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Love Overdue
Lauren Green thinks her first love story is shelved for good - until life decides to write a surprise chapter. A sexy, quirky rom-com for fans of Emily Henry.
The last time Lauren Green saw Jamie Sultana, they were seventeen and he'd just shredded her heart like a bad first draft.
Back then, Lauren was a frizzy-haired bookworm who dreamed of becoming the next Margaret Atwood. Jamie was the impossibly charming boy who thought Margaret Atwood was a type of cheese. Still, they were hopelessly in love. Until, out of nowhere, they weren't.
Twenty years later, Lauren is the vice principal of North Caulfield Primary. She's buried her old heartache and big, bold writing dreams under a stack of responsibilities and big, bold colourful dresses.
So when she calls a meeting with notorious truant April Reidman's absent parents, the last person she expects to walk into her office is Jamie. Now, the scruffy teenager has morphed into an impeccably dressed Kit Harington lookalike - but there's no mistaking those dazzling blue eyes.
As if things couldn't get any worse, he's acting like he has no idea who she is!
Lauren's determined to quickly resolve April's behavioural issues and be done with Jamie for good, but the universe has other plans ...
Steamy, laugh-out-loud funny, and delightfully nostalgic, Love Overdue is a bookish rom-com about first loves, second chances, and discovering how sometimes the best plot twists come along, well, after you think the final line's been written.
The last time Lauren Green saw Jamie Sultana, they were seventeen and he'd just shredded her heart like a bad first draft.
Back then, Lauren was a frizzy-haired bookworm who dreamed of becoming the next Margaret Atwood. Jamie was the impossibly charming boy who thought Margaret Atwood was a type of cheese. Still, they were hopelessly in love. Until, out of nowhere, they weren't.
Twenty years later, Lauren is the vice principal of North Caulfield Primary. She's buried her old heartache and big, bold writing dreams under a stack of responsibilities and big, bold colourful dresses.
So when she calls a meeting with notorious truant April Reidman's absent parents, the last person she expects to walk into her office is Jamie. Now, the scruffy teenager has morphed into an impeccably dressed Kit Harington lookalike - but there's no mistaking those dazzling blue eyes.
As if things couldn't get any worse, he's acting like he has no idea who she is!
Lauren's determined to quickly resolve April's behavioural issues and be done with Jamie for good, but the universe has other plans ...
Steamy, laugh-out-loud funny, and delightfully nostalgic, Love Overdue is a bookish rom-com about first loves, second chances, and discovering how sometimes the best plot twists come along, well, after you think the final line's been written.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2025
30 people are currently reading
1021 people want to read
About the author
Ali Berg
5 books226 followersCo-founder & Professional Aussie Book Ninja at Books on the Rail & Co-author of The Book Ninja, While You Were Reading and Fancy Meeting You Here.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
June 16, 2025
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 Ali Berg and Michelle Kalus, 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.
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 Ali Berg and Michelle Kalus, 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.
June 6, 2025
Fabulous feel-good fiction, and so much more than a sweet, second-chance romance story.
Told through a dual timeline, experiencing the nostalgia of high school, MSN and MySpace, amidst the burgeoning first love between Lauren (Wren) Green and Jamie Sultana. Fast-forward twenty years, they are both fully fledged adults leading busy lives, when they become reconnected at the primary school of Jamie’s daughter, where Lauren is the vice school principal.
Lauren (Wren) is a delightfully quirky, bookish and memorable character. I cried reading about Bear and laughed so many times with the school drama. I enjoyed the many quintessentially Australian elements in this story, as well as the realistically depicted school community gossip, staffroom conversations, difficult parent-teacher meetings and the inclusion of the school library.
The storyline featured a delightful mixture of friendship, guilt, grief, love, social media, family drama, identity crises, and pursuing dreams.
With many thanks to Allen & Unwin and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy of this heartwarming story, in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2025
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!
*Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC*
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!
*Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC*
July 14, 2025
*https://www.instagram.com/mrsb_book_r...
❣️A quick glance over on my Goodreads account reminded me that I have read two previous books by the successful Australian author duo of Ali Berg and Michelle Kalus, who are also well known for their amazing Books on the Rail movement. I was genuinely excited to open the pages of this new novel by the twosome. Love Overdue is a fantastic Australian feel romantic comedy and a great mid year school holiday break read. I have to say it is my favourite book of this writing couple’s collection so far. I found it to be relatable, genuine, touching, nostalgic and quite funny!
