Really enjoyed this one! I don't usually gravitate towards famous people books, but I'm glad I gave this one a shot. Lots of tension, but also lots of tenderness and emotional internal resolution. I appreciate how Alicia didn't shy away from Micah's flaws or mistakes (let her be a complex female character!!) and while she didn't get off easy, she didn't get overly punished for anything. I really liked John's character and arc (also he's HOT! anyway) and think that the timeline for the book's modern timeline was well balanced, since the cruise was like four days and hooking up on a boat does not a relationship make. I was pleasantly surprised by how not-dramatic the second half of the book was (if someone is looking for a super messy, drama-filled book, I will not point them here) and how Alicia lets the characters breathe and figure their shit out. Great main couple, diversity, side characters (Frankie ily) tension and premise!

I’d give Never Been Shipped about 3.5 stars.. I just expected something different and just wasn’t vibing with it. Meh

This was such a cute friends to lovers romance! Never Been Shipped follows two former best friends (John and Micah) who are reunited when their former band performs on a cruise ship. I thought that the ship was such a cute, unique setting. The vibes are perfect for a little vacation or summertime read. I loved the incorporation of music and their band in the plotline.
Third person for a romance was a bit different for me but it actually worked! I think because it was third person, I couldn't relate to the characters completely. I also feel like some serious topics came up and were either resolved quickly or not talked about again. It was a tad more spicy than I expected but it didn't overly consume the plot!

I would definitely recommend this one for a short, fun vacation read. Even more perfect if you read this on a cruise!

Thank you Berkley and NetGalley for sending me this eArc in exchange for an honest review!

As usual, Alicia Thompson ate and left no crumbs, as the youngins say. I was hesitant, as I struggled a bit with With Love, From Cold World, but after reading this I'm going back to read it again.

I also found the insta-love even after 15 years of zero contact kind of grating, but it sounds like they trauma bonded young, so I could kind of suspend my disbelief.

I really struggled to like Micah even when I felt sympathetic to her past. But then, I also think that's what makes Thompson's books hit different. Many times, her heroines are so a little unlikable, a lot of frustrating - but that's what makes them so relatable. I can say sit here and say OH GOD, JUST GET OVER YOURSELF. WHY ARE YOU PROJECTING THIS ONTO EVERYONE ELSE! But then I take a step back, and I get it. I've been there. Not pop star levels, but I've been there.

It's what roped me in as a hard core Alicia Thompson fangirl, and I can genuinely say she solidified her place as one of my favorite romance authors from the day I started reading Love in the Time of Serial Killers, and every book since has just reminded me of why.

But Micah was still my least fave heroine of the Thompson Literary Universe, so I must 4 star. Anyway, Imma re-read With Love from Cold World now.

A sweet love story of two friends from school who should have been together from the start. But, 20 years later reconnect on a cruise ship where they reunite with their band and fall in love.

I feel like this was a predictable plot old friends to lovers with an ex that is selfish and deeming to the FMC.

Never Been Shipped is a heartfelt and nostalgic romance that explores second chances, the complexity of past relationships, and the healing power of music. With compelling characters, emotional depth, and plenty of romantic tension, this novel is a must-read for fans of slow-burn romance and stories about love rekindled.

Micah and her former bandmates were once on the verge of stardom, but their success was short-lived, and the band disbanded before they could achieve their full potential. Now, over a decade later, they’re reuniting for one final performance on a themed cruise. Micah is determined not to repeat past mistakes—especially when it comes to falling for John, her ex-best friend and the one who got away.

John has always been quietly in love with Micah, but he never had the courage to tell her—especially while watching her date another bandmate. Now that they're back in each other's orbit, the chemistry is undeniable, and John is finally ready to take the lead. But with only five days at sea, both Micah and John must decide if their reconnection is worth risking their hearts again.

The story beautifully captures the tensions of rekindled friendships and relationships, particularly with the backdrop of music and the unfinished business of their past. The ticking clock of the cruise adds a sense of urgency and excitement to their romance, and the emotional payoff makes the slow burn completely worth it. One-Hit Wonder is a delightful read about love, redemption, and finding harmony when the past and present collide.

This was such a fun read! I have really enjoyed all of Alicia Thompson's books but I think this one has a special place for me. John and Micah's story is beautiful and I loved the premise of the band re-uniting on a werewolf tv show fan cruise. The banter was excellent and I really enjoyed the dual narrators and character growth throughout the story. I also totally forgot that John was mentioned in With Love, From Cold World so I will definitely be re-visiting that one next.

While the plot of this book is quite straightforward, I don't necessarily see that as a negative. As someone who enjoys the friends-to-lovers trope, I was excited about this story. However, I found it to be a bit predictable and basic in its execution.

One aspect that didn't sit well with me was the decision for the characters to go an entire decade without speaking. While I’m all for second chances in romance, this long period of silence felt a bit too much to overlook at times.

Thank you to Berkley for providing the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

3 ⭐️
2 🌶️

“If this flops I stg” being the author’s opening line before the story started made me L O L and gave me high hopes for this story but alas, it was a (small) flop for me. While the chemistry and Micah and John was definitely believable, their story just wasn’t doing it for me. I felt I was skimming this story more often than not.

If you are a fan of (semi) second chance romance, friends to lovers, or getting the band back together, this is the book for you!

Thanks NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing for an ARC of this one!

