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Overspill
Tender, brutal, devastating, OVERSPILL is the debut novel from incredible new literary talent, Charlotte Paradise.
Sara is twenty-five. She has never used a tampon without having a panic attack.
She starts dating Miles. For three months, they don’t touch. Miles respects her boundaries, though he longs for them to melt away. Sara desires Miles, but she knows her body, or rather she knows it is an unknowable thing.
Sara wants to be in love, to find a person who allows her to be herself. Someone who is happy with everything she is and everything she isn’t. Miles hopes he won’t hurt her.
But how do you navigate a relationship for which there is no blueprint? How do you love someone when your body is not your own, and how do you reclaim it?
Overspill is a luminous, shattering debut about love, trauma and self-acceptance, perfect for fans of Sally Rooney and Coco Mellors.
Sara is twenty-five. She has never used a tampon without having a panic attack.
She starts dating Miles. For three months, they don’t touch. Miles respects her boundaries, though he longs for them to melt away. Sara desires Miles, but she knows her body, or rather she knows it is an unknowable thing.
Sara wants to be in love, to find a person who allows her to be herself. Someone who is happy with everything she is and everything she isn’t. Miles hopes he won’t hurt her.
But how do you navigate a relationship for which there is no blueprint? How do you love someone when your body is not your own, and how do you reclaim it?
Overspill is a luminous, shattering debut about love, trauma and self-acceptance, perfect for fans of Sally Rooney and Coco Mellors.
402 pages, Paperback
Published April 24, 2025
46 people are currently reading
2742 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
March 14, 2025
2.5 rounded up
The start is challenging for me with its discussion of bodily issues that 25-year-old Sara suffers from. She hasn’t been in a relationship since Nick and has only had a few dates, partly because of her body issues. Now, she starts to date Miles, she has to explain her psychological problems and initially he’s very understanding. How can she overcome a serious condition in order to truly be with Miles?
I’m not the right reader for this, I don’t enjoy the topic under discussion and I believe it’s suits a much younger age profile than mine. I find it very hard to read is it is extremely frank, upfront, honest and painfully raw about Sara‘s issues. It’s a bit too brutally honest for my taste. Her painful struggles come across very clearly and it certainly thought provoking and I’m sure that it’s a novel that will resonate with many. When the truth that lies at the heart of it all emerges it’s shocking yet in another way it’s not, because it has to be something very traumatic. It does make me feel terribly sorry for her which leads to greater understanding.
Although it’s well written but at times I find the pace is too slow and it doesn’t hold my interest. It’s an effort to push on in the hope that the pace will pick up.
Overall, it’s not for me as I find the subject matter makes me too uncomfortable.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins: Akan Books for the early copy and apologies that it doesn’t work for me.
The start is challenging for me with its discussion of bodily issues that 25-year-old Sara suffers from. She hasn’t been in a relationship since Nick and has only had a few dates, partly because of her body issues. Now, she starts to date Miles, she has to explain her psychological problems and initially he’s very understanding. How can she overcome a serious condition in order to truly be with Miles?
I’m not the right reader for this, I don’t enjoy the topic under discussion and I believe it’s suits a much younger age profile than mine. I find it very hard to read is it is extremely frank, upfront, honest and painfully raw about Sara‘s issues. It’s a bit too brutally honest for my taste. Her painful struggles come across very clearly and it certainly thought provoking and I’m sure that it’s a novel that will resonate with many. When the truth that lies at the heart of it all emerges it’s shocking yet in another way it’s not, because it has to be something very traumatic. It does make me feel terribly sorry for her which leads to greater understanding.
Although it’s well written but at times I find the pace is too slow and it doesn’t hold my interest. It’s an effort to push on in the hope that the pace will pick up.
Overall, it’s not for me as I find the subject matter makes me too uncomfortable.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins: Akan Books for the early copy and apologies that it doesn’t work for me.
September 12, 2024
There are so many things to say about this incredible book. It’s an absolute wonder and its prose SPARKLES.
This is one of those stories that will break your heart, mend it again, and send you away with hope in your hands that things can be better. That you might just fall in love with your body after spending so many years fighting against it.
I read this book so quickly - it’s penned with such raw honesty and bravery. Instant five star read. Instant must buy author. Instant modern classic for me.
Loved loved loved.
This is one of those stories that will break your heart, mend it again, and send you away with hope in your hands that things can be better. That you might just fall in love with your body after spending so many years fighting against it.
I read this book so quickly - it’s penned with such raw honesty and bravery. Instant five star read. Instant must buy author. Instant modern classic for me.
Loved loved loved.
April 27, 2025
If mansplaining was done by a woman it would be this book.
I don’t think I have ever found a book so infuriating, this book made me so angry.
The characters are dull but they are also so irritating, particularly Sara. Sara never thought to see anyone else’s point of view and just expected Miles to know how to act in a very new very difficult situation as if he should have just walked out of some psychologist’s textbook. Umm that isn’t how real life works. How would he know how to act, even when she would tell him she would just do it in such a passive aggressive way that isn’t helping anybody. I’m not saying miles was perfect because he wasn’t but Sara needed to realise she wasn’t perfect either.
I understand what the author was trying to do and 100% the complexities of PTSD and the affect they have on somebody’s body and relationships should be more widely talked about but this was just done so heavy handed and there was no subtlety to it.
I also think she mentioned she was vegan at least every other chapter. I don’t have short term memory loss but this book kind of made me wish I did.
Also the writing I have huge issues with. This was really just telling and no showing. The simple sentences and the lack of flow just added to my frustration.
The synopsis sounded great but the execution unfortunately was not for me.
I don’t think I have ever found a book so infuriating, this book made me so angry.
