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Rich Again

2.46 of 5 stars 2.46 · rating details · 287 ratings · 66 reviews

Walk-in closet full of designer everything? Check. Private Caribbean island? Check. Connection to the aristocracy? Working on it. Cunning, malicious stalker? Double check.

Welcome to the world of the Kents, a charismatic, ambitious, and fabulously wealthy English family with two sisters – one as strong and sparkling as the other is delicate and wounded – who must somehow pu...more

Paperback, 464 pages

Published December 22nd 2009 by St. Martin's Griffin (first published January 1st 2008)

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Aug 07, 2011 Jennifer Wilbanks rated it 2 of 5 stars

This was not the Anna Maxted I am used to. This book was much darker - very much different than the wry, light material she usually writes. With that said though, I did still enjoy this book quite a bit. It was well written and had a lot of plot twists and turns. I will admit though, the "bad guy" of the story was one evil character, it gave me the creeps. I would recommend this book to people who like the mystery or thriller genre, but I don't know how much it will appeal to the readers who are...more

2 likes · like · see review

Dec 27, 2009 Robyn rated it 2 of 5 stars

This book really confused me. Perhaps I should have read the description more carefully, but it sounded like a "chick lit" novel. Yes, the description mentions a malicious stalker, but this line does not give the reader any hint at the darkness and violence in the story.

The story centers around the wealthy Kent family. Patriarch Jack has been brought low through bad investments and scandal. He is "saved" from complete ruin because he devious second wife Innocence stole part of his company from h...more

1 like · like · see review

Dec 27, 2009 Theresa rated it 1 of 5 stars Recommends it for: No one

Recommended to Theresa by: First reads

Shelves: first-reads

To say this book was a terrible disappointment is a huge understatement. I had high hopes to sit down and read a novel about the cut-throat big business world of the rich and powerful with some family scandal thrown in. Instead, it was nothing more than a trashy novel. The first chapter alone contained underage drinking, drug usage, sex, partying all centered around a 15 year old. I had hoped the book would get better and there was a reason for such a distasteful beginning. Sadly, that never hap...more

2 likes · like · see review

Feb 23, 2010 Kimberly rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010-read

If it was possible I would give this book zero stars.

There are so many reasons why this book is awful.

First off if you look at the cover you think this book is a enjoyable happy read. It's not. If I had any indication of what a dark story this is I would of never picked it up, however the cover and description never give any indication.

Second the story is not told in any sort of linear form which is confusing. It switches back and forth between different characters as it goes, also switching b...more

4 likes · like · see review

Dec 31, 2009 Jenny rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: chicklit

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

5 likes · like · see review

Apr 20, 2010 Aimee Stacy rated it 4 of 5 stars

I must say that this book was not at all what I expected from Anna Maxted, and I have not figured out if that's a good thing or a bad thing. She is well known for dealing with serious subjects such as eating disorders, death, abuse, and rape with both humor and sensitivity. It's her comedic voice that makes her such a brilliant writer, and that was missing from this novel. It was very, very dark, and more of the Sandra Brown or even Jackie Collins than her usual work. With that being said, I am...more

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Jun 21, 2012 Tanya rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: general-fiction

2.5 stars

Did Anna Maxted really write this? Wow. I've read everything she's written for years and felt safe picking this one up without even reading the back cover. I've come to expect a certain quality from Maxted. I've seen her books referred to as the thinking girl's chick-lit (even though I've never considered her novels chick-lit).

Maybe Maxted wanted to take a break from her usually serious subject matter and have some fun. Who could blame her? But I sure wish the cover had come with a dis...more

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Jan 09, 2010 Min rated it 1 of 5 stars

This is my least favourite Anna Maxted book yet. Of the main characters, there was only one that was ALMOST likeable, the others were immensely unlike-able and I hoped they would meet a gory and torturous ending.

The plot was rambling and disorganised. The ending was predictable from about a quarter of the way into the book. Plot twists required such a ridiculous amount of suspension of disbelief that they were almost predictable again. I can't count the number of the times I rolled my eyes readi...more

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Apr 06, 2011 Shannon rated it 2 of 5 stars

It took me forever to read this book, which is strange because the writing is good and the story is engaging. However, I disliked all of the characters. There was no one to cheer for because these people were all seriously warped. I think, since I would guess that the reader is supposed to cheer for Claudia, that there needed to be more of Claudia in the book, and then make her more like-able. Although the most normal character, she played too much on her victimhood by her totally self-absorbed...more

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May 01, 2010 Moira Smith rated it 2 of 5 stars

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Jan 28, 2010 Kathleen Kelly rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: finished

I went and read a few reviews about this book when I first knew I was going to get it. After reading more negative reviews than positive, I was a bit apprehensive on whether I really wanted to read it or not, or if I was going to be able to finish it. I stuck with it and I am really glad I did.

