Book Review: Shipped
Author: Angie Hockman
Publisher: Gallery Books
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Read: December 2020
Aside from the adorable cover, I was initially drawn to this book when I saw that it was being marketed as The Unhoneymooners meets The Hating Game.
The Synopsis
Shipped follows Henley, an ambitions career-driven woman who is considered for a huge promotion at the cruise company she works for. The only thing standing in her way is her Graeme, a remote employee in her department who just so happens to be her biggest enemy. Henley and Graeme finally meet when they are sent on one of their company’s cruises to do research for their proposals- and the best proposal earns the promotion.
The Review
Shipped was a fun, light read – and much needed escape! I loved learning more about the Galapagos, and while the plot contained several predictable rom-com elements, the whole travel/cruise company element was something I hadn’t seen before in this genre. The book also focuses almost as much on elements outside the Graeme and Henley’s romance as it does the relationship itself.
However, the romance element where the book fell short for me. Graeme and Henley’s relationship felt rushed and not quite fleshed out. It didn’t feel much like an enemies-to-lovers trope because only Henley seems to think they are enemies. I also didn’t really connect with Graeme or Henley. They were both likable enough characters, but there wasn’t enough tension or reason for me to root for one of them over the other.
With that being said, the supporting characters – aka Henley’s solid girl gang- were a delight. The ending had a few surprising elements and a few unbelievable elements, but the best part of the ending was how these women came together to support Henley and each other (I won’t say anything else because spoilers are no fun).
While I personally don’t think Shipped lived up to its predecessors, (aka The Hating Game aka The Rom Com We Do Not Deserve) it was still a fun, enjoyable read!
The Book
Far Flung Readers blog received an Electronic Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book courtesy of Netgalley and Galley Books in exchange for this honest review. A big “thank you” to them! You can read more about our partnerships and affiliate participation here.
You can pre-order Shipped by Angie Hockman, which is out January 19 2021, via Bookshop and support independent bookstores!
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