The characters are dull but they are also so irritating, particularly Sara. Sara never thought to see anyone else’s point of view and just expected Miles to know how to act in a very new very difficult situation as if he should have just walked out of some psychologist’s textbook. Umm that isn’t how real life works. How would he know how to act, even when she would tell him she would just do it in such a passive aggressive way that isn’t helping anybody. I’m not saying miles was perfect because he wasn’t but Sara needed to realise she wasn’t perfect either.
I understand what the author was trying to do and 100% the complexities of PTSD and the affect they have on somebody’s body and relationships should be more widely talked about but this was just done so heavy handed and there was no subtlety to it.
I also think she mentioned she was vegan at least every other chapter. I don’t have short term memory loss but this book kind of made me wish I did.
Also the writing I have huge issues with. This was really just telling and no showing. The simple sentences and the lack of flow just added to my frustration.
The synopsis sounded great but the execution unfortunately was not for me.
September 6, 2025
4.5
how do i even begin to review this book? i went through the last hundred pages with a knot in my stomach and a lump in my throat, constantly on the brink of tears. the entire novel was poignant, heartbreaking, and yet hopeful and tender at times.
the author did not shy away from anything when describing Sara’s aversion to physical intimacy and her sexual trauma. it’s incredibly raw and unfiltered and i don’t think i’ve ever read anything quite this detailed or this realistic.
i connected with Sara on such a deep level. i was so moved to see her exploring her trauma, understanding her boundaries and learning how to love and accept herself. although that trauma isn’t something she and i have in common, all of her flaws were deeply human, and a lot of them i could relate to—reading about her made me feel comforted and seen. very few characters have made me feel this way. i was in awe of her attempts to communicate, always, even if she often failed because of her inability to put words on what she was going through; still, she tried, and every time she did it filled me with pride. i empathize completely with the pain of wanting to be known, wanting to be understood and yet never trusting anyone enough to bare your soul to them in its entirety, or if you do then not being able to articulate it into anything that makes sense. the frustration and anger that comes with that.
if that wasn’t enough, Charlotte Paradise’s prose is just stunning. there is some beautiful imagery in the middle of all of that sharpness and, although i’ve seen some people disagree, i really love the way she writes dialogues. it’s like i could hear the characters talk in my mind, with all the hesitation and stumbling over words of real-life conversations.
i will definitely be keeping an eye out for future works by this author!
how do i even begin to review this book? i went through the last hundred pages with a knot in my stomach and a lump in my throat, constantly on the brink of tears. the entire novel was poignant, heartbreaking, and yet hopeful and tender at times.
the author did not shy away from anything when describing Sara’s aversion to physical intimacy and her sexual trauma. it’s incredibly raw and unfiltered and i don’t think i’ve ever read anything quite this detailed or this realistic.
i connected with Sara on such a deep level. i was so moved to see her exploring her trauma, understanding her boundaries and learning how to love and accept herself. although that trauma isn’t something she and i have in common, all of her flaws were deeply human, and a lot of them i could relate to—reading about her made me feel comforted and seen. very few characters have made me feel this way. i was in awe of her attempts to communicate, always, even if she often failed because of her inability to put words on what she was going through; still, she tried, and every time she did it filled me with pride. i empathize completely with the pain of wanting to be known, wanting to be understood and yet never trusting anyone enough to bare your soul to them in its entirety, or if you do then not being able to articulate it into anything that makes sense. the frustration and anger that comes with that.
if that wasn’t enough, Charlotte Paradise’s prose is just stunning. there is some beautiful imagery in the middle of all of that sharpness and, although i’ve seen some people disagree, i really love the way she writes dialogues. it’s like i could hear the characters talk in my mind, with all the hesitation and stumbling over words of real-life conversations.
i will definitely be keeping an eye out for future works by this author!
March 5, 2025
Sara dates Miles whilst struggling with her own journey through trauma, grief and bodily detachment - her limbs, her mind, her organs don’t belong to her - yet, she so wishes them to allow her to experience Miles’s love. A raw portrayal of living with cptsd and trauma’s sway over one’s crumpling world. It felt so good to read about the realities of a genuine relationship, to see two imperfect individuals come together and try their best, to not feel the need to label them toxic or red flags.
The prose was beautiful and made the experience of this novel that much special. Finally, a sincere representation of the footprints of trauma and the complexity of human nature.
Definitely be aware of the trigger warnings for this one, it was a difficult read but worth the journey.
The prose was beautiful and made the experience of this novel that much special. Finally, a sincere representation of the footprints of trauma and the complexity of human nature.
Definitely be aware of the trigger warnings for this one, it was a difficult read but worth the journey.
August 12, 2025
felt like an ache
April 25, 2025
Wow, this was an emotional GUT PUNCH. Hard to review, if I'm honest...
Charlotte Paradise is a very, very talented writer, that much is clear. I didn't remember what this was about as I requested it from NetGalley a while back (thanks for the arc!) and sort of went it blind - which I don't recommend if you are the kind of person who needs trigger warnings.
Without giving too much away (which, having read the blurb again, I think gives too much away in some ways... blurbs are hard!), this is a story about trauma. Our MC, Sara, suffers from extreme body issues that make it hard for her to put a tampon in, let alone think about penetrative sex, particularly after an awful experience with ex-boyfriend. (Awful is not a strong enough word). She hasn't dated since then, but wants to move forwards in a relationship with Miles, who she genuinely has romantic feelings for, and sexual ones too, but how can they navigate a physical and emotional connection that doesn't leave them both resentful, hurt, or unsatisfied?
