Member Reviews

I didn’t love this one :( which is a bummer because usually the magical realism by this author works for me but it seemed to fall flat, maybe the concept has been overdone.

Was this review helpful?

I loved this! It felt reminiscent of In Five Years which I LOVED. It did feel slightly rushed towards the end, and I would have liked some more space to let the resolution/final choices breathe. I also had more questions about the notes after the revelation with Hugo that went unanswered.

Was this review helpful?

What a wonderful book. There were a few twists and turns that I didn't expect, and left my mouth open at one point, but what a treat. I would have loved more depth into the story of Hugo and Daphne in the before times. It would have made the ending that much sweeter.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria books for the ARC of this book.

I had previously really enjoyed Rebecca Serle’s earlier novels ‘In Five Years’ and ‘One Italian Summer,’ so I was thrilled to receive an ARC of her latest novel.

In ‘Expiration Dates,’ Daphne just knows that her life has been completely planned out for her. When she meets a new man, she gets a slip of paper that details his name and a number which corresponds with just how long their relationship will last. Then, Daphne starts to develop a real, true romance and begins to question the papers. She wants to be committed but doesn’t really know what to think.

This was a fun, thrilling read and I recommend it to everyone!

5 stars rating from me

Was this review helpful?

*Expiration Dates* by Rebecca Serle is a beautifully crafted, thought-provoking novel that explores love, loss, and the complexities of time. The story follows a woman who discovers her life is marked by expiration dates, leading her to confront relationships, dreams, and regrets. Serle’s writing is lyrical and poignant, capturing the nuances of human emotion with grace. The characters are deeply relatable, and their journeys of self-discovery are both heartbreaking and uplifting. The novel’s mix of romance, mystery, and introspection keeps the reader captivated until the last page. *Expiration Dates* is an unforgettable, evocative read that resonates long after finishing.

Was this review helpful?

This book was such a unique concept! I have loved Rebecca’s books in the past, and this one was no exception! I absolutely love magical realism and Rebecca knocked it out of the park with this one!

Was this review helpful?

What an incredibly lovely and unexpected story. I love the magical realism conceits that Serle comes up with, so I was looking forward to seeing how this one played out, and Serle did not disappoint. Just as fun as seeing how Daphne navigates the treacherous opportunities her "gift" presents is trying to think of how I, if given the same gift, would react. As with Serle's other books, she injects pathos and bittersweetness into this one that elevate it beyond being a standard romance genre book.

Was this review helpful?

Its not her best, but it's still good. If you like her other book you'll like this one too. The characters are fine. The writing is fine. The plot is fine

Was this review helpful?

This was my first Rebeca Serle book and I can promise you it will not be my last. I adored this book. I really loved the magical realism element in this book that gave it a nice refreshing feel. This was a heartwarming book that I could not put down. The last bit of the book really keep you on the edge of your seat and puts a different perspective out there for you! The character growth and honestly just the depth of these characters was written so well, I truly felt like I was right there with them! So good. I cannot wait to read another of Rebecca's books!

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed this book, but it wasn't a favorite. I love Rebecca Serle's ability to create magical realism that just makes you feel safe and happy!

Was this review helpful?

Such a fun idea in this story! But not done well. Brooke was slow. Characters not great. But eh. It wasn’t for me.
I wanted it to be so much more.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read and review.

Was this review helpful?

Loved every minute of this quick read, set in Los Angeles. Lots of details from where they eat to what they wore, which I loved. Kinda had “When Harry Met Sally” vibes but with a twist. Part romance, part coming of age, all about friendship, being single, relationships, and finding love written in a way that only Rebecca Serle can. I found myself highlighting so many parts of this book and will revisit again and again.

Was this review helpful?

Thoroughly enjoyed this one! Easy story to follow. enjoyed all the characters. Thought it might end in a different way!

Was this review helpful?

I have loved everything I’ve ever read by Rebecca Serle, and this one is no different. I truly enjoyed the “dates” and the story behind the notes that were left and following Jake and Daphne through all the ups and downs was heartbreaking and emotional, but something I just couldn’t put down!

Was this review helpful?

Imagine every single guy you date, you get the exact date that your relationship will end. Great concept, kind of fell flat? I wanted more. I’m not sure what I wanted more of though. Overall, I did enjoy this book!

Was this review helpful?

I was super excited about receiving a copy of this one, however, I was a bit disappointed. I never connected with the story and found it hard to pick back up. I feel like there was a lot of unnecessary information regarding past relationships, and the ending was less than par. I do love her writing and will pick up her next book, but this one was not my favorite to say the least. 2.5 rounded up

Was this review helpful?

3.75
I really liked the premise of this book. It's so unique. However, I feel like the story was never fully fleshed out. I still have so many questions. The pacing of the book felt off and the ending felt super rushed compared to the beginning of the book. I felt we spent a long time on pointless conversations and rushed big plot points. I also never felt fully connected to any of the characters, which really takes me out of a book. So, while this was an enjoyable enough read, it fell a little flat overall. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc review even tho i'm really late to reading this

Was this review helpful?

Once again I loved Serle's propensity for prose! Her words are always beautiful and I find myself introspectively saving quotes throughout this beautiful, heartfelt story. The magical realistic premise was unique and had me wondering "what if?".

Was this review helpful?

This book is the perfect mix of light and heavy, which I found Rebecca Serle does very well. Daphne’s romantic fate has always been spoiled (or, dictated) by random pieces of paper that identify her newest love interest, and the length of time their relationship will last. But when she comes across a note without an end date, she can only assume it means one thing…

The book travels in a haphazard way through Daphne‘s prior relationships, each one a critical part of building her into the person she is today. And we learn more about Hugo, her best friend in present day who is also a prior boyfriend. But what’s more, we learn about Daphne‘s past which has led to her inability to love freely.

I really enjoyed Daphne‘s character, she was vulnerable and honest with herself, but not always perfect. And I liked the overall premise, and the heaviness and sensitivity that her past introduced (trying to avoid spoilers). It was a super quick read, no surprise there. Yet I felt like the book was lacking some thing — maybe it was depth of the other characters, maybe it was two few main characters overall, maybe it was simply too short of time in the present day, maybe it was lack of a strong B plot or C plot? I liked the book but feel a little unfulfilled and wish there was more happening. Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

thank you netgalley for this read, I am incredibly late in responding to this but wow what a beautiful book. the cover, the romance, the idea, everything calls out to me. Rebecca serle can write some hits and misses but this one for me is definitely a hit.

Was this review helpful?