Best Taylor Jenkins Reid Books - Ranked & Where to Start?

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" is her best book, and it's not even close. But also? I've changed my ranking about five times while writing this.

Last Tuesday, I was standing in my kitchen eating cold pizza (don't judge) and trying to explain to my roommate why I was crying over a fictional tennis player. She didn't get it. You probably will.

Here's the thing about TJR: she writes women who are messy, ambitious, sometimes unlikable, and somehow still worth rooting for. Her books have this weird magic where you finish them and immediately Google if the characters were real people. (They weren't. I checked. Multiple times.)

So whether you're trying to figure out what order to read Taylor Jenkins Reid's books, hunting for the spiciest book right now, or just need a good ugly cry, I've got you. I read all eight of her novels (some twice), so you don't have to waste your limited reading time on the wrong ones.

Key Takeaways

• Start with "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" if you want old Hollywood glamour and a twist that'll wreck you
• Pick "Carrie Soto is Back" if you like ambitious, unlikeable women and don't mind tennis jargon
• Skip "Forever, Interrupted" unless you're a completionist (her debut shows its age)
• Read "Daisy Jones" on audio—full cast narration changes everything
• Her books share a universe (Mick Riva shows up everywhere; keep your eyes open)

The Quick Ranking: All 9 Taylor Jenkins Reid Books (If You Only Have Two Minutes)

Rank	Book Title	Year	Genre Vibe	Tears Shed (1-5)	Would Re-read?
1	The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo	2017	Old Hollywood / queer love	4	100% yes
2	Carrie Soto is Back	2022	Sports drama / ambition	3	Absolutely
3	Atmosphere	2025	Historical / sapphic love story	5	Yes (with tissues)
4	Daisy Jones & The Six	2019	Rock music / oral history	3	On audio only
5	Malibu Rising	2021	Family saga / 80s vibes	3	Probably
6	Maybe in Another Life	2015	Sliding Doors style	2	Eh
7	One True Loves	2016	Love triangle	3	Not really
8	After I Do	2014	Marriage separation	2	Nah
9	Forever, Interrupted	2013	Grief / debut	3	Skip it

I could have lied and fluffed this up. But that's not how I roll. So instead, I'm going to give you:

1. The full ranking of all nine books with detailed breakdowns
2. Reading order guides (publication vs. chronological vs. interconnected universe)
3. Similar authors and recommendations (because you'll finish these fast)
4. TV and movie adaptations (what's out, what's coming)
5. The "TJR Universe" connections (these books share characters, and it's delightful)

Part 1: The Definitive Ranking (From Someone Who Stayed Up Too Late for All of Them)

1. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)

This is the book that made TJR famous, and for good reason.

"The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" follows aging Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo as she finally decides to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. She chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job—and nobody understands why.

The story spans from the 1950s to the 1980s, covering Evelyn's rise to fame, her seven marriages, and the secret she's kept hidden her whole career: she was in love with a woman.

Element	What Works	What Doesn't
Pacing	Flawless	Nothing
Character depth	Evelyn feels real	Some husbands blur together
Twist	Genuinely surprising	You might guess early
Queer representation	Authentic and central	Could be deeper
Ending	Perfect	Will wreck you

I read this during lockdown in 2020 and finished it in one sitting. The prose is clear and engaging. The historic setting feels immersive without being bogged down in research dumps.

The "Evelyn Hugo effect": After you finish this book, you'll Google "Evelyn Hugo real life" even though you know she's fictional. That's how vivid the character is.

Who should read this: Everyone. Literally everyone. It's her most accessible and arguably best-written book.

Who should skip: If you don't like Hollywood settings or long timelines (covers decades).

2. Carrie Soto is Back

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)

I ate this book up. And I don't even like tennis.

"Carrie Soto is Back" follows a fictional female tennis star who, at thirty-seven years old, comes out of retirement to defend her record as the winningest player in history. Carrie is arrogant, cold, and genuinely difficult to like—and that's exactly the point.

The book opens with Carrie watching a younger player break her Grand Slam record. She's sitting there in the stands, furious, and decides right then: she's coming back. Her father (a former champion himself) agrees to coach her for one last season.

Here's what got me:

The tennis scenes are intense. Reid clearly did her homework—you can tell she researched the sport deeply. But the book isn't really about tennis. It's about a father-daughter relationship. About sacrifice. About what it costs to be the best at something.

Comparison to other TJR books vs. Carrie Soto is Back:

Element	Other TJR Books	Carrie Soto is Back
Main character likability	Usually high	Deliberately low
Romance focus	Heavy	Light (secondary)
Sports content	Minimal	Extensive
Emotional payoff	Tearful	Surprisingly hopeful
Page-turner factor	High	Extremely high

I read this in about a week (fast for me). The writing switches between first-person narration and news clippings that recap events—it flows so nicely, I often didn't want to put it down.

