I was hoping "Expiration Dates" would be Rebecca Serle's redemption book for me after "One Italian Summer," but unfortunately, this one also fell flat.

Daphne Bell has never had to worry about the unpredictability of dating because when she meets a man, she knows exactly how long their relationship will last before it even begins. Daphne has received papers since she was a teen with a name and a time, whether it was one night or two years. In her 30s, she finally receives a paper with just a name and no expiration date.

What I enjoyed:
- This story was developed by alternating past and present timelines, allowing readers to see Daphne's past relationships and breakups.
- The stability of Daphne and Jake's relationship was pleasant, and I was rooting for them.
- The concept of the expiration date notes, in general, was unique and had the potential to make this book great.

What I didn't enjoy:
- Serle never explains why Daphne receives these notes. Because of this, the magical realism element didn't quite hit its mark for me.
- Hugo was not an enjoyable character. With that said, I don't think the main characters were well-developed.
- We find out about one of Daphne's secrets about 75% into the book, and I don't think it was a necessary addition to the plot. I believe it was used to explain why some of her relationships ended, but I thought it was poorly developed.
- The happy ending readers get is not the happy ending I wanted...AT ALL.

Expiration Dates" was probably a 4-star read for me until the last 25% of the book. I was so annoyed when I finished it that it almost received a flat 3-stars and only got 3.5 because I liked the concept and enjoyed Jake and Daphne. Would I recommend this? Sadly, no.

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book was absolutely beautiful! I had heard amazing things about it, and those things were SPOT ON. I loved it so much.

I have mixed feelings about this book. I love that Rebecca Serle writes her stories with a focus on magical realism, and this one had such an interesting premise, but there was a lot about this that seemed messy and wasn’t explained well by the end. The characters were underdeveloped and there wasn’t much depth to them at all. Halfway through the book, we are told about this big secret that the main character is keeping, but it was so irrelevant to the plot and caused such a big shift that it seemed like there were two different stories being written that didn’t come together very well. By the end of the book, we are left without an explanation for one of those plot lines while the other was wrapped up really quickly - and I really enjoyed one of them, but the other was just unnecessary and left much to be desired. I think there’s a lot of promise for this book, though, and I’m hoping that the author can make some adjustments before it’s released.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read a digital ARC in advance of publication in exchange for an honest review.

What if right before you started a new relationship you received a paper that told you how long the relationship would last? For Daphne that’s exactly what happens. Since she was a teenager right before she meets someone she gets a piece of paper with the name of someone and a length of time. Sometimes it’s one night and sometimes it’s a few years. Daphne is waiting for the day she finds “the one”, the one that will have no time limit.
I love this author and was excited to have the opportunity to read an ARC of her newest novel. I loved the premise of the story and honestly the ending of the book made me love the book more than I thought I was going to. Somewhere in the middle it started dragging a little but looking back it was setting the stage for what comes next. I adored Daphne and Hugo’s characters as well as Irina and Kendra. I also loved the idea of fate bs taking life into your own hands. I think the author did a wonderful job with these concepts.
Thank you to Netgalley and to the publishers for allowing me to read this advanced copy.

Daphne Bell receives a piece of paper with the EXACT time span for every relationship she is in. On a first encounter, she will have a ticket on her dash and it will instead say, Martin--five weeks. She will then know this is the amount of time the universe has given her for this man. Her ex-boyfriend,
Hugo, got a label with three months. Hugo is now her best friend.

Daphne meets Jake at a blind date in a Hollywood restaurant. Her note from the Universe is .....blank. A relationship with no end. What now?

This premise seemed pretty shallow to me until we get to a place where we realize Daphne has really been through it. I won't spoil, but there is a bit of a twist that helps us realize why she's so invested in these silly letters from the universe.

What I loved...
-Then/now time lines between former and current relationships. We see how she has reacted to the former universe predictions and what her relationships were like.
-I loved her relationships with her best friend, Kendra and boss Irina.
-Gosh, the loving connection with her mum and dad. Stunning.
-Hugo. All of Hugo. Unaware of his power and connection and yet executing it to it's full power.

