I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I think Rebecca has a way of creating concepts that seem one way and turn them another, I absolutely love that. Expiration Dates was a fun book following Daphne through her dating life, every time she meets someone new she gets a paper from the universe telling her how long this relationship will last.

Rebecca Serle has done it again. I thoroughly enjoyed this romance with a touch of magical realism. She is an auto-read author for me.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I thought the concept was a great thought experiment. I loved how the story was told through the different men/expiration dates. Even though I had an inkling of how it would end, I wasn't entirely sure until the last few chapters. This is my second Rebecca Serle book, I read "In Five Years" first and I liked this one a lot better. I think I am also used to her style of magical realism a bit more now which is what made me enjoy this one. If I were to recommend a Rebecca Serle book for everyone to read first it would probably be this one. I know there's still a lot of the year left to go but I think this will probably be a top favorite romance/chick lit read for me this year!

Like Serle’s previous novels, Expiration Dates incorporates elements of magic. In this one, Daphne receives notes at random with just a name and time period. She soon puts together that the name is the name of her next love interest and the time period is how long it will last. The novel travels across timelines looking at various relationships interspersed with scenes from her present relationship. There were a couple twists along the way that kept me hooked.

This book was such a delight and singlehandedly got me out of my reading slump! I cannot wait for you all to read it!

(As always, a huge thank you to @netgalley and the publisher for this advanced digital copy!)

This story begins on a lighthearted and whimsical note we encounters mysterious notes predicting the duration of her romantic relationships. Unexpectedly, the narrative takes a more serious turn, exploring complex questions about relationships and the impact of knowing their inevitable end. Searle employs magical realism to delve into these themes, creating likable characters. But there was some desire for more resolution to the characters' situations, leaving a lingering sense of wanting after finishing the story.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC opportunity!

When I say this is one of the best books I’ve read in my life. I mean it. As an avid reader, that means a lot.

This story follows Daphne and her quest for love and meaning, but it is so much more than that. The author captures real, raw emotions in a way that is poetic. There are scenes that are so funny and cute they make you smile, and so real you feel your heart ache. Without spoiling too much, the book really picked up halfway through, when it is revealed that Daphne has a health condition, one that influences her decisions and outlook on life. The way the author captured the reality of serious illness- the grasp it has on a person and their loved ones- was absolutely beautiful and poetic. She honored this difficult situation in such a poetic and honorable way.

Absolutely 5 stars, I will be reading every book from this author now!

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. This book fell flat for me. Although it was quick and easy to read, I felt it lacked depth in the story. There was loose ends left untied, so much description and a lack of depth that had me bored throughout.

The descriptions: the author felt the need to over analyze and over describe every outfit, venue and person. It felt rudimentary in the writing style.

The plot: There seemed to be a few huge plot holes throughout the novel. Some being, who or what was writing the notes, why was she chosen and are they breakable or inevitable? These are all huge plot points that could have added depth and substance to a lacking story. Another plot hole was, her relationship with Hugo. Until about 70% of the way through, they seemed almost like catty friends. The writing didn’t allow me to even feel bad for him at any point.

Finally, it just fell flat. I was bored but luckily it’s short and I could read it fast.

Rebecca Serle does it again! I couldn’t put it down!! Read it in a day, loved the concept and Rebecca executed it so well. Her books are always so creative and she knows how to pull those heart strings. Thank you for the ARC!!

*Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this ARC*

This wasn’t my favorite book that I have read so far this year. The story was nice but it wasn’t really what I was expecting.

I think it could be a good read for others, just not for me.

This story started out lighthearted and whimsical. With each romantic relationship she encounters, Daphne receives a mysterious note indicating how long the relationship will last. Just when I thought I understood where the book was going, it took an unexpected more serious shift.
What I like about Searle’s writing is that it explores complex questions such as how would you handle relationships if you knew there was an end? She uses magical realism as the vehicle to explore these concepts and writes likable characters. When I finished the story, I felt a little bereft. I wanted more resolution to the situation these characters were experiencing.

Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle captivated me with its unique exploration of love, loss, and the passage of time. The characters are well-developed, and the storyline kept me engaged, prompting quite a bit of introspection. It is a thought-provoking and beautifully written novel deserving of four stars.

I was very excited to read this book due to the summary & premise of the story. I found it different and intriguing. unfortunately, i was left a bit disappointed with the execution. Rebecca Serle’s writing is fun but at times feels repetitive. I am a lover for detailed, intricate, descriptive writing but some of the scenes in this book felt unnecessary dragged out and overly descriptive. However, Rebecca has a way of making me fall in love with places and in this book, food. the way she can so easily transport me to a place and immediately want to be there is something i love. I really enjoyed the characters and following their story but somehow i didn’t feel connected or really invested in either of them. The pacing of the story felt consistent and it’s definitely a fast read considering i finished it in a few hours. I love a then- now timeline and i really liked how the chapters were set up and the characters we get to know in them.

