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lindsayerin's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Terminal illness
Moderate: Medical content
lololovesthings's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
3.5 stars (rounded up).
"Expiration Dates" is the first Rebecca Serle book I have read, and it likely won't be the last. I enjoyed this book, though I did find it to be predictable here and there. I think the idea for this story is fascinating. It requires a lot of suspension of disbelief as this is a book full of magical realism, but that's not an issue for me at all. The crux of the story made me think about the relationships we choose to be in, who we choose to be with, and when we choose to get in or out of them. How would it be different if there was a known "end time"? Would we do anything differently? Live any differently? Love any differently? I was frequently left guessing as to what was going to happen (until I wasn't). I will say, I did not recall the main character's name until about 45-50% into the story, so I'm not sure what that says, but I think it's worth noting. Perhaps it's not as fully fleshed-out as I had hoped it would be? I have to say, I predicted the ending, and I didn't love it. If what happened to Daphne had happened to me in real life, I would be p1ssed off, *not* happy and/or romanced! The regular time jumps confused me a little bit until I got the hang of what was going on. I never really felt myself drawn to Daphne or the guys she dated until her health saga was revealed. Then, I got curious! I did enjoy the writing style. Serle's book is infused with magic and love and pain and heart. I will definitely be reading her back catalog!
Thank you to NetGalley, Rebecca Serle, and Atria Books for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
"Expiration Dates" is the first Rebecca Serle book I have read, and it likely won't be the last. I enjoyed this book, though I did find it to be predictable here and there. I think the idea for this story is fascinating. It requires a lot of suspension of disbelief as this is a book full of magical realism, but that's not an issue for me at all. The crux of the story made me think about the relationships we choose to be in, who we choose to be with, and when we choose to get in or out of them. How would it be different if there was a known "end time"? Would we do anything differently? Live any differently? Love any differently? I was frequently left guessing as to what was going to happen (until I wasn't). I will say, I did not recall the main character's name until about 45-50% into the story, so I'm not sure what that says, but I think it's worth noting. Perhaps it's not as fully fleshed-out as I had hoped it would be? I have to say, I predicted the ending, and I didn't love it. If what happened to Daphne had happened to me in real life, I would be p1ssed off, *not* happy and/or romanced! The regular time jumps confused me a little bit until I got the hang of what was going on. I never really felt myself drawn to Daphne or the guys she dated until her health saga was revealed. Then, I got curious! I did enjoy the writing style. Serle's book is infused with magic and love and pain and heart. I will definitely be reading her back catalog!
Thank you to NetGalley, Rebecca Serle, and Atria Books for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Medical content, Medical trauma, and Chronic illness
allisonobrien's review
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content
Minor: Death
sariereads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content
laughatlantis's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Super predictable (I literally called the ending on page 10) but good disability representation. Well, sort of. Realistic but conflicted disability rep.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness
Moderate: Medical content and Medical trauma
abookwanderer's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Expiration Dates is my fourth novel to read by Rebecca Serle and she’s basically become a must-read author for me. Her stories are an exploration of the human condition with a dash of magic. And Expiration Dates is a refreshing story about accepting what we can’t control.
I’m not surprised when I see mixed reviews for Serle’s books because readers expect her novels to be tried and true Romances with a capital “R”, but her books are really more in the vein of contemporary fiction that just happen to include some magical realism wrapped in a love story. BUT Expiration Dates is probably her first adult novel to fall the closest to that Romance genre definition. It’s even hinted at in the synopsis, just to reassure readers.
It’s always difficult to write a review of Serle’s books without giving much away. Her novels always have some twists and turns, surprises that should stay surprises for new readers. But I’ll do my best to tell you how much I enjoyed this one without spoiling anything.
Daphne has learned to accept that she receives a mysterious note every time she starts a new romantic relationship, one letting her know how long the relationship will last. For the most part, it allows her to not fall too deeply but enjoy what time she does have with the men who come and go in her life.
I liked Daphne right away. She’s spirited, seems to be self-assured and confident, someone comfortable in her own body. I enjoyed the sunny setting of Los Angeles, and the fact that Daphne was “in the business” but someone in the background of Hollywood.