CW: There is heavy medical/hospital chronic/congenital illness to contend with. It was dealt with very respectfully, but please be aware that there is a melancholy regarding health and wellness.

Thankyou, NetGalley and Atria Books for an ARC in exchange for a fair and balanced review.

Wow- this is one of the best books I’ve read in a while. I absolutely loved it, so I owe a big thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for my ARC that I received in exchange for my honest review.

In this novel, Daphne is a single, young woman living and working in Hollywood. She has a dog, a job that she’s good at, and a (gorgeous) best friend, who happens to be her ex. She’s content; her life has a rhythm, she has a routine, but she also has a secret. Every time she meets a male suitor, she receives a slip of paper, seemingly from the universe, with his name and a number on it—the exact length of their relationship.

For more than 20 years, these slips of paper have accurately predicted the length of her relationships. So when she receives a note with only a name prior to her blind date, she walks in knowing that it’s likely her last. She’s found a relationship that has no expiration date.

What unfolds is an amazing story about love and the events that define us in our lives. We follow Daphne as she makes difficult choices about love and the secrets people choose to keep.

There’s a pretty big surprise about halfway through that I did not see coming that adds another layer to an already complicated love story. Daphne has always viewed the pieces of paper as protection. Heartbreak can’t hurt as bad when it’s not a surprise, right? But when faced with the certainty of FOREVER, Daphne starts to consider the impact “the universe” might play in her relationships.

It’s amazing journey and story. I loved the characters, the twist of magical realism, and I loved the ending. Literally as soon as I finished, I sent it to two friends as a recommendation. The only rub is that it’s not available until March 19, 2024.

I wanted to love this one, but it felt a little less emotional to me than Rebecca's previous books. Still, I appreciated the set up and was especially moved by the dedication.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Expiration Dates
Author: Rebecca Serle
Source: NetGalley & Publisher
Pub Date: March 19, 2024

“Here’s the truth: I do want love. In some ways, I’ve been looking for it forever. Real love, the kind that makes you want to grow old together, makes you not just unafraid of all that time with one person but electrified by it.”

Rebecca Serle is a trusted author for me, and she delivers big time with her upcoming March release of Expiration Dates. Daphne is our girl looking for love, and it comes to her with magical notes denoting the length of the relationship. So far, every guy has an expiration date. When things look bleak, something good happens, and we follow Daphne on her journey. I don’t want to give away the plot, but this book has surprises and secrets and lots of sweet opportunities. I thought the story was fantastic and VERY well written. I took my time reading this book, not because it was too long, but because the writing was spectacular. Well done, Ms. Serle. I can’t wait for this book to be released. #ExpirationDates @rebecca_serle @atriabooks @netgalley #magicalrealism #life #future #love #dates #trust #growth #secrets #romance #womenfiction #fiction
❤️
I received a complimentary copy of this ARC. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Thank you to Atria Books and the author for the opportunity to read this novel. Pub. Date: March 19, 2024.
❤️

#book #books #bookAddict #BooksOfInstagram #bookstagram #bookstagramer #bookshelf #reader #booklove #bookreader #reader #reviewer

Daphne’s love life isn’t like anyone else’s. She receives little slips of paper that tell her the name of a man and how long their relationship will last. Daphne lives her life by these rules, always ready to walk away when the end date comes. Until Jake. She gets set up by her friend, and Jake’s paper has no date. Daphne takes this to mean that the relationship will be THE relationship, the last one. The book chronicles her building relationship with Jake while interspersing her experiences with other relationships in times gone by.

I really, really enjoyed this book. The writing was smooth and interesting, the story developed well, the characters kept me reading, and I found the ending satisfactory without it tying everything up perfectly. I was pleasantly surprised by the reading experience and definitely recommend for readers of romance!

