Malibu Rising

Bit of a queer story that focuses on the power of found family and where marriage is just the worst.

Mick Riva (who I've learned is a keystone part of the TJR universe having also appeared in The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and Daisy Jones & The Six) is a Sinatra-level singing sensation that, before leaving his family and burning through 6 marriages, was devoted to one June (of course her name is June) Costas.

He's a next level order of cad. Grand-master, good-for-nothing cheat who doesn't just leave June and his two kids but impregnates another who drops the bastard foundling at June's door before heading off into the sunset.

At least the kids are alright. Nina is married to a multiple Grand Slam winning tennis star, she herself is a surfer model that's graced magazine covers and calendars. She's Farrah Fawcett and Cheryl Tiegs all in one. Her brother Jay is a world-class surfer who's graced countless covers himself, all taken by his devoted brother Hud and then there's “never-been-kissed” Kit who, despite being the youngest, might well be the best surfer among them all.

The story takes place over the course of a single day in 1983 and from the opening pages we know it ends in flames.

Totally invested in the opening chapters and completely immersed in the sun and sand set against the hazy backdrop of pre-internet 80's Malibu. By the end it felt like every cliched house party pulled from 80's teen movies. There's even swinging from chandeliers! But it was fine, it was fun. It was the platonic notion of a beach read and a tiny balm against the raging winter chill outside.