I had read my first Taylor Jenkins Reid novel earlier this year and immediately fell in love with her narrative style. So, imagine my delight when I stumbled across The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Reid’s latest release, as I was scrolling through Netgalley. Now that I have finished this novel, I must say, I was completely blown away by Reid’s writing ability in this novel. Beautiful, bittersweet and deliciously decadent in her prose, I could not put this one down.
The novel opens with magazine reporter, Monique Grant, receiving the call of a lifetime. Evelyn Hugo, film legend and classic icon, would like to meet with her. When Monique arrives to Hugo’s Upper East Side apartment, she realizes this will not be an ordinary article. Evelyn Hugo plans on sharing her scandalous life story; the truth behind the rumors, the glamour, the gossip and inside scoop into all seven of her marriages. Exploring her beginning in the 1950, her ruthless ambition and a forbidden love, Monique listens to Evelyn’s story and is shocked when it becomes clear that it intersects with her own.
Part chick lit, part historical fiction, I was in awe of Reid’s ability to mix these genres to create such a masterful piece of fiction. This story was completely unique to any book I have read lately. Told partially in the present, as Monique deals with Hugo’s request and her own life, and mostly in the past, surrounding Hugo’s rise to fame and life in Hollywood throughout the decades, I found myself completely lost within the pages. There were more times than one where I found myself wanting to google Evelyn Hugo to find out more information; it really felt like I was reading an expose. She truly comes alive through these pages. She was such a brilliant and complex character; strong, cutthroat, and deeply flawed. I felt completely connected to her throughout.
When I finished this one, the first word that came to my mind was WOW. I was expecting a typical bit of women's fiction. I was not expecting something so dynamic and diverse. I absolutely loved this book. I would highly recommend it, in fact, this is going down as my favourite Book Outside My Genre novel of the year so far. Seriously, read this book.

What a treasure we have in Taylor Jenkins Reid. Her novels are so compelling and readable, and although they may seem fluffy, they have always made me think. She creates vivid characters and places them into such thought provoking situations. Maybe in Another Life had me thinking: if I could do my life over again, would I make different choices? One True Loves certainly makes you think about just that: is there only one true love for each of us? They are really great conversation starting novels, putting yourself in the character's shoes. Her latest is somewhat of a departure from her previous contemporary women's fiction, with a throwback, old Hollywood narrative. But the thought provoking themes are still present. What stayed with me from this novel was the struggle of the LGBTQ community, female empowerment, women's roles and how those roles have changed over time.

Evelyn Hugo and her journey of empowerment is absolutely captivating. I felt as if she were a real celebrity and I was indeed reading a memoir. Although I couldn't imagine a more riveting tell-all, which means there's got to be one out there, as the truth is usually stranger than fiction. Until then, this exquisitely complex character can fill that void. Reid peppers Hugo's dialogue with some stellar witticisms and keen observations.


'I closed my eyes and breathed deeply, considering both how beneath me this opportunity was and how lucky I was to be given it. It's a hard business, reconciling what the truth used to be with what the truth is now.'

It grabbed me right from the beginning. The mystery of why Evelyn chooses inexperienced Monique as her biographer is the immediate mystery. Then, as she tells the 'pulling up her bootstraps' beginning of her Hollywood story it feels so real, I was absorbed immediately and had to learn more. There are short flashes back to present day Monique dealing with the separation from her husband, while she interviews Evelyn and struggles with how this 'big break' will affect her current job and career. But the bulk of the story is Evelyn reminiscing as she weaves her way through Hollywood, and her many husbands. I think that there might have been one too many husbands, making things slightly more complicated than necessary. Yet they each played a role and none of them in the way it would seem on the surface. Yes, there is a grand love story. In fact, I would argue there are at least three, and not in the way one would assume from the title. Reid portrays such genuine relationships in her writing, illustrating perfectly that the love of your life can come in many different forms: romantic, or otherwise.

The last section, including the reveal of Monique and Evelyn's connection, was packed full of surprising wallops to my heart: terrible and wonderful all at the same time. It is reminiscent of some of my all time favorites like Beaches and Beautiful Ruins, one of very few books where I had misty eyes and a huge grin on my face as I read the last sentence. It would make for an excellent and absorbing beach read. However, in true Taylor Jenkins Reid fashion, it's just as suited to the gravitas of a whiskey drink and a good cry.

