I don't know why I requested to read this. This author is not for me. I have read serval of her books and did not like them. I did not like this one either.

Important details about Expiration Dates

Pace: Medium

POV: 1st person (Daphne)

Trigger Warnings: Expiration Dates contains themes that include chronic illness, medical content, medical trauma, death, grief, cancer, infertility, and infidelity.

Language: There is mild swearing in Expiration Dates. There is also language used that might offend some people.

Sexual Content: There is mild sexual content in Expiration Dates.

Setting: Expiration Dates is set mainly in Los Angeles, California. There are also chapters that are set in Paris, France and San Fransisco.

My Review

When I read the blurb for Expiration Dates, I knew that this was a book that I wanted to read. It hit all of my likes (romance, magic) and there was enough in the blurb that made me even more interested to read it. Well, I am glad that I accepted the invite because this book was fantastic.

The main storyline of Expiration Dates centers around Daphne. Since she was in middle school, Daphne had been receiving papers with the name of the person she just started dating and how long the relationship would last. This information has caused her to not be as invested in her relationships as she should have been. I absolutely loved the concept for this storyline and I loved how the author executed it. Of course, there are a couple of twists in the storyline did further shed light on Daphen’s attitude. But, it was the admission at the end of the book that surprised me. I didn’t expect not only the admission but what was admitted and by who.

I loved the romance angle of Expiration Dates. Daphne’s dating life was interesting (and honestly, at times, heartbreaking). The author did show how knowing how long a relationship would last affected Daphne. By the time she met Jack, Daphne no longer got emotionally connected to any of her boyfriends. The only one she really kept in contact with was Hugh (who was her best friend). Of course, there was a significant twist that also figured into her not wanting to get attached. Once that was revealed, her reluctance made more sense.

The end of Exipiration Dates was interesting. Not only did Daphne make a pretty big decision but she found out something that blew her mind. It also blew my mind because of how much of a game changer it was for Daphne. I loved the very end. It showed a very different Daphne than the one we got to know throughout the book.

Many thanks to Atria Books, NetGalley, and Rebecca Serle for allowing me to read and review this ARC of Expiration Dates. All opinions stated in this review are mine.

Some interesting questions about fate vs self-fulfilling destiny, but ultimately, the magical elements of this contemporary romance are more of a distraction than an enhancement. I really liked the main character and what we learn about her life, but the story itself is perhaps trying to do too much.

This wasa much better book than someothers i have read by this author. it wa slightly more relatable and believeable. thank you!

I think Rebecca Serle keeps getting better with each new release. This story continued her ongoing book themes of magical realism by having the main character get a notice of each new boyfriend and the amount of time she will have with him. I love the idea of it and really liked the main character; however, I always find myself wanting a bit more substance when I read her books. Like, I would have loved to see her build out more of the primary relationships. Each one was very short and we never really got to know any of them so it was really hard to root for any one guy. The sporadic moments she did get into it were so sweet. All I would say is, "more of that, please!" But even having said that, I have a feeling this will be rated higher than her previous titles.

Since she was old enough to date, Daphne has received mysterious pieces of paper with a name and the relationship length. But, what happens when the latest paper says only a name and no length of time? Has she finally found the one?

The premise of this book was so intriguing. What if you knew exactly how long you'd be dating your current love interest? Would it affect your relationship? Would it affect how you think about and treat that person? Would it encourage self-or-relationship-sabotage? It definitely provided much food for thought and would make an excellent book club choice. This author has such a special and poignant way of expressing and thinking about grief and life and love, and I would highly recommend it even if you're not typically a big romance reader.

If you loved this book, then I would highly recommend my favorite by this author, One Italian Summer (5 stars)... but really, you can't go wrong with any of them!

Location: Los Angeles and San Francisco, California; Paris, France

I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Not for me

I slogged my way through this, reading a bit, setting it aside for something else, trying again. I couldn't connect with the MC, felt something was very off about the writing. For example, at one point the MC enters her boss' house and "unalarmed" the system. Huh? The word is "disarm". I hope this gets corrected during the edit process.

