Reviews with content warning for Drug use - Malibu Rising

Wow, I really loved this book and found a lot of different ways to relate to each Riva family member. This book is heavy on generational trauma.

Part 1 was interesting getting to know the Riva children in present day, while also learning of their parents pasts. It was really well done to explain the family history. I liked each Riva kid in their own way, but mostly related to Hud and Nina. The struggles Mick put his family through were awful and I struggled to like him. He really reminded me of my grandfather. June was likable in the start, but it was sad to watch her mentally decline. You grieve her with her children.

Part 2 is present day and where the “action” takes place. We know a fire is going to happen, but when, where and how it starts is the suspense. Does anyone get hurt or die? We need to find out! There’s a lot of people introduced in this part making it a bit confusing at times. I think there’s so many people introduced causing the reader confusion tactfully though? It kind of conveys how out of hand and all over this party really was. The ending was good, but emotional. I would love a follow up book of the Riva kids in the future to see how their lives turned out further down the road! I’ve gathered there’s some crossover of character in some of the authors other book, so I’m looking forward to reading those!

I will totally recommend this book to others, especially if they like historical fiction type books.

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marleen02's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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emilyandthewhippet's review

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slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

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bobinsbooknook's review against another edition

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challenging inspiring sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The perfect way to kick off the summer! I really enjoyed this story and the writing style ,as usual,was perfection. TJR really knows how to immerse the reader in!

I will say unlike her other books which I have read, I did find this one to be far more character heavy over a continuous plot but did enjoy the backstory plots from part 1 a lot.

As the plot does flitter back between past and present - though both still interesting - did become a bit slower paced and a little harder to keep track of characters subplots at times.

I loved each character it their own right and it’s great to get some more depth to characters I’ve come to know from her other books. I especially loved Nina and watching her develop throughout the struggles of her past.

The only reason I can’t rate this a 5 is I wish the fire foreshadowing which gripped me at the start held a bit more weight in the end of the book but still a fantastic read.

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