I was expecting something different, but I discovered a really satisfying read. Expiration Dates has a unique premise and has an interesting storyline. I enjoyed the characters, their development, and the story layout.

The story is told from Daphne’s POV. Daphne’s current day life - friends, career, boyfriend --is interspersed with chapters of her prior “doomed-by-a-note-with-a-deadline” relationships. At first, I thought it odd to include those varied past relationships, but those vignettes provide readers with a clear picture of Daphne’s psyche. Those chapters made it clear to me that she wasn’t “all in” with Jake, her career, and maybe even life.

I loved the secondary characters Kendra and Ilene. They offer not only friendship but very different perspectives of love and life to Daphne when she is searching for answers. I didn’t know what to think of Hugo (a prior beau with a five month expiration date), but he grew on me. I couldn’t help but wonder why he stuck around to be Daphne’s friend, and why the chemistry between those two was still off the charts.

My reading notes again and again call out the lack of chemistry between Daphne and Jack as well as Daphne’s luke-warm approach to everything in their relationship. It is as if she is biding her time waiting to see if the universe intervenes to take away her chance at a HEA. She never seems excited that she found a note with Jake’s name but no date. She just seems befuddled, and she passively follows the path that she is told to take by the mysterious note.

I wasn’t in love with the big twist, but it provides a great deal of insight into Daphne’s lack of ambition and acceptance of the mysterious expiration date notes. I loved the story’s zenith and denouement. It wasn’t all about a boy or a romantic relationship. It was about Daphne. It was about her making an investment in her future. It was about Daphne not passively waiting for the “universe” to define her but making choices and seeing where those choices took her. I LOVE that!

Just when you know what's going to happen, this opens a new page and then there's a twist. And it's not trope-y. Daphne's always gotten notes (and no, it's not clear who they're from) that tell her how l0ng her romantic relationship will last. One of those was Hugo, who turns into a BFF who is her biggest supporter but who is jealous when she meets Jake, whose note is blank, which makes her assume that he's her true love. And it seems great. No spoilers from me. This soars on the characters- Daphne, Jake, Hugo, her boss Irina, her friends, and most of all her parents (loved her parents). Know that this does move back and forth in time, which works better, I think, than a linear progression would have. The more I read, the more engaged and committed to Daphne than I expected to be because, well, no spoilers. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Really enjoyed this.

I Loved ❤️: this had the most charming, whimsical, and unique premise!!! I was drawn in immediately and flew through the story - it had Rebecca Serle’s perfect mix of mystery and whimsy that made me NEED to keep reading

I Liked 💜: I really enjoyed Daphne’s character arc and evolution - she seemed like she was on a mission to find her forever guy, but I think she found so much more and she was so endearing. The magical realism was folded into the story so effortlessly that I didn’t question it a bit. And there were a couple twists I did NOT see coming!

Tropes/Themes 💙:
magical realism
dual timelines

Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I just adored and devoured this book!! This is my second book by the author and I loved both - I laugh, cry and make this face 🥹 constantly when I read her writing. I love that the two books I’ve read by her feature romance but are really about a strong gal who is finding her way/place/self. Although a short read, it’s filled with heart and emotions and will leave you thinking about it long after you finish!!

This is my first Rebecca Serle novel and I really enjoyed it. The story is about Daphne Bell, a single woman who is having trouble finding a long lasting relationship. Every time she meets someone, she finds a piece of paper with the person’s name and how long the relationship will last:. This goes on for years.. After numerous boyfriends, she meets Jake and when she receives the piece of paper with his name, there is no expiration date. Things are going well for Daphne and Jake but Daphne is questioning her ability to be happy. The novel explores commitment, friendship, and happiness in life. There is some magical realism which I usually don’t enjoy and sure enough, there was no explanation for why and where the notes with Daphne’s numerous boyfriends was coming from but I didn’t let that bother me too much.

I really enjoyed the novel; the characters were likeable and the ending was a bit of a surprise. I was routing for Daphne to get her happy ending. I think she did!?

Thank you to Net Galley and Atria Books for this advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

I very much enjoyed Expiration Dates, while also feeling like it was a bit short. I wanted more from the ending, but can also understand why it was left the way it was. This was certainly a fast read, and one that had me picking it back up shortly after putting it down. Even though no explanation was ever given for why Daphne was receiving the expiration dates, it was easy enough to suspend reality and take it for face value. I am a fantasy reader though, so those more used to your standard contemporary romance might not find it as easy.

Daphne is well-acquainted with the universe's peculiar way of guiding her love life: with each new romantic interest, she mysteriously receives a note detailing the duration of their relationship. When she encounters Jake and the accompanying note mysteriously lacks an expiration date, Daphne is convinced that fate has finally introduced her to her soulmate.

As their relationship deepens, Daphne finds herself grappling with the perfect moment to unveil her extraordinary experiences with Jake, who proves to be nothing short of wonderful.

