A review by bookishjournal1
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This is the second book I've read by Taylor Jenkins Reid after Evelyn Hugo and while I think Evelyn Hugo was better, I still stayed up till 4am reading Malibu Rising. I think from the summary I thought this book would be somewhat of a mystery using flashbacks to determine who starts the fire but in fact the flashbacks are used to showcase the history of the entire Riva family. I thought each of the family members were really fleshed out and interesting and I did like the narrative set up of having all the family drama come to a head at the family party. I do think that some of the other perspectives of the party guests was a little confusing as it sometimes was hard to keep track of who was who and I also think the ending was a little bit rushed. However, I enjoy Reid's writing so much and I just can't wait to see what else they come out with.