Overdue is a slow burn romance following main character, Ingrid, who is struggling to decide what she wants out of life both professionally and romantically.

I really loved both main characters, Ingrid and Macon, because I found them very relatable (as a bookish homebody myself 🤭). I definitely felt their chemistry throughout the book and loved their banter/humor. The concept of Ingrid and Cory taking a month long break was interesting even if the outcome was a bit predictable. I did appreciate that there were many anecdotes, big and small, about Ingrid’s dating trials and that she didn’t just end up with someone right at the jump.

This book was a slow burn but maybe a bit too slow? It felt a little longer than necessary but I enjoyed where the story went. A minor detail but I really dislike when books mention Covid when it’s not essential to the plot. Ingrid even voiced a similar opinion that she lived through Covid so she didn’t want to relive it through books and neither do I 😂

Read if you enjoy:
🩷 Friends to Lovers
🩷 Slow Burn
🩷 Grumpy x Sunshine
🩷 He Falls First
🩷 Book Lovers

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

Overdue is a sloooooooowwwwww burn romance following Ingrid and her stagnant love life. After 11 years with the same guy, Ingrid is ready to see if he's the one or if she's gotten used to who she's with. The first half of this book and the second half felt like completely different novels. In the first half, Ingrid is a hot mess, treats everyone terribly, and has 0 responsibility for her actions. In the second half, she somehow figures out how to care for herself, complete a huge life dream, and get the man she really wants. This book happens in a year. One year. You go, girl, but it is a drastic shift in the book. This one just didn't do it for me. But if you like a good slow burn and self growth, this one is for you! A big thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced e-copy.

I've always been a big Stephanie Perkins fan with her YA books (Anna and the French Kiss!), but this book didn't grab me as much as some of her others. The library setting is absolutely great, and I love the characters that Ingrid and Macon work with, but I didn't care for the premise of their relationship. Overall, still love Stephanie Perkins, but this book wasn't one of my favorites.

I loved this book! Libraries and romance and slow burn--perfect. I love that the book focused on the people around the couple as well, their friends, found families, etc.

I read this author as a teenager, so I was thrilled to receive an ARC of her adult romance !!! I understand what Perkins is doing here, and the structure/setup is definitely experimental, which I appreciate as someone who reads a *lot* of romance galleys. And obviously, I am a HUGE fan of a friends-to-lovers slow burn. I just wish Perkins could sustain that burn more.... steadily.....in the first half of the book. It starts off strong and then we get soooo little for AGES. I think many readers will quit before they reach the point where the romantic arc starts working toward a beautiful payoff––which it does!––and that's a shame!

This is a slow-burn romance novel about two librarians falling in love, surrounded by a colorful and diverse cast of small-town characters. It sounds amazing. What could go wrong?

As it turns out, a LOT.

I’ll talk about the aspects I liked first. Macon, the male main character, is really lovable. A grumpy, reserved 40-year-old librarian who is a grown up? Who owns a house and a car, knows how to take care of himself, and doesn’t like anything except gardening, cooking, reading, and the FMC? I mean, it’s great. He’s a hunk. I loved him, and he’s about 98% of the reason I finished the book.

I did like the slowness of the burn, though I felt the pacing of the book was way off. The small moments between Macon and Ingrid were really sweet, but then things had to move so crazy fast at the end. I think the slowness could have been balanced better with the traditional timing of romance beats.

Okay, I’m realizing I really only liked Macon. LOL. I kind of liked the small town setting, and all the quirky characters therein. All of Ingrid’s friends and coworkers were fun even if we didn’t get to know them much. And as a recent homeowner myself, I enjoyed the home renovation content (though I noticed they left out, for obvious reasons of no one caring or wanting to hear about it, all the stress that would come from renovating a 1930s home that’s probably full of lead paint).

ANYWAY. Unfortunately pretty much nothing else about this book worked for me. Ingrid seemed like a caricature to me—she became hysterical so many times in the book, and to such an absurd level, that I almost couldn’t believe the author really wanted me to buy it lol. Ingrid doesn’t just cry. She WAILS. She screams and throws up. And not just for like, 10 minutes. For HOURS. She specifically says it goes on for HOURS. It’s actually wild. I love emotion, but I really prefer it to be expressed in a more understated way. This was like…should inpatient care be considered? Which isn’t what I want in a romance.

