I really liked this book, but I feel like it could have been stronger in a few areas. I really enjoyed the concept, but some kind of explanation or realization of where the notes were coming from would have helped. Daphne was a likeable character and I enjoyed how different aspects of her as a person emerged, helping us understand her as more in depth. The one thing that could have been explored further was the dynamic between Daphne and Hugo. I feel like more went into her relationship with Josh and I was sad that that ended, but there was no true conclusion into her and Hugo's relationship. Just that they were meeting. It felt a little unfinished for that dynamic. Overall, the book made me both smile and cry, and for that reason, I am giving it four stars.

Anything by Rebecca Serle is always a must read and Expiration Dates is no exception! I love that on the surface this and all of her novels seem frothy but as you continue reading, it forces you to reflect on much deeper issues about love and what you truly want from life. Serle’s writing style is very unique and an absolute joy to dive into!

Thanks to Atria books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. I loved In Five Years for the plot and One Italian Summer for the gorgeous imagery. Expiration Dates falls a bit short to me in comparison to Serle’s previous novels.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t connect with the narrator. Although she has her “problem,” I still couldn’t get past her “woe is me” attitude. Jake was a fabulous, mature character while Hugo just seemed like your typical bro. All I have to say is justice for Jake!
The expiration dates started out so interesting for me, but after the turning point, they started to lose my interest.
I’d recommend this book for romance readers. Since I’m not a romance novel lover, I probably wasn’t the target audience, but I’m still grateful for my ARC! 3.5/5 stars

It could be the 37-weeks-pregnant hormones, but I thought this novel was really sweet. I really enjoyed Rebecca Serle's previous novels, and this third book continues to hit the bar that she's placed for herself. Daphne and Jake's story was lovely to watch develop, and then last quarter of the book threw the inevitable wrench. As someone who believes in allowing the universe to run its course, it's made me think about self determination versus fate. Overall, it was a light-hearted, easy read. I can't wait for Serle's next book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria books for the ARC!

This was an ARC- I enjoy almost all of her works so I was excited to receive. I felt the main characters defect was a bit cliche and unnecessary but overall enjoyable read. Loved the deeper messages behind love, friendship and relationships.

Another great read by Rebecca Serle. I asked for this one because her books make me cry and what an incredible feeling that is. Daphne's story is unique and one I haven't read before. I loved that we thought her secret was one thing when it really turned out to be another. I loved even more that there was a huge plot twist near the ending that I wasn't expecting. This book was great. It left me feeling happy, sad and wanting more.

This book is going down as my favorite Rebecca Serle novel to date! I loved Daphne's character and loved the flashbacks to previous lovers. I felt that the flashbacks really helped character development. The whole premise of the "notes" about each relationship and the lengths was very interesting and I was excited to see how each relationship started and ended. I was fully invested in Jake and Daphne but I think a part of me was always rooting for Hugo. This was such a feel good story and I was surprised at many points. I was not disappointed. I highly recommend this to anyone who has loved and read Rebecca Serle in the past.

I’m a Rebecca Serle fan and this one delivered! I was in a little reading rut and needed a good romance with magic to get me back on the train. This one certainly had the romance. The magic part was a bit disappointing but it didn’t take away from the entire book. I always look forward to Serle’s magical realism, I think she usually does it SO well. This one it felt a little more adjacent to the plot rather than the point of it. I honestly could have done without the chapters about her random boyfriends over the years and would have preferred more focus on the present and future. Despite that, I adored Daphne, I loved the bad guy energy of Hugo, and I was rooting for sweet Jack. The ending was so wholesome and that’s all I really want in a magical realism rom com. I was getting Emily Henry’s Happy Place vibes (carpe diem, choose your happiness, good karma) by the end, and that’s my all time favorite read of the year. So happy I got an ARC (thanks netgalley) of this one because I don’t think I could have waited longer to read it!! And you should too when it comes out in March!!

💭When was the last time I cried reading a book? Before finishing this one, I honestly can’t tell you! This book was not at all what I was expecting but came at a point in my life when I needed it the most. It really hit home (and considering the content, I didn’t expect it to).

Not only was the premise super interesting, but the direction it took threw me for a loop. I was expecting a sappy or heart wrenching love story, & this wasn’t at all the main theme.

It encompasses so many different types of love: familial, friendships, relationships, even the love one shares with its pet (living for Murphy the dog).

There was a twist that caught me way off guard (& obviously this is spoiler free so I won’t go too deep into it) but it was my favorite part of the book. It was so raw and real, made me so uncomfortable because of the scary reality it brings. But going on this journey with the FMC, Daphne, really puts things into perspective and adds that extra something this story needed to push it to a 5 star for me. We watch her dig deep, get uncomfortable but honest with herself and others, and it unfolds both messily & beautifully all at once.

Short and to the point, full of life lessons and wisdom, so much emotion… Rebecca Serle, you’ve got the jackpot with this one.