❣️What I loved about this book was the sense of looking back on your life, especially in relation to your high school times when your dreams are far reaching and your relationships are epic. This theme is carefully weaved into the then and now timelines of the novel. Looking back, we learn how two decades ago a life altering teenage heartbreak, saw our main character Lauren Green give up on true love. Now Lauren has settled into her role as the vice principal of a primary school. Lauren is person who thrives on structure and routine. Lauren also plays by the rules and rarely takes any risks. It is clear that she still has some emotional scars from her past that she is yet to confront. Added to this is our female lead’s unfulfilled aspiration of becoming a published writer. As the story unfolds, everything seems to come to a crashing halt for Lauren when a very normal parent-teacher meeting for student in her care sees her thrust back in the life of her very first love. From this awkward reconnection, is clear that Lauren has not forgotten Jamie, her handsome high school love. But Jamie seems unaware of his past or that Lauren was his old girlfriend and this difficult situation hovers over the proceedings in the novel.
Love Overdue is formatted really well and the structure that Berg and Kalus take to her new novel really spoke to me. As a fellow teacher on holidays I loved how the authors segmented the storyline into four school terms. It definitely allowed me to see the natural progression of the relationship between Lauren and Jamie, while it also served as a good indicator for the growth of Lauren’s character. I really appreciated this aspect of the novel. What also worked for me was the hark back to times past, not too far though as some nostalgic glimpses of two decades ago were strategically inserted into the book. I will say that it was a nice stroll back down memory lane - msn messages and all! The realism of Lauren’s work as a vice principal, which I readily sympathised with, along with self doubt she expresses in her quest to release her own book spoke to my bookish heart. The ‘will they reconnect again’ love overarching story, the influencer elements via Jamie’s wife, the school business scenes, the marital breakdown issues, the infidelity, parenting a teens, facing up to reality of being single in your late thirties and witnessing your friends having babies were all elements that contributed to my full enjoyment of this one.
Love Overdue is a warm, gentle and resonant book I’d easily recommend. It is a winter holiday read that has all the feels — cozy, romantic, full of promise, chasing dreams and most of all it is full of heart.
A big big thank you to @aliandmichelle, @allenandunwin @dmcprmedia for having me on the tour. Don’t forget to check out the other accounts on the tour that celebrate this delightful new love story. 4.5 stars 🌟 🌟🌟🌟💫
❣️A quick glance over on my Goodreads account reminded me that I have read two previous books by the successful Australian author duo of Ali Berg and Michelle Kalus, who are also well known for their amazing Books on the Rail movement. I was genuinely excited to open the pages of this new novel by the twosome. Love Overdue is a fantastic Australian feel romantic comedy and a great mid year school holiday break read. I have to say it is my favourite book of this writing couple’s collection so far. I found it to be relatable, genuine, touching, nostalgic and quite funny!
❣️What I loved about this book was the sense of looking back on your life, especially in relation to your high school times when your dreams are far reaching and your relationships are epic. This theme is carefully weaved into the then and now timelines of the novel. Looking back, we learn how two decades ago a life altering teenage heartbreak, saw our main character Lauren Green give up on true love. Now Lauren has settled into her role as the vice principal of a primary school. Lauren is person who thrives on structure and routine. Lauren also plays by the rules and rarely takes any risks. It is clear that she still has some emotional scars from her past that she is yet to confront. Added to this is our female lead’s unfulfilled aspiration of becoming a published writer. As the story unfolds, everything seems to come to a crashing halt for Lauren when a very normal parent-teacher meeting for student in her care sees her thrust back in the life of her very first love. From this awkward reconnection, is clear that Lauren has not forgotten Jamie, her handsome high school love. But Jamie seems unaware of his past or that Lauren was his old girlfriend and this difficult situation hovers over the proceedings in the novel.
Love Overdue is formatted really well and the structure that Berg and Kalus take to her new novel really spoke to me. As a fellow teacher on holidays I loved how the authors segmented the storyline into four school terms. It definitely allowed me to see the natural progression of the relationship between Lauren and Jamie, while it also served as a good indicator for the growth of Lauren’s character. I really appreciated this aspect of the novel. What also worked for me was the hark back to times past, not too far though as some nostalgic glimpses of two decades ago were strategically inserted into the book. I will say that it was a nice stroll back down memory lane - msn messages and all! The realism of Lauren’s work as a vice principal, which I readily sympathised with, along with self doubt she expresses in her quest to release her own book spoke to my bookish heart. The ‘will they reconnect again’ love overarching story, the influencer elements via Jamie’s wife, the school business scenes, the marital breakdown issues, the infidelity, parenting a teens, facing up to reality of being single in your late thirties and witnessing your friends having babies were all elements that contributed to my full enjoyment of this one.
