I was really excited to dive into a romance set on a cruise ship, imagining the perfect blend of adventure, picturesque settings, and, of course, heartwarming chemistry between the main characters. Unfortunately, this book didn’t deliver on any of those fronts.

The romance felt flat and uninspired. The connection between the two main characters was almost non-existent, making it hard to root for them or feel invested in their relationship. I kept hoping for some spark, some moment where their feelings for each other would truly come alive, but it never happened. The lack of chemistry made the story boring and felt more like a dull, lifeless journey rather than an exciting adventure on the open sea.

Additionally, I was deeply disappointed by the way Christians were portrayed in the story. Instead of showing a nuanced or respectful representation, the book fell into offensive stereotypes that felt both lazy and hurtful. It took me out of the experience completely and left a bad taste in my mouth.

Ultimately, this book felt like a missed opportunity. It had the potential to be a lighthearted, engaging romance, but instead, it left me frustrated, bored and underwhelmed. If you're looking for a cruise ship romance with genuine chemistry and respectful characters, this one might not be the best choice.

4🌟
I really enjoyed the whole concept of the book with the 2 friends heading off on the cruise, only for one of them to discover that it wasn't all it was cracked up to be. It made me laugh, smile and smirk at points throughout as it took me along on its little journey. I always enjoy one of those books where you get to feel a bit of freedom feeling like you're in another country or travelling yourself and this is one of those times. An easy, fun and amusing read with definite summer vibes.

Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the e-ARC!

This book started out really well for me, the funny humour and the way that the characters were set up. I feel like you got to know the characters really well and that helped me to feel connected to them, especially Ruby. I could see parts of myself in her which made me feel more connected to her. The premise of this book really drew me in and it felt quite different to other romances that I’ve read. However, there were a couple of things that put this book down for me slightly. Mainly the pacing was just a bit off for me, because the book was so short, it felt like the first 30% was a lot of setup which I wouldn’t normally mind, however it then meant that the later part of the book felt rushed to establish this romance. I also really didn’t like Sam, I felt that she wasn’t a true friend and didn’t really get brought up on it or called out. That being said I really loved the banter between Ruby and Cameron and I also didn’t know that this was a British romance so I was very pleasantly surprised to see some British humour and it not be cringey or overdone.
I would recommend this to anyone looking for a light hearted, fast paced, summer romance!

I definitely enjoyed this book! It is a very enjoyable short read which is extremely easy to read in a day as it keeps you hooked and wanting to know what happens next. My favourite character is of course Ruby and I loved the dynamic between her and Cameron. I would recommend this book to light hearted romance lovers. Also, any readers who are coming out of a reading slump!

I received this book as an ARC. Thank you to net galley, the publisher and author for allowing me to receive an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

"Hook, Line and Single" is a fun romantic comedy that takes you on a Mediterranean cruise full of laughs and unexpected love. The story centers around Ruby, a strong-willed woman who’s totally done with men—until her flatmate tricks her into going on a singles cruise. There, she meets Cameron, another reluctant participant, and they team up to dodge the matchmaking attempts from their fellow cruisers.

As they explore stunning Mediterranean spots, their slow-burn romance unfolds with plenty of humor and genuine moments. Ruby’s honest take on love makes her journey feel relatable as she starts to confront her feelings for Cameron.

Phoebe MacLeod's writing is super light and funny, filled with witty back-and-forth and awkward situations, and the quirky side characters, especially the enthusiastic host Barry, add to the fun. Overall, "Hook, Line and Single" is an uplifting read that’s perfect for anyone who loves a feel-good romance with a bit of humor and a dash of adventure.

In reading Hook line and single, this is not the typical genre that I go for in a book, but I still found this book to be very intriguing. With the way that it was written and the little back and fourths. The sly side remarks kept me laughing as well. I am always up for a book that is going to be entertaining. Calling someone a "hobnob". For me that is not something that I normally hear, so reading it cracked me up. There were the typical talks between a daughter and a father when it comes to dating and them being protective over them. Many of us hit that point where we are single and we may think we are the pinocle of what a single person is lol. Those times that our friends set us up, we get mad at them.

A gorgeous book with a unique storyline set on a singles cruise around the Mediterranean. The first part of the group kept me guessing on which relationship the book was following and had a beautiful ending. Highly recommend the book, especially for travel / cruise fans who love a romance book

Hook, Line and Single by Phoebe MacLeod is a fun and heartwarming romantic comedy about Bella, a newly single woman who joins a fishing club to spice up her social life. Along the way, she navigates humorous dating mishaps, unexpected friendships, and a budding romance that teaches her about love and self-acceptance. MacLeod's writing is witty and charming, making for an enjoyable and feel-good read.

