The Drama/Romance series by Jessa Hastings went viral on Tiktok earlier this year for its incomparable “Gossip Girl” vibes, and here’s why we think the book is better than the show.
“Magnolia Parks” is an addictive romance series by Jessa Hastings, with four books already out and more on their way. Set in London, Magnolia Parks is a combination of the drama of Gossip Girl and the shenanigans from Friends, giving us a truly memorable story. A must-read for those who love character-driven stories and all Gossip Girl fans.
The first and second books have the same timeline but from the POV of two different characters: Magnolia Parks and Daisy Haites. They can be read interchangeably, but we recommend reading them in order to enjoy the full experience.
Who’s Story Are We Reading?
All the characters are rich, self-involved, prior private school kids, just like in Gossip Girl. And just like in Gossip Girl, we love to hate them.
Our main character Magnolia Parks is a passionate socialite and London’s “It” girl. She’s also a fashion icon, and you’ll find vivid outfit descriptions in each of her books. Her taste is classy and mimics Blair Waldorf’s signature style. BJ Ballentine is Britain’s resident bad boy and the media’s favorite casanova, and Magnolia’s one and only love. (Or is he?) Magnolia and BJ are the book version of Chuck and Blair. Toxic and frustrating, both couples take you on an emotional rollercoaster.
Meanwhile, Daisy Haites and Christian Hemmes from the Daisy Haites books are something else altogether. The setting for Daisy’s books is strikingly different from Magnolia’s, she is the heiress of Britain’s most notorious criminal empire. Both characters’ books are intense in their own ways, but Daisy’s are definitely more action-packed. Christian Hemmes, also from a criminal empire of his own, is her love interest and their journey isn’t as much of a rollercoaster as it is a slow decline downwards.
Regardless of the differences between the two couples and their books, both will touch your heart. The question is whether you’ll be left heartbroken.
The Box Set: Fake Friends?
The friend group of this series calls themself “The Box Set”, a parallel to Gossip Girl’s “Non-Judging Breakfast Club”. But just how real are any of these friendships? Just like in Gossip Girl, the relationships between most of these “friends” are characterised by competition, jealousy, and betrayal. Regardless of the sabotage and drama, the friend groups are iconic because of their history. They all have rich private school ties, and their lives consist of luxurious penthouses, private jets, and glam suites.
What makes the friend group in Magnolia Parks better than the NJBC? Unlike in Gossip Girl, these friend groups expand, as the characters aren’t as concerned about the exclusivity of their group.
What’s Next For Magnolia and Daisy?
Just like all the books before it, the fourth book, “Daisy Haites: The Great Undoing”, ended on a cliffhanger, leaving us without any explanations. The fate of all the couples, and the individual character’s themselves is all up in the air, and Jessa Hastings refuses to give us answers anytime soon. Just like in Gossip Girl, we’re left wanting more. However, unlike Gossip Girl we are hooked just by the character’s stories themselves and not just because of a “Who’s it?” mystery. The books offer so much more than just one question we need answered. We want a happy ending for these characters! After all, haven’t they been through enough already? As frustrating as they are, we love them and they deserve better.
Lucky for us there is news of a fourth book coming our way. The title of this book will be released on February 13, 2024. Let’s hope the wait is worth it! Will you be reading the series? And if you’ve already read it, share your thoughts with us.
