Book Review - Hook, Line and Single by Phoebe MacLeod

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Title: Hook, Line and Single

Author: Phoebe MacLeod

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 17th February 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

Ruby may be young, free and single… but she’s absolutely not ready to mingle.

Ruby is happily sworn off men. There’s nothing she needs that can’t get from her friends, cat or, frankly, the wonders of modern technology. So when her flatmate tricks her into going on a singles cruise, she’s furious.

Thankfully, Ruby isn’t the only one onboard under false pretences. Cameron also had no idea what he was letting himself in for. So after Ruby and Cameron strike up conversation, they agree to platonically pair off, to protect each other from the flirtatious advances of the other guests – not to mention the matchmaking efforts of Barry, the enthusiastic host.

There’s just one problem. Cameron isn’t just in the same boat as Ruby – he’s also good looking, kind and fun. As they explore the picturesque towns of the Mediterranean, Ruby finds herself enjoying his company much more than she’d intended.

Can Ruby keep her heart safe, or will she be in too deep by the time the boat docks at its final destination?

I've heard good things about Phoebe MacLeod's books but hadn't read any, until I spotted this one a featured a cruise. And I am a sucker for a cruise. 

And having now read this, I may just be a sucker for this author's writing too, as I enjoyed it so much.  That I was ditching things I possibly should have been doing in order to read more. 

Initially I was more interested in Sam's story, but Ruby, as the main character grew on me the whole time, and on discovering the truth why she prefers to be single, my heart went out to her. 

In between that we have Sam trying to prowl for single men at a new church she has heard about, and wow they have some rather interesting rules. After that she decides that a holiday with Ruby would be a good idea. 

To Ruby's dismay they had been booked through a singles group, and were expected to go to organised activities each evening.  Now this is a fabulous dynamic and it was a lot of fun, and Barry the Marco Polo group host is larger than life, but I kind of wanted to see a bit more of the cruise ship. 

But really its a port intensive itinerary so its realistic for most of the action to be in the ports of call, and then evening activities, it's just the cruise fanatic in me wanted to see if I could work out which cruise line this may have been modelled on! 

And there are some really memorable moments at some of the ports too, especially once Ruby starts hanging around Cameron who also isn't keen on the idea of dating, after Sam hits it off with a new man. 

This had many amusing and fun moments, and is a book I totally enjoyed. 

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.