jeslis's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Extra Notes:
- Really loved the complexity of family relationships as a predominant theme in this book! Parents, children, siblings, partners — how do we treat them, what do we owe them, how do we view intentions vs actions?
- Also the prose and the symbolism were really really good, especially towards the end.
- Evoked a whole lot of feeling for me yay good writing. Complexity of the themes and relationships was a big contributor here for sure.
- Took a little bit to get into it. And I guess the whole "surfing and beach" vibe is not necessarily my top favourite theme, but the whole book was just spectacular overall so I can't dock too much off for my personal preferences.
- Really loved the complexity of family relationships as a predominant theme in this book! Parents, children, siblings, partners — how do we treat them, what do we owe them, how do we view intentions vs actions?
- Also the prose and the symbolism were really really good, especially towards the end.
- Evoked a whole lot of feeling for me yay good writing. Complexity of the themes and relationships was a big contributor here for sure.
- Took a little bit to get into it. And I guess the whole "surfing and beach" vibe is not necessarily my top favourite theme, but the whole book was just spectacular overall so I can't dock too much off for my personal preferences.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Alcoholism
andreealaura's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I listened to this book and I think I wouldn't have finished it if I read it. Reid books don't usually feel like this, so this was a surprise for me. I can't really pin point what felt so disconnected for me, but it felt a little bit like a chore.
The characters weren't all that bad and I liked the way she told the story. It felt good and natural. But I couldn't really give two cents about the people in this book. Now that I think about it, I think the problem was that there were too many characters that needed my attention. When I wanted to get into one and relate and care, then another would take center stage and I would have to start all over.
I cannot say I found the book particularly enjoyable compared to other books of Reid's, even though this book is totally a Taylor Jenkins Reid book.
The characters weren't all that bad and I liked the way she told the story. It felt good and natural. But I couldn't really give two cents about the people in this book. Now that I think about it, I think the problem was that there were too many characters that needed my attention. When I wanted to get into one and relate and care, then another would take center stage and I would have to start all over.
I cannot say I found the book particularly enjoyable compared to other books of Reid's, even though this book is totally a Taylor Jenkins Reid book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism
Moderate: Death of parent
kcruzoyola's review
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
Moderate: Alcoholism, Abandonment, and Drug use
Minor: Fire/Fire injury
madi622's review
adventurous
emotional
reflective
sad
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
Graphic: Death of parent and Alcoholism
Moderate: Drug abuse and Drug use
i loved the characters and their stories, but the plot was mediocre. almost was my first dnf, finally finished it after a few months of being almost through.lchambers394's review
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I started this book as a a fan of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and left as a fan of TJR!!!
It is SO easy to fall in love with both her writing and characters. TJR's writing is suspenseful, powerful, delicate, and elegant all at the same time. You're waiting for the hook at the end of the book (and are reminded of it in the most beautiful and punchy way) and yet you love every single part of the journey. You're warned of the twists and yet they still surprise you in the most enchanting way. In one single sentence you're shocked, delighted, amused... so many emotions at once, and TJR does it again and again as if it's nothing! I adored and related heavily to Nina, as I'm sure every older sister will. She's so complex and you can really understand her actions. Her character development is a joy to follow and there is one scene near the end (no spoilers, all I will say is cheese!!) that I found incredibly funny and rewarding. Jay, Hud, and Kit are just interesting and easy to love and the sibling bond between them all is so authentic and compelling. The settings were beautifully written; I want to go to all of the restaurant and beaches! All of the side characters contribute to the story and its atmosphere and I loved seeing how they were all tied together at the end!! Talking of the end, I loved how satisfyingly everything was wrapped up. I honestly teared up it was so good.
I only have one real criticism and that was that the first half of the book, the build up to the party, took slightly longer than it could have and for a little while I was just hoping for the party to start. But, ultimately, this didn't stop me loving this book because it just meant a few more pages of TJR's writing!!
This book was both profound and charming, effortlessly charming my heart and leaving me adding every other TJR book to my TBR!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Fire/Fire injury, and Death of parent
Moderate: Drug use and Sexual content
Minor: Car accident
amgarrido's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Alcoholism, Grief, Injury/injury detail, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Violence, Infidelity, Sexual content, and Abandonment
zara89's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- 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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Addiction, Alcohol, Suicide attempt, Death, Death of parent, and Alcoholism
Moderate: Infidelity
Minor: Car accident, Pregnancy, Police brutality, Gun violence, Fire/Fire injury, Abortion, and Miscarriage
hannahbailey's review against another edition
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!
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
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
kimmiereadsalot's review against another edition
3.5
2.5 stars
Cw: alcohol abuse, drug use
I started this on a 3+ hour plane ride. I read over half of it. Finished it the same day at my hotel. I was annoyed when it made me cry. But right around the tears was also when it lost me. Why? Those tears were at the end of part 1. But part 2 started and was just kind of a mess. Not sure if this was purposeful, but the entirety of part 2 read more like a movie. Jumping from scene to scene. Not really knowing who was going to pop up next. Ending scenes abruptly. I’m not sure it’d have worked in a movie either, but that’s how it felt to me. Taking the viewer along for a ride. Getting different glimpses of various TJR world characters at a party to set the scene. Only I didn’t care about them. Like not even a little bit.
Idk. Part 2 just killed it for me. But truly, it was when the tears came in part 1 that I realized TJR is just not for me. I liked Hugo. I liked Daisy. This one was the most meh of hers I read. But I haven’t loved any of them. Maybe it’s because I’m a romance girl. I live for HEAs. And with these depressing adult fiction stories, I am far from guaranteed and HEA. In fact, it’s usually quite the opposite. So I just don’t see myself picking up another TJR. Like booktok’s beloved coho, this is yet another author ima no longer feel pressured to read. I’m letting her go.
Minor rant: I was exceedingly distracted every time she used OK instead of okay. Like why? “Are you OK” is so weird to me. Why wouldn’t an editor change the many uses of this. Why use the slang. Why not just write the word?!?
Cw: alcohol abuse, drug use
I started this on a 3+ hour plane ride. I read over half of it. Finished it the same day at my hotel. I was annoyed when it made me cry. But right around the tears was also when it lost me. Why? Those tears were at the end of part 1. But part 2 started and was just kind of a mess. Not sure if this was purposeful, but the entirety of part 2 read more like a movie. Jumping from scene to scene. Not really knowing who was going to pop up next. Ending scenes abruptly. I’m not sure it’d have worked in a movie either, but that’s how it felt to me. Taking the viewer along for a ride. Getting different glimpses of various TJR world characters at a party to set the scene. Only I didn’t care about them. Like not even a little bit.
Idk. Part 2 just killed it for me. But truly, it was when the tears came in part 1 that I realized TJR is just not for me. I liked Hugo. I liked Daisy. This one was the most meh of hers I read. But I haven’t loved any of them. Maybe it’s because I’m a romance girl. I live for HEAs. And with these depressing adult fiction stories, I am far from guaranteed and HEA. In fact, it’s usually quite the opposite. So I just don’t see myself picking up another TJR. Like booktok’s beloved coho, this is yet another author ima no longer feel pressured to read. I’m letting her go.
Minor rant: I was exceedingly distracted every time she used OK instead of okay. Like why? “Are you OK” is so weird to me. Why wouldn’t an editor change the many uses of this. Why use the slang. Why not just write the word?!?
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism and Drug use
juvonh's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Sexual harassment, Child abuse, Abandonment, Drug use, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Injury/injury detail, Death of parent, Gun violence, and Infidelity
Moderate: Abandonment, Suicide, and Violence
Minor: Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Miscarriage , and Vomit