One of the most captivating elements of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s novels is the way in which many of the books connect within the same universe. Jenkins Reid has taken the literary world by storm and has written a number of books that have become absolute sensations. Her work has even been translated to the small screen, with Daisy Jones and the Six being adapted for Prime Video.
Though there is no specific order in which Jenkins Reid’s books should be read, there is an interesting connection between some of them. There are certain characters and elements of the books that are woven together that confirm to readers that there is a shared universe. Five of her books are connected to one another and have Easter eggs scattered throughout that are enticing for readers to try and spot.
The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo
Released In 2017
Mick Riva is first introduced to readers in the novel and the soon-to-be-movie, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. He is learned to be the third husband of the titular character. In this book, Riva is a performer who is manipulated into marrying Evelyn in order to cover up her romance with a fellow actor named Celia. Riva ends up being an important character throughout the other connected novels written by Jenkins Reid.
A fun Easter egg in Taylor Jenkins Reid’s books is the appearance of two supporting characters, Celia St. James and Don Adler. These two characters first appeared in The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. They then make appearances in one of the later novels, Malibu Rising.
These magazines end up appearing in two of the other five connected novels as well.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo also introduces readers to Vervent and Sub Rosa which are the magazines that Evelyn chooses to share her life story. These magazines end up appearing in two of the other five connected novels as well. Additionally, Ciro’s Restaurant is introduced as a famous Hollywood hot spot and ends up being an important location in multiple other novels.
Malibu Rising
Released In 2021
Mick Riva can also be spotted in Malibu Rising, which provides valuable information about his backstory. Readers learn that he is the absent father of four children, as well as that he grew up in a difficult and violent home. The book references Warren Rhodes who is from Daisy Jones and The Six as well as Celia St. James and Don Adler. The celebrities in the novel all enjoy hanging out at Ciro’s restaurant and mention Runner Records, which is another connection to Daisy Jones and The Six.
The aforementioned magazines, Vivant and Sub Rosa are also included in Malibu Rising. Nina attributes her fame as a surfer to Vivant Magazine. Her mother, June, is also referenced as being a reader of Sub Rosa.
Daisy Jones & The Six
Released In 2019
Daisy Jones is the titular character of Daisy Jones & The Six, but she can also be read about in two other Taylor Jenkins Reid Books. There’s Carrie Soto is Back, which references how a book was written about the famous rockstar, Daisy Jones. One of Jenkins Reid’s lesser-known novels, Evidence of the Affair, references Jones’ popular music as well. It’s unclear if the Prime Video adaptation will connect to any future adaptations of Jenkins Reid’s books.
Carrie Soto Is Back
Released In 2022
Mark Riva finds his way into Carrie Soto is back, in addition to the previous novels. He does not have as major of a role as he does in Malibu Rising, but his presence is still made known. He is briefly referenced in Carrie Soto is Back by a character named Javier, who remarks that he can’t stand him.
Though best known for being the main character in Carrie Soto is Back, Carrie was first introduced to readers in Malibu Rising. Malibu Rising informs readers that Carrie had an affair with Nina Riva’s husband. Nina is a swimsuit model who was experiencing relationship troubles with her husband, Brandon, who decided to leave her for Carrie. Though not a major character in Malibu Rising, Carrie did have a memorable moment of throwing a “temper tantrum” on Nina’s lawn.
This indicates that Daisy Jones could be a potential role model of Carrie’s and someone that she uses as inspiration when making her big comeback.
Vivent is also mentioned in Carrie Soto is Back. The magazine is shown to be supportive of Carrie’s triumphant and exciting return to tennis. Additionally, Carrie is referenced to be reading a biography of Daisy Jones. This indicates that Daisy Jones could be a potential role model of Carrie’s and someone that she uses as inspiration when making her big comeback.
Evidence Of The Affair
Released In 2018
Evidence of the Affair has the least amount of connection to the other four books in this literary universe. The only known Easter egg is the reference to Daisy Jones and how the characters listen to her music. While not a huge connection to the other work, this inclusion does confirm that the characters of Evidence of the Affair exist in the same universe as the ones in Jenkins Reid’s other popular novels.
What Taylor Jenkins Reid Books Are Getting Adaptations?
Following the massive success that was Daisy Jones and the Six, it makes sense that more Taylor Jenkins Reid projects would be adapted for the screen. The one getting the most attention is the book that started this connected universe, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. The Netflix film will be written by Liz Tigelaar who previously worked on Little Fires Everywhere, while fans of the novel have taken to social media to discuss their dream fan casting.
Hulu is another streaming service joining Prime and Netflix in adapting Taylor Jenkins Reid’s novels. They will be behind the TV series take on Malibu Rising, and the platform acquired the rights to it before the book was even released. However, not much else is known about the project.
Jenkins Reid’s most recent novel is also getting adapted as the tennis-centric Carrie Soto is Back should be ideal for fans of 2024’s Challengers. Again, it’s in the early stages so not much is known. It’ll be interesting to see if these projects connect like the books given the different platforms they’re on.
