Jenny’s Pick of the Week: The Shippers

There’s something about the arrival of warmer weather that always puts me in the mood for a romantic comedy. Which is why, after experiencing exactly one warm day this spring, I felt compelled to crack open Katherine Center’s upcoming release, The Shippers. This story was designed to be read outdoors and finished over a single, sunny weekend. Genuinely funny, heartfelt, and easy to sink into, The Shippers is one more reminder of why Katherine Center has become such a beloved voice in contemporary romance.

The story follows JoJo Burton and Cooper Watts, childhood best friends that reunite after four years at a family destination wedding aboard a luxury cruise ship. Determined to finally work through her intimacy issues, JoJo sets her sights on her first crush—a neighborhood boy who also happens to be a newly divorced wedding guest. Surely wooing him will give her the closure needed to cure her lifelong fear of commitment! Since her sister is busy being the bride, Jojo recruits Cooper as her wingman for what they dub Project Conquest. It’s a genius plan—flawless, really—or at least it would have been if Cooper hadn’t spent the last four years working out and amassing a collection of sweater vests (her one true weakness).

As the wedding festivities commence, sweater vests quickly become the least of Jojo’s worries. And for good reason. Who can worry about menswear when every moment spent on Project Conquest only makes it harder for Jojo to ignore her long‑buried feelings for an altogether different childhood crush? The very definition of loveable characters, Jojo and Cooper make it virtually impossible not to root for their happy ending. While their layered history creates a natural chemistry, Center’s expertly controlled pacing stretches out the romantic tension. The result? A slow‑burn arc that’s pure gold.

The romance is charming, but it’s the comedy that truly won me over. Jojo and Cooper’s playful banter sparkles with the same energy as classic 2000s rom-coms like How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and Made of Honor. Their attempts at fake flirting make for some truly hilarious interactions that feel movie-ready in the best possible way—I was practically begging for a screen adaptation by the final chapter. This shiny, cinematic quality is noticeable throughout and translates beautifully as an audiobook. Patti Murin delivers a standout narration performance that perfectly captures Jojo’s humor and warmth.

Leaning confidently into its strengths as a feel-good romantic comedy, The Shippers gifts readers with a cast of unforgettable characters, next-level romantic tension, and laugh-out-loud humor. Its sun-soaked, escapist atmosphere feels tailor-made for summer reading, fully embracing the indulgent joy of the genre without losing sight of its emotional core. I knew even before the final page that this book had secured a place among my top beach read recommendations of 2026. It’s the kind of novel that reminds readers why romantic comedies remain such a beloved comfort genre in the first place.

The Shippers might not be releasing until May 19th, but you can reserve your copy from the library today! Need something to tide you over before publication day? It’s a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan and Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez are perfect choices.