Honestly, I didn’t care much for the first half of the book, the Cory/dating half. I read the first four chapters, then skimmed the next few, then refocused again around the 40% mark. And from that point to the end was a women’s fic/romance that I really enjoyed! The writing was well done, but I did not care for the characters at all at the start. It was almost two different books for me. But I loved the second half, with Ingrid finding herself and her joy again, and Macon coming out of his shell. I’d read another book like that. Thanks to Saturday Books/St. Martin’s for the ARC.

Ingrid and her boyfriend had been chugging along moderately happy in life, until her sister got engaged. Did she and Cory even want to get married? Enter a one month pact to date other people and then come back together.

Ingrid finds herself in what is simultaneously the same, and whole new life. Who is she outside of a relationship? She throws herself into work, literally into her coworker Macon’s face during a blizzard, and into several dating apps, while evaluating what she even wants before she sees Cory again.

This was a delightfully cozy story about the joy and life we can find when we step out of what’s comfortable and known. It was a bit slow at times, but so is life! Overall enjoyable and I can’t wait to curl up and reread in the wintertime.

Little did I know that this is the same author that wrote Anna and the French Kiss and Lola and the Boy Next Door! This made my teenage heart so happy, as I loved those novels when I was younger.

Stephanie Perkin’s adult debut did not disappoint. It was so realistic and includes the raw struggles of an adult life without seeming too heavy or boring. Ingrid’s character arc was a journey, but ultimately so satisfying. I loved watching Ingrid and Macon’s relationship unfold and all the little moments in between that showed the genuine friendship. This was a sloooow born that felt reminiscent of those teenage YA romance novels I liked so much.

This book was like a warm hug and trhe main characters felt like old friends. Books, curmudgeons, love, what else do you need?

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC!

P. S. This cover is perfection once you’ve read the book. Hello Hunting Party.

Overdue was a super cute and cozy read, but unfortunately the pacing was not it. This was beyond slow and really killed the vibe.

This book was like a cozy hug, but one that also pokes at your heart in all the right places. Overdue is a charming, grown up, slow burn romance that digs deep into the very real question so many people quietly carry: Am I staying with someone out of comfort… or out of love?

Ingrid is such a relatable character, cheerful, loyal, deeply in love with books and routine, and just starting to realize that “comfortable” might not mean “right.” Her relationship with Cory feels authentic in that lived in way, but the decision to take a one month dating break sets off a chain reaction of feelings and discoveries she wasn’t ready for. And then there’s Macon, the grumpy, guarded coworker whose banter and brooding give major just one more chapter energy.

What I loved most was the emotional honesty of this story. It’s not just about falling for someone new; it’s about confronting the story you’ve been telling yourself for years. Stephanie Perkins writes longing beautifully, you feel the tension between Ingrid and Macon in every sideways glance and awkward moment. The setting of a small mountain town and the cozy library backdrop just add to the gentle charm of it all.


Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. Overdue made me want to wander into a local library, pick up a rom-com, and start a whole new chapter of my own.

Oh, my. Slow burn? Umm, no. Slow, yes. Burn, no.

Let me backtrack a little. The book was OK. The characters were moderately interesting, but nothing really happened for a loooooooooooooooooooooooooong time. Life went on, like it does, and neither had the courage (at 30 and 40 years old) to tell the other how they felt. Oh, boy.

This felt like a teenage crush, and a first love, which in a sense, it sort of was.

There is clearly a market for the slooooooooow romance (should be a new genre). I'm not sure that I am that market.

Will I read more from the author? If the book is less than 400 pages, maybe.

I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and my review is being left freely.

What did I just read?
Author Stephanie Perkins calls Overdue a sweet and swoony romance for adults. Riddled with pronouns, accented with unnecessary profanity, populated with an array of DEI characters including homosexuals, trending woke, and strutting king-sized liberal viewpoints, this is an over-long slog about a 29-year-old woman who has to decide if she wants to marry her long-time boyfriend by dating others for a month. Then two months. Then three months. Romance? Think again.
I thought I requested a cute little romance in a library setting. Disappointed.
Ingrid Dahl has a chance to move up and actually have a career by going to library school for FREE! She is already working at the library and turns down a remarkable chance for free education. Distracted by this game of let’s date around before getting married although we have been together for 11 years, she is decidedly immature.
I deserve a prize for sticking with this mess until the very last word.
This book is Stephanie Perkins’ departure from writing young adult romances and YA horror novels. Born in South Carolina, she lives with her husband in Asheville, North Carolina.
My review will be posted on Goodreads starting July 29, 2025.
I would like to thank St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in return for an objective review.

