I told myself that I was going to create this Taylor Jenkins Reid book ranking post right after I read Malibu Rising and Maybe in Another Life back in June….but here we are 5 months later! Today, I am going to be sharing a much-anticipated (on my end at least!) by ranking Taylor Jenkins Reid’s books. I started reading TJR’s books back in 2017 and have read at least one book of her’s every year since. I do still have to read her short story published through Amazon, Evidence of the Affair.  I’ve made my rankings from favorite to least favorite, & I’ve included my star ratings & when I read the book.

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1. One True Loves – I know many readers love TJR’s more recent historical fiction/big cast of characters type books more than her early contemporary books, but I’ve always held One True Loves as my favorite TJR book. TJR’s contemporary books tend to have what-if type storylines where the main protagonist has to make a choice in a partner or lifestyle that will lead to a totally different life. In One True Loves, the main protagonist is led to believe that her husband was lost at sea and returns to her hometown to heal and develops feelings for an old friend…only to find out that her husband didn’t die after all. The book definitely got bonus points in my book for partially taking place at a family-owned bookstore.   My Rating: 4.25/5 Stars Read In: 2017

2. Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo – The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is the book that really put TJR on readers’ radar (it’s also her highest rated book on Goodreads) and was her first venture into the historical-fiction type writing she is now known for. The book follows unknown magazine reporter Monique, who is selected to learn about the glamorous and scandalous life of movie icon Evelyn Hugo. I remember absolutely loving the writing style throughout & how the story connected all together in the end. My Rating: 4/5 Read In: 2018

3. Malibu Rising – Malibu Rising is TJR’s most beachy-book, taking place over 24 hours at the Riva family’s annual summer beach party & set in 1980s Malibu. While there are hints of romance throughout, sibling and family dynamics are at the book’s heart, following the four Riva siblings and the secrets they are all hiding. The book was so addicting and really cements TJR as a writer who can tell stories that take place over generations. My Rating: 4/5 Stars  Read In: 2021

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4. Maybe In Another Life – Maybe In Another Life was the type of book where I was always reluctant to read it, but was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it! This was the last published TJR book I had to read in 2021, following our main protagonist, Hannah, whose decision to go home or not go home with her high school boyfriend will lead to two different life outcomes. I’m usually mixed on ‘what-if’ and ‘choose a path’ stories, but I was really invested in the story and there were so many twists along the way.  If you liked Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library and want something much lighter but with similar themes surrounding ‘what- ifs,’ pick this one up. My Rating: 4/5 Stars Read In: 2021

5. Daisy Jones & the Six – I know it’s controversial that Daisy Jones & the Six, following a 1970s pop rock group & their lead singer, is near the bottom of my TJR Ranking. I felt mixed on this one when it was EVERYWHERE around its publication and 2019 and I still do now in 2021, although I am really excited for the Amazon adaptation. I liked the story, but I never saw the romantic chemistry between two of the leads and just overall felt meh about it. I am tempted to try it on audio and see if having an audio cast for all of the characters changes my opinion. My Rating: 4/5 Stars Read In: 2019

6. After I Do – After I Do takes on another unique relationship situation, as college sweethearts who are now on the brink of divorce, Lauren & Ryan, decide to take a year off from their marriage to discover if they should really be together. The book primarily follows Lauren’s perspective, as she takes the year to connect back with her family and friends, and features flashbacks to her relationship with Ryan. I enjoyed this one, but thought many of Ryan and Lauren’s relationship problems had to do with their different outlooks on life and forcing each other’s interests upon one another. My Rating: 3.75/5 Stars Read In: 2017

7. Forever, Interrupted – Forever, Interrupted was TJR’s debut and I am here to admit that I have little memory of it, other than reading it on my way to Book Expo 2019 and being able to see threads of TJR’s writing from her newer books still in this one. The book follows Elsie, who recently eloped with a man named Ben. Since their marriage happened quite quickly, no one really even knows about their relationship, but when Ben is in a tragic accident, Elsie meets her mother-in-law in the hospital waiting room. This one was definitely one of TJR’s heavier reads and packed an emotional punch.  My Rating: 4/5 Read In: 2019

Are you a Taylor Jenkins Reid fan? What are you favorite books of hers? Is there another author whose book I should rank? Share in the comments!