Taylor Jenkins Reid’s novel The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo immerses readers in the glamorous yet tumultuous life of a fictional Hollywood icon. Now in her seventies and living out of the spotlight, Evelyn decides to share her full story in a revealing interview with an unknown journalist named Monique Grant. As Evelyn recounts her rise to fame during Hollywood’s Golden Age, she opens up about the secrets and sacrifices she made along the way, including details about her seven marriages. Reid’s novel provides a look into Evelyn’s ruthless ambition and the harsh realities she faced as a woman determined to reach the top.
If you enjoyed “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid, you might appreciate the list of books I have compiled. All books share thematic elements with Reid’s novel, presenting stories of ambition, love, and the intricacies of life.
See also: Best BookTok Books 2023.
Books Like 7 Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Lucy Foley
The Paris Apartment
Jess is in need of a fresh start after leaving her job and being broke and alone. She reaches out to her half-brother Ben to stay with him in Paris, hoping for a better outlook. However, when she arrives at his apartment and finds it to be very nice, she questions whether Ben could afford it. As Ben remains missing, Jess begins to investigate his situation and becomes suspicious of his eclectic and unfriendly neighbors. Jess came to Paris to escape her past, but now it seems that Ben's future is at stake. In this suspenseful novel, everyone is a neighbor, everyone is a suspect, and everyone is hiding something.
Casey McQuiston
Red, White & Royal Blue
"Red, White & Royal Blue" by Casey McQuiston is a captivating book about First Son Alex Claremont-Diaz, who is like a prince in the United States. Alongside his sister and the Vice President's granddaughter, they form the White House Trio, a clever marketing strategy for his mother's presidential campaign. However, things take a turn when photos of Alex and his long-time rival, Prince Henry, surface in the tabloids, putting American-British relations at risk. To fix the situation, they decide to fake a friendship between Alex and Henry. As the President's reelection campaign begins, Alex and Henry find themselves in a secret relationship that could jeopardize everything.
Colleen Hoover
Confess
"Confess" is a book by Colleen Hoover about Auburn Reed, who is determined to start over after her life falls apart. When she goes to a Dallas art studio looking for a job, she unexpectedly becomes drawn to the mysterious artist, Owen Gentry. Auburn decides to take a risk and let her heart guide her, but soon discovers that Owen is keeping a major secret. This secret has the potential to ruin everything Auburn holds dear, and she must decide if she can remove Owen from her life in order to move forward.
E. Lockhart
We Were Liars
"We Were Liars" is a captivating and suspenseful novel by E. Lockhart. Set on a private island, it follows the story of a beautiful and distinguished family and their group of four friends, known as the Liars. As their friendship takes a destructive turn, secrets, lies, and a tragic accident unfold. This modern and sophisticated book explores themes of love, truth, and the consequences of deception. Written by a bestselling author, it is a must-read for fans of suspenseful stories. And remember, if someone asks you about the ending, just tell them a little white lie.
Colleen Hoover
Regretting You
"Regretting You" by Colleen Hoover is a heartfelt story about a mother and daughter, Morgan and Clara, who couldn't be more different. Morgan is determined to protect Clara from making the same mistakes she did, but their conflicting personalities and goals make it difficult for them to get along. When a tragic accident involving Morgan's husband, Chris, occurs, their lives are turned upside down. As they struggle to rebuild their shattered world, Morgan finds unexpected comfort and Clara seeks solace in a forbidden relationship. With each passing day, secrets and misunderstandings drive them further apart, leaving them wondering if they can ever mend their fractured relationship.
Jeneva Rose
The Perfect Marriage
"The Perfect Marriage" by Jeneva Rose is a gripping story about Sarah Morgan, a successful defense attorney in Washington D.C. When her struggling writer husband, Adam, has an affair with Kelly Summers, their lives take a dark turn. Adam is arrested for Kelly's murder, and Sarah must defend him in court. As she delves deeper into the case, she questions whether her husband is guilty or innocent. Will Sarah be able to uncover the truth and save her marriage?
