✨REVIEW✨ Publication Date: 1/19/2021
🌟🌟🌟🌟 4/5 stars

Thank you to Netgalley and Gallery Books for the ARC.

A very fun rom-com with great characters! Shipped is pitched as being The Unhoneymooners meets The Hating Game and that is the perfect description. The love to hate trope in romcoms is one of my favorites and I enjoyed every page of this cute, fast-paced read.

Shipped is about Henley, a driven marketing manager who is forced to go on a cruise with her work rival, Graeme, when they are up for the same promotion. We all know where this is headed, but there is plenty of romance and hijinks along the way.

Although I wanted a little more tension and build up prior to the inevitable hook-up, I loved Henley and Graeme, both as a couple and as characters. They had great chemistry and many swoonworthy scenes. I also loved the relationship between Henley and her sister. The cruise ship setting added a lot to the story and made it a very entertaining read with enjoyable supporting characters.

Overall, Shipped is a light, cute, and fun rom-com with all of the tropes and swoons you could want. Fans of Christina Lauren and Sally Thorne should add Angie Hockman to their list of auto-buy romance authors! Make sure to preorder/pick this one up when it releases on 1/19/2021!


ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I know I'm meant to focus on the enemies to lovers (well, not really enemies) aspect of this but you know what- I got sidetracked into daydreaming about cruises and the Galapagos. Don't get me wrong, this is the story of Henley and Graeme, who are competing for a job and find themselves falling for one another. They work for the same company and they're sent off on a cruise to to figure out how to best boost sales of trips. Turns out, they've never met before and their dislike for one another is based on a misunderstanding (takes a while to get to this and no spoilers from me). Now, though, they're right on top of each other. Oh and the cruise! And the excursions from the cruise! I can't be the only one who would love to get on a ship and head off to exotic places right now. Henley's voice (she narrates) comes through loud and clear. Her sister Walsh is delightful, there are some very funny scenes, and all in all it's a good read even though, let's face it, you can guess how tis might turn out (but know Hockman has a few things up her sleeve). Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This made me smile.

Thank you Net Galley and Gallery Books for a copy of the e-ARC of Shipped in exchange for an honest review.

TW: Death of parents, abusive relationship, gender discrimination

What an engaging and well-written debut novel by Angie Hockman! Can’t wait to read more of her work!

This romance novel combines two tropes: enemies-to-lovers and forced proximity and is the perfect escapist read with a positive message. I love workplace romances and that’s why I was so excited to read this book and it did not disappoint! In fact, I was hooked from the first page!

Henley is an MBA student and marketing manager at a cruise company. She is up for a big promotion - the only catch is that she has to go on a company cruise to the islands of Galapagos with her arch nemesis, Graeme, who is the social media manager and is up for the same promotion. Whoever comes up with the best marketing proposal to boost sales in this tropical location will win the promotion. They have never met in person because he works remotely in another city. However, when they finally meet on the cruise and are forced to spend time together, she starts to realize he is not as bad as she thought and she may even be falling for him.

I loved both Henley and Graeme's characters as they were very well-developed and showed growth over the course of the story. Henley's character as a smart, intelligent and hardworking workaholic who struggles with maintaining a work-life balance as she is trying to move ahead in her career and doesn't get the due credit from her male boss for her ideas as a female employee was especially relatable. They were both pet-lovers and that was icing on the cake!

It was fun to see how Henley and Graeme’s relationship evolved when they got to know each other better, thus proving that sometimes the first impression may not be the most accurate impression of a person.

I also really enjoyed vicariously traveling to the beautiful islands of Galapagos through this book - it seemed like the perfect tropical cruise setting for the forced proximity trope.

Furthermore, I appreciated that the author used this story to encourage readers to think about making eco-friendly changes in our own lives for wildlife conservation efforts because she herself is very passionate about this cause.

This quote from the author's note resonated with me:

"On a personal level, we can make a difference by choosing empathy over division. Listening over shouting. Thoughtfulness over self-interest. We can choose to look outside ourselves and act in ways that positively impact our neighbors, communities, environment, and the wider world."

When I first read reviews of Shipped they were saying it was a mix between The Unhoneymooners and The Hating Game I was intrigued! I haven’t read the Hating Game yet but loved Unhoneymooners, so I had to give this a go!

Henley is a marketing manager who is gunning for the promotion to director at the company dreams. But who ends up running against her for the job, is none other than her work enemy, Graeme Crawford-Collins (AKA Graham Cracker).