But my main issues aside from Ingrid was the story construction and prose. As I said before, the slow burn is SLOW. Ingrid goes on a break with her long term boyfriend when the story starts, and then she’s doing this whole dating-around-finding-herself thing for a good 40-ish percent of the book. It’s painful. It’s time I would have much rather spent with Macon—but he’s barely there, other than a few miscommunications and jealous moments. Then, once that’s finally done with, it takes another 40% of the book for them to get together. If you’re doing the math, that leaves only 20% of the boon for the rest of the romance beats to play out, which is not a lot of time.

I’m just baffled as to why the author chose to spend so much time on Ingrid’s dating adventures—they help her become who she needs to be, but the amount of detail we get on the whole thing was, in my opinion, really unnecessary.

Meanwhile, barely any time is spent on some of the incredibly heavy things Macon is dealing with—the opioid crisis, hoarding/agoraphobia, and an absent father, to name a few. The book is from Ingrid’s perspective, but I think it would have been a much better use of page space to see how she deals with and learns about the serious crises in Macon’s life rather than showing her have another complete meltdown over ghosting someone she doesn’t really like.

The prose was just not special. No artistry, and so many moments where I felt the author was rushing to get words on the page rather than really being thoughtful about how to convey something. Scenes were full of details that I just didn’t understand including. I feel like the whole thing could be tightened up much more—less wailing and agony, fewer random mentions of Ingrid texting someone and not getting a response, richer details that actually serve the story. Some of this, I think, might come from the author’s background writing YA. A lot about the way Ingrid’s voice was written reminded me of a younger character navigating high school life rather than 29 year old.

So this was a tough one. Interesting premise, amazing love interest, not great execution. I know some people will love it, but it wasn’t for me.

I am a huge Stephanie Perkins fan and I adored her adult debut - it is sweet, sexy, clever, and just incredibly happy-making. Reading about Ingrid and Macon somehow felt like returning to old friends, and she made Ridgetop feel like such a real place. She always peoples her books with such charming side characters, and this was no exception - everyone from Bethany to Mika to Macon’s mother was well considered and well drawn. I would love to see more novels set in Ridgetop!

I expected this book to be a romance genre book. It was women's fiction. The focus was on Ingrid's growth; Macon was secondary. I love romance. I don't love women's fiction. I was disappointed.

The romance between Ingrid and Macon was so slow burn it didn't even ignite until 60% through the book. I want romance and I'm not getting it (sorry but I don't find it romantic for the female lead to sleep around and get notches on her bedpost) so the story dragged. Majorly. By the last 20% (when there was an actual visible flame) I just wanted the book to end already.

Big thank you NetGalley and to the publisher for the chance to review this book pre-release. Unfortunately this one couldn't really grab me the way I wanted it to, the plot was extremely slow paced, and the slow-burn was (in my opinion) TOO slow. I thought the plot was interesting, and the characters were OK, but the pacing really stopped me from wanting to pick this one up long enough to power through. 2.5 stars

This is a book that follows Ingrid as her and her longtime boyfriend Cory decide to take a bit of a "break" to date other people. What was meant to be a one month break turned out much longer. Cory seems to be having a great time, but Ingrid is more reluctant to pursue others romantically. She does begin to date and become more adventurous, but her mind keeps going back to her co-worker, Macon. Macon doesn't seem to have any interest in her, but she secretly pines for him.

I believe this is the first adult romance by this author. Overall...it wasn't a bad book, but the way the characters were written was a bit immature for my liking. I actually didn't like any of the characters and was not interested in the slowburn romance between Ingrid and Macon; I just didn't want to see her back with Cory.

This is a 3 star book for me. It wasn't bad, but wasn't great. I will not remember this book a month from now.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Overdue by Stephanie Perkins.

This book, for me, was not a page turner; rather it was one in which you needed to immerse yourself. The theme appealed to all of us who have defaulted to doing the expected because it seems easier than facing the scary prospect of stepping outside our comfort zone, even to discover or develop a passion. I did not particularly like the main characters and wouldn’t want to be seated next to them at a dinner party. But they had a characteristic that I find missing in so much fiction today: they were both interesting and relatable. This book is as much about their journey of self discovery as it is about the outcome, and anyone who has time to savor it will enjoy it.

If you want a true slow burn, this is it. It builds you up and the pay off is worth it!
My first book by Stephanie but not my last!

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.