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.

“Expiration Dates” is a book that has so much potential but ultimately left me wishing that I was given more. I wouldn’t go as far as saying this is a bad book, but I think my expectations may have been higher than this book could reach. With that said, I could see other readers really enjoy it, so below are some of my thoughts to help you decide if this is a book for you:

Things that I liked:
* The overall premise of this book is an interesting one. Adding a bit of mysticism to any romantic fiction is always fun, and I was drawn to the idea and how it played out with Daphne.
* The supporting cast is great. Kendra and Irina are kind, strong women. I liked Hugo and his mix of machismo and sensitivity. Murphy was probably my favorite character of the whole book.
* At the end of the day, this book was entertaining for the most part and did not drag. I read it quickly. While I think there was more potential, I do not think this is a bad story.

Things that I didn’t like:
* I was not a fan of Daphne. What started as a strong dislike was an indifference to her character by the end of the book. A lot of time is spent describing her clothes, food and how much stuff she has in her apartment and not enough time is spent humanizing her, and her dialogue could be abrasive at time.
* The twist in the middle of the book distracted from the overall plot. I think if it were added in the beginning it would have added to the story, but in the middle it just seemed like a distraction from the fun of the letters.
* There is zero, and I mean, zero chemistry between Daphne and Jake. Honestly after their first few dates, I didn’t understand how these two people could stand each other, so the love story was a stretch. This may have been the point, but some connection would have been so much better.
* There is way too much internal dialogue that went on way too long, to the level that it took away from the story.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Atria books for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!**

I really enjoyed this! Such a cute, fun premise. I thought it was going to be completely predictable but it wasn’t! I loved reading about her dating history and how it all got her to where she currently was, and how the notes she received played into each one. 4 star read!

Daphne is used to knowing what to expect. Does she act differently if she doesn’t know what’s next? Wouldn’t anyone?

Every book from this author has been emotionally compelling, and this was no exception. As long as she’s been in any sort of romantic relationships, Daphne has always received a message either just before or as soon as a relationship starts, telling her precisely how long the relationships will last. And all the slips are correct! So when she gets a slip with just a name, and no time length, does it mean he is her forever connection?

She overlooks some things she might not have overlooked, because she is trusting in the power of the message slips. If it’s meant to be, she may just be along for the ride. But as more truths are revealed about Daphne’s relationships and Daphne herself, the reader comes to wonder if an expectation of forever because of a magical note is fair to everyone involved.

This is another great, cozy book with an original concept, as expected from this author. It earns 4 out of 5 stars and could be enjoyed by those who like popular fiction, relatively quick reads with contemporary, original characters.

Rounded up to 2.5.

You have to suspend disbelief for the premise of this book, similar to the experience I had reading another Rebecca Serle book, but if you can do that it’s worth the read. The book was a 3.5 star read for me until the ending, but that’s just personal preference others might feel differently about the ending.

I loved the pacing of this story and the way it unfolded. It felt like a love letter to Los Angeles which was refreshing compared to most LA based books I’ve read. I also really enjoyed the Jewish representation throughout the book. It’s a fast read and if you need a quick book to meet your Goodreads goal, I recommend this one.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

I’ve come to count on Rebecca Serle’s novels for sweeping, all the feels contemporary romance. This one had some makings for that, but ultimately fell a bit flat for me. Mostly for a few reasons - I felt the “magical realism” never quite made sense, a bomb is dropped on us mid way through the book that ultimately changed both the trajectory of the novel and also our perception of the characters, and the payoff at the end didn’t feel quite there. I think the latter is due to the amount of time spent on too many of Daphne’s suitors, such that not enough time was spent building the actual central relationship. I felt like there were two novels that were unfinished - the one with the notes and magical realism elements, and then the one about a protagonist coming to terms with her own life choices given being handed an unfair lot. I felt like the beginning dragged and the second half felt rushed, and the bomb dropped midway through really disconnected me from the story. While I love Serle’s descriptive writing and great ideas that make me FEEL when reading her writing, it was the technical parts of the book that made it less than satisfactory for me. This won’t deter me from reading her next one, I just hope it’s a little more cohesive than this one.

Thanks to Netgalley, Atria and Rebecca Serle for the ARC.

I had the audiobook for a while before I listened to Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle, and now I really wish I had not waited! To be fair, I love this author so much that in some ways I get nervous before reading one of her books like it isn't going to live up to this pedestal I have put her writing on. Anyone else? Just me? Ok 🤣 She lost me a little with her last book (I was also not a Gilmore Girls watcher, so the narrator lost me a bit too), but this story took me right back and I loved it just as much as I loved In Five Years. If I saw this as a movie it would probably make me cry even harder than it did as a book, and it is a heart wrecker while being a book that will make you smile/laugh through the tears as well.

