Reviews with content warning for Pregnancy - Malibu Rising

𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘺 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧, 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘨 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦.

𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢 𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬:
Malibu Rising focuses on the four famous Riva siblings as they throw their annual end-of-summer party in Malibu in 1983. Over 24 hours, each sibling faces personal challenges and secrets that will change their lives forever.
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This was such a compelling exploration of family dynamics, fame, and the choices we make about our past and future all set against the backdrop of 1980s Malibu. The story spans just 24 hours weaving together the past and present slowly unveiling the Riva family's complex history.

TJR is an expert in developing strong family bonds in her stories. Malibu Rising really shows how family can be the greatest source of your love and happiness, but at the same time can be the cause of so much heartbreak and pain. I got attached to each of the Riva siblings as we see them grapple with their own demons throughout the day.

I was very impressed by how TJR managed to make a single night feel both expansive and intimate. The party scenes were both chaotically fun and entertaining. I could definitely picture this being a movie!

The audiobook, narrated by Julia Whelan, enhances the story tenfold and I highly recommend giving it a listen.

Malibu Rising is a thought-provoking and engaging read that delves into themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the complex nature of familial bonds. A definite must-read for the last few days of summer that packs an emotional punch.

Content Warnings

crystal689's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted 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

4.5

Content Warnings

klaraax's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

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

5.0

Content Warnings

whats_miranda_reading's review against another edition

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emotional sad medium-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

5.0

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.

Content Warnings

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

Content Warnings

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