Christina Lauren
The Unhoneymooners
"The Unhoneymooners" is a book from the "The Unhoneymooners Book Series" written by Christina Lauren. The story follows Olive, who is always unlucky in every aspect of her life. Her twin sister, Ami, on the other hand, is incredibly lucky. When Ami's wedding party gets food poisoning, Olive and Ethan, her sworn enemy and the best man, are the only ones unaffected. They end up winning an all-expenses-paid honeymoon in Hawaii and reluctantly decide to go together. However, when Olive runs into her future boss, she has to pretend to be a newlywed with Ethan. Surprisingly, Olive doesn't mind playing pretend and even starts feeling lucky.
Christina Lauren
Love and Other Words
"Love and Other Words" by Christina Lauren is a heartfelt story about Macy Sorensen, a young woman who has built a safe and predictable life for herself. She is focused on her career as a pediatric resident, planning her wedding to a stable man, and keeping her emotions guarded. However, everything changes when she unexpectedly crosses paths with Elliot Petropoulos, her first love. Their reunion causes Macy's carefully constructed world to unravel, as she is forced to confront the pain and heartbreak from their past. The story alternates between their teenage years, where they were inseparable and shared a deep connection, and their present-day lives as strangers. As they navigate their complicated history, Elliot must uncover the truth behind Macy's silence and find a way to reignite her belief in the power of true love.
Carley Fortune
Every Summer After
"Every Summer After" by Carley Fortune is a heartwarming story about Persephone Fraser, who returns to her hometown after a decade of avoiding it. She left behind her childhood summers on the lakeshore and now lives a distant life in the city. However, when she receives a call that brings her back to Barry's Bay, she is reunited with Sam Florek, the man she never thought she would have to live without. Their friendship turned into something more before it fell apart, and now they must confront their past and the decisions they made. Set over six years and one weekend, this book explores the power of love and the impact of our choices.
Jennette McCurdy
I’m Glad My Mom Died
"I'm Glad My Mom Died" is a heartfelt and funny memoir by Jennette McCurdy, known for her roles in iCarly and Sam & Cat. In this book, Jennette shares her struggles as a former child actor, including dealing with eating disorders, addiction, and a complicated relationship with her controlling mother. She opens up about the pressure to make her mother happy and the extreme measures she took to achieve success. When she finally achieves fame, Jennette finds herself overwhelmed with anxiety, shame, and self-hatred, leading to even more destructive behaviors. Tragically, her mother passes away from cancer while she is starring in Sam & Cat. However, through therapy and leaving acting behind, Jennette begins her journey towards recovery and discovers her true desires.
Taylor Jenkins Reid
Daisy Jones & The Six
"Daisy Jones & The Six" by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a captivating novel that delves into the untold story behind the split of the famous band at the height of their fame. Set in late sixties Los Angeles, the book follows Daisy, a young girl navigating the music scene, and Billy, the brooding leader of The Six. As their paths intertwine, a producer sees the potential in combining their talents, leading to a legendary collaboration. Written as an oral history, this unforgettable novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid beautifully captures the essence of the seventies music scene in a unique way.
Taylor Jenkins Reid
Malibu Rising
"Malibu Rising" is a captivating novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid that takes place in August 1983. The story revolves around the Riva siblings - Nina, Jay, Hud, and Kit - who are famous and highly admired in Malibu. They decide to throw a grand end-of-summer party, which attracts a lot of attention. However, not everyone is excited about the event. Nina, who is a talented surfer and supermodel, never wanted to be the center of attention and is dealing with the recent public abandonment by her tennis player husband. Hud, who has always been inseparable from his brother Jay, is also harboring a secret that he needs to confess. On the other hand, Jay is eagerly awaiting the arrival of a girl he can't stop thinking about. Meanwhile, Kit has her own secrets, including an unexpected guest she invited without consulting anyone. As the night progresses, the party spirals out of control, leading to a devastating fire that destroys the Riva mansion. But before the chaos, the family's loves and secrets come to the surface, forcing each sibling to make choices about what they will keep from their past and what they will leave behind.
