More of an 3.75 ⭐️

Overall, I enjoyed reading Love Overdue. The writing style was very easy to read, the characters were dynamic and interesting, and I actually enjoyed the mixture of scenes from the past, present, and email exchanges. There was change and growth but it also felt quite stilted at the same time. The dialogue was funny.

It was refreshing to read a romance book set in Australia and with older characters. At the same time, their ages being just that little bit older than myself, it had me questioning some of their decisions and at times maturity levels. This book also featured some tropes that I wasn’t overly keen on but I was able to overlook it because I was enjoying the story.

Overall it was a well rounded book and it was my first book I’ve read by these authors and I would happily read something written by them again.

Love & Other Overdue Things was a cute, easy read but just okay for me. I really liked the bookish theme and the small-town setting, but the story felt a bit predictable and dragged on at times. Some parts were sweet and I did enjoy the cozy vibes, but overall it didn’t really stand out or make me feel much. A decent, light read when you just want something simple, but nothing memorable for me.

A thoroughly enjoyable Australian second chance romance. I read this in two days, It was the perfect blend of emotion and fun, with a dual timeline from back in the MCs school days and now. Highly recommend

I thoroughly enjoyed Love Overdue. It was full of romance, emotion, and humour.
I was hooked from the very first chapter. I just couldn't put it down.

Lauren and Jamie had great chemistry. They were both charismatic, smart, and funny. I loved Liv and April, too.
Love Overdue is the third book I've read from Ali Berg and Michelle Kalus. The other two being: The Book Ninja and While You Were Reading, which were also fantastic and memorable reads.
Ali and Michelle write together so seamlessly, they are exceptionally talented authors. They're definitely go-tos for me when I want a funny and well written romance.

I highly recommend Love Overdue.
Especially for fans of Beth O'Leary, Abby Jimenez, Lindsey Kelk, and Mhairi McFarlane.

5 well deserved stars from me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Netgalley, Allen & Unwin, Ali Berg and Michelle Kalus for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wow. This book made me feel feelings I honestly had pushed down for years.

It isn't often that I get THAT feeling for a book that makes me read slower and not faster because I don't want the story to end and I want to stay in the world the author has created.

I felt seen by the old school references and the chapters of MSN Messenger were just so relevant. Lauren/Wren was so very relatable, being exactly the same age as her and feeling similar feelings of the future and children. I also related to her not dealing with grief and how her world changed.

Her relationship with Jamie was intense and had so much history that you just wanted to be together despite the circumstances they were in.

I believe everyone needs that cheerleader friend like Livvy, she was a bright spark and made me laugh so much.

I can't tell you more reasons about why I love this book so much! Thank you so much Netgalley and Allen & Unwin for the early access,

Thankyou to Net galley as well as Allen and Unwin publishers for an early ARC of this book.
The story was interesting as well as engaging from a literary perspective with the romance between Lauren (Wren) and Jamie being quite sweet and cute throughout the book- however I felt that the overall dialogue as well as the plot read quite young for me and more of a teenage level romance than an adult one.
Secondly, I wasn't a big fan of the side characters in the story- their banter proved to be quite jarring in parts which took me out of the story at times.
I would have to rate this a 3 out of 5 stars.

This book is witty, warm, and full of “what if?” energy, with dual timelines that flip between teenage heartbreak and adult awkwardness.

Such an easy and bingeable read. Love Overdue is the second chance romance of primary school vice principal Lauren Green and publishing house lawyer Jamie Sultana. When Jamie and Lauren were 17 they were together and in love, until one day they weren't. 20 years later, when a meeting is called about a student the last person Lauren expects to see is Jamie. These 2 are the definition of right person, wrong time. I loved how emotionally rich this story is, it definitely tugged on my heartstrings. The dual timeline of this book is amazing, I loved getting insights into their past and seeing how it affected them in the present. I liked how the book is divided into school terms, it helped to show how much time had passed between certain events. The epilogue of this story was honestly the most perfect ending that this book could've had. Can't wait to see what the author duo Ali Burg and Michelle Kalus come up with next.

Thank you to netgalley and Ali and Michelle for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.

I devoured this one in a day. Fantastic!