Anyway, I am sure there are many others to whom this book will appeal, resonate and be loved by, just not me.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

Fans of Rebecca Serle's work will absolutely adore and devour this book. In her true fashion, she is giving her fans exactly what they are asking for. This was a solid romance, but it was not my favorite of hers. I felt a disconnect from the characters and kept putting this book down to read others on my list. It's not terrible, just not for me.


Arc received from the publisher; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Daphne Bell goes into all of her relationships knowing exactly how long they are going to last thanks to notes from the universe with a name and an amount of time. Before her first date with Jake, the note she gets only has her name on it. No expiration date.

I really enjoyed the premise of this story. I liked getting to know Daphne through some of her past relationships. The timing of some of the reveals felt a little off to me. I thought there were some big moments that would've made more sense to me if they'd been incorporated earlier. Overall, it was a good read, but it didn't live up to some of Rebecca Serle's other novels for me.

Rebecca Serle is becoming one of my favorite new writers! This one did not disappoint! Good storyline, characters, etc. I could get lost in her writing for hours.

Rebecca Serle’s “Expiration Dates” captivates readers with a unique premise and an unexpected twist that keeps you hooked until the very end. As a fan of Serle’s emotionally charged storytelling, I found this novel to be one of her best yet.

The protagonist, Daphne Bell, is instantly relatable, navigating the complexities of romance while grappling with a mysterious gift that predicts the duration of her relationships. Serle expertly weaves together past and present timelines, allowing readers to witness Daphne’s journey through love and self-discovery.

What sets “Expiration Dates” apart is its exploration of the impact of foreknowledge on relationships. As Daphne confronts the limitations of her gift, readers are drawn into a thought-provoking exploration of commitment and truth.

The revelation of Daphne’s secret midway through the book adds an unexpected layer of depth to her character, challenging readers to reassess their understanding of her motivations and actions. Serle’s portrayal of Daphne’s conflicted emotions adds richness to her character, making her journey all the more compelling.

Additionally, Serle excels in depicting the complex dynamics of family relationships, particularly Daphne’s bond with her parents. Their influence on her life adds a touching dimension to the story, highlighting the importance of familial support in times of uncertainty.

Overall, “Expiration Dates” is a gripping, emotional, and ultimately heartwarming tale that delves into the complexities of love, commitment, and self-discovery. Serle’s masterful storytelling and well-developed characters make this novel a must-read for fans of contemporary romance.

I received a DRC of this book from the publisher, but the thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

I absolutely loved this story and it is my favorite of @rebecca_serle yet.

This story was so thought provoking and explored so perfectly the concepts of free will and the choices we make.

I annotated so much of this book. Serle’s words made an imprint on my heart.

“It's hard to hold on to people the older we get. Life looks different for everyone, and you have to keep choosing one another. You have to make a conscious effort to say, over and over again, “You.” Not everyone makes that choice. Not everyone can”

“Love is a net.”

“We are powerful because we affect each other's stories all of us. We are here to impact each other, to knock into each other, to throw each other off-balance, sometimes even off track. I've always hated the phrase “There's a reason for everything.” But here, now, I think even if there's not a reason for everything, there may be a reason for everyone.”

Daphne is a complex character. She is tough and stubborn and makes you frustrated and then understanding. She is relatable and deep and her vulnerability is always my favorite character trait. This story is perfect. There are twists and turns and times when you really cannot understand why the characters are doing what they are, but that's life and I loved it.

Read this one. Definitely going to be one of my favorites of the year.

For more than twenty years Daphne has randomly received pieces of paper with the name of the next man in her life and the amount of time they will spend together – be it one night or three months. Receiving a paper with only a name (Jake) and no date sends Daphne into a tailspin. What does it mean? Is Jake “the one”? What transpires next is not a romance, and not a love story, but Daphne’s examination of her past, and her journey toward a future of her own making.

