I'm a big fan of slow-burn romances. I love the tension as the main characters begin to realize that they have feelings for each other—how will those feelings finally come to the fore? If you share my preference, "Overdue" is for you.
Ingrid and Macon work together at a branch library in a town seemingly inspired by Asheville, NC. She's 29, he's 39; she's been with her boyfriend Cody for many years, and he broke up with his girlfriend a couple years earlier. When Cody says he wants to take "a break" so they can date other people before settling down (they were each other's one and only), Ingrid tries putting the moves on Macon. Haven't there been sparks between them for a long time now? When Macon firmly rebuffs her, she feels humiliated, and gets on the apps in order to find a fling.
Ingrid and Cody's "break" keeps getting extended, and her friendship with Macon grows, even as her dating experiments don't quite work out. Ingrid behaves pretty inconsiderately with one of the men she goes out with, a library user who comes in every week to check out DVDs. She is definitely a flawed character who does a lot of learning and growing throughout the year covered in the novel.
I read this book on an airplane—I'm a bit of a nervous flyer and there was something really soothing about it, which made it an ideal choice. I also liked the fact that it dealt with real issues real-life librarians face, like book bans and dealing with challenging patrons.

Ingrid and Cory have been together 11 years. They never discuss marriage. Now, Ingrid sister is getting married. Why not them. So they break up for a month to see if they are right for each other . But one month is extended. Ingrid feels like her job is not what she wants. But what about Macon, her co-worker. Can there be something there?
I loved this book. I love how she decided to move on with her dreams and I was happy to see who she ended up with in the end. North Carolina, library, stained glass and bookstores? A dream book!
NetGalley thank you for the opportunity to enjoy this. Stephanie Perkins, I loved this book!!

Thank you to Netgally and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this ARC 💕

FMC - Ingrid: 4 🌟
MMC - Macon: ♾️ 🌟
Spice: 🌶

LIKES: I absolutely adore Macon. He is one of the most sweet, thoughtful, respectful, wonderfully green flag men I've ever read 💕

The book was well-written and possibly one of the most realistic romance novels I've read in a while. I liked all the characters, and I was so beyond happy that Ingrid and Cory managed to stay friends in the end!

DISLIKES: It is a verrrrrrrrrry long slow-burn and slow-moving plot. I was a little disappointed that it took that long for Ingrid and Macon to become an item, though it warmed my heart when they did finally make their feelings known.

And throughout Ingrid's Tinder adventures, which I felt was my least favorite part of the book, I didn't like how she ended things with Gareth. But that's just a small tidbit I didn't like :p



While it wasn't the most memorable romance book I've read, looking back on it now that I've finished it, I genuinely enjoyed it! I appreciate how real the characters and their experiences are, making it a relatable and sweet romance story that I'm so happy I had the chance to read 😊

Favorite scene: Ingrid and Macon's first "I love you"s

Overdue is a love letter to late bloomers, quiet libraries, and the terrifying freedom of rewriting your life.

Stephanie Perkins delivers a deeply human story about Ingrid—a librarian who’s always played it safe—stepping out of a decade-long relationship and into the uncertainty of wanting more.

The romance between Ingrid and Macon isn’t flashy or instant; it unfolds in dog-eared pages, whispered jokes, overgrown gardens, and the spaces between what’s said and what’s felt. Honest, awkward, and full of charm,

Overdue is a reminder that real love doesn’t always come with fireworks—sometimes it arrives with a cup of coffee and a question you’ve never dared to ask.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Stephanie Perkins for the ARC!

"You've Got Mail" + Hallmark + Meg Cabot

Spice: 3/5

This is a wonderfully heartwarming story about Ingrid, a young woman who is ready to grow out of her shell to become the real version of herself. Ingrid and her boyfriend of eleven years have always expected that they would get married one day, but when they actually sit down to talk about it, they both realize that they don't actually know if they are the right call for each other. They agree to take one month off to date other people, if only to find if there is spark out there or if they cannot manage without each other. Ingrid can only imagine kissing one other person in her life and that is her librarian coworker, Macon.

The story progresses through the months of Ingrid's life as she navigates rejection, dating apps, actually having sex with someone else, friendships, and challenging the idea of what she actually wants out of life. While the relationship break ("We were on a break!") may not be the most realistic plot point, everything else that Ingrid experiences hits home.