Many, many thanks to Atria books for the opportunity to read an advance copy for my review!

Stories that involve a book within a book are always fascinating to me. The challenging part is to make both stories equally interesting to the reader. Taylor Jenkins Reid certainly did that for me with The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. How can you not be intrigued by the life story of someone like Evelyn? You might make certain assumptions about a woman who gets married seven times, but I can honestly say that her life was not at all what I had expected. While I spent large portions of the book actually questioning whether I liked Evelyn or not, I was positively engrossed in her story. I didn’t always support the decisions that she made, but I did respect the fact that she owned them, good or bad.

There was a certain aspect of Evelyn’s story that truly surprised me, and I believe it made the story especially compelling. I enjoyed her relationship with Monique. Evelyn definitely had her own way about her, and she didn’t make it easy on Monique. I admired Monique for doing what she needed to do to get the story without overstepping her bounds, and also for the decisions she made later in the story. Overall this was a captivating and unique read that I thoroughly enjoyed. It even brought me to tears at times, which I did not expect.

I have never been so enthralled and mesmerized by a book. But it happened, and it had to be done by none other than Taylor Jenkins Reid.

The story follows Evelyn Hugo, "sexpot" of the 1960's, as she lives the entirety of her life under the spotlight...and through seven husbands.
At a much older age, she has lost all seven of her husbands and has decided to finally tell the truth. She contacts Monique Grant, an newbie journalist trying to find her footing, to write her memoir, her entire life story from the late 50's to the present time. What unfolds is quite the treat.

Taylor Jenkins Reid proves again why she is my favorite author of all time. Through this book, not only was I mesmerized, but I fell in love and had my heart broken many, many times.
This book was completely unexpected. Just when I thought I had an idea of what was going on, of what was going to happen, the rug was pulled out from under me. I couldn't put this book down to save my life!

This story was so much more than the various husbands Evelyn wed; this was a love story and story of survival and a story of trying to find one's true self. I love this book wholeheartedly and I don't think I could ever forget this story even if I tried.

If you're looking for a not-so-glamorous Hollywood story with a blonde bombshell ready to take what's hers, a few secrets, a few more husbands, and a whole lot of heartbreak, then this is your book!

Oh TJR, how I love thee. Let me count the ways!!! This book was soooo different from TJR’s other books, but I loved it just the same. As always, there is fantastic character development, and I loved having a story within a story. The lives of the characters were messy and imperfect and it makes you love them even more. It was fun learning all about Evelyn Hugo’s life and get a glimpse inside the real Hollywood living.

Bottom Line: Read it!!! And every other TJR book.

Rating: 5/5

**I received a copy of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are of my own.**

This book has blown me away from start to finish. More than that, from about 30%, this book moved me deeply with not only the 'forbidden love' element but the deep connections between friends, lovers and progeny.

Monique and Evelyn narrate this story, Monique as the writer who will document the truth of Evelyn's life as shes about to hit her 70s and Evelyn, as she is finally able to be real to the world about who she is. On the one hand, the backdrop of 1950's Hollywood onwards is compelling but in some ways, that context is rather inconsequential as the characters steal each scene. The fame of Evelyn, her husbands and the friends only matter as an inconvenience. Evelyn has such character growth from her teens to contemporary times. So much happens in her life and the majority of it is spellbinding as she yearns for what she can't have. The focus of this story is forbidden, hiding is essential and acting is required in and out of the studio.

The side characters to this story made me feel so much, Harry especially was wonderful; a friend, a soulmate and he loved unconditionally. Connor although a smaller part, brought such growth in Evelyn. Celia in some ways was hard to love as a character. The twists and especially the final twist were such a gut punch and that element to the story was superb.

I am a staunch fan of Taylor Jenkins Reid but this may be my favourite of her books yet. This book is brave and bold and I love how the book summary was written so as not to expose too much of what is between the pages. It is so beautifully written and vividly crafted that THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO is utterly memorable.

