Gallery Books Shipped

I’d like to thank NetGalley, Ms. Hockman, and Simon and Schuster for accepting my request for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.Henley and Graeme work for the same cruise line and are pitted against each other for the same promotion. They’re both sent on a cruise to the Galápagos on one of their company’s ships to come up with a digital marketing strategy to help boost sales.When the NetGalley description touted this novel as a cross between The Hating Game and Unhoneymooners, my first thought was, “Sign. Me. Up.”Did I love The Hating Game? YesDid I love The Unhoneymooners? YesDid I love Shipped? Once again, yes!I loved this book! I couldn’t put it down. It was sexy, funny, smart, and swoony. I loved that so much of the Galápagos is explored in the book.Graeme “Graham Cracker” Crawford-Collins is the guy Henley Evans hates because she thinks he stole an idea of hers when he first started the job, but you learn soon enough, things aren’t always as they seem and he’s actually a good guy. I liked that he wanted her to stand up for herself and I like that they actually communicated with each other. You really start rooting for both of them and want them both to get the promotion. I’ve read other romance novels where it’s pitted two characters up for the same job/promotion (i.e. The Hating Game, which I love), but I thought this was creative in how the end result was handled.I predominantly read ebooks and will only buy a physical copy if I’ve loved a book. I preordered the physical copy as soon as I finished. Such an awesome debut from Ms. Hockman. I look forward to many more.

I've seen Shipped described as the Hating Game plus the Unhoneymooners. I agree with this, but I think it was better than the Hating Game. If you disliked the Hating Game, please give Shipped a try!Shipped is definitely a new favorite book! Graeme and Henley work for the same small cruise company. She is a marketing manager and he manages the social media. She is not a fan of him because she thinks he took credit for her idea on a team meeting. Graeme is currently a remote employee so they've never met in person, but only on video calls. A digital director position becomes available and Henley is perfect for the job. There's only one problem, Graeme is up for it too. Their boss James insists they go on a company cruise to learn more about what they do and create a proposal. The best proposal will get the promotion.Of course all kinds of chaos occurs on their joint cruise as they get to know one another and Henley realizes Graeme isn't really who she thinks he is.Shipped was a perfect quarantine life read. I could imagine being on a little cruise ship visiting the Galapagos islands. Henley was relatable protagonist. I loved how strong, hardworking and determined she was. I thought the enemies to lovers trope was done very well. Although they had challenges I thought Graeme and Henley had a much healthier relationship than books like the Hating Game. I love how honest they were with each other and how they brought out the best in the other person. I loved the ending and how Henley fought for what she'd worked for and what she deserved.After this book, Angie Hockman is a new favorite and I can't wait for her next book.

Overall: ★★★★⭑/5Contemporary RomanceStandaloneTropes: Enemies to Lovers, Office RomanceHenley Evans is determined to get to her “dream job” by the age of 30. While working on her MBA she is also a workaholic for a cruise line and takes no time to herself and always has a task to accomplish. Her arch nemesis at work doesn't even live in the same state, so when her and Graeme Crawford-Collins are up for the same promotion she is determined to take him down. For brainstorming, her boss sends her and Graeme on a cruise to the Galapagos so that they can experience the company's cruises for themselves. Best proposal at the end wins the promotion.Tight strung Henley learns to loosen up while being forced to spend time with the handsome and charming Graeme on this tropical getaway while out on daily excursions put on by the cruise. Graeme is so observant and really takes Henley by surprise but in the best way. This says it was a mix of The Unhoneymooners and The Hating Game and that sold me right away. I was glad I picked up this read and got to watch Henley discover what she is truly passionate about and watch Graeme heal from past trauma with Henley's help as well as watch both of them succeed in their personal and professional life. Great debut novel. This book is also PG and fades to black.

I really enjoyed this book. I originally picked it out because it was a selection for the month of February, in my Brenda Novak book group. I love to read new author, i especially love reading books about people going on vacations. It's like I am right there with them. I have no complaints about this book. I enjoyed the fact that Henley finally stood up to herself, I admired her character in this book. I look forward to reading more by the author.I am grateful that Netgalley let me read this in exchange for an honest review

This book had me laughing, happy and sad in some places. This is a novel of enemies to lovers rom com. The main character Henley I loved right away because of her ambition to never give up on herself, push forward for what you want.Henley and Graeme are running for the same promotion at their job and what an adventure it was. The boss sends them on a cruise to the Galapagos and the best proposal wins. We all need this laugh out loud story it was amazing. So much happens in this book, the romance, relationship, setting and the characters were all likeable and easy to follow. This was a beautiful escape from the everyday world we are dealing with. I didn't want this book to end!! Loved every page of it.