Love Overdue is a warm, gentle and resonant book I’d easily recommend. It is a winter holiday read that has all the feels — cozy, romantic, full of promise, chasing dreams and most of all it is full of heart.
A big big thank you to @aliandmichelle, @allenandunwin @dmcprmedia for having me on the tour. Don’t forget to check out the other accounts on the tour that celebrate this delightful new love story. 4.5 stars 🌟 🌟🌟🌟💫
July 1, 2025
Thank you so much to Allen & Unwin for the early copy.
Where do I even begin? I loved this book dearly. Slump is over. New favourite romcom unlocked. This was a second chance romance about Lauren and Jamie who dated in high school and meet again 20 years later. It was heartwarming, funny, and emotional. I enjoyed the dual timelines and loved the high school nostalgia. The MSN conversations (signing in and out 100 times to gain your crushes attention) and mentions of MySpace and Neopets were very fun!
Lauren’s character was quite relatable with her love of reading and writing. Her internal dialogue was hilarious, as was her bestie Liv. I loved that it was set in Melbourne and didn’t realise how much I was craving an Aussie based romance until now. I had such a fun time reading this story and thought the epilogue was perfect. Ali and Michelle’s writing is captivating, witty, and bingeable! I’m running to read all their other books now.
Where do I even begin? I loved this book dearly. Slump is over. New favourite romcom unlocked. This was a second chance romance about Lauren and Jamie who dated in high school and meet again 20 years later. It was heartwarming, funny, and emotional. I enjoyed the dual timelines and loved the high school nostalgia. The MSN conversations (signing in and out 100 times to gain your crushes attention) and mentions of MySpace and Neopets were very fun!
Lauren’s character was quite relatable with her love of reading and writing. Her internal dialogue was hilarious, as was her bestie Liv. I loved that it was set in Melbourne and didn’t realise how much I was craving an Aussie based romance until now. I had such a fun time reading this story and thought the epilogue was perfect. Ali and Michelle’s writing is captivating, witty, and bingeable! I’m running to read all their other books now.
August 11, 2025
Do you hear that? It's the sound of me SQEEEEEEEEEEALING. Love Overdue was so cute!!
Lauren 'Wren' Green is thirty-seven, recently single and has moved back in with her parents. Whilst she adores her job as North Caulfield Primary's vice principal, she has secret aspirations of becoming a published author.
When she was seventeen, Lauren fell in love with a boy, someone she thought would be her 'forever'. Those dreams were dashed just as her world came crumbling down. But she never forgot him, Jamie Sultana, her Mr. Sultana Man.
Now, twenty years on, waiting for a troublesome student's parents to appear, the last person Lauren expects walks through the door.
Jamie Sultana has re-entered her life, but WHY is he acting like he doesn't recognise her??!!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this. As someone who has experience in primary school education, a lot of this resonated with me. Everything about the atmosphere came rushing back.
I adored the mixed blend of characters- there isn't a bad word to say against any of them, not even Esther! Apart from Lauren and Jamie, my favourite has to be Lauren's bestie, Liv. Her big energy is catching and so real!
Lauren is a wonderful, well-written character. Being in her late thirties, she's trying to figure out where she sits in the world whilst trying to deal with long-term grief. Jamie's reappearance only complicates things further. Whilst it's endearingly funny watching the two interact and ultimately reconnect, there are moments when you can't help but stop and wonder 'What if'?
Those who are 'mature' enough will recognise some early naughties throwbacks. I can picture MSN Messenger so clearly in my mind and who can't forget Tom from MySpace??
A sweet 5 🌟
Lauren 'Wren' Green is thirty-seven, recently single and has moved back in with her parents. Whilst she adores her job as North Caulfield Primary's vice principal, she has secret aspirations of becoming a published author.
When she was seventeen, Lauren fell in love with a boy, someone she thought would be her 'forever'. Those dreams were dashed just as her world came crumbling down. But she never forgot him, Jamie Sultana, her Mr. Sultana Man.
Now, twenty years on, waiting for a troublesome student's parents to appear, the last person Lauren expects walks through the door.
