The Expiration Date

by Kimberly Brown

Audrey Pilar is a master in the art of breaking up. Her friends have dubbed her ritual of leaving men as “The Expiration Date”. Hurt from her past has caused Audrey to protect her heart at all costs, even if it means self sabotage. She’s developed the habit of looking for red flags and it seemed to work for her. That is until she meets Sullivan Santiago. The confident, thirty-three year old owner of Sullivan’s Coffee Tavern is unlike anyone she’s ever met and for Audrey, if it’s too good to be true, it usually is.

Sullivan “Sully” Santiago is a man that says what he means and means what he says. His honesty, though sometime brutal, has never been a problem for him until he meets the beautiful Audrey Pilar. The twenty-seven year old professional crafter caught his eye after witnessing several of her gentle let downs in his establishment. Where as most people would see it as a turn off, Sully is intrigued.

When Audrey agrees to a date with him, Sully soon learns that his own expiration date will come sooner than he thought. Unfortunately they are left with a special parting gift that doesn’t make letting go as easy as Audrey would have liked.

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, African American Romance, African American, Contemporary, Second Chance, Billionaire Romance

230 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 24, 2023

About the author

Kimberly Brown is a South Carolina born and raised author of contemporary/urban romance. She strives to create stories that readers can visualize in their heads as the pages turn. Writing has been a part of her journey since a young age but really became a focal point during her high school years. With the support of her classmates, she began sharing her love of words with others. In 2019 she took her first step towards becoming a serious writer with self-publishing. August of 2021, she made her BLP debut with “Pretty Caged Bird” and is continuing to grow her catalog. With a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a pending masters in Mental Health Counseling, Kimberly loves to incorporate mental health into her writings as she feels it is not talked about or address enough within the African American community.

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Reviews

[Annette Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I 👏🏾 did 👏🏾 not 👏🏾 like 👏🏾 Audrey! Let me say it again for the people in the back. I 👏🏾 did 👏🏾 not 👏🏾 like 👏🏾 Audrey!!! This chic was insufferable! Audrey was her own worst enemy and the queen of self-sabotage. Finding out her ex had not only been cheating damn near their entire relationship but, that he also got his side chic pregnant caused Audrey to become severely guarded. After her relationship with Justin ended, she never gave any man a real chance. Audrey’s trust in men went completely out the window and she was constantly looking for flaws in every man she went out with. She was no longer dating with a purpose. Audrey’s expiration dates were widely known about town so, any man who willingly chose to date her did so at his own risk and it generally didn’t end well in their favor. Sully was well aware Audrey was using his coffee shop as a dumping ground but, somehow, she still managed to intrigue him. After hearing what happened with her ex, there was just something about Audrey that made Sully want to show her what real love looks like and how a grown azz man treats his woman. She just has to get out of her own way, stop looking for those so called “red flags” where there were none, and be open to accepting the love Sully was all but throwin’ at her. Once again, KB has outdone herself. The Expiration Date was a phenomenal read. This book had more of a serious tone to it but, it still managed to be romantic, sweet, and funny. The MFC is going to test your patience so, might I suggest you have a bottle of wine or two on hand while you’re reading? You will definitely want to go upside Audrey’s head more than once and you will absolutely fall head over heels in love with Sully. If you don’t read a single book in this series, read The Expiration Date. Oh, and note to KB. Ma’am, I’ma need you to gon’ and get your mind right because, you are going to have to give us a book on Emmanuel and Ariya. There’s just no getting around that.

[Anayah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, I can't give a review without spoiling it. All I can say is that I enjoyed this book and I love Kimberly Brown.

Give it a try! It was a fun, quick, easy read. If you're looking for a romance with a little bit of drama and tinch of humor/personality, then give this a try.

9/10 would recommend.

[Rashawnda · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I pray you see the day when you realize that maybe you are the problem that’s keeping you unhappy, Audrey.”

