Taylor Jenkins Reid knows how to tell stories that hit you right in the heart. Her books are like deep chats with a friend, talking about everything from love and loss to dreams and what it means to be true to yourself.
Her characters feel like real people, and she has a special way of making you laugh, cry, and think all at once. Her books cover different stories—some are about famous people, while others are about regular folks trying to figure out life.
Her books are so special because they make you feel every high and low alongside her characters. So, as we dive into the Best Taylor Jenkins Reid Books, prepare to be moved and ultimately transformed by the stories of life’s infinite possibilities.
Table of Contents
1. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Genres: Fiction, Romance, Historical, LGBT, Contemporary, Queer
The novel follows the story of aging film star Evelyn Hugo, who decides to finally tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. To everyone’s surprise, she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job.
Through recounting her seven marriages, Hugo reveals the triumphs and tragedies of her life, the real love she experienced, and the secrets behind her career success. This narrative is about her husbands and her relentless pursuit of love and fulfillment.
“The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” delivers a powerful story beyond a Hollywood starlet’s life. She explores love, loyalty, and sacrifice, challenging how we see these themes.
What you might love:
- The novel boldly explores love, loss, betrayal, and redemption, a powerful, moving emotional journey that deeply connects with readers.
- The story also follows Monique, a journalist uncovering Evelyn’s past. Her growth mirrors Evelyn’s, adding a fresh, engaging perspective.
- Set in Old Hollywood, it combines glamour with a critical take on the film industry’s heyday, drawing in history and cinema lovers with 1950s Hollywood.
What might not be for everyone:
- Evelyn Hugo’s complexity and moral ambiguity might make it hard for some readers to connect with her.
- Evelyn’s seven marriages and romantic entanglements may overwhelm or bore those seeking a simpler love story.
- The book tackles heavy themes like manipulation and fame’s dark side, which might be tough for sensitive readers.
2. Daisy Jones & The Six
Genres: Fiction, Historical, Contemporary, Music, Adult
“Daisy Jones & The Six” is about a 1970s rock band’s rise to fame, told through interviews. A talented singer, Daisy Jones, joins The Six, a band led by the passionate Billy Dunne. Together, they make hit music and quickly become stars.
As they enjoy fame, the book reveals their struggles and teamwork. But despite their success, challenges threaten to break them apart. Eventually, they split at the peak of their popularity, leaving everyone to wonder about the reason why.
The story stands out because of its unique interview format and the realistic look at the ’70s music world. This approach closely examines the band’s journey, making “Daisy Jones & The Six” a unique and engaging read.
What you might love:
- It openly addresses hard topics like addiction, heartbreak, and artistic sacrifices with care and depth, touching readers deeply.
- The novel explores fame’s ups and downs, highlighting thrilling stage moments and private struggles, giving a detailed view of celebrity life.
- The band’s genuine interactions and conflicts reveal the challenges and complexities of working together creatively under the pressures of success.
What might not be for everyone:
- Having many characters share their views can confuse readers, especially those who like a story told by just one person.
- The book’s oral history approach told through interviews and quotes, might feel strange to those used to regular storytelling.
- This format also means some parts of the story and why characters act as they do might not be fully explained, frustrating readers who want clear answers.
3. Malibu Rising
Genres: Fiction, Historical, Contemporary, Music, Adult
The novel unfolds over one day in 1983, with flashbacks that paint the Riva family’s great history. Nina, Jay, Hud, and Kit Riva, children of a famous but absent father, face their struggles with identity, love, and ambition.
As they prepare to host their legendary end-of-summer party, the event spirals out of control, leading to revelations that force them to confront their family’s legacy and their places within it.
“Malibu Rising” brilliantly explores fame, family, and forgiveness. It combines vivid settings, engaging characters, and deep emotions, making it a unique and memorable family drama story.
What you might love:
- The Riva siblings face and overcome challenges together, inspiring readers to think about their growth and search for identity.
- It deeply explores love, loss, forgiveness, and happiness, connecting readers to the characters’ experiences on a personal level.
