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Seasonaires #2
Malibu Bluff
Every summer is designed as a dream for six twenty-something seasonaires chosen by Lyndon Wyld, the founder of her namesake clothing line. This year takes the new brand ambassadors to the West Coast, led by last season's Mia, who has been roped back in after her mother’s death by a sweeter deal and the hope to leave her grief behind for the California sun.
Mia is thankful that she won’t have to live with another former seasonaire, Presley, who is now handling Lyndon Wyld’s public relations in Los Angeles after making a meal out of the previous summer's tragedy. In Malibu, Mia will share a stunning modern manse with Eve, an outspoken activist; Alex, a gorgeous boundary pusher; Chase, a warm-hearted surfer; Oliver, a preppy charmer; and Brandon, the son of Lyndon’s business partner, and the young producer of the brand’s new digital channel, which will up the seasonaires’ social media game.
Malibu is the perfect playground for their antics, which serve as juicy entertainment for their growing fanbase. But detractors from Mia’s past come back to haunt her, and when the line between what’s real and what’s staged gets blurred, the results could be deadly.
Mia is thankful that she won’t have to live with another former seasonaire, Presley, who is now handling Lyndon Wyld’s public relations in Los Angeles after making a meal out of the previous summer's tragedy. In Malibu, Mia will share a stunning modern manse with Eve, an outspoken activist; Alex, a gorgeous boundary pusher; Chase, a warm-hearted surfer; Oliver, a preppy charmer; and Brandon, the son of Lyndon’s business partner, and the young producer of the brand’s new digital channel, which will up the seasonaires’ social media game.
Malibu is the perfect playground for their antics, which serve as juicy entertainment for their growing fanbase. But detractors from Mia’s past come back to haunt her, and when the line between what’s real and what’s staged gets blurred, the results could be deadly.
308 pages, Hardcover
Published May 7, 2019
9 people are currently reading
261 people want to read
About the author
Janna King
3 books30 followersJanna King is an author, screenwriter, playwright, and director.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 23, 2019
I've always been partial to soap operas and melodrama. Growing up, I used to watch
General Hospital
after school (in the heyday of Luke and Laura—the first time around) and then moved on to more daytime and nighttime soap operas, like
Dynasty, Dallas, Falcon Crest
, and
Knots Landing
. When the era of big hair and shoulder pads passed, I was able to replace those programs with
90210, Melrose Place
, and, I'll admit, even a little of
The O.C.
.
This is one of the reasons I've enjoyed Janna King's two novels in her Seasonaires series: The Seasonaires (see my review) and now, Malibu Bluff . They're soapy, fun books that make me feel like summer, and honestly, I wouldn't have been surprised to hear one of the characters in this latest book utter the words, "Welcome to the O.C., bitch."
Famed fashion designer Lyndon Wyld is a shrewd entrepreneur. She recognizes that the success of her clothing line doesn't just hinge on the stylishness of the clothes, but it's more about the buzz she can create. So she hires a group of beautiful young people for the summer to be "seasonaires"—social media brand ambassadors, raising public chatter about her clothes and looking great while wearing them. It's an amazing opportunity for an unforgettable summer, to live the glamorous life.
While things with last year's group of seasonaires didn't quite go as planned, Lyndon was able to ride out the storm and has decided to up the ante this summer. She's moved the group to a Malibu mansion and doubled their salary—but expectations are greater, too, since not only will they have to have a near-constant presence on social media, but they'll also be filmed this year by Brandon, the son of Lyndon's business partner.
Returning to shepherd this year's group is Mia, who hopes to use the summer to recover a bit from her mother's recent death. Her best friend and nemesis, Presley, is handling public relations for the brand, and she knows what it's like to turn trouble into opportunity. Presley hasn't quite forgiven Mia for all that transpired last year, so she's going to have to watch her back. And this year's group is full of stunners looking to grab every opportunity that comes their way, but each comes with their own baggage, so Mia will have her hands full.
As Mia tries to get back into the swing of things, and concentrate on Lyndon's promise of her own collection, she finds it increasingly more difficult to put the events of last year behind her. And little by little, as some who tried to do her harm begin circling around again, she has to decide whether she's willing to risk her dreams, her life, or the safety of those around her. Perhaps this "dream life" isn't quite what it seems...