Am I the drama?! Why yes Audrey, yes tf you are!!! Baybyyyy just call her the red flag 🚩🚩 🚩 detective because if you had one, sis was pointing em out!! She was like Oprah in that thang. You have a red flag 🚩, you have a red flag 🚩….I mean she was exhausting with it! But what sis needed to do was take a look in the mirror because her ass was COVERED in red flags from head to toe! I loved the way Jensen read her for filth right out the gate because Audrey showed her entire insecure aśs in these streets!!

Audrey had her guard galaxy high 🌌when it came to men and we can thank her college boyfriend! Look we’ve all dealt with a fk boy or 10 🤣🤣 but Audrey really allowed this nîgga to have the ultimate hold on her mental! She should’ve left him in the past but instead was determined to drag the sins of this man into every attempt she made at a relationship. It was like a ball and chain for HER because he had clearly moved on with his life.

Since she used his coffee shop as the break up spot, Sully was already hip to her MO from the beginning. Sadly this didn’t stop him from shooting his shot and seeing if he could be the guy that knocked those concrete reinforced walls Audrey had down and love her the way she wanted deep down. Sully was a gentle giant that loved people and wanted to spread love, light and spiked caffeine to the world. He was a humble billionaire looking for love and he really should’ve looked PAST Audrey like his twin told him to. 🥴😒

Man the way Audrey continuously sabotaged her happiness had me ready to hem her up and knock some sense into her. Sis needed to check her own expiration date because she was walking around like spoiled milk leaking on everything and everyone she came in contact with! 😣🥴She eventually got it together but lawd she made us WORK for this HEA. 😓

When your pen is gifted, everything you touch turns to gold and that essentially describes KB! I will forever be a fan of her work and look forward to what she has in store next!

[Jahda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please don't allow the fact that I don't like Audrey influence your decision to not read this book. Kimberly Brown is a talented author who knows exactly how to evoke emotion in me. Audrey was driving me crazy, and I have no idea how I made it through. Because of Audrey, this novel gets four stars. In my book, Sullivan was a saint. Audrey was no longer dating with any kind of intention now that she was out here shattering hearts and finding flaws in every guy she dated. Among the male population of the town, Audrey's "expiration dates" were well-known; thus, any guy who voluntarily decided to date her did so at his own risk, and the results were usually not favorable. When Sully first met Audrey, he knew she was using his coffee shop as a dumping ground, but there was something about her that he couldn't resist. Sully was just a lovely man. He was patient and caring. The romance in this took its time developing, but it was worth the wait.

[Wobilba · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a good feeling about this one and I was right. One thing I know, you can never go wrong with a Kimberly Brown book.

These quotes are going to live rent free in my head for a long long time

"...you can't go through life looking for red flags. It's been my experience that when you look for those, you find exactly what you don't want to find. Sometimes you see shit that's not even there"

"I'm not delusional. I know no one is perfect. But I refuse to settle for less than I deserve"

[Kameel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sullivan & Audrey

From the beginning of the story, Sully presented himself as a very good man…initially, Audrey really got on my nerves…she had some residual heartache from a previous relationship that ended badly so she was terrible with men….Audrey just had not met the right guy until she met the owner of the Tavern…..such a cute story….Kimberly I would love a story from Emmanuel…he was the comic relief in this story.

[Dahyana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audrey x Sully

I've read the reviews, I know what everyone said and I'm here to jump on the bandwagon to say I concur. Audrey did not deserve Sully, but I rooted for them towards the end.
Audrey was bougie, spoiled and a little stuck up, but she was also beautiful, smart, and sweet at the same time and had lots going for her. Dubbed the queen of red flag detector, she self-destructs and stood firm on business rooted in pride and past trauma. But she and Sully together were something beautiful. Sully was all man. He was sexy, he was funny, smart, business-minded…I could go on and on about him. He was perfect. Life kinda forced them together, but they were meant to be. This story was fun, and it was sweet. The narrators did a super job, especially with the sėx scenes.
As always, hats off to KB.