At first glance, you settle in, ready to read a great nostalgic trip down “used to be in a famous band” lane, but Never Been Shipped is so much more. It’s about growing up, digging yourself out of years of self doubt, or of pining for someone/something and realizing that the time is now. Hands down, this book has incredible and inspired music references, particularly fantastic chemistry, is damn funny and even includes a deserved punch to the face. A love letter to the notion that a person can be your home, even when you try to escape it. Be right back, I’m absolutely gonna read this book again, while on a cruise in full emo aesthetic. Author’s playlist for each chapter was absolute fire. Pitchfork would give it a 10.

I've read all of Alicia Thompson's romances and I think this is my new favorite of hers, dethroning With Love, From Cold World (and in case you're interested, my least favorite is The Art of Catching Feelings). But there are some things I don't love about it, such as 1) the trope of best-friends-not-talking-to-each-other-for-10-years, and 2) characters starting a physical relationship without a strong emotional build-up or connection. I am a reader who enjoys lots of meetings and conversations, witty banter, and yearning from my main couple, and Micah and John were missing that when they reunited. It didn't make sense that they suddenly wanted to jump each other out of nowhere. I'd much rather read a slow burn, but the good thing is that Micah and John do have a genuine romantic relationship by the end. When they finally open up about their feelings and talk things through, it's magical. It's smooth sailing to a HEA! The ending made me feel hopeful and that's how I want to remember the book, without the messy miscommunication. It was also wonderful to see Asa and Lauren from With Love, From Cold World, even briefly! Granted, I forgot which point in time we were and what everyone was doing for a living and what was going on. But I figured it out. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC!

If you are an elder emo, this book is for you!

I absolutely adored this story. Personally would not go on a cruise, but reading about a cruise for fans of a paranormal tv show was FUN.
The dynamics of the band members was so interesting and relatable, the characters themselves were just so cool.

This was a fun second chance (ish?) romance. Micah and John were previously in a rock band that became famous for a song aired on a popular TV show. They broke up ... but are now reuniting for a themed cruise. Using this time together to reconnect, this story follows Micah and John and them growing back together. I really enjoyed this writing, the characters were great ...

I just felt that the five days on the ship was a little quick for a true reuniting. The end takes place over more time.. but that felt rushed to me a little bit.

But entertaining and loved their romance.

2.5 spice

OH MY GOD! If you’ve been looking for the PERFECT second chance romance, ‘Never Been Shipped’ by Alicia Thompson delivers a romance so electric, im surprised the cruise ship was still floating because my heart was sinking with all that pure angst🤩

Micah is determined not to fall for her former besti friend who has frankly been in love with her for like ever, John. John’s character will have you absolutely swooning. He quite literally proved what the definition of yearning is and I don’t think I’ll ever get over him. He was the best.

With five days at sea, unresolved band drama, and a whole lot of smoldering looks later? YEAH, it ate.

This book has everything I was looking for- from second chances, rockaband, and enough tension to make even the ship they were on to sink. A five-star must-read for anyone who loves romance, humor, and angst👏

This was another great read from Alicia Thompson! I loved the unique setting of the cruise ship and thought it was a really cool angle to write about a band that was no longer touring or recording together. This book kept me interested and wanting to know what happened next, with the perfect amount of drama and romance smattered in. Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC!

Thanks to Alicia, her publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an electronic ARC of her book Never Been Shipped.

4.25/5 ⭐️
2.5/5 🌶️

I have read several of Alicia’s other books and was just a fan of how she told her stories. As soon as I saw she was releasing another book, I immediately added it to my TBR.

This story follows a band the reunites to play a few songs on a cruise ship. However it mostly focuses on childhood best friends: lead singer Micah & rhythm guitarist John. While in present day on the 5 day cruise we learn how the band forms, breaks up, doesn’t speak for 10+ years, and how they reunite to play this cruise. All the while following the evolving love story between Micah and John and how it had changed in the 20+ years they’ve know each other.

🏳️‍🌈 rep. Pronoun rep. Mental Health rep.

The characters didn't have as much chemistry as I hoped and I felt the conflict was forced. Not my favorite read but a very fun and easy one!

Alicia Thompson is becoming one of my “must buy” authors. Micah and John’s story is a sweet, slow burn romance, with a fun backdrop of a flash in the pan band getting back together. Very entertaining with a surprisingly emotional feel

Thanks NetGalley for approving me for an ARC of this book! As a lover of "With Love, from Cold World," I was really excited to read Alicia Thompson's new book.... and this was before I realized that it was Asa's housemate, John, as the MMC! Look, this book was basically made for me. 2000's alt-rock band a la Paramore? Check. Late 2000's-2010's CW-style teen paranormal drama? Check. A pining best friends? Check. Smut? Oh, you better believe that is a check!
Was this the best book in the world? No. Are there aspects that could have been a little more fleshed out? Sure. But, could I put it down? Not even for a second. If you have read an like her other stuff and/or are a fan of any of the aspects I mentioned above, then this book is a big recommend from me.

3.5 stars!

Thank you to netgalley for this early copy in exchange for an honest review! this was really cute and fun! overall i enjoyed it and thought it was a pretty good romance book! I liked both of the characters, and some of the side characters as well and I thought the idea of a cruise ship setting was fun and unique! I did feel like it could have benefited from being a little longer, which is not something I typically say, but I felt like a number of the conflicts weren’t really developed enough to be believable, and they were resolved so quickly and easily for the size of them. Additionally, I think it would have been nice to explore the cruise ship setting, and the main relationship’s foundation and depth, a little bit more in exchange for the portion at the end of the book that took place off the ship. Overall it was a good vibe and I liked it decently enough!