I don’t really know what to make of this one. On the one hand, it’s a fun book about old friends getting the band back together for one last show, and on the other hand it’s about people who don’t seem to like each other being stuck on a boat. We know that Micah left the band to pursue a solo career in kind of a shitty way but our only insight into her thought process is that she feels bad about it. John has always been in love with her (or at least her nipples, which are referenced no fewer than 30 times (I checked)) but we aren’t told why he just, like, never said anything, or why he keeps telling her the sun shines out of her ass when it objectively doesn’t. John and Micah do hook up but it sort of happens out of nowhere, which is weird considering they never once discussed a mutual attraction despite being having been friends forever? I can’t imagine casually suggesting that my childhood best friend and I bang while on a cruise but maybe I’m just a prude. There isn’t really much conflict except for one comic book villain who leaves halfway through and Micah’s warring arrogance and imposter syndrome. I dunno, by the end I was just like ???

This book was just the perfect amount of spicy and romantic.

There were so many good parts. Micah and John rekindled their friendship in such a believable way. There was awkwardness and insecurities, but inevitably they couldn’t stop themselves from falling back into their old comforts, but inevitably a good way, not a toxic way.

And I really liked seeing Micah figure life out, to see past the bullcrap of her ex, to look back on what had happened in her life and realize that maybe things hadn’t happened exactly as she remembered, and that her bandmates weren’t the teenagers they had once been.

I also really appreciated that John didn’t push her but also didn’t hide from her. He put his truths out there and let her handle them as she needed. And then he GENUINELY waited for her. He remained her friend even if there was the possibility that that’s all it might ever be.

The whole thing was just sweet and comforting and made me happy.

My only criticism is that it started out a little on the slow side, making it hard to want to keep up with the characters. But once it picked up, it did so in the best way.

Sometimes I read a book where it feels like the author wrote it while staring me dead in the eye and seeing into my soul (metaphorically - bit hard to write that way and definitely creepy!) Never Been Shipped is a delightful look at the intersection of creative fulfillment and commercial success, both the ways that they overlap and how they can come into conflict. It focuses on the music industry, but as an author with a debut out myself next year, I can safely say anyone working in a creative field will see themselves in these pages.

I found myself thinking both of Paramore and No Doubt as I read. Both bands share in the issues that plague ElectricOh!, with a female lead signer singled out by the media in a way that bred resentment. I loved how adeptly Alicia wove the business side of the music industry into both the plot and the character arcs, offering the kind of critique that only comes from someone who both knows and loves something dearly.

The romance between Micah and John is equal parts swoon worthy, scorching hot, and touchingly tender, colored by nostalgia for what often feels to the characters like simpler days, with Alicia's signature talent at highlighting mental health struggles. At times Never Been Shipped reads like a love letter to live music, perfectly capturing the way that a show can light you up if you’re willing to let it, but also how temporary that experience is. I found myself thinking a lot about shows I attended, unearthing memories of tiny packed venues, late nights, and the kind of giddy wonder that comes from watching an artist perform their craft live.

Alicia's talent for layered and flawed characters that are so achingly real they pop off the pages really shines here - and now that she’s added song lyrics to her repertoire, she’s cemented her place in my auto-buy-author list for good!

After the lead singer of ElectricOh! Broke up the band and went solo over a decade ago, none of the band really spoke to each other again. Now they are all back together on a cruise, performing their top hit that was featured on a paranormal tv show. Micah, John, Ryder, Frankie and Steve all parted ways and lived their lives relatively lowkey after the famed European tour that promptly ended their careers, seeing them all back together and learning the dynamics of the band and their relationship- gave me major Daisy Jones and the Six vibes. I absolutely adored every second of it and found myself “shipping” John and Micah after the first chapter!! Alicia Thompson did a great job of stringing along the story of how the band broke up and the circumstances surrounding it- I actually physically had to read this book in one sitting, because I had to know how it ended. The yearning was god- tier and I loved all the silly anecdotes and inside jokes they all had with each other. I have to say I also loved the werewolf fandom themed cruise (if there was one in real life, absolutely sign me up). Overall if you love forced proximity, friends to lovers and second chance romances- I HIGHLY recommend!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley Romance, and Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read an e-ARC of Never Been Shipped!

