Overdue I Love You's

by Izza Malik

She’s an impulsive book addict. He’s an ex-convict with controlling tendencies. The only thing they have in common? How much they’d give up for love.

NOVA RIVERA runs on spontaneity. When she got diagnosed with chronic migraines in her last year at University, she quit her editorial job at the most prestigious publishing company in Canada and opened up a floral shop. Three years later, she faces the repercussions when her old librarian sues her for twelve years worth of overdue books. The price? $15,000 or one year in prison. While Nova’s used to her two older sisters coming to her rescue, she realizes that both of them have moved on with their lives and refuses to ask them for help. That’s when she receives a message from billionaire Irene Dolores, who wants Nova to be a contestant on her new dating Love? Check! The winning amount is half-a-million dollars. Without thinking twice, Nova accepts.

DEAN VUK is a powerhouse willing to lower himself below the ground even when he doesn’t need to. Being the oldest of three brothers, he has devoted his entire life to taking care of them and their mother. When his father turned to addiction, he was the one taking care of the ranch. That is until life happens and he ends up in prison with a ten year sentence. Fast forward, Dean works at Vuk Securities—his brother’s multi-millionaire company—when he meets Nova Rivera. Awestruck and completely obsessed, Dean wants to get to know her more. When she runs off to be a part of a dating show, Dean follows.

In this Love Island S6 x Transit Love S2 inspired romance story, the characters explore a healing relationship that can either be their downfall or the beginning of their happily ever after.

Genres: Contemporary Romance

376 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 23, 2025

About the author

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorizzam...

Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorizzamalik

About Me:

Izza Malik is a self-published author. Bleeding Hearts is her debut publication and she is best known for her works in poetry and prose on her social media platforms.

She’s a romance enthusiast who tries to write romantic comedies, but ends up turning them into heart-wrenching tragedies. She loves writing in her bed, even if it means having chronic back pain for the rest of her life.

When Izza’s not writing, she’s watching K-Dramas and going into a loophole on reddit.

Reviews

[lianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

[arc read]
three times i have read this book and three times i have been so in love with dean and nova and lottie. i love them with every single piece of my heart and i am so honored to have been part of izza’s process of writing their story.

dean vuk and the man he is 😩 he is the epitome of yearning. HE HAS FLOWERS THAT MATCH NOVA’S NAME TATTOOED ON HIM. this man may be a grump but he’s also the biggest teddy bear. he ONLY has eyes for nova and i know i can’t have him, but he’s makes me melt ok. he pays attention to the little things, which is all a girl can really ask for.

seeing nova come to life has made her become like my little sister (even though she’s older than me) 🥺 i am an eldest daughter myself and i would do anything for nova. she’s just a girl trying to figure out her role in this world and while she could maybe put a pause on the book buying, she deserves all the love and support to do so.

i just want to give both dean and nova the biggest hug because it feels like i’ve known them forever (it’s been 6 months lol). if you need me, i’ll be in switzerland chilling with lottie.


[final draft read]
yeah still as good as the first time i read it. still swooning over dean


[beta read]
i’m keeping my rating a secret for now 🤭 but i can say that i’m so feral for dean vuk it’s actually out of hand and this is izza’s best work yet

[Sarah Janvier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think it’s the first time that I read a book that has a dating show as a setting. I truly think it was unique (for me).

This story follows Nova, a florist and Dean who is like her boss. She delivers flowers to his office.

Nova is faced with the consequences of a lawsuit and she decides to go on a dating show to pay for the lawsuit. What she didn’t know is that Dean followed her there.

I love the characters development and how the author added the chronic illness rep. It’s the first time that I read a book that the FMC suffers with migraines and as a person who has this condition, it was nice that I could relate to her.

The plot was so good. I couldn’t put the book down.

I loved how Dean wasn’t afraid of what he wants and how Nova finally shares the same.

I also liked the relationships Nova has with her sisters and her best friend. I liked how she got closer with her mom and dad.