Once again, King has written an utterly readable book, providing a glimpse at "how the other half lives," full of glamour, glitz, and sudsy melodrama. I still find myself shaking my head at times, incredulous that there really are people who make a living building buzz for brands on social media—and then I remember that I post book reviews on Instagram and other social media channels. (But the old man in me sometimes emerges saying, "What? They make money putting pictures up? Unbelievable.")
You could read Malibu Bluff without having read The Seasonaires but I wouldn't recommend it, because events and people that are alluded to in this book are more rounded out once you have the background from the first book. These characters aren't necessarily likable or sympathetic, but then again, that's part of their appeal, much like the characters from the soap operas I used to watch.
If you're looking for a light read that makes you long for summer, beautiful people, and stylish clothes, Janna King has just the answer for you. I don't know if another book in this series will come, but if it does, I'll be waiting!
NetGalley and W.W. Norton & Company provided me an advance copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making this available!
This book will be published May 7, 2019.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2018 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2018.html.
You can follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/yrralh/.
This is one of the reasons I've enjoyed Janna King's two novels in her Seasonaires series: The Seasonaires (see my review) and now, Malibu Bluff . They're soapy, fun books that make me feel like summer, and honestly, I wouldn't have been surprised to hear one of the characters in this latest book utter the words, "Welcome to the O.C., bitch."
Famed fashion designer Lyndon Wyld is a shrewd entrepreneur. She recognizes that the success of her clothing line doesn't just hinge on the stylishness of the clothes, but it's more about the buzz she can create. So she hires a group of beautiful young people for the summer to be "seasonaires"—social media brand ambassadors, raising public chatter about her clothes and looking great while wearing them. It's an amazing opportunity for an unforgettable summer, to live the glamorous life.
While things with last year's group of seasonaires didn't quite go as planned, Lyndon was able to ride out the storm and has decided to up the ante this summer. She's moved the group to a Malibu mansion and doubled their salary—but expectations are greater, too, since not only will they have to have a near-constant presence on social media, but they'll also be filmed this year by Brandon, the son of Lyndon's business partner.
Returning to shepherd this year's group is Mia, who hopes to use the summer to recover a bit from her mother's recent death. Her best friend and nemesis, Presley, is handling public relations for the brand, and she knows what it's like to turn trouble into opportunity. Presley hasn't quite forgiven Mia for all that transpired last year, so she's going to have to watch her back. And this year's group is full of stunners looking to grab every opportunity that comes their way, but each comes with their own baggage, so Mia will have her hands full.
As Mia tries to get back into the swing of things, and concentrate on Lyndon's promise of her own collection, she finds it increasingly more difficult to put the events of last year behind her. And little by little, as some who tried to do her harm begin circling around again, she has to decide whether she's willing to risk her dreams, her life, or the safety of those around her. Perhaps this "dream life" isn't quite what it seems...
Once again, King has written an utterly readable book, providing a glimpse at "how the other half lives," full of glamour, glitz, and sudsy melodrama. I still find myself shaking my head at times, incredulous that there really are people who make a living building buzz for brands on social media—and then I remember that I post book reviews on Instagram and other social media channels. (But the old man in me sometimes emerges saying, "What? They make money putting pictures up? Unbelievable.")
You could read Malibu Bluff without having read The Seasonaires but I wouldn't recommend it, because events and people that are alluded to in this book are more rounded out once you have the background from the first book. These characters aren't necessarily likable or sympathetic, but then again, that's part of their appeal, much like the characters from the soap operas I used to watch.
If you're looking for a light read that makes you long for summer, beautiful people, and stylish clothes, Janna King has just the answer for you. I don't know if another book in this series will come, but if it does, I'll be waiting!
NetGalley and W.W. Norton & Company provided me an advance copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making this available!
This book will be published May 7, 2019.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2018 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2018.html.
You can follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/yrralh/.
May 7, 2019
4 dramatic stars for the sheer entertainment of it all! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
When I received this book for review, I did a quick read of The Seasonaires, which was released last year. I had read Malibu Bluff is a standalone, but reading The Seasonaires really set the stage for Malibu Bluff because I knew some of the characters and backstory, and truthfully, these stories are such guilty pleasures, I gobbled up every bit.
Disclaimer: I’m a recovering reality TV addict. It was bad, y’all. I’m from the reality TV generation starting with The Real World. I then moved on to Big Brother, Survivor, Laguna Beach, The Hills, and up to the Housewives. All.of.them. In the past year, I’ve been reading more, and TV and I have had a falling out, and slowly reality TV is losing its hold on me. That said, when I’m not feeling well and can’t read for whatever reason, there is nothing better for relieving stress than some reality TV drama.
