hannahbailey's review against another edition
- 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
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!
Graphic: Mental illness, Sexism, Sexual harassment, Vomit, Drug abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Misogyny, Abandonment, Addiction, Alcoholism, Death of parent, Drug use, Toxic relationship, Infidelity, and Injury/injury detail
madison1239's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Death, Grief, Addiction, Alcohol, Emotional abuse, Death of parent, and Mental illness
Minor: Abortion
abbrillopezz's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Stalking, Sexual content, Pregnancy, Police brutality, Physical abuse, Abandonment, Abortion, Ableism, Vomit, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, Emotional abuse, Domestic abuse, Car accident, Body shaming, Alcoholism, Addiction, Toxic relationship, Sexual harassment, Sexism, Injury/injury detail, Gun violence, Gaslighting, Drug use, Drug abuse, Death of parent, Death, Cursing, Child abuse, Misogyny, Mental illness, Classism, and Alcohol
mandaraffe's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Death of parent, Death, Alcohol, Sexism, Drug use, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Injury/injury detail, Mental illness, Violence, Abandonment, Infidelity, Alcoholism, Misogyny, Sexual harassment, and Addiction
Moderate: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Pregnancy, Sexual content, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Abortion, Miscarriage , Gun violence, Homophobia, Racism, Car accident, Lesbophobia, Police brutality, and Vomit
nialiversuch's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Graphic: Alcohol, Suicide, Addiction, Suicidal thoughts, Pregnancy, Adult/minor relationship, Classism, Death of parent, Drug abuse, Grief, Infidelity, Drug use, Toxic relationship, Alcoholism, Abandonment, and Death
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Cursing, Sexual content, Dysphoria, Mental illness, Classism, and Violence
Minor: Vomit, Gun violence, and Police brutality
hannalizzy's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The climax of the party when Mick shows up is one of the most exciting few pages I have ever read. The whole book led up to a few pivotal, fascinating chapters towards the end and they were delicious and satisfying.Â
I loved it. TJR is my new writing idol. I don’t know how she does it but I wish I could be just like her.
Graphic: Alcoholism, Death, Addiction, Drug use, Grief, Misogyny, Abandonment, Car accident, Death of parent, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Alcohol, Infidelity, Mental illness, Pregnancy, Sexual content, Child abuse, Sexism, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Toxic relationship, and Violence
trycerabel's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Car accident, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Infidelity, Injury/injury detail, Adult/minor relationship, Alcohol, Drug abuse, Mental illness, Sexism, Stalking, and Toxic relationship
taylorleclere's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Mental illness, Alcohol, Addiction, and Grief
Moderate: Sexism, Misogyny, and Sexual assault
ellipalmer's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Alcoholism, Abandonment, Mental illness, and Domestic abuse
ninahuynh's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Graphic: Addiction, Cursing, Death of parent, Drug use, Injury/injury detail, Mental illness, Sexism, Sexual content, Infidelity, Violence, Alcoholism, Abandonment, Emotional abuse, Sexual harassment, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, and Grief
Moderate: Addiction, Drug abuse, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Chronic illness, Pregnancy, and Police brutality