"Celia smiled brightly and did exactly as I did. We stood there, in black and green, redhead and blonde, one of us all ass and the other all tits, waving to the crowd as if we ruled them."

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through netgalley in return for an honest review.

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.

Another winner from Taylor Jenkins Reid! What can I say I love everything she has written but this one, while a little different from her previous novels is simply perfection! In The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo we see Evelyn’s life is she tells it to an up & comer in the publishing world. Monique is hand picked by Evelyn to write her biography which sets up the secondary story as to who is Monique when it comes to Evelyn. Why would Evelyn pick and trust an unknown with her life story? As the story plays out we do eventually find out and I was shocked which I loved since I’m hardly surprised nowadays.

The real gem is the life that Evelyn has lead and it is told to us through each of her seven marriages and all the hard work and hardships that she went through. We see how she was determined to make something of herself even if it meant doing things she never wanted to do. We relive the heyday of 50’s Hollywood glam and Evelyn using everything she has to get want she wants. While she was married seven times she was never able to marry her one true love, and that was Evelyn’s one regret in life, that she wasn’t able to live and love as freely as she wanted. We learn some surprising secrets, ones that wouldn’t be such a big deal these days but back then it would’ve ended her career and maybe even her life.

I got swept up with this amazing tale of a woman who only wanted to love her true love and continue to do what she was meant to do. I loved that Evelyn was a strong hard headed woman who at the time when men ruled the entertainment world knew how she wanted her life and career to go and made it happened. The juxtapose between Evelyn and Monique plays out as the book goes on showing us they are more alike that we know, and how they both give each other what the other one's needs.

This is one helluva book that is Reid’s most ambitious book to date. She nailed the old Hollywood glam era and of course, she always delivers when it comes to relationships and that wonderful thing called love. I love that she never makes love simple or uncomplicated, it's always hard and ugly which is part is real…that is how love is. She writes of a love that one longs for…true real love and she nails it here. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a novel that I highly recommend!

Can we start by taking a moment of silence to appreciate the beauty of that absolutely stunning cover?! It’s breathtakingly gorgeous and it’s even more so in person. This book was different than what I had expected, I assumed it would be a campy, lighthearted read where an aging movie star detailed her life. It actually had way more depth and heart than that, it explored some substantial themes including sexism, racism and sexuality especially as they were handled in the 50’s and 60’s.

Monique is shocked when her editor informs her that the Evelyn Hugo is doing her first interview in years and has specifically asked for her. In fact, she won’t do it unless Monique is the writer. The why isn’t answered until much later, but the journey there was a captivating experience. What’s more, when they meet for the first time Evelyn tells her she’s actually ready to tell the story of her fascinating and tragic life that no one in the world knows and she wants Monique to write a book. The addition of the mystery as to Evelyn’s true motivations was constantly in the back of my mind, but when it was revealed, I have to admit I was pretty shocked. The clues were all there, I just missed them.

It’s told in sections separated into one for each of Evelyn’s seven husbands. The bulk is told in the past and there are a few scenes in the present, mostly Monique reacting to what Evelyn has just told her. The big question is who was the true love of her life? I found myself so curious about this and was really into the story of her life. The price of fame is high and Evelyn paid dearly.

Evelyn was a highly complex woman, she’s bold, unflinching, fierce, unapologetic and surprisingly tender and vulnerable as well. She was so well crafted that I felt like I was getting the inside scoop on a Hollywood icons life even though she’s fictional. It was so glamorous, scandalous and filled with juicy gossip but it was also emotive and touching, I even cried at one point. It really read like the epic saga of one woman’s life and I enjoyed every mesmerizing page of this book.

Monique Grant, a 35-year-old journalist who is still at the bottom of Vivant magazine’s totem pole, is personally chosen by 1950’s Hollywood icon, Evelyn Hugo, to write her biography and publish it after her death. Beyond confused but eager for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Monique agrees and learns the inside scoop on the renowned actress. From her Cuban background, her move to Los Angeles as a teenager, her rise to fame, and of course – the details of her seven marriages, Evelyn lays it all out. It becomes clear that there are many complexities and secrets the public had yet to discover about her.