Finally I loved the new friendships Nova made on the dating show.

I promise you this book is a feel good one. You will not be disappointed.

[Pearl · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 25%
How is the FMC broke AND bitchy? You cant be both at the same time girl.

Too many pop culture references.
Her inner monologue is so judgmental OMG I stopped reading mostly because of that. She's so bratty towards people who love her, she insulted her pregnant sister who always helps her, she does apologise I think but her guilt lasts for two sentences but her simping for her boss she doesn't like that much is for paragraphs... i hate women like this, sorry not sorry. She insults wattpady descriptions... and proceeds to do exactly that. be so fr with me
The grumpy MMC feels so try hard, like who talks like that, I don't even care about their relationship anymore. He can keep his stalker behavior and momma issues to himself. This book was advertised as the fmc having most control of the relationship and within the first few pages it looks like the fmc cant even control herself lol, let alone her hot big broad wattpad description stalker.

[Jenessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review
I got the chance to be an advance reading for Overdue I Love You’s coming out September 23rd

Nova is a book addict facing $15,000 in over due library fines. But she also suffers from chronic migraines with no medical assistance.

Dean is an ex convict who is willing to protect everyone he loves.
Both are thrown onto a dating show where it’s love or money! The stakes are high but could the chance for love be even higher?

The story behind this book was so cute and I loved the chemistry the characters had.
Grumpy meets sunshine☀️
She loves flowers and he loves her🌺
He fall first!
I would give this story 3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

There were a few times where I got lost and the story lacked depth but otherwise it was a cute light hearted read!

Thanks to Izza Malik for giving me a chance to review this story.

[Brianna Boer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the honors of getting an ARC of this book and I was not disappointed! I couldn't put the book down!

im a huge sucker for a grumpyxsunshine trope and add a cow to the mix? sign me up!

Definitely a must read!

[Hasna · Rating 5 out of 5]

UPDATED ✨

a 6 star read 🤌🏽🤌🏽🤌🏽

thank you firstly to izza for giving me the opportunity to be a beta reader and reading the final version 🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽

i don’t want to spoil it too much but let me just say that everyone who reads this will fall in love with dean vuk for sure 🤭😩!

the yearning 🤌🏽! the tension 🤌🏽! DEAN AND NOVA 🤌🏽🤭🫠!!! you may want to re think about your standards after reading this book 🙏🤧

ugh to read this book again for the first time (i definitely will be reading this again 😭🤭).

my heart is so full of emotions after reading this and i honestly need a whole month to process this (it was that good 🥹🫶🏽!!!)

this book is so cute and i loved reading it. it’s a whole different concept to what i normally read as it is a game show they are on. the banter in the book made me giggle and im sure you will too.

i fell in love with this book so much and i hope you will love it as much too!

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

Received this book as an ARC. It wasn’t really what I was expecting. Writing didn’t flow, character development was all over the place. Has definite potential but needed some help in the editing and the development department. DNF. 😢

[Laura Carroll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overdue I Love Yous is such a fun twist on the dating show trope. Izza Malik takes all the tension and spectacle of a reality TV competition and uses it as the perfect stage for an enemies-to-lovers romance. The banter is sharp, the chemistry undeniable, and I loved watching the walls between the leads slowly break down.

The romance feels both entertaining and heartfelt, with just enough drama to keep the pages turning. If you like witty sparring, reality-show chaos, and love stories that sneak up on you with real emotion, this one’s a winner.

[Paige Rothwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ / 5
🌶🌶 / 5

Overdue I Love You’s is a dating show romance with golden retriever energy, chaotic heroine vibes, complicated sibling bonds, and the perfect mix of humor + heart. Izza Malik balances love, laughter, and healing in such a beautiful way—and the title twist hit me right in the feels.

