
Member Reviews

Expiration Dates is about a girl who finds out how long her relationships will last on a piece of paper. I was hooked from the beginning wanting to know why she received these notes and what the newest note (with no expiration date) meant. Rebecca Serle does a great job storytelling different relationships in the main character's life and how they ended on time based on their "expiration date." While I couldn't put the book down, I was surprised at the abrupt ending. I wanted more as to what happened to the main characters. A sequel would be great!

I find the surreal concepts of Rebecca Serle's novels interesting, and that gravitates me toward reading them each time. In Expiration Dates, a woman receives notes telling her how long she'll stay in a specific relationship and they always turn out to be right. So when she gets a note with no date at all, it makes her question if this guy is "the one."
This was an easy read to breeze through. Rebecca has a strong storytelling approach and great dialogue, which keeps this novel flowing. The descriptions made me feel like I was in the same location as Daphne each time. I also liked that there was an element of Judaism. And I loved Daphne's mom for that.
The concept was really interesting and made me wish that I had those notes in past relationships. Maybe I would have approached them differently knowing how long they would last. And maybe I wouldn't have dragged some along if they were meant to end before they actually did. Bygones though...
My main concern was that I couldn't really feel the connection between Daphne and Jake. Perhaps it was due to so much other stuff going on with past relationship stories that took away from what was happening in the present.
Overall, I enjoyed it more than One Italian Summer but not as much as In Five Years. No two readers are alike though, so don't go completely on what I have to say. If it intrigues you, give it a try!
I wasn't really picturing anyone while reading this, so I don't have casting ideas. I didn't want to hold off on reviewing for that reason anymore.

Rebecca Serle has done it again with "Expiration Dates," earning another five-star rating and securing its place among my top favorites. Following the emotional roller coaster of "In Five Years," this book is a close second on my list of favorite reads this year.
Daphne Bell's unique journey, receiving relationship timelines from the universe for over 20 years, takes an intriguing turn when she encounters Jake. The narrative, shifting between present-day and flashbacks, explores the impact of predetermined endings on Daphne's relationships.
Unexpected twists add depth to the story, making it even more captivating. Personally, these surprises resonated with me, and Daphne's character felt relatable as I experienced her relationships, heartbreaks, and life moments. "Expiration Dates" is a heartwarming journey that left me deeply moved, and I highly recommend it for a meaningful and emotional read.

This will be a book everyone is talking about once it is released this Spring!
Daphne has an unusual trait. At the beginning of a romantic relationship, she gets a piece of paper that says exactly how long the relationship will last. Sometimes it could be viewed as a gift but other times as a curse. Until one day, she receives a piece of paper with just a name. Does this mean it is meant to be forever?
The book switches from present day back to the past revisiting some of her prior relationships.
I thought this was going to be a light romance until about 40% in, but I was so wrong. There was so much substance! This book went much deeper than I expected and had so many beautiful messages. I thought I had figured out the twist early on, and while it is part of it, there was also a twist I never saw coming that was very engrossing. I did not pick this book up thinking I'd have so many emotions and feelings, but I did and I am not mad about it!
I also loved all of the descriptions of places in LA, Daphne's job, her close relationship with her parents and her friendship with her old coworker and boss.
Overall this book was a joy! Thanks very much to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. This was an absolute treat.

4.5 This was a good one. Sweet and surprising in the best ways.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

I LOVED the latest from Rebecca Serle. I thoroughly enjoyed IN FIVE YEARS and the premise of EXPIRATION DATES was so intriguing so I was excited to dive in. Fans of magical realism will love this one. The books biggest strength is the way that Rebecca Serle is able to emotionally connect with the reader. The twist in this one brought tears to my eyes. The book did get get repetitive at times, but I adored how this all came together.

Rebecca Serle is just amazing. What an interesting take on looking for love. Daphne mysteriously receives notes with a name and time that tell her how long a relationship will last. To Daphne these notes mean even more.
How much do you open yourself if you know a relationship won’t last? What happens when you receive a note with no explanation date?
Love the twist in this - didn’t see that coming. Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an early digital copy. and

The premise is so promising. However, some of the book dragged on for me. I think that I didn't click with the main character Daphne and then I felt more for her when the big reveal happened. I feel that it happened too late into the story though. Then that is what the whole book ended up being about.
After that reveal, she was not very likable while navigating her own feelings, which in a sense is understandable, but she was projecting her emotions in the worst way. I for some reason could not connect with Jake and felt that they didn't have much chemistry even though he was described as "perfect" multiple times. I actually didn't like any of the male characters in this story.
I love the idea of the story line. I liked the direction the author went in with how she would figure out if there was an "end game" love for her.
Quick, easy, and enjoyable read. Thank you to Netgalley, Atria Books, and Rebecca Serle for choosing to send me an advanced readers copy for an honest review.

this book had a cute plot that moved quickly. It was based on an interesting concept-the MFC received anonymous letters indicating the length of her relationships. I enjoyed the character development as well. Make sure you read the acknowledgements, that was actually my favorite part of the book!