I was thrilled to receive an ARC of this book as I’m a big fan of Rebecca Serle, and ‘Expiration Dates’ did not disappoint! I devoured this book in a day - it’s an easy read that was fun and witty, but also emotional and real. I love a book that can both make me smile and shed a tear. Definitely worth the read.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for sending this ARC for my review consideration. All opinions are my own.

As a big fan of Rebecca Serle, I was over the moon to receive an ARC from NetGalley & Atria Books. I always feel that Serle's novels are full of magical realism and unique concepts, highly emotional plots, and thought provoking dilemmas. I am afraid Expiration Dates missed the mark this time.

Our main character, Daphne, is faced with an intriguing situation. Over the years, she has received anonymous notes that state the man she will date next, along with how long the relationship lasts. After years of specific "expiration dates", Daphne finally receives what she's been waiting on. Her soulmate. The newest note says Jake with no expiration date. Although she likes Jake and things begin to progress smoothly for them, we find Daphne is extremely withdrawn within the relationship. This all ties into the "twist" which I do not want to spoil if you are interested in reading. Beyond these facts...there is not much else.

The Pros
•Brevity is Serle's speciality, which I really enjoy. Her books are not long and drawn out. This one was no exception.
•Fast paced
•Potential for very captivating story line of the expiration date papers


The Cons
•Character development seemed nonexistent. I could not relate to any of the characters introduced, which was a first for me in Serle's writing.
•There was WAY too much fluff writing. Far too much detail on setting and minute moments that added nothing to the story or characters. I don't need to know all the outfit details and geographical locations of the restaurants. I wanted MORE out of our main characters and theme.
•While the plot is again unique and intriguing, it just fell flat. The execution lacked, and I found myself asking "what is the point of this" while reading.
•The twist felt like an out of left field idea that was a last minute add in. It did nothing to help move the story along, and it felt out of place.

Although this did not meet my expectations, I will still stay a devout Serle fan. I look forward to her next release, whenever that may be.

Thank you NetGalley & Atria Books for the advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

I just could not get into this one. I had trouble keeping track of all the names, and I wasn’t thinking about it when I wasn’t reading it. I ended up DNFing the book because none of it interested me.

Every time Daphne meets a new guy, she gets a piece of paper that let's her know how long the relationship will last. Having a major health condition, Daphne looks at these notes as guaranteed time she gets to keep living. However, as she gets further into the relationship with her latest man, Jake, she starts questioning everything.
This book fell very flat for me. It really dragged on without anything happening and the characters and their stories were not very interesting.

If nothing else, Rebecca Serle is going to make me cry. This made me think a lot about choice, love, and divine timing. I love how Rebecca’s descriptive writing about locations and food instantly transports me as if I’m watching a movie. I was secretly rooting for Hugo the entire time!

Rebecca Serle's "Expiration Dates" invites readers into a world where destiny is marked by slips of paper, each bearing the temporal lifespan of a romantic connection. Daphne Bell, our protagonist, navigates through decades of numbered predictions, contemplating the fragility of love and the uncertainties of commitment.

The novel's premise is undoubtedly intriguing, and Serle weaves a narrative that keeps readers engaged until the end. The story revolves around Daphne's encounters with various men, each assigned a predetermined duration for their romantic entanglement. The anticipation of these expiration dates creates both suspense and a unique framework for exploring the complexities of relationships.

Daphne is a relatable and endearing protagonist, and Serle succeeds in making her journey one that resonates with the reader. The supporting cast, particularly Hugo, Daphne's ex-boyfriend turned best friend, adds depth and emotional nuance to the story.

Serle's adept storytelling is evident in her ability to unveil unexpected twists, keeping the reader engaged. The emotional rollercoaster experienced by the characters, and consequently the readers, is a testament to Serle's skill in crafting a compelling narrative. There are moments that will bring tears to your eyes, catching you off guard and eliciting a genuine emotional response.

The setting is vividly depicted, showcasing Serle's talent for creating immersive environments. Whether it's the romantic allure of Paris or the bustling energy of San Francisco, the author brings each location to life, enhancing the overall reading experience.