Jamie Sultana has re-entered her life, but WHY is he acting like he doesn't recognise her??!!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this. As someone who has experience in primary school education, a lot of this resonated with me. Everything about the atmosphere came rushing back.
I adored the mixed blend of characters- there isn't a bad word to say against any of them, not even Esther! Apart from Lauren and Jamie, my favourite has to be Lauren's bestie, Liv. Her big energy is catching and so real!
Lauren is a wonderful, well-written character. Being in her late thirties, she's trying to figure out where she sits in the world whilst trying to deal with long-term grief. Jamie's reappearance only complicates things further. Whilst it's endearingly funny watching the two interact and ultimately reconnect, there are moments when you can't help but stop and wonder 'What if'?
Those who are 'mature' enough will recognise some early naughties throwbacks. I can picture MSN Messenger so clearly in my mind and who can't forget Tom from MySpace??
A sweet 5 🌟
August 17, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 𝟺.𝟻/𝟻
𝚆𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚊 𝚍𝚎𝚕𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚠𝚊𝚜! 𝙷𝚊𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚘𝚏 𝚊𝚕𝚒 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚖𝚒𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚜 𝙸'𝚍 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚊𝚢 𝚒𝚝'𝚜 𝚊 𝚗𝚎𝚠 𝚏𝚊𝚟!
𝙰 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚊 𝚕𝚘𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝙸 𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚕𝚢 𝚎𝚗𝚓𝚘𝚢𝚎𝚍 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚕𝚎 𝚙𝚊𝚐𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚑𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚕𝚢 𝚛𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚔 𝚒𝚝 𝚞𝚙!
𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝚋𝚎𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚖𝚢 𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚒𝚜 𝚙𝚞𝚛𝚎𝚕𝚢 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝙱𝚒𝚛𝚍𝚒𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙹𝚊𝚖𝚒𝚎 - 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚒𝚛 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚜𝚘 𝚜𝚠𝚎𝚎𝚝 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐.
𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔𝚜 𝚊𝚐𝚊𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚘 @books_bymybed 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚖𝚎 𝚊𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚗𝚗𝚎𝚛 𝚘𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚐𝚒𝚟𝚎𝚊𝚠𝚊𝚢
“𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳, 𝘐'𝘮 𝘯𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘦．
“𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦. 𝘉𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘵, 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘴𝘰 𝘵𝘰𝘰 𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘸𝘦𝘥, 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥, 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘭𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘺, 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥. 𝘓𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘳𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 ���𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯, 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴, 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘥𝘰 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮.“
𝚆𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚊 𝚍𝚎𝚕𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚠𝚊𝚜! 𝙷𝚊𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚘𝚏 𝚊𝚕𝚒 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚖𝚒𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚜 𝙸'𝚍 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚊𝚢 𝚒𝚝'𝚜 𝚊 𝚗𝚎𝚠 𝚏𝚊𝚟!
𝙰 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚊 𝚕𝚘𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝙸 𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚕𝚢 𝚎𝚗𝚓𝚘𝚢𝚎𝚍 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚕𝚎 𝚙𝚊𝚐𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚑𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚕𝚢 𝚛𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚔 𝚒𝚝 𝚞𝚙!
𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝚋𝚎𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚖𝚢 𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚒𝚜 𝚙𝚞𝚛𝚎𝚕𝚢 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝙱𝚒𝚛𝚍𝚒𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙹𝚊𝚖𝚒𝚎 - 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚒𝚛 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚜𝚘 𝚜𝚠𝚎𝚎𝚝 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐.
𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔𝚜 𝚊𝚐𝚊𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚘 @books_bymybed 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚖𝚎 𝚊𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚗𝚗𝚎𝚛 𝚘𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚐𝚒𝚟𝚎𝚊𝚠𝚊𝚢
“𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳, 𝘐'𝘮 𝘯𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘦．
“𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦. 𝘉𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘵, 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘴𝘰 𝘵𝘰𝘰 𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘸𝘦𝘥, 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥, 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘭𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘺, 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥. 𝘓𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘳𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 ���𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯, 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴, 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘥𝘰 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮.“
October 23, 2025
I did not like this at all 😖 it just felt so cringey to me
July 6, 2025
ahhhh I loved this one - I definitely feel like every romance book I'm reading at the moment just hits, particularly the Aussie ones!
working in education, there was so much of the setting that I just resonated with, with this quote in particular being felt right in my soul:
"𝒏𝒆𝒙𝒕 𝒖𝒑, 𝒘𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒂 𝒅𝒐𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒂𝒏 𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆. 𝑺𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕'𝒔 𝒕𝒘𝒐 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒂 𝒔𝒂𝒄𝒌! 𝑻𝒘𝒐 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒂 𝒔𝒂𝒄𝒌!"