Her emotional breakdowns fill numerous chapters as she swings from panic to anxiety to sadness. We have all felt that heartbreak and have curled up on the floor in despair. Her friends are relatable and they feel like the circle of friends that I wish I had. When Ingrid is happy or intrigued by someone, I felt the same flutter in my chest. I appreciated the descriptions of each library patron, recognizing the stereotypes and quirks in each. The reality of book banners was hard hitting and I was either cheering alongside Macon or wanting to cry with Ingrid.

If you are a fan of books and libraries and bookstores, you will appreciate this book. If you grew up reading Meg Cabot, then this is a wonderful book for you. I can't believe that I am late to the Stephanie Perkins party.



*****Spoilers Ahead*******




This is my first foray into Stephanie Perkins writing and I have only just now learned that she has transitioned from YA to Adult Romance. This story was easy to read but also had adult topics. If I had read this as a sixteen year old, I would have related more to the dating apps and potential hook ups, but as a thirty three year old, the act (and anxiety) of opening up a bookstore hits deep to the core. I do not want kids and am very happy that Ingrid made the same arguments that I do every single day. I felt very "seen" in those moments.

My few critiques would be in the formatting actually. There would be times when Ingrid would be in the present moment, but all of a sudden, the next statement would be a memory from earlier that day. But then we would jump back to the present moment only two sentences later. I did not understand the significance of having to recall that moment. Because it happened often enough, I wish the memories were italicized or handled differently.

My other critique is a personal pet peeve and that is when a book has a time stamp. Yes, I agree that Covid was integral to this story and its numerous characters. But I also felt drawn out of this fictional town as soon as it was mentioned. There were also a few other statements throughout the book that referenced the current political climate, such as Florida's regulations. I want to escape in my books instead of being reminded about what is happening around me.

As I pursue more books by Stephanie Perkins, I will be curious to see if her chapters always end or begin with metaphors, or if that was integral to this book alone.

Overdue is a heartfelt, slow-burn romance that beautifully explores the complexities of love, timing, and second chances. Ingrid's journey from comfort to self-discovery is both relatable and inspiring. The chemistry between her and Macon simmers with tension, making every moment count. With a cozy setting and emotionally rich storytelling, this book captures the bittersweet beauty of letting go to grow. I couldn't put it down--Ingrid's story lingers long after the final page.

This was a very slow burn romance read. This book was told from the female main character’s perspective. It is lighthearted, emotional and hopeful. This also came with some humor in it as well! This book is in the fictional contemporary romance genre. I felt like it was more of a women’s fiction novel than a romance read. The romance does happen in the book, but it takes a while to get to that part. It is medium paced, has lovable characters and animals, and I found this to be a cozy read. Furthermore, it is also a grumpy and sunshine romance. This is about new beginnings and finding true happiness!

“Overdue” is centered around the female main character, whose name is Ingrid. She is a librarian who has been dating her college boyfriend for eleven years. Ingrid and her boyfriend take a one month break from each other to see if they were meant to be together forever. Be sure to read the content warnings. Overall, I found this to be a reasonable read. I give it a 3 out of 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, author Stephanie Perkins and St. Martin's Press | Saturday Books for this digital advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This book is expected to be published on October 7, 2025!

Stephanie Perkins’ Overdue is a heartwarming tale of love, loss, and finding a soulmate. After 11 years together, librarian Ingrid and her college sweetheart Cory decide to take a break from their relationship and try dating again. The relatable characters and realistic choices made this enjoyable.

Loved this book! Could not put it down! We need more books about hot librarians :) story line was fabulous and I really loved the slow burn! And when they finally get together! Sigh. It was so worth the wait. I actually texted a fellow librarian and told her to add to her tbr list! And she did on good reads. Thank you for letting me preview this book!

As a fellow librarian and romance lover, I felt compelled to pick this up. I'm left a bit disappointed. I didn't love the writing style-lots of info dumping, lots and lots of events packed in but at the same time having the slow-burn romance drag on for eternity. It felt a bit too long, I almost DNF. I also didn't really connect with the FMC. At almost 30 years old, she felt juvenile and I questioned many of her actions. It seems cruel to "take a break" and lead other men on. IDK this just didn't work for me.

Ingrid and her boyfriend have been dating for 11 years, they decide to take a one month break to see if they still feel the same after.

When I heard that Stephanie Perkins was returning to the romance genre, I smashed a request for the ebook as fast as my fingers could. Perkins’ YA Anna trilogy was a defining book staple of my young adult years, following me through high school, college, and my 20s. And while I enjoyed her other books, truly, it was those first three that had my heart; I could only hope Overdue held up to my expectations.

