Book Review: Hook, Line, and Single

By Sara Steven

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? (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads.)

From the get go, I knew that there was something deeper involved that made Ruby swear off men. For most of the book there isn’t much discussion about her reasons behind doing everything she can to avoid relationships until the latter part of the book, when Ruby comes face to face with a situation she can’t avoid. In that moment, I knew just how scary anything serious could be for Ruby. 

Her roommate, Sam, is the total opposite. Sam is ready for a deeper commitment and it doesn’t matter how long she’s known someone. If she feels like there is potential there, she goes for it, often at her own detriment. That only adds to Ruby’s carefulness. She’s seen how often Sam has had her heart broken, and doesn’t want to participate. 

Sam talks Ruby into going on a girl’s only cruise, but once the ladies are onboard, Ruby quickly discovers that it’s none other than a singles cruise, in an effort to bestow a unique opportunity in finding someone that could become Sam’s happily-ever-after, and could potential open up Ruby’s heart. Despite Ruby’s reserve, she finds Cameron in the same boat she’s in–a reluctant participant in the game of love. From there, plenty of golden opportunities come up for the two cynical characters, who have no intention of pairing off and prefer to be friends. 

But after spending time together, Ruby discovers how wonderful Cameron can be. And Cameron loves Ruby’s realistic approach to life. But he has no clue as to what she’s dealt with–no one does, not until the truth is finally revealed and Ruby comes clean as to why she’s chosen to be alone. It was pretty revelatory, for everyone involved. I liked the balance Ruby provided to Sam, who is continually in the clouds and often needs Ruby to ground her. There were times I felt Sam seemed to take advantage of Ruby, but Sam’s admittance of that went far within their friendship. Life is all about the choices we make, and sometimes the choices can be the toughest of all. For Ruby, trusting in someone again is the hardest thing she could ever do, and she has to decide if Cameron is worth it. Sam deals with her own struggles in finding the right person for her, and I liked the unconventional viewpoints provided for that. Overall, Hook, Line and Single was a cute experience combining the fun of a cruise with the possible drama that can ensue when you throw a bunch of singles on a cruise line. It was a fun read!

Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for the book in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase Links:
Amazon US * Amazon UK * Kobo

Phoebe MacLeod is the author of several popular laugh-out-loud romantic comedies. She mainly sets her books in her home county of Kent and her first new title for Boldwood will be published in November 2022. 

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