I loved this book! Serle has quickly become one of my favorite authors. She has a way of throwing romance and life in with magical realism that doesn't seem fluffy. This time around, our protagonist always knows exactly how long each romance will last---she literally receives a piece of paper telling her how long. She has a best male buddy (a former short-term flame) who was my favorite character. He was so funny and charming. Throw in a dog, and this book was a page-turner. There are several surprises in this book that make it so delightful. I think this would make a wonderful movie. Way to go, Rebecca Serle!!! I cannot wait for your next masterpiece.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this enchanting title.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for an ARC of Expiration Dates!

What I love most about Rebecca Serle’s books is her ability to incorporate whimsy into real life heartbreak. Not only did this book have just enough whimsy, but it was also masterfully intentional.

Jake and Daphne seemingly have no chemistry because they’re not really meant to be.

Not only do Daphne’s relationships have an expiration date, but she feels like her heart is going to give her an early “expiration date,” too.

And as a native Californian, the references to Los Angeles were so on point!

My one qualm with this book is that the letters were not explained more. Why were they sent? And how? What did the last one say?

Overall a great read and I remain a Rebecca Serle stan!

A short little novel about Daphne, a woman that always gets a note prior to the start of a relationship letting her know how long each relationship will last. One night. Six months. But the time comes when Daphne gets a note that doesn’t have an ending date. Has she finally met her soulmate?

This was an easy read, and semi-enjoyable, but it definitely could have been a little bit longer. I would’ve like to hear more about some of her relationships, especially her relationship with her friend Hugo.

Thank you to NetGalley & Atria Books for the advanced copy of this book.

I am a huge fan of this author, and I have found myself loving all books written by her. Her writing style is so easy to read and seems so effortless for her to write her novels.

LOVED this book! So sweet and romantic much like her In Five Years. I would recommend this to anyone and would love to see this be a big book club book.

⭐️ ARC REVIEW ⭐️
Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle
My Rating: 4/5⭐️

Thank you @netgalley for the ebook copy of Expiration Dates!

My Review: I was captivated by the dating experiences that Daphne went through. Knowing when a breakup would happen and preparing yourself is an interesting perspective. She knew nothing was permanent, until one day it was. She got a letter with a man’s name on it and no expiration date. He’s the one, right? That’s what Daphne thought, that she could finally fall and know there wasn’t going to be an end. It almost seemed too good to be true.

After the first half of the book we learn that Daphne has a chronic illness that cannot be cured. So the reader learns that for Daphne the expiration dates for the men in her life are actually time guaranteed for her to live.

This book will pull at your heart strings and teach you valuable life lessons. Rebecca Serle knows how to find that soft spot in everyone and really dive deep into it. I love all the details she adds to her books, they always make the story just a little more personal. I’m so glad I got the opportunity to read this early!

Available March 19, 2024

Serle has absolutely cornered the market on magical realism. I loved the romance and intrigue. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC!

I enjoyed this book a lot! Rebecca Serle always comes up with such interesting premises, and I really liked the main characters. The mid-book “twist” was not my favorite, but this book gave me a lot to think about!

I didn’t enjoy this novel at all until a big reveal happens. Then I simply disliked it less.

Daphne receives a slip of paper every time she starts a new relationship with a name and an amount of time. With Hugo, it said three months. Three months on the dot, she and Hugo broke up. He is now, five years later, her best friend, and when she gets a slip of paper with Jake’s name but no timeline, she wonders if this could mean forever. But she’s withholding things from Jake, things that Hugo knows, and very few other people do.

I didn’t think the writing was particularly good, or the story, or the main character. For some reason Daphne frequently describes what she’s wearing and sometimes what her date is wearing—why? I know that’s a small point, but it really bugged me because it added nothing.

NetGalley provided an advance copy of this novel, which RELEASES MARCH 5, 2024.

*This review contains spoilers*

My initial thought was what’s going on?? The first half of this book is so jumpy. I’m typically a fan of dual timelines but this one felt like a frog in traffic. I wasn’t sure where we were headed. Why not keep the previous dates in order leading up to her current relationships? Maybe it was the lack of transition into each chapter….

There were weird descriptions of almost each character’s clothing attire but there was a lack of scene descriptions.

The author totally cuts out the conversation of Daphne telling Jake about a significant health issue…WTF. If I weren’t almost finished with this book, I would have dropped this book sooner. How are we supposed to skim over that?!?

Can we talk about Hugo? He withheld notes from Daphne in hopes of what? That he would have a chance? To prove her wrong? Then he’s rewarded at the end. Ick.

The Dr. Martens boots….are we going to get a further explanation on the point of including that has Jake’s weird quirk? Like did his previous wife wear them???

Who is sending Daphne all these notes? Can we get a little more background on that, please?

The concept behind this story had so much potential but I felt like this book just wasn’t complete. A five star idea with two star execution. I’m pretty bummed because I had high hopes for this book.

