New York Times Bestseller – Taylor Jenkins Reid
When it comes to championing writers on my page, I’m always rooting for Black authors first. I make a conscious effort to ensure that most of the content I share celebrates and uplifts Black voices. Because of that, the only author I truly expected to crown as my Author of the Year was Kennedy Ryan; however, I’ve already given her a well-deserved spotlight (which you can read on my page).
However, when I thought about who genuinely earned that title for me this year, no one fits better than Taylor Jenkins Reid. She is an author I discovered properly this year, and I completely fell in love with her writing. I had read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo a few years ago and adored it, but I didn’t yet recognise her as an author whose work I should follow closely.
Then earlier this year, I stumbled across After I Do on Everand — an audiobook platform I used to enjoy — and the premise intrigued me, so I added it to my TBR with no real drive to read it. I randomly decided [to] press play on a journey home and finished it that same night. It became one of the year’s quickest, most compelling listens. It turned out to be one of my favourite reads of the year. From that moment on, TJR has remained firmly on my TBR, and I’ve been constantly in the mood to explore more of her books.
Interestingly, everything I’ve read by her this year has been through audiobooks — not because I couldn’t access physical copies, but because they were simply so easy and enjoyable to listen to. Experiencing her stories this way has only reinforced why so many of her novels are being adapted for the screen: they’re vivid, emotionally rich, and incredibly cinematic.
About the Author
Taylor Jenkins Reid began her career in film production before securing her first book deal at the age of 24. Her debut novel, Forever, Interrupted, was published in 2013, marking the beginning of a highly successful writing journey. Alongside her early work in fiction, she co-wrote the comedy television series Resident Advisors, which aired in 2015.
Reid achieved widespread acclaim with The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo in 2017, a bestselling novel centred on a reclusive Hollywood star revealing the truth behind her glamorous yet troubled past. This was followed by Daisy Jones & the Six in 2019, a compelling oral-history account of a fictional 1970s rock band, which earned multiple awards and was adapted into a television miniseries. Her focus on the lives of iconic women continued with Malibu Rising (2021) and Carrie Soto Is Back (2022), both bestsellers currently in screen adaptation.
Notable Works
The Reidverse
As I mentioned earlier, she has achieved critical acclaim for a lot of her stories, many of which have or are about to be motion pictures or limited series. The Reidverse is what we call her historical fiction stories, which are all set in the same timeline. She employs one of my favourite things that authors do is when characters make cameos or have references in other stories, they all connect through a shared fictional universe. I love those easter eggs, they’re like little rewards for being fans.
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
- Daisy Jones & The Six
- Malibu Rising
- Evidence of the Affair
- Carrie Soto is Back
I won’t go into too much detail on the big titles here, I’ve talked about them so often you’re probably all tired of hearing me gush. They are brilliant books, though. The only one I’ve not picked up yet is Malibu Rising, but it’s firmly at the top of my list. One thing about me: once I fall for an author, I’m reading absolutely everything they’ve ever written.
So, I thought I’d shine a light on a few of her lesser-known novels.
Maybe in Another Lifetime
This story centres on a young woman whose future pivots on a single choice after she runs into an old flame. The narrative splits into two alternating timelines, each exploring a completely different outcome.
I haven’t read it yet, but I’m keen to — it has a similar premise to With or Without You by Shari Low, a book I adored a few years back. It’s definitely on my list.
After I Do
When Lauren and Ryan’s marriage hits breaking point, they decide on an unusually bold solution: they take a year apart, with only one rule — no contact whatsoever. Outside of that, anything goes.
I adore this book. It’s one of my favourite reads of the year, and I devoured it in a single night. It’s emotional, pacey, heartfelt, and so much more than a straightforward love story. Although there’s romance, the heart of the novel lies in Lauren’s own journey —
Why You Should Read Her Books
Taylor Jenkins Reid is best known for her historical women’s fiction: stories that explore legacy, ambition, fame, and personal reinvention. While romance often features in her novels, it is the complexity of her characters’ lives—and how they shape the worlds around them—that defines her work.
I think her books are well worth reading because she’s a genuinely gifted writer. Her stories aren’t just a reflection of her dedication to the craft; they’re also a testament to the care she puts into research and realism. Each novel feels true to the era it’s set in — from the dialogue and cultural references to the overall atmosphere. Everything sounds and feels so precise. Her characters, too, have such depth and authenticity that they linger long after you’ve finished the final page.
She does such a good job of capturing your attention and holding it! One would say that her skill is the fast pace high stakes nature of her stories especially the usual plot driven nature. But it also always feels like a deep learning experience. This is what I got with Carrie Soto is Back and Atmosphere. I got so much from the subject matter as well as the characters. She always finds a way to pull at your heart strings even in those books that are dedicated to a specific subject matter.
I personally have had such a good time with TJR this year, there hasn’t been a single book I haven’t enjoyed in some way. This is the reason she definitely deserves author of the year. 4 of her books were in my top reads of the year across all genres in fact two were some of if not my favourite books of the year. It’s been such a fun experience and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my foray into the Reidverse.
Quotes
I adore a good quote, so here are a few that truly resonated with me and tugged at my heartstrings from across TJR’s novels.
“Sometimes reality comes crashing down on you. Other times reality simply waits, patiently, for you to run out of the energy it takes to deny it.”
Taylor Jenkins Reid, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
taylor jenkins reid Daisy Jones & The Six
“It’s like some of us are chasing after our nightmares the way other people chase dreams.”
“The sun will rise no matter what pain we encounter. No matter how much we believe the world to be over, the sun will rise.”
Taylor Jenkins Reid, After I Do
“Well, we are the stars”, Joan said. “And the stars are us. Every atom in our bodies was once out there. Was once a part of them. To look at the night sky is to look at parts of who you once were, who you may one day be.”
Taylor Jenkins Reid, Atmosphere
Looking Ahead
Most recently, her ninth novel, Atmosphere, published this year, explores a love story between NASA astronauts during the Space Shuttle era, informed by extensive research in Houston.
I read this at the beginning of the month and I was literally crying in my office, heart hurting, stomach in my throat, stressed and in love with what I was listening to. A sensational book oh my word. It is up there with my favourite books of the year and absolutely my favourite book published. Make sure to read my full review.
I’m not entirely sure what she has in store for us over the next year, but I’m very much looking forward to seeing her work on the big screen. There’s been plenty of buzz surrounding the Evelyn Hugo film, and I’m genuinely excited to see how it’s brought to life. And with Serena Williams signing on as executive producer for the Carrie Soto adaptation, I can only see that as a good sign — the story mirrors aspects of Serena’s remarkable career, so it feels like a perfect fit.
All in all, I’m thrilled for my future book vs screen instalments.
Final Thoughts
And there we have it — my Author of the Year, Taylor Jenkins Reid!
It truly has been such an enjoyable reading year, and I’ve discovered so many new writers I’ve become completely obsessed with.
These author spotlights have been a lovely addition to the blog, and I fully intend to keep them going. I can’t wait to share more of my new discoveries, long-time favourites, and tried-and-true comforts. There are so many brilliant authors out there who deserve a bit more attention, and I’m determined to highlight them whenever I can.
Thank you so much for reading!
Signed,