A lot of Sara's issues resonated with me, even though she's in a younger age profile than me (she's 25), and her raw, brutal pain is hard to read. The prose is stunning, the emotions are real and crippling. I wonder if this comes from lived experience?
Please do read the trigger warnings for this book - it may be a difficult read. Beautifully written though - Charlotte Paradise has a turn of phrase and way with words that are devastating. A strong debut; my rating is perhaps more due to personal expectations/experiences.
Charlotte Paradise is a very, very talented writer, that much is clear. I didn't remember what this was about as I requested it from NetGalley a while back (thanks for the arc!) and sort of went it blind - which I don't recommend if you are the kind of person who needs trigger warnings.
Without giving too much away (which, having read the blurb again, I think gives too much away in some ways... blurbs are hard!), this is a story about trauma. Our MC, Sara, suffers from extreme body issues that make it hard for her to put a tampon in, let alone think about penetrative sex, particularly after an awful experience with ex-boyfriend. (Awful is not a strong enough word). She hasn't dated since then, but wants to move forwards in a relationship with Miles, who she genuinely has romantic feelings for, and sexual ones too, but how can they navigate a physical and emotional connection that doesn't leave them both resentful, hurt, or unsatisfied?
A lot of Sara's issues resonated with me, even though she's in a younger age profile than me (she's 25), and her raw, brutal pain is hard to read. The prose is stunning, the emotions are real and crippling. I wonder if this comes from lived experience?
Please do read the trigger warnings for this book - it may be a difficult read. Beautifully written though - Charlotte Paradise has a turn of phrase and way with words that are devastating. A strong debut; my rating is perhaps more due to personal expectations/experiences.
April 24, 2025
Happy publication day 🎉🥳🎧
A very conflicted and complicated 5 🌟
It’s incredibly hard to believe that this is Charlotte Paradise’s debut. It’s such an accomplished piece. It’s raw and breathtaking, yet it’s suffocating and anxiety inducing the writing is absolutely stunning, it’s beautiful and lyrical and really is the sole reason for the 5 stars.
I connected immediately with Sara and her trauma, she’s a complicated young woman, but I had so much admiration for her longing for change, her want to feel whole and have a sexual partner, her sheer bravery in putting herself out there on the dating scene. When she met Miles I had so much hope for their relationship and I absolutely adored Miles, I think that may seem a little controversial given that he isn’t quite the man she hoped he could be, but there was a real honesty to that and I found him to be really endearing, I hope that somewhere beyond the story there’s a future for them. The beauty of the story is in the hope.
Now, here is where my conflict lies. I would’ve really appreciated a trigger/content warning of some kind, I coped with Sara’s trauma fairly well for the majority of the book, even though it was distressing and triggering. However I was completely ill prepared mentally for the final chapters where childhood sexual assault is disclosed in therapy, I fully appreciate that it fits with the story and the timeline, that it had to come out in the way it did but it came at me like a sledgehammer, I really didn’t expect it and I found it extremely hard to listen to. I think readers need to be aware of distressing content, and would really encourage adding a content warning for publication.
The audio narration by Victoria Morrison was a perfect fit for the writing I felt, in fact it felt like I was hearing the story from the author.
All the stars 🌟
#Jorecommends - if there’s a content warning added.
Huge gratitude to Harper Collins U.K. audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this ALC 🎧
A very conflicted and complicated 5 🌟
It’s incredibly hard to believe that this is Charlotte Paradise’s debut. It’s such an accomplished piece. It’s raw and breathtaking, yet it’s suffocating and anxiety inducing the writing is absolutely stunning, it’s beautiful and lyrical and really is the sole reason for the 5 stars.
I connected immediately with Sara and her trauma, she’s a complicated young woman, but I had so much admiration for her longing for change, her want to feel whole and have a sexual partner, her sheer bravery in putting herself out there on the dating scene. When she met Miles I had so much hope for their relationship and I absolutely adored Miles, I think that may seem a little controversial given that he isn’t quite the man she hoped he could be, but there was a real honesty to that and I found him to be really endearing, I hope that somewhere beyond the story there’s a future for them. The beauty of the story is in the hope.
Now, here is where my conflict lies. I would’ve really appreciated a trigger/content warning of some kind, I coped with Sara’s trauma fairly well for the majority of the book, even though it was distressing and triggering. However I was completely ill prepared mentally for the final chapters where childhood sexual assault is disclosed in therapy, I fully appreciate that it fits with the story and the timeline, that it had to come out in the way it did but it came at me like a sledgehammer, I really didn’t expect it and I found it extremely hard to listen to. I think readers need to be aware of distressing content, and would really encourage adding a content warning for publication.
The audio narration by Victoria Morrison was a perfect fit for the writing I felt, in fact it felt like I was hearing the story from the author.
All the stars 🌟
#Jorecommends - if there’s a content warning added.
Huge gratitude to Harper Collins U.K. audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this ALC 🎧
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2025
the first book to describe my real feelings
May 17, 2025
Raw and unforgettable.
This book tore me to shreds.
A superb literary fiction with yearning, trauma and an honest exploration of women’s physical and mental health.
I have thought about this book & these characters all week.
I don’t think that I am capable of accurately verbalising how this book made me feel.
It completely consumed me.
Charlotte Paradise, you are so insanely talented.
This book tore me to shreds.
A superb literary fiction with yearning, trauma and an honest exploration of women’s physical and mental health.
I have thought about this book & these characters all week.
I don’t think that I am capable of accurately verbalising how this book made me feel.
It completely consumed me.
Charlotte Paradise, you are so insanely talented.
April 18, 2025
Ok, ouch????
I very quickly became completely enraptured in this book, unable to put it down.