The story is basically about a very dysfunctional family, the only difference between the Kents and other families is that they have money and of course the family members are not the kind of people that...more I went and read a few reviews about this book when I first knew I was going to get it. After reading more negative reviews than positive, I was a bit apprehensive on whether I really wanted to read it or not, or if I was going to be able to finish it. I stuck with it and I am really glad I did.

The story is basically about a very dysfunctional family, the only difference between the Kents and other families is that they have money and of course the family members are not the kind of people that I would want in my family, greedy, selfish, not even really caring about each other. Wait,we read about that kind of behavior all the time in the rag magazines, well I don't, but you get what I mean.

At times, I did have a hard time keeping up with the way the characters changed and the time frame that each chapter took place in. The characters?? Well there is Jack, the patriarch of the family who pays no attention to anyone in his family. His first wife dies young and leaves him with an adopted daughter, Claudia to raise.

He meets and 'marries' a woman who is extremely selfish and all about her..they have a marriage that goes from great to violent.Her name is Innocence, whose name should actually be Bitch because that is what she is to all the people in her life. She has a story all of her own on how she got to where she is, all fake of course. Oh yes, she has pink hair and they have a child Emily who is a spoiled not nice person..

To say too much more about the characters would spoil the review of this novel.The cover is definitely misleading, I thought it was going to be a silly girly book. Well, it actually reminded me of an early Judith Kranz, Sidney Sheldon or even a Jackie Collins style story. It has the rich people, the poor people, the snobby people and even a few murders thrown into the mix,and a good amount of sex.

I liked the story and it kept me entertained the whole time I read it.I recommend it to anyone who likes this kind of story,at times xrated,but a very decadent fun read into the lives of a family who has everything, loses everything and then gets everything back, but at a price.

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Jan 15, 2010 Sara (smb+jab) rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads, my-bookshelf, 2010

Given the book’s description I thought this novel was going to be much different. What I thought would be a fun chicklit book detailing the lives of two wealthy sisters who had to put their differences aside to ban together once their father is disgraced by a business deal gone array, turned out to be a far cry from it.

The story centers around the Kent family, Jack, Innocence, and their two daughters, Claudia and Emily. Jack is the patriarch of the family, who built his business from the ground...more Given the book’s description I thought this novel was going to be much different. What I thought would be a fun chicklit book detailing the lives of two wealthy sisters who had to put their differences aside to ban together once their father is disgraced by a business deal gone array, turned out to be a far cry from it.

The story centers around the Kent family, Jack, Innocence, and their two daughters, Claudia and Emily. Jack is the patriarch of the family, who built his business from the ground up thus earning millions only to have it all fall apart after one bad investment. Despite the set backs the family manages to retain it wealth and live the lavish life they had grown accustom to. However lurking in the shadows is one person who is out to forever alter their lives, who slowly begins to wreak havoc on each and every member of the family in specific and twisted ways.

The characters in this book were so despicable and scheming that you could not related to them; rather you wished for their impending death or at least to have them locked away in a jail cell forever. The mother was by far the worse and more of than not, I could not believe the things she said and did to her children, Claudia especially. As Jack’s adopted daughter from his first marriage, Claudia, who was the only relatable character, was treated as if she was trash and the term evil stepmother does not even begin to describe Innocence. Given her parenting skill or lack there of it was no surprise that her own blood related daughter, Emily acted the way she did, as a spoiled, selfish, entitled brat who at the young age of fifteen was not only into drugs and alcohol but had devised a plan to trap a Scottish heir into marrying her. The first half of the book if not more, describes in detail the lives these women and Jack lead and the unbelievable and vicious acts they pull off.

It is not until much later in the story that the “stalker” is introduced, who in fact isn’t really a stalker at all. One might be inclined to call this person a psychotic murder. Again the acts and plans this one person devises are nothing short of pure evil. Without revealing much of the storyline at times it’s hard to determine why the author went in this direction.

