This book has such an interesting premise but it never completely buys into it.

The title, Expiration Dates, refers to the mysterious letters that Daphne gets telling her exactly how long each of her relationships will last, whether it’s three hours, two weeks, or years. It’s always accurate to a tee, which is why Daphne can hardly believe it when the newest letter reads: Jake. Just Jake. And that’s how she knows he’s the one…right?

The plot started out really interesting. You have an inkling of how the story goes — it’s always something about going against your destiny and writing your own story, which is a theme I LOVE to read about.

About halfway through, however, Expiration Dates introduces another plot device to increase tension and urgency — one which is basically another premise entirely, one which is really commonly seen and much less remarkable. I found this aspect really unnecessary as it felt like the book started neglecting the paper theme and focusing on it instead.

In the end, it felt like we never really explored the letters as much I wanted; we didn’t learn much about why they existed, why Daphne was the one receiving them. I’m generally pretty good at suspending my disbelief and accepting that something just is, but the book makes it clear that these letters aren’t normal, and then it never explains further which made me feel like I was left hanging.

The book is also interspersed with mini chapters that talk about Daphne’s past relationships and why they ended. I liked the idea of this, but I think they were far too long and took up too much time. About halfway, I realized that this book actually is a romance and there’s a main love interest — but I hadn’t realized that because of how inconsequential their character felt. I think we could’ve shortened the other chapters and focused more on this character if that’s where the story was going to go.

In the end, it felt like this book found itself starting out as a contemporary adult fiction (which I would have loved) and ended up as a romance (which I would’ve also loved) but it didn’t do a very good job of balancing both. I found myself not really emotionally invested in the romance because it came too late and seemed too underdeveloped, and the plot with Daphne and her letters also felt underdeveloped because of the other plot device the story introduced.

Ultimately, I think there was a lot of potential in this story but I really didn’t connect with it in the end. I might even go so far as to say that the blurb about Daphne and the letters is kind of misleading, because in the end it didn’t seem like the book was really about that. I think it’s a gentle read but not something that will make you think or give you butterflies.

I would like to preface this review by saying I am a fan of Rebecca Serle's work. When I saw this title and the synopsis I was anxious to read it. However, Expiration Dates left me disappointed.
Unlike In Five Years or The Dinner List, Expiration Dates had me struggling to stay immersed in the story. For me there was just something missing; it felt bland. I felt it was over detailed on things that were unnecessary (clothing choices/food) and lacking in some of the plot lines.
The story did pick up for me in the last 30% of the book.
Overall I give Expiration Dates 2.75 stars rounded up to 3.
I'd like to thank Netgalley and Atria Books for the ARC in return for my honest review.

“…learning to be broken is learning to be whole.”

Every time you begin dating someone new, a mysterious postcard or note arrives with the man’s name and a time frame of how long the relationship will last. A blessing or a curse? Daphne Bell is living this strange phenomenon, letting it dictate her mind and her heart.

I think the premise is so unique and definitely makes us ponder what the universe has in store for us. When Daphne meets Jake and receives a note with his name and no “expiration” date she can’t help but think he may be the one. Daphne will eagerly begin her relationship with Jake and will eventually learn the importance of being true to herself and her heart.

With clever plot twists, beautiful writing, entertaining characters, and an intriguing storyline, Expiration Dates explores the choices we make in a messy and complicated world where things don’t always work out as we expect or plan. This is a powerful story of finding love, trusting your instincts, and always speaking your truth.

“Love is a net.”

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I’m usually a major Rebecca Searle fan but this book felt like it was missing something for me. It had the bones of an incredible novel but the twists felt a bit predictable and the protagonist became less likeable as it went on, which I don’t think was Searle’s intention (or if it was maybe I just missed the transition from contemporary fiction into litfic). Would still recommend for an easy read, but didn’t live up to the expectations I had after reading “In Five Years” and “One Italian Summer”. At the end of the day I love a good friends-to-lovers romance, so that was really the highlight for me.