It starts with Sara in a bathroom, traumatised while trying to insert a tampon. We are informed she has vaginismus, and there's clearly some kind of lingering ptsd. We then watch her tentatively approach dating for the first time in over five years after her last boyfriend assaulted her.
This book is really about grief, and Sara's journey with holding her grief and trying to move past it. It's ruled her life for a long time, and she's very one step forward, two steps back when she tries to improve. The last 30% is where the book really hits its stride, I cried a few times, and became so invested in Sara's journey. The building blocks for the reveal are really well done, you'll probably guess what happened to her (but it's not meant to be a twist).
I wish we'd seen a little more of why Sara and Miles like/love each other. We see them happy, tender moments etc, but not really the building of that connection. Based on both their handling of issues later on, I do think this was deliberate? But particularly for the first half or so I think we needed more of what actually made them compatible.
Overall, this is brash and bold, beautiful, and a little devastating, and I would absolutely give it a read.
NB the book deals with sexual assault - mostly in her trauma/remembering glimpses.
I very quickly became completely enraptured in this book, unable to put it down.
It starts with Sara in a bathroom, traumatised while trying to insert a tampon. We are informed she has vaginismus, and there's clearly some kind of lingering ptsd. We then watch her tentatively approach dating for the first time in over five years after her last boyfriend assaulted her.
This book is really about grief, and Sara's journey with holding her grief and trying to move past it. It's ruled her life for a long time, and she's very one step forward, two steps back when she tries to improve. The last 30% is where the book really hits its stride, I cried a few times, and became so invested in Sara's journey. The building blocks for the reveal are really well done, you'll probably guess what happened to her (but it's not meant to be a twist).
I wish we'd seen a little more of why Sara and Miles like/love each other. We see them happy, tender moments etc, but not really the building of that connection. Based on both their handling of issues later on, I do think this was deliberate? But particularly for the first half or so I think we needed more of what actually made them compatible.
Overall, this is brash and bold, beautiful, and a little devastating, and I would absolutely give it a read.
NB the book deals with sexual assault - mostly in her trauma/remembering glimpses.
Read
May 18, 2025Major content warnings for this. I am not really sure how to / if I should rate this book. On one hand, I think it approached this topic perfectly and extremely honestly, and on the other hand, I was extremely frustrated by it. I almost feel guilty for finding the main character insufferable for the first 80% of this book because the last 20% was so vivid and painful yet important. I guess two things can be true. Not a book for everyone but it was a very raw and honest depiction of trauma and that can be healing for some.
May 22, 2025
(future edit: looking back definitely between a 4-5 star read i cannot decide AH) i don’t think i can put into words how haunting this book is, the way she writes about csa and repressed memories is harrowing. i found myself in absolute sobs by the last 1/3. would have been a strong 5 star-er if it was less miles-centric i want him dead.
“The truth is that when I remember what happened to me, I know-know. The truth is that I survived.
The truth is that it's still hard, that it will affect my life forever. The truth is the truth is the truth is the truth.”
“The truth is that when I remember what happened to me, I know-know. The truth is that I survived.
The truth is that it's still hard, that it will affect my life forever. The truth is the truth is the truth is the truth.”
Read
May 10, 2025Quite the gut punch.
April 25, 2025
It’s going to sound incredibly stupid but I’ve never really understood the whole ‘right person but wrong time’ thing until reading overspill & god it made me so fucking sad.
TRIGGER WARNINGS
This book explores the complexity of relationships with mental health struggles, Religious trauma & sexual abuse. I like that there was representation for men’s mental health as I feel conversations around mental health are very woman dominated. However some bits of the book were absolutely cringe & a little tacky.. (boob door knobs). I also didn’t agree with some of the extreme views labelled as feminism.
I love how this book explores intimacy. There’s an innocence to it, tenderness, vulnerability, a closeness even the most smallest touches & such a raw depth to it. The voice in this book feels very raw, vulnerable & honest. In a very shallow society full of hook up culture disguised as liberation but it’s just full of emotional disconnection this book was absolutely refreshing.
I don’t think Miles is a bad guy in this & I know a lot of people will disagree but I don’t. Both Sara & Miles had their own individual struggles & they both needed to work through them. I think it would be very hypocritical to shame Miles for wanting s3x when so many are against society doing this to women. However I do think Miles could have behaved better at times.
Anji I found very annoying & crass. She has a very black and white (so very narrow) mindset where if you don’t fully agree with her you’re against the whole thing. I didn’t agree with most of her opinions & she just seemed a mouth puppet of extreme feminists views. She also had a habit of making some situations about herself followed by Sara apologising when she didn’t need to.
Unpopular opinion: but I Sara is 100% wrong trying to push her views on veganism on him… it felt like she was out right telling to stop eating meat. It came across as entitled & a little controlling.
TRIGGER WARNINGS
This book explores the complexity of relationships with mental health struggles, Religious trauma & sexual abuse. I like that there was representation for men’s mental health as I feel conversations around mental health are very woman dominated. However some bits of the book were absolutely cringe & a little tacky.. (boob door knobs). I also didn’t agree with some of the extreme views labelled as feminism.
I love how this book explores intimacy. There’s an innocence to it, tenderness, vulnerability, a closeness even the most smallest touches & such a raw depth to it. The voice in this book feels very raw, vulnerable & honest. In a very shallow society full of hook up culture disguised as liberation but it’s just full of emotional disconnection this book was absolutely refreshing.
I don’t think Miles is a bad guy in this & I know a lot of people will disagree but I don’t. Both Sara & Miles had their own individual struggles & they both needed to work through them. I think it would be very hypocritical to shame Miles for wanting s3x when so many are against society doing this to women. However I do think Miles could have behaved better at times.
