by Rebecca Serle

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

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Release date: March 19, 2024Review copy pilfered off the ARC shelves at the bookstore.

Content: There is some off-page sex, and swearing, including a few f-bombs. It will be in the Romance section of the bookstore. 

Since high school, whenver she meets a new man, she receives a slip of paper with a name and a number on it – the exact amount of time that she will be with the person. Sometimes, it comes before the meeting. Sometimes, a ways after. Either way, when the time on the slip is up, inevitably, there’s a breakup. Then one day, she receives a slip of paper with just a name. No date. Does that mean this is “The One”?

I’m still pretty new to Serle’s way of storytelling, so I don’t know if this is typical for her. I really liked the way the story unfolded, though. It’s got some twists and turns, and is a bit of a love triangle, but not really. It’s exploring the idea of destiny and how we make choices based on expectations and the information we’re presented. I adored the characters, and I thought it was fascinating as Serle presented Daphne’s history with men and with the mysterious papers.

It’s not a typical romance, though it does have a hopeful ending, but I really enjoyed my time with it.