I was hooked from the very beginning and couldn’t put this book down! I’m a sucker for the childhood best friends-to-lovers trope and a good musician romance, so this one was right up my alley. Josh and Micah’s tension was so much fun, and the spice? So good! Their chemistry absolutely delivered.

That said, I lost some interest toward the back half when the story slowed down a bit. While the book touched on some deeper topics, I felt like we only skimmed the surface—I would have loved to see those moments explored in more depth.

Still, I really enjoyed this book overall! It was a fun, steamy read with great banter and a sweet romance. If you love childhood best friends, musician love interests, and a couple with electric chemistry, this is definitely one to check out!

Alicia Thompson's stories are so triumphantly joyful and sweet, with an emotional edge. Her heroes are just the definition of "good guys", I really loved John here and his absolute adoration and admiration of Micah. This book was so fun, with humor and what I'm sure are a ton of pop culture/music/band references (I'm not in those fandoms but I'm sure there are readers who will absolutely clock and love the references).

(Also, look at the cover. HEART EYES.)

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a digital review copy via NetGalley.

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)

-m/f contemporary romance
-second chance vibes
-best friends to estranged to lovers
-forced proximity
-former bandmates
-i sleep better with you
-mutual pining

Don't make me pick but this might be my favorite Alicia Thompson book. The nods to emo bands I grew up with, and just the clear passion for how much music can mean to people. Two people who aren't where they wanted to be in life, and having been apart for a long time, but suddenly forced together on a reunion cruise. This had the right amount of delicious angst of two people into each other and struggling to fight those feelings.

I really can't say enough good things about this book. The delicious sexual tension, the messiness of a band getting back together, and of trusting in yourself and taking what you want in life, that you do deserve good things. Alicia just writes the most relatable characters who have been hurt by the world, maybe even dissapointed in themselves and just watching them grow and accept love. One of the many reasons she is one of my all time favorite writers. Don't sleep on this book

“Never Been Shipped” by Alicia Thompson is a charming, heartfelt romance that hits me in all the right places.

Micah, a former band member, is back on stage for a reunion cruise, trying to keep her heart out of the mix. But when she reconnects with John, her former best friend (and unspoken love interest), her emotions for him become impossible to ignore.

The story was beautiful as it explores second chances, friendship, and angsty love, all set against the backdrop of a music-filled reunion and rock bands. Think of Daisy Jones and the six in another font. I believe this by far is the best and sexiest story written by Alicia Thompson that is a must read for all.

Also have to mention that the Dedication page had me cracking up.

2025 seems to be the year of musician/singer romances and I am eating it up.

The tension, unresolved feelings, longing was also so so so good. I love second chance romances and this ate. I also love how unique the setting is! After reading this book I am longing to go on a cruise!

Literally everything about this book was amazing. I would give it 6 stars if I could.

Thank you Berkley publishing & NetGalley for a copy of this arc in exchange for my honest review.

I had such high hopes but unfortunately this book just wasn't for me. I found that the pacing was extremely slow and the characters had zero depth. I had a really hard time caring at all for any of the characters which made it really hard for me to want to pick the book up. I had to dnf at 30%.

Alicia Thompson has slowly but surely become a must read author for me. Living in Thompson's world and revisiting characters from With Love from Cold World, is akin to a warm hug. Without diving into the plot (because I know that others will expand on this more), I love how we read John's yearning and love for Micah. I love how Thompson teed up the Micah and John relationship in With Love from Cold World. I'm a big fan of second chance romances. While friends to lovers romances are pretty tricky to execute, I think that Thompson hit this friends to lovers romance out of the park. I love the nostalgia infused into this text--examples include snippets from John and Micah's teenage years. Sigh, this was just such a good book.

I'm so grateful that Thompson shares her voice with the world. I'm ready to read many more by her, as she is an autobuy author for me now.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for providing me with an ARC of Alicia Thompson's Never Been Shipped.

UGHHHHHH. Alicia Thompson is a must-buy author for me. I have loved every one of her romances that I've read. My favorite thing about this one was the tattoos. I love it when characters get something about the other main character, and it's discovered in moments of intimacy. Yeah, Micah and John could've communicated better, but I loveeeeeed it. Love is hard and fearing what could happen during love is so real!!! Praise Alicia Thompson

Alicia Thompson’s Never Been Shipped is a swoon-worthy, music-infused romance that strikes all the right chords. When former bandmates Micah and John reunite for one last performance on a cruise, old tensions, unresolved feelings, and a second chance at love take center stage. Thompson masterfully blends humor, longing, and the electric pull of past and present, crafting a love story that feels both nostalgic and exhilarating. With a vibrant setting, undeniable chemistry, and plenty of behind-the-music drama, this novel is perfect for fans of slow-burn romances and second chances that feel like destiny.