The last person Lauren Green thought would waltz into her Primary School office is none other than Jamie Sultana, the boy who broke her heart at seventeen. To make matters worse, he appears not to recognise her.
Being back in each other's orbit starts to bring up some painful memories for Lauren; adding to the stress of a recent break up, moving back into her parents house and wondering what her teenage self would think if she saw her now. Too bad the universe seems intent on throwing them together again. And again.

Another quintessentially Melbourne Rom-Com from Ali and Michelle, 'Love Overdue' might just be my new fave!
The flashback scenes between Lauren (Wren) and Jamie perfectly captured the fun and silliness of your first big crush, and the 2000s setting just hit and brought back so many fun memoires - shout out to MSN nudges, Myspace Top 8 (brutal) and Limewire!

Love Overdue by Ali Berg and Michelle Kalus (e-ARC)
Pub Date: 1 July 2025

Short Synopsis
Lauren Green is a quiet, book-loving vice-principal who is still haunted by the heartbreak of her high school years. When her former flame, Jamie Sultana, unexpectedly reappears in her life as the father of a student, old wounds resurface. Caught between her past and present, Lauren must navigate unresolved feelings and shifting emotions. As their paths cross once more, a second chance at love begins to unfold amidst the complexities of adulthood and unfinished history.

My Thoughts:
I was drawn to this book because it has a compelling premise with elements I enjoy, such as slow burn romance and second chance love. I honestly expected a light, cute read but was pleasantly surprised by how heartfelt and moving it became, especially as it explores themes like following your dreams and reconnecting with family. I have to say that I was genuinely touched near the end and felt satisfied with how everything was resolved. The writing is solid, the plot engaging, and I appreciated the way the story weaves between past and present. It kept me engaged throughout.

However, I have to admit that there was one aspect I found less appealing which was the reunion between the two main characters. Hoping I am not giving too much away, I really wish the circumstances around their meeting had been handled differently, as I feel it would have made their relationship more relatable and ethically comfortable. Although the story provides justification, I still think it would have been easier to fully root for them if, for example, the male lead had already been divorced or was a single father.

Overall, despite this, I still liked and enjoyed the book and would recommend it to fans of heartfelt, slow-burning romances with a nostalgic touch.

Overall Rating:
⭐️: 4/5

Thank you to @netgalley and @allenandunwin for the eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts on the book.

Love Overdue
Ali Berg and Michelle Kalus

‘Each of my insecurities scratches at me: I'm forgettable, l'm replaceable, I'm unloveable.’

This book had me staying up late for just a few more chapters and I absolutely sped through this. I was constantly waiting and hoping for the next encounter and always hoping to progress the timeline forward.

‘Perhaps the true way to find closure is to meet the ghost of your past and realise you never mattered enough for him to remember you in the first place.’

Unfortunately the authors had other plans and left me in exquisite suspense and this becomes more than just a second chance romance. This book became the big picture and encapsulated the whole spectrum of life’s experiences and it was so much better for it.

“Remember what Oprah always says: sometimes things not going to plan is the universe keeping an eye on you.”

Wendy cracked me up with her unwavering support, encouragement and ideals of supporting the sisterhood. That’s another amazing thing about this book, the side characters all fit together so brilliantly and have their place.

Overall, I loved it. Completely obsessed and adored that it was set in Australia.

‘There are so many uncertainties in life. Being hurt, disappointed and heartbroken is just part and parcel of being human. But so too is being awed, surprised and, if you're lucky, loved.’

Lauren Green thinks her first love story is shelved for good - until life decides to write a surprise chapter.

The last time Lauren “Wren” saw Jamie Sultana, they were seventeen and he’d just shredded her heart.

Twenty years later, Lauren is the vice principal of a school and has lost her determination to succeed at writing. She calls a meeting with notorious truant April Reidman’s absent parents, and the last person she expects to walk into her office is Jamie. And to add further insult, he’s acting like he has no idea who she is!

Crazy fun, wildly optimistic and a sweeping romance. Please buy it!

@allenandunwin @aliandmichelle

(Review posted on my instagram and Goodreads 24th June 2025).

A charming and clever book, Love Overdue is a warm and emotionally satisfying second-chance romance. The main character, Wren, is a wonderfully nerdy and relatable book lover, and as a Melburnian, the local references were a delight. The story's structure—a 'now and then' narrative divided by school terms—is a highlight, cleverly building the history between the leads and incorporating a strong sense of early 2000s nostalgia.

