I’m not even going to tell you how late I was up reading this, but let’s just say that it was an unexpected swoony DELIGHT, and I couldn’t stop reading. Learn from my mistakes; clear your schedule and spend the day with this outstanding debut. It’s the kind of immersive, intelligent read that hooks you in from the start and keeps you smiling throughout. I loved the playful enemies to lovers vibes between these two, the forced proximity, and all of the banter. And for a “clean” romance, there was all kinds of sexual tension throughout, snapping at the perfect moments. Add in some serious summertime feelings that make you feel like you’re on vacation, and this was just my kind of read.
The story follows Henley (like the shirt) and Graeme (like the cracker), two coworkers who have only ever met via video conference. While they’ve been working – and sparring – with each other for over a year, they really only know the basics about each other. So when they discover that they’re competing for the same promotion and a cruise to the Galapagos will determine their fate, it throws everything off-balance. After meeting Graeme in person, Henley soon realizes that he’s not the guy she thought he was, and that may prove to be a major distraction.
Told exclusively from Henley’s point of view, the reader is left with doubt about how these two really feel about each other. Think The Hating Game or You Deserve Each Other (two of my all-time favorites), which unravel a little bit at a time. The writing style is easy to devour, and you’ll be pulled in right away. Honestly, I started reading this before bed just to get a feel for the vibe, and, well, I finished before I went to sleep… sometime in the morning, lol. It’s light and easy with some poignant moments, touching on serious subjects like sexual harassment and abuse while still feeling very much like a rom com. And you’ll want to visit this tropical paradise before the book is over, because the setting plays a major role in the story. Plus, Graeme is kinda the ideal book boyfriend – a Midwestern sweetheart with a little bit of alpha intensity, who is loyal, loving, kind, and seriously swoony. It’s an all-around great read, and I am absolutely looking forward to more from the author.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/39vc0EU
Bookshop Paperback: https://bookshop.org/a/18118/9781982151591
Blurb:
The Unhoneymooners meets The Hating Game in this witty, clever, and swoonworthy novel following a workaholic marketing manager who is forced to go on a cruise with her arch-nemesis when they’re up for the same promotion.
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?
Perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Sally Thorne, Shipped is a fresh and engaging rom-com that celebrates the power of second chances and the magic of new beginnings.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/39vc0EU
Bookshop Paperback: https://bookshop.org/a/18118/9781982151591
About the Author:
Angie Hockman is a 2019 RWA Golden Heart Winner. Her professional background includes stints in law, education, and eco-tourism, but these days you can find her writing romantic stories, enjoying the outdoors with her family, or dreaming of her next travel adventure. To learn more, visit AngieHockman.com or follow Angie on Instagram and Twitter @Angie_Hockman.
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Jeeves Reads Romance 