Review: Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Published by Ballantine Books on June 1, 2021
Pages: 384
Format: ARC
Genres: Contemporary, Historical Romance


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Malibu: August 1983. It's the day of Nina Riva's annual end-of-summer party, and anticipation is at a fever pitch. Everyone wants to be around the famous Rivas: Nina, the talented surfer and supermodel; brothers Jay and Hud, one a championship surfer, the other a renowned photographer; and their adored baby sister, Kit. Together the siblings are a source of fascination in Malibu and the world over--especially as the offspring of the legendary singer Mick Riva.

The only person not looking forward to the party of the year is Nina herself, who never wanted to be the center of attention, and who has also just been very publicly abandoned by her pro tennis player husband. Oh, and maybe Hud--because it is long past time for him to confess something to the brother from whom he's been inseparable since birth.

Jay, on the other hand, is counting the minutes until nightfall, when the girl he can't stop thinking about promised she'll be there.

And Kit has a couple secrets of her own--including a guest she invited without consulting anyone.
By midnight the party will be completely out of control. By morning, the Riva mansion will have gone up in flames. But before that first spark in the early hours before dawn, the alcohol will flow, the music will play, and the loves and secrets that shaped this family's generations will all come bubbling to the surface.

Malibu Rising is a story about one unforgettable night in the life of a family: the night they each have to choose what they will keep from the people who made them . . . and what they will leave behind.

With Malibu Rising, Taylor Jenkins Reid brings us another sweeping saga, this one spanning three decades and taking place along the gorgeous Pacific coastline now known for its rich and famous residents.

It follows the lives of four accomplished surfer siblings, Nina, Jay, Hud, and Kit Riva, and the events of the day leading up to their legendary annual end of summer bash in 1983. The children of a devoted mom and a famous father, their upbringing is also a main focus and the most interesting aspect to me.

The author deftly handles the third person narrative — not an easy task — and I felt more connected to each of the siblings and parents as a result. The story takes place from the 50s through the early 80s, switching back and forth not only in time but in character perspective. I was worried about getting lost in the process. Although too frequent, I think the flashbacks and perspective changes work well here overall. They help to make sense of the family dynamics, motivations, and the different personalities. All of the main characters are highly developed, but I felt the closest bond to Nina. She is the one who experiences the most growth.

As the party gets underway, more and more characters are introduced, and each one has their own short scene and back story. There are almost too many people to keep track of, but the writing style effectively sets the stage for the increasingly chaotic atmosphere of the party. The prologue hints at the ending, which creates a great deal of anticipation for the night’s events.

I quickly absorbed this tale of sacrifice, betrayal, and secrets. If you’re looking for a good beach read, add Malibu Rising to your list.

Recommended for fans of:
Surfing
Celebrities
Seafood dives
Scandals

** I received an early copy to voluntarily read and review. **

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