While this isn’t the type of book I would normally pick up, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I could have easily read this book in one sitting. Evelyn was crafted with countless layers that made her feel real. At times, I admired her for her outspokenness, sympathized for her losses, and cringed at some of her decisions. She admits to her mistakes without an ounce of regret, affirming that she did what she had to do to have success in such a competitive industry. I doubt I could be friends with a person like her, but that didn’t make reading her story any less entertaining.

From my blog: Always With a Book:

My thoughts: So I have a confession - this is the first book I've read by Taylor Jenkins Reid -- I know, I know...I can't believe it either. But let me tell you - after reading this one, I will certainly be reading her backlist as soon as I get a chance! This book is definitely going to be making my top list of books read this year - I already know it!!!

I was completely and utterly captivated by Evelyn Hugo...I loved her! She is a strong, powerful, complex, complicated yet deeply flawed character. She is unapologetically selfish - she goes after what she wants often without a thought to who she may have to use along the way; she is one shrew business woman for sure! This is a character you will not be forgetting anytime soon...she will stay with you long after you finish this book!

As I mentioned above, this was my first book I read by TJR...and what a powerful read it was. It took me on such a roller-coaster of emotions - I laughed, I cried, I got angry, I was sad, I cheered - you name it, I probably felt it. But most of all, I thought...this book is filled with so many little nuggets of wisdom and food for thought. It's definitely the type of book that is going to make you think as much as it will entertain you.

This book is in a word, mesmerizing. It's a multi-layered story, filled with the glamor of classic Hollywood with all it's glitz and glory, but it's also got heart and substance. It's original and thought-provoking. TJR is not afraid to make a statement with her writing and I think with this book she does just that...women shouldn't be afraid to go after what they want, men do it all the time!

I’m not going to give you another synopsis of the story here in my own words; the synopsis above gives you enough of an idea of what this book is about, that I won’t repeat it here. I want to talk to you about what I think this book is about, at its core.

I’ve heard it said many times by other reviewers how different this book is for Reid; but I don’t entirely agree. There are the obvious differences: time period, subject matter (which I’ll leave vague due to a spoiler). Reid’s past books have been set in present day, or contemporary novels. The majority of this book is Evelyn telling her story – which is of course in the past, as early as the 1950s – which is a different time period than Reid’s previous books. Yes, this is different, but I don’t think it is why people are saying this book is “so different” from her other ones. I think it has to do with one specific aspect of the book – and I agree it is a big one – but I think we need to look at the story as a whole.

For me, this story is quintessential Reid. She writes about real, complex relationships that are true to life, and that skill is showcased in THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO. But I’m not only speaking about the relationships with others, I am speaking of the relationship we have with ourselves. She reveals truths about our human condition in a way that makes you think, consider, debate, react, and discuss the things you always believed you were or should be. She makes you think differently about yourself, helps you see yourself and others in a new light.

So yes, this book has some new topics not prevalent in Reid’s previous works; but at the core, this book has everything I love about Reid’s writing.

This book is about love, and the role it plays in our lives. How love can make us do irrational things; how love can make us better and stronger, but how love can also make us do things we never thought ourselves capable of doing, for better or for worse. It's about the complexity of the human condition, and how we each have so many layers that not one word alone can define us completely.

When you stop and look at the whole picture, this book is exactly the Reid we know and love.

When I know there is a new book out by Taylor Jenkins Reid, I am so excited, you don’t even know! When I get an advance copy, well, pure bliss and this book is definitely pure bliss! What a wonderful book! I felt as if I was back in the old glamour days of Hollywood where everyone was bigger than life. Evelyn Hugo made herself bigger than life, she did what she wanted to do, proved she could be anyone she wanted.

Evelyn has Monique Grant come to her apartment for an interview for Vivant, the magazine she works for. She has specifically asked for Monique, not the most famous writer, to do the interview. She has her reasons, which we do find out later in the story. (A jaw dropping moment, for sure!) But it is all a ruse. She wants Monique to write her life story before she is no longer with us. As her story unfolds, we read of her rise in Hollywood, of her marriages and of the great love of her life. I was not expecting that but what a love story it was!

