Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle

A Magical Take on Modern Romance

In a world where dating apps and algorithms promise to find our perfect match, Rebecca Serle’s latest novel “Expiration Dates” asks a tantalizing question: What if you knew exactly how long each relationship would last? Serle, known for her emotionally resonant stories like “In Five Years” and “One Italian Summer,” brings her signature blend of magical realism and heartfelt exploration of human connection to the realm of romantic love. The result is a poignant, often bittersweet journey through one woman’s quest to find lasting happiness—and perhaps defy the very fate she’s come to rely on.

A Life Dictated by Slips of Paper

At the heart of “Expiration Dates” is Daphne Bell, a 33-year-old Angeleno whose love life has been guided by mysterious slips of paper since she was a teenager. Each time she meets a potential romantic partner, Daphne receives a note with the man’s name and the precise duration of their relationship. Three days with Martin in Paris. Five weeks with Noah in San Francisco. Three months with Hugo, who becomes her ex-boyfriend turned best friend.

These prophetic papers have shaped Daphne’s approach to love for over two decades. She’s learned to guard her heart, to enjoy fleeting romances without getting too attached, always aware of the ticking clock. It’s a defense mechanism, a way to avoid the pain of unexpected heartbreak. But it’s also left her wondering if she’ll ever find a love without an expiration date.

When Fate Throws a Curveball

Serle masterfully sets up this intriguing premise before throwing her protagonist—and readers—for a loop. On a blind date with a man named Jake, Daphne receives a blank slip of paper. For the first time, there’s no predetermined end date. Is this finally her chance at forever?

As Daphne and Jake’s relationship unfolds, Serle delves into the complexities of truly opening oneself up to love. Daphne struggles to shed the protective armor she’s built over years of temporary relationships. Jake, we learn, is a widower still grappling with the loss of his wife. Their connection is tender and genuine, but both carry wounds that complicate their ability to fully embrace the present.

The Weight of Secrets

Complicating matters further is a secret Daphne carries—one that, if revealed, could shatter Jake’s heart and any chance at a future together. Serle keeps readers on edge, balancing the blossoming romance with the looming threat of this hidden truth. It’s a testament to her skill as a writer that we remain invested in both characters, understanding Daphne’s fear while also empathizing with Jake’s right to know.

More Than Just a Love Story

While the central romance drives much of the plot, “Expiration Dates” is rich with compelling supporting characters and subplots that add depth to Daphne’s world. Her relationship with her parents is particularly well-drawn, exploring the challenges of maintaining independence while still relying on family support. Daphne’s friendship with Hugo, her ex-turned-confidant, provides both comic relief and moments of genuine emotional insight.

The Los Angeles Backdrop

Serle paints a vivid picture of Los Angeles, capturing both its glamorous facades and the quieter, more intimate corners of the city. From trendy restaurants to hidden neighborhood gems, the setting becomes a character in its own right. Readers familiar with LA will delight in recognizing specific locations, while those who’ve never visited will feel transported by Serle’s evocative descriptions.

Magical Realism with a Purpose

The concept of the prophetic paper slips could easily have felt gimmicky in less skilled hands. Serle, however, uses this element of magical realism to explore deeper truths about love, fate, and the choices we make. The papers become a metaphor for all the ways we try to protect ourselves from heartbreak, all the excuses we make for not fully committing.

As the story progresses, Daphne is forced to confront whether she’s been using the papers as a crutch, allowing them to dictate her life rather than taking control of her own destiny. It’s a journey of self-discovery that will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt afraid to take a chance on love.

Serle’s Signature Style Shines

Fans of Serle’s previous work will find much to love in “Expiration Dates.” Her prose is warm and inviting, with moments of genuine humor balancing out the more emotional beats. She has a gift for capturing the small, everyday moments that make up a relationship—the inside jokes, the comfortable silences, the gradual intertwining of two lives.

There’s a cinematic quality to many of the scenes, particularly as Daphne and Jake’s romance blossoms. It’s easy to imagine “Expiration Dates” translating beautifully to the screen (and given Serle’s background in television, it wouldn’t be surprising to see an adaptation in the future).

A Nuanced Look at Modern Love

What sets “Expiration Dates” apart from many contemporary romances is its willingness to grapple with the messy realities of love. Serle doesn’t shy away from the baggage we all bring into relationships—past heartbreaks, family issues, health concerns. She acknowledges that sometimes, even when two people care deeply for each other, timing and circumstances can make a lasting connection impossible.

This nuanced approach makes the central question all the more compelling: If you knew a relationship had an expiration date, would you still choose to experience it? Is it better to have loved and lost, or to protect your heart at all costs?

Not Just for Romance Fans

While “Expiration Dates” will certainly appeal to readers of contemporary romance, its themes are universal enough to resonate with a broader audience. At its core, this is a story about learning to embrace uncertainty, about finding the courage to be vulnerable even when there are no guarantees.

Serle’s exploration of family dynamics, friendship, and personal growth make this a richer, more layered novel than a simple love story. There’s plenty here for book clubs to discuss, from the ethics of keeping secrets from a partner to broader questions about fate versus free will.

A Few Minor Quibbles

If there’s a criticism to be made, it’s that some of the supporting characters could have been more fully developed. Hugo, in particular, feels like he has potential for a more complex arc that isn’t quite realized. Additionally, there are moments where the pacing in the middle section of the book slows a bit, though Serle brings it home with a strong and emotionally satisfying conclusion.

The Verdict: A Heartfelt Exploration of Love and Fate

“Expiration Dates” is a captivating, thought-provoking novel that will stay with readers long after they turn the final page. Rebecca Serle has crafted a story that is both a swoon-worthy romance and a nuanced exploration of what it means to truly open oneself up to love.

With its unique premise, relatable characters, and poignant insights into the human heart, “Expiration Dates” cements Serle’s place as one of the most exciting voices in contemporary fiction. Whether you’re a die-hard romance fan or simply someone who enjoys stories that make you think and feel deeply, this is a book well worth your time.

For Fans Of…

If you enjoyed “Expiration Dates,” you might also like:

• “The Time Traveler’s Wife” by Audrey Niffenegger
• “One Day” by David Nicholls
• “The Light We Lost” by Jill Santopolo
• “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig

About the Author

Rebecca Serle is the New York Times bestselling author of “In Five Years,” “One Italian Summer,” and “The Dinner List.” She also developed the hit TV adaptation “Famous in Love,” based on her young adult series of the same name. A graduate of USC and the New School, Serle lives in Los Angeles.