Let me say—good golly it does. It held up to, met, and surpassed my hopes. I read it in two giant gulps in less than 10 hours. I could not put it down. I loved the characters and their growth and the town and the friendships and I literally did not want to leave Ridgetop.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Saturday Books for the ebook ARC. All opinions are mine alone.

Thank you so much NetGalley and St Martin's Press for allowing me to read this book. Overdue by Stephanie Perkins is going to be released on Oct 7th. I want to say that this is not a contemporary romance but rather women's fiction. This is also my first book by this author. Ingrid and her longtime boyfriend Cory decide to take a one-month break to date other people after feeling pressure to define their future. Ingrid sets her sights on her grumpy but intriguing coworker Macon, whom she’s secretly liked for years. But when the month ends, she realizes her feelings for Macon may be more than just a crush—and her relationship with Cory may not be what she wants anymore.
This one just didn’t work for me. The pacing was way too slow, and I never felt truly invested in the story or the characters. I was bored more often than not, and sadly, it just didn’t capture my attention the way I hoped it would.

Strong start and finish but dragged a bit in the middle. The premise of going on a month long break after eleven years of dating to “find themselves” felt very much like a reality dating show like the Ultimatum or Temptation Island. You know they’re already on the brink of a breakup but you can’t look away. Unfortunately, between Ingrid’s exploratory first dates with other men and working on painting her coworker/crush Macon’s house, there was a distinct lack of drama and comedic value that the setup lent itself so well to. It’s a very slow burn and although the ending was so cute, I do question whether I would’ve finished this book had I not just forced myself to keep going.

This book was extremely enjoyable. It was a (very) slow burn, friends to lovers story where he falls first, there's no third act breakup, and low spice. Ingrid and Macon are both loveable characters and their chemistry and friendship is clear. The first half of the book is a little slow but I'm glad I stuck with it because things really picked up in the second half. There was a great cast of supporting characters as well and it was great to see Ingrid and Macon's personal growth in addition to their lovestory. Thanks NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.

Overdue by Stephanie Perkins was a different read for me, but I enjoyed it.

When librarian Ingrid's sister becomes engaged, she realizes that she and her boyfriend of eleven years, Cory, need to make a decision on their relationship - either move it to the next level or call it off. They decide to split for a month and see if they are meant to be together or apart.

Ingrid goes through a few attempts at dating others, but realizes she harbors a crush on her co-worker, Macon.

I appreciate the author's weaving of Ingrid "trying it on" with other people, but I will be honest and say that I was uncomfortable with the whole premise of what Ingrid and Cory were doing - I don't like the whole idea of a break. However, she wove the story in an enjoyable way and made the characters likeable and I rooted for everyone to get their happily ever after. Watching the personal growth of the characters was incredibly satisfying.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own. I think you'll enjoy this book, I know I did.

I didn’t really care for this one.. I found it to be quite dull and I could not take the writing. Cute cover but not for me.

3.5 rounded up. I read this in a day. Super cute, a little too much “fluff”/filler but overall I really enjoyed this! The concept was fun and different, and I just love a good romance!!

Absolutely loved this book by Stephanie Perkins. I’m a big fan of her YA work and it was fun to see her move into writing adult fiction.

Ingrid had been with her boyfriend, Cory, for 11 years when her sister’s engagement sparked an idea: before they settle down, they’ll take a month break to be with other people. Everyone around them, including Ingrid’s coworker, Macon, thinks it’s crazy. And is simply a step into a permanent breakup. Ingrid can’t see it. Until that’s where she finds herself- starting over.

When Ingrid realized Macon has been showing up for her in all kinds of ways, maybe there’s something to explore between them after all…

Thank you to Macmillan and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC for review.

This was a fantastic foray into adult contemporary romance for an author who has typically written and published YA novels. The characters were bright and full of life (even the curmudgeonly Macon) and it made me really fall deep into the story. I really loved the FMC and how quirky she was. She felt like a true “lover girl” and I kept rooting for her to finally get everything she deserves both in her love life and in every other aspect. My only real critique was that I felt like I read two very different books that were smushed into one. The first half of this book focuses on the gimmicky aspects where Ingrid is on a break from her long-time boyfriend and is going out on what are basically trial dates in order to experience the dating world for the first time and see if she still wants to marry her boyfriend. Then the second half is a completely different book that blends general fiction with romance and focuses primarily on her long-standing crush on her coworker, his family drama, and her career change. I feel like we could’ve done without the whole “we’re on a break” plot line. It feels random and unnecessary when I look at the whole picture. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I hope that Stephanie Perkins decides to write more adult romances!