Taylor Jenkins Reid’s latest novel, Atmosphere, was finally released this past week after much anticipation from both fans and critics alike. Best known for her novels The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Daisy Jones & The Six, Carrie Soto Is Back, and my personal favourite, Malibu Rising, TJR stays true to form, centering another female lead who defies the expectations of her era.

Set in 1989, the book follows Joan Goodwin, an astronomy and physics professor who becomes one of the first women to join NASA’s Space Shuttle program. While training to (literally) go to space, she juggles family, newfound friendships, falling in love, and a tragedy that changes the course of her life and space as she knows it. 

Set in the late ’80s, the novel taps into the era’s progressive spirit. At no point does Atmosphere let up — it’s gripping, emotional, and will absolutely leave you in your feels. With some much-needed sapphic representation, Atmosphere is (in my opinion) one of the most compelling romances among 2025’s new releases, capturing the beauty and vulnerability of falling in love for the first time as a queer adult while also existing as a woman in a male-dominated field. 

What I loved most about this novel was how TJR manages to put words to feelings that are often hard to articulate; the beauty in the pain of love, and the quiet magic of finding true partnership. Beyond the moving love story, TJR delves deeply into themes of family and what it means to be part of a child’s “village” — the people who help raise and shape them.

I was incredibly impressed by the depth of research TJR did for this novel. As someone who knows very little about space, it reads like a true labour of love and learning. Even the most niche details are made palatable, engaging, and easy to understand.

Fans of TJR will be more than satisfied with Atmosphere, but I’d also recommend it to anyone in search of a heartfelt, authentic love story and to anyone wishing to explore space in their next read.