The Shippers
A Novel
by Katherine Center
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Pub Date May 19 2026 | Archive Date Jun 02 2026
Description
NO ONE DOES SUMMER ROMANCE LIKE KATHERINE CENTER.
New from the New York Times bestselling author and reigning rom-com queen of the comfort reads—a swoon-worthy novel set aboard a cruise ship during a destination wedding, about old crushes, bad timing, and plans that don’t go quite as expected.
She wants him to help her woo someone else.
Genius. Foolproof. Can’t go wrong.
DELUXE EDITION―a gorgeous hardcover edition featuring beautiful sky blue sprayed edges!
After a lifetime of being bad at love, JoJo Burton vows to solve her intimacy issues once and for all at her sister’s destination wedding on a cruise ship. Armed with pop psychology, she diagnoses herself with a fixation on the neighborhood guy who was her first crush and first kiss (and who just happens to be a newly-divorced wedding guest). Determined to woo him for closure, she ropes in her childhood bestie, Cooper Watts, as her wingman. Cooper: who RSVPed no, but showed up anyway. Cooper: who moved to London without a word four years ago. Cooper: who was her greatest heartbreak.
Shipboard antics abound in this witty, heart-tugging, childhood-friends-to-lovers romance, as JoJo and Cooper team up, fake flirt, slow dance, share a cabin, sing duets, get jealous, answer long-held questions, and finally, at last, discover truths about each other that will change everything.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781250408051 |
| PRICE | $30.00 (USD) |
| PAGES | 336 |
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 3002 members
Featured Reviews
WHAT A BANGER! I swear, there hasn't been a rom com book that actually made me laugh out loud and force me to put my kindle down bc of how comedic these characters are (especially our fmc jojo). Things get rolling right from the start and Katherine Center does a wonderful job of keeping readers engaged with the current storyline but also providing adequate background through flashbacks and recounts through the character's voice. If you LOVE friends to lovers (like me) oh oh oh this is bound to catch your heart, because Cooper?!?! this man YEARNS!! And I kept wanting to throw my kindle across the room to knock some sense in Jojo because as sweet and funny as she is, she is soooo dense when it comes to recognizing Cooper's feelings, but that makes for good drama i guessss (hehehe). If you love pure fun, comedic dialogue, sizzling character chemistry, and childhood friends to lvoers, this is FOR YOU!!! Or if you just love LOVE, this one is absolutely for you! Add it to your TBR. This is by far my FAVORITE Katherine Center book!
Anna R, Reviewer
I was fortunate enough to receive an early review copy of Katherine Center’s newest novel, The Shippers. Center is one of my favorite authors, so I immediately dove in. This story was instantly readable, full of laughs and lovable characters. As a bonus, I even learned what “shipping” means. 🤣🫣
Center has delivered yet another heartwarming, fun and easy to read love story and I highly recommend making this your next comfort read.
Every Katherine Center book has been a 5 star read for me & this was no exception - if anything I wish I could go up to 6 stars for this book!!
Katherine Center always says rom-coms should be predictable in that you know it will have a happy ending bc that’s what they are all about!! I love how her writing shows that through & through! The premise of this book surrounds Josephine or “Jojo” who is terrible at love. If any guy that likes her too much, she has to end things. She believes she has cracked the code to healing herself from her horrible romantic history by setting up a plan to make the person who gave her her perfect first kiss, the one that no one since could measure up to, fall in love with her.
I loveee that the “plot twist” of this book is predictable in that you know it will be the happy ending everyone is craving & you know enough to enjoy how it all plays out as you read! As usual with her books, I was giggling & smiling to myself while reading & that’s what rom-coms are all about - falling in love with falling in love over & over again!
Thank you Netgalley & St Martins Press for this ARC - No notes, just praise as usual :)
I will read ANYTHING that is written by Katherine Center. With the knowledge of the author going into this read, I knew I would love it, but as always, she continues to give me the most lovely story that keeps me on my toes and wanting more. every. single. time.
If you haven’t delved into the world of Katherine Center, you’re not living. Pick this up, or any book of hers, NOW. You won’t regret it.
Reviewer 1100145
This book is proof that Katherine Center really never misses. I loved everything from the authors note at the beginning— because SAME, I will always search if the book has a HEA— to the main characters, the side characters, the plot, and the development. I read this book in one sitting because I just couldn’t stop. It was romantic, sweet and funny and gave me everything I look for in a rom-com and then some. I can’t wait to order this book and add it next to my other fave Katherine Centre books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own :)
Reviewer 1170680
I want to say I’ve read 5 or 6 of her books now and I have to say that KC can just do no wrong! Her books are fun romcoms but also have depth and I always thoroughly enjoy them! This one is no exception, definitely recommend!
Reviewer 1358853
Katherine Center is simply the best romance author out there. I love her writing style and the way she develops her characters. This book was no exception. The plot is utterly charming and you cannot help but love all of the characters. Another winner and I highly recommend this book.
Hillary A, Reviewer
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC Review
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Katherine Center for the opportunity to read this book early. I absolutely loved this story.
The Shippers is the perfect example of what a rom-com should be. From the very first pages, the emotions are fully felt — joy, hope, frustration, and that deep cozy feeling only a great romance can give you.
The author’s note at the beginning was beautifully written and truly set the tone for the entire book. It reminded me exactly why romance novels matter and why love stories deserve to be celebrated as an important and beautiful part of life.
Do you know that JoJo and Cooper are going to end up together? Absolutely.
Is the journey to get there a fantastic piece of fiction? Without a doubt.
This book made me feel warm, happy, and emotionally invested — and yes, a little frustrated at times when JoJo didn’t always choose what was best for herself (which made her feel so real and relatable). Watching her grow and discover the power of love was incredibly satisfying.
If you’re looking for a romance that feels cozy, uplifting, and full of heart, this one is for you. I highly, highly recommend The Shippers.
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