I loved the magical realism aspect of the storyline, and Daphne always receiving random pieces of paper with a name and length of the relationship she will have was both unique and intriguing. I also enjoyed how Serle blended the FMCs current timeline with her various relationships and how everything got tied up in the end. Another reason I probably loved Expiration Dates so much was due to Julia Whelan narrating the audiobook. I trust all things Whelan narrates, and even though the writing was excellent she just has a way of enhancing every book she voices. She certainly did that here with her emotion, perfect tone, and spot-on pacing. I loved the way Daphne ended up growing by the end of the book, and the very last chapter was *chef's kiss* 💋 Read this if you enjoy emotional storylines, an MC as flawed as the rest of us, and magic.

Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle is a captivating novel that explores the intricacies of love and fate. With its unique premise of receiving expiration dates for relationships, Serle crafts a compelling story filled with warmth, insight, and emotional depth. Through the journey of protagonist Daphne Bell, readers are invited to ponder the nature of romantic connections and the choices we make in matters of the heart. Serle's storytelling prowess shines in this gripping and thought-provoking tale that will leave a lasting impression on readers.

**Review of "Expiration Dates" by Rebecca Serle**

"Expiration Dates" by Rebecca Serle is a novel that aims to explore complex themes of love, loss, and the inevitability of change through a unique supernatural twist. Serle’s premise is intriguing: characters can see the 'expiration dates' on relationships and life events, a concept that promises to dive deep into emotional and existential questions.

However, the novel struggles to fully realize its potential. The narrative occasionally gets bogged down by its own concept, leading to pacing issues that can make the middle sections of the book feel sluggish. Serle’s prose is poetic and thoughtful, but sometimes at the expense of a more driven plotline, which might leave readers feeling somewhat adrift.

Character development also varies; while the protagonist is given a decent arc, some of the supporting characters feel underexplored. This lack of depth can hinder the emotional connection that the story attempts to forge, making the impacts of the 'expiration dates' less poignant than they might otherwise be.

Despite these issues, "Expiration Dates" does have moments of brilliance. Serle’s ability to capture the sweetness and sorrow of fleeting relationships is notable and provides some genuinely touching scenes. The novel’s core idea also serves as a good reminder of the transient nature of life, adding a philosophical layer to the story.

Ultimately, "Expiration Dates" garners 2.5 stars for its beautiful yet flawed execution. While it stumbles in narrative and character depth, its reflective moments and unique premise might still appeal to readers looking for a light, introspective read.

5 ⭐️s
No spice

My experience is that people either love Rebecca Serle books or they don't. I'm a lover!

This was the first romance of hers that I've read. I loved the MC's journey of self-discovery through different romantic relationships and life challenges, ultimately leading her to the type of love she yearned for.

The book was short and sweet, but the characters are well-developed and felt real and believable.

It made me cry, and then left me feeling healed and hopeful. I'll always pick up what this author writes.

Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle is a romance about Daphne, who receives a piece a paper with a name and date on it whenever she meets a new guy. So she always knows exactly how long her relationship will last with anyone she dates. This is a unique premise, and I really enjoyed this story. I just wish that Daphne had a little more trust in herself when making life decisions. Thanks to NetGalley for the free digital review copy. All opinions are my own.

Loved the concept of this, but I didn’t like the way it played out. Mostly because of the main character. She was boring, there was a lack of character development and most annoyingly she couldn’t think for herself. The first half of this book was slow and took a while to get into, it was just reading a bunch of her dates, and then stuff went down, but I hate health issues in romances just to pull the feel card.

I have mixed feelings on this one. Her writing and the story kept me captivated and wanting to read more. I knew that there was going to be a twist that happened and I didn’t see it coming. I was not a fan of the ending. It felt very rushed and it just kinda ended. It was a unique concept for a storyline but I think it had potential to be more.

Wow, wow, wow. Run don’t walk and pick up this lovely book right now.
The book is warm, sad, thoughtful, loving.
What kind of role does fate play in our lives?
Are our choices our own? Rebecca Serle weaves friendships, relationships, and personal life with fate.
High Recommend. Thank you Net Galley for the opportunity to review this book.

DNF at 25%.
I loved the premise of this book, but for me the story just feel slightly short. I wanted just a little more magical, a little more of a complex story line, and this one was just very straight forward. While I love Rebecca Serle and pretty much all of her other works, this one just fell slightly short for me. It doesn't stop me from picking up the next one though!