Overdue is one of those charming books that I couldn't put down willingly and finished in a couple of days. I love the (flawed) main characters, Ingrid and Macon, and their relationship, characterized by a deep friendship and an attraction that is hidden on both sides until it isn't. The story has a lot of humor, mainly through the awkwardness of the main characters and some eccentric side characters. The humor is never over-the-top, and the frustrations and misunderstandings that the main characters suffer make their eventual happy ending even more satisfying, especially since what keeps them from each other doesn't seem contrived or based on a trivial misunderstanding. The book also has great pacing, and touches on some difficult themes (dealing with aging and ailing parents, struggling to accept oneself, and loneliness, to name a few). This is a great story of a socially awkward woman who finally claims her own life goals and find the courage to take a chance on life and love.

Stephanie Perkins has once again delivered a heartwarming and utterly captivating story with Overdue. From the very first page, I was completely enchanted by her signature blend of witty dialogue, relatable characters, and swoon-worthy romance. The chemistry between the characters leaps off the page, making every interaction feel authentic and deeply engaging.

What sets Overdue apart is author’s masterful ability to balance humor and emotional depth. The story is filled with charming moments that made me smile out loud, but also poignant scenes that tugged at my heartstrings. The characters’ growth is beautifully portrayed, making their journey feel both personal and universally resonant.

The setting is vivid and immersive, perfectly complementing the story’s tone and adding an extra layer of magic to the narrative. I found myself completely lost in this world created, eagerly turning pages late into the night.

Overdue is a perfect read for anyone who loves a smart, sweet, and satisfying romance. Stephanie Perkins continues to prove why she’s one of the best voices in contemporary YA fiction. Highly recommended — this book is an absolute gem!

The story for this book was entertaining enough for a contemporary romance. What really bothered me was how much the author talked about the pandemic, and felt really in-your-face about her ideologies. I understand that everyone has their beliefs, but this felt over-the-top and a lot like pandering. “Look at how woke I am” type of things, that had no relevance to the actual storyline. It doesn’t normally bother me to read about other people’s opinions, but this felt really like beating a dead horse.

I am feeling... unsure about Overdue. On one hand, I felt like I was literally living Ingrid's life. Overdue spans an entire year of Ingrid's life leaving a long term relationship, going after her dreams, and navigating the hellscape that is online dating, while not so secretly pining after her coworker and friend. The writing is great, the characters are well developed, and the settings are a book lover introverts dream. But this is a SLOW burn, and honestly a slow story. I felt like I was almost watching my Sims go throughout every aspect of their day to day lives, but it also felt extremely comforting. This felt extremely realistic too, so if you like fast-paced, escapism romance, this isn't the story for you. This is a story about the challenges of every day life.

3.5 out of 5, I think. But rounding up because I LOVE MACON.

I've enjoyed Stephanie Perkins' YA books and was really excited to see Overdue pop up. Ingrid is a small-town librarian who's been in a long-term relationship for a decade. When her sister gets engaged, Ingrid and her boyfriend, Corey, realize that they never considered their own future together. Were they planning to get married too? Are they going to be together forever? Her boyfriend decides that they should take the month of January to be with other people and away from one another to see if they are ready to be fully committed for the rest of their lives. Ingrid isn't really into the idea but goes along to please him.

I have really mixed feelings about this book. First of all, it was way too long. I think the book could have been at least 200 pages shorter, there were several times I thought the end was near when it launched into another storyline. Second, Ingrid is a hard character to understand. She is prickly, but Perkins makes it known that everyone thinks she is very kind. She is insecure and constantly wishy-washy but wants to be in charge and thinks she knows best. I'm okay with undefined characters but her inner monologue doesn't match her actions. I couldn't understand her relationship with her boyfriend, they were best friends for over a decade and then they take a break (which winds up being extended over and over) and there is little mention of her missing her best friend/roommate/boyfriend. Her love interest is a co-worker at the library who has his own set of issues. In addition to family problems, he's curmudgeony and wears a heavy overcoat all of the time, even at his desk at work, which is the focus of much of Perkins' descriptions of him. Everything felt long and drawn out but there were still holes in the story for me.

