If I could write a love letter to a book series, this post would be it. When I began my reading journey in 2023, I kept hearing about the Magnolia Parks series by Jessa Hastings. I hesitated to dive in for a long time because I knew these books explored toxic relationships—a theme I usually shy away from. But in early 2024, I decided to pick up the first book with an open mind. Little did I know, this series would become my all-time favourite.
I devoured the entire series back-to-back (probably not the best idea), and when I finished, I hit the biggest reading slump of my life. These books consumed me—they made me laugh, cry, scream, and obsess. I was like Cady in “Mean Girls”: I spent 80% of my time talking about Magnolia Parks, and the other 20% of the time I was praying for someone else to bring her up so I could talk about her more. If you've ever found yourself in a reading slump, check out my recommendations for books to get you out of it.
The Magnolia Parks universe is unlike anything I’ve ever read. It explores two intertwined storylines: the Magnolia books, which follow Magnolia Parks and BJ Ballentine’s messy, complicated relationship, and the Daisy books, which delve into Daisy Haites, Christian Hemmes, and Julian Haites’ lives. These aren’t your typical romance books—they’re raw, imperfect, and full of flawed characters you’ll both love and hate. Somehow, they’ll feel like your messy, chaotic friends, pulling you into their world.
The books alternate between different points of view but follow the same timeline. To avoid spoilers and fully understand the universe, it’s essential to read them in this order:
Magnolia Parks
Daisy Haites
Magnolia Parks: The Long Way Home
Daisy Haites: The Great Undoing
Magnolia Parks: Into the Dark
Content Warnings: drug use/abuse, on-page overdose, cheating, death of a loved one, parent negligence, sexual abuse, and threats/attempted kidnapping.
In this post, I’ll explore the unforgettable characters, the unique writing style, and the stunning covers of these books, which are packed with hidden Easter eggs. If you like seeing the aesthetic of books before reading them, follow me on Pinterest to see the moodboard I made for this series.
The Magnolia Books
In these books, we dive into the tumultuous relationship between Magnolia Parks and BJ Ballentine, set against the backdrop of London’s elite high society. Magnolia and BJ are part of a tightly-knit group of friends who’ve known each other since childhood. Their families have been close for years, and they all grew up together, attending the same boarding school and forming a bond so strong they feel more like family.
BJ has been in love with Magnolia since he was just six years old. They began dating in their teens, creating a magnetic, all-consuming connection. By the time the story starts, they’re in their twenties, and it’s been three years since they broke up after BJ did something that shattered Magnolia’s heart. Despite their separation, they can’t seem to stay away from each other, tangled in a co-dependent relationship that keeps pulling them back into each other’s orbit.
"The most beautiful boy in every room, the great love of my life—how many loves do you get in a lifetime? I remember wondering that. How many people will look at me like he does, not just like I'm the sun but like I'm the whole goddamn universe."
Their dynamic is deeply toxic—a painful cycle of love, betrayal, and heartbreak that neither of them knows how to break. Both Magnolia and BJ are flawed, making choices that hurt each other, yet their connection remains unshakable, even when it seems impossible to fix. Their story is raw, messy, and emotional, capturing the beauty and destruction of a love that refuses to let go.
Check out Jessa Hastings' interview about navigating life at your 20s.
Characters
Magnolia Parks has a gravitational pull that’s impossible to ignore; she’s the kind of person who walks into a room and instantly becomes the center of attention. Known for her impeccable fashion sense, Magnolia uses her style as both self-expression and armor, projecting confidence even when she’s fighting inner turmoil. Her sharp wit and charisma reminded me of Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl, though with much less cruelty. She’s fiercely loyal, deeply emotional, and incredibly funny, which makes her so easy to adore.
But behind her bold exterior lies someone who struggles with heartbreak and insecurities. Magnolia feels the weight of past betrayals, especially from BJ, and often blames herself for the pain he’s caused her. She’s constantly trying to be perfect, as if being flawless will somehow keep her from being hurt again. Her journey is raw and heartbreaking, especially in Into the Dark, where we see her hit rock bottom and become truly vulnerable. Despite everything, Magnolia’s strength shines through. Watching her find her way back, with BJ finally stepping up to give her the love and devotion she deserves, was deeply satisfying.
"She’s the only home I’ve ever been interested in having. Her body is the walls, heart’s the ceiling. I’ll live here forever."
Now, let’s talk about BJ. He’s one of the most complex and well-developed characters I’ve ever read. His transformation throughout the series is nothing short of remarkable. BJ starts off as a reckless, self-destructive mess. He’s charming and magnetic, adored by everyone, but his heart has always belonged to Magnolia. Even in the first book, where we see him involved with countless other women, it’s clear that Magnolia is his everything. But his actions—his betrayals, his drug abuse, and his inability to confront his emotions—make him so difficult to love in the beginning.
