Taylor Jenkins Reid had published novels for four years when unprecedented commercial success knocked on her door in 2017. Her latest book, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, considered one of the best LGBTQ+ books, had become a massive hit.
From then on, her success skyrocketed. Her works became BookTok darlings, adding retroactive popularity to her previously published novels. Likewise, her following books were major hits, and Taylor Jenkins Reid became one of the most acclaimed writers in the contemporary scene.
Here is everything you need to know about her life, work, and imaginative historical narratives.
- Who Is Taylor Jenkins Reid?
- What Should You Expect from Taylor Jenkins Reid Books?
- Do You Need To Read Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Books in Order?
- Which Taylor Jenkins Reid Books Are Connected?
- Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Books in Order
- Is Taylor Jenkins Reid Writing a New Book?
- Should You Read Taylor Jenkins Reid Books?
Who Is Taylor Jenkins Reid?
Born in Maryland in 1983, Taylor Jenkins Reid is an American author with a penchant for writing about women and the multiple facets of their challenges within American society.
Her husband, Alex Jenkins Reid, is a famous screenwriter, and together, they wrote the script for a film adaptation of One True Loves, one of her books.
Reid defines herself as white and straight, yet her novels often involve LGBTQ and BIPOC characters at the heart of the stories. This choice is praised by many for its inclusivity, but others also criticize it due to perceived insincerity. Nonetheless, representation is one of the defining characteristics of her work and one of its main draws for her audience.
What Should You Expect from Taylor Jenkins Reid Books?
Across her multiple novels, you’ll find that most Taylor Jenkins Reid books focus on vibrant female protagonists with strong personalities navigating complex conflicts—family dynamics, tangled romantic narratives, or adversity within society.
Four of her most successful books delve into historical fiction, following the footsteps of different fictional women living under the spotlight at various moments in America’s modern history. These are usually called the “Famous Women Quartet” and are deemed by critics as the best Taylor Jenkins Reid books to date.
Regarding her novel style, Reid states in an interview that her goal is to “write books that are saying something about what it means to be a woman and how society treats women.”
Do You Need To Read Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Books in Order?
Taylor Jenkins Reid’s books do not have a reading order. Therefore, you can read them according to your interest and curiosity.
Each novel is entirely stand-alone, and you do not need any previous knowledge to understand what occurs on each page.
Which Taylor Jenkins Reid Books Are Connected?
Although all Taylor Jenkins Reid books are stand-alone novels, that does not mean they are disconnected from one another.
All four books in the Famous Women Quartet occur within the same shared universe, as evidenced by multiple character cameos and easter eggs. Elements such as restaurants, magazines, and even relationships between characters are hinted at, which paints a vivid picture of the world in Reid’s novels.
However, rest assured—these connections are not essential to the book. Instead, they are meant to be fun little bonuses for eagle-eyed readers to find and enjoy.
Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Books in Order
Since Reid’s books do not follow a specific reading order, they will be listed here according to publication date.
Forever, Interrupted
(2013)
Forever, Interrupted is Reid’s debut novel. It is a contemporary romance that discusses love, grief, and the line that connects both.
Elsie is a twenty-something woman lucky enough to meet Ben, the love of her life, and unlucky enough to lose him only a few days after marriage. The narrative jumps back and forth between past and present, showing how their romance began and alternating with chapters displaying Elsie’s grief and her path toward healing.
After I Do
(2014)
In her second novel, Reid shares the life of Lauren and Ryan, a struggling marriage desperate to save their relationship. Their solution? A year-long break where they spend time apart with only one rule: not contacting each other.
It is supposed to be a year of self-discovery, understanding what makes a marriage work, and learning the truth behind love—will it work?
Maybe in Another Life
(2015)
Hannah has just returned to her hometown of Los Angeles. After going to a bar with her best friend, Gabby, she encounters her high school boyfriend, Ethan. Then, she must choose—will she accept Ethan’s invitation and go with him, or reject him and return with Gabby?
