July 27, 2025 – My Sanctuary

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?

About The Author

My Review

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.

My Rating

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Andi Glover loves nothing more than a good book.

Any book in fact because when you’re raised by unconventional parents who think school’s for squares, alongside a deeply conventional sister who escapes home as soon as she can, fiction is eminently preferable to reality.

The only problem is that fiction isn’t the best way to learn about the real world. When Andi starts her new live-in job at Templewood Hall for the eccentric Lady Dawe and her enigmatic son Hugo, it’s tempting to think she’s fallen into the pages of one of her favourite gothic novels.

But the plot twists at Templewood Hall are stranger than fiction and it’s not long before Andi questions if she’s living in a romance novel or a whodunnit. Bumps in the night, a missing heir, ghostly apparitions and secrets that have been kept for generations – the mysteries mount up. Then there’s the inscrutable gardener who seems to appear when needed – is Andi right to hope for a happily-ever-after end to her story?

About The Author

My Review

This quirky novel blends gothic mystery and self-discovery rather than traditional romance. Andi, a book lover with no formal experience, takes a job cataloging a collection for the wealthy and aloof Lady Dawe. Growing up with parents who traveled constantly for their TV show, Andi found solace in books but struggled to build a life of her own. Upon arriving at the eerie estate, she meets Lady Dawe’s handsome son Hugo, a rude housekeeper, a deaf gardener, and a cat named The Master.

Andi soon realizes she was really hired to locate secret diaries revealing a long-ago affair between Lady Dawe and her late father-in-law. Gothic elements—mysterious noises, flickering lights, and literary chapter titles like Rebecca—add intrigue. Though Andi is interested in Hugo, the novel focuses more on her personal journey. A subplot about Hugo’s struggles feels somewhat distracting but is handled well. While Andi doesn’t fully find love or her life’s passion, the story is humorous and engaging, with a fitting conclusion that leaves room for new possibilities.

My Rating