"𝑴𝒔 𝑮𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒏, 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒘𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒔𝒂𝒄𝒌?" 𝒚𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒔 𝒂 𝒀𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝑭𝒐𝒖𝒓, 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕'𝒔 𝒂 𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒓-𝒈𝒖𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔𝒏'𝒕 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒄𝒍𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒕 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒔𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒔?"
-
in terms of the romance, i really was a big fan of Lauren and Jamie. both characters felt really well fleshed out, and i enjoyed their interactions together as well as just Lauren on her own (book is written in her POV). i also love that each character had things to work through that weren't just solved by love or avoided and made "irrelevant" because love is more powerful. the characters had to work on themselves and resolve their situations, and that's why they flourished. way more realistic. the dual timeline was a really good way of slowly revealing and exploring some of the baggage held by a lot of the characters too.
I loved April, and i loved how Jamie spent the book trying to prioritise April even if it meant that things he wanted took a backseat until April was open to them. i also loved Lauren's almost mentorship of April - i love that educators can have significant impacts and positive influences on students, even those who seem further away and unresponsive. sometimes, they're the ones the need that bit of TLC the most.
none of the characters in this book were presented as perfect, but so many of them were still very lovable (some perhaps just enjoyable for the chaos they bring) and a joy to read. i was ready to throttle Doug a number of times, but I'm feeling like perhaps that was the intention.
overall, i just feel like this book did second chance romance really well, and it also really handled topics like grief really well amongst the lightness and humour. also some really solid throwbacks in there, the msn chat snippets were 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻
very, very solid book. read it.
working in education, there was so much of the setting that I just resonated with, with this quote in particular being felt right in my soul:
"𝒏𝒆𝒙𝒕 𝒖𝒑, 𝒘𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒂 𝒅𝒐𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒂𝒏 𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆. 𝑺𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕'𝒔 𝒕𝒘𝒐 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒂 𝒔𝒂𝒄𝒌! 𝑻𝒘𝒐 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒂 𝒔𝒂𝒄𝒌!"
"𝑴𝒔 𝑮𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒏, 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒘𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒔𝒂𝒄𝒌?" 𝒚𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒔 𝒂 𝒀𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝑭𝒐𝒖𝒓, 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕'𝒔 𝒂 𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒓-𝒈𝒖𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔𝒏'𝒕 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒄𝒍𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒕 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒔𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒔?"
-
in terms of the romance, i really was a big fan of Lauren and Jamie. both characters felt really well fleshed out, and i enjoyed their interactions together as well as just Lauren on her own (book is written in her POV). i also love that each character had things to work through that weren't just solved by love or avoided and made "irrelevant" because love is more powerful. the characters had to work on themselves and resolve their situations, and that's why they flourished. way more realistic. the dual timeline was a really good way of slowly revealing and exploring some of the baggage held by a lot of the characters too.
I loved April, and i loved how Jamie spent the book trying to prioritise April even if it meant that things he wanted took a backseat until April was open to them. i also loved Lauren's almost mentorship of April - i love that educators can have significant impacts and positive influences on students, even those who seem further away and unresponsive. sometimes, they're the ones the need that bit of TLC the most.
none of the characters in this book were presented as perfect, but so many of them were still very lovable (some perhaps just enjoyable for the chaos they bring) and a joy to read. i was ready to throttle Doug a number of times, but I'm feeling like perhaps that was the intention.
overall, i just feel like this book did second chance romance really well, and it also really handled topics like grief really well amongst the lightness and humour. also some really solid throwbacks in there, the msn chat snippets were 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻
very, very solid book. read it.
July 7, 2025
Big thanks to Allen & Unwin for sending us a copy to read and review.
Young love is often the first love and is rarely forgotten.
Lauren in her role as the vice principal of a primary school comes face to face with the man she loved when she was seventeen.
A heartfelt, comedic and nostalgic journey that brings the past alive to cement the current day predicament.
Calling a parent in discuss his daughter’s truancy reunited the two former lovers.
Lauren recognised Jamie straight away but he did not acknowledge he knew her.
Jamie promised to make a concerted effort to ensure his daughter was better behaved and pledged more onsite time at the school.
Allowing a bond and banter to ensue with Lauren.
Flashbacks, emotional connection and setbacks characterise the road to reacquaintance.