Who should read this: Anyone who's ever been called "too ambitious" or "difficult." Tennis fans (but not required). People who like complex female characters.

Who should skip: If you need a likeable protagonist or hate sports jargon.

3. Atmosphere

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5, but bring tissues)

This is Taylor Jenkins Reid's newest novel (2025), and wow. Just... wow.

"Atmosphere" follows Joan Goodwin, one of the first women selected for NASA's astronaut candidate program in the 1980s. The story follows Joan and her fellow candidates through grueling training, personal sacrifices, and the immense pressure of being pioneers in a male-dominated field.

But here's where it gets you: this is also a sapphic love story.

Joan develops a relationship with another astronaut candidate, and the way Reid writes their connection is so tender and real. You know what's coming—the Challenger disaster looms over the whole narrative—and yet when it happens, I still sobbed.

Emotional impact comparison:

Book	Sadness Level	Type of Cry	Recovery Time
Forever, Interrupted	High	Sobbing	Days
One True Loves	Medium	Teary	Hours
The Seven Husbands	High	Ugly cry	Full week
Atmosphere	Very High	Full breakdown	3-4 business days

I read this on my couch and literally cried through the last 9%. My roommate asked if I was okay. I was not okay.

The research Reid did for this book is impressive—you can tell she learned a ton about the space program. The discussions about being "perfect" because you're paving the way for future generations hit hard.

Who should read this: Fans of historical fiction. Anyone who likes stories about women in STEM. People who want a beautiful, tragic love story.

Who should skip: If you can't handle >!major character death!< (Challenger disaster is central to the plot).

4. Daisy Jones & The Six

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)

Okay, hear me out. I almost put this at #3.

"Daisy Jones & The Six" is written as an oral history—essentially a transcript of interviews with band members looking back at the rise and fall of a fictional 1970s rock band. Daisy is a wild child sneaking into clubs on the Sunset Strip. The Six is a band led by brooding Billy Dunne. When a producer puts them together, they become legendary.

Here's the thing about the format: At first, I struggled. The interview style felt disjointed. I couldn't keep the characters straight. But once you get into the rhythm (ha, band pun), it works so well.

Reading format matters for this book:

Format	Rating	Notes
Physical book	3.5/5	Fine, but missing something
Kindle	3.5/5	Same as physical
Audiobook	5/5	Full cast changes everything
TV adaptation	4/5	Surprisingly good (Amazon Prime)

I read this on Kindle and liked it. Then I listened to the audiobook, and loved it. The full cast narration makes the interview format come alive—different actors for each character, plus "archival" recordings of the songs.

The book is partially inspired by Fleetwood Mac (specifically the Stevie Nicks/Lindsey Buckingham dynamic). And get this—Stevie Nicks herself shared a photo from the TV adaptation on Instagram, writing that it "brought back memories that made me feel like a ghost watching my own story."

If that's not an endorsement, I don't know what is.

Who should read this: Music fans. People who like unconventional formats. Anyone who loved "Almost Famous."

Who should skip: If you need traditional narrative structure or hate "talking head" formats.

5. Malibu Rising

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)

"Malibu Rising" takes place over one night in August 1983—the annual Riva family party. Four siblings (Nina, Jay, Hud, and Kit) are all famous in their own ways, mostly because their father is legendary singer Mick Riva.

Here's what works: The first half of the book, where we learn about the Riva mother (June) and how she raised these kids mostly alone. That section is heartbreaking and beautiful. Each sibling feels distinct and real.

Here's what doesn't: The second half, which covers the actual party, occasionally focuses on random party guests I didn't care about. I kept wanting to get back to the Rivas.

Character	Vibe	Would I be friends with them?
Nina	Responsible oldest sister	Yes, but she'd exhaust me
Jay	Golden boy surfer	Probably not
Hud	Photographer with a secret	Maybe?
Kit	Baby sister, fierce	Absolutely

The book ends with the mansion burning down (not a spoiler—it's on the first page). The journey to that fire is messy and emotional and ultimately satisfying.

TJR Universe connection: Carrie Soto actually appears as a character in this book! And Mick Riva was one of Evelyn Hugo's husbands. I love when authors do this.

Who should read this: Beach read lovers. Sibling drama enthusiasts. People who liked "The Last Thing He Told Me."

Who should skip: If you hate multiple POVs or find party scenes boring.

6. Maybe in Another Life

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)

This is her "Sliding Doors" book.

"Maybe in Another Life" follows Hannah, who's approaching thirty and has no idea what she wants. She moves back to Los Angeles and crashes with her best friend. One night at a bar, she runs into her high school boyfriend. And then she faces a choice: go home with her friend, or stay out with him?

The book splits into two timelines, showing how each decision plays out.

I love this premise. The "what if" question is universal—we've all wondered how one small choice could change everything.

