainly found the ending very rushed and suddenly finished, but a perfect ending non the less.

Phoebe Macleod’s Hook, Line and Single is a sunny, uplifting and uproariously funny page-turner that makes for the perfect romantic escape.

Ruby’s heart is firmly under lock and key. She doesn’t need a man to lead a fulfilling life and she’s perfectly happy to be single. With a thriving social life, a gorgeous cat and modern technology, Ruby is happy to leave the flirting and dating to her friends – so she’s furious when she is tricked by her flatmate into going on a singles’ cruise! But all might not be as bad as she initially thought, thanks to gorgeous Cameron who is also on the boat against his will. Cameron has the perfect plan to keep the matchmaking from host Barry at bay: pretend that the two of them have fallen madly in love with another!

It’s a plan that is absolutely foolproof – or so they both think! As they begin to explore the Med together, Ruby begins to enjoy spending time in Cameron’s company and starts to fall in love with her fake boyfriend! Could she dare to dream of a future with Cameron? Will she confess her feelings to him before the boat docks at its final destination? Or is Ruby just setting herself up for disappointment?

Phoebe Macleod always delivers and Hook, Line and Single is a terrific romantic comedy that I couldn’t read quickly enough. Hilarious, heartrending, emotional and feel-good, Hook, Line and Single by Phoebe Macleod is the ideal treat for romantics everywhere!

I've read 20% of this and not only have we not yet met the MMC, we haven't even gotten to the cruise. I'm out.

Phoebe MacLeod delivers another delightful rom-com with Hook, Line and Single, a witty and heartwarming story set against the picturesque backdrop of a Mediterranean singles cruise. With humor, adventure, and a touch of romance, this novel is the perfect escape for fans of lighthearted contemporary fiction.

Plot Overview
Ruby Johnson has sworn off men and is content with her cozy life in Margate, complete with her best friend Sam, their shared flat, and her beloved cat, Samson. However, Sam, a hopeless romantic, tricks Ruby into joining her on a singles cruise under the guise of a relaxing holiday. Frustrated and determined to avoid the ship’s matchmaking events, Ruby finds an unlikely ally in Cameron, a Kent police officer who also boarded the cruise under false pretenses. Together, they agree to a platonic partnership to deflect unwanted attention, but as they explore charming European cities and navigate comical mishaps, Ruby starts to wonder if love might be worth another shot after all.

Strengths
MacLeod excels at creating relatable and entertaining characters. Ruby is refreshingly independent and witty, while Cameron is a charming and kind-hearted leading man. Their chemistry is natural and builds at an enjoyable pace, making their evolving relationship feel authentic. The setting is beautifully described, bringing the Mediterranean cruise experience to life with vivid imagery and immersive details.

The novel also touches on themes of friendship and self-discovery. Ruby and Sam’s relationship is realistic, portraying both the joys and challenges of long-term friendships. The book’s humor shines through the antics of the quirky side characters, particularly Barry, the overenthusiastic cruise host, and the unpredictable cruise guests who add plenty of comedic moments.

Areas for Improvement
While the book is a fun and engaging read, the pacing at the beginning feels a bit slow, with a substantial portion dedicated to setting up Ruby’s backstory in Margate before the cruise adventure truly begins. Additionally, while Cameron is a wonderful love interest, more insight into his background would have deepened his character development and connection with Ruby.

Final Thoughts
Hook, Line and Single is a charming, laugh-out-loud rom-com that transports readers to a sun-soaked adventure filled with romance and self-discovery. It’s perfect for fans of Sarah Adams and Beth O’Leary who enjoy sweet, slow-burn romances with strong character dynamics. Whether you’re lounging on a beach or curled up at home, this book makes for an entertaining and delightful escape.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

3.5* rounded up.

I enjoyed this book, particularly Ruby and Cameron’s adventures outside of the cruise, however I did enjoy Robin and Sam as characters too.

I enjoyed Ruby’s character arc and seeing her become more confident and comfortable made this a feel-good read!

A lighthearted fun read, filled with Phoebes trademark humour and plenty of will they won’t they romance. The main characters have enough issues to make their relationship journey a rocky one and although their ultimate union is inevitable there is enough drama and romantic suspense to keep the pages turning.

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.