Personally I wanted to love this book but after getting more and more into the book I found it difficult to even like the story, despite the fact that it wasn’t at all what I had expected. For me it was the actions and the personalities of the characters themselves that turned me off. There was however one redeeming factor of the book; the author changed the point of view from which the story was written from thought the book, which gave the reader insight in the thoughts of each character. This was the first book I read by Anna Maxted and I will certainly be cautious about picking up another.
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Apr 04, 2011 Amy rated it 1 of 5 stars

Ugh. If what you like about Maxted's book is a believable, relatable heroine dealing with serious issues then there's absolutely no reason for you to read this book.

And talk about a case of "don't judge a book by its cover"! If you're thinking you're getting chick lit or even "women's fiction" BEWARE - this book goes heavily into psychopath territory, with very little warning.

Add to all that that the writing is far below Maxted's usual quality and I have to wonder if she wrote this or if someon...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 20, 2010 Nute added it

Shelves: shelf-sitters, interrupted-reading

I just won this from Goodreads. Not the kind of book that I would usually pick up so I am excited to read it.
Wow! Hold-on. Don't get too excited because it is not a happy sigh for this book. This book was a huge disappointment not simply because I did not enjoy the story, more related to the fact that it was the first book that I had ever won and I didn't even like it. On top of that, I couldn't finish it. I never give up on a book. Some folks need more time than others to develop a story, but t...more

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Dec 09, 2012 Loryn rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: chick-lit, first-reads-win, learned-about-it-through-first-read

I just want to say first off that I’m really sorry it took me so long to read/review this for my First Reads win. Master’s degree, marriage, buying a house…Anyways.

Jack, Innocence, Claudia, and Emily Kent are rich. Filthy rich. The English family owns a chain of fancy hotels and because of this, they live a privileged life. Anything they could every want, they have. Despite this, the family is not happy.

Jack and Innocence do not have a good marriage. Claudia, Jack’s adopted daughter from his fi...more I just want to say first off that I’m really sorry it took me so long to read/review this for my First Reads win. Master’s degree, marriage, buying a house…Anyways.

Jack, Innocence, Claudia, and Emily Kent are rich. Filthy rich. The English family owns a chain of fancy hotels and because of this, they live a privileged life. Anything they could every want, they have. Despite this, the family is not happy.

Jack and Innocence do not have a good marriage. Claudia, Jack’s adopted daughter from his first marriage, is hated by Innocence and has her own array of problems from a horrific experience as a child. Emily, oh Emily. She’s a spoiled brat who has always gotten whatever she wants and in turn has no capacity for understanding compassion or any semblance of a decent human being. As you can see, it is easy to not like the Kent family. There is plenty to dislike and judge about them, and that is what a lot of this story boils down to.

Anna Maxted has written a story that has so many different plot lines going on it is sometimes hard to remember who is mad at who, who is an awful person or struggling to become better. I was actually surprised to see just how low a rating this book has on GoodReads. Granted, it’s not one of the best books I have read this year, but it wasn’t awful. I think that the main problem was Maxted tried to fit so much in, that it got a little convoluted and downright “roll your eyes” hard to believe. I know that novels have the option to take things above and beyond and allow the author to create situations that are hard to believe, but I think that was part of the problem with this story. It is hard to believe that these people could be that unlikeable. So unlikeable that you have a hard time reading about their lives, and their problems seem so pitiful compared to the fact that they are generally awful people a lot of the time. And then the Nathan plot line, it just felt a little forced.

For me, this is a good fluff read. Something to enjoy while on the beach or on vacation. I am interested to see what else Maxted has written, it seems that her fans were quite disappointed with this book because her others have been so solid. In the end, if you are looking for a fluff book to read, go for it.
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Dec 28, 2009 Laura rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-read, fiction

The Kents are an extremely wealthy family with a lot of problems and dysfunction. Daughter Emily is into drugs and alcohol and is busy scheming about how she can get the son of an earl to marry her. She is 15 at the time. Daughter Claudia just wants to escape from the family and falls for an older guy, but something is not quite right. Mother Innocence Kent is not all that innocentand is more interested in herself and wealth than her children and father, Jack is more into creating more wealth to...more

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Apr 03, 2013 Alexandria rated it 2 of 5 stars

Well that was a chore. First book I read by Anna Maxted, and I don't think I'll go back. The endless descriptions of everyone's extravagant lifestyle was annoying. Yes, they're rich. Move on!
I also didn't find the villain to be very believable. Maybe I'm just naive, but I can't see someone going to such great lengths to destroy a family. Even someone who's that crazy. The book was just confusing and drawn out. The write up on the back cover made the book sound very interesting, but I lost intere...more

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Feb 11, 2013 Jennifer rated it 3 of 5 stars

I had a really hard time with the characters, almost none were likeable. The story left me feeling kind of soiled by gossip or something. The ending was superb, though. By the end, all the characters that disgusted me were likeable in a way. Reading it was kind of painful, because the characters were so horrible, but the story was compelling and well-told so I had to keep reading. The ending was just great, deep and well written ending.