I enjoyed learning about her past relationships, told in short chapters that tied in with the present storyline, as well, each side character unique and relatable. Daphne thinks she knows where her life is headed, but life decides to remind her that maybe good things are also in the unplanned parts of life.
If you’ve never read a book by Serle and would like to give her a try, I’d say this is a good one to start with! It’s hopeful despite also including some more serious topics. It’s also not a huge commitment coming in at under 300 pages. I read this one quickly, not wanting to set it down. Expiration Datesis a perfect choice for your spring or summer tbr with its sunny setting and uplifting story!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Atria Books for providing me with an advance copy.
Check out my reviews and playlist at A Book Wanderer
I’m not surprised when I see mixed reviews for Serle’s books because readers expect her novels to be tried and true Romances with a capital “R”, but her books are really more in the vein of contemporary fiction that just happen to include some magical realism wrapped in a love story. BUT Expiration Dates is probably her first adult novel to fall the closest to that Romance genre definition. It’s even hinted at in the synopsis, just to reassure readers.
It’s always difficult to write a review of Serle’s books without giving much away. Her novels always have some twists and turns, surprises that should stay surprises for new readers. But I’ll do my best to tell you how much I enjoyed this one without spoiling anything.
Daphne has learned to accept that she receives a mysterious note every time she starts a new romantic relationship, one letting her know how long the relationship will last. For the most part, it allows her to not fall too deeply but enjoy what time she does have with the men who come and go in her life.
I liked Daphne right away. She’s spirited, seems to be self-assured and confident, someone comfortable in her own body. I enjoyed the sunny setting of Los Angeles, and the fact that Daphne was “in the business” but someone in the background of Hollywood.
I enjoyed learning about her past relationships, told in short chapters that tied in with the present storyline, as well, each side character unique and relatable. Daphne thinks she knows where her life is headed, but life decides to remind her that maybe good things are also in the unplanned parts of life.
If you’ve never read a book by Serle and would like to give her a try, I’d say this is a good one to start with! It’s hopeful despite also including some more serious topics. It’s also not a huge commitment coming in at under 300 pages. I read this one quickly, not wanting to set it down. Expiration Datesis a perfect choice for your spring or summer tbr with its sunny setting and uplifting story!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Atria Books for providing me with an advance copy.
Check out my reviews and playlist at A Book Wanderer
Content Warnings
Moderate: Medical content
Minor: Terminal illness
kelly_e's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Title: Expiration Dates
Author: Rebecca Serle
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Rating: 4.50
Pub Date: March 19, 2024
T H R E E • W O R D S
Original • Lighthearted • Reflective
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Daphne Bell believes the universe has a plan for her. Every time she meets a new man, she receives a slip of paper with his name and a number on it—the exact amount of time they will be together. The papers told her she’d spend three days with Martin in Paris; five weeks with Noah in San Francisco; and three months with Hugo, her ex-boyfriend turned best friend. Daphne has been receiving the numbered papers for over twenty years, always wondering when there might be one without an expiration. Finally, the night of a blind date at her favorite Los Angeles restaurant, there’s only a name: Jake.
But as Jake and Daphne’s story unfolds, Daphne finds herself doubting the paper’s prediction, and wrestling with what it means to be both committed and truthful. Because Daphne knows things Jake doesn’t, information that—if he found out—would break his heart.
💭 T H O U G H T S
I was first introduced to Serle's writing with In Five Years and I have been a fan ever since. Therefore, it will come as no surprise Expiration Dates was one of my most anticipated 2024 releases. I avoided reading too much about it and seeing too many reviews ahead of time because I really wanted to create my own opinion and it did not disappoint!
It definitely did not have the emotional depth I've come to expect from this author, yet I love how she uses small elements of magic to create realistic and relatable stories. For me, these aspects don't need explaining rather they are simply a part of what makes the story so special. Despite being able to figure out several plot points early on, it didn't impact my reading experience as I was already committed to the ride.