Overall, not my favorite Rebecca Serle book. I can see if you’re a big fan of ‘In Five Years’ how you would probably really enjoy this one. I would still recommend this book to those who are already lovers of Rebecca’s writing. If you are first being introduced to this author i wouldn’t recommend starting with Expiration Dates but rather starting with One Italian Summer.

Thank you Atria books & Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for this advanced copy! What a beautiful story! Once I got into this one, I couldn’t put it down. The ending was my favorite!

“The paper is blank save for the name: Jake.”

What it’s About:
A heartwarming and thought-provoking story about the complexities of love, fate, and commitment.

This one comes out March 5th!

What I thought:
This one started out so strong for me. I was so excited to pick this one up, The Dinner List was a favorite for me. I flew threw the first half. I cannot share without spoiling but something happens that just didn’t make sense to me and I wasn’t a fan of the ending. That being said this one could still be for you, I would love to hear what your thoughts are if you end up reading this one.

How it made me feel: 🥰🤔

Similar Titles:
- The Dinner List
- Summer Romance

*Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing this book, with my honest review below*

I was excited to read this book as the premise was interesting and I’ve been enjoying books playing with the main character having a little nugget of what’s to come.

The writing was beautiful and I loved how we would get a taste of the present and then a relevant peek at the past, but overall this book wasn’t as lighthearted as I expected, given the premise. We got to slowly see Daphne’s struggles in her past as well as her relationships and how they informed her present, but those struggles were heavy stuff and the book became less about how someone may react to knowing her dates expiration dates and more about how her feeling her own life had an expiration date (manifested in her relationships). That wasn’t what I expected or wanted from this book.

I am fully aware my feelings came from having expectations that couldn’t be met by the book taking a different direction than I had in mind. I was invested in the characters, my heart going out to Jake, but I put this book down feeling a little confused and unsatisfied. If you want to enjoy great writing and well portrayed characters, this is a great option, just don’t go in expecting a wholly light read.

Thank you again for the ARC, Atria Books. It is much appreciated and I enjoyed the read and the opportunity to share my feedback.

I really enjoy this author. The Italian summer was an amazing book and I looked forward to reading this such book as well. Good character development, interesting plot to grasp the readers attention as well as well thought out story line.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for my first read of 2024! When I was approved to read Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle I was over the moon!

Imagine if you could save yourself literal heartache by knowing when love would be over before it even started. Imagine knowing when love was lust or really just one night. Daphne has been given the ability to know love or lust and protect her heart. Every time she meets a man she is graced with a slip of paper: Martin 3 days, Noah 5 weeks, Hugo 3 months, and then Jake……just Jake. Jake with no end and only a beginning. Jake, a chance to be normal, to have forever, to be the one. Jake the last paper who will change it all.

Serle perfectly outlines what single is and how to navigate it. How at one point every single female feels they have mastered single and are destined to live alone with their pet of choice and breeze through causal dating. That is until you find the one …… but what if the one has come and gone and come back and you’ve written it off based on your preconceived ideas of what you deserve and your own mental expiration dates. Does Daphne find love and keep it or is she really destined to be the perpetual queen of single? You’ll have to wait until March 19, 2024 when you can get your copy of Serle’s newest amazing book! I highly recommend between now and then you read everything else she’s written!

What if you knew when each relationship that you entered into would end? How would that change how you approached the relationship? And what happens when you know this relationship doesn't have an ending? Rebecca Serle does it again with her signature rom-com meets magical realism. I devoured this book in one setting, and there were (several!) twists that I did not see coming! You need to read this book. Pre-order it now.

(Sorry I messed up on my first submission of my review and had to fix it)

This was my first Rebecca Serle book and I ATE THIS UP. This book was out of my normal book comfort zone, with more of a neutral ending compared to HEA that I gravitate towards. This was book was so reminiscent of real life, love, and loss. I loved the MFC character development, and how there was more of a romance subplot than focusing on the romance first, and plot second (again, outside my comfort zone). The plot twist was E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G.

What would you do if every time you dated someone you received a piece of paper with how long you would be together? Expiration Dates tells the story of how Daphne navigates this exact scenario. I loved In Five Years by Rebecca Serle, but didn't love her last couple novels as much. This one felt like she was back in her wheelhouse with an emotional twist in the middle and a main character who isn't perfect. I flew through this story and will definitely recommend it to others. I hope Rebecca continues with these kinds of stories in the future, her real bread and butter!