53.4k reviews for:

Malibu Rising

Taylor Jenkins Reid

4.09 AVERAGE

kwhitt08's review against another edition

2.0

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Two stars because I finished it but deeply unsatisfying. Do not recommend. Audio was, however, well read.

alissaaj's review against another edition

3.5

slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

nea1ma_88's review against another edition

5.0

emotional inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

emilysbookobsessed's review against another edition

5.0

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective 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

berna_dette's review against another edition

5.0

emotional inspiring reflective fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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Sometimes happy ends do not have to be entirely happy to be happy ends :)

ayliereading's review against another edition

3.75

lighthearted relaxing

tyty_in_another_world's review against another edition

4.0

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She did it again... It hurts so good

kristamathis's review against another edition

5.0

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hudson and jay are my favs in this but also i loved kit.

lewka's review against another edition

2.75

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The beginning of this book really hooked me. I loved the exploration of June and Mick’s history and how it shaped their four kids, each struggling in different ways with his absence—alcoholism, broken trust, and the lingering effects of a fractured home. The sibling dynamics felt real and layered, and the suspense leading up to June’s death was beautifully built. The structure—switching between the character-driven backstory and the present-day party—kept things engaging and gave the story a nice rhythm.

But the final section was a letdown. The party spiraled into chaos with dozens of unnecessary new characters and outrageous side plots that added nothing to the family story. From trays of cocaine served by catering staff to random strangers hooking up in Nina’s hot tub, it all felt like filler. What started as a powerful and emotional family drama ended in a mess that undercut its potential.

ten1102's review against another edition

4.0

emotional 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