With the intriguing premise, I had high hopes for Expiration Dates. Unfortunately, this one did not work for me at all. The frequent name-dropping of Hollywood locales and the recitation of what everyone was wearing grew tiresome quickly. Instead of giving a nod to setting and characters, it lent a feeling of superficiality to both. The flashbacks of Daphne’s prior relationships never seemed to give me any further insight into Daphne. There is a twist that comes more than halfway through the story and felt so completely out of left field. It shifted the focus with a jolt and had me wishing for a smoother transition. Lastly, there was a significant character that acted so atrociously and delivered a betrayal that was, for me, unforgivable. The blurb calls this “the romance that will define a generation.” I beg to differ.

Expiration Dates is a good fit for readers looking for a heartfelt exploration of love, fate, and the challenges that come with relationships, presented in a unique and engaging way through magical realism.

Imagine a world in which only you received a piece of paper with the name and length of time you would be with someone. It’s not a proper Rebecca Serle novel without a little bit of magical realism! The plot of this book blew me away. Following past and present loves, Rebecca Serle beautifully weaves in the letters and how they impact our main girl Daphne’s decisions when it comes to relationships.

I really enjoyed reading and embracing the magic, heartbreak, and growth that Daphne goes through. This was the perfect light read that got me thinking about so many different themes. I do wish that the book had an epilogue. I am so curious to see where Daphne’s life heads and would have loved a sneak peek into that!

Thank you so much to Atria and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of this book. I just adored this book and can’t wait for others to read it later this month!

Expiration Dates, by Rebecca Serle, starts out as an entertaining rom-com, featuring a thirty-something single woman who receives mysterious notes alerting her to the exact length of time a particular relationship will last. Each relationship, from start to finish, is seen through her eyes. Midway, the story takes a deep emotional swerve as the reader discovers a different dimension to the main character, her relationships with family, friends, and lovers, and the novel’s title. Serle is one of those incredibly talented authors that can layer a story with nuanced primary and secondary characters, humor, pathos, and a profound understanding of the human condition. The plot twist was unexpected as was the positive and gratifying conclusion. Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to read a digital ARC.

Thank you NetGalley, Atria Books and the author Rebecca Serle.
At every new relationship, a note is left to you telling you its expiration date, how do you handle it?
Daphne has this quandary. I loved the characters, loved Daphne and Hugo.
Well-written story of the search for love we all have. Will he/she be the one, our everlasting love?
Quick read.
This is the third book I have read from this author and enjoyed them all.
Recommend 4 stars

3.5 . I would first like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the arc I received of this book! Expiration Dates tells the story of Daphne who has a unique relationship with the universe and receives letters telling her how long every relationship is destined to last. Although this all comes to a head when she receives one with no timeframe at all.

I think the premise of this story was very cool and one of my biggest complaints is just that I wanted more. I think the way her relationships over the course of her life were described was a tad lacklustre and I found myself looking for a bit more structure. I also found the twist to be fairly predictable. Although I did find myself rooting for her throughout the book I wasn't 100% invested.

Overall it was an a enjoyable read but I don't think this is a story that's going to stick with me for very long.

✨ ARC REVIEW ✨

Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle
OUT: 2024-03-19

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

THIS. BOOK. ❤️😭

In Five Years is one of my favourite books of all time and Expiration Dates gave me all of the same warm fuzzy feelings!

I absolutely love that I have been taken on a different journey of self-discovery with each of Serle’s characters and that their lessons always come at the exact moment I need them most!

Daphne’s story was no exception…

A series of mysterious notes presented throughout her life have Daphne convinced that the universe has a plan for her, but is this the path that is meant for her and does she have the power to change it?

We have it all: romance, self-discovery, strong female friendships and a bit of magic to boot… seriously? Is there any better combination??

Huge thank you to the author @netgalley and @atriabooks for the chance to read an ARC of this fantastic story in exchange for my honest review!

This was my first Rebecca Serle book, so I am unaware if her writing style is formulaic. But, I *loved* the layout of this book. What was first a rom-com, light-hearted book became something much deeper and more heart-wrenching. Expiration Dates exceeded my expectations on what I thought would be a simple "beach read" for this summer. I enjoyed this book and returned to it at any spare moment.