Overdue

Bestseller Perkins (Anna and the French Kiss) delivers a touching novel about self-discovery and growth. Ingrid’s younger sister’s engagement sparks questions as to why Ingrid and Cory, her boyfriend of 11 years, haven’t gotten hitched. Having only ever dated and slept with each other, the couple realize they want to experience more before settling down. They agree to take a one-month break to date anyone they like, then get back together to discuss marriage. Ingrid knows just who she wants to spend the month with: her library coworker and longtime crush, Macon. But when Macon shuts down her attempt at a kiss, she’s left adrift. She tries to hook up by going to a bar, letting a friend set her up, and joining a dating app, but still hasn’t had sex by the time the month is up. Cory’s also not ready for the break to end, so they extend their experiment. A second extension ends in heartbreak, in the wake of which Ingrid and Macon begin to grow close once more. For a long stretch of the book, the focus is off what will become of the central couple, which may frustrate some romance readers, but it’s gratifying to watch Ingrid explore and learn more about who she is and what she wants. Meanwhile, the tantalizing, slow-burning romance leads to a delicious payoff. This really works. (Oct.)