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

Since she was a girl, Daphne has received a note with a guys name and the length of the relationship. Now in her 30s, she’s still chasing that forever love when she gets a note with no time limit.
I hesitated before reading this bc I don’t always love magical realism but something about this just worked okay for me. It was a fun, well thought out story and hit just enough of the right emotional notes to work.
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC!

Thank you to Atria Books for the ARC provided via Netgalley for an honest review! This is out 3/14/24.

Romance. Ever since her first boyfriend, Daphne receives a paper with the name of the person she's dating and exactly how long their relationship will last. One night, 5 weeks, 2 years - without fail the papers are always right. Only her friend - and former bf - Hugo knows about the papers. Until one day before Daphne goes on a first date with Jake she gets the paper and it just says his name...and no expiration date. Thinking this means she has found the one, Daphne begins to see a future for herself for the first time. But when Hugo isn't on board, it makes her question everything about the papers and how much (or how little) of a choice she has always had with her relationships.

LOVED. I'm a big Serle fan already and I think k this is her best book so far - I started/finished this in the plane yesterday, could not put it down. I loved the characters, loved the original concept, and her ability to bring the cities her books are set in to life is just this made me actually want to go to LA lol. There are a couple big twists I did not see coming and this made me cry quite a few times.
Love love Loved!

This is a cute and quirky rom com that can be read in one sitting. It's fun, super fluffy, and a great palate cleanser if you've been reading too many psychological thrillers and just need a story about a potential partner who isn't trying to murder you.

The story follows Daphne Bell, who's trying to figure out love, relationships, and herself. I mean, who hasn't been there, right?

I loved Daphne's narrative - it's like, so real and honest. She's funny, flawed, and just trying to navigate the ups and downs of dating and life. The supporting characters are also super well-developed and add so much to the story.

Rebecca Serle's writing is amazing. She gets it, you know? She understands what it's like to be a teenager trying to figure out your feelings and your place in the world. The story is engaging, and the themes are so relevant - vulnerability, trust, self-love, and acceptance.

What I really appreciated was how realistic the story is. Relationships are messy and complicated, and Serle doesn't sugarcoat that. She shows that it's okay to make mistakes, to learn from them, and to grow.

"Expiration Dates" is totally a must-read for anyone who's ever been in love, had their heart broken, or just tried to figure out who they are. It's a book that'll make you laugh, cry, and feel all the feels.

So, if you're looking for a book that gets it, that understands what it's like to be a teenager trying to navigate love and life, then "Expiration Dates" is the book for you. Trust me, you won't regret reading it!

Many thanks to Netgalley and publisher for a an advance copy ♥️

I was hoping to really like this book, but it was missing something for me. I did like the concept of the expiration dates the MC received for anyone she dated. I didn't like the lack of character development and depth. Unfortunately it fell short.

Daphne has a dating life much like everyone else, except she knows how long the relationship will last. A gift from the universe. Before she starts dating someone, a paper with their name and the time they will spend together appears. Until one day, the note only has a name. Is he 'the one'?
In true Rebecca Serle fashion, this book is fantastic magical realism. Belief must be suspended in order to go along for the fun ride.
This story is really about Daphne learning how to love herself and make herself a priority in her own life. Gave it only 4 stars because the guys all are little one-dimensional, but it was fine.

I’m going to be completely honest and do my best not to spoil anything with this review.

First and foremost, when I finished this book my immediate reaction was: I don’t know how to feel. The more I thought about it, the more I realized this is what makes a book successful in my opinion. It immediately created questions and conversations. I found myself wanting to find someone else who read this book and discuss all the emotions I’m feeling about it.

I mainly read romance- and while this book does offer romance, I think this book is mostly about Daphne’s journey. Which was different for me for sure but I did very much enjoy it.

This book is real in the sense that it shows you the highs and lows of being a single woman. There’s magic involved in this book but the real-life emotion and stories are real and very much relatable.

This book will make you feel. This book will make you think. This is a great book for book clubs or for people who are looking to have a great dialogue over a compelling story.

This novel didn't resonate with me. I don't think the characters were well developed, so the novel didn't generate an emotional response. I was constantly aware that I was reading a book and therefore couldn't get lost in it. While the notes are a fantastical element, they weren't the issue. I just never felt close to Daphne and her character, nor did I feel invested in the relationships. Even her relationship with Hugo didn't create warm and real emotion. While the novel raises interesting questions about choices, life and relationships; it didn't leave a lasting impression. However, many other readers love the book so clearly my opinions are unique to me!

As usual Rebecca Serle, is an amazing writer. She keep magical realism within the boundaries of possibility and this book was so intriguing. I loved the premise with the slips of paper. Her writing is short enough to keep you engaged but still fully engulfs you in the story. Highly recommend.

I loved In Five Years so I was very excited to read this one! I loved the premise. It was unique and an emotional love story. Although, at times, I didn’t feel very invested in the characters and I didn’t feel the chemistry between Jake and Daphne. I did enjoy this book and would definitely recommend.