✅ Dating show setting
✅ Chaotic FMC + golden retriever MMC
✅ Sibling & family dynamics
✅ Humor + heart + swoon-worthy romance

A must-read if you love emotional yet fun romances! 💜

Thank you to the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Michelle Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

The idea for the story of this book is super cute. I love reading books based in Canada so I can relate to a lot of the fun little quirks! I feel like there was so much potential for this book.

I don’t want my review to be shed in a negative light, but I feel like it lacked depth for me. There are SO many things going on, from a sneaky member of the crew for the shows film, to someone she went on a date with previously, the court issue, her sisters, her family, his past, the show they’re filming, there is just so much going on, and none of it is really dug into deep except the sister thing maybe a bit too much?
There is too much emotional immaturity to the FMC too. It kind of made me a little crazy, blaming it on being the youngest child. It’s just a lack of taking responsibility for yourself and your emotions.
Even the ending where they’re winding down the court case, it literally had a few sentences saying you know this was pulled up, they agreed it’s this, case closed, settled. It was literally a few sentences when this book is supposed to be based off her issue with the library books, so it was just a little confusing.

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overdue I Love You's is a grumpy/sunshine contemporary romance featuring Nova Rivera (24) and Dean Vuk (32).

For the first 10 years of Nova's life, her father was in prison, and her mother suffered depression. Her older sisters, Nadine and Rosa, filled in the parenting gap and showered her in love. She never felt like she knew her parents. While they now live in different cities, their bond endures and they speak to each other regularly. Knowing her love of books, Nadine arranged for Nova to be hired as an editor at Berkenlin Publishing, but she ended up quitting that job when she started suffering from migraines. Not wanting to disappoint her sisters, or worry them, she didn't tell them. Instead, she used her love of flowers to start Rivera's Roses. She only has a few regular clients, and doesn't make enough to cover her bills, but she loves it and loves bringing joy to others.

Nova loves books. She has for years. She buys them all the time, and hoards them like a dragon would its treasure. When Ms Cartwright sues Nova for 12 years of overdue library books, Nova is given 6 months to pay off her $15,000 fine, or she will be sent to prison. Knowing she would never be able to come up with that sum in such a short time, and refusing to ask for help, she accepts an offer which she otherwise would have refused - she agrees to be on a reality show called Love? Check!. If she wins, her money problems would be solved.

When Nova arrives at the show's set, she is shocked to find Dean there as one of the other contestants. Dean is the eldest of three brothers (Callahan being the middle child, and Azar being the youngest) who own and operate Vuk Securities. Dean is an imposing man who doesn't say much. Vuk Securities happens to be one of Nova's regular clients. She always greeted Dean with a smile, but it was never reciprocated. The very attractive Dean has always been gruff and unsociable so his appearance as a castmate was quite unexpected. When Nova learns that he is there because of her, she is absolutely shocked. Things are further complicated when Nova learns that another contestant on the show, Rhys Silver, a man she met once while visiting her sister Nadine in Calgary, is attracted to her and wants her to give him a chance.

Her intent when signing on to the cast was simply to win the grand prize and pay off her fine but now Nova has to navigate potential love interests when she effectively swore off love years ago. For the spontaneous, carefree, lighthearted Nova, life has suddenly gotten much more complicated.

I really enjoyed this book. The premise was a lot of fun, and I liked the characters. I found them to be both likable and relatable. As a Canadian, it was fun to have the characters come from Canadian cities. The chemistry between the main characters, and their backstories kept me captivated and engaged. This book was a quick and easy read but not lacking in substance. I look forward to seeing what Malik will release next!