The plot is slow to build, and the male main character, Jamie, is challenging at the start. His initial coldness and pretence of not knowing Wren is frustrating, but I would urge readers to persevere. The reasons behind his actions are eventually revealed in what becomes a rewarding and believable character arc.

While this is a closed-door romance, the emotional payoff is significant. Overall, Love Overdue is a beautifully constructed, heartfelt, and witty read, highly recommended for fans of Beth O'Leary or anyone who loves a slow-burn, bookish romance with strong female friendships.

Thank you to Allen & Unwin, the authors, and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Ohhhh how I loved this book!! 💕

This book was such much more than just a second chance romance. It delivered a captivating story with heart, humour & courage! I resonated with it immediately. I loved how it was structured and the flip between 'then' & 'now' timelines was great. I loved learning about Lauren & Jamie's story in real time and also in the past. The breakdown of the parts of the story into school terms was also so cute!

This one tugged on the heart strings for me and I got teary eyed at the last chapter & as I was turning the page I was praying for an epilogue & my goodness my prayers were answered!!

This story was so much deeper than just a romance & sometimes in life it is the right person but the wrong time. I love how Ali & Michelle handled that.

The MSN messages were such a throwback & I was obsessed how in the present they replicated that but in email format, I loved that little connecting puzzle piece

Funny, emotional & nostalgic!

Love Overdue is a warm, emotionally satisfying second-chance romance that balances past regrets with present possibilities. Laurie Green—aka Wren—is now a deputy principal at a Melbourne high school. But twenty years ago, she was a shy, nerdy teen who fell hard for Jamie Sultana, the good-looking guy with an artistic soul. Their high school romance was short-lived but intense—until he dumped her at her most vulnerable moment.

So imagine her surprise when Jamie reappears, now the father of one of her students—and seemingly doesn’t even recognise her.

The story cleverly weaves between the final year of high school and the current academic year, allowing us to feel the full arc of Lauren and Jamie’s connection. Their emotional bond is clear early on, and it’s lovely watching it deepen in the present. The writing is smooth, well-paced, and sensitive to the weight of past hurts without letting the tone get too heavy.

Lauren’s Jewish identity is beautifully woven into the narrative. We get glimpses of Jewish celebrations and customs through her family life, which adds depth and texture. That said, I really wanted more of Melbourne itself. It’s a vibrant, multicultural city and the perfect setting for this kind of story, but it never quite shines through. Given how much the city reflects the cultural layers of characters like Wren, that felt like a missed opportunity.

One of my favourite subplots is Lauren connecting with Jamie’s daughter, April, through literature and writing. It felt real, heartwarming, and not overly sentimental.

There’s just enough steam to keep things interesting—nothing gratuitous, but definitely enough chemistry to root for. And I appreciated that both Lauren and Jamie are adults with adult problems—believable, mature characters navigating complex emotions without unnecessary drama.

That said, I found Wren’s relationship with her supposed best friend Liv… puzzling. Liv comes off as narcissistic and gossipy, especially in the beginning, and never really feels like someone solidly in Wren’s corner. It was odd that Wren didn’t confide in her about Jamie when he reappeared. I get that some of that is emotional self-protection, but it also felt like the friendship just wasn’t that deep to begin with. It’s not a dealbreaker, just an odd contrast given the emotional realism elsewhere.

The ending isn’t quite what you’d expect from a traditional romance, but it works—and it left me with a smile and a few happy sighs.

Big thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. This was heartfelt, smart, and genuinely enjoyable. One of the better second-chance romances I’ve read in a while.

Thank you to net galley, Allen and unwin, Michelle Klaus and Ali Berg for the opportunity to review this eARC. All Thoughts and opinion are my own xx

Pre thoughts
Books??

Overall
This was a great emotional journey, filled with growth, nostalgia and longing for that person.

This book is the definition of right person wrong time and may have altered my brain chemistry.

(Full review to come when published)

✨Stars 4
🌶️Spice 2.5

Tropes
Dual timeline
Forced proximity
Right person wrong time

Ok this was SUPER cute.