Madeline Miller
The Song of Achilles
"The Song of Achilles" by Madeline Miller is an enhanced e-book edition that takes readers into the world of ancient Greece as depicted in Homer's epic tales. The story follows Patroclus, a young prince who is exiled to the kingdom of Phthia where he befriends Achilles, the son of King Peleus. Despite their differences, the boys form a strong bond and become skilled in war and medicine. When Helen of Sparta is kidnapped, the men of Greece, including Achilles, must lay siege to Troy. Patroclus, torn between love and fear for his friend, follows Achilles into battle, unaware of the challenges and sacrifices that lie ahead.
Taylor Jenkins Reid
One True Loves
"One True Loves" by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a captivating love story about Emma Blair, who is faced with an unexpected choice between her long-lost husband and her new fiancé. After marrying her high school sweetheart and losing him in a tragic accident, Emma rebuilds her life and finds love again. However, everything changes when her husband is miraculously found alive. Now, Emma must navigate her feelings and decide who her true love is, all while protecting those she cares about.
Taylor Jenkins Reid
After I Do
"After I Do" by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a heartfelt love story about a couple, Lauren and Ryan, who reach a breaking point in their marriage. In an unconventional attempt to save their relationship, they decide to take a year apart without any contact. As Lauren embarks on a journey of self-discovery, she realizes that her loved ones have their own perspectives on marriage. This leads her to question the meaning of monogamy and commitment. The book explores the challenges of living apart and the changing dynamics of love and loyalty.
Kristin Hannah
The Nightingale
"The Nightingale" by Kristin Hannah is a captivating and emotional novel set during World War II. The story follows two sisters who are forced to navigate their own paths in German-occupied France. With themes of survival, love, and freedom, this heartwarming book showcases the strength and resilience of women during a tumultuous time in history.
Rebecca Serle
In Five Years
In the book "In Five Years" by Rebecca Serle, Dannie Kohan is a very organized and practical person. She has just aced a crucial job interview and said yes to her boyfriend's proposal, feeling content with her life. However, when she wakes up, she finds herself in a different apartment, with a different ring, and next to a different man. She experiences one hour in the future, five years from now, before returning to her present. This unexpected glimpse into the future leaves Dannie questioning everything.
Ana Huang
Twisted Love
"Twisted Love" is a captivating book by Ana Huang, part of the Twisted Book Series. The story follows Alex Volkov, a man with a cold heart but a burning desire for the protagonist. Despite his troubled past, Alex is driven by his pursuit of success and revenge. However, when he is tasked with taking care of his best friend's sister, he begins to experience unfamiliar emotions. As his heart starts to thaw, a fire ignites within him, threatening to change his world forever.
Mia Sheridan
Archer’s Voice
"Archer's Voice" is a heartwarming book by Mia Sheridan, part of the Where Love Meets Destiny Book Series. The story follows Bree Prescott as she arrives in the peaceful town of Pelion, Maine, in search of inner peace. There, she meets Archer Hale, a mysterious and isolated man with his own painful past. As their lives intertwine, Bree becomes determined to help Archer find his voice and heal his wounds.
Miranda Cowley Heller
The Paper Palace
"The Paper Palace" by Miranda Cowley Heller is a captivating novel set on a beautiful summer morning. Elle, a content middle-aged mother, wakes up at "The Paper Palace," a cherished family vacation spot. However, this morning is different as Elle and her long-time friend Jonas shared a secret intimate moment the night before. Throughout the next day, Elle must choose between the life she has built with her loving husband, Peter, and the life she always dreamed of with Jonas, her childhood love. As the story unfolds, Heller explores the events that have shaped Elle's life, leading up to this pivotal decision.