Expiration Dates (Spoiler Free Review)

3.75 / 5

You mean to tell me I picked up a magical realism book and I liked it?! This book hooked me right off the bat and being under 300 pages, I flew through it.

Daphne has always had an expiration date on love. Why? She receives a slip of paper after she meets a man with their name and the exact amount of time they'll be together (whether that be 1 night, 3 months, or 2+ years). She's spent her entire life this way until one night, she finds a piece of paper with only a name: Jake. What does this mean? Is he the one? As their love story unfolds, we explore commitment, fate, and honesty.

To be completely honest, I went in to this book hopeful but timid as magical realism is hit or miss. I was pleasantly surprised. It was serious, emotional, and warm. This unique love story that was unlike anything I've read before. If you enjoy a touch of magic and a read you want to hold tight, I absolutely recommend picking this one up!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book. I have loved Serle's past books, so I was excited to see if this was another hit. This book has one of the most interesting plots that I have read in a while. When Daphne's starts dating a guy, sometimes even before she starts dating them, she receives a mysterious slip of paper with the amount of time that the relationship will last. You have to read on to see what she does with that information. However, Daphne's relationship with Jake was one of the most honest depictions of dating I have ever read. Readers will love it. The ending had my mouth agape.

Thank NetGalley for free advanced copy. This book is not my typical read. I really enjoyed it and it kept me going. A cute hook and interesting storyline. Would definitely recommend.

Rebecca Serle has given me some of my favorite authors that just makes me really reflect on relationships. In five years is probably one of my favorite books.

So Expiration Dates follows Daphne Belle that gets a slip of paper every time she meets a new man with how long she's going to be with them (man I wish I could have this!!!!)

I loved following Daphne and Jake's relationship. This made me cry in a good way and it was just so feel good!!! Everything that I was looking for when I picked this book up!

Imagine, if you knew ahead of time, how long each of your relationships were going to last. What would you do?
Would you forge on? Would you follow through? Would you change things about how you spent your time together? That is what Daphne is dealing with. Honestly, it is an incredibly clever concept for a book!!

Expiration Dates is a book about love, heartbreak, friendship, and growth. I enjoyed the banter between Daphne and Hugo. Both well developed characters.

My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Atria Books for an advance copy of this unique novel about romance, the future, keeping secrets and finding the inner strength to go against what every one says, and be your own happiness.

I am a person that hates surprises. There was a birthday that when I realized a surprise party was being held for me, I went in the other direction. I am a planner, and even if I over plan for things, well at least I won't be surprised. However I don't think I would like to know everything the future holds. Yes one can prepare for the good, but one also won't spend time enjoying the good that is now. There is always something waiting. And in a lazy way, people might not spend the time making that future come. Oh my book is going to be a bestseller, great can't wait. Oh, I have to make the effort and write it, well the book will be a bestseller anyway, why bother. And paradoxes begin. Even in a more limited sense, what if you knew for sure that person that you just met was the ONE. Would you just let the relationship form, would you work on it, or just go, ha perfect now I just sit back and reap the rewards. And what if by believing so much in the future, the present just fell apart. Expiration Dates by best selling author Rebecca Serle is a novel about finding predetermined love, the fear of commitment and long relationships, and the hard work it take to make the life one wants, and not the one that that universe might have decided you should get.

Daphne Bell has a feeling that someone out there is not only looking out for her, but has big plans for Daphne. At least in her love life. For the last twenty years every time Daphne meets a man that she has feelings for, Daphne finds a piece of paper with that person's name on it and a number. The number corresponds to the days or months that Daphne and this man will have together. Well convenient, Daphne wonders if this part of a cosmic joke, and if she will ever have a relationship that is real, and lasting. Meeting Jake, Daphne waits for the paper and its countdown and is surprised to see only his name, and nothing else. Does this mean he's the ONE, or does it mean, they should never ever be. Or should Daphne, who knows a lot more about her future than she is letting on, just try to make her own path for the first time.

A book that asks a lot of questions about life, love, and fate, all in the trappings of chick lit. Questions about is love fated, and how can one find it. Being alone, or waiting for that one special person. Who decides that special person, you or the uncaring universe as shown on a piece of paper. And if one knows that one's life might not be happy, is it fair to drag another person into the mess that might be the future. Daphne is an interesting character, one who almost sleepwalks through her life, knowing that things in some ways are already decided, and yet Daphne questions the system she has known love with. The male characters except for Jake are ciphers, but Jake is very interesting and this might be a decision by the writer to make him standout from Daphne's other choices. The writing is good, a clever mix of romance, with magical realism, and real questions about being human and loving oneself. A book that is much more than a beach read, and will stay with readers far past the last page.

A wonderful and lovely novel dedicated to time, finding the right ine, and love. Inventive with a beautiful storyline. Highly recommend.

Quick, easy read. Loved the story line because it kept me guessing as to what would happen. I stayed up late reading the last few chapters because I became pretty invested. Characters were well developed and I thought the lesson in this book was valuable.

Another great book by Rebecca Serle! Loved everything about this story. The self discovery and growth and relationships. 😍

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Rebecca Serle has done it again. I was a huge fan of In Five Years so I had high hopes for this novel and it didn't disappoint. This book is about life and love and how we define them. Rebecca Serle always has a way with words and this book is no different. It's beautifully written and I couldn't put it down.