Why it's not higher: The execution feels a little bland compared to her later work. The characters are fine. The story is fine. Nothing really sticks.

Timeline	Outcome Vibe	Romance Level
Goes home with Gabby	Messy but stable	Moderate
Stays with Ethan	Dramatic	Higher

I related to Hannah more than any of her other protagonists—that feeling of being in your late twenties with no plan? Painfully real. But the book just didn't hit me the way her historical fiction does.

Who should read this: If you love alternate timeline stories. If you've already read her other books and want more.

Who should skip: If you only have time for her best work. Start with Evelyn Hugo instead.

7. One True Loves

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)

Here's the setup: Emma Blair's husband Jesse disappears in a helicopter accident and is presumed dead. Years later, she's rebuilt her life and gotten engaged to someone else. Then Jesse comes back.

That's a killer premise, right?

The problem: The first half works beautifully—you understand how Emma fell in love with both men. You're invested. You don't know who to root for.

Then the second half loses me. The ending has a great message (something about how love isn't finite and you can have multiple soulmates), but the path to get there felt frustrating.

Element	Grade	Notes
Premise	A+	So good
First half	A-	Emotional, compelling
Second half	C+	Dragged
Ending	B	Good message, rough journey
Overall	C+	Fine but forgettable

This is being made into a movie. I'll probably watch it. I probably won't read the book again.

Who should read this: If you like love triangles. If you've ever wondered about "the one who got away."

Who should skip: If you hate indecisive protagonists or find second-half slogs frustrating.

8. After I Do

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (2.5/5)

"After I Do" follows Lauren and Ryan, a married couple who've grown apart. Their solution? A year-long separation with no contact. At the end of twelve months, they'll decide if they want to stay married.

The book follows Lauren during that year as she figures out who she is outside of her marriage.

Here's my honest reaction: I couldn't relate to Lauren at all. I found her frustrating and couldn't get behind her choices. The book is realistic—it touches on real marriage stuff—but realistic doesn't always mean enjoyable.

TJR Book	Relatability Factor	Frustration Level
Maybe in Another Life	High	Low
One True Loves	Medium	Medium
After I Do	Low	High

Positive note: The audiobook is narrated by Julia Whelan, who's one of the best in the business. If you're going to read this, do it on audio.

Who should read this: If you're working through her entire bibliography. If you love marriage-in-crisis stories.

Who should skip: Most people, honestly. Start elsewhere.

9. Forever, Interrupted

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (2.5/5)

This is Taylor Jenkins Reid's debut novel, and... you can tell.

"Forever, Interrupted" follows Elsie, who elopes with Ben after a whirlwind romance. Nine days later, Ben dies in a bike accident. At the hospital, Elsie meets Susan, her mother-in-law, who didn't even know Elsie existed.

The story alternates between Elsie and Ben's romance (flashbacks) and Elsie and Susan's grieving process (present day).

What works: The premise is strong. Grief stories can be incredibly powerful.

What doesn't: The execution feels amateur compared to her later work. Both women are grieving, sure, but they're also bad at communicating in ways that feel manufactured for drama.

Debut novel tell-tale signs	Present in Forever, Interrupted?
Overwriting emotions	Yes
Purple prose	A little
Pacing issues	Yes
Underdeveloped side characters	Definitely
"Look how sad this is" energy	Unfortunately, yes

I appreciate this book as a starting point—it's clear Reid had talent from the beginning. But she's grown so much as a writer. You can feel the difference.

Who should read this: Completionists only. People who want to see how an author evolved.

Who should skip: Everyone else. Seriously. Read Evelyn Hugo instead.

Part 2: Reading Order Guide

People always ask: "In what order should you read Taylor Jenkins Reid's books?"

Here are three different approaches depending on what you want.

Option 1: Publication Order (Watch Her Grow)

Order	Book	Year	Why This Order
1	Forever, Interrupted	2013	See where she started
2	After I Do	2014	Early contemporary
3	Maybe in Another Life	2015	Experimenting with structure
4	One True Loves	2016	Refining her voice
5	The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo	2017	The breakthrough
6	Daisy Jones & The Six	2019	Mastery of unique formats
7	Malibu Rising	2021	Family sagas
8	Carrie Soto is Back	2022	Interconnected universe
9	Atmosphere	2025	Most recent work

Best for: People who want to appreciate her evolution as a writer. Just know the first few books are weaker.

Option 2: Best First (Start Strong)

This is what I recommend for most people:

Order	Book	Why Start Here
1	The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo	Her best work, most accessible
2	Daisy Jones & The Six	Shows her range
3	Carrie Soto is Back	Complex protagonist
4	Malibu Rising	Family dynamics
5	Atmosphere	Latest and great
6-9	The rest	Only if you want more

Best for: Most readers. Don't waste time on weaker books if you're not sure you like her yet.