- The book switches between past and present, mixing the Riva family’s history with one unforgettable night, making the story engaging and suspenseful.
What might not be for everyone:
- The book focuses on surfing and celebrity life, which might not catch everyone’s interest.
- The story unfolds slowly, which could frustrate readers who prefer fast-paced beginnings.
- Set in the 1980s, its detailed setting might not appeal to those not fond of or interested in that period.
4. Carrie Soto Is Back
Genres: Fiction, Historical, Contemporary, Romance, Sports, Adult
“Carrie Soto Is Back” unfolds the journey of Carrie Soto, a retired tennis legend who decides to return to the court to defend her title as the greatest female player ever against the next generation of athletes.
She faces young opponents, media pressure, and personal doubts in her quest to regain her legacy. The novel shows her hard training, strategic moves in matches, and battling emotions as she fights to reclaim her spot in a sport that has moved on without her.
The narrative captures the essence of fighting for one’s dreams, highlighting the sacrifices and the relentless spirit required to achieve them. It brings a raw, emotional depth to the character of Carrie Soto, making her journey inspiring and relatable.
What you might love:
- Ultimately, it inspires readers to push boundaries, overcome challenges, and remain true to themselves.
- Carrie Soto’s strength, on and off the tennis court, draws readers in. Her story deeply explores ambition and legacy.
- The book looks into sacrifice, redemption, and being a woman in a tough field, giving readers much to think about for their lives.
What might not be for everyone:
- Parts focusing on Carrie’s training and match prep can seem slow to those who like fast action or drama.
- A detailed look at the professional tennis world may not attract those with little interest in sports or tennis.
- Exploring legacy, ambition, and sacrifice through competitive sports may not interest readers who aren’t into athletics.
5. One True Loves
Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Adult
Emma Blair marries her high school sweetheart, Jesse, only for him to disappear in a helicopter crash on their first wedding anniversary.
Years later, after Emma has painstakingly rebuilt her life and is engaged to another man, Jesse is found alive. Emma is then faced with an impossible decision: stay with her fiancé or return to her once-dead husband.
“One True Loves” talks about the complexities of the heart in the face of unimaginable circumstances. It challenges the notion of “one true love” and portrays a deeply moving journey of self-discovery and emotional resilience.
What you might love:
- This novel doesn’t shy away from the messy, painful, and beautiful aspects of love and grief, offering a rich emotional experience.
- The story tackles themes of true love, identity, and what it really means to find oneself again after loss, sparking deep reflection among readers.
- The book carries an uplifting message about the capacity of the human heart to love more than once and the strength required to move forward in life.
What might not be for everyone:
- Some might find the idea of a husband returning from the dead hard to believe.
- People who have deeply grieved may think the novel simplifies or hurries through grief and recovery.
- The protagonist’s choices in the love triangle could annoy readers who can’t connect with her problems.
6. After I Do
Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Adult
Lauren and Ryan’s marriage reaches a breaking point, leading them to take a year off from each other with only one rule: no contact. Throughout this year, they embark on individual journeys to find themselves and confront the realities of their relationship.
This period of separation forces them to examine their love, commitments, and the possibility of happiness apart. As the year comes to an end, they must decide if their paths will bring them back together or lead them further apart.
“After I Do” stands out by addressing the often untold story of what happens after the fairy-tale ending. It challenges the romantic ideal by showcasing the work required to sustain a marriage, making it both a refreshing and profound read.
What you might love:
- Its characters are complex and relatable, making readers see their lives and relationships in the story.
- It shares important lessons about love, independence, and talking things out through the main characters’ experiences.
- The novel gives a real and deep view of long-term relationship struggles, appealing to those who like realistic love stories.
What might not be for everyone:
- Given the novel’s deep emotional exploration, some readers might find the ending too easy or unrealistic.
- The story mainly covers the couple’s relationship, potentially disappointing those who like stories with broader themes and more characters.
- The novel focuses mainly on marriage complexities, which may not attract readers seeking diverse themes or those uninterested in marriage issues.