[Shakila (BooksandThemes) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

I was looking for a second chance romance and @naesreadingnook recommended this one. It delivered on the second chance romance front and I loved it! Audrey had commitment and trust issues and her friends teased her about her quick relationship “expiration dates.” Sully witnessed Audrey’s repeated break up tactics in action and calls her out on her issues. However, once they get acquainted 😏 Audrey feels a change coming that is until a miscommunication happens. It’s a whooopsie!

I loved Sully! He is what I’m sure many would call a book boyfriend! I loved how he could look past Audrey’s flaws and the drama and gave her a chance. But, don’t get it twisted, he’s not a push over. I think he was just what Audrey needed! I loved the drama with their crazy relationship and Sully’s family. Because of who they were and what they had, they pegged Audrey as a gold digger. But, she ain’t a push over either.

This audiobook was fun to listen to! It had its laugh out loud moments. I loved the friendships they had and Sully’s twin was hilarious! I cannot forget to add, the spicy scenes. Yup, they were hot? This one oozed Black Romance and I loved that! This was a new-to-me author and I will for sure read another book by Kimberly Brown! These were also new-to-me audiobook narrators and I loved them too! They did an amazing job with the characters!

Thank you Dreamscape Media for the ALC!

[Mrs. · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite Billionaire

I think this one is my favorite billionaire baby father romance I've read in a while. The expiration date queen meets one she could keep. A good read 4.75 stars....

[Kimberlylovesreadingbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sue me but I liked Audrey 😭♥️.
Was she a self saboteur? Yes.
Did I still support her decisions? Yes 😂

I liked the MMC until he shouted her at the hospital for not telling him that she was pregnant!? I mean I get the anger but why are you shouting at a pregnant lady????😭🤷🏾‍♀️

[The Love Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Expiration Date is a book in a standalone series a group of authors did surrounding billionaires and their babies.

I enjoyed this one, though I felt Audrey was a bit frustrating. She doesn’t let guys get too close, always breaking up with them after a few weeks…and always doing the breaking up at Sully’s bar. He was a sucker for love cause he decided to take her on a date, but one miscommunication was all it took for her to cut him off. And the worst possible way for them to reconnect was when Sully and his pregnant sister ran into her at the OB’s office, seeing that Audrey was indeed very much pregnant. It didn’t take genius to figure out it was his.

I wasn’t even mad that Sully expressed his anger and frustration at her keeping it a secret. Everyone around her told her to tell the truth. Sully was a good guy and she had no reason not to. Even when he starts supporting her pregnancy and eventually give them a second chance, I wasn’t too keen on Audrey. Sis needed some therapy before she truly started trying to get serious with someone.

Also - the grammar and lack of proofreading was borderline horrendous. This is a consistent complaint of mine with almost every KB book I read, so don’t let it deter you from reading, but just know sometimes it throws you out of the story.

[*Ebony I* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patient love

One thing about KB is she gone consistently give us a good love story!

Audrey was a serial date killer and she was annoying 🥴. She didn't hesitate to move around if the slightest thing made her feel away. One crazy azz ending, opens her up to an unexpected beginning with Sully. So she hopes, but typical Audrey just can't find her happiness. Let me tell y'all I was side eyeing her heavy cuz she was frfr on some bs. Heartbreak will have you down bad, but I was bout ready to smack her upside the head 🥴. She refused to have a grown conversation and it left her looking real crazy.

Sully was just a good dude. He was level headed, hard working, sweet, caring, patient and sexy. Oh and let's not forget stupid rich 🤑 He was intrigued by Audrey and I loved the way he treated her. He had all rights to kick her to the curb, but he stepped into his responsibility and I swooned. At every turn he was catering to her needs and protecting her. I was here for it all. This was such a sweet love story that took some time to develop, but I enjoyed it.

