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lewka 's review for:
Malibu Rising
by Taylor Jenkins Reid
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.