Such a great book! The premise is intriguing, and, because I loved every page and every character, at about 2/3 through I knew I’d have to prepare for my heart to be torn apart. And it was. Multiple times: Hugo at the lake. Murphy at the lake. Daphne at her dad’s door at 7am. Jake on the beach. And then… “Here we are.” So very good!!
Thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher for access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rebecca Serle has done it again! She has written another five-star, top favorite book of mine again. I previously read In Five Years by Serle, and to this day it is still one of my all time favorite books. Expiration Dates is coming in at a close second, definitely ending the year as one of my favorite books that I’ve read so far. This book kept me on an emotional roller coaster 😭. I shed tears, I was excited, and I even got the happy ending I was hoping for.
In this story, we have Daphne Bell who has been receiving numbered pieces of paper for over 20 years. Each paper comes delivered from the universe with the name of the man she is to date and for how long (example- 8 days, 3 months, 2.5 years. etc…). Until one night, Daphne has a blind date with Jake- and on that sheet of paper delivered beneath her door is Jake’s name only, without any number on it, a blank canvas if you will… How long and how will this relationship play out?
While Daphne’s story plays out with Jake (present day), we get flashbacks to Daphne’s past and how some of her previous relationships played out. Was there less of a heartbreak because she knew when her time was up with each boyfriend? Was it easier to move on? Were any deep connections made, and could you ignore what the universe had in store for you? Or if the universe is sending you something, will it always want something back in return?
There were a few unexpected twists in this book that I did not see coming. For me personally, they made this book that much better. I resonated completely with Daphne’s character. I felt like I lived through each of Daphne’s relationships/dates, heartbreaks, and life experiences. This book ripped my heart out of my chest, stomped on it, and put it back together again. I loved every single page of this book!! And yes, I highly recommend reading this book.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Atria Books, and the author for an ARC of this book which I had the ultimate pleasure of reading. Publication date: March 19, 2024.
Genre~ Women’s Fiction, Romance

2.5 stars that I’ll round up. I liked the feel of this book. The narration was comfortable and flowed easily. It felt safe. The author made the reader feel cozy. Unfortunately at times it also felt like a nonfiction/memoir… like the author was writing about their own experiences so they had to make them sound interesting no matter how dull they were. But this is fiction, it could have gone anywhere. It just… didn’t. The concept was there I just wish it had been expanded upon more. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

I really enjoyed this story! While some of it seemed predictable, I almost feel that was intentional to then hit you with a bang at the end you weren't expecting! I loved the LA setting and hearing about different restaurants, coffee shops and landmarks around a town I'm not very familiar with. I also enjoyed the realistic retelling of her romantic partners and how most of us can relate to that especially in our 20s of short term relationships, to longer term but learning a little something from each about ourselves. I also adore the cover!

I really enjoyed this book and concept. I liked the “magical” element which isn’t normally my thing. I have not read anything by Rebecca yet but this was a great introduction. I felt like it handled topics gracefully and was just a well put together book. The ending did get me and some parts were predictable. Some parts of me wanted a different ending but it was still great.
4.5*
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC. Out March 2024.

This book was just… boring. Not a lot happens, and pivotal moments in the storyline were glossed over. The timelines were confusing, and there wasn’t any character growth. I felt shortchanged to have rooted for Daphne all along, only to have her not make any changes or grow as a person. She felt completely two-dimensional to me. All the characters did, to be honest. I didn’t care what happened by the end. I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I liked this book a lot. The story wasn’t fast-paced, but it needed the build the slower pace allowed. Good character development, good plot, overall a decent read.

Expiration Dates was unfortunately too predictable of a read for me, with a third-act twist that I found underdeveloped and rushed. Not my favorite Rebecca Serle, but recommend for those looking for a quick romance novel. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book when I first started reading it, but I know I stayed up late to finish it because I couldn’t put it down! I mean the only thing I wish I had was the duo perspective.
I appreciated how she can combine woman’s fiction with a bit of magic in there. It was a perfect amount that sort of makes you want to have it for yourself too.
This definitely was not your typical romance formula (closed doors), but I didn’t mind because it was so well written and took us through Daphne’s journey. But don’t be mistaken that this book isn’t a tear jerker either. It has its moments where I’m clutching my heart and have butterflies in my stomach too. I also loved the sort of predicable ending because…. Well I cant tell you because Im not leaving spoilers!! So go read it yourself!
This is my first Rebecca Serle book, I actually bought In Five Years on sale a couple of years ago, but never got to it. However, I think I will read it in the new year! Rebecca has a great style of writing and pace which allowed me to fly through this book in basically one sitting yesterday. I hope you go preorder this book now! Or give this book a read when it’s published on March 19,2024!
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This book was okay for me! Overall cute love story but I felt it had some unnecessary character/world building. Then halfway through I was thrown for a loop and it was confusing

Rebecca Serle does it again- all the feels with Expiration Dates! Daphne’s story of her quest to find love all while believing her love life has timelines has so much hope! I really enjoyed reading about Daphne’s relationships with her boyfriend Jake and her best friend Hugo. Daphne shows us the power our own beliefs can have over our lives.
Thank you Rebecca Serle and NetGalley for the ARC!