All of that to say, Malibu Bluff is indulgent and highly reminiscent of my favorite reality TV shows, especially Laguna Beach and The Hills.
The premise is this: each summer six twenty-somethings are selected by Lyndon Wyld, the founder of her clothing line, to be brand ambassadors and influencers. This year, Mia, from last season, is chose to take the brand to the west coast and lead the pack.
Mia’s mother passed away, and she has to be persuaded to join up again. She also thinks a change of scenery will be good for her.
Mia will be living in a beautiful mansion with the other ambassadors, and each of them has quite the larger-than-life personality.
Malibu made for such a fun setting! It took me right back to my shows I’ve loved. As with The Seasonaires, there’s some darkness and intrigue, which adds to the drama.
Overall, Malibu Bluff is all about the sheer entertainment. The people are pretty, even when their actions aren’t. I couldn’t relate much to the characters, though I did find Mia sympathetic at times through the loss of her mom. But all that doesn’t matter because I don’t think the characters are meant to be relatable. They are just here for your amusement, and Malibu Beach was as fun as an amusement park.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
When I received this book for review, I did a quick read of The Seasonaires, which was released last year. I had read Malibu Bluff is a standalone, but reading The Seasonaires really set the stage for Malibu Bluff because I knew some of the characters and backstory, and truthfully, these stories are such guilty pleasures, I gobbled up every bit.
Disclaimer: I’m a recovering reality TV addict. It was bad, y’all. I’m from the reality TV generation starting with The Real World. I then moved on to Big Brother, Survivor, Laguna Beach, The Hills, and up to the Housewives. All.of.them. In the past year, I’ve been reading more, and TV and I have had a falling out, and slowly reality TV is losing its hold on me. That said, when I’m not feeling well and can’t read for whatever reason, there is nothing better for relieving stress than some reality TV drama.
All of that to say, Malibu Bluff is indulgent and highly reminiscent of my favorite reality TV shows, especially Laguna Beach and The Hills.
The premise is this: each summer six twenty-somethings are selected by Lyndon Wyld, the founder of her clothing line, to be brand ambassadors and influencers. This year, Mia, from last season, is chose to take the brand to the west coast and lead the pack.
Mia’s mother passed away, and she has to be persuaded to join up again. She also thinks a change of scenery will be good for her.
Mia will be living in a beautiful mansion with the other ambassadors, and each of them has quite the larger-than-life personality.
Malibu made for such a fun setting! It took me right back to my shows I’ve loved. As with The Seasonaires, there’s some darkness and intrigue, which adds to the drama.
Overall, Malibu Bluff is all about the sheer entertainment. The people are pretty, even when their actions aren’t. I couldn’t relate much to the characters, though I did find Mia sympathetic at times through the loss of her mom. But all that doesn’t matter because I don’t think the characters are meant to be relatable. They are just here for your amusement, and Malibu Beach was as fun as an amusement park.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
May 4, 2019
Malibu Bluff is certainly a summer read. It is also the second book in the seasonairies series and you really do need to read the first book before this one - something that I had not done. I did feel very lost in the story, a lot of the book references events last summer in the previous book. I think the affected my enjoyment of this one as I was always trying to work out what was happening. Add to that the lack of likeable characters and this was just a 3 star read for me.
The main character Mia returns to the programme with an offer too good to refuse. Her mother has just passed away and she needs the money and the distraction. And who wouldn't want to live in a gorgeous Malibu mansion. Only when she arrives all is not as it seems and this years other sesonairies are much more out there and opinionated. She also has to go back on social media after being away for a year. With a group of people like this there is certain to be drama and there absolutely is.
Thanks to Pegasus Books and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased
The main character Mia returns to the programme with an offer too good to refuse. Her mother has just passed away and she needs the money and the distraction. And who wouldn't want to live in a gorgeous Malibu mansion. Only when she arrives all is not as it seems and this years other sesonairies are much more out there and opinionated. She also has to go back on social media after being away for a year. With a group of people like this there is certain to be drama and there absolutely is.
Thanks to Pegasus Books and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased
September 8, 2020
I'm so sorry. I wanted this to be good. I thought the first one, while not perfect, was a lot of fun.
This one...was not.
