Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle

A Bittersweet Cocktail of Fate and Free Will

In her latest novel “Expiration Dates,” Rebecca Serle serves up a bittersweet cocktail of fate and free will that will leave readers both intoxicated and questioning everything they thought they knew about love. With her signature blend of magical realism and raw emotional honesty, Serle crafts a story that’s equal parts whimsical rom-com and gut-wrenching exploration of mortality, commitment, and what it truly means to choose someone—flaws, baggage, and all.

At the heart of the novel is Daphne Bell, a 33-year-old Angeleno with a unique cosmic gift (or is it a curse?): whenever she meets a potential romantic partner, she receives a slip of paper telling her exactly how long the relationship will last. For over two decades, these prophetic papers have dictated the rhythm of Daphne’s love life, from fleeting flings measured in days to more substantial affairs spanning months. It’s a premise ripe with possibility, and Serle milks it for all its worth, using Daphne’s supernatural foreknowledge as a lens to examine the anxieties and pitfalls of modern dating.

When Fate Throws a Curveball

The story kicks into high gear when Daphne receives a paper bearing only a name—Jake—with no expiration date. Could this finally be “the one”? As Daphne and Jake’s relationship unfolds, Serle keeps readers guessing, subverting rom-com tropes and exploring deeper questions about destiny, honesty, and what we owe the people we love.

Along the way, we’re treated to Serle’s keen observations of Los Angeles life, from farmers markets in WeHo to cocktails at sunset in Malibu. The author clearly knows her turf, and her affectionate but clear-eyed portrait of the city adds texture and specificity to Daphne’s world.

More Than Just a Love Story

But “Expiration Dates” is far more than just a love story. At its core, it’s a novel about learning to live fully in the face of uncertainty. Midway through, Serle drops a bombshell revelation about Daphne’s health that recontextualizes everything that’s come before. It’s a gutsy narrative move that pays off, deepening the stakes and forcing both Daphne and the reader to grapple with weighty questions of mortality and what truly matters in the limited time we’re given.

Serle doesn’t shy away from the messy realities of relationships either. Daphne’s dynamic with her ex-boyfriend-turned-best-friend Hugo crackles with unresolved tension and “what ifs.” Her struggles to be fully honest with Jake about her condition ring painfully true. And her parents’ unwavering support, tinged with their own fears and regrets, is deeply moving.

Serle’s Evolving Style

Fans of Serle’s previous works like “In Five Years” and “One Italian Summer” will recognize her deft touch with matters of the heart. But “Expiration Dates” feels like a level up, showcasing a new maturity in both subject matter and prose style. Serle’s writing has always been compulsively readable, but here she achieves a new depth, balancing snappy dialogue and swoon-worthy romantic moments with passages of genuine insight and emotional heft.

Take this gem of a line, as Daphne reflects on her condition: “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 the kind of observation that makes you want to dog-ear the page (sacrilege!) or at least jot it down somewhere to revisit later. Serle sprinkles these nuggets of hard-won wisdom throughout, elevating what could have been a fluffy premise into something genuinely thought-provoking.

A Cast of Memorable Characters

While Daphne is undoubtedly the star of the show, Serle surrounds her with a cast of vividly drawn supporting characters. There’s the aforementioned Hugo, whose presence looms large even when he’s offscreen. Daphne’s boss, Irina, a tough-as-nails Hollywood producer with a hidden soft side, practically leaps off the page. And Jake himself is refreshingly three-dimensional—neither a perfect prince charming nor a stereotypical bad boy, but a good man with his own complexities and demons to wrestle.

Even minor characters get their moment to shine. I found myself unexpectedly charmed by Mrs. Madden, Jake’s elderly neighbor who bakes cookies and dispenses wisdom. And Daphne’s dog Murphy, with his very particular personality, threatens to steal every scene he’s in.

When Reality Meets Fiction

It’s worth noting that Serle herself found love while writing this book, a fact she acknowledges in the author’s note. That real-life happy ending adds an intriguing meta layer to the novel. You can almost feel Serle working through her own journey on the page, lending an extra dose of authenticity to Daphne’s emotional arc.

Not Without Its Flaws

That’s not to say “Expiration Dates” is without its flaws. The pacing in the middle section occasionally drags, and some readers might find the “will they/won’t they” between Daphne and Jake frustrating at times. There’s also a late-game twist involving Hugo that, while dramatically satisfying, stretches credibility a bit thin.

But these are minor quibbles in what is overall a deeply satisfying read. Serle sticks the landing with an ending that manages to be both surprising and emotionally true to the characters she’s created.

The Verdict

“Expiration Dates” is the kind of book that lingers with you long after you’ve turned the final page. It’s a love story, yes, but also a meditation on mortality, choice, and the courage it takes to be truly vulnerable with another person. Serle has delivered her most ambitious and accomplished novel yet, cementing her place as one of the brightest voices in contemporary women’s fiction.

For fans of Emily Henry’s brand of smart, self-aware romance or Taylor Jenkins Reid’s knack for blending the extraordinary with the everyday, “Expiration Dates” is a must-read. Just be prepared to laugh, cry, and maybe reevaluate your own approach to love along the way.

What Sets “Expiration Dates” Apart

While the “magical timer on relationships” premise might initially bring to mind films like “TiMER” or the “Hang the DJ” episode of Black Mirror, Serle takes the concept in a refreshingly unique direction. By tying Daphne’s supernatural gift to her very real health struggles, she grounds the story in emotional truth even as she plays with fantastical elements.

The novel also stands out for its nuanced exploration of different kinds of love. Yes, there’s romantic love at the forefront, but Serle gives equal weight to the love between friends, between parents and children, and perhaps most importantly, self-love. Daphne’s journey isn’t just about finding “the one,” but about learning to value herself and live authentically despite her fears.

Who Should Read This Book

“Expiration Dates” is a perfect fit for:

• Fans of smart, contemporary romance with a twist
• Readers who enjoy a dash of magical realism in their fiction
• Anyone grappling with questions of fate vs. free will in their own life
• Those who appreciate stories that balance humor and heart with deeper themes

While it will certainly appeal to Serle’s existing fanbase, “Expiration Dates” has the potential to win over new readers as well. It’s the kind of book you’ll want to discuss with friends over wine, debating the characters’ choices and sharing your own “what if” stories.

Final Thoughts

In a genre often dismissed as lightweight, Rebecca Serle proves once again that romance can be a vehicle for exploring profound truths about the human experience. “Expiration Dates” is a novel that will make you laugh, cry, and above all, feel deeply. It’s a testament to the power of love in all its forms, and a reminder that even in the face of uncertainty, choosing to open your heart is always worth the risk.

So pour yourself a glass of wine, curl up with “Expiration Dates,” and prepare to fall in love—with Daphne, with Jake, with Hugo, and maybe even a little bit with the beautiful mess that is life itself. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself eyeing that cute stranger at the coffee shop a little differently afterward. After all, who knows? They might just be holding your slip of paper.