Anji I found very annoying & crass. She has a very black and white (so very narrow) mindset where if you don’t fully agree with her you’re against the whole thing. I didn’t agree with most of her opinions & she just seemed a mouth puppet of extreme feminists views. She also had a habit of making some situations about herself followed by Sara apologising when she didn’t need to.
Unpopular opinion: but I Sara is 100% wrong trying to push her views on veganism on him… it felt like she was out right telling to stop eating meat. It came across as entitled & a little controlling.
April 23, 2025
wow. Honest, unflinching, raw. I loved it. It was agonising.
Sara (that’s Zara with an S not Sarah) is entering into a new relationship with Miles, but she needs to be honest about her issues surrounding penetration. Miles thinks he can love Sara and is trying to be a better man. Their love is uncomplicated but their physical touch is anything but. What defines a romantic relationship? How do you reconcile the physicality of love when you can’t reconcile your attachment to your own body?
I couldn’t put this down. There are trigger warnings all over the place for readers so proceed with caution. If you can brave it though, this is enlightening. I’d encourage all genders (especially cis men) to read it.
I wanted to write that it was graphic but actually I’m wrong. It’s factual, it calls a vagina a vagina, it is not graphic, it just does not use euphemisms and I think actually it’s quite refreshing. Sara suffers from vaginismus which although explorer in sex education (the show, not in schools), this very real and very personal condition isn’t really talked about. I think romance novels absolutely have their place in the world but books like this should always sit along side, so we can fantastise but also really learn.
The characters broke my heart. There are certainly villains in the story but neither are Sara or Miles, they get stuff right and wrong but what a difficult path they walk. I sympathise with both of their journeys in this story. They feel real to me.
This book has made me face some of my own hang ups and encouraged me to have open conversations. It’s not the point of the story, but it’s made me feel braver. I’m very very glad I read it.
Thank you Charlotte Paradise (great name) for this work.
Thank you #netgalley and #HQstories for my #arc
Sara (that’s Zara with an S not Sarah) is entering into a new relationship with Miles, but she needs to be honest about her issues surrounding penetration. Miles thinks he can love Sara and is trying to be a better man. Their love is uncomplicated but their physical touch is anything but. What defines a romantic relationship? How do you reconcile the physicality of love when you can’t reconcile your attachment to your own body?
I couldn’t put this down. There are trigger warnings all over the place for readers so proceed with caution. If you can brave it though, this is enlightening. I’d encourage all genders (especially cis men) to read it.
I wanted to write that it was graphic but actually I’m wrong. It’s factual, it calls a vagina a vagina, it is not graphic, it just does not use euphemisms and I think actually it’s quite refreshing. Sara suffers from vaginismus which although explorer in sex education (the show, not in schools), this very real and very personal condition isn’t really talked about. I think romance novels absolutely have their place in the world but books like this should always sit along side, so we can fantastise but also really learn.
The characters broke my heart. There are certainly villains in the story but neither are Sara or Miles, they get stuff right and wrong but what a difficult path they walk. I sympathise with both of their journeys in this story. They feel real to me.
This book has made me face some of my own hang ups and encouraged me to have open conversations. It’s not the point of the story, but it’s made me feel braver. I’m very very glad I read it.
Thank you Charlotte Paradise (great name) for this work.
Thank you #netgalley and #HQstories for my #arc
April 21, 2025
I'm not quite sure how best to review this book. I've just finished and am feeling a lot of things right now (the sign of a good book, I'd say).
Overspill follows Sara as she goes through life with serious mental health struggles and trauma, focusing on her relationship with Miles. She wants badly to be 'normal', but wishing mental health problems to go away has never worked for anyone. It's an incredibly intimate and unflinching book, and hard to read at times.
The writing is beautiful and easy to follow, the characters are real and human (even if the side characters do feel a bit one dimensional at times), and the plot is well thought out. A very introspective read, and while it's not perfect, it's an impressive debut. I'll be keeping an eye out for what the author writes best. I definitely recommend this, but do make sure you're in the right frame of mind before you start - mind your trigger warnings.
Many thanks to HQ for providing me with an eARC of this book through Netgalley.
Overspill follows Sara as she goes through life with serious mental health struggles and trauma, focusing on her relationship with Miles. She wants badly to be 'normal', but wishing mental health problems to go away has never worked for anyone. It's an incredibly intimate and unflinching book, and hard to read at times.
The writing is beautiful and easy to follow, the characters are real and human (even if the side characters do feel a bit one dimensional at times), and the plot is well thought out. A very introspective read, and while it's not perfect, it's an impressive debut. I'll be keeping an eye out for what the author writes best. I definitely recommend this, but do make sure you're in the right frame of mind before you start - mind your trigger warnings.
Many thanks to HQ for providing me with an eARC of this book through Netgalley.
August 6, 2025
What stood out to me most was how honest and tender it is. Paradise doesn’t sensationalize anything, she lets the quiet moments carry the emotional weight. Sara’s relationship with Miles unfolds slowly, carefully. There’s no grand romance here, just two people learning how to be gentle with each other, and how to hold space for what hurts.
The writing is sparse but powerful, and you really feel how exhausting healing can be. It doesn’t offer tidy resolutions or easy hope, but that’s what makes it feel real.
It’s soft. it’s painful. Ultimately, Overspill is about reclaiming agency, even if it’s just in fragments. It’s about the slow, nonlinear work of healing and how sometimes just surviving, just trying, is more courageous than anything else.
The writing is sparse but powerful, and you really feel how exhausting healing can be. It doesn’t offer tidy resolutions or easy hope, but that’s what makes it feel real.