Somehow, the drama managed to be both over-the-top and boring at the same time. There were opportunities for real statements about everything from rape to LGBTQ issues to gender non-conforming to crime and...each one came across as shallow. I mean...I guess I shouldn't be surprised? The book *is* about plastic people looking for attention. But...it wasn't even fun. And it should have been, at a minimum, over-the-top fun and glam and...something!
I hope there isn't a third book. I think this is played out.
This one...was not.
Somehow, the drama managed to be both over-the-top and boring at the same time. There were opportunities for real statements about everything from rape to LGBTQ issues to gender non-conforming to crime and...each one came across as shallow. I mean...I guess I shouldn't be surprised? The book *is* about plastic people looking for attention. But...it wasn't even fun. And it should have been, at a minimum, over-the-top fun and glam and...something!
I hope there isn't a third book. I think this is played out.
March 11, 2019
Malibu Bluff is true to its name as a beach read. It's a sequel, and I recommend reading the first book. I didn't and was confused a bit here and there. The story is great romcom chick lit. Fans of the genre will enjoy this book. It's entertaining and a fast read. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2019
Well executed sequel to one of my favorite books of 2018. Beyond grateful to have been able to read an advance copy of this book thanks to Kathleen Carter Communications.
I appreciated how the book intertwined with the first book, The Seasonaires . It packed a punch with well-written characters that you can either love or hate, the overall vibes of the book were vivid, dark and utterly addicting.
If you loved The O.C, Son’s of Anarchy or anything on reality tv & California related, I believe this is the book series for you. I recommend reading The Seasonaires finish.
I will be posting a review and music play list closer to publication date. Kudos and much love Janna King!!
I appreciated how the book intertwined with the first book, The Seasonaires . It packed a punch with well-written characters that you can either love or hate, the overall vibes of the book were vivid, dark and utterly addicting.
If you loved The O.C, Son’s of Anarchy or anything on reality tv & California related, I believe this is the book series for you. I recommend reading The Seasonaires finish.
I will be posting a review and music play list closer to publication date. Kudos and much love Janna King!!
June 13, 2019
Malibu Bluff
• If you’re anything like me, reality TV is like a lifeline to a world outside of mac & cheese, poopy diapers, and aching feet from stepping on those damn Lego pieces. Well, this book, friends, is like reading about an INSANE reality TV show. Love. Double love- Every. Single. Moment. of this book. The second in the series to the Seasonaires, Mia travels out west to Malibu for the summer to live in a mansion with six other seasonaires and work for Lyndon Wyld as an ambassador to her clothing line.
• Though it is a sequel, it can stand alone. There are references to drama from the first book, but nothing that was too confusing for me to lose what was happening in the plot. This delicious drama did, one hundred percent, make me decide that I will go back and pick up the first in the series!
• Like any good reality TV series, there is a crap ton of drama, deceit, betrayal, and scandal. Malibu Bluff doesn’t disappoint. Mia is the level headed one in this gang of influencers, and her counterparts are right on par with their over sharing on social media, their back stabbing, and their need for attention. It was amazing to watch everything unfold. And there’s a twist at the end that left me gasping for breath.
• The descriptions are amazing. I felt like I smelled the Pacific Ocean and felt the fabrics of the clothing. The diverse group of influencers was described in such a way that I literally had the perfect mental movie happening in my head.
• The audio is really good. I listened to it on a recent road trip and thank goodness my children slept most of the way because otherwise I would have been resenting them from keeping me from my reality book reading!
• If you’re anything like me, reality TV is like a lifeline to a world outside of mac & cheese, poopy diapers, and aching feet from stepping on those damn Lego pieces. Well, this book, friends, is like reading about an INSANE reality TV show. Love. Double love- Every. Single. Moment. of this book. The second in the series to the Seasonaires, Mia travels out west to Malibu for the summer to live in a mansion with six other seasonaires and work for Lyndon Wyld as an ambassador to her clothing line.
• Though it is a sequel, it can stand alone. There are references to drama from the first book, but nothing that was too confusing for me to lose what was happening in the plot. This delicious drama did, one hundred percent, make me decide that I will go back and pick up the first in the series!
• Like any good reality TV series, there is a crap ton of drama, deceit, betrayal, and scandal. Malibu Bluff doesn’t disappoint. Mia is the level headed one in this gang of influencers, and her counterparts are right on par with their over sharing on social media, their back stabbing, and their need for attention. It was amazing to watch everything unfold. And there’s a twist at the end that left me gasping for breath.