This is the third book that I have read by Rebecca Serle. I love how she combines romance and fiction with magic realism. I definitely wanted more of the story but it was a nice quick read I finished in one day. There were a few shocking moments that I didn’t see coming but they really made the story. I was laughing at points and tearing up at other points. Overall I would definitely recommend Expiration Dates, along with her other books.

Every time that Daphne meets a man, she gets a note that appears out of the blue that tells her how long the relationship will last. As the years go by, you start to wonder if Daphne is creating a self-fulfilling prophecy out of these notes or not. About halfway into the book, you learn an interesting detail about Daphne that may make you more understanding of what these notes do to her.
Daphne meets Jake and his paper has no end date. She is thrilled but is left second guessing the note. Her friend Hugo is very helpful but seems strangely standoffish about her relationship with Jake. I really started to love the friendship between Daphne and Hugo. Definitely an interesting premise!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

Expiration Dates
By Rebecca Serle
My rating:
3.5/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Rounding to 4!

Daphne has been receiving pieces of paper with a man’s name and the amount of time she will date someone since for over 20 years. When she finds a note with just a name and no expiration date on it, she finally has found her soulmate, or has she?

Rebecca Serle writes with emotion and fantastic descriptors that make you feel like as you read her books, they play out as if they were movies. I really enjoy her writing style but the pace can sometimes feel a little slow due to so much detail.

I really loved this concept that Daphne could always know what was going to happen in her relationships. It was fascinating to me. I loved the character development of Daphne’s family and friends.

At times there felt like something was missing for me that stopped me from loving it, but I still enjoyed it! I think it was hard to know who to root for, which makes you confused as a reader.

While this was not my favorite book of the author’s, I still thought it was a quick read that I finished in 2 days.

Thank you netgalley and Atria books for the ARC. This is out now, so give it a read if you enjoy her books! 🥰

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.


In "Expiration Dates," Rebecca Serle crafts a delightfully unique and thought-provoking exploration of love, fate, and the complexities of human connection. With her trademark warmth and emotional depth, Serle invites readers into the whimsical world of Daphne Bell, a woman whose romantic encounters are governed by mysterious slips of paper that dictate their expiration dates.

From the outset, Serle's concept is both intriguing and clever, immediately capturing the reader's curiosity and setting the stage for a captivating narrative. Daphne's journey through a series of predetermined relationships is a testament to Serle's skill as a storyteller, as she deftly navigates the nuances of each connection while keeping the reader invested in Daphne's ultimate quest for lasting love.

The novel's greatest strength lies in its exploration of existential questions surrounding fate, free will, and the nature of love itself. Serle skillfully weaves these profound themes into Daphne's journey, inviting readers to contemplate their own beliefs and experiences along the way. The introduction of Jake, a love interest without an expiration date, adds an exciting layer of complexity and raises the stakes for Daphne's personal growth and self-discovery.

Serle's prose is engaging and emotionally resonant, seamlessly blending humor, romance, and poignant introspection. Her characters are well-developed and relatable, each with their own unique quirks and vulnerabilities that make their stories feel authentic and lived-in.

While the novel occasionally ventures into predictable romantic tropes, Serle's deft handling of the subject matter and her ability to infuse depth into even the most familiar scenarios elevate the narrative above cliché.

Overall, "Expiration Dates" is a captivating and thought-provoking read that will resonate with anyone who has grappled with the complexities of love and the search for meaning. Rebecca Serle's imaginative storytelling, coupled with her keen insights into human nature, make this novel a standout in the genre. With its unique premise, emotionally resonant characters, and profound exploration of existential themes, "Expiration Dates" earns a well-deserved 4-star rating.

I was given access to this novel in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley.

This was my first Rebecca Serle book and I really wanted to like it because I’ve heard In Five Years is really good, but Experation Dates just fell really flat for me. Although it was a quick read and I did enjoy that aspect, that’s about all I did enjoy.

Daphne was very one dimensional and we didn’t really get to bond with her as a character over anything other than the men she’s dated. There wasn’t much to her character other than the midbook revelation that she has a heart condition. Loved the medical representation but I just needed more of … everything.

More details on her life instead of details about LA, that I as a non LA native had to keep looking up. The descriptions were vibrant but it rooted it in realism a little too much for a book that was about a woman getting experation date cards for the men in her life.

I wish we would have gotten more about that aspect. Why did she get the letters? Who sent them to start with? Was it magic? Was it fate? Idk. This wasn’t for me. But it was a quick read so :/