Reviews with content warning for Sexism - Malibu Rising

An amazing story showing that family it's doesn't have to share the same blood more like likely always been for each other and love each other unconditionally. How love can have many different faces, some of them are amazing like taking care of not your child like it was born from you, and becoming parent. Being bad perent wanting to fix that, falling love in with someone, but still cheating that person knowing it will destroy them. Not wanting to put yourself first because of being scared. Or just finding a family that you always want to have. Such an amazing story with so much depth in it. Very much enjoy it.

Content Warnings

hannahbailey's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

TW: alcoholism, abandonment, death (of parent), drug use, cheating, addiction, sexual harassment, divorce, violence, fire, injury, sexism, parentified child, childhood trauma

Oh to be a Riva! On the surface, the four Riva siblings seem to have it all: fame, fortune and each other. But by the end of the night, everything's changed. This is what drew me in, that the whole book was set over the course of one night. The character analysis started off well and I enjoyed the switch between flashbacks and present day as we learned more and more about the Rivas.

I was expecting 80s beach-babe Malibu vibes, but I wasn't expecting this book to approach and handle some heavier topics like death, grief, divorce, betrayal, alcoholism and family issues. Although it is a TJR book, so actually that's on me for not thinking this would pack an emotional punch. I thought these topics were handled well, and the characters struggles felt realistic. I was able to empathise with them despite their sickening level of wealth (rich kids 😔🥲).

The first part was setting up for something massive—secrets revealed and people exposed. I was excited to watch it all unravel over the course of a night. However, what followed was an underwhelming and understated second half. New characters were introduced too frequently to fully care (which I admit is truthful of large parties) and so much more could've been done when a certain character arrived. I was left disappointed and sad. The ending was emotional but not in a cathartic way–although I guess life is often like that. These characters deserved better endings!

Content Warnings

katekatiekait's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Content Warnings

foxandthorns's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I loved this book. I loved the characters, I loved the plot, and I loved the writing. The first half of this book is rather slow, but it builds up relationships and the ‘why’ characters are who they are. That first half allows the second half of the book to FLY by. I read the last half of this book in one sitting because I just couldn’t put it down. As for the writing, I was very impressed by the good use of omniscient point of view. You got to see every angle of the story, making it have so many more dimensions.

Content Warnings

More...