• The descriptions are amazing. I felt like I smelled the Pacific Ocean and felt the fabrics of the clothing. The diverse group of influencers was described in such a way that I literally had the perfect mental movie happening in my head.
• The audio is really good. I listened to it on a recent road trip and thank goodness my children slept most of the way because otherwise I would have been resenting them from keeping me from my reality book reading!
June 8, 2019
Janna King, Author of “Malibu Bluff” the sequel to “The Seasonaires” has written an exciting, adventurous, entertaining and intense novel. The Genres for this novel are Fiction and Contemporary Fiction. Most of the story takes place in Malibu, where the Seasonaires, make money promoting Lyndon Wyld’s fashions by all media. There are twists and turns and betrayals, as each of the characters tries to be the most popular. The author describes her characters with their own set of problems to work out, complex, and complicated.
Mia and Presley are back from the first book. Mia’s mother has just passed away, and Lyndon convinces her to come back for the summer. Brandon is the son of Lyndon’s partner who will be adding a digital channel and is always walking around with a camera.
There are some people who want revenge on Mia, from the year before, and there are threats and danger. I would recommend this entertaining novel for those readers who enjoy an exciting and action filled story.
Mia and Presley are back from the first book. Mia’s mother has just passed away, and Lyndon convinces her to come back for the summer. Brandon is the son of Lyndon’s partner who will be adding a digital channel and is always walking around with a camera.
There are some people who want revenge on Mia, from the year before, and there are threats and danger. I would recommend this entertaining novel for those readers who enjoy an exciting and action filled story.
June 14, 2019
I wish I could rate it less than 1
March 22, 2023
I told myself I was going to read this one. I was going to give it the benefit of the doubt I SWEAR but I just couldn’t do it. I ended up reading the first 50 pages or so then skipped to the last 20.
The plot is trying too hard to be something it’s not. NOT TO MENTION that, with mere pages to go until the end of the book, an absolute BOMBSHELL gets dropped. Here is the exact quote I’m talking about:
“What’s the challenge?”
“Skeeball.”
“I don’t even know what that is,” said Mia.
…
…
I have never in my entire life EVER met a person who doesn’t know what skeeball is. Now, maybe this is my privilege talking, but how in the hell does a twenty something year old WOMAN not know what damn skeeball is? I’m calling bullshit.
I’m so sorry to the author of these books but I just can’t. Maybe this would be a good basis for a TV show… but as a book series, it’s not working.
The plot is trying too hard to be something it’s not. NOT TO MENTION that, with mere pages to go until the end of the book, an absolute BOMBSHELL gets dropped. Here is the exact quote I’m talking about:
“What’s the challenge?”
“Skeeball.”
“I don’t even know what that is,” said Mia.
…
…
I have never in my entire life EVER met a person who doesn’t know what skeeball is. Now, maybe this is my privilege talking, but how in the hell does a twenty something year old WOMAN not know what damn skeeball is? I’m calling bullshit.
I’m so sorry to the author of these books but I just can’t. Maybe this would be a good basis for a TV show… but as a book series, it’s not working.
October 5, 2025
I thought this book would have had more drama for Malibu Beach read. I realize it is the second book in the series so there was a little bit of a backstory that I had to put together. I probably would have had a better handle on the story if I had read the first book. I think the back stories of the characters could have been developed more. The story didn’t really get moving until the end of the book.
April 13, 2019
If you’re anything like me you watch way too much reality TV. It becomes so addictive watching these people’s lives play out right before our eyes. I think we thrive on the drama, looking inside their mansion homes with perfect furnishings, the perfect children, the most adorable pets. It really is mindless TV. When I read The Seasonaires , Janna’s first book, I felt like I was watching an episode of the Real World on MTV, or women competing for a spot to be a brand ambassador for the famous Diane Furstenburg. Janna really captures a time period in our society where everything is documented, and over shared on social media. Eating dinner…take a photo before you dig in. At a concert? Record it. Wearing a new outfit, take a selfie. We are a society open to share our every move, and Janna has captured this in both her books.
Lyndon Wyld is on the search for this summer’s newest brand ambassadors. After last summers tragedy it’s the last job Mia wants, but with the recent death of her mother and the landlord threatening to evict, she knows this is her only way to support herself and her brother. It’s not all bad after all; she will have the opportunity to work on her own clothing line with the possibility of Lyndon purchasing her designs and a good amount of money in her bank account. So off she goes on a first class flight to California, to the beach city of Malibu. The home is beautiful, the other brand ambassadors are beautiful, and the space Lyndon has picked out for Mia is stocked with the best sewing machine money can buy. The six brand ambassadors will spend the summer wearing Lyndon Wyld swag, taking photos and videos and documenting it all on social media. (Told you this sounds just like a reality show!) Mia really likes her new friends but when the past comes back to haunt her she’ll have to do what it takes to protect her new friends from mistakes she made with old ones.