Option 3: Interconnected Universe Order (Easter Egg Hunt)

TJR's books share characters. Mick Riva appears in multiple novels. Carrie Soto shows up before her own book.

Order	Book	Interconnection
1	The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo	Introduces Mick Riva
2	Malibu Rising	Mick Riva is the father
3	Carrie Soto is Back	Carrie appeared in Malibu Rising
4	Daisy Jones & The Six	Same era as Malibu Rising
5	Atmosphere	Standalone (so far)

Best for: People who love cinematic universes and want to catch every reference.

Part 3: If You Like Taylor Jenkins Reid, Try These

You finished all her books. Now what?

Here are similar authors and specific book recommendations:

If you liked...	Try this...	Why it works
Evelyn Hugo	"City of Girls" by Elizabeth Gilbert	Old NYC showbiz, queer themes
Daisy Jones	"Utopia Avenue" by David Mitchell	Fictional 60s band
Malibu Rising	"The Paper Palace" by Miranda Cowley Heller	Family secrets, summer setting
Carrie Soto	"The Final Revival of Opal & Nev" by Dawnie Walton	Oral history format, music industry
Atmosphere	"The Martian" by Andy Weir (for space) OR "Lessons in Chemistry" by Bonnie Garmus (for women in STEM)	Different vibes, similar themes
Her romance books	Emily Henry or Christina Lauren	Contemporary romance, witty writing

Rebecca Serle comes in a close second for me. Her book "In Five Years" gave me similar emotional whiplash.

Honest question: Are Taylor Jenkins Reid books romance? Kind of. They have romantic elements, but I'd call most of them "women's fiction" or "character-driven drama." The love stories are central but not always the point.

Part 4: TV and Movie Adaptations (What's Worth Watching)

Book	Adaptation Status	Platform	Worth Watching?
Daisy Jones & The Six	Released (2023)	Amazon Prime	Yes, surprisingly good
One True Loves	Released (2023)	Theatrical/streaming	Meh, skip
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo	In development	Netflix	TBD (fingers crossed)
Malibu Rising	In development	Hulu	TBD
Carrie Soto is Back	Announced	Netflix (produced by Serena Williams)	TBD

About the Daisy Jones adaptation: Dave and I watched it right after I finished the book (I always read first). The show is actually almost as good as the book, maybe better in some ways. The chemistry between the actors works. The music is legitimately good. Watch it.

Part 5: The "TJR Universe" Connections (Spoiler-Light)

I love when authors do this. It makes the world feel real.

The Mick Riva thread:

• He's a husband in "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo."
• He's the absent father in "Malibu Rising."
• He makes appearances elsewhere, too

The Carrie Soto thread:

• She appears as a character in "Malibu Rising" before getting her own book

The era connections:

• "Daisy Jones" and "Malibu Rising" both take place in the 70s/80s
• Characters could theoretically run into each other (though they don't)

Is there a correct order to read for these connections? Not really. The connections are fun easter eggs, not essential plot points. You can read in any order and still enjoy them.

FAQ: Quick Answers to Common Questions

What is the most popular Taylor Jenkins Reid book? "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by a wide margin. It's her bestselling and most reviewed book.

What is Taylor Jenkins Reid's first book? "Forever, Interrupted" (2013). It's her weakest, in my opinion.

Are Taylor Jenkins Reid books good? Yes. Even her "bad" books are readable. Her good books are great.

What books to read if you like Taylor Jenkins Reid? See the table above. Start with "City of Girls" or "The Final Revival of Opal & Nev."

What should I read next if I liked The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo? "Daisy Jones" for another immersive historical setting, or "Carrie Soto" for another complex female lead.

What is the spiciest book right now? Among TJR's books? None is particularly spicy. She writes emotional intimacy more than physical scenes. If you want heat, look elsewhere.

Does reading books lower cortisol? Apparently yes! Something about getting lost in a story reduces stress. I'm not a doctor, but I definitely feel calmer after a good reading session. Or maybe that's the wine.

Final Thoughts (And a Confession)

I almost didn't include "Atmosphere" at #3 because it's so new and I wasn't sure if my reaction was real or just "ooh shiny." But I've sat with it for months now. I've re-read passages. I've thought about Joan and Frances at weird moments—while making coffee, during meetings, right before falling asleep.

That's the sign of a good book. It lives in you.

Taylor Jenkins Reid has this ability to write characters who feel like real people you might meet. Evelyn Hugo. Daisy Jones. Carrie Soto. They're not always likeable. They make bad choices. They're selfish sometimes. But they're real.

And honestly? That's why we read. Not for perfect people. For messy ones who make us feel less alone in our own mess.

Go read "Carrie Soto is Back." Or "Evelyn Hugo." Or whatever speaks to you. Just... read something that makes you feel something.