It’s soft. it’s painful. Ultimately, Overspill is about reclaiming agency, even if it’s just in fragments. It’s about the slow, nonlinear work of healing and how sometimes just surviving, just trying, is more courageous than anything else.
June 23, 2025
This book should have trigger warnings on it and I'm surprised it doesn't for how well (for the most part) it handles CPTSD and the subject matters tackled within.
Have been fighting my feelings regarding this and whether I loved it or hated it, for how much I have been thinking about it I will tentatively say I at least liked it.
Have been fighting my feelings regarding this and whether I loved it or hated it, for how much I have been thinking about it I will tentatively say I at least liked it.
September 1, 2025
have never cried so hard at a book as this one
April 26, 2025
Thank you so much to Akan Books for the ARC!
4.75 stars rounded up! Wow knowing me it will just be bumped to a 5 lmaooo
I needed a moment to gather my thoughts and feelings of this when I finished. I got the ARC and began to read & annotate and only stopped when I needed to sleep.
The writing within this is something that is so raw and familiar. Brutally honest and relatable that you get dragged into it relating to maybe everything that Sarah herself mentions, has experienced, or even just little parts.
The subject matter within the story is deep and crushing. Extremely crushing. Especially to witness a character we have been on a journey with try to gain some control on things, understandings of herself and her new relationship with Miles, we see the changes she tries to make, the things she does, the way she thinks, etc. and yet it just seemed to be piling up and up until it would actually overspill into a different yet related level that Sarah herself and the reader is now confronted with.
The writing is stunning and looking back on things that are scattered here and there and how they were within the story to where it leads to and ends just makes everything hit you with force even more. I loved how talking about bodies was so natural as well and the love/hate with bodies within it. You can't help but find at least something you have thought about. I found several LOOOOOL
I will say this, the way I was absolutely taken by Miles. Wow. He has his flaws don't get me wrong lol
What a debut!
4.75 stars rounded up! Wow knowing me it will just be bumped to a 5 lmaooo
I needed a moment to gather my thoughts and feelings of this when I finished. I got the ARC and began to read & annotate and only stopped when I needed to sleep.
The writing within this is something that is so raw and familiar. Brutally honest and relatable that you get dragged into it relating to maybe everything that Sarah herself mentions, has experienced, or even just little parts.
The subject matter within the story is deep and crushing. Extremely crushing. Especially to witness a character we have been on a journey with try to gain some control on things, understandings of herself and her new relationship with Miles, we see the changes she tries to make, the things she does, the way she thinks, etc. and yet it just seemed to be piling up and up until it would actually overspill into a different yet related level that Sarah herself and the reader is now confronted with.
The writing is stunning and looking back on things that are scattered here and there and how they were within the story to where it leads to and ends just makes everything hit you with force even more. I loved how talking about bodies was so natural as well and the love/hate with bodies within it. You can't help but find at least something you have thought about. I found several LOOOOOL
I will say this, the way I was absolutely taken by Miles. Wow. He has his flaws don't get me wrong lol
What a debut!
April 16, 2025
Charlotte paradise's prose is amazingly raw and frank, so much that I had trouble reading it. You don't have the time breathing, unless you close the book and take a break from it.
The purpose of the book isn't entertainment or distraction, sometimes I really couldn't take it anymore.
Survivors of SA, I truly don't recommend reading it. Deeply triggering.
Overall it is an impressing debut, thoughtfully written.
thank you netgalley for the copy.
The purpose of the book isn't entertainment or distraction, sometimes I really couldn't take it anymore.
Survivors of SA, I truly don't recommend reading it. Deeply triggering.
Overall it is an impressing debut, thoughtfully written.
thank you netgalley for the copy.
April 18, 2025
Thank you to Charlotte Paradise, HQ | Akan Books, and NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Ugh. I so desperately wanted to love this. I really enjoy the author’s presence online and I love the weird girl lit fic / girl in her 20s / girl in London genre. It can be a struggle to read at times so would recommend being in a healthy head space before starting.
I just didn’t gel with any of the characters at all. As a character, Sara just felt a little lacklustre, which didn’t have anything to do with her MH / medical struggles. She mentioned being vegan approximately 8 times within the first 22-ish pages. You don’t have to mention you’re going to a vegan restaurant to have vegan food and then mention the food by name as ‘phish’. If you mention you’re vegan once, I understand you’re vegan. I don’t mind being reminded every now and again but 35% in and I’ve counted like 30+ times. Of course, Sara is also trying to indoctrinate the man she’s dating into veganism as well (don’t get me started on that - the privilege of choosing dietary restrictions is particularly jarring to me). I don’t even mind an unlikeable character, this just wasn’t that.
Miles was being given gold stickers left, right, and centre for doing the bare minimum of respecting her boundaries (yay-straight-man-didn’t-assault-his-date-award). I didn’t believe their romance either. All the side-characters seemed very one dimensional and not very fleshed out. At times, I’d even mix up Sara and Anji.
I did really enjoy the writing style and others didn’t but did enjoy the characters so maybe they just didn’t mesh together overall? I liked the representation for c-ptsd and vaginismus and how they affect the main character’s general life. I did have to dnf but I would definitely check out other books by the author though.
I’d recommend this book to mentally stable vegans (optometry optional).
Ugh. I so desperately wanted to love this. I really enjoy the author’s presence online and I love the weird girl lit fic / girl in her 20s / girl in London genre. It can be a struggle to read at times so would recommend being in a healthy head space before starting.