Also she picked the right brother, because I think Emmanuel would have drop kicked her 🤣🤣

Lastly this book needed a little fine tuning. There were misspelled words and Chapter 23 was Audrey, but was listed as Sullivan. Little things like that will be caught if you have a third party look over the book.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good read! Audrey & Sully >>>

[Ezi Chinny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first time listening to the work of Kimberly Brown and it was a really good story. Jaime Lincoln Smith and J. Shani Michaels really did this entertaining romance justice.
I chuckled a lot throughout the story because Sully and Audrey had really amusing banter.
Audrey was a serial dater and dumped men at any perceived red flags which her friends affectionally dubbed the expiration date. Audrey was content until she met Sullivan "Sully" who wasn't intimidated by how she discarded men. Sully was fine being a hook up thing even though he clearly wanted more. He practiced patience and understanding while he challenged her to confront and work through issues instead of running from relationship to relationship.
This audiobook made me smile, laugh and look over my shoulder to make sure no one could hear the sex scenes because Sully and Audrey were getting it in!

I will say that Sully's brother Emmanuel was a scene stealer. He was hilarious, a player but a loyal and loving twin brother. He added some levity to certain situations that were emotional and tense.

This story had all the things I enjoy in a good romance, so I definitely plan to read more of this author.

Special Thanks to Netgalley and Dreamscape media for the audiobook. The opinion expressed is my own impressions of the audiobook

[Tee Zeigler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sully and Aubrey🌟🌟🌟 Sully is a lover and he played no games with Aubrey. Aubrey had me ready to punch her in the throat at times. HEA that I want a part two of. The ending makes me want a part two.

[Ebony Essence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sullivan was letting Audrey’s ass have it and i don’t blame him. You don’t do people wrong that are trying to be good to you. Kim always does an awesome job of giving us quality men. I enjoyed him very much as well as his family. That brother is a fool though. Anyways, Audrey is the prime example of letting one bad apple ruin it for the rest. Should have been focusing more on healing because she was so wrong for doing Sully that way. Glad her friends weren’t “yes men” and kept it honest with her. Even though she was her own walking issue, she got her hea.

No matter how much a person tries to get in their own way there’s always someone ready to show how simple and beautiful life can be.

Listened via hoopla.

[riahreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

wooooo the DRAMAAAA . I completed this in one sitting ! my girl Audrey was self sabotaging herself like crazy and ran into someone that was not going to let her do that to herself !

Spoiler Alert !!

ILOVE A PREGNANCY TROPE IDC IDC IDC

[Nay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kimberly Brown has done it again. She saved this series. She honestly should have just dropped this book solo. Audrey is known for having a expiration date b/c once she had enough on to the next. Audrey has been using Sully cafe to break things of with potential men. Sully is intrigued by Audrey. Sully was all BDE. He was not dealing with Audrey and her always seeing red flags 🤣🥴. Audrey was beyond annoying but once Sully her in her place.. she got it together. I loved them getting their HEA and him even making amends with his dad. I low key want a spin-off with the brother and best friend.

[Keesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Expiration Date was unexpected! I did not expect to enjoy this book so much. But I’m a sucker for good banter. Sully the sexy, serious billionaire who dates purely with intention and Audrey, the serial monogamist that never finds a green flag in any man, have crazy chemistry. They start hot and heavy but Audrey has the ability to find a red flag where there are none. Even she admits she is being ridiculous and that she fumbled the bag when she pushed this amazing man away. So this fine ass, sweet, thoughtful billionaire wants to cook for you and treat you right except for when he is folding you in half and talking you through it. And you dump him over something dumb?!? Girl bye! It was still a cute story and the supporting characters were fun & interesting. The spice was spicing too! This book made me look for other Kimberly Brown books.

[Robbi Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sully is BAE!!!!

I loved everything about this story. Sully was do pure and real and loved him some Audrey before he really knew her. He was everything she needed to retire the red flags.

[Whit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audrey has more nerve than a toothache. Her father is super fine and seems to have common sense, so why does Audrey keep attracting all these trifling losers? In addition, Audrey's father treats her mother like the queen she is, so what does Audrey see when she hangs out with these time wasting creatures?

