Book review: The Shippers by Katherine Center
Genre: Romance
Release date: May 19, 2026
Goodreads rating: 4.05
My rating: 3.5
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I found myself craving a lighter, more feel-good read this week, and The Shippers felt like the perfect book. I found it funny, romantic, and I liked that the book didn’t take itself too seriously.
The story follows Josephine (Jojo), who, after leaving her fiancé at the altar, decides she’s going to pursue her childhood crush, Finn. She enlists the help of her childhood best friend Cooper who, unsurprisingly to everyone except Jojo, has been quietly in love with her for years.
I loved how readable this book was. The pacing moves quickly, the setting is fun (on a cruise ship!), and the relationship dynamics keep things entertaining.
One of my favourite parts of the book was actually the prologue. Katherine Center tells readers upfront who the real love story is about, which gave the whole book a cozy, reassuring feeling (while still keeping me fully invested emotionally).
I also appreciated that beneath the light, funny tone, the novel explores some heavier themes. There’s an undercurrent throughout the story about toxic relationships, emotional safety, and learning what healthy love actually looks like. Cooper’s backstory in particular added more emotional depth than I expected, and I liked the side storyline involving Jojo helping repair her parents’ marriage.
I did struggle at times with Jojo herself and her questionable judgment but still, the chemistry, humour, and breezy vacation atmosphere kept me turning the pages.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for granting me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.