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May 07, 2012 Sara rated it 3 of 5 stars

I started reading this book because I was reading another book that was really depressing and I needed to step away from it for a while. I know you're not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but if you look at this book's cover it seems like it would be a fun mental vacation, right? Perfectly harmless? WRONG! I almost had to put it down because there was child molestation and abuse, murders, almost-incest, and people literally and figratively screwing each other over. A kind of updated Jilly...more

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Sep 24, 2011 Kristin rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: umemployed-in-2011, fluffiness, 2011

I didn't care for the start of this book at all -- it jumped around too much. It didn't explain where people came from and what their relationships to each other were and it jumped from the 90's to the 60's back to the 80's, over and over again. Towards the last half of the book when it began to follow a chronological order and had all the characters introduced, it went much better.

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Aug 11, 2010 Rebekkila rated it 1 of 5 stars

I was very disappointed with Rich Again, I loved Anna Maxted's first two books, the following three were OK, but this latest one was terrible. It was as if she was channeling Jackie Collins, The characters were twisted and self centered, the plot was pure soap opera, and the whole way through I could not figure out any of the characters motivation. I would not recommend this book ever.

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Jan 13, 2010 Cheryl rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

Rich Again is a story of a wealthy family and the ups and downs of their life. This story is told from the points of view of all of the family members through various points of time. This style of writing is ultimately why I have given the book two stars. Following all of the changes was confusing, especially given that I was reading the book for about 20 minutes a day in school - I am a middle school teacher. Every time I went back to the book I had to reread some of what I read the day before,...more

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Jan 06, 2010 Carrie rated it 1 of 5 stars

She has always been a favorite author of mine, but I found this book very disappointing. She does have a flair for writing about the darker parts of human personalities and experiences, but this book is dark to the point where there is only one redeemable character in the book, and the rest are vile. It was not an enjoyable read.

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Mar 03, 2010 Fiona rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: did-not-finish-it

What a bummer. I had read other reviews and they were baaaaadd, but I thought, maybe it just wasn't chick lit enough or something. Well, I gave this 200 pages before I finally said I am done. The characters all seem to be EXACTLY the same. I was confused almost at the get go and could not even figure out what the point of what she was telling me was, and why I should even care one bit about any of the characters she was writing about. I have liked her other books, but this one seemed like a tota...more

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Jul 06, 2011 Pamlin rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-books

Well, that was about 500 pages of my life that I'll never get back again. Exceptionally contrived, no real direction, and ridiculous tragedy upon tragedy, with no one learning/becoming a better person throughout. I expect more from Anna Maxted than this, and the back cover blurb was exceptionally misleading.

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Apr 27, 2010 Tejka rated it 4 of 5 stars

Wow, this book blew me away. The only reason why I can't give it 5 stars is because it was annoying to me that it was jumping in the past and back to the future and further in to the past... What a twisted ending. A trully unexpected and it left me in shock. I was barely able to fall asleep after I finished this book.

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Sep 15, 2011 Toni rated it 1 of 5 stars

I rarely dont' finish a book but this was one of them. I have enjoyed some of Maxted's previous books so I thought this would be good too. Boy was I wrong! I'm not sure what happened but this book and I just didn't click (to put it nicely!).

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Mar 19, 2010 Cory rated it 1 of 5 stars

I LOVE Anna Maxted, so I was very disappointed to get 99 pages into this and realize that I was hating it. Bad characters that I didn't care about. Confusing structure. Weird brand-dropping. Melodrama out the wazoo. I stopped reading it.

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Jan 11, 2011 Celeste rated it 4 of 5 stars

I liked the frivolity of some of the characters. I have a thing for rich and drama when I need a break from seriousness. The book had a good plot and a sick ending when you find out who has been trying to take down the Kent family.

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Oct 06, 2010 Maria rated it 3 of 5 stars

I found this book a little hectic. It reminded me oof an old Jackie Collins novel with a killer in it. The book is quite long but it is quick to read. I'm not sure the author knew how the story was going to end when she started it and some of the events in the story feel out of place.

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