Second chance love, a strong bookish theme and a dash of humour make this delightful rom com an easy and entertaining read.
The Melbourne setting evoked familiarity and the steamy dynamic added flair as they flirted through the pages.
Young love is often the first love and is rarely forgotten.
Lauren in her role as the vice principal of a primary school comes face to face with the man she loved when she was seventeen.
A heartfelt, comedic and nostalgic journey that brings the past alive to cement the current day predicament.
Calling a parent in discuss his daughter’s truancy reunited the two former lovers.
Lauren recognised Jamie straight away but he did not acknowledge he knew her.
Jamie promised to make a concerted effort to ensure his daughter was better behaved and pledged more onsite time at the school.
Allowing a bond and banter to ensue with Lauren.
Flashbacks, emotional connection and setbacks characterise the road to reacquaintance.
Second chance love, a strong bookish theme and a dash of humour make this delightful rom com an easy and entertaining read.
The Melbourne setting evoked familiarity and the steamy dynamic added flair as they flirted through the pages.
September 21, 2025
Okay so this was an audiobook listen! I'll start by saying this was probably the best adult romance ive ever read. which is saying something because i do not like adult romances.
It was well written and had a lot of interesting things happening. It was really cute also really wholesome, lowkey really sad at points and I am a fein for second chance romances so that bumped it up. I think the only reason this wasnt a 5 stars is i guess bcs it was an adult romance, like it was clean/closed door but the fact that the main characters were in their 30s it was just less relatable than it coudlve been if they were in their teen/early 20 years
Anyway was really cute!
November 8, 2025
Ahhh this was a book club book so I generally don’t go for any romance books set in Australia so that’s the first thing and the second thing my god you can tell that this was written by a millennial who so desperately wanted to be remembered in high school…. The MMC was also married…. Not going to lie I skimmed the last 20%
November 6, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
There was nothing inherently wrong with this book, but I was just not convinced by the characters or the plot. I didn't feel connected to the characters, and the story felt choppy and incohesive.
I did love the 2000s Australian backdrop, it was very nostalgic.
There was nothing inherently wrong with this book, but I was just not convinced by the characters or the plot. I didn't feel connected to the characters, and the story felt choppy and incohesive.
I did love the 2000s Australian backdrop, it was very nostalgic.
June 18, 2025
Booksta Link✨
Rating: 3 stars
A big thank you to Allen & Unwin for providing me with a review copy of this book!
Love Overdue is a second-chance romance that captures a delightful Rom-Com vibe, filled with sweet and nostalgic moments. The narrative unfolds through a dual timeline, one of my favourite storytelling techniques, from the perspective of Lauren, a Vice Principal at a primary school who unexpectedly encounters the love of her life from high school, now the father of one of her students.
While this is a work of romantic fiction, I appreciated the depth of the characters as we explore their past and uncover how Lauren and Jamie went their separate ways. The story also delves into the complexities of family backgrounds and dynamics, adding richness to the narrative. Not to mention the switch between the 2000’s MSN flashbacks to the current E-Mails.
This book is an incredibly easy read, making it the perfect choice for unwinding on a cool evening, curled up on the couch with a warm drink.
However, I found it difficult to relate to either of the main characters. Although I generally enjoy second-chance romances, I struggled to root for Jamie to reclaim his chance. His attitude and behaviour in the first half of the book was quite frustrating. Similarly, I didn’t connect with Lauren until about the three-quarter mark. Despite my lack of affection for Jamie, I found myself growing increasingly exasperated with Lauren's thought processes, dare I say, her desperation for him, despite his unresolved family issues and his apparent forgetfulness of their entire relationship, which had spanned their final year of high school.
Unfortunately, this book didn't resonate with me, but I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a delightful and easy binge-read that captures the essence of nostalgic high school romance and rom-comedy energy.
Rating: 3 stars
A big thank you to Allen & Unwin for providing me with a review copy of this book!
Love Overdue is a second-chance romance that captures a delightful Rom-Com vibe, filled with sweet and nostalgic moments. The narrative unfolds through a dual timeline, one of my favourite storytelling techniques, from the perspective of Lauren, a Vice Principal at a primary school who unexpectedly encounters the love of her life from high school, now the father of one of her students.
While this is a work of romantic fiction, I appreciated the depth of the characters as we explore their past and uncover how Lauren and Jamie went their separate ways. The story also delves into the complexities of family backgrounds and dynamics, adding richness to the narrative. Not to mention the switch between the 2000’s MSN flashbacks to the current E-Mails.