[حالم Haalim · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Money? Gone. TBR? Overflowing. Still buying more books like my life depends on it? Us Girl! and, Nova gets it as well.”😂

💭 REVIEW:
Huge thank you to Izza for sharing the ARC with me 🥰💜 This was such a fun read and honestly I may add to my favorite romances this year. (Absolutely love the humor)

This is my first time reading a romance that hooked me right at tge beginning. It wasn't because of court room scene rather the crime of our FMC Nova 😂 I wont say what her crime was but i cab guarantee u will a reader would be able to relate to it. Once you get know Nova, you all will be like she is me 😂🥰

It is also my first time reading a book that is set at a live dating show (I dont watch dating show so can't comment on that much but I am a film student and can say, the author kept it realistic and accurate). Oh yes, i absolutely loved the chemistry of Nova and Dean. At first Dean gives typical grumpy MMC vibes… until suddenly his golden retriever side slips out (the man let her paint on him 🥹💜). Nova herself is such a unique character, her body language, the way her brain works, her chaotic book–hoarding love, I couldn’t stop giggling and nodding along. Us. Girly. ✨

But beyond the romance, what made this book truly special was the theme of sisterhood. Told from the perspective of the youngest sister, it beautifully captures the complexity of sibling bonds, what hurts, what heals, and what ultimately keeps them tied together. If you’re the youngest sibling, prepare to feel seen. By the end, all I wanted was to hug my sisters tight. 💜

One more thing there is a little baby calf in the book and therefore you my dear Izza may take all of my stars because of it 😂

Plus the plot twist 👀 After that you will understand why "Overdue I Love You's" is the title. Ofcourse I love when the book is going smoothly, its not thriller but all of a sudden there is a plot twist😍 Thanks Izza

Izza has written a story that balances every emotion like humor, family, butterflies, and healing. It makes you laugh out loud, warms your heart, and stitches up places you didn’t even know were broken. 🫶

[Melting Into Fiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, if there's one book where you need to read the Acknowledgements, it's this one. Izza took a lot of her own personal experiences and put them into the pages of this book, including her sibling being the inspo to Nova's (our FMC) oldest sister, Nadine. Nova's struggles as the youngest child was super relatable to me. I felt her in those moments when she felt like a burden or when she didn't want her sisters to feel like they needed to constantly save her. As the youngest, I think it's common for everyone in your life to feel like they need to be there to catch you. In reality, the best thing you can do is to let that person fall and pick themselves up again, while cheering them on from the sidelines.

I appreciated the portrayal of Nova's family dynamic and how it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. While she loved her family deeply, she needed time to process her feelings surrounding her parents. Without giving away too much, there were some deeply moving moments that made all the pain you could feel earlier in the book seem worth it in the end for Nova when it came to her family.

Of course, this wouldn't be a review if I didn't mention Nova and Dean's relationship. It's a classic grumpy x sunshine scenario with a sprinkle of golden retriever vibes. I appreciated how Dean was so tuned into Nova. Little things like giving her earplugs for her migraines showed just how attentive he was. Their relationship was certainly bumpy, but the way they found comfort in each other's presence was beautiful to read. They weren't perfect people and had messy pasts, but I'm glad they both realized that love could still be in the cards for them.

The premise of the overdue library books and reality show angle definitely drew me in initially and created a playful backdrop, but this story is so much more. While "Overdue I Love You's" presents as a lighthearted rom-com, it actually has deep and emotional meaning behind it. Not to mention, there are so many relatable moments.

ᴍʏ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: 4 out of 5 ⭐️

[herbookcorner · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was my first time reading a book set around a dating show, and I was pleasantly surprised! I liked that the show wasn’t the only focus of the story. Nova still had time to grow her friendships and care for her passions, like her plants outside the contestants’ house.

At first, I found Nova a bit immature, especially with her book debt and how much she relied on her sister to solve her problems. But as the story went on, I really got to discover and appreciate her beautiful personality. I also liked the mystery around Dean’s past. His honesty and straightforward way of saying things felt really inspiring.

I absolutely loved the relationship between Dean and Nova. Since grumpy x sunshine is one of my favorite tropes, it made me enjoy the story even more! I also loved Nova’s relationship with her sisters. It reminded me of the vibe I had with one of my close friends when I was younger. We had the same kind of bond and energy!

And finally, Dean’s tattoo idea? Genius! I loved how he didn’t literally write Nova’s name, but turned it into something meaningful with flowers instead. It’s such a clever idea for anyone who wants to get a tattoo, without the risk of future regrets.