This is my second Alicia Thompson book and she did not disappoint! This was a blast. The characters were so much fun to read, and the VIBES of the early 00’s band made this book FANTASTIC! I will definitely keep reading Alicia Thompson books.

4.5/5 thank you to NetGalley and Berkeley for this ARC!

Oh my god you GUYS

I wish I hadn’t burned through this so fast because it was so good and I already miss them 😭😭😭😭 I loved John so fucking much…why is a cartoon man so HOT??????

This MMC has everything: very hot, plays guitar, is very good in the sack, very considerate, is a total simp!!! Says things like “you have no idea how long I’ve wanted you” GOD SAVE ME this man is EVERYTHING

The banter, spice, and emotional development was so good in this one. Incredible execution of childhood-friends-to-lovers and rockstar romance. Dear lord this one SLAPPED

Thank you to Netgalley and Berkeley Publishing Group for this ARC!
What can I say? This was a trip down nostalgia lane, with a side of 2000's, Midwest Emo perfection.
I love a childhood friends to lovers story and this hit it out of the park. I enjoyed the forced proximity of being stuck on a cruise and the 'will they, won't they" aspect of the story.
I did feel like the middle dragged a bit (just get to the kissing already!), but otherwise, this was a fun, introspective, rock star love story that spanned decades and covered some tough material.
If I hadn't just taken a cruise last year, this book would have had me itching to get on one STAT!
Will definitely be singing this book's praises all year :)

Thank you for this e-arc! Micah has been avoiding her past for a decade, but once it comes back to her with an opportunity she can't turn down, she has to face the band members she left behind. One of these past band members was her childhood best friend. This "has been" band can will be doing a reunion concert on a cruise. Once on board, Micah and her estranged best friend, John, do their best to move past her betrayal. This book was written in the third POV, giving you an understanding of Micah and John's feelings. I am a sucker for forced proximity and second chance. The author did a good job of making the friends and lovers feel not cringeworthy, which is essential to me. The romance was a slow burn, in my opinion. I wanted Micah and John to talk about their issues right away. I think the author wanted these two characters to have difficulty communicating their feelings, but I felt like if they just talked, everything would be fixed! So, if there were something I would want to change in the book, it would be the miscommunication. I did enjoy the band's dynamic and banter! Thank you again for letting me read this in advance.

this wasn't a flop but I stg there were so many nonsensical things bogging down the story

✰ 3.5 stars, what kept it afloat was the fact that I'm a sucker for childhood friends to lovers and romances about musicians

thank you to Berkley for the ebook arc in exchange for an honest review

platform: netgalley ebook arc

My first by Alicia Thompson, but definitely not my last! The characters were well developed and I felt like I could get inside their heads/hearts. As fan of pop punk and emo bands back in the '00s, this was a full on nostalgia fest. What I appreciated the most about this story was how niche and yet universal the story line was. The characters were relatable, their relationships with each other, and how they might have spent a decade apart. I loved the little insider jokes (the Offspring song title battle! The OC and Supernatural references!) that felt as though they were written for me. Let's give more stories like this a chance.

First off, the cover for this book is absolutely gorgeous, I cant wait to own this! I read Love in the Time of Serial Killers in 2022 and really enjoyed that. I thought Thompson's writing style was really good and the way the story had an overall melancholy feel really appealed to me. So, when I picked this book, I expected to like it, but I really ended up enjoying it far more than I thought. This book hooks you in from the very beginning and I'll even go as far as to say from the dedication, because it made me laugh out loud and I wanted to continue straight away and once I started, I couldn't put the book down. (Dedication: if this book flops istg). The main characters were very likeable and relatable to me (especially the FMC), and they had great chemistry and tension between each other. I also really really enjoyed the setting, I thought it was a very fun and fresh take setting a romance book on a cruise ship.

This book is definitely for the second chance girls, because it was done right here. I'm not the biggest fan of the trope, but I think Thompson executed it in a that didn't bother me and therefore I really loved the romance between our main characters. I'd definitely recommend you check this book out when it releases. Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.