After I finished reading my last novel, I just wasn’t sure what I was in the mood to read next. Well, when in doubt, grab a Taylor Jenkins Reid book, she never disappoints.

Malibu Rising was everything that I love about her writing. She has written a well-rounded novel that takes her readers back to 1983, to Nina Riva’s big, annual end-of-summer bash with the who’s who of the moment. It has become the party of the season, but this year the party gets out of control, leaving Nina’s cliffside home in ashes and the lives of the Riva siblings altered.

We get to witness the lives of Nina, Jay, Hud, and Kit Riva in 1983, but we also get to go back and see what their lives were like while they were growing up, as well as how their parents June and Mick Riva met and fell in love. The story of this family was filled with ups and downs and heartbreak, as was the love story between June and Mick.

I felt so much while I read this book. I could see why June fell in love with Mick. I could understand the appeal and the dreams that his fame held for their future. I felt the heartache, pain, and betrayal when his true colors came through and he could only disappoint those who loved him most. I also was able to feel the maternal love and bond that June had for her children. While they experienced the consistent shortcomings of their father, they always had their mother’s unconditional love …until they didn’t.

Malibu Rising was a compelling read from beginning to end. I was invested in the Riva family. Each of the Rivas had their own issues that they were dealing with, each of them had their role in their family, but the one thing that they had was a strong bond. This was such a good story about family, discovering who you are and what makes you happy.

Reading a book by Taylor Jenkins Reid is always a good choice.

*4 Stars

 

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