This is one book that you better make time for because you are not going to want to put it down! I think this is probably my favorite Taylor Jenkins Reid book yet and I have loved them all. Evelyn Hugo is not the most endearing character but there is something about her that makes you root in her corner. You want her to find peace in her life. You want Monique to succeed. You just want to devour every second of this story and relish it. I am sorry it came to an end, an end that had me a little teary-eyed. It belongs on every best book of summer list.

I gratefully received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Atria Books in exchange for an honest review.

Hollywood legend Evelyn Hugo has refused to give interviews for years. But now, in her late 70s, she has decided to give an exclusive interview to glamorous magazine Vivant but only on condition that junior journalist Monique Grant will do the job. But Evelyn wants Monique not to write an article but her authorised biography in which she will reveal everything, from her seven marriages to the real love of her life, from the sacrifices she had to make to become a great actress to the secrets she had to keep, including one that relates to Monique.
The author creates such an amazing and genuine character in Evelyn that despite her flaws and mistakes, I couldn’t help liking her. This is the first novel I read by Taylor Jenkins Reid (I need to catch up!) and I found her writing captivating and intense. The book focuses on Evelyn as she narrates her story from a young girl, daughter of Cuban immigrants, raised in Hell’s Kitchen to the bright lights of Hollywood and her story is so engaging and fascinating that I couldn’t wait to get over the few interruptions created by Monique’s personal story. It’s one of these books that you can’t put down, emotional and unforgettable, a woman’s journey through love, friendship and loss.

Before I started reading tis novel I admit I was a bit nervous. This isn't the kind of book that I normally read. Although I was intrigued by the synopsis I was still concerned I wouldn't enjoy it and have to for myself through. I decided to get it a try anyway and I'm so happy I did. From the moment I started reading I was hooked and had to know where the story would go.

The writing was amazing! There was so much that happened in this book that I wouldn't even begin to know details about but everything felt so real. The characters, the places they went, and the people they met, I felt as if I could see everything. There were even times where I wanted to look up different movies mentioned and gossip column articles, only to remember that this is a work of fiction and these things didn't actually happen.

I also really loved the characters. Each of them was flawed and so beautifully human. They all fought to live the life they wanted. They loved, lost, and hurt so deeply. Especially Evelyn Hugo. From the very beginning I felt so connected to Evelyn. I didn't always agree with her choices, honestly most of the time I didn't agree with her, but I understood each time why she chose what she did and how that choice benefited or hurt her lifestyle. Evelyn Hugo is probably the most flawed character I have read about but I appreciate that she realizes and accepts her faults and doesn't regret the decisions she has made.

I don't understand why I was so emotionally invested in this book and these characters but I was. It takes a lot for me to cry while reading a book and I cried three or four times while reading. That might not mean much to you but it means a lot for me. There were so many quotable moments throughout this novel, so many I wouldn't even know where to begin with my list. If this sounds even a little interesting I highly suggest trying it out. I don't think you'll regret it!

Not what I expected, which is almost assuredly what the author wants. Beautifully written.

As a big fan of Taylor Jenkins Reid, I was excited to read this book. And it stood up to my expectations! Loved the glamour and back stories of Evelyn's husbands. It's a good glimpse into the life of an aging starlet. Good read.

5 EMOTIONAL STARS

I have no words, I'm speechless.For one more time Taylor Jenkins Reid delivers an emotional and unique story.This story is unforgettable and unlike anything I have read so far!I have read almost all of her books and I can tell you that this one is so different ,yet so fantastic.

Evelyn is a very interesting character, and I was surprised
by the direction that the story has gone.So I believe that you should go blind with this one.This way you are going to enjoy it even more!

When I finished this story I was in tears,I'm still thinking about it.It touch me in so many ways.The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a powerful story that everyone must read!!!I don't know what else to expect from Taylor Jenkins Reid,whatever she writes is pure perfection and the writing simply beautiful and flawless.

This was my first Taylor Jenkins Reid novel, the first being One True Loves.  I was ecstatic when the mailman had delivered this beauty to my door!  

However, reading the book left me wanting more. Parts throughout the book I became bored.  This makes me sad to even say because it really is a good book and story, I just wanted something more from it.  