7. Evidence of the Affair (A Novella)
Genres: Romance, Fiction, Short Stories, Contemporary, Novella, Adult
Told through the letters between Carrie and David, whose lives got connected after discovering their spouses are having an affair with each other. Through their written exchanges, they navigate betrayal, seeking understanding and solace in one another.
Set in the 1970s, their letters lead to a deep, surprising friendship. This friendship gives them a chance to heal and maybe find new love. The novella shows the strength of people to move on after a heartbreak.
“Evidence of the Affair” stands out for its epistolary structure. This lets readers see the characters’ private thoughts and feelings, adding a unique touch to the story of infidelity and healing.
What you might love:
- The letters’ lively dialogue makes the characters and their emotions come alive, drawing readers into their personal struggles.
- The story unfolds in letters, directly sharing the characters’ inner thoughts and feelings, making it feel both compelling and personal.
- The book reveals the characters’ moral dilemmas without giving simple answers, encouraging readers to consider the nuances of right and wrong.
What might not be for everyone:
- The focus on infidelity could disturb some readers, as it deals with sensitive and complex moral issues.
- As a short piece, the book may lack the depth or character development expected from a longer novel, feeling more like a novella.
- The story is told in letters, leading to less direct dialogue and action. This might disappoint readers looking for more dynamic interactions.
8. Maybe in Another Life
Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Adult
At twenty-nine, Hannah Martin is still figuring out her life. Her return to Los Angeles sparks a pivotal decision: Should she stay out with her old flame, Ethan, or go home early?
The narrative then unfolds two parallel stories based on Hannah’s decision that night, leading her life in completely different directions. Each path explores love and friendship and tackles the age-old “What if?” question that haunts our existence.
“Maybe in Another Life” explores what happens when one decision creates parallel universes. This unique story shows the power of choice and destiny, giving readers the idea that there may be more than one way to find happiness.
What you might love:
- The story’s pace keeps readers eager to see how Hannah’s choices affect her life in each universe.
- The story blends romance in a compelling and heartwarming way, attracting love story enthusiasts.
- The parallel universe concept shows how choices change lives, fascinating fans of “what if” scenarios.
What might not be for everyone:
- The book’s emphasis on romance might not attract those who don’t enjoy the romance genre.
- Readers must accept the alternate realities idea, which could be hard for those who like realistic stories.
- Switching between realities may make it hard for some to connect deeply with the characters and their stories.
9. Forever, Interrupted
Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Chick Lit Adult Adult Fiction
The novel tells the story of Elsie Porter, who experiences the pinnacle of happiness when she marries the love of her life, Ben Ross. However, her joy is shattered when Ben dies in a tragic accident just nine days after their wedding.
Suddenly widowed, Elsie struggles to handle her grief and rebuild her life without Ben. She unexpectedly connects with Ben’s mother, Susan, who doesn’t know about her at first. Together, they start to heal, discovering love’s lasting strength along the way.
This book portrays love and loss, showing the human spirit’s strength. It crafts a moving story that captures grief’s impact and the healing from connecting with others, making “Forever, Interrupted” a memorable and significant read.
What you might love:
- The novel also delves into the growing bond between the protagonist and her mother-in-law, deepening the story.
- The characters are complex and relatable, showing their flaws and growth and making readers invest in their stories.
- The story switches between past and present, engaging and giving a complete view of the love story and its abrupt end.
What might not be for everyone:
- The continuous exploration of grief might leave some readers feeling emotionally drained by the end.
- The back-and-forth between past and present may confuse or frustrate readers who prefer a straightforward narrative.
- The abrupt tragedy that kicks off the story might be jarring or upsetting for some, setting a somber tone from the start.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard not to feel a sense of gratitude for the emotional voyages Reid takes us on. Her stories, rich with heart and depth, remind us of the complexity of life—exploring every shade of love, loss, and self-discovery.
Each book is a new opportunity to see the world through different eyes, challenging us to think deeper about the paths we choose and the ones we leave behind.
So, whether you’re already a fan or new to her work, Taylor Jenkins Reid’s books offer something precious—a chance to lose yourself in stories that both challenge and comfort, making you realize how tough and beautiful life can be.