They both end up on a cruise through the Galapagos to use as inspiration for their promotion proposals, and things get, let’s say, heated, from there.

I definitely got some The Unhoneymooners vibes from this (enemies-to-lovers trope, on a tropical vaca!) but also coupled with workplace romance as well. I felt the pacing was well done and the switch from enemies to lovers was timed perfectly (not tooo slow but not in .5 seconds either).

This was a fast-paced, fun read that also explored sister relationships, standing up for yourself, and second chances. I’m excited to see what comes next from @angie_hockman.

@netgalley @gallerybooks Thank you for my digital ARC of Shipped!

I have received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This book was so good! I loved that these characters had to deal with real-life problems. I like how you got to see Henley's perspective on things and how her experiences have shaped her and why she reacted to some situations the way she did. I also love Graeme and I liked how misunderstandings between him and Henley were played out and that we got to see Graeme for who he really is and get to see him explain things about the situations that she misinterpreted, and this just shows that Henley was flawed and I liked how real a characteristic that was. I also loved the side characters I thought they were so interesting and I especially loved how they came together in the end to help Henley. I can't wait to see what Angie Hockman comes up with next!

Gah I tried so hard to like this book but it just wasn’t there for me. I DNF at 50%. Here’s where I struggled

1. The whole “hating game/Unhoneymooners” mashup was only there is setting and the fact that they’re coworkers. That’s it.

2. Henley is a freaking doormat! Between her boss, her sister, everyone!

3. The romance part was barely there 50% in... there was more work talk than feelings and wanting.

4. Her sister really made me mad reading this.

5. Overall the characters felt very immature and the story just didn’t work for me

I thoroughly enjoyed this absolutely escapist trip to the Galapagos Islands despite the plot being somewhat predictable.
Henley is relatable both in her drive and in her getting buried alive under too many obligations, not to mention a chauvinistic boss. Seeing her open her eyes to the fact that there are great things in life other than a promotion at work was fun to read along to. The fact that it happens with a too-good-to-be-true guy in a tropical paradise only makes it better.
Also, props to Hockman for sneaking a wonderful conservationist message in there and showing that women in the workplace can support each other without getting competitive.

Many happy thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the early read!

Shipped was one of my favorite romance books this month. I never felt like the story lulled and wasn't repetitive. Graeme and Henley had great chemistry and such good banter, even the side characters were fantastic! There is very little steam which I was totally okay with. Without it, it really shows how great the story and characters are. I loved the way all the drama was handled. Henley was always willing to admit when she was wrong and Graeme is so sweet and just wants to get to know her. Very great book!

If you are looking for a good romance story with minimal steam I highly recommend this one!

Given that Shipped is pitched as The Hating Game meets The Unhoneymooners, I think it definitely succeeds in fulfilling this comparison. Though I will say I felt this story was in general lacking depth. This is a very sweet and cute romance with pretty minimal turmoil and drama. As with most contemporary romances, the tension spans from miscommunication and a lack of communication in general.

Something that always sits strangely with me in these sorts of stories is if these characters are truly leaders in their fields, up for amazing promotions at young ages, leading departments, and navigating high-pressure professional situations, then why are they so immature when it comes to communication and honesty? Though we are given a half-hearted reason for why Henley has trust issues, it's a paper-thin attempt and to me does not reflect the characteristics the rest of her character is set up with.

That being said I think this was still a super fun, lovely, sweet story. Harmless in its approach and leaving you with butterflies. Definitely bogged down by the typical tropes of a contemporary romance, but it is exactly what it is pitched as, so expectations will be met and will be satisfied for readers looking for their next romantic reading adventure.

This book starts out with an everyday inspired, smart and determined woman with fire to not only succeed but to excel and do it with compassion and spirit. Henley Rose Evans is a cruise marketing manager and a darn good one but she has bigger aspirations. She has a boss that glosses over her great ideas mostly and tends to be more supportive of men. When Henley learns of a promotion available she and her coworkers think she’s the perfect choice. Only to be told by her boss that there are two up for the promotion. The other is Graeme Crawford Collins the root of the daily thorn in her side who she has to work with long distance and has only seen on the group meeting zoom calls. A man who not only frustrates her daily but once took credit for her work. The boss is sending them both to the Galapagos Islands to see first hand what the cruise is like to get inspiration by it. Whomever puts together the best cruise promotional proposal gets the job. When Henley and Graeme meet he is nothing like she expected and even though he is as handsome as they come he still stole credit for her work. She needs to focus on beating him but can’t understand how her heart is being a traitor and could get in the way. Graeme struggles with wanting to get the promotion and wanting what is right in front of him.
This book had me laughing, then angry and at one point crying - yes literally crying. I wholeheartedly enjoyed this book. This book also had me energized to activity do my part to help our ecosystem as the author is so passionate about and brings to light. Thank you Angie Hockman, great story, Simon & Schuster publishers and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC. As always this is my honest opinion. I do recommend this fun and enlightening book.