From then on, Maybe in Another Life is a twofold story covering two different timelines. Each parallel universe showcases the effect of Hannah’s choices and the large-scale consequences for her future and the people around her.
One True Loves
(2016)
Emma and Jesse are high school sweethearts. However, tragedy strikes when, on their first wedding anniversary, Jesse goes missing on a helicopter over the ocean.
After years of grief, Emma moves on with her life and finds love again with her fiancé, Sam. Only to discover that Jesse has been found—alive, well, and still longing to return to her. What will she do?
In this novel, Taylor Jenkins Reid explores the concept of true love and what it involves.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
(2017)
The first book of the Famous Women Quartet.
Evelyn Lugo is one of the most emblematic actresses of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Alluring and controversial, the now-aged star has finally decided to tell the truth about her glamorous yet scandalous life.
Her choice? A relatively unknown magazine reporter named Monique Grant. Thus, Evelyn Lugo begins her tale—from her start in the 50s to her retirement in the 80s, including the marriages and love she found along the way.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is included in the top 100 best-selling books in 2022 and 2023. It is considered one of the best Taylor Jenkins Reid books to date and marks the beginning of the Famous Women quartet.
Evidence of the Affair
(2018)
The only short story in Taylor Jenkins Reid’s repertoire focuses on affairs and their consequences.
The book unfolds through exchanged letters between Carrie Allsop and David Mayer, beginning when Carrie has the painful task of informing David about their respective spouses’ affairs.
Daisy Jones & the Six
(2019)
The second book of the Famous Women Quartet.
Daisy Jones & The Six defined the sound of the 70s and became one of the most influential groups in music history. However, not even all the success in the world was enough to keep the group from eventually breaking apart in a whirlwind of scandals, drugs, sex, and alcohol.
Loosely inspired by Fleetwood Mac and the iconic recording of Rumours, Daisy Jones & The Six is the second of the Famous Women quartet, formatted as a collection of fictional interviews, news articles, emails, and song lyrics.
Malibu Rising
(2021)
The third book of the Famous Women Quartet.
The third entry of the Famous Women Quartet follows the footsteps of the famous Riva siblings, the famous and talented offspring of legendary singer Mick Riva.
Nina Riva is the head of the family, a famous surfer and supermodel currently dealing with the aftermath of her husband’s infidelity. Her siblings, each famous and talented in their own right, struggle with inner conflicts and their bonds.
Lurking over them is the shadow of their mother’s death and father’s abandonment. Soon, their house will succumb to the Malibu fire of 1983—but until then, they party.
Carrie Soto Is Back
(2022)
The fourth book of the Famous Women Quartet.
By her retirement, Carrie Soto had won every award a tennis player could get and set countless records. After cementing her name as a legend, she retired at the top.
However, six years later, in 1994, a young British player shattered her record. Eager to reclaim her throne, she decides to come out of retirement—at age 37, slower than before, and with the media against her. No matter what they say, Carrie Soto is back.
The last of the Famous Women Quartet is a tale set in the 1990s. It focuses on the double standards for women in sports and their relationship with the media.
Is Taylor Jenkins Reid Writing a New Book?
Sadly, there are no plans for a new Taylor Jenkins Reid book anytime soon. With her Famous Women Quartet over, she has told Time Magazine that her new goal is to rest and read and is not focusing on writing a new project as of now.
Should You Read Taylor Jenkins Reid Books?
Taylor Jenkins Reid’s books can be neatly divided into two halves or “eras”—contemporary romance and historical fiction.
If you enjoy bittersweet romance stories with the human heart at the center of the conflict, her first four novels suit you. On the other hand, if historical fiction following famous and controversial women sounds appealing to you, then her Famous Women Quartet is a must-read.
Regardless, Taylor Jenkins Reid offers gripping narratives and complex character interactions on every page. Across her fiction, the protagonist is always one of the many facets of women’s experiences through romance, fame, work, and life.