I am a huge fan of author Janna King and was excited to meet her after her first book The Seasonaires came out. She has an amazing talent of being a screenwriter and as you read her books, you will feel like you’re getting a preview of the next best reality TV show. Although Janna’s books are fiction, they are based on topics we all see every day on TV and social media. At times you can forget it’s all made up from her pretty little mind! For those of you that haven’t read The Seasonaires you do not need to read it in order to jump into Malibu Bluff. I think you’ll like it, but Janna does such a good job of catching you up on the characters that come back from the first book, without taking too much away from the new plot. I really enjoyed getting to know the main character better, watching her grow through the second book, and found myself cheering her on. You’ll be right there wishing her love, happiness, successes, even forgiveness. Will there be a third book….only Janna knows!
Lyndon Wyld is on the search for this summer’s newest brand ambassadors. After last summers tragedy it’s the last job Mia wants, but with the recent death of her mother and the landlord threatening to evict, she knows this is her only way to support herself and her brother. It’s not all bad after all; she will have the opportunity to work on her own clothing line with the possibility of Lyndon purchasing her designs and a good amount of money in her bank account. So off she goes on a first class flight to California, to the beach city of Malibu. The home is beautiful, the other brand ambassadors are beautiful, and the space Lyndon has picked out for Mia is stocked with the best sewing machine money can buy. The six brand ambassadors will spend the summer wearing Lyndon Wyld swag, taking photos and videos and documenting it all on social media. (Told you this sounds just like a reality show!) Mia really likes her new friends but when the past comes back to haunt her she’ll have to do what it takes to protect her new friends from mistakes she made with old ones.
I am a huge fan of author Janna King and was excited to meet her after her first book The Seasonaires came out. She has an amazing talent of being a screenwriter and as you read her books, you will feel like you’re getting a preview of the next best reality TV show. Although Janna’s books are fiction, they are based on topics we all see every day on TV and social media. At times you can forget it’s all made up from her pretty little mind! For those of you that haven’t read The Seasonaires you do not need to read it in order to jump into Malibu Bluff. I think you’ll like it, but Janna does such a good job of catching you up on the characters that come back from the first book, without taking too much away from the new plot. I really enjoyed getting to know the main character better, watching her grow through the second book, and found myself cheering her on. You’ll be right there wishing her love, happiness, successes, even forgiveness. Will there be a third book….only Janna knows!
August 26, 2019
If you liked the first book in this series you will no doubt like this book.
This book is better than the first one, which you really should read before this one as it sets up the story and has characters from the first. I'd go so far as to say you need to read the first. You can go without it but I just wouldn't because you will lose something from the story if you do. It'd be like watching the second season of any given reality show, you can do it but you miss a chunk of it and you get the back references so you always feel a little out of the loop. I can't say a ton about this book because it is a second in a series but there are some things that can be said. Actually, I don't think much of anything can ruin it as it doesn't have a huge complex plot that I can remember but anyway I'm digressing a lot. This book is okay. After reading the first one you have to read the second. It was like the proverbial train wreck. You just have to look. I wasn't a fan of the first one but this one was better.
In this book you got the chance to see different characters and the ones that were brought over from the first were more developed in this one. They were still true to form but you were more used to them now. In this one, relationships change and well, it really is like a reality show with a little scripted crime drama thrown in. This one starts out with some criminal action going on, flashes back to the story leading up to it, then eventually builds up to it and you get back to that point (I believe the first did that same thing but with a different crime). This was a strange little crime and it had an interesting outcome but hurried and a bit weird when it all came down at the very end. However, the build up to it and the 'show' going on with the influensers is a hoot. You get all the backstabbing and lying and so on that you would get in a really 'real' reality show.
If you like reality TV you really might enjoy these books. They definitely capture that world well. I wasn't the biggest fan of this series but I can see the appeal to the fans of these show types. You will love this I think!
