Hi all!
Today I am going to rank every Taylor Jenkins Reid book ever published. Yes, I’ve read them all and none have dipped below a 4 star rating. She’s the queen of contemporary, amazing concepts, evoking feels and leaving me gob-smacked. Whatever she releases, I’ll read. Also, Taylor’s daughter is the same age as mine. The dedications she writes for her, always make me cry, because I feel exactly the same way. If you haven’t read a T.J.R novel yet, what are you waiting for? I hope this post inspires you to pick one up! Without further ado, let’s get into it.
1.) The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo
A famous Hollywood actress requests a specific journalist to document her life story, including all the lovers she’s had along the way. Her tale is glamorous, scandalous and heartbreaking. By the end, it becomes evident how the journalist and Evelyn Hugo are connected.
This was, without a doubt, my favourite read of 2018. It’s also one of the best contemporary novels I’ve ever come across. I recommend it to everyone. It stirred up so many emotions in me, I didn’t know were possible. There is excellent bisexual representation. You also won’t be able to anticipate the twist ending. I tried and wasn’t even close. This isn’t just a good book, it’s a masterpiece. I cannot imagine Taylor ever being able to top it. If you only pick up one of her works after reading this post, let it be this one.
2.) Daisy Jones & The Six
An iconic 1970’s rock group, reveal the mystery behind their infamous break up, via a written music documentary format.
Check out my full review here.
This novel isn’t far behind Evelyn Hugo. I adored the music-documentary style format. Daisy Jones & The Six sounded like such a real rock group, I Googled them afterwards, just to make sure they weren’t. All the lyrics to their songs are posted at the back of the book, further cementing the effort Taylor went to, to create such a convincing story. It also had a twist ending that left me in tears. Please pick it up!
3.) Malibu Rising
In Malibu, beautiful model: Nina Riva, hosts her famous yearly party at her beach house. Little does she know, by the end of the night, her home will go up in flames, as life-changing secrets come to light.
Malibu Rising basically destroyed me. Trigger warning for those with deadbeat dads. I could really relate to the Riva children, seeing my own mother in theirs. It was so well-written. My favourite parts were the flashbacks of young Mick and June meeting, falling in love and coming undone. There were so many beautiful and heartbreaking quotes. I almost highlighted the entire book! Malibu Rising proved that Taylor still has it. I don’t even care about surfing and yet, she made me excited about it. Magic!
Update: This is where I would place Carrie Soto Is Back – check out my review here.
4.) After I Do
A married couple struggling to connect, decide to take a year’s break. The only rule? They cannot contact one another. Will their relationship be healed after such a long time apart, or will it be over for good?
If you decide to read After I Do – and you’re in a relationship – you will be triggered. It doesn’t matter if you’re the happiest couple in the world, you’re going to feel uncomfortable. I saw a lot of myself in Lauren (the protagonist) and how she handles conflict. This is not one of those stories where the couple have such extreme issues, you breathe a sigh of relief you’re not them. They argue over basic, everyday things. They are good people, with flaws. They are a real look at how challenging romantic relationships can be. I cried. I questioned myself. I loved it. It’s so worth a read.
Update: This is where I would place Atmosphere – check out my review here.
5.) One True Loves
A woman, married to her high-school sweetheart, is devastated when his helicopter goes missing in the middle of the Pacific; leaving him presumed dead. Overwhelmed with grief, she quits her job and moves back home. Years later, she runs into an old friend and finds herself falling in love again. That is, until her husband is found alive and well. Now she has to make a choice. Her first love or her new love?
This story will hit you right in the feels! I did not envy Emma (the protagonist) and the tough decisions she had to make in this novel. It really gets you questioning: what would you do in that situation? I won’t give away any spoilers, but I will say, I was satisfied with her choice. It was excellent. The perfect contemporary book to read on vacation.
6.) Maybe In Another Life
In this Sliding Doors type story, a woman runs into an old flame, when all of a sudden, the plot divides into two scenarios. 1.) What would’ve happened if she went home with him. 2.) What would’ve happened if she didn’t. Both paths lead to big, life-altering changes, that raise important questions about fate and love.
I love anything that tackles the topic of destiny. It shows how just one little decision, can make a big impact on your life story. It was the perfect rom-com novel. Only Taylor can create a world, where both sides are just as interesting as the other. It is lower on my list, because it was a bit slow at times, but I still really enjoyed it.
7.) Evidence Of The Affair
A desperate young woman in Southern California, sits down to write a letter to a man she’s never met – a choice that will forever change both their lives. The thing is, she knows his wife is cheating on him with her husband. As they continue to write to one another, they bare their souls, finding comfort through their shared heartache.
This is Taylor’s only novella. It’s 86 pages long, told entirely via written letters. For something so short, it’s truly outstanding. There is even an unexpected twist at the end! I read it in less than an hour, completely captivated. It tackles complex issues of the heart and how connection can blossom from the strangest situations. Highly recommend!
8.) Forever, Interrupted
Boy meets girl, falls madly in love after two weeks and are married several months later. Nine days after their wedding, Ben is hit by a truck, while riding his bike – killed on impact. In one moment, Elsie’s life is forever changed. At the hospital, she meets Susan, Ben’s estranged mother. Interweaving Elsie and Ben’s charmed romance with Elsie and Susan’s healing process, Forever, Interrupted will remind you that there’s more than one way to find a happy ending.
This is my least favourite Taylor Jenkins Reid novel. However, I still gave it four stars, so that tells you just how solid it is. Prepare to cry. A wife and mother grieving over their husband and son together is a lot. It hurt because it felt so real. I was really sad by the end. It won’t leave you feeling happy, so only read when you want/need a good outpouring of emotions.
I hope you enjoyed this post. Let me know if you love Taylor, just as much as I do. What is your favourite book of hers? How would you rank this list? Thanks for reading!
Peace & Love xoxo