The structure is interesting and it may be a point of contention among readers. But for me, it just worked. There are glimpses into each of Daphne's past romantic relationships, each offered at the appropriate moment in the narrative, as opposed to in linear order. The writing is straightforward and doesn't get bogged down with excessive detail. Yes, there are a lot of LA locations that don't matter in the grand scheme of things, but the author has said this is her love letter to the area and I appreciated getting a little tour of some of the places I suspect mean something to her.
The thing I love most about Serle's writing is that the story may be simple, they offer great opportunity for reflection, and this one is no different. It shows the reader that life doesn't always go how we expect, but that doesn't mean it's not worth living. As someone who has dealt with life altering change, it reminded me that pain and joy can coexist. Additionally, I really liked how it focuses on the fact that there is no one size fits all for relationships and that not everything is tied up nicely with a bow, yet each one has value in creating the whole picture of one person's life.
Overall, Expiration Dates was the perfectly enjoyable and light hearted story that I desperately needed during what has been a chaotic reading month. It likely isn't as memorable as her other books, yet still had be sitting in reflection when I finished. Rebecca Serle will continue to be an auto-buy author for me and I will be eagerly awaiting news on what she is working on next.
📚 R E A D • I F • Y O U • L I K E
• magic without explanation
• Rebecca Serle
• LA vibes
⚠️ CW: medical content, medical trauma, terminal illness, chronic illness, death, partner death, grief, terminal illness, cancer, cursing, sexual content, alcohol, infertility, infidelity
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"'Depth,' he says. 'The opposite of casual is deep.'"
"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."
"No one's time is promised. Not yours. Not mine. Not Jake's. It's just the way it is. We are all dying. Every day. And at some point it becomes a choice. Which one are you going to do today? Are you living or are you dying?"
"I thought if I had all the answers, if I was always one step ahead, if I knew my hand, then I'd never lose. But being surprised by life isn't losing, it's living. It's messy and uncomfortable and complicated and beautiful. It's life, all of it. The only way to get it wrong is to refuse to play."
"I am all at once bowled over by the reality that there are still new stories to tell. That not everything is known or explored. That there are great and wonderous thing ahead. That nothing is promised and yet, and yet..."
Author: Rebecca Serle
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Rating: 4.50
Pub Date: March 19, 2024
T H R E E • W O R D S
Original • Lighthearted • Reflective
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Daphne Bell believes the universe has a plan for her. Every time she meets a new man, she receives a slip of paper with his name and a number on it—the exact amount of time they will be together. The papers told her she’d spend three days with Martin in Paris; five weeks with Noah in San Francisco; and three months with Hugo, her ex-boyfriend turned best friend. Daphne has been receiving the numbered papers for over twenty years, always wondering when there might be one without an expiration. Finally, the night of a blind date at her favorite Los Angeles restaurant, there’s only a name: Jake.
But as Jake and Daphne’s story unfolds, Daphne finds herself doubting the paper’s prediction, and wrestling with what it means to be both committed and truthful. Because Daphne knows things Jake doesn’t, information that—if he found out—would break his heart.
💭 T H O U G H T S
I was first introduced to Serle's writing with In Five Years and I have been a fan ever since. Therefore, it will come as no surprise Expiration Dates was one of my most anticipated 2024 releases. I avoided reading too much about it and seeing too many reviews ahead of time because I really wanted to create my own opinion and it did not disappoint!
It definitely did not have the emotional depth I've come to expect from this author, yet I love how she uses small elements of magic to create realistic and relatable stories. For me, these aspects don't need explaining rather they are simply a part of what makes the story so special. Despite being able to figure out several plot points early on, it didn't impact my reading experience as I was already committed to the ride.
The structure is interesting and it may be a point of contention among readers. But for me, it just worked. There are glimpses into each of Daphne's past romantic relationships, each offered at the appropriate moment in the narrative, as opposed to in linear order. The writing is straightforward and doesn't get bogged down with excessive detail. Yes, there are a lot of LA locations that don't matter in the grand scheme of things, but the author has said this is her love letter to the area and I appreciated getting a little tour of some of the places I suspect mean something to her.