I really loved reading this! Rebecca Serle always has a way with words, and this book is no different. It's a quick read that will have you experiencing a whole range of emotions. I laughed, and I cried, but overall, I had a really good time.

This book follows Daphne Bell, a woman who receives a slip of paper each time she meets a new man. This paper includes the man's name and a number on it - the exact amount of time they will be together.

This was almost a 5 star read for me. I truly enjoyed this book, though I can't help but feel that the ending left me wanting more. This is my 2nd book by Serle, and both were left on a fairly open ending.

READ THIS BOOK IF YOU LIKE READING ABOUT:
-Magical Realism ✨️
-Journeys of Self Discovery 💭
-Right Person/Wrong Time... kind of? 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨
-Supportive Families 👨‍👩‍👧

Thank you, Atria Books and NetGalley, for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

3.75/5
Serle’s books are always a mix of magical realism with romance and heartache— which was perfect for a cozy rainy weekend. The book follows Daphne’s love life through flashbacks of various relationships starting as a child. The time changes are at times a bit hard to follow, and some of the story is a bit predictable, but Serle included a few surprising twists that kept the story moving forward. Overall, this is a story about a search for love, and how each relationship offers us something unique. Side note- what did the author have against Brita filters? They strangely showed up in approx 4 story lines. In any event, I’d recommend this when you’re looking for a light romance with a bit of substance when it’s released in March 2024!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria for the ARC!

Fans of magical realism in a romance will enjoy this one. The romance genre is super full with books with all the same tropes being constantly recycled. This book throws in a whole new twist! Daphne has been receiving little notes for 20 years telling her exactly how long each of her relationships will last. One night she’s on a blind date and the paper she receives has only the man’s name on it….does that mean he’s the ONE? Will this be her last first date? I thought the premise was totally fresh and new and I really enjoyed this grown up romance.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5

Expiration Dates - Mini Review 🗒️⬇️

ARC - Pub Date March 5th, 2024

I am going to start by saying that I am a big fan of Rebecca Serle’s books and that I would still recommend this one BUT it was not my favourite of hers.

I really liked the concept of the book but I found that the story was a bit dull 😬 I thought at about the halfway mark it was about to pick up because she threw in one of her heartbreaking twist but even that fell a bit flat.

That being said, the story was unique and it was an easy read. Small chapters for a win and I did love the characters ♥️

I loved In Five Years but equally disliked One Italian Summer. I was interested to see where Expiration Dates would fall…

I enjoyed this one so much! I liked Daphne, our female MC, and her outlook on life. The alternating timelines gave us perspective that was needed to root for her. The magical realism was just enough for me.

I won’t say more to avoid spoilers but I thought Expiration Dates was a quick and cute romance.

4⭐️

First and foremost, I want to thank NetGalley, Simon & Schuster Publishing company and Rebecca Serle for this valuable ARC. Furthermore, I want to state that I am super happy for Rebecca Serle for finding her happiness in the end of her current chapter in life.

As for the story In Expiration Dates, I experienced thirty-nine chapters full of epic love, magical moments whilst I felt discombobulated when I stumbled over unexpected events in Daphne‘s journey. Daphne has previously accounted much of her life chices to fate. Let’s watch the tables turn as Daphne takes accountability for her choices rather than waiting in line for her fate to determine her path in life.

A powerful novel that affects your very personal story! „There is only this life. This very one we are living.“ I look forward to embracing my epic love of my life a tad tighter, appreciating my choices I have taken so far that led me to where I am right now.

This novel is a testament to living in the moment, taking chances and finding true love. Crystal-clear recommendation. Easy 5 stars. 🥰😍🤩

Now this was an adorable read. You didn’t have to think about it, you just got to sit back and enjoy Listening to Daphnes past and present love life. Unique addition and completely unrealistic premise that Daphne’s knows more about her relationships than those she gets into relationships with, but fun the less.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest review

RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Expiration Dates by Rebeca Serle follows the relationships of Daphne, who when she opens her heart to a new relationship, she receives a piece of paper from the universe with their name and a date telling her exactly how long that relationship is going to last, until she gets a paper that has just a name….

I really am enjoying romantic magical realism kind of vibe. I think it adds a layer to romance that makes the stories feel so unique and special.

I really enjoyed this book and binged the entire thing very quickly. I love when books do kind of a dual timeline/flashback vibe and that was done really well here.

Our characters here are not perfect and they do make mistakes, like they drove me nuts sometimes but that’s what makes them feel real and relatable.

There are also a couple twists that I did not see coming!!

Thank you so much to @netgalley and @atriabooks for the ARC!! ❤️

This was the book I didn't know I needed...
Expiration Dates is such a breath of fresh air! The storyline is original, the characters are well-developed, and Serle's writing is top-notch. Daphne is searching for what she thinks she needs, but never stops to think about what she actually wants. This story captivated me from the very beginning and I found myself reading through tears at 4am as Daphne's story continued to unfold. Rebecca Serle's descriptions of love and life and heartbreak are beautiful metaphorical descriptions that give life to her words. This is one of my top books of the year and I will recommend it to anyone and everyone. It has humor, a little heat, and lots of heart ;-) This is a must-read and one that I will definitely come back to again and again. Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this story! Daphne has always gotten a mysterious paper with a name and time limit of her next relationship. Finally she discovers that maybe she's the only one holding herself back!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!