Expiration Dates is the story of Daphne Bell, a thirty-something production assistant with a secret – every time she begins to date someone, she receives a slip of paper with his name and the length of time they will be together on it.
This was a very interesting premise, but I am sorry to say that the premise was better than the execution. What could have been a cute romance with some depth to it – if the author chose to focus on the idea of fate vs. free will – instead fell flat.
First, the “romance” between Daphne and Jake never made any sense, and there was definitely way more chemistry between Daphne and Hugo. It made me feel like the author was saying the book was about one thing, but in fact it was really about something completely different. And then, a little over halfway through the book, the story suddenly took another turn and wasn’t even about the notes anymore. I won’t give any spoilers, but personally I hate when authors do that. And, I was disappointed that we never learned how or why Daphne receives these notes – it seemed like a major selling point of the book that the author pretty much forgot about.
Not to mention, Serle spends way too much time talking about what people are eating and wearing. This is my third book by Serle and she did the same thing in One Italian Summer (which for the record, I did not enjoy at all because the MC was also incredibly immature and kind of a terrible person). Now, don’t get me wrong – I believe there is a place for unreliable narrators and unlikeable main characters. However, I do not think romance novels are the place for it. To be fair to the author, I probably would consider this women’s fiction over romance.
After really enjoy In Five Years but disliking her last two books, I think I’ve decided that Serle is not for me. That being said, a lot of readers really enjoy her novels so I think I am an outlier here. If you enjoy women’s fiction and aren’t afraid of surprises, you might enjoy this book more than I did.
Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Daphne Bell believes the universe has a plan for her. Every time she meets a new man , she receives a slip of paper with his name and a number on it—the exact amount of time they will be together. The papers told her she’d spend three days with Martin in Paris; five weeks with Noah in San Francisco; and three months with Hugo, her ex-boyfriend turned best friend. Daphne has been receiving the numbered papers for over twenty years, always wondering when there might be one without an expiration. Finally, the night of a blind date at her favorite Los Angeles restaurant, there’s only a Jake.

But as Jake and Daphne’s story unfolds, Daphne finds herself doubting the paper’s prediction, and wrestling with what it means to be both committed and truthful. Because Daphne knows things Jake doesn’t, information that—if he found out—would break his heart.

I love all things written by Rebecca Serle. She has a way with words that make even the most delicate of storylines magical. I loved this book so much. The story was so good and easy to follow. I enjoyed all the characters and various backstories of Daphne's dating life.

Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars

A good read that held my attention the whole way through. I never found myself truly engaged with any of the characters though, which is where this book slipped for me.

I still enjoyed the story line though, despite hoping for a different ending.

A fun take on magical realism and a romantic comedy. The main character Daphne, who receives a piece of paper with how long she will date each boyfriend, and how she learns to be happy no matter the length of the relationship. Cute read, and I will definitely read more of Rebecca Serle's books.

I can honestly say I did not enjoy this book at all. This book was described as “the romance that will define a generation” and I would definitely disagree. I did not find this book romantic in the least bit; it read more like a high school girls journal and was boring and drawn out.

Our main character, Daphne, has a gift; she receives a paper with a man’s name and the length of time their relationship will last. It sounds cute, adorable even, but the story fell flat. We learn about Daphne’s previous relationships in pieces throughout the novel and those pieces don’t fit the story line what so ever. All of these extra characters do nothing for the story, they aren’t significant. Maybe I missed how they mattered or connected, but the seemed entirely pointless.

Honestly, I just kept reading in order to finish the book. At one point, I was skimming the chapters trying to hurry thru, that was how bored I was. This book moved SLOW. Yes, there were areas that I found interesting and one or two parts that I didn’t see coming, but a majority of the book ran SO slow. I found Daphne whiny and unrealistic. She complained about the most minute things and made terrible decisions. I felt throughout the story she was doing nothing but settling. I mean trusting a piece of paper about dating whom ever doesn’t exactly scream great decision making. This book was unsatisfying and left me bored.

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

I had a lot of high hopes for this book after liking her other books, but y'all, this was SO boring. There is such an interesting premise and so much could have been done, but I just kept waiting for literally anything to happen. On top of nothing happening, the ending was so unsatisfying. This might be my last from this author.

"Expiration Dates" is a novel by Rebecca Serle. It tells the story of Daphne Bell, who believes that the universe has a plan for her. Every time she meets a new man, she receives a slip of paper with his name and a number on it—the exact amount of time they will be together. The papers told her she’d spend three days with Martin in Paris; five weeks with Noah in San Francisco; and three months with Hugo, her ex-boyfriend turned best friend. Daphne has been receiving the numbered papers for over twenty years, always wondering when there might be one without an expiration. Finally, the night of a blind date at her favorite Los Angeles restaurant, there’s only a Jake. But as Jake and Daphne’s story unfolds, Daphne finds herself doubting the paper’s prediction, and wrestling with what it means to be both committed and truthful. Because Daphne knows things Jake doesn’t, information that—if he found out—would break his heart.
The book is emotional and passionate, and heartbreaking
It’s about what it means to be single and find love, and how we define each other

Oh, Rebecca Serle, how I love the way you do magical realism.