[Jeio reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overdue i love you’s
This book is so so beautiful I finished reading it in less than a day and that shows how much I really enjoyed reading it! It was so easy to read and feel all the emotions.
I giggled alotttt and screamed in silence every time dean did something made him the perfect man.
Nova, i feel for u baby I’m the middle child but alot of moments in ur life felt so relatable, and I’m hoping to find all the love that made you get through everything .
This weird but a message for my future husband:
Hey love , how u doing?
Just wants to say idk if I believe in love-but if u’re reading this in the future just know that i love you with my whole soul- idk when we will be in each other’s life but I’m hoping that you will come with all the love that i deserve and that YOU know I deserve.
Be patient with me honey and love me and communicate with me and understand me when my head gets to over think .
Just be the man i need and want.

[Kristina Sloboda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute and charming romance with the perfect mix of swoon and fun! As a fan of reality tv, this was right up my alley. It gave the story a fresh spin while still delivering heart. Dean and Nova had such sweet chemistry, and their dynamic kept me smiling.

The writing felt light and delicate in the best way, making this an easy, relaxing read that still kept me hooked. If you’re looking for a feel-good romance and:

⭐️Reality-competition romance
💕Sweet banter & soft chemistry
☕️Cozy, relaxing vibes

… this one’s for you!

Big thanks to the author, Izza Malik for the ARC!

P.S. loved some Canadian-ess! 🇨🇦

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so energetic and fun! As a fan of reality TV, I enjoyed this spin on dating shows, and Nova’s motivations for being a contestant. Her romance with Dean was a sizzling slow burn, and I was here for it.

The books initially comes across as bubbly and upbeat, which it is, but it also deals with healing from past traumas, providing it with important additional depth. I really appreciated how much the main and side characters were developed, particularly Nova’s relationship with her sisters.

Thank you very much to the author for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Iman Malik · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love romance, pure romance that just has to do with the emotions of the woman and the actions of a man I recommend reading this book. The yearning and soft romance in this book reminds me of old generational love rather than the love that exists in this generation. Dean Vuk is an amazing man and the way he’s just there for Nova my heart man. Nova is a cute sweet girl just figuring her life out. I like how this is different from other books I’ve read.
10/10

[Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this story.

the first chapter had me hooked but thats where it kind of went downhill.I wanted to love this story as the premise seemed cool but as a "reality show lover" there were a lot of logistical hang ups that I struggled with from the get go and the FMC's need to lie to her family and on the show was just an added miscommunication.

the writing was good, but this story just wasn't my cup of tea overall, but that doesnt mean someone else won't love it!

[Marni · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got this as an ARC review. I read the first six chapters and DNF’d.
The story has lots of potential but the characters need work and the love story felt rushed. There were lots of instances of ideas or characters being introduced that felt like they came out of nowhere.
There were also a lot of grammatical errors that just couldn’t be overlooked.
The story could have used a professional editor to address the inconsistencies, character development and grammar.

[Alaina · Rating 3 out of 5]

50% by the end of September finished the rest in October.

Uhmm so it was not that bad but I’m not going to read it again. Their was only one pov and I think if their was two POV for this it would have been a lot better and maybe even gotten a 4 star from me.

Dean & Nova
- strangers to lovers
- he fell first
- older siblings in his family/ younger siblings in her family
- age gap

Ebook
Finished 7:08pm

[The Literature Lizard]

✨ARC Review✨

Thank you to Izza for providing me with an advanced copy of Overdue I Love You’s. As always, my opinions are my own!

I always feel awful when I cannot finish a book, especially an ARC but I had to DNF @ 7%. The first couple of chapters just felt chaotic and unorganized and just with the way the story was set up, I knew I couldn’t continue.

[Lisa Thauvette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc review, thank you for the opportunity.