Reading BJ in the first book was tough. His self-destruction and toxic choices, especially the way he hurt Magnolia, were painful to witness. BJ uses drugs, alcohol, and meaningless relationships to numb his insecurities and feelings, spiraling deeper into chaos. But The Long Way Home gives us a deeper look into his past, and it’s utterly heartbreaking. Understanding the roots of his pain and seeing the reasons behind his behavior made his journey even more impactful.
By the second book, we start to see real growth in BJ. Therapy plays a huge role in his evolution, and it’s incredible to watch him work towards getting clean and learning to face his demons instead of running from them. He makes mistakes along the way—many mistakes—but his progress feels genuine.
By the time we reach Into the Dark, BJ has come so far. His love for Magnolia has never wavered, and he’s finally in a place where he can support her through her darkest moments. Seeing him be there for her, offering the stability and care she needed, was so moving. BJ’s growth from the self-destructive boy in the first book to the man who could be Magnolia’s rock was nothing short of extraordinary. It’s impossible not to feel proud of him by the end.
"Loving you is the thing I grab first when the house is on fire, and the house has been on fire before—she gives me a look—and it might even catch on fire again. I really hope not, but if it does—how much I love you will forever and ever be the first thing I reach for."
Found family
Wouldn’t it be amazing if we got a book about every single character in this series? Like I mentioned before, this tight-knit group of friends grew up together, and their bond is more like family. The side characters in these books are so well-written and hilarious—I honestly wish they were real so I could hang out with them!
Normally, I’m not a big fan of books with a ton of characters to follow because it can get overwhelming. I’ll admit, it took me a while to figure out who everyone was and their significance to the story. But once it clicked—wow, it was absolutely worth it.
What’s so special about this group is how deeply they’re connected, often described as "bonded by trauma" in the books. They’re always there to support each other, even in the middle of their own chaos. And trust me, there’s plenty of drama in their lives too! For example, the Jonah-Henry-Taura love triangle? Absolute madness, but I couldn’t get enough of it. The side stories add so much richness to the series, making it feel like you’re truly immersed in their world.
Writing style
First of all, Jessa Hastings is an absolute genius, and I can’t wait to read more of her work. I’ve never experienced a writing style quite like hers—it’s immersive, intimate, and feels like the characters are sitting down with you, spilling all their messy, glamorous drama over coffee. You feel like you’re part of their world, and it’s impossible not to get sucked in.
One of the standout elements of her writing is its poetic quality. The way the characters think about each other, the analogies they use, and the beautifully crafted quotes—it’s just unparalleled. The depth of their emotions and relationships is captured so uniquely that nothing else I’ve read compares.
“In every quiet whisper, every subtle and nuanced thread in the fabric of time, all the tiny ripples in the universe will tell you, that I’m actually just Parks’.”
What I love most is how Hastings handles the characters' histories. These characters have known each other their entire lives, so naturally, there’s a lot of backstory to explore. Instead of separating the past and present into distinct chapters, she seamlessly weaves memories into the narrative. It feels so natural, like chatting with a friend who’s reminiscing about childhood moments. The scattered glimpses into their past are like puzzle pieces, and as you read, you slowly piece everything together. It’s so clever and adds another layer of depth to the story.
These books don’t follow a traditional plot or structure—they’re much more focused on character development. I know that might not be everyone’s cup of tea, as it can feel a bit meandering, but trust me, it works perfectly for this series. While you’re following their day-to-day lives, so much happens. The drama is off the charts, and it’s often compared to Gossip Girl for good reason. But instead of feeling chaotic or overdone, it feels authentic to the characters and the world Hastings has created. Honestly, it’s nothing short of brilliant.
“The feel of him is my favourite feeling in the world, for all of history and all of time, write it down, ring the town bell and tell the scribes—I’ll wear it on my heart’s sleeve forever that I love him.”
📚 Bonus Tip: Check out in this post other books that are being released in 2025, including Jessa Hastings new book "The Conditions of Will"!
Daisy Haites Books
The Daisy Haites books are told from three different points of view: Daisy Haites, her brother Julian Haites, and Christian Hemmes. Just like in the Magnolia Parks books, these characters are part of London’s high society. But here’s the twist—Daisy and Julian’s world is tied to the criminal underworld, and that brings a lot of danger and drama into their lives and relationships.
Daisy and Julian have a super close sibling bond because of their past. After their parents were murdered right in front of them, Julian stepped up to raise Daisy. Now, he’s super protective of her, especially since his gang lord life has made him a lot of enemies. Daisy grew up surrounded by all this, and even though it’s not the life she wants, she’s learned to handle it while dealing with her feelings for Christian.