Trigger warning for parental death, grief, and abuse.

Henley has spent the last several years trying to get to the top of the pyramid at the cruise line company she works for. When she is provided the opportunity to go on a cruise and then come up with a proposal on how to improve the company, she jumps on it right away. Her work nemesis, Graeme, who she has never actually met in person, is also up for the same promotion, and a competition between the two begins to heat up as they finally meet in person and Henley realizes that maybe Graeme isn’t her enemy after all.

I am a sucker for sweet contemporary romances, and Shipped was no different! The story was about so much more than just romance, and I teared up no less than three times as I was reading. It usually takes me a few days to finish a book because I always read more than one at the same time and tend to rotate between what I currently have in my hands, but I finished this book less than twelve hours after I first started it—that is how much I loved the story. Henley and Graeme were absolutely adorable together, and getting to see their relationship develop from enemies to lovers had my heart fluttering. Enemies-to-lovers is my favorite trope, so any time I can get my hands on a story featuring that type of romance, I jump on the opportunity to read it. I fell in love with this story and these characters from the very first page, and I cannot wait to see what Angie Hockman writes next!

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the ARC of Shipped!

Shipped by Angie Hockman follows Henley and Graeme, workplace enemies as they prepare to go on a cruise for work purposes together.
First of all, thank you to Netgalley and Gallery Books for a free copy in exchange for an honest review. Shipped is a very cute and swoon worthy romcom. Being mostly set in the Galapagos on a cruise, I was very envious of their pre-COVID amazing vacation. Henley is a workaholic, grad student who is set on climbing the corporate ladder at the cruise company. I appreciate a woman with ambitions who is not set on finding a man. Graeme is the social media guy at the cruise company who Henley can not stand. While, these two are cute I was not in love with the characters. And honestly, Henley just wasn't my jam. I thought most of their fights were things that were very very easily cleared up and I'm not sure made sense for the characters. While, the storyline is adorable, the writing was a bit off-putting at times for me. I liked Shipped but felt there were places it could've done better. (Also, the misogynistic boss is very overdone for me).

All Henley wants to do is work. To further her career, get paid more, wipe away her student loans. To feel fulfilled. When she is up for a promotion, this could be what all her hard work has been waiting for. Until she finds out her work nemesis Graeme—the work from home social media guru—is also in the running for Director of Digital Marketing. The two must go on one of their company’s cruises to get first-hand experience and write a marketing proposal. May the best man (or woman) win!

The Unhoneymooners met The Hating Game with a refreshing twist on the enemies-to-lovers office romance... and more! The story contained Henley’s relationship with her younger sister, the presence of strong girlfriendships, and some serious undertones—gaslighting, an abusive relationship, loss, grief. Ok and, a cruise setting? To the Galápagos Islands? Hockman brought the scenery to life. It was an immersive travel experience that had me completely engrossed and educated! I enjoyed reading it SO much. Told solely in Henley’s POV, I also loved it that much more. I didn’t have the need to know Graeme’s thoughts. And the stick-it-to-the-man ending left me happy and satisfied for Henley.

-from the first page, I loved our MC, Henley! She was strong, self deprecating, passionate, sassy, and a hard worker. I loved her tone and voice, which constantly left me laughing out loud. I also had such a big crush on Graeme. He was sweet, witty, charming, and such a deep character.
- I seriously learned so much while reading this book. About the Galapagos and the animals and plants that live there and conservation efforts and invasive species and so much more! While I never want to go on a cruise, it did make me so excited go travel again!
- the authors note at the end really brought home the message of this book. While it was about a strong, hard working woman learning about herself, it was much deeper than that. She talked about conservation efforts in the Galapagos, human-brought invasive species, the importance of connecting with nature, the health of our planet, and the ability of humans to bring about positive change

-I thought one aspect of the ending was a bit unrealistic, but not enough so that it ruined the book for me

Overall, this was such a fun and sweet romance! It helped bring me out of my winter blues and I loved that it’s main focus was on the important topic of conservation and human change to our planet

I wanted to like this book more than I did. Henley and Graeme are perfectly fine main characters but their relationship/attraction seemed rushed. Also, the book felt a little dry the adventure at sea a little flat. This book was perfectly fine but it wasn't one of my favorites.