My experiences with Rebecca Serle's novels have varied, but I'm delighted to report that "Expiration Dates" has firmly secured its place as a favorite, second only to "In Five Years." The narrative captivates with its pace and intrigue. While I anticipated one of the story's major twists, another caught me completely off guard. The novel beautifully explores themes of timing, life's unpredictable journey, and the essence of true love, leaving a lasting impression and a heartwarming message.

Rebecca’s books are so enjoyable to read. The premise was unique and engaging and I appreciate the life lessons that come along in reading her stories. In addition, the twists and turns in the story always help to keep me wanting to pick up the book to see what happens. I love Daphnes character and her flaws. It makes her real. Definitely recommend this one.

Not only was this book cute, it also explored a unique idea for a plot, which I really enjoy about Serle's work!
The main character was a bit flawed and frustrating at times, but despite that I was still in her corner cheering for her and whoever she chose in the end.

This book has a very interesting premise (and a lovely cover)! Daphne, our protagonist, gets an anonymous letter stating the exact duration any new relationship she gets into will last. Though it feels a bit creepy, the note is right every time and when she finally gets a note with no expiration date mentioned, her life begins to change.
I have read and enjoyed In Five Years, but was disappointed with the pacing and the characters in Expiration Dates.
Thank you to the publisher for the arc in exchange of an honest review!

This is just as good if not better than In Five Years. I stayed up way too late trying to read this in one day. I didn't quite know how it would end and there were definitely a few surprises but the ending was so satisfying! If you like epic love stories, give this one a read!

Expiration Dates comes out next week on March 19, 2024, and you can purchase HERE! I love this author!!

Across the pool was the Los Angeles skyline, a floating city in the clouds. Palm trees and towers and homes, side by side. That's the beauty of LA—it's sprawling, searching, a horizontal buffet of experiences. In New York, everything is happening on top of everything else-energy and expectation, stacked up like dominoes. Here, you have to hunt for what comes next.

Expiration Dates follows Daphne, a young woman with a special gift from the universe. Each time she meets a man she finds a piece of paper with his name on it and exactly how long the relationship will last. From 1 night to 2 years she always knows when a relationship is going to expire, until a blind date that leads to a paper that only says Jake. Did she finally find her forever?

This novel has a really interesting premise and, at least in the beginning, kind of grapples with the question of if you could know how a relationship turns out would you want to? Would you still be able to truly put yourself into it if you knew it wasn't going to last? We get alternating chapters of current day Daphne who is dating Jake and past Daphne and her other relationships. This premise gets kind of lost in the middle and the twist in the story kind of takes it in a completely different direction. I wish that it had stayed focused on the notes and the kind of emotional/moral dilemma that brings rather than what the focus of the second half of the book was (trying not to give anything away here...).

Overall I still liked it, but it fell a little short and wouldn't be the first Rebecca Serle book I recommended to a friend. Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the advanced e-copy of this book.

I just loved all of Rebecca Serle's books so far.... always character driven, you'll shed a few tears and giggle a little too! I loved how she looks into relationships flaws and bases a story around that. Real love is really messy and imperfect at times and I love how Rebecca portrayed that in this book! Is there truly a "time line" on true love?

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the eARC of Expiration Dates in exchange for an honest and independent review.

Cutting straight to the point, I whole heartedly enjoyed this feel good book about finding love, discovering yourself, and the raw emotion that comes with losing love along the way. I read this entire book in the span of a night because I just didn't want to put it down. There is a magic to Rebecca Serle's writing that shines through once again that had me captivated from the beginning. Her stories flow so effortlessly and her character development is spot on. After loving One Italian Summer so much, I had high hopes for this one!

At the center of this story sits Daphne Bell, who is just one of the most loveably lost characters I've never met. Daphne has a couple secrets up her sleeve. One of them is that since fifth grade, she has been fated to receive various cards or pieces of paper with the name of her next boyfriend and the amount of time they will be together. Is this a blessing or a curse? I'll let you decide. However way you dice it, it leaves little to the imagination when you know exactly how long you'll be riding this love train until the next stop.

Daphne has always wanted that pure, once in a lifetime, over the moon, grand slam love. However, due to secret number two (which I will not disclose here), she never expected to find it. That is until one day she receives a piece of paper with only a name, no expiration date. Could this be it? Could this be her forever love? And how does she feel about it exactly? What if the universe has other plans for Daphne?

I sincerely loved how Rebecca navigates back through time to walk us through Daphne's past relationships and the takeaways of each to make her who she is today. No love it truly lost, but rather carried with you in a different way. You will not regret coming along on this journey as Daphne finds her way to forever and what she's learned along the way.

My only very small critique is simply that I wanted more. I wanted more of a wrap up for Daphne and honestly, I wanted about 7 more chapters to just see exactly how this all played out. But maybe that's just another mystery of the universe for now...