This book is better than the first one, which you really should read before this one as it sets up the story and has characters from the first. I'd go so far as to say you need to read the first. You can go without it but I just wouldn't because you will lose something from the story if you do. It'd be like watching the second season of any given reality show, you can do it but you miss a chunk of it and you get the back references so you always feel a little out of the loop. I can't say a ton about this book because it is a second in a series but there are some things that can be said. Actually, I don't think much of anything can ruin it as it doesn't have a huge complex plot that I can remember but anyway I'm digressing a lot. This book is okay. After reading the first one you have to read the second. It was like the proverbial train wreck. You just have to look. I wasn't a fan of the first one but this one was better.
In this book you got the chance to see different characters and the ones that were brought over from the first were more developed in this one. They were still true to form but you were more used to them now. In this one, relationships change and well, it really is like a reality show with a little scripted crime drama thrown in. This one starts out with some criminal action going on, flashes back to the story leading up to it, then eventually builds up to it and you get back to that point (I believe the first did that same thing but with a different crime). This was a strange little crime and it had an interesting outcome but hurried and a bit weird when it all came down at the very end. However, the build up to it and the 'show' going on with the influensers is a hoot. You get all the backstabbing and lying and so on that you would get in a really 'real' reality show.
If you like reality TV you really might enjoy these books. They definitely capture that world well. I wasn't the biggest fan of this series but I can see the appeal to the fans of these show types. You will love this I think!
June 7, 2019
Are you looking for the perfect beachy, summer books? Then look no further and go pick up both of Janna King’s novels! The Seasonaires stories are a mix between MTV’s Real World and Laguna Beach! Instead of reality tv everything is on YouTube and Instagram! Being a Seasonaire is the best summer job any twenty-something can get! They are brand ambassadors to the chic clothing line Lyndon Wyld. All they have to do is wear and promote the brand to their mass of followers all summer and they get paid to do it! And they get to live in a great house, and everything is taken care of for them.
The first book, The Seasonaires, introduces us to Mia from Boston. She is sharp around the edges, but this job will change her life. She meets the other Seasonaires- Presley, Cole, Jade, JP and Grant. The group gets mixed up in greed, rivalries and of course sex, drugs and murder! As many of us know what you see on social media is all shiny and pretty but what is behind the scenes is normally very different. In the case of the Seasonaires it is much more cutthroat than they realize.
Malibu Bluff, the second Seasonaires book finds us on the West Coast with Mia returning to lead the group of new Seasonaires. The new group- Eve, Alex, Chase, Oliver and Brandon will keep Mia on her toes. They all want to be the next top Seasonaire and are there to advance their own ideas! Familiar faces from the first summer will pop in and out of the story as Mia works hard to designer her clothing line for Lyndon Wyld while shielding the group from any tragedy that may strike!
I enjoyed these quick YA novels! I recommend you add them to your list.
The first book, The Seasonaires, introduces us to Mia from Boston. She is sharp around the edges, but this job will change her life. She meets the other Seasonaires- Presley, Cole, Jade, JP and Grant. The group gets mixed up in greed, rivalries and of course sex, drugs and murder! As many of us know what you see on social media is all shiny and pretty but what is behind the scenes is normally very different. In the case of the Seasonaires it is much more cutthroat than they realize.
Malibu Bluff, the second Seasonaires book finds us on the West Coast with Mia returning to lead the group of new Seasonaires. The new group- Eve, Alex, Chase, Oliver and Brandon will keep Mia on her toes. They all want to be the next top Seasonaire and are there to advance their own ideas! Familiar faces from the first summer will pop in and out of the story as Mia works hard to designer her clothing line for Lyndon Wyld while shielding the group from any tragedy that may strike!
I enjoyed these quick YA novels! I recommend you add them to your list.
June 6, 2025
After falling in love with The Seasonaires and making it part of my annual summer reading tradition, I had to dive into the sequel—and Malibu Bluff did not disappoint! Janna King delivers another stylish, suspenseful, and addictive story that picks up the energy and drama right where the first book left off.
This time, we trade in Nantucket’s charm for the sun-drenched, high-stakes world of Malibu. The influencers are back, but the stakes feel even higher—more secrets, more fame, and a sharper look at the darker side of curated perfection. There’s something so captivating about the mix of glitz and grit in this series. I found myself completely wrapped up in the new setting, fresh twists, and the returning characters I couldn’t wait to catch up with.
What I really appreciate about this series is how it balances the beach-read aesthetic with real tension and thoughtful commentary on image, privilege, and identity. It’s the kind of book you bring to the beach but end up finishing in one sitting because you need to know what happens next.