Ultimately, this was a bit of a slog, but also, I did want to know what happened at the end so I persevered after investing all of that time. I'll read her next book but just wasn't a fan of Overdue.

Read via eARC, thanks to the publisher and author! This is billed as a romance, but I don't think it quite fits that description - there is definitely an HEA, but I don't think it's the main focus of the story like it would be in a traditional romance. This is more women's fiction - Ingrid is turning 30, still with the same guy she's been with since high school, and goes through something of a quarter-life crisis, involving her job, her future with her boyfriend, and pretty much everything else. There is a romance, but it's SUPER slow burn and then once they get together, there aren't any issues/drama in the relationship, really, just some minor family stuff.

So basically, for what this actually is, I enjoyed it quite a bit. I went it expecting more of a romance, though, so it was honestly frustrating at first. The premise of Ingrid and her boyfriend taking a "break" before getting engaged to date other people is strange but has potential, but then it kind of drags on too long, or not quite long enough, or I'm not sure what. Ingrid doesn't date other people at all until the second month, and honestly, just break up with your boyfriend, girl. The blurb also makes this sound a bit like it's heading towards a Why Choose situation, and just to be clear: absolutely not. There's very little on-page sex at all, which can be good or bad depending on what you want, but isn't a dealbreaker for me.

Sooooooo much of this book is about renovations and real estate and choosing paint colors (both for a home and a business), and that is just honestly not my jam. I want romance and drama and some humor and character development in a book that's billed as a romance, not the ins and outs of decor in a house that's not even the MC's. In a book that's not a romance, but general/women's fiction with a romantic aspect, that's fine. Overall, this was well-written and enjoyable enough, it's probably 3.5 stars, but we're rounding up. It is a little bit of category fraud to call this a romance when that aspect of the story isn't driving the conflict beyond the first third of the book and is resolved with like 20% to go. This is maybe best described as book club fiction? Not bad, but not what I was expecting.

Overdue was a slow burn in every sense of the word. It took me a while to connect with the story—especially in the first half—but I appreciated the emotional depth by the end. This book isn’t just about romance; it’s really about timing, personal growth, and learning to let go of what’s no longer working, even when it’s familiar and safe.

Ingrid is a complicated character—sometimes frustrating, often insecure, but ultimately real. Watching her navigate career uncertainty, an unfulfilling long-term relationship, and the slow realization of what (and who) she really wants felt honest. Macon, her quiet and bookish coworker, adds a subtle layer of tension that pays off in the final chapters, even if their romance takes a long time to develop.

The pacing was definitely slower than I expected, and at times I wished things would move along more quickly. But the cozy, bookish setting and the emotional payoff made sticking with it worth it.

If you go in expecting a traditional romance, you might be disappointed. But if you’re in the mood for a story about rediscovering yourself and finding love in the quiet spaces in between, Overdue might hit the right note.

WOW wow wow. I ate this book up. Grumpy librarian x semi-sunshine librarian. Heckaaa slow burn.

Ingrid and Cory have been dating for 11 years and trying to decide if they should continue their relationship and go the marriage route or split ways so they decide to take a break and date around. (I was not a fan of this concept at the beginning but it made sense as I continued reading.) Ingrid works alongside Macon (the worlds most lovable grumpy guy) and has for years now & she sees him as a potential love interest in her “break” with Cory but Macon does not seem interested one bit. However!! He now has to hear about Ingrid’s dating stories and he is definitely interested in how her life is going. Ingrid is facing a lot of life choices and her story was just so enjoyable to read.

I deeply wanted to love this book because it features librarians and book shops and a cast of characters that love bookish things. I felt caught off guard by the premise not really matching up to what was executed. The actual tension in the book is eventually explained in a way that fell flat for me.

As far as spice goes, the author was deeply ambiguous about what readers could expect saying “if you want spice you will disappointed and if you want closed door you will be disappointed.” I think it can be summed up with: this book is open door and a large part of the plot centers around a main character seeking out sexual experiences. That’s fine if you’re looking for that kind of book. I read it hoping to experience more bookish themes and less uncomfortable relational missteps.

