9. Natural Selection - a short story by Erin Hildebrand

listened on Audible

54 pgs.

2024
Adult contemporary short story
Finished 2/8/2026
Goodreads rating: 3.61
My rating: 4
Setting: contemporary Galapagos Island

My comments: Even though it was supposed to be a mystery and you knew exactly what was going on, it was fun to adventure into the sea and surroundings of the Galapagos Islands.

Goodreads synopsis:  When her boyfriend bails at the last minute, a New York woman embarks on their couples’ cruise alone to find that maybe the person she was supposed to fall in love with was herself.

After a string of bad dates and no prospects, Sophia Othonos has finally hit the jackpot: an actual nice guy. When he suggests a romantic getaway, she’s sure they’re about to take the next step toward their future. A rustic cruise to the Galápagos Islands isn’t exactly her idea of a vacation, but Sophia is ready for anything…until her boyfriend has to cancel.

Now she’s all alone on a trip that was meant for two. Sophia finds herself at a crossroads about who she is, what she wants, and whether her relationship is really everything she thought. But if she’s going to suffer an identity crisis, at least she gets to do it amid the unexpected majesty of nature.

Eight days of wild, unobstructed beauty are enough to make anyone reevaluate their life. These islands are all about adapting to your surroundings—and change just might be what Sophia needs most of all.

21. Shipped by Angie Hockman

listened on Libby/Library
narrated by Ines del Castillo
Unabridged audio (8:42)
2021
336 pgs.
Adult RomCom
Finished 3/16/21
Goodreads rating: 3.74 - 2456 ratings
My rating:  4
Setting: contemporary Galapagos Islands/onboard cruise ship

First line/s: "Every time I collect my mail from the paint-splattered box in the lobby and see my name printed over and over in bold black ink, I'm reminded that I'm named after a rock star."

My comments: A romcom with a wonderful setting - a small cruise ship visiting the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador.  Henley and Graeme are competing for the same job on the cruise line, and go from a love-hate relationship to guess where, lol!  While communing with incredible wildlife, snorkeling, visiting touristy attractions, and trying to come up with a plan to wow her boss, Henley certainly keeps us entertained.  Great lessons on sustainability and protecting our world included!

Goodreads synopsis:  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?