The premise of Daphne getting slips of paper that tell who and how long she will date a man is cute, but I kept trying to guess the twist beyond the change (a man with no end date) when in fact it was about beign vulnerable enough to fall in love. A touching book.

Wow. Please add to your TBR - out March 19! Rebecca really knows how to rip your heart out and give you back the pieces to put it back together through the story of Daphne, Hugo, and Jake and how we define love.

This single POV (Daphne) book crushed my soul in so many ways. This first one is Hugo stating he knew Daphne was never his. I think I stopped breathing. My heart broke for Hugo recognizing Daphne never opened up fully to him when they dated.
But then you have Jake. Daphne feeling the pace of her relationship with Jake as something soft and graceful. Recognizing that he is as pragmatic as he is intentional in what he does.
I think about her whirlwind loves from over the years we get to meet, how fast and quick each one was, how they made her feel, showed her a life in fleeting moments… and I couldn’t help but feel like she puts herself in a box just like the notes, and chooses to settle.

Outside of her dating life, Daphne takes a moment to describe adult friendships, and it rings true. Friends have to choose another over and over again, or you begin to drift apart. “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.”

The way Daphne navigates her health hits close to home. How you can’t always tell how bad it is, because you’re never at 100%. You don’t even remember what it’s like to feel 100%. The struggle of letting people in, because you assume you’ll be treated differently…

Her relationship with her parents is beautiful. How appreciative she is of the sacrifices they made, and how they continue to be a safe place to turn. It’s a gift to have a dad you can sit around a table, sip coffee with, and get some solid life advice from.

Side notes:
Gracias Madre is actually my favorite. I’ve been to their location in The Mission (San Francisco) and as someone deathly allergic to dairy and coconut, I had some baller ass tacos here before heading to watch the Giants. Anyway, if you find yourself in SF or LA, please go because some gal on Goodreads/NetGalley told you to.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Loooooovvvvvvved this story!! I really appreciate how Rebecca Serle weaves a slight fantastical element into a heartfelt story that is full of life, love, and learning. The bit of fantasy in this story is that Daphne receives notes telling her when her relationships will end. Daphne is a full, complete character and each of her side characters are too. I was so invested in the story and surprised, not in a bad way, when Serle threw in a wrench that I wasn’t expecting. But it ended up explaining so much about all of the characters. It’s amazing to get this depth in a story under 300 pages. I’ll be thinking about this story for a long, long time. I’ve loved Serle’s previous works but this is my fave!!

Expiration Dates is out on March 19. Mark your calendar or get your pre-order in now, you don’t want to miss this one!! Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for my e-arc!

I loved this book! So much heart, humor, and romance. I really loved the characters in the story. I loved the banter between the characters which made it such a fun read. I enjoyed the ending. It felt satisfying.

Thanks to Atria for the copy of this book!

I’ve been hit or miss with Rebecca Serle’s books, with my favorite so far being IN FIVE YEARS. EXPIRATION DATES is back to her emotional romance roots with magical realism and what-ifs. Maybe part of it was listening to Julia Whelan narrate this audiobook, but it reminded me of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s older romances as well. This is a great romance if you like to read about the rawness and messiness of life and relationships.

When Daphne begins a new relationship she always happens upon a piece of paper telling her how long it will last. But what happens when she receives one with just a name and no length of time? Will he be "the one"?

A quick, engaging romance mixed with some magic realism made for a book I really enjoyed! It is about digging deeper, finding the real you, and living life to the fullest. I was immersed in this story right away, as the premise was unique, but I was torn on which guy to root for, but have to say I was happy with the ending, as it just felt right. There were a couple of twists thrown in that totally caught me off guard, but definitely added to the storyline. I loved the little bits about Jake keeping a tally of people he saw wearing Doc Martens and the sunrise scene with Daphne's Dad at the end of the book left me with all the feels!

