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Member Reviews
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Rebecca Serle does it again! The setting she places you in all of her books entraps you from the beginning and this one is no different. I will always read her books and she'll always be one of my favorite authors!
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2.5 This one was tough for me while I loved the premise of finding out ahead of time how long the relationship was going to last. I absolutely could not stand the characters in this book Daphne to me seemed clueless and the love interest from the past I could not care less for. I also did not care for one major twist in this book that came from no where. The writing was easy and straightforward so I would definitely pick up more from this author but this book was just not for me. I would like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for a chance to read this book for an honest review.
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i usually love rebecca serle, but this one was just everywhere. i like the past and present timeline of them explaining the previous relationships and what happened was great, but the previous relationships not being in order really bothered me. hugo wasn’t her first relationship, but his story started first which bothered me. i understand they are besties now (and back to lovers) but when she is in present day and explaining the papers with the time of that relationship, then we should’ve started at the first time then got to hugo and jacob. it just would’ve made more sense and been a 5star to me.
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Expiration Dates was a pretty average read for me. I enjoyed parts, but also felt that some sections of the book dragged on. I specifically liked the second half of the book more than the first half, but I had some trouble connecting with the characters, especially the female main character, Daphne. Overall, this was an easy and light read, perfect for summertime or for reading in between two more serious books, but probably won't be one of my favorite books of the year.
3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
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Daphne has a long dating history. She can track it through her mysterious notes. When she meets a guy, and they hit it off, she gets a note that gives her the guy's name and how long the relationship will last—a sort of expiration date to the relationship. They show up in random places: on her doorstep, with her check at a dinner, and on the front of her car. It always seems accurate, and she can't seem to get away from it.
One night, as she is about to go on a blind date with Jake, she gets a note but no date. Does this mean Jake is the one? The chapters go back and forth between dates with Jake and previous relationships. Are these "expiration dates" holding her back, or can she choose her destiny?
This feels like a good show or quick 90-minute rom-com on Netflix. It's breezy and fun, and it has a couple of twists, one that feels like cheating and one that is cheating, but she really hits the landing in the end.
Favorite Passage:
“No,” I say honestly. Jake and I had lunch yesterday, Kendra is home with her husband, and Hugo is in New York until Friday. This makes me pause. I used to have friends, but now, if it’s not for a wedding, bachelorette party, or birthday, I rarely see anyone. Part of it is that by the time we made it to thirty most of my friends moved away—to New York, San Francisco, Seattle, DC. Wednesday night drinks were replaced with weekly texts. Some of them—most of them—have babies, now. 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.”
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I love Rebecca Serle's writing style and Expiration Dates was no different. What an incredible book with both lighthearted and emotional moments. There is so much depth and it really gets you thinking.
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Expiration Dates had an intriguing concept, but the characters were a major letdown. They were flat, unlikable, and lacked any sort of growth or depth throughout the story. It was hard to stay invested in a book where every interaction felt forced and unrealistic. Even when the plot picked up, the characters’ poor decisions and shallow personalities made it difficult to care about what happened to them. I kept hoping for a turning point that never came. If character development is important to you, this book will likely leave you frustrated and disappointed.
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I enjoyed the magical realism in this book. How would one handle a relationship when already told its expiration date? It was an emotional ride. The cover makes the book seem more light-hearted than it is.
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3.5 stars
Daphne has been receiving a slip of paper with a name and time frame on it since high school. For example, if she receives “John, 6 weeks”. She will either meet a man named John and date him for exactly 6 weeks, or end up dating a John she already knows for exactly 6 weeks. She is waiting for the day when there isn’t a time frame listed on the note with a man’s name. She is hoping to find her forever. Finally, the night of a blind date, she receives a note with just a name. Is the paper correct, is this guy Daphne’s forever person?
The premise of this one sounded pretty cool and kind of intrigued me, and there were a few twists in the story that did catch me by surprise. It flips between present day and flashbacks of previous men she’s dated. I loved her friend, Hugo, and her dog. I didn’t really see the chemistry or have any strong feelings toward Jake. While I enjoyed the life lessons she was trying to incorporate, I hated the ending! We never find out who was sending the notes, why she is getting them, or how they are finding her but I guess that’s my own issue with magical realism? While there is some assumption about the ending which was somewhat predictable, it’s kind of open ended.
Thank you Netgalley & Atria Books for this ARC!
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Such a pleasant novel. I had a blast reading it and I kept waiting for the big thing! From the moment Hugo and Daph met, I felt their chemistry and was rooting for them. I will not spoil the end, but I was pleased. I really enjoyed the setting (LA) more than anything and learning about LA culture.
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I love the way Rebecca Serle weaves magical realism into all of her books! Expiration Dates is no exception. Readers will be immediately invested in Daphe's life and and will question the benefit of the magic that has fallen into her lap. A must-buy for public libraries.
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Rebecca Serle is very quickly becoming one of my go-to authors. I love the characters she creates and the stories se develops. I loved the premise going into this one so it's no surprise that it quickly became on of my favourite books this year. I look forward to whatever she releases next!
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review.
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This book was a quick read, and Rebecca Serle is an automatic read for me. I rounded this book up from 3 1/5 to 4 stars because I wanted to keep reading the book, but did find some parts to be frustrating. I was left feeling sort of unsatisfied at the end though. It is an interesting concept for a book, was she in it for the relationship or did it automatically end things with her knowing the expiration date. I felt it wrapped up a little too quickly and I wish we had more time at the end with the chosen relationship.
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Another delightful take on the lighter side of life from Rebecca Serle! She is rapidly becoming a go-to author for me when I need something that refreshes my day.
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Something was lacking in this one for me, which seems to be the case with Rebecca Serle in my personal experience. There was not as much depth as I was wanting, and the chemistry wasn't quite there. Rebecca's books always sound so intriguing in concept, but the execution doesn't live up to it. I didn't connect with the characters or particularly like them. Unfortunately, this will probably be my last attempt at Rebecca's writing.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
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The premise of this book was so interesting. I can truly say I have not read anything like it before. I was hooked from the very beginning and enjoyed the characters. The only reason I rate it a 4 is because at times I felt the characters interactions were awkward but it did not take away from the plot. I enjoy Rebecca's books and would read another one by her!
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I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.
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This book was so good. I loved the premise and execution of what Daphne knows about her relationships. This was my favorite by this author
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What an amazing story! Definitely one to read if you want your heart ripped apart and put back together!
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This book was so cute! The magical elements made the plot so tun and interesting. Though magical elements usually add a lack of reality to a book, this was done just right. The concept was so interesting and unique, which is so refreshing when it comes to contemporary romance novels.
Rebecca Serle's books are incredibly insightful and require the reader to question how we live our lives daily and what to do when handling unlikely situations.