Malibu Rising: A Read with Jenna Pick: A Novel

How do I even begin to describe the genius and delight that is Taylor Jenkins Reid?

When I read the description for 'Malibu Rising,' I was a little nervous that it couldn't possibly live up to 'Daisy Jones' or, my all-time TJR favorite, 'The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.'

I should never doubt the great Ms. Reid.

How is it that Reid can write such deeply detailed characters that we, as readers, cannot help but fall in love with OR feel intense hatred for AND keep us turning the pages as fast as our fingers will let us? Reading about the lives of the Riva family, past & present, was riveting and heartbreaking. I loved how Reid wrote Part 1 as flashbacks to the love affair of June & Mick Riva and flashing back forward to their children's current (now adult) lives, especially since Part 2 is set only in the present and only within a couple hours at The Party at Nina's modern beachside mansion.

During the party scenes, we see all we need to in what's happening with the Rivas, but, as a fun aside, we get tiny peeks into moments of the other party guests, as well - such a fun sidebar to the drama happening with our main characters.

There are many, many fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid and the beautiful books she creates. However, I know there were also many that were turned off by her change of format with 'Daisy Jones.' (If you are one of those readers, might I suggest giving it a try on audio? Having different actors/voices made all the difference for me and let me sink into the story much easier.) But if you are a lover of all things 'Evelyn Hugo,' and all the other delight from Reid's backlist, you are going to LOVE 'Malibu Rising.'

Fingers crossed Reid keeps this 'Decades' trend going and we'll see her next novel set in the 1990s.

A HUGE THANK YOU to Netgalley & Random House/Ballentine Books for the opportunity to read and review this book. I cannot wait to get my physical copy when it comes out June 1st. Hands down a Five Star Read.

Taylor Jenkins Reid does it again. She has some of the most well developed characters in fiction and I always know I'm in for a treat whenever I pick up one of her books. This one was no exception.

I really enjoyed the format of this book going from past to present. It had sad moments, happy moments, and all out crazy moments. I enjoyed getting POV's from multiple characters, in multiple timelines, and even though one would think it'd be hard to keep up it's done so well that you never get lost.

Reid always has such diverse characters and her storylines are clean and well developed. I thought it was really cool to see her do a bit of cross over from Evelyn Hugo. I picked up the audio on release date and I'm so glad I did because it was so good!

I definitely recommend this one to anyone looking for a great fiction that touches on family dynamics in the world of Hollywood fame and fortune. It definitely gives you old time movie vibes.

Taylor Jenkins Reid always knows how to capture the glitz, grit, and heartbreak of old Hollywood, and Malibu Rising is no exception. This time, the spotlight is on the Riva family who are the children of the infamous Mick Riva, who feels loosely modeled on Frank Sinatra. The first half of the book was exactly what I was hoping for. The story was a slow-burn family saga that follows Mick’s rise to fame, his abandonment of June, and the siblings who are left to pick up the pieces. June’s tragic spiral and Nina stepping into the caretaker role at just 17 had me hooked. But the second half? The story for me fizzled a bit. It felt like a tidal wave of chaos. The annual Riva party was supposed to be the centerpiece, and while I get that Reid wanted readers to feel swept into the madness of the night, it quickly turned into a blur. In the span of twelve hours we get surprise half-siblings, pregnancy reveals, breakups, reconciliations, fights, a mansion fire, celebrity cameos, people getting arrested, and character arcs wrapped up with a bow. That’s a lot to pack in, and I found myself losing track of side characters and wishing the pacing had slowed down. That said, the themes of family loyalty, survival, and finding your own path do shine through. The Riva kids are resilient, resourceful, and far more likable than their egocentric father, Mick. By the end, I was satisfied with where each sibling landed, even if I felt the journey there was a little rushed. If you enjoy messy family drama with a dash of celebrity scandal, this one might be right up your alley.

I started this book expecting it to be about secrets, betrayals and a stuck up socialite family. I was pleasantly surprised to be wrong. This book is really about family, and the bond that forever links them when they are forced to go through tragedies and devastating loss. That blood is thicker than water, and no matter what kind of mess you've made of your life- your siblings are the only ones you can rely on.

Heartfelt and heartbreaking at the same time … good read.