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the chance to review this book ahead of publication in return for my honest review!

Many thanks to my friends at @atriabooks for the #gifted copy of this book.

I still remember the overwhelming emotion I felt as I closed the pages of In Five Years. The friendship. The romance. I went into it looking for a love story, and I got it. But not at all in the way I expected. That book surprised me.

So going into Expiration Dates, I had high hopes for a similar experience. Oh but… those expectations…

Each time Daphne meets a new man, a piece of paper appears. On it, she’s given the expiration date for the relationship. But one day, a paper arrives, and no date is to be found.

It’s not often I feel this conflicted about a book. Did I enjoy this book? Is this a book I can recommend?

With short chapters and an interesting premise, I found myself easily immersed in the story right away. And about halfway through, in typical Serle fashion, the reveal indicated there was much more to be gleaned from the storyline than mere romantic forays. The plot brimmed with potential.

But for me, the execution held back the possibilities within the premise. For one, I love the way magical realism can enhance and enchant. But in this instance, I found that the magic hindered.

Most notably, the reveal had SUCH opportunity to expose us to important representation. It could’ve made SUCH an important impact. Instead, it fell… short….flat.

Though this was a mixed bag for me, there were several people in my buddy read that really enjoyed it. I think this one will find an audience that appreciates it in the way I had hoped to.

Loved getting to chat about his one with friends! Check out their reviews for other perspectives. @brandy_reads @keepingyouonread @chicagobooklover @buckeye_jenna_reads_again @lit_with_kristen @laurenreadsitall @readwithras @meghan_reads @naesreadingnook @letsget.thisread @mybiblioescape

Cute and fun! Wish it didn’t have to come to an end. Really enjoyed the main character and her story. Loved how the author seemed to turn LA into a character. Beautifully worded and descriptive . Would strongly recommend this book to any romance lover

Once again Serle wrote a book that makes you FEEL big, huge feelings with a bit of a twist I didn’t see coming in the least. Daphne knows there’s a plan for her. She receives a piece of a paper with a name and time period that signifies how long her relationship lasts. it could be one night, three days, five weeks etc. When she finally receives a paper with just a name she begins to really question everything. I really feel it’s best to go into this one blind. I binged this entire book in one day. I had to find out what happened which is a sign of a great story!

Huge thank you @atria and @netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Expiration Dates" by Rebecca Serle is a touching story about love and fate. Daphne Bell believes in the universe's plan for her love life, guided by slips of paper predicting the length of her relationships. But when she meets Jake, who doesn't come with an expiration date, Daphne's beliefs are put to the test.

Serle crafts a heartfelt tale exploring the uncertainties of love and the struggles of honesty and commitment. As Daphne navigates her feelings for Jake and the secrets she keeps, readers are drawn into a moving journey of self-discovery and romance. With its warm storytelling and relatable themes, "Expiration Dates" is a delightful read for anyone seeking a thoughtful exploration of love's complexities.

Thank you to Netgalley for sharing this ARC with me in exchange for my honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle
Pub Date: 3/19/2024


Okay, this story is super cute and I totally did not expect to like it as much as I did. Expiration Dates follows Daphne, who every time she meets someone new, she receives a piece of paper with the exact amount of time that they will be together or their “Expiration Date.” Until one day, she receives one with no end date. Does this mean he is the one? Or is it something else?


This book is short, can definitely be read in one sitting, but will keep you entertained the entire time. While it definitely is a cute romance story, it is also so much more than that. It deals with big themes that I wasn’t expecting at all. Expiration Dates touches on Chronic Illness, the Passage of Time, Familial Relationships as well as friendships, and so much more.


There were a couple of times where it was very predictable, but it was actually a nice predictability. Like watching your favorite comfort show, it felt nice knowing what was going to happen. There were also 2 moments where I was completely caught off guard, in a good way.


I loved the overall messaging in this story. We are all going to die someday. We don’t know how much time each of us has, so we might as well love hard and live our lives to the fullest even if the unknown is a little scary.