This book is an incredibly easy read, making it the perfect choice for unwinding on a cool evening, curled up on the couch with a warm drink.
However, I found it difficult to relate to either of the main characters. Although I generally enjoy second-chance romances, I struggled to root for Jamie to reclaim his chance. His attitude and behaviour in the first half of the book was quite frustrating. Similarly, I didn’t connect with Lauren until about the three-quarter mark. Despite my lack of affection for Jamie, I found myself growing increasingly exasperated with Lauren's thought processes, dare I say, her desperation for him, despite his unresolved family issues and his apparent forgetfulness of their entire relationship, which had spanned their final year of high school.
Unfortunately, this book didn't resonate with me, but I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a delightful and easy binge-read that captures the essence of nostalgic high school romance and rom-comedy energy.
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June 29, 2025DNF Page 86. The MMC is MARRIED TO SOMEONE ELSE. Get the fuck out of here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2025
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
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
August 29, 2025
What an absolutely beautiful read! I really enjoyed this book, it was the perfect poolside read.
The story is told in a dual timeline, which I always love. It alternates between Lauren at 38, working as a vice principal, and her teenage years with her first love, Jamie.
I loved getting to know Lauren in both stages of her life. Her relationship with Jamie as a teen was so sweet, and her friendship with Liv, a fellow teacher, was equally special. Their bond was like that of sisters, they were each other’s rock. But because of a tragedy in her past, Lauren has always struggled to let people in fully. It takes a falling out to finally make her realise this.
This was such an easy, enjoyable read, no spice, no angst, just a heartwarming story filled with lovely characters. I especially adored April, a beautiful teenager navigating the usual struggles of growing up, who found her way thanks to Lauren’s support.
The ending was perfect, and I felt so proud of Lauren for finally sorting out her life.
A great, fun, and uplifting read 🩷
The story is told in a dual timeline, which I always love. It alternates between Lauren at 38, working as a vice principal, and her teenage years with her first love, Jamie.
I loved getting to know Lauren in both stages of her life. Her relationship with Jamie as a teen was so sweet, and her friendship with Liv, a fellow teacher, was equally special. Their bond was like that of sisters, they were each other’s rock. But because of a tragedy in her past, Lauren has always struggled to let people in fully. It takes a falling out to finally make her realise this.
This was such an easy, enjoyable read, no spice, no angst, just a heartwarming story filled with lovely characters. I especially adored April, a beautiful teenager navigating the usual struggles of growing up, who found her way thanks to Lauren’s support.
The ending was perfect, and I felt so proud of Lauren for finally sorting out her life.
A great, fun, and uplifting read 🩷
June 13, 2025
Ohhhh how I loved this book!! 💕
A second chance romance with heart, humour & courage! I resonated with this story immediately. I loved how it was structured and the flip between 'then' & 'now' timelines was great. I loved learning about Lauren & Jaime'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! Highly recommend!
A second chance romance with heart, humour & courage! I resonated with this story immediately. I loved how it was structured and the flip between 'then' & 'now' timelines was great. I loved learning about Lauren & Jaime'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! Highly recommend!
August 1, 2025
I loved this book. I literally read it in less than 24 hours and I would’ve finished it in one sitting had I not had to go to work.
this book is a romance however it is so much more than just a love story. Love Overdue is about friendship and grief and loss, finding yourself, and dealing with aging and unfulfilled dreams.
I especially loved the characters in this story as they all felt so real. Lauren’s growth and character development was so inspiring to read about and my heart broke for her. Jamie is so unashamedly himself and has so much love for his daughter. April is definitely one of my favourite characters; for a child she is so mature and understanding of adult conversations and the realities of life, without seeming too old, or being an unrealistic year 6.
this book genuinely made me feel so many emotions: happiness, stress, sadness, second-hand embarrassment, and I truly can not recommend this read enough <3
this book is a romance however it is so much more than just a love story. Love Overdue is about friendship and grief and loss, finding yourself, and dealing with aging and unfulfilled dreams.
I especially loved the characters in this story as they all felt so real. Lauren’s growth and character development was so inspiring to read about and my heart broke for her. Jamie is so unashamedly himself and has so much love for his daughter. April is definitely one of my favourite characters; for a child she is so mature and understanding of adult conversations and the realities of life, without seeming too old, or being an unrealistic year 6.
this book genuinely made me feel so many emotions: happiness, stress, sadness, second-hand embarrassment, and I truly can not recommend this read enough <3
July 11, 2025
I absolutely adore anything Ali and Michelle write and this was another wholesome, heartfelt, super sweet story!