Now, here is a scenario where fake/convenient dating is plausible. I enjoyed the build of this story. I thought that Ruby and Cameron worked well together and could legitimately survive the cruise ending. Of course, some slightly convenient characters were introduced to keep the plot moving along easily, but it worked. I enjoyed the fast-paced nature of the plot and the build of the central relationship.

I was not the biggest fan of Sam; she really was not a great friend throughout and had some personal issues she needed to work out, but instead jumped straight to the next guy she met. The ending took away from the reading experience and that was disappointing. Though, overall, this was a nice read.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.

I'd like to thank NetGalley for this ARC in exchange of a truthful review.

3.5 stars.

This book has all the potential to be a cute romance novel. It is enjoyable but it has a few faults that take away from what really could have been a great book.

We follow our main character Ruby who gets tricked by her bestfriend into going on single's cruise and it is there she meets Cameron and the pair done with the hijinx's of the cruise ship agree to fake date to get everyone off their back.

What i enjoyed -
- Ruby is a great main character. She has sworn of love and men in general , she is a little grumpy and a very loyal friend
.
- Ruby and Sam's friendship. I love seeing strong friendships in books and this one delivered. There were times during the cruise ship section of the book i thought they were going to have them fight but thankfully apart from Ruby being a little grumpy the author avoids that. Overall a great friendship and the strongest relationship in the novel.

- Might be controversial but i enjoyed the glimpses into Sam's disastrous love life prior to the cruise. I enjoyed the look in the abysmal dating scene and how Sam (and Ruby) dealt with that.

What could have been better.
- The pacing - Now i did enjoy the glimpses into Sam's love life but it did slow down the plot significantly, for a standalone and short book i don't think waiting till about 30% in is the right time to introduce the love interest. I feel like those early chapters could have been shortened so we could get to the actual plot.
On that note the ending felt very rushed to me, it might be because i didn't feel like Ruby and Cameron's relationship was strong enough but it all get wrapped a little too quickly for me. I really would have loved to see more of them falling for each other.

- The side characters - I did enjoy the quirky side characters but at the same time it took away time from our main characters.

Overall a good book and would do for a palate cleanse.

I really enjoyed this one, but have to be honest, I am not sure this will stick with me long term. I liked the story and the characters, but did find it to be something fairly standard for a rom com.

3.5 rounded up to 4

Ruby has sworn of men and is happy to support her best friend Sam who is trying to find Mr. Right. When Sam tricks Ruby to go on a cruise for singles (complete with daily mandatory activities) Ruby is livid but seeing as they are already aboard she has no option but to join in. When she meets Cameron it turns out he too is not keen on all the matchmaking activities and they form a pact: pretend to be a couple and enjoy the rest of the cruise. Of course the more they get to know each other the more feelings evolve but Ruby has been hurt in the past and is not sure if she can get past that.

I enjoyed reading this book it was very entertaining, had likable characters and a believable storyline. I felt like I didn't really get to know the main characters and their real feelings as the story continues but I didn't mind too much. I enjoyed all the quirky side-characters and I liked that Sam also found her HEA.
All in all an entertaining summer read, perfect for reading on vacation.

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

I’ve read several books by Phoebe MacLeod and they are quick easy reads but I often don’t feel a big connection with the characters. In these stories, the FMC is often facing a personal issue or dilemma (recent breakup, work issues, etc) and needs to overcome the obstacle and while doing so finds the guy.

Unfortunately, this was no different. Ruby is living her life and claims to be happily single when her bff and roommate talks her into going on a cruise. After boarding the cruise she finds out she got tricked and they’re on a singles cruise. Her bff quickly connects with someone and luckily Ruby meets Cameron who offers to be her port partner and they explore Italy together.

Quickly Cameron and a simple excursion gets more complicated, especially when Ruby is convinced she needs to stay single.

Again, easy and quick read but nothing that really endeared me to the characters.

If you're looking for a fun romcom set in an interesting location this is the story for you!

I always enjoy Phoebe's stories and this one is no different. I loved the cruise ship aspect and the surprise that it's a singles cruise!
The female MC was a bit of a buttoned-up challenge initially, but it is all explained by the end. The Male MC was a great character, a fun personality but mature and understanding.
The jokes had me snorting laughter and the awkward sunburn had me laughing out loud, rather unpleasant I imagine.
The supporting cast was great, though at times I was as frustrated with the best friend as the FMC was, I would be equally a bit pissed if my BF was being that selfish and self-centered in that environment.
This book is a closed-door romance but includes discussions of sexual times and fun.

I enjoyed the story so much it has made me want to book my own cruise.

Thank you Boldwood Books & NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A quick easy read, would be perfect for while on holiday beside the pool as you can pick it up/put it down without needing to remember too much.

The cruise ship setting is cute, and different to your usual fake dating romcom.

This is a closed door romcom that features a grumpy fmc and a sweet mmc which takes place on a cruise.