OILY’s is a cute romance. The chemistry between the characters is 😘🤌🏻
Grumpy x Sunshine.
He falls first

Bookworm meets convict on a dating show where it’s love or money. Stakes are high but love could be stacked higher🫶🏻

[Echo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great light hearted read. Exactly what I needed after what I’ve been reading lately. The story line and the characters kept me throughly entertained. So happy I was able to read this one.

[Gülsen Akinci · Rating 2 out of 5]

Verry good written. But I didn’t like the back-and-forth between them. It was forced in my opinion.

[Devanshi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book and the characters are well written and fleshed out with their own set of flaws. I cannot wait to read more from the author.

[BreezeBookz (Bree) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wittiness in the book made me laugh so hard. I absolutely loved Nova and everything about her. Her inside (and sometimes outside) thoughts are hilarious.
Dean & Nova’s relationship had me hooked from the very beginning. I just always wanted to know what happened next. I absolutely adored this book. I had so many questions while reading that were answered by the end of the book and I felt like it was just really well rounded.

[Cassidy · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ARC REVIEW (Available 9/23/25)✨

4.5⭐️
Huge thank you to Izza Malik for a gifted e-ARC of this great book!🥰

As someone that loves anything to do with legal, the justice system and junky reality TV I adored this and ate it up. It was so entertaining and funny and the romance between Nova and Dean was so cute.

Nova Rivera is a book addict who owns a flower shop and works for/ has a contract with Vuk Securities when one day Nova is being sued by her old librarian for 12 years of overdue books. Her sentence? Either pay $15,000 or spend a year in prison. Nova has an idea as to how she’s gonna get the $15,000 but instead she’s faced with running into Irene Dolores who wants her on her dating show and the winner gets half a million dollars. Without a second thought, Nova accepts and is flown out to Switzerland for the show where she runs into no other than Dean Vuk, the oldest brother of Vuk Securities.

[_ifrahreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Firstly thank you Izza for giving me the chance to arc read your new book, truly appreciate it!


Now I kept seeing posts about this book and kept thinking “when will September come” and September finally here so I was so excited to start reading this book. However, when I started off reading it I did feel like it was going a bit slow paced for me but like any other book you have to trust the process and trust I did because boy could I not stop smiling, laughing and just swooning at all the cute/sweet moments between Dean and Nova 🤭💖

I loved the chemistry between both the MC’s and DEAN VUK. Oh my words this guy while he may be grumpy he’s an absolute sweetheart because what do you mean the flowers tattooed on him spell NOVA’s name. I literally was about to ball my eyes out 🥹 that was the most beautiful thing ever.

Read if you like:
🩷 Tangled (for the lantern scene lovers this is for you)
🌷 grumpy x sunshine
🩷 lets her colour in his tattoos
🌷 will do literally anything for her
🩷 YEARNING (don’t think I gotta say anymore for this one 🤭)


Thank you again Izza for allowing me to arc read your book in exchange for an honest review!

[Morchaal.03 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nova Rivera might go to the jail because she has attachment issues with her library books. She is too deep into "Buying Books and Reading Books are two different hobbies" Thus, a broke status and inability to pay the fine. "Ask for your family's help" you may suggest but she is the youngest sibling trying to prove "I Can Handle My Problem" She relies on her floral shop for a solution to this problem. Just in time comes an offer from a dating show. Nova is on a dating show not with a hope of finding love but financial stability. Dean Vuk, a client of Nova's floral shop also joins the dating show. Did he follow her?

• Nova Rivera

I am not a fan of her personality. I mean, who shakes hands with a sticky popsicle hand and her client wipes it? She tries to prove I can do it myself but SHE AIN'T SUCCEEDING AT IT. Stressing your pregnant sister should be illegal.

• Dean Vuk

I didn't like him until their pottery/lantern festival date. I have a soft spot for people who are good to the siblings of their partners. So, he gets a point there.

Swoon Worthy Moment

* OHIP
* Meaning of tattoo
* Convincing Nova's sibling


Thanks to the author for the ARC.