Lauren (Wren/Birdie) is our wonderful FMC, vice principal of a primary school, she’s sweet and lovely. Along comes Jamie, a parent from her school and someone from her past.
This book is so much more than second chance romance, it’s also about parenting, grief, friendships, social media and following your dreams plus more!
I loved the bookish moments throughout the story, I loved how many memories it brought back too, MSN chat messages were so fun!
I didn’t want to leave this beautiful world, I wanted more!!
Thanks so much @allenandunwin for sending me this copy.
Lauren (Wren/Birdie) is our wonderful FMC, vice principal of a primary school, she’s sweet and lovely. Along comes Jamie, a parent from her school and someone from her past.
This book is so much more than second chance romance, it’s also about parenting, grief, friendships, social media and following your dreams plus more!
I loved the bookish moments throughout the story, I loved how many memories it brought back too, MSN chat messages were so fun!
I didn’t want to leave this beautiful world, I wanted more!!
Thanks so much @allenandunwin for sending me this copy.
May 15, 2025
oh my goshness- I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!
Wren/ Lauren you are a beautiful soul og a character, that I wanted to hug a lot of the time. She was fantastic, quirky, embarrassing, just like a best friend.
Jamie- you're a twat, but you grew on me, you were stuck in a hard place, and your feelings mattered.
This book made me feel so much while reading, and I enjoyed every little bit of it! I absolutely cried like a baby when discussing Bear, and how that was a turning point in the book for Lauren and everyone around her. I also enjoyed the very Australian bits of it, made me connect it straight to home and comfortable.
Overall this was a beautiful, soul enriching read that I loved so so much.
Wren/ Lauren you are a beautiful soul og a character, that I wanted to hug a lot of the time. She was fantastic, quirky, embarrassing, just like a best friend.
Jamie- you're a twat, but you grew on me, you were stuck in a hard place, and your feelings mattered.
This book made me feel so much while reading, and I enjoyed every little bit of it! I absolutely cried like a baby when discussing Bear, and how that was a turning point in the book for Lauren and everyone around her. I also enjoyed the very Australian bits of it, made me connect it straight to home and comfortable.
Overall this was a beautiful, soul enriching read that I loved so so much.
June 2, 2025
I loved this so much!
Such a beautiful second chance romance, and it was just what I needed! ❤️
Considering this story revolves around love it felt like there was so much more going on.
It’s filled with grief that made me cry, MSN messages that made me laugh, and love that made me sigh.
It was a struggle having to put this one down and return to real life! Especially when I got up to the last 100 pages and then that epilogue ❤️❤️❤️
Love love love!
Love Overdue will be one of my forever favourites!
Perfect for fans of Emily Henry, and romance with some depth.
Thank you so much Net Galley and Allen and Unwin for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Such a beautiful second chance romance, and it was just what I needed! ❤️
Considering this story revolves around love it felt like there was so much more going on.
It’s filled with grief that made me cry, MSN messages that made me laugh, and love that made me sigh.
It was a struggle having to put this one down and return to real life! Especially when I got up to the last 100 pages and then that epilogue ❤️❤️❤️
Love love love!
Love Overdue will be one of my forever favourites!
Perfect for fans of Emily Henry, and romance with some depth.
Thank you so much Net Galley and Allen and Unwin for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 19, 2025
Best by Ali Berg and Michelle Kalus so far! I enjoyed their earlier books but this was so much deeper than the first three books they’ve written together. I love the msn messenger and MySpace mentions, and I’m also a sucker for best friend side plots, so ❤️❤️❤️.
July 15, 2025
This was a fabulous Summer read. Funny, heartfelt and captured me all the way from the beginning to the end.
August 21, 2025
I’ve not met a book by these women that I haven’t thoroughly enjoyed and this is no exception. A beautiful story told in 2 different time lines you will get all the feels
September 12, 2025
a feel good book written by aussie authors, we love 👏🏻
September 27, 2025
A fun little escape for the day. Maybe 3 and a half stars.
October 13, 2025
Dnf becuase it was taking too long and I started the housemaid.
September 26, 2025
A slow start but wow I really enjoyed where this story went.
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