A fast paced rom com surrounding second chances at love through an expert meshing of past and present. The story follows Wren (aka Lauren aka Birdie) and Jamie’s love story, seamlessly entwining flashbacks of their tumble into teenage love and their modern day (20 years later) reintroduction. I normally struggle with constant jump between timelines, but found that with each past glimpse, we developed a deeper understanding of Wren and Jamie’s modern day dynamics. The fast pace helped to keep me intrigued, and I devoured this in the better half of two sittings!

Also the nostalgia of the flashbacks was everything, dramatically increasing the relatability (I mean MSN chats!?). And set in Melbourne!!! Love a homage to Aus! Wren’s parents are also vets (like me) - aka immediately interested!

The MMC is also called Jamie Sultana which is honestly the cutest name on earth. I initially found him hard to root for, but was 100% team Jamie by the end.

A big rec for anyone looking for a cosy, heartwarming and fast-paced little treat with the following tropes:
🍬First love
🍬Second chances
🍬Slow burn
🍬Forced proximity
🍬Grumpy sunshine

Pub Date: July 1 2025

Thank you @allenandunwin, NetGalley and @aliandmichelle for the chance to read and review this e-ARC.

Lauren Green is the vice principal of North Caulfield Primary, she recently broken up with a co-worker, moved back home and her life is a mess. April Reidman is in year six and a tough time for girls, her parents are busy working and she asks them both to attend a meeting about her behaviour and only April’s dad shows up.

Lauren thought her life couldn’t get any worse, April’s father is Jamie Saltuna and her first love and high school boyfriend. The messy haired heart breaker from twenty years ago, is now drop dead gorgeous lookalike for Kit Harington from the Game of Thrones. Jamie seems to have no idea who Lauren is, she doesn’t know whether to be grateful or ticked off and when they get into a debate about what to do with wayward April, somehow Jamie gets an idea in his head he should join the Parent Council and attend the meetings and he has to be joking?

I received a copy of Love Overdue from NetGalley and Allen & Unwin in exchange for an honest review and this is the first book I've read written by co-authors and they did a great job.

As a mother of a teenager, I’m counting down the days until I never have to fill out another form, sit through a boring meeting or attend a parent teacher interview again. So I could relate to the characters and the narrative made me laugh out loud and snigger (my husband found this annoying and an added bonus) teachers find some kids and their parents pains in the bum, they have follow a list of rules and procedures a mile long and have thoughts, feelings and a life outside of work.

A hilarious and delightful rom-com by Michelle Kalus and Ali Berg, about first love and why it ended, with a bumbling principal (not Lauren) and yes schools have more than one, with themes around second chances and it’s never too late to follow your dreams, the odd disaster, guilt, drama and embarrassing moments thrown in.

You nailed it ladies, five stars from me and you don't need to be a parent or have kids to enjoy this one and I highly recommend.

Thank you Ali Berg, Michelle Klaus and Net Gallery for an ARC copy of this novel.

I have read quite a few novels from this duo and this one might be my new favourite!

It is a beautiful, longing-filled, second chance romance with a touch of the forbidden, between a primary school deputy principal and a students’ father (her mysterious, childhood sweetheart). The characters feel two-dimensional and flawed, despite the romantic comedy backdrop. As a teacher in Australia myself, seeing a romance novel in a school setting was so entertaining, and made scenarios even more relatable.

The dual timeline allows the plot to unfold gradually and reveal the FMC’s history as information comes to light in the present day, in a way that allows themes of family, friendship, grief and love to shine through.

A short, sweet, fantastic read that I definitely will be recommending!

I really enjoyed this one! I loved how it blended second-chance romance with nostalgia — it made me think about how timing can change everything. The back-and-forth between past and present worked so well and really helped me connect to Lauren and Jamie. It was sweet, funny, and just the right amount of emotional. A lovely, feel-good read!

Omg I absolutely loved this one. The flashbacks took me back to my schooldays in a way that other novels seemed to struggle with. They were always for someone older or slightly younger than me but not me.

I also loved the Melbourne/Australian/school setting and the intensity of a highschool romance. Plus the reconnecting and everything else.

It wasn’t boring or predictable, there were plenty of twists and witty banter. Plus a insta influencer scandal, so good.

Everything you could want in a novel. Plus her favourite author is Melina Marchetta, just like me.