The culminating relationship is extremely slow-burn, but I was rooting for them. There are some incredibly sweet moments that break your heart. I don’t think the book is bad, it’s just not for me, and certainly is not what I expected.

Spice: 🌶️

“They were the books of a librarian and a bookseller.”

This book is one woman’s journey of having her life on pause for so long, she doesn’t know what to do with it when she pushes play. Ingrid and Cory have been together for 11 years and have only been with each other. When Ingrid’s sister engaged after only being with her partner for 2 years, Ingrid and Cory come to an understanding. They give each other a break for 1 month and explore what’s out there in the world. After that 1 month, it’s either break up or get married. But what if one month isn’t enough?

Ingrid instantly drew me in. She was so dramatic but it was the fact that her best friend was a curmudgeon that she worked with named Macon. I love me a grumpy man who is literally only nice to the FMC. I also found I loved how real she was. She was someone who didn’t know she had so many options in life and that the way that her life was going, didn’t necessarily make her happy. The span of this book is over a year’s time but I felt her growth throughout this book and it felt like it was years in the making. I could also feel her loneliness in this book at how it was described. The author makes you feel like her loneliness is yours.

I enjoyed learning all about the people who came into the library. I loved that there were so many back stories to them and a history of them coming in. The insiders details of only her and Macon knowing, working so closely together for so long. I loved that all her reflection came back to Macon, also. Every time Ingrid thought of her life and where it was going, she would always go back to what would Macon think? She didn’t know it at the time, but it was such a fundamental part of her.

When I said earlier about this book feeling like it was years instead of a year in the making, it also goes with her relationship with Macon. Their friendship and building of their tension until it finally boils over, was so strong,I could feel it. I loved that it was a slow burn bc it really gave Ingrid the room to grow that she needed.

Tropes:
🌷Slow burn
🌷Workplace romance
🌷Grumpy x sunshine

When I saw the Stephanie Perkins was writing an adult novel, I was SO excited. I adored her YA books and could not wait for this.

And then it took everything I had not to DNF it.

The premise was intriguing enough, but the execution was not it. I love a good slow burn but this didn’t deliver. There was no anticipation, no real pining, and it comes down to how it was written. It was as if Stephanie Perkins was telling us what happens in the book, instead of showing us.

And then there was Ingrid, the FMC. I honestly started to deeply dislike her the more the book went on.

“It was also the first time I’d ever seen her without makeup. She still looked gorgeous, although perhaps more like a gorgeous disaster.” — she said this about one of her best friends WHO HAD A NEWBORN. Followed a few chapters later by “And once again, Brittany’s appearance was flawlessly polished and dramatically on point.” — Lord forbid a woman isn’t polished all the time, specially with a newborn.

I saw a couple of reviews say that if you like Marina Zapata you’d like this book, and that couldn’t be further from the truth. Mariana Zapata has you in your feels, you feel and ache with pining, you see the characters fall in love. Here it was two characters be like “I mean, we are both boring enough. Let’s get together. Finally”.

I hate to leave a less than favorable review but I honestly just couldn’t give this anything higher than two generous stars.

Thank you NetGalley for the free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A really slow slow burn but I really enjoyed this! I really liked Ingrid.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

While, yes, there is a romance in Overdue, I would argue that this book falls a bit more into women's fiction; it's focused so much more on Ingrid's growth over the course of a year, from discovering more about what she wants from a romantic relationship to reconsidering her career choices, that calling this "just" a romance is a bit misleading.

Despite that, I did enjoy this book. The characters are very flawed and the story doesn't shy away from it (in ways that sometimes make you question whether or not you actually them). Because it takes place over the span of nearly a year, it feels a bit slice-of-life. The author wasn't afraid to tackle topics like the COVID-19 pandemic and the opioid crisis (which, while I appreciate, might be my biggest gripe with the story, as at times it did feel a little out of left field). The romance is actually a slow burn, with lots of pining and missteps, so the payoff really feels worth it in the end. Overall, this a very atmospheric read that's easy to fall into and enjoy.

Stephanie Perkins was one of my favorite authors as a teen, and I'm glad to say that my first read of hers in the adult sphere was just as good as I remember her other work to be.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC of this book!