Daphne Bell has a bit of an unusual situation when it comes to love. Every time she meets a new man, she receives a slip of paper with his name and a number on it- the exact time they will be together. It happened with Seth, her first boyfriend in the fifth grade, Stuart, an old friend from high school, and Hugo, her boyfriend turned best friend. But is it fate dictating the length of these relationships, or is Daphne? That question is put to the test when she meets Jake. Unlike the rest, his paper has no end date. Does that mean Jake will be her forever love?

With Rebecca Serle’s signature heart, humor, and emotional havoc, this book had me feeling all the feels and hoping Daphne could get out of her own way to find love. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I think that you will, too.

Thank you to @NetGalley and @atriabooks for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

4.5 stars rounded to 5!

Expiration Dates has quite a unique premise and I couldn’t wait to dig into this story to see where it would go. I’ve read both of Rebecca Serle’s most recent novels and loved them both. She truly has a gift for painting a vivid picture of her characters, settings, and having them come to life in your mind. I’ve always felt like I was part of her stories and Expiration Dates was no exception.

I found myself really falling for all of the characters - especially Hugo. So much so that I started reading and was more than halfway through the book before I even realized it. There’s a bit of jumping around with timelines, which might be confusing for some, but even if that’s not your thing, I urge you to give it a try anyway.

Expiration Dates ended up being such a beautiful, unexpected gem. Rebecca Serle is quickly becoming one of my favorite Authors.

Thank you so much to NetGalley & Atria books for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

What a sweet story. It felt like I was reading a diary into someone’s life. I would recommend this to someone who is looking for a quick comfort read.

The lead, Daphne, receives pieces of paper every time she becomes romantically involved with someone that indicate the duration of the relationship she will have with them. That is until she meets Jake and the paper is blank - indicating that maybe this is her forever love without an expiration date.

I didn't think that Rebecca Serle could beat her last book One Italian Summer, but this one might take the cake! I found this to be such a quick, cute read. The concept of the book is also so unique!

Thanks to Netgalley for the eARC!

There is something about Rebecca Serle’s writing that draws all of the air out of the room and delivers the feeling that you’re on the precipice of something - something important. Dating and the pursuit of a life partner, the pursuit of love, is something most of us relate to. It’s a hopeful journey that can feel hopeless. Serle captures the authenticity of this human experience in “Expiration Dates.” I loved this story; I was compelled to never stop reading it. The alternating timeline, demonstrating the magical twist, enhanced the pacing of the plot.

Many thanks to Rebecca Serle for another beautiful story. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Rebecca Serle's latest novel, "Expiration Dates," is a captivating exploration of destiny and love that left me emotionally stirred and wholly refreshed. From the very beginning, the story grabbed my attention, presenting a unique and thought-provoking concept that had me pondering the intricacies of fate.

At the heart of the narrative is Daphne, a remarkably likable character whose journey serves as the focal point of the novel. Daphne's depth and soul make her a relatable protagonist, and as a reader, I found myself effortlessly investing in her joys and struggles. The emotional journey she embarks on becomes a mirror through which readers can reflect on their own lives and choices. The addition of Hugo to the storyline was a stroke of brilliance. His presence injects a delightful liveliness into the narrative, serving as both a foil and a complement to Daphne. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the overall reading experience.

What struck me most about "Expiration Dates" was its ability to prompt introspection. The thought-provoking premise of the story had me contemplating how I would navigate the challenges presented to Daphne. This engagement with the narrative made the reading experience not only entertaining but also personally enriching.

The pace of the story was so engrossing that I found myself devouring the book in just two days. Serle's adept storytelling and engaging prose kept me turning the pages eagerly, eager to uncover the next twist in Daphne's journey.

One aspect that left me curious throughout the story was the origin and purpose of the mysterious notes. While I questioned their significance, I appreciated how, by the story's conclusion, their origins became secondary to the overarching lessons about life and love. It was a testament to Serle's storytelling prowess that she could seamlessly shift the reader's focus from the initial curiosity to the broader, more profound themes embedded in the narrative.

In many ways, "Expiration Dates" is reminiscent of Serle's previous work, "In Five Years," as it follows a similar narrative structure. However, this familiarity did not diminish the impact of the story; rather, it showcased Serle's mastery in crafting emotionally resonant tales with a refreshing perspective on life and love. A must-read for those seeking a blend of emotional depth and a unique take on life's profound questions.

I would like to express my gratitude to Atria Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

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.