53.4k reviews for:

Malibu Rising

Taylor Jenkins Reid

4.09 AVERAGE

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

emmacomiskey's review against another edition

4.5

medium-paced

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

rosaliedj's review against another edition

2.75

adventurous hopeful reflective 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: Yes

that_one_emily11's review against another edition

4.0

mysterious reflective relaxing fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

jdaily29's review against another edition

4.0

medium-paced

pretoria11's review against another edition

4.5

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

liefsjill's review against another edition

3.5

emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious relaxing 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: Complicated

valerieb9's review against another edition

4.0

medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: N/A

Flaws of characters a main focus: No