The thing I love most about Serle's writing is that the story may be simple, they offer great opportunity for reflection, and this one is no different. It shows the reader that life doesn't always go how we expect, but that doesn't mean it's not worth living. As someone who has dealt with life altering change, it reminded me that pain and joy can coexist. Additionally, I really liked how it focuses on the fact that there is no one size fits all for relationships and that not everything is tied up nicely with a bow, yet each one has value in creating the whole picture of one person's life.
Overall, Expiration Dates was the perfectly enjoyable and light hearted story that I desperately needed during what has been a chaotic reading month. It likely isn't as memorable as her other books, yet still had be sitting in reflection when I finished. Rebecca Serle will continue to be an auto-buy author for me and I will be eagerly awaiting news on what she is working on next.
📚 R E A D • I F • Y O U • L I K E
• magic without explanation
• Rebecca Serle
• LA vibes
⚠️ CW: medical content, medical trauma, terminal illness, chronic illness, death, partner death, grief, terminal illness, cancer, cursing, sexual content, alcohol, infertility, infidelity
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"'Depth,' he says. 'The opposite of casual is deep.'"
"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."
"No one's time is promised. Not yours. Not mine. Not Jake's. It's just the way it is. We are all dying. Every day. And at some point it becomes a choice. Which one are you going to do today? Are you living or are you dying?"
"I thought if I had all the answers, if I was always one step ahead, if I knew my hand, then I'd never lose. But being surprised by life isn't losing, it's living. It's messy and uncomfortable and complicated and beautiful. It's life, all of it. The only way to get it wrong is to refuse to play."
"I am all at once bowled over by the reality that there are still new stories to tell. That not everything is known or explored. That there are great and wonderous thing ahead. That nothing is promised and yet, and yet..."
Content Warnings
Moderate: Medical trauma, Medical content, Terminal illness, and Chronic illness
Minor: Cancer, Infidelity, Sexual content, Grief, Infertility, Cursing, Death, and Alcohol
partner deathdevynreadsnovels's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol, Chronic illness, Death, Medical content, Grief, Cursing, Dysphoria, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, Infertility, and Medical trauma
louisekf's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness and Medical content
bookedbymadeline's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
Thank you to Netgalley and Quercus for the eARC! I loved In Five Years but really disliked One Italian Summer so I was excited but nervous about this new book from Serle!
The plot is Like that black mirror episode with the dating watches but instead of being dark and dystopian this story is more lighthearted and whimsical-although it is emotional as well.
I was pulled in immediately and finished in 2 days, I devoured this book! Sometimes too much detail that feels unnecessary and telling over showing. I enjoyed the story and characters enough that it didn’t bother me quite as much as it normally would!
Such a unique plot and already making me reflect on fate, free will, and if Daphne used these pieces of paper to sabotage relationships when the notes could’ve been wrong-what if things were going well and she cut them off at the deadline because that’s what the paper said, or it was a bad relationship but she stayed because their time wasn’t up yet?! This novel clearly made me reflective on life and love and the universe 😅
The plot twists?! Did not see coming at all (except for one). However the first plot twist took away from the story of the magical notes and we don’t learn as much about them as I’d hoped, it’s just sort of abandoned and I had a lot of unanswered questions. I cried quite a bit with this book as I always do with Serle’s novels. The characters were all well written, although Kendra felt one dimensional as a friend only present to serve a purpose for the MC. I also enjoyed that we got to see glimpses of Daphne’s past relationships as it gave us a chance to get to know her character better!
I was disappointed towards the end as I felt like Daphne didn’t have much character development but that’s all I can say without giving away any spoilers 😭 (but I’ll put them here for anyone that wants to read them): Daphne and Hugo talk about the notes dictating her life and when Hugo reveals he wrote the note about Jake, Daphne all of a sudden starts doubting being with Jake?! It makes no sense, you were just reflecting on being more open and living life but now that you know Jake was only meant to be a 3 week relationship you break it off! YOU ARE STILL LETTING THE NOTES DICTATE YOUR LOVE LIFE
Overall an entertaining, quick read that I loved right up until the end! I didn’t enjoy as much as In Five Years but was waaay better than One Italian Summer. I look forward to reading more from Serle in the future 💖
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content
Moderate: Sexual content and Death
Minor: Cancer and Infidelity