Christian Hemmes is part of the “Box Set” crew, the tight group of friends that includes Magnolia and BJ. He’s kind of the link between the Magnolia Parks and Daisy Haites books because, like the Haites family, his family is also tied to the criminal world. Christian and Daisy have a complicated relationship. Daisy is in love with him, but Christian starts off in love with Magnolia. At first, he and Daisy have a casual “friends with benefits” thing going on, but over time, Christian realizes he actually loves Daisy, and that’s when their story really takes off.
Characters
What I love most about Daisy is her quiet strength. She’s not loud or showy about how much she’s been through, but it’s clear she carries the weight of her world with remarkable bravery. I love her personality, she is so smart and such a bad-ass. She is studying to be a doctor, she knows how to fight, she loves to cook and she is a flirt.
What stands out about Daisy is her fierce loyalty to the people she loves. She’d do anything for Julian, even when his protective nature suffocates her. At the same time, she craves a life outside of the crime and chaos she was born into. She dreams of something simpler, where she’s not constantly looking over her shoulder.
"A girl rolls of Christian on the couch. Takes a second for my eyes to adjust. Daisy Haites. Guess that date he took her on a while back went well - She's very hot. Very dangerous"
Then there’s Christian. I love his chapters because he’s quietly hilarious and has this magnetic presence. He’s calm, collected, and dangerously charming—a man who seems to have it all under control. But as we dive deeper, we see just how conflicted he is about his emotions and what he really wants. Watching him navigate those feelings while keeping up his cool exterior makes his story so captivating.
And finally, Julian Haites—what can I even say? It’s nearly impossible to read about Julian and not fall for him. At first, he comes across as intense and controlling, always looking out for Daisy while balancing the weight of his family legacy as a gang lord. But as the story unfolds, we get glimpses of his softer side.
In the second book, when Julian begins exploring his complicated relationship with Magnolia, we see the depth of his internal conflict. He knows he can’t love her without it becoming dangerous, yet he struggles to let go of the power and control he’s built his life around. His journey through these conflicting emotions, torn between his duty and his desires, makes him one of the most intriguing and unforgettable characters in the series.
“She is the goddess in the Botticelli clam shell, her eyes are the waterlilies in Monet’s pond, she is the hand of God reaching down to mankind. Klimt’s kiss is a portrait of us and I’m gonna steal it. Take it, make it mine, make her mine too. Maybe do that one first.”
Crime
The crime world in the Daisy Haites books isn’t just a backdrop—it’s woven deeply into the lives of every character and plays a huge role in shaping their relationships and decisions. For Daisy, growing up in this world has left her longing for something different. She dreams of a simple life, away from the constant danger and chaos, and we see her take steps toward that in the second book. But just as she starts to pursue that peaceful life, the threats of her family’s criminal connections come crashing back, forcing her to confront the reality of her circumstances.
This life of crime impacts the way Daisy approaches everything. She’s always on guard, constantly looking over her shoulder, and that cautiousness spills into her relationships.
For Julian, the crime world defines his entire existence. He’s the head of a powerful gang, and with that comes immense responsibility and countless enemies. When Julian begins to experience real feelings for someone—he’s faced with the heartbreaking reality that his emotions could become a weapon against him. Loving someone openly means putting them in harm’s way, and that weight is something he carries heavily throughout the books.
What’s fascinating is how this danger and the constant threat of violence impact all the relationships in the story. Whether it’s Daisy and Christian’s dynamic or Julian’s internal battle with his feelings, the crime world is always lurking in the background, influencing every choice they make. Relationships in this universe aren’t just about emotional vulnerability—they’re about survival, trust, and the risks that come with loving someone in such a dangerous world.
I’m so curious to see how Jessa Hastings will wrap up the crime element in the upcoming books. It’s such a central part of the Daisy Haites series, shaping so much of the characters’ lives and relationships.
If you want to listen to the playlists I made for Daisy Haites, click here!
Books covers
To finalise this post, I want to talk about the covers of the Magnolia Parks books. They are truly masterpieces, designed by Emmy Lawless, a close friend of Jessa Hastings, each cover is filled with intricate details and little Easter eggs that beautifully reflect the heart of the story. Emmy has managed to capture the essence of these books with elements that are both symbolic and deeply meaningful.
If you are interested in immersing yourself more into the Magnolia Parks Universe and community, follow their instagram page with beautiful quotes and images that represent the vibe of the books.
At first glance, the covers might seem chaotic, but once you dive into the stories and uncover the references, they transform into a stunning puzzle that perfectly captures the essence of the series. Each detail holds meaning, making the covers even more special as you piece it all together. If you had to pick a favorite cover from the series, which one would it be? Cast your vote below—I’d love to hear your thoughts.
What is your favourite cover?
- 0%Magnolia Parks
- 0%Daisy Haites
- 0%Magnolia Parks - The long way home
- 0%Daisy Haites - The great undoing
You can vote for more than one answer.
Comments