Ruby is not interested in dating, as she claims she is content in life with being a bookshop owner and living with her best friend Sam and her cat. However, Sam seems to be having a string of bad luck when it comes to dating and convinces Ruby that they both could use a break and persuades her to join her on a Mediteranian cruise. Once they are onboard, Ruby realizes that Sam has tricked her into going on a singles cruise. Cameron signed himself for this cruise not realizing what it entails being on a singles cruise. He got out of a long term relationship recently and is not looking for love either. They strike a friendship and decide to fake date to protect each other from advances of the other guests. As they spend more time together, Ruby begins to question her perspective on love and dating.

The beginning of the book the pacing was rather slow and the story really picks up at the 50% mark. This book isn't just about romance but focuses on friendships and adventure too. I enjoyed the witty banter and the side characters in the book. While Ruby is the main character, the book also highlights Sam's misadventures in finding love. There were several moments I laughed out loud. I enjoyed the character development of Ruby but I felt the ending was a bit rushed. I wish the author had explored Ruby and Cameron's romance a bit earlier in the book. It was still a lighthearted and fun read!

Thank you Boldwood Books & NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This contemporary romance follows Ruby on a singles cruise after being tricked by her hopeless romantic roommate Sam. As she persists in her rejection to participate in dating, she meets kind, good-looking Cameron and the two go off on a Mediterranean adventure.

I liked the setting concept of the book as the singles cruise setting initially drew me to the title. I wasn't anticipating the very English diction and it took a little getting used to; it has charm in the book and you can hear the banter between the characters. While most romance books start off the main character as an obvious set-up to a romance, the book's pacing in the beginning built Ruby up slowly; the choice to not immediately introduce Cameron was nice. Cameron was written well as a charming potential. I quite liked the extras, especially Barry, as it added to the story's setting.

It was difficult to continue reading the story in the beginning, it wasn't as engaging as other books I've read. With a secondary character also looking for love, Sam, she came off less like a character of substance and more like a conventional way to provide context and move the story along. She was presented as a bad friend (which is pointed out explicitly several times) and it made it hard to see Ruby have that as someone considered her best friend. What threw me off a lot was the male love interests' line of work. Cameron's work in the police force introduced out-of-place conversations surrounding gun control and safety and general discourse. Robin, Sam's love interest, is a vicar which steers the characters and story to a religious setting that I did not appreciate. The ending of the story felt rushed, the epilogue lacked explanation, and it led to an unsatisfying happy ending.

This book offers plenty of lighthearted moments of easy banter. I would recommend this book for someone looking for a throwaway read, but I would preface with a warning that it overall does not leave a lasting impressions.

2.75/5

I started this book at about midnight, slept for a few hours and then finished it by noon. I enjoyed the concept and there was enough in the book to keep me reading to the end. I would have given this book 3 or 4 stars until I got to the end. The last couple of pages were a real turn off for me. I feel like it was slapped together last minute. I enjoy the slow build and was here for Ruby’s character development. When the book was gaining traction it just ends. The best way I can describe my emotions is comparing it to when you put on a song that you are vibing with and accidentally pause the song and when you go to start the song again you accidentally went to the next song. The timing and the vibe are all off and you are left feeling disgruntled.


But I was not a huge fan of her friend and flatmate. Sam was completely oblivious to anything outside of herself. I had a hard time empathizing for her. It took her too long to connect dots about the Ruby’s emotional walls.My detest for Sam only grew with time.

Hook, Line and Single by Phoebe MacLeod is the kind of rom-com that feels like a warm hug. I instantly connected with Ruby—her sarcasm, her independence, and her firm belief that she doesn’t need romance to be happy. When she’s tricked into a singles cruise, I felt her frustration, and honestly, I would have reacted the same way!

Enter Cameron—charming, kind, and just as unwilling to mingle. Their “let’s-survive-this-together” pact starts off as friendship, but watching their connection grow was pure joy. The Mediterranean setting adds to the magic, and I found myself grinning through their adventures. If you love witty banter, slow-burn chemistry, and a romance that sneaks up on you in the best way, this book is a must-read!

Hook, Line and Single follows Ruby and her best friend Sam as they embark on a singles cruise. Ruby, still recovering from past relationship trauma, has sworn off men and is unaware of the cruise’s matchmaking agenda. Upon arrival, she discovers the cruise is filled with singles events, making her uncomfortable. Sam quickly pairs off with someone, leaving Ruby to navigate the cruise with Cameron, a fellow traveler also uninterested in dating games.

To avoid the awkward singles activities, Ruby and Cameron pretend to be a couple. Their plan goes awry when they miss the cruise ship, forcing them to travel across Europe to catch up, leading to comedic mishaps and a gradual, slow-burn romance. However, the romantic development is minimal until the final chapters, which may leave some readers wanting more. Despite this, the novel delivers humor and lighthearted fun, though Ruby’s friendship with the somewhat inconsiderate Sam is questionable.