However, the novel does have its shortcomings. While the story and dialogue are commendable, they fall short of the groundbreaking impact that might elevate the book to a higher rating. Additionally, some of the more intimate scenes felt awkward and cringe-worthy.

In conclusion, I gave "Expiration Dates" 3.5 out of 5 stars, which I’m graciously rounding up to four. It is a solid addition to Rebecca Serle's body of work, offering a heartfelt exploration of love, fate, and the intricacies of commitment. While not a groundbreaking masterpiece, the novel delivers an emotionally charged narrative with characters that leave a lasting impression. Fans of Serle's previous works will find this novel a satisfying continuation of her exploration into matters of the heart.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the Advance Reader Copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review.

𝐁 𝐎 𝐎 𝐊 𝐑 𝐄 𝐕 𝐈 𝐄 𝐖

4.6/5⭐️ Expiration Dates- Rebecca Serle

𝐒𝐘𝐍𝐎𝐏𝐒𝐈𝐒

Being single is like playing the lottery. There’s always the chance that with one piece of paper you could win it all.

Daphne Bell believes the universe has a plan for her. Every time she meets a new man , she receives a slip of paper with his name and a number on it—the exact amount of time they will be together.


The papers told her she’d spend three days with Martin in Paris; five weeks with Noah in San Francisco; and three months with Hugo, her ex-boyfriend turned best friend. Daphne has been receiving the numbered papers for over twenty years, always wondering when there might be one without an expiration. Finally, the night of a blind date at her favorite Los Angeles restaurant, there’s only a Jake.


But as Jake and Daphne’s story unfolds, Daphne finds herself doubting the paper’s prediction, and wrestling with what it means to be both committed and truthful. Because Daphne knows things Jake doesn’t, information that—if he found out—would break his heart.


Told with her signature warmth and insight into matters of the heart, Rebecca Serle has finally set her sights on romantic love. The result is a gripping, emotional, passionate, and (yes) heartbreaking novel about what it means to be single, what it means to find love, and ultimately how we define each of them for ourselves.




𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒:


QUEEN of speculative fiction @RebeccaSerle does it AGAIN. I was soooo excited when @netgalley and @atriabooks allowed me this ARC-THANK YOU. What a UNIQUE and fun and sad story. The characters were lovable and the “expiration date notes” gave a fresh new outlook on relationships and expectations.


If you haven’t read anything by this author- I recommend In Five Years (best) and One Italian Summer (good) and The Dinner List (fun read). Her books are always fresh and unique and like nothing you’ve read before. My only gripe is this was a pretty short read (I read it in 3 hours) and I could have enjoyed a little more development throughout the book but even more so at the end.


READ this book, it is going to be published March 2024!!!!!!!!!!!!


#bookworm #bookish #bookblogger #bookgram #instareads #readmorebooks #bookstagrammers #goodreads #bookstagram #netgalley #arc #romance #speculativefiction

Let me start off by saying, at least this story was better than One Italian Summer. 🤷 It started off with a decent premise, but slowly sailed itself into a cliff with no chance of redemption. The plot twist came too little too late and honestly made for a worse ending. The characters were not developed well enough for me to have any interest in them, and the chemistry between the two main characters just never worked. Maybe this is once again a me thing and I just need to break up with this author.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

Really unique concept for a romance novel that makes the reader contemplate. I enjoyed it!

Daphne lives an interesting life in that every time she meets a new romantic interest, she receives a piece of paper that has his name on it along with the number - the number reports the exact amount of time that their relationship will last. Imagine her surprise when she heads to a blind date, and the slip of paper that she receives only says "Jake." This book will make you think, just as Daphne spends time thinking about relationships, commitment, love, and honesty.

If you loved In Five Years, you're going to LOVE this one too! Great concept, excellent twists. What if you always knew how long a relationship would last? What if you never were surprised when a relationship ended? How would that change how you behaved? None of us is guaranteed a tomorrow, but Daphne is, as long as the expiration dates allow. What will happen when she gets a slip of paper with no expiration date, though?