Reviews with content warning for Sexual content - Malibu Rising

Taylor Jenkins Reid writes excellent three-dimensional, unique characters, and that really shines in this book. Not only are the four Riva siblings compelling in their family dynamic, but each one of them is interesting and easy to root for.

Part 1 of this book is so strong, but Part 2 is where it unravels. So many side characters are introduced at the Riva party, and I found it really distracting. The heart of the story is the Riva family, and it would have been even more impactful without random scenes of intoxicated celebrities doing stupid shit interspersed throughout.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this story to people who like sibling and family dramas!!

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lchambers394's review

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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!

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amgarrido's review

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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

4.5

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afion's review against another edition

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2.75

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daijastoughton's review against another edition

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emotional 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

4.5

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katekatiekait's review

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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

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foxandthorns's review against another edition

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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.

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kaitlynnnng's review

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dark fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Mick Riva is a piece of garbage.

Spoiler

I found myself incredibly angry every time Mick and Brandon’s infidelity was brought up. I hate cheaters in real life, and I hated reading about cheaters.

Some of the chapters about other people at the party were interesting, but I found most of them to be confusing and unnecessary.

To me, this book didn’t have a “wow” factor, but I did enjoy reading it.

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