I have read many Rebecca Serle novels and have enjoyed them. I like the magical realism as it truly provides an escape.

The main character receives notifications for each relationship she embarks on with an expiration date except the latest one. You go back and forth between previous relationships and the actual one. Going back to her relationships becomes a bit redundant as I didn’t get any explanation as to why this was happening. I did not feel the character grew from it either.

Then, there is a twist which provides some kind of reason why her relationships don’t work and from there, you feel the main protagonist trying to come out of her pattern.

It was a very light read but nothing more.

Intriguing and enjoyable! Rebecca Serle has turned in yet another modern tale featuring a fresh, intriguing premise and insightful details regarding both romantic relationships and single hood. This novel is delightful, entertaining and at times quite emotional, invoking all the feels. I especially appreciated the thoughtful manner in which Serle handled a character’s chronic illness. That said, with tighter editing, the book could have been more powerful. The extent to which the novel is filled with unnecessary details detracted from the story, in my humble opinion.

Recommended to fans of Serle’s prior books (especially In Five Years) as well as to those loving novels by Lia Louis and/or Jean Meltzer. Three and a half stars, rounded up due to the sensitive manner in which Serle chose to handle health issues.

Many thanks to NetGalley and to Atria for a complimentary ARC. Opinions are my own.

Every time Daphne Bell starts a new relationship she receives a piece of paper telling her how long the romance will last. She has recently started dating Jake and his expiration date was blank. Serle works with multiple timelines to describe Daphne’s present as well as her backstory.. At first I found the switching back and forth from present to past time annoying but about halfway through the book a series of twists made the whole novel worthwhile. If you stick with this one, you will be rewarded. I thank the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Expiration Dates by Rebecca Seale is the first of her books I’ve read. I was very intrigued by the plot of this one.

Daphne Bell has been receiving a piece of paper prior to every new relationship. It tells her their name and exactly how long they’ll be together. Once day though, she receives a new slip with just a name, Jake, and no ending date. This has never happened before. Daphne finds herself doubting the paper’s prediction as she goes along in her relationship with Jake. She knows the secret would break his heart. What does it mean to be truthful in a relationship, as this is not the only secret Daphne is keeping.

I thought this book started out great. It’s a well paced novel and it hooked me instantly. As the book went on though, my interest did wane. I felt there wasn’t much chemistry between Daphne and Jake, which made it hard to root for them. There were a few twists in this story, and I’ll admit I didn’t see them coming, but I’m not sure if they fully worked for me. Ultimately I’m happy with the ending, though I wish the main character would give herself a little more credit and let herself live a little.

Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Unfortunately, I was not able to finish this book. I was immediately not impressed with the main character and found her really unlikeable.

Additionally, the story line already felt rushed and I could tell I didn’t enjoy where it was heading. I only made it 5 pages in and had to put this down.

Rebecca Serle hooked me in right from the start of Expiration Dates! This book follows Daphne, who is given a piece of paper of how long each of her relationships will last, giving them an “expiration date.” This book will tug at all of your emotions as Daphne navigates this gift of knowing. I always enjoy Rebecca Serle’s hint of magic in her books, it’s not overtop but just enough to add some fantasy. Thanks to netgalley for this ARC!

I'm really mixed on this one. It was a totally fast, easy read and for anyone in a rut, I think you'd get sucked in to this page turner pretty quickly -- I ready it in less than a day. I really appreciate the part of the story focusing on Daphne's professional life, and the idea that at 30 someone can still be trying to figure it out. I thought the jumps in time/flashbacks (which I am not usually a big fan of) worked really well - as we follow the story of Daphne and Jake we also get to see Daphne's past relationships. It worked. Daphne is hiding two secrets from Jake -- one is a but of magical realism, that she gets notes telling her how long each relationship will last, and the note with his name was blank, meaning they're meant to be together forever. As readers we know that from the start. The other is a secret that we readers only learn about later in the book, and as someone with a similar issue, I really resented how it was portrayed. I think that plot B could and should have been dropped from the story and the book could have been pretty much the same. But, like I said, I tore through this book in a day. It is very readable and I think will be quite popular when it is published.

NOTE: Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a free advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Excellent and unique—imagine life laid out for you and know when each relationship will end just as it begins. That’s the premise of this novel by one of my favorite authors. Engaging and provides a lot to consider—is it better to know our future or let it play out?

So this is my first Rebecca Serle book and probably my last. the book itself had a steady solid plot and okay characters. However I just don't think this book is my cup of tea personally I was bored throughout a majority of the book

A light rom com read with some depth to it. I breezed through it and am adding all of her books to my “to read list”!

I am an instant fan of Rebecca Serle after reading "Expiration Dates". It reminded me a bit of the Black Mirror episode "Hang the DJ" because of the expiration notes minus the dark undertones. I usually only read mysteries and thrillers but this book caught my eye and I am so glad I gave it a chance. It was amazing and restored my faith in love.