If you loved The Seasonaires, you’ll definitely want to keep the story going with Malibu Bluff. I’m officially hooked on this series—and Malibu is the perfect backdrop for round two.
This time, we trade in Nantucket’s charm for the sun-drenched, high-stakes world of Malibu. The influencers are back, but the stakes feel even higher—more secrets, more fame, and a sharper look at the darker side of curated perfection. There’s something so captivating about the mix of glitz and grit in this series. I found myself completely wrapped up in the new setting, fresh twists, and the returning characters I couldn’t wait to catch up with.
What I really appreciate about this series is how it balances the beach-read aesthetic with real tension and thoughtful commentary on image, privilege, and identity. It’s the kind of book you bring to the beach but end up finishing in one sitting because you need to know what happens next.
If you loved The Seasonaires, you’ll definitely want to keep the story going with Malibu Bluff. I’m officially hooked on this series—and Malibu is the perfect backdrop for round two.
April 22, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Malibu Bluff follows the residents of a glitzy Malibu neighborhood as secrets unravel and scandals surface in the wake of a shocking murder. As relationships fracture and loyalties are tested, everyone seems to have something to hide. The characters are fun and flawed, and the coastal setting makes everything feel sun-soaked and cinematic. I didn’t quite fall in love with the story, but I definitely enjoyed the ride.
The pacing was steady, and there were moments of genuine emotion tucked between the juicy twists and turns. Some plot points felt a little familiar, but they still managed to be entertaining. If you’re looking for a light, soapy escape with a touch of mystery, this book fits the bill.
It’s not a new favorite, but it’s a fun one to toss in your beach bag.
I recommend this to readers who enjoy a mix of drama, secrets, and a bit of glitz in:
-The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine,
-Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner, or
-The Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand
Malibu Bluff follows the residents of a glitzy Malibu neighborhood as secrets unravel and scandals surface in the wake of a shocking murder. As relationships fracture and loyalties are tested, everyone seems to have something to hide. The characters are fun and flawed, and the coastal setting makes everything feel sun-soaked and cinematic. I didn’t quite fall in love with the story, but I definitely enjoyed the ride.
The pacing was steady, and there were moments of genuine emotion tucked between the juicy twists and turns. Some plot points felt a little familiar, but they still managed to be entertaining. If you’re looking for a light, soapy escape with a touch of mystery, this book fits the bill.
It’s not a new favorite, but it’s a fun one to toss in your beach bag.
I recommend this to readers who enjoy a mix of drama, secrets, and a bit of glitz in:
-The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine,
-Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner, or
-The Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand
May 1, 2019
Last year, after finishing The Seasonaires, I was somewhat disappointed in how it ended - because I wanted more for Mia.
And lookie what I have here - the 2nd in the series! Mia returns in Malibu Bluff, A new Seasonaires book. London Wyld moves her influencers to sunny Malibu and she wants Mia to return. Mia - desperate for money and for redemption for the previous summer - returns to be the 'lead' seasonaire.
There's less hashtag and viewers talk in this book and more confusing plot lines. There's a motorcycle gang, there's Presley, back to cause trouble, and there's rape, mental help issues and frequent drug use.
As much as I wanted to follow Mia and how she would 'raise herself up from her bootstraps' - this was just too many things going on at once. The book is 'resolved' in the last 5%. I needed more plot and frankly, more details on clothes.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
And lookie what I have here - the 2nd in the series! Mia returns in Malibu Bluff, A new Seasonaires book. London Wyld moves her influencers to sunny Malibu and she wants Mia to return. Mia - desperate for money and for redemption for the previous summer - returns to be the 'lead' seasonaire.
There's less hashtag and viewers talk in this book and more confusing plot lines. There's a motorcycle gang, there's Presley, back to cause trouble, and there's rape, mental help issues and frequent drug use.
As much as I wanted to follow Mia and how she would 'raise herself up from her bootstraps' - this was just too many things going on at once. The book is 'resolved' in the last 5%. I needed more plot and frankly, more details on clothes.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 7, 2019
Bring on summer! Last summer the first book in this series, The Seasonaires was my favorite read. I was lucky to get an ARC through netgalley of Malibu Summer and couldn’t wait to get started. Mia is back for another summer as a seasonaire this time on the shores of Malibu. Dealing with the death of her mom and the reminder of what happened the previous summer Mia is wary but soon hits it off with her housemates