For me, this is one of those books that I come to appreciate more after the words on the page have sunk in and settled.  

I loved the strength that Evelyn possesses and tries to imprint on Monique.  I think every woman can gain something from Evelyn Hugo!  

Taylor Jenkins Reid created such a realistic story that I found myself googling some of the characters because I just knew they were true Hollywood starlets.  (not so spoiler alert: it's all fiction) 

I think fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid and general women's lit will be pleased with The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.

Here is a copy of the review I posted on Goodreads (Link attached):
Until this year I had never read a book by Taylor Jenkins Reid. I don't know why, probably the curse of the never ending TBR. In February, I decided enough was enough and ended up binge reading MAYBE IN ANTHER LIFE and ONE TRUE LOVES back-to-back. I absolutely adored and devoured both of these books. I probably finished each one in less than 48 hours. TJR has captivating writing style. She really gets you thinking!

When I originally saw the synopsis for THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO, I thought to myself "this book really isn't for me." Mind you, this was prior to reading any of her books. After my TJR binge I knew I had to have this book. I needed more of her words and her stories. So when I saw the NetGalley request opportunity, I jumped at it!

Words I would use to describe this book:
Unique. Captivating. Bold.

THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO had a layout like nothing I've read before. It reads mostly as a narrative of Evelyn's life. Like I was Monique Grant, sitting there listening to Evelyn tell me her story. I was swept away by each tale and each husbands story. All the while I kept wondering and formulating ideas on WHY Evelyn had specifically wanted Monique to hear her story. Let me tell you, none of my ideas were right.

I want to note that the book touches on many different subjects that are "taboo" or that could potentially trigger someone. I'm not going to state what those are because I feel it would detract from the storyline. If you're someone that is sensitive to certain subjects or likes to know when a book has a trigger warning, well.... maybe don't read this book. At least not without asking around first.

Overall, I highly recommend this books and it quickly became one of my favorite reads this year. If you're in the mood for a quick, but deep read, this is the book for you. If you're looking for something new and fresh in the writing world, pick this one up! I can't wait to see what Taylor Jenkins Reed comes up with next.

*Thank you to NetGalley for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review*

I've been putting this review off for a few weeks now and I'm still uncertain about how to approach it. Because unlike most people, I did not love this book. Nor did I hate it either, though. My feelings lay somewhere in between and that's a hard place to sit. What's most surprising to me is that there is a TJR book that I'm not head over heels in love with!

The story started off intriguing enough...Monique Grant, writer who hasn't quite made a name for herself yet, gains the opportunity of a lifetime when Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo chooses her to write her biography. Monique having no ties to Evelyn is understandably baffled, why her? Nevertheless, she agrees to do the piece and begins meeting Evelyn each day to hear her story and hopefully learn the reasoning behind Evelyn's choice of author.

THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO reads as a narrative of Evelyn's life. At first, I was completely sucked into the glam and glitz of a Hollywood starlet. And like Monique, I couldn't help but wonder why her? I formed my own speculations and let me tell you, each one of them was wrong. All seven husbands held a purpose and in their own way helped Evelyn become the sensation that the world knows her as. There is so much drama, gossip, secrets, and intrigue that it's easy to get swept away and lost inside of it all. Buuuutt...somewhere along the way I stopped caring and dare I say, I was bored? I'm not entirely sure what happened. Maybe there was TOO much drama for me. Maybe it was the fact that there wasn't one single likeable character, aside from Harry, but in the end even he held a secret that I was not 100% okay with. Or possibly this was just bad timing for me.

I think this quote just about sums up how I feel about Evelyn "I hate Evelyn, but I think I like her very much. I wish she had never existed, and yet I can't help but admire her a great deal." Because you see, Evelyn is NOT a good person. She does questionable things and never once considers or cares if she hurts anyone else. And yet you do understand her reasoning behind everything. You see, very complicated feelings!

Either way, TJR's writing is amazing and I love that she took risks and wrote something completely out of her usual zone. This may not be headed to my favorites shelf but I do know that many, many other people will enjoy this book and I recommend it to anyone wanting to read something new and unique.