I just didn’t gel with any of the characters at all. As a character, Sara just felt a little lacklustre, which didn’t have anything to do with her MH / medical struggles. She mentioned being vegan approximately 8 times within the first 22-ish pages. You don’t have to mention you’re going to a vegan restaurant to have vegan food and then mention the food by name as ‘phish’. If you mention you’re vegan once, I understand you’re vegan. I don’t mind being reminded every now and again but 35% in and I’ve counted like 30+ times. Of course, Sara is also trying to indoctrinate the man she’s dating into veganism as well (don’t get me started on that - the privilege of choosing dietary restrictions is particularly jarring to me). I don’t even mind an unlikeable character, this just wasn’t that.
Miles was being given gold stickers left, right, and centre for doing the bare minimum of respecting her boundaries (yay-straight-man-didn’t-assault-his-date-award). I didn’t believe their romance either. All the side-characters seemed very one dimensional and not very fleshed out. At times, I’d even mix up Sara and Anji.
I did really enjoy the writing style and others didn’t but did enjoy the characters so maybe they just didn’t mesh together overall? I liked the representation for c-ptsd and vaginismus and how they affect the main character’s general life. I did have to dnf but I would definitely check out other books by the author though.
I’d recommend this book to mentally stable vegans (optometry optional).
March 25, 2025
Overspill is an incredibly powerful and well-written debut novel that explores C-PTSD, navigating love alongside trauma, female desire and self-reclamation. Another element I found really interesting involved the reflections on Miles’ religious upbringing and the impact it had on him around desire and the shame that follows. I really do recommend Overspill; as you can imagine it can feel suffocating at times due to the subject matter but at the same time it’s an overwhelmingly raw, honest and brave book that reminded me of Jaded by Ela Lee (one of my favourite books from last year.) It’s being published just under a month today in the UK on the 24th April 2025 so one to add to your radar. A big thank you to Akan Books/Harper Collins - via Rachel Quin Marketing - as well as Netgalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this one.
Full review on Instagram.
Full review on Instagram.
July 3, 2025
4 stars ⋆✴︎˚｡⋆
a much more intense book than I’m used to picking up but I’m so glad I did because I really enjoyed this one.
the audiobook narrator, victoria morrison did an amazing job. she really brought the character & her personality to life.
i really enjoyed the writing style in this book, it felt genuine and almost biographical in the way that the plot was developed.
a lot of darker topics are explored and how they can continue to follow you into your adult life even without ever really knowing or remembering the cause of the trauma.
this is definitely a book worth checking the trigger warnings for if you’re interested in reading the story.
a much more intense book than I’m used to picking up but I’m so glad I did because I really enjoyed this one.
the audiobook narrator, victoria morrison did an amazing job. she really brought the character & her personality to life.
i really enjoyed the writing style in this book, it felt genuine and almost biographical in the way that the plot was developed.
a lot of darker topics are explored and how they can continue to follow you into your adult life even without ever really knowing or remembering the cause of the trauma.
this is definitely a book worth checking the trigger warnings for if you’re interested in reading the story.
April 18, 2025
“The truth is, that I survived. The truth is that it’s still hard, that it will affect my life forever.”
Overspill is raw, intimate and heartbreaking. I felt every emotion possible by the end.
Sarah’s struggles really resonated with me, for more reasons than I wish to disclose. She is heartbreakingly relatable and I wanted to give her a big hug and tell her everything will be ok.
There are some hard hitting scenes throughout and some very difficult truths exposed. I felt as though I was reading a very personal and private diary of a friend. For me, Sarah is very much the unspoken secrets many women keep to themselves with fear of being labelled “broken” or “damaged goods”. The avoidance of admitting and realising something isn’t quite right.
I wanted more than anything for her relationship to work out but the vulnerability in both Miles and Sarah was truly overwhelming. Charlotte is able to show the sheer struggles from past trauma that will follow you into your new relationships and prove to be a roadblock that only some are willing to patiently wait to see eradicated. Some may say right person, wrong time, but I believe the right person is always willing to take those baby steps with you, even if there are a few set backs.
There are some strong TW throughout this book such as Abuse, S.A etc… please bear this in mind before reading.
Thank you so much to the publisher and Charlotte for sending me this beautiful hardback copy to read and review 🩵
Overspill is raw, intimate and heartbreaking. I felt every emotion possible by the end.
Sarah’s struggles really resonated with me, for more reasons than I wish to disclose. She is heartbreakingly relatable and I wanted to give her a big hug and tell her everything will be ok.
There are some hard hitting scenes throughout and some very difficult truths exposed. I felt as though I was reading a very personal and private diary of a friend. For me, Sarah is very much the unspoken secrets many women keep to themselves with fear of being labelled “broken” or “damaged goods”. The avoidance of admitting and realising something isn’t quite right.
I wanted more than anything for her relationship to work out but the vulnerability in both Miles and Sarah was truly overwhelming. Charlotte is able to show the sheer struggles from past trauma that will follow you into your new relationships and prove to be a roadblock that only some are willing to patiently wait to see eradicated. Some may say right person, wrong time, but I believe the right person is always willing to take those baby steps with you, even if there are a few set backs.
There are some strong TW throughout this book such as Abuse, S.A etc… please bear this in mind before reading.
Thank you so much to the publisher and Charlotte for sending me this beautiful hardback copy to read and review 🩵
August 13, 2025
The heart wrenching Overspill
At twenty five Sara is afraid of her own body. Even the simple act of using a tampon fills her with panic which is a symptom of deeper trauma she has never faced. When she meets Miles a kind and patient man who respects her boundaries she longs to let him in but intimacy feels impossible. As their relationship deepens Sara must confront the past that keeps her disconnected and find a way to inhabit her own skin again. Overspill is a story about trauma love friendship and the slow fragile process of reclaiming oneself.
