**Disclaimer: I was given a free e-book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.**
Title Shipped
Author Angie Hockman
Release Date January 19, 2021
Description from Amazon
Between taking night classes for her MBA and her demanding day job at a cruise line, marketing manager Henley Evans barely has time for herself, let alone family, friends, or dating. But when she’s shortlisted for the promotion of her dreams, all her sacrifices finally seem worth it.
The only problem? Graeme Crawford-Collins, the remote social media manager and the bane of her existence, is also up for the position. Although they’ve never met in person, their epic email battles are the stuff of office legend.
Their boss tasks each of them with drafting a proposal on how to boost bookings in the Galápagos—best proposal wins the promotion. There’s just one catch: they have to go on a company cruise to the Galápagos Islands…together. But when the two meet on the ship, Henley is shocked to discover that the real Graeme is nothing like she imagined. As they explore the Islands together, she soon finds the line between loathing and liking thinner than a postcard.
With her career dreams in her sights and a growing attraction to the competition, Henley begins questioning her life choices. Because what’s the point of working all the time if you never actually live?
Initial Thoughts
So here we are, July 2020 and I am reviewing a January 2021 release. CRAZY. Anyway, this book sounded too good not to read right away. I thought the premise sounded super interesting and I felt a certain connection to a workaholic 28 year old main character, wonder why 🤔 😂
Some Things I Liked
- Enemies to lovers. Friends, you know this by now, but it’s my favorite trope. It was really well done here. I hated Graeme in the beginning of the story too only to discover both Henley and I were both very wrong about him.
- 27 Dresses vibes. I actually kind of liked that this book reminded me of that movie. I think it was Henley’s sister that really did that but I enjoyed the parallels.
- Graeme not being intimidated by Henley’s goals. Can we get more of this in literature, please? I loved that he was super supportive and not jealous and I feel like that’s not represented enough.
- Modern references. Another favorite feature of mine. I love to know that the characters I’m reading about know and recognize the same things I would in the real world.
Series Value
I don’t really think there is much more to say about Henley and Graeme, however, I’d like a spin-off / sequel about some of the side characters we met, especially Christina.
Final Thoughts
Please be advised, there are themes of abusive relationships in this novel. That being said, I think that portion of the story was handled quite well and I liked the positive message regarding seeking help and support. Overall, I really enjoyed this story. I’d definitely read more of Angie Hockman’s books in the future.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommendations for Further Reading
- The Hating Game by Sally Thorne – if you enjoyed the coworkers, enemies to lovers vibes in this story, try this standalone by Sally Thorne.
- The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren – if you liked the idea of enemies to lovers, who were only enemies because of a misunderstanding, who go on vacation together, try this standalone.
- The Honey-Don’t List by Christina Lauren – if you liked the workplace drama as well as the enemies to lovers vibes, try this HGTV inspired rom-com.
Books Over Everything 