One Old, One New features two books – one old, one new, which are connected in some way. Today I am featuring two books by Katherine Center.
Published by St. Martin's Press on May 19, 2026
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Rating:
Goodreads
One of the hottest, fastest-rising rom-com stars delivers her latest swoon-worthy novel about a destination wedding on a cruise ship.
After a whole lifetime of being bad at love, JoJo Burton decides to solve her intimacy issues once and for all at her sister’s destination wedding on a cruise ship. With the help of a little pop psychology, she diagnoses herself with a fixation on the neighborhood guy who was her her first crush and first kiss (and who just happens to be a newly-divorced wedding guest ), and she decides to woo him during the cruise for some long-delayed closure. Only problem is, her sister’s a little busy being a bride at the moment—so JoJo ropes in her childhood bestie, Cooper Watts, to be her wing man. Cooper: who RSVPed no, but then showed up, anyway. Cooper: who left town without a word four years earlier and moved to London. Cooper: who was, if she’s honest, the worst heartbreak of JoJo’s life. It’s bliss for her to see him again, and it’s agony, too—and the more they team up for Project Conquest, the more she obsesses over questions she can’t bring herself to ask.
Shipboard antics ensue in this witty, heart-tugging, childhood-friends-to-lovers romance—as JoJo and Cooper fake flirt, slow dance, share a cabin, sing duets, treat sunburns, get jealous, rescue each other over and over, and finally, at last, figure it all out in the most blissful, swoony, romantic way.
No one does summer romance quite like Katherine Center. THE SHIPPERS will take readers on the cruise of a lifetime in a story awash with romantic longing, top-notch banter, long-held secrets . . . and true love rediscovered.
Jojo is cursed! Cursed with being unlucky at love, but she may have found the solution. Her sister says Jojo is bad at love because of her unrequited feelings for her former neighbor, childhood crush, and first kiss - Finn. As luck would have it, Finn will be aboard her sister's wedding cruise where Jojo's goal is to woo him. This may be no easy task for love-challenged Jojo, but she is lucky to have her childhood bestie Cooper along to help her accomplish this task.
You will never see me not enjoy a book by Katherine Center. She writes fun and uplifting stories that never fail to make me smile. I had a good feeling about this one because the author's note pumped me up and had me eager to begin my reading adventure. Glad to report that this tale did not disappoint. In fact, my face could have cracked in half from how much I smiled as I read this book.
Jojo was an interesting character. Her adoration of math endeared her to me, and I enjoyed her energy. But she was so oblivious! I know, there would have been no book if she were better at recognizing love when it was smacking her in the face, but I was grateful when she finally slowed down, reflected, and realized what was going on.
Cooper - *swoon*. This man was the most dedicated friend in the whole wide world. He was a precious treasure who needed to be protected at all costs. Why? Because he loved out loud, even if Jojo wasn't listening. This man showed his affection and adoration, over and over again, with his actions. We could only be so lucky to have someone to cherish us in this way. I loved him so much, and I loved him for Jojo.
There was an interesting storyline involving Jojo's dad. It's seemed unimportant at first, but then I could see how it fit into this tale. I actually enjoyed dad's arc and that he had a chance to redeem himself. I didn't expect him to have such a meaningful storyline, and it was very touching.
Packed with humor and warmth, The Shippers was a most enjoyable journey which made me giggle and laugh as my heart filled with joy.
*ARC PROVIDED BY THE PUBLISHER
Published by Amazon Original Story on March 17, 2026
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Rating:
Goodreads
He’s the last man she ever wanted to see again—or get snowed in with. It’s going to be a rocky reunion in this bittersweet romantic comedy.
For Lily, falling in love with her childhood friend Walker was the easiest thing to do back in high school. His sudden rejection was unforgettably crushing. Seven years later, their families have conspired to bring them back together at a cabin in the Rockies when a sudden snowstorm traps them overnight with no power. Thanks to a cozy fire, a prowling bear, and a little forced time in an open-air gondola, they confront their unresolved feelings—and a past more complicated than Lily knows.
Lily was dreading this trip. Not because they were finally scattering the ashes of her father and his lifelong friend, but because she would have to see Walker again. Walker who she grew up with. Walker who pulled her closer after she lost her dad. Walker whose kiss she could not forget. Walker who betrayed her.
This was a story that was too short because I really did want more of Lily and Walker. I loved the good parts of their history and was eager to find out what Walker did to break Lily's heart. I was horrified by what he did. Seriously, HOW COULD HE!!! But there were reasons, and when I learned them, I was able to forgive that 16 year old boy who thought he was doing the right thing. It may have even earned him some respect from me.
Overall: Always happy to read something from Center as this story was funny, touching, and smile inducing.
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