Nevertheless, to embarrass these guys, in a public restaurant, Girlfriend is lucky she doesn't end up, cut up, in small pieces, on the dinner plate! Sully is the perfect man, for her, because he calls Audrey out on HER "Red Flag" behavior. Plus he finally reveals that Audrey is the real problem in this romantic mess! Awesome story!!!!

[Robyn Fletcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall: 4
Spicy: 4

Finding love when you least expect it is what this book is about. The FMC has a reputation of dumping men at a local coffee shop after dating for a few weeks/months. The most recent relationship ended with guy calling the FMC out of her name and threatening her. The owner of the coffee shop steps in the defend the woman's honor. In doing so the finally notice reach other romantically and he ask her to give him a chance to show not all guys walking red flags. There situationship goes on a roller coaster of emotional twist and turns but it does turn into a HEA. You have amazing spicy time, connections and writing.

The only reason I didn't rate a five was it was a tad too urban for my liking, but that's just my opinion. If I was into URBAN fic this would have been 5 stars easily.

[Katie ratherbereadinggg · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars sweet and low-angst

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! Kimberly Brown writes one hellofva man. Happy reading!

[Q. Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stamped!

There has not been a book that I have read by Kimberly Brown where she didn't understand the assignment. In this book right here Audrey was stamping those men. It was like she worked a food processing line and she made sure the correct expiration was on every can. If the flag was dark pink turning to red that dude was out. Sullivan and Audrey's connection started in a playful hanging-out manner that led to lifetime commitments. I knew Sullivan had fallen hard for Audrey but her past hurt ran deep. Justin did a number on her and made it hard for her to open her heart. Sullivan's attentiveness and gentlemanly characteristics wore her down. Audrey knew she was in love as well but was fighting it with everything she had. It was a tug-of-war for a while between the two of them because Audrey kept her mouth shut. However, the feelings ran deep enough that they both succumbed to them.

This series has been smoking 💨 💨 if you by chance haven't got into it you need to get on it. Add the whole series to your Kindle, TBR list or just purchase each book whatever your choice you are missing out on literary masterpieces. These authors didn't come to play.

P.S. Mrs. Brown, we need more from Emmanuel he was hilarious but needed to find true love. I am not sure if it's with Ariya but I will read her story as well.

[Simply_YoYo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audrey ma’am yes you, you’re the problem. 🤦🏾‍♀️🤣My girl was a walking red flag, pointing out everyone’s flaws but failing to see her own. She was also alittle spoiled, and her insecurities were so LOUD. She did have a great village around her in her parents and friends. I loved the group FaceTime calls and chats 🫶🏾.
Mr. Sullivan “ Sully” Santiago you were just what Audrey needed and I love that for her!
I love the first date scene, the shopping scene and then you cleaned! Awe so thoughtful of all the details that make a huge difference.

😂🤣😂 Ari and Emmanuel were hilarious 🤣🤣😂😂😂

This was so cute ❤️🥰🫶🏾❤️

[KarynReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story. I have to admit Audrey got on my last nerve! I kept screaming at this book at her. Praying her ass did not mess this relationship up. She literally had an expiration date on men! Sully was not having that shit. I loved himmm. The world needs about 100 Sully’s going around. He showed up and showed out. No one had to tell him to do right and take responsibility. This man was ready from go. Even forgave this crazy woman for keeping it a secret for the first couple of months. I loved the ending. Done very well 🥰.

[Jailai · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was great!! Audrey was literally on my nerve! She went through so much negativity that when she found a positive she was ready to run it away.

Sully got her together ASAP and I love that he did because shawty step back and re evaluate here!

I’m glad they both got their happy ending!

[Kay Shanee · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What a beautiful story! Audrey worked my nerves but she got it together. Sully was everything she didn’t know she needed.

[nosha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This took me right out my slump 😭 we are soooo back! This was the cutest shit everrrr! Sully is a man…NEED THAT. Pregnancy trope I could never hate you 🥹