Mini Book Reviews: April 2021

Shipped
Angie Hockman

Release Date: January 19, 2021

Book Description:

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 US | Goodreads

Review:

5 stars

Great read and it's wonderful on audio as well - Inés del Castillo does a great job as narrator! 

This book really had strong The Hating Game vibes, which I also loved. 

Interestingly enough, on the heels of finishing Loathe at First Sight (“LaFS”), Shipped explores some similar themes in regard to sexism in the workplace, and specifically explores how women in business are competing against men. But, unlike Park’s LaFS, imho Shipped does it better. Working this hot topic theme into the plot of the romance novel gives it a more organic flow. 

I also loved that the story felt more genuine (perhaps a tiny bit instant-y, but still). I clearly adored the lead couple and hope that we get to see some stories about supporting cast as well.

Wicked All Night (Night Rebel #3)
Jeaniene Frost

Release Date: February 23, 2021

Book Description:
Set in the Night Huntress World, ancient deities are poised to wreck havoc, unless vampires Veritas and Ian can stop them!

A gift from the gods… 

Veritas and Ian have finally defeated their worst enemy, but the power it took to pierce through to the netherworld has unexpected consequences. Soon, Veritas is forced to rely on the last person she trusts—a golden deity named Phanes, who seeks far more than a temporary alliance with the beautiful vampire.

Can unleash hell…

But an escape from the netherworld soon pits Veritas and Ian against supernatural beings seeking to rule over mortals once again.  Now, they must rally friends and foes alike—if the vampire council doesn’t execute Veritas first. Plus, a wedge between Veritas and Ian threatens to destroy their love. Can they stand together against the unearthly powers about to be unleashed? Or does their love—and humanity—not stand a chance?

Amazon US | Goodreads

Review:
3 stars

I’m a total latecomer into Jeaniene Frost’s world, and in fact, I have yet to read any of the Night Huntress books *runs and hides*. So, Night Rebel and Night Prince novels are my first foray into this author’s writing. 

I enjoyed most of the prior Night Rebel books, but this was not one of them. It felt rushed and over the top. I think magic has gone off the rails and most of the rules seemed to have flown out of the window at this point. While in prior novels I found Ian’s character highly entertaining, here, his overprotectiveness and blinding need to ram through any and every obstacle has gone overboard. 

Veritas, as always has been an acquired taste, especially in comparison to Ian’s vibrancy and eccentricity. 

Overall, this final installment was just meh. 

Life's Too Short (The Friend Zone #3)
Abby Jimenez

Release Date: April 6, 2021

Book Description:
A brilliant and touching romantic comedy from the USA Today bestselling author of The Friend Zone and The Happy Ever After Playlist.

Vanessa lives life on her own terms — one day at a time, every day to its fullest. She isn’t willing to waste a moment or miss out on an experience when she has no idea whether she shares the same fatal genetic condition as her mother. Besides, she has way too much to do, traveling the globe and showing her millions of YouTube followers the joy in seizing every moment.

But after her half-sister suddenly leaves Vanessa in custody of her infant daughter, she is housebound, on mommy duty for the foreseeable future, and feeling totally out of her element.

The last person she expects to show up offering help is the unbelievably hot lawyer who lives next door, Adrian Copeland. After all, she barely knows him. But as they get closer, Vanessa realizes that her carefree ways and his need for a structured plan could never be compatible for the long term. Then again, she should know better than anyone that life’s too short to fear taking the biggest risk of all. . .

Amazon US | Goodreads

Review:
3.5 stars

I’ve been a fan of Abby Jimenez since The Friend Zone and have been looking forward to this final installment. 

So, it was no surprise that I really enjoyed (most of) this book. It was almost as good as the others, if not for the very end. I think I’ve said it before, but I really loathe the use of a "misunderstanding" as a device to create conflict in the story, which was the case here. Something that can be solved with a simple conversation – why, oh why?  

Another thing that felt inauthentic to the story is our hero’s big character transformation towards the end. Yes, there is absolutely a need for character growth, but this 180 felt almost forced. I don’t think the fear that he experiences can be conquered in such a short time as portrayed here, even when there are motivational reasons for it. On the other hand, I quite admired heroine’s determinations and strength, even when some of those decisions might’ve contributed to unnecessary drama. *Way to go, girl! Stay strong*

Otherwise, the whole The Friend Zone series has been stellar. Highly recommended.