Shipped by a new to me author Angie Hockman.
A story that pulled me in from the beginning and kept me intrigued.
Great character development, dialogue and setting.
Look forward to reading more by Angie Hockman

Shipped is full of comedy and romance . Angie Hockman does a wonderful job entertaining with her humor .i also enjoy that the story has great details about the Galapagos and makes you feel like you could be right there on an adventure with the characters. I look forward to her future books.
Henley is competing with Graeme for a promotion at work and they end up meeting on a work cruise while they are getting ideas for a presentation about the Cruise ships that go to the Galapagos . Determined to hate Graeme , Henley finds herself attracted to him none the less.While trying to help her sister , Walsh figure out what she wants to do next in life and trying to get her promotion , Henley ends up on stressed but enjoying the cruise more than she thought possible.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC for my honest opinion .

Henley is a hard working marketing manager for a cruise line who has an office enemy in the form of handsome social media manager, Graeme. He works remote and they finally meet when they are both tasked with the job of going on one of their company’s cruises to compile a marketing plan that will boost sales and earn one of them a promotion.

This book is a fast, fun read. I appreciated that there was no over the top scenarios and no drug out conflicts in the love story. All issues keeping the couple apart were plausible and both main characters were very likable. The setting of the cruise ship and Galápagos Islands made for a beautiful, easy to picture backdrop that helps transport the reader for a rich escapism read. I read this quickly because the story made me smile and I was genuinely curious how it would play out. The ending was perfect and I love the direction the author chose to go with it. If you need to relax and be entertained, I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the opportunity to read and review.

Thank you NetGalley, Gallery Books and Angie Hockman for gifting me an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
For fans of The Hating Game and The Unhoneymooners, Angie Hockman’s debut novel will NOT leave you disappointed!!
.
What is the best solution to waking up at 4am on a morning you don’t work? Read of course! I started and finished this book in one sitting because I just seriously could. Not. Stop. Reading!! I’ve had this book waiting for me on NetGalley for months and I was so stinking excited to finally read it! I loved The Hating Game and I’ve been itching for another office (kind of) romance with some enemies-to-lovers sauciness! This is more of a ‘Behind Closed Doors’ romance than The Hating Game was, but there is no lack of chemistry! I would also classify this as majoring in Women’s Fiction and minoring in Romance. I would’ve loved to see even more of Graeme and Henley, but what we did get was solid! Sometimes (a lot of the time) the male’s POV in a romacne feels superficial and unneeded, but I liked Graeme so much I would’ve loved some chapters from him point of view! I’m seriously so impressed this is Angie Hockman’s first book. I KNOW we will be seeing more of her work in the future!!
.
Henley Evans has worked hard to get where she is in life. She’s gone the extra mile in every facet so when a new promotion comes up at work, she’s sure she’ll get it. That is, until she learns her work rival, Graeme is also up for the position. Henley and Graeme haven’t met, but if his emails are any indication, Graeme is a douche, plain and simple. Not one to every roll over and give up, especially when a man is challenging her, she knows she has to do what it takes to win. When her boss send Graeme and Henley on one of their company’s cruises to the Galapagos Islands, suddenly all of that irritated tension between them starts to turn into something else entirely. As they get closer and Henley realizes that the things she thought she knew about Graeme might not be the truth, she’s suddenly questioning everything, including if she even really wants the job if it’s not bringing any passion to her life. The one thing that IS bringing the passion? Graham Cracker-Collins.

Honestly, I thought it was really cute and a great debut novel from Angie Hockman. The cruise ship atmosphere was so fun and Graeme and Henley's back and forth was done really well. I think the side characters also really helped support the story without detracting from the main plot. Would be an amazing summer read but it gave me the summer, wanderlust feelings even here in January. ♥ Can't wait to read more from this author!

Pace: Slow Burn
Steaminess: Low
Cuteness: Overload