I loved the premise of the book. The chapters are short and sweet. I loved Rebecca’s writing. She has a way of making you feel like you’re there within the setting. Once I started, I had a hard time putting it down. I loved Hugo because of his imperfections. He had a big personality and a big heart. I enjoyed Jake but I felt like I was something was missing about him. The surprise at the end was not one I was expecting. I really was shocked! At that point I was wondering how it was going to end. So I really enjoyed the twist. I had a hard time with Daphne. While I can’t understand her circumstance, I can see how she keeps her secret from everyone. But I wish she would allowed herself to experience more. Her relationships were dull and lacked any passion. I did love her parents and the relationship she had with them. Her dad is the best!

As much as I would have enjoyed getting slips of paper letting me know how long the relationships were going to be, I’d want to know where they were coming from. I wanted to know more about this. The ending felt abrupt. I was left wanting more of the ending and the characters.

Overall, it was a good read and I’m glad I read it! This my second book by Rebecca and I enjoyed this more than One Italian Summer.

Read if you like:

🌴 LA setting
🌴 Love triangles
🌴 Jewish representation
🌴 Second chances

Many thanks to @netgalley and @atriabooks for the eARC in exchange for my honest review

In "The Expiration Date Notes," the story revolves around Daphne, a young woman who leads a seemingly ordinary life until she starts receiving mysterious notes that predict the length of her relationships. At first, she dismisses them as a prank, but as the notes continue to accurately forecast the demise of each of her romantic endeavors, Daphne becomes increasingly intrigued and even fearful of her own love life.

As Daphne navigates through a series of short-lived relationships, the story delves into her emotional journey and the impact these notes have on her self-esteem and perception of love. The author skillfully explores the complexities of human relationships, highlighting the highs and lows, the joy and heartbreak, and the insecurities and vulnerabilities that come with opening oneself up to love.

While the premise initially suggests a focus on the fantastical element of the expiration date notes, the story surprisingly leans more towards the romantic aspect. Daphne's relationships take center stage, letting me get an intimate glimpse into her experiences, doubts, and growth. I kind of found myself torn between rooting for Daphne's happiness and feeling frustrated by her choices and actions, as the characters and their chemistry are not always easy to connect with.

However, the fantasy element of the story adds depth and intrigue, allowing the author to explore profound themes such as love, self-sabotage, and destiny. The expiration date notes serve as a catalyst for Daphne's self-reflection and personal growth, forcing her to confront her fears and question her beliefs about love and relationships. Through this exploration, the story raises thought-provoking questions about the role of fate versus personal agency in matters of the heart.

The conclusion of "The Expiration Date Notes" is heartwarming, albeit with some predictable twists. While the story may not become an instant favorite for me, its unique premise and emotional depth make it a compelling read. The author's ability to capture the complexities of love and the human experience, combined with the added layer of the expiration date notes, created a story that will linger in my mind long after I final page of this book.

Thank you so much to Negalley and the publisher for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review!

Jewish rep, LA setting, celebrity romance adjacent

Daphne has been receiving notes her whole life - they have a name and duration and that's it. That's her love life in a nutshell. We explore her past relationships throughout this book, especially her relationship with Hugo, her now best friend.

All she wants to do is find "the one" without an expiration date. She has a paper with a blank on duration and she goes with it. Her relationship with Hugo evolves.

The author sets up the dynamic between Jake and Hugo, secrets and friendships on the line, and heartbreak/HEA as well.

Would you want to know your life before it happens? How about how long your romantic encounters last?

That is exactly what happens to Daphne whenever she begins a new relationship. She receives some type of paper before or just after she begins dating a new man in her life. That sounds like a good thing, right? It seems like Daphne knows exactly how long a relationship will last so why put forth much effort?

Along the way we are introduced to new men in her life, some that stay for a short time and others that remain in her life for years.

Like Rebecca Serle’s previous novels, Expiration Dates seamlessly blends real life with elements of magic (receiving a note with the amount of time a relationship will last) to create a story that is beautifully written and delivered in a heartfelt way.

Super cute, quick read. Perfect for a sunny spring day. I enjoyed the setting, hint of magical realism, and the main characters.

3.5⭐️

This book follows Daphne’s romances, each with an expiration date. The author uses magical realism in this story to give Daphne the amount of time each romance would last. That aspect of the book was not my favorite. This story has love, sadness, loss and explores what a relationship and lasting love looks like. It starts off a bit slow, the second half of the book is better!

Thanks to netgalley for this eArc!

I really enjoyed this novel with a bit of romance, a bit of magical realism and a story of self-discovery at the center. This book was thoughtful and quiet but it was engaging and a quick read. I really enjoyed Serle’s writing and seeing how the story would unfold. I don’t know if this is a book I’ll remember a lot about down the road, but I did really enjoy it and it was a great escape.