I would definitely recommend this book to everyone. If you want a unique plot, with a little magical realism, and a feel good story, you should pick this one up!


Thank you to Netgalley & Atria books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. 🌸

I have loved every book that Rebecca Serle has written, and Expiration Dates is no exception! I love how she always incorporates a little bit of magic that is not really talked about or even acknowledged, but the reader can see it. The main character, Daphne, periodically receives little pieces of paper that have a name and a number on them. The names are of men she will meet and date, and the dates are how long the relationship will last. Until one day, she receives a piece of paper with the name Jake on it--but no number. Does this mean he's her soul mate? Or does it mean one of them won't last throughout the relationship? Daphne has no idea, but she jumps into it anyway. This story was such a fresh idea, which I feel always seems to happen with Rebecca's books. You never really know what to expect other than you will absolutely love the story by the time you are done. I cannot wait to read whatever she writes next!

Rebecca Serle's novel, "Expiration Dates," provided an enjoyable read with a unique and intriguing premise.

Daphne's dating life takes an unusual turn as she receives a slip of paper with the name of her partner and the duration they will spend together. Each relationship conforms exactly to what's written on the paper, including her three months with Hugo, an ex-boyfriend turned best friend. Daphne anticipates the day when she'll receive a slip without a predetermined time, until Jake enters her life. However, as she gets closer to Jake, she struggles with honesty, concealing things that could shatter his heart.

Initially, I found it challenging to fully engage with Daphne's story. While the premise was unique and intriguing, the first chapters lacked a certain hook for me. The chemistry between Daphne and Hugo was palpable from the start, showcasing a shared history and a maintained friendship. However, the connection between Daphne and Jake felt somewhat lacking, making me lean towards rooting for Daphne to end up with Hugo.

As the story progressed, it picked up momentum and managed to recapture my interest. I grew to appreciate Daphne's emotional internal monologues and empathized with the challenges she faced.

"Expiration Dates" prompts readers to contemplate whether, if the future were known, they would strive to alter fate for a more favorable outcome or succumb to it, living each day with the knowledge of when things will end. The narrative serves as a reminder to cherish the present, emphasizing that life's beauty lies not in the future but in the small moments shared with loved ones. It encourages authenticity, emphasizing that the only limits on what we can achieve are self-imposed.

While Rebecca Serle's writing style might not align perfectly with my preferences, her stories' premises intrigue me. I look forward to exploring more of her works, hoping to discover a growing appreciation for her storytelling techniques.

I gobbled this up!

I love how Serle always adds that little bit of magical realism and whimsy to her stories and I think if you have an imagination you’ll enjoy her books.

Expiration Dates is the perfect escapist or vacation read, it’s quick, pacey and satisfying.

I can see this becoming a summer darling.

I enjoyed this, but it didn’t have quite the same delightful heart as her last book. I can’t quite put my finger on why, but it’s still a great book. There’s a light touch of magical realism, there’s a romance (that you can see coming a mile away), there’s heartache and sadness and humanity. It’s sweet but has depth, and is super charming and fun to read.

“Learning to be broken is learning to be whole.” This one sentence pretty much summarizes what Rebecca Serle tried to get across in Expiration Dates.

Expiration Dates tells the story of Daphne Bell and how she thinks all her relationships are predestined by the universe. What she doesn’t realize is that by counting down time, she is missing out on the best parts of life.

I truly don’t know how I feel about this book.
**Did I like it? Yeah. But I feel like there were SO MANY things left unfinished. Like: how is Murphy? How did the Producer role go? Are the cards a gift or a curse?
**Am I’m glad I finished it? Yes. But I feel like I was in an ADHD fever dream the entire time.
**Did Daphne make the right decision in the end? Not sure…I think that’s still TBD…but she definitely is on the right track. #TeamHugo


I appreciate the opportunity to read this ARC. Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books 📚 3/5⭐️