“The truth is that it’s still hard, that it will affect my life forever”
It is raw, heartbreaking, brutal and terrifying. I do not think I have read anything that so vividly captures the eye opening and thought provoking emotions that come with past trauma. I did not know what I was walking into when I started this book but I walked away clutching my heart. It may sound dramatic but this story was extremely touching and at times overwhelming. The reality of the many others like Sara who live with PTSD from past trauma experiencing shame grief and guilt among other things is something I will not forget.
“I survived.
And I survived well.”
It’s was profound, it’s all I have to say.
TW: SA / GRIEF
At twenty five Sara is afraid of her own body. Even the simple act of using a tampon fills her with panic which is a symptom of deeper trauma she has never faced. When she meets Miles a kind and patient man who respects her boundaries she longs to let him in but intimacy feels impossible. As their relationship deepens Sara must confront the past that keeps her disconnected and find a way to inhabit her own skin again. Overspill is a story about trauma love friendship and the slow fragile process of reclaiming oneself.
“The truth is that it’s still hard, that it will affect my life forever”
It is raw, heartbreaking, brutal and terrifying. I do not think I have read anything that so vividly captures the eye opening and thought provoking emotions that come with past trauma. I did not know what I was walking into when I started this book but I walked away clutching my heart. It may sound dramatic but this story was extremely touching and at times overwhelming. The reality of the many others like Sara who live with PTSD from past trauma experiencing shame grief and guilt among other things is something I will not forget.
“I survived.
And I survived well.”
It’s was profound, it’s all I have to say.
TW: SA / GRIEF
April 6, 2025
An ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
3.5/5 Stars
The other day when I started this book I messaged my friend and told her "this is gonna break me" and I was right, this story really did. I don't want to give much away, however I want you to know that this narrative has many layers and that we follow Sara's journey as she slowly uncovers them and learns truths about herself and what happened in her past. It's a raw and traumatic story for sure, but it's also a story about hope and how it is possible to recover and get better at your own pace and with the help and support one might need.
Since this is Paradise's first novel I definitely want to praise her for writing such a powerful book. In terms of writing I wasn't the biggest fan honestly, some times the narrative felt a bit fragmented for my taste.
Overall it's a strong debut novel which I recommend, however I also suggest to check out the trigger warnings before going into it.
3.5/5 Stars
The other day when I started this book I messaged my friend and told her "this is gonna break me" and I was right, this story really did. I don't want to give much away, however I want you to know that this narrative has many layers and that we follow Sara's journey as she slowly uncovers them and learns truths about herself and what happened in her past. It's a raw and traumatic story for sure, but it's also a story about hope and how it is possible to recover and get better at your own pace and with the help and support one might need.
Since this is Paradise's first novel I definitely want to praise her for writing such a powerful book. In terms of writing I wasn't the biggest fan honestly, some times the narrative felt a bit fragmented for my taste.
Overall it's a strong debut novel which I recommend, however I also suggest to check out the trigger warnings before going into it.
July 21, 2025
Istorija sukasi aplink tikrai tamsias temas. Įdomu ir nauja buvo skaityti apie tai kaip keičiasi santykis su savimi ir su kitais, kai seksualinio smurto paliktos žaizdos dar šviežios. Kabintis tikrai yra už ko, ir autorė tą daro gana drąsiai, bet man skaitymo malonumą temdė keli dalykai:
Veiksmas vystosi lėtokai, ypač pirmoj pusėj. Veikėjai gana plokšti, sunku suprasti kuo jie vienas kitą domina ir traukia, ypač kai protagonistė atrodo tokia “apie nieką” apart to kad yra veganė (sorry, šitas faktas buvo pakartotas kokius 30 kartų, tai negaliu nepaminėt). Esu įsitikinus, kad būtų palikę gerokai stipresnį įspūdį ir padavę tikrą punch to the gut, jei būčiau nors kiek tikėjus ta jų “didžiąja gyvenimo meile”, bet dabar suskaičiau labiau kaip istoriją apie vienos merginos gyjimą po traumos, kur kartu netyčia įsipaišo kažkoks bičiukas.
Visai įdomius, drąsus debiutas, bet po mano kojom žemės nesudrebino.
Veiksmas vystosi lėtokai, ypač pirmoj pusėj. Veikėjai gana plokšti, sunku suprasti kuo jie vienas kitą domina ir traukia, ypač kai protagonistė atrodo tokia “apie nieką” apart to kad yra veganė (sorry, šitas faktas buvo pakartotas kokius 30 kartų, tai negaliu nepaminėt). Esu įsitikinus, kad būtų palikę gerokai stipresnį įspūdį ir padavę tikrą punch to the gut, jei būčiau nors kiek tikėjus ta jų “didžiąja gyvenimo meile”, bet dabar suskaičiau labiau kaip istoriją apie vienos merginos gyjimą po traumos, kur kartu netyčia įsipaišo kažkoks bičiukas.
Visai įdomius, drąsus debiutas, bet po mano kojom žemės nesudrebino.
May 8, 2025
Overspill is a deeply poignant novel which highlights trauma and how your life, friendships and relationships are affected by this trauma. Sara tries to navigate a new relationship with Miles whilst struggling with her own PTSD, bodily detachment and grief. What I enjoyed about this novel was that Sara was not magically ‘fixed,’ and her healing process is not linear. You just wanted to scream and shake Miles’ shoulders for not truly understanding Sara nor giving her the bare minimum of what she needed. As a debut novel, Overspill is as beautiful as it is heartbreaking and raw. Paradise’s prose is spectacular and dazzling.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an early copy of this novel, and of course a massive thank you to Charlotte Paradise for writing this novel in the first place.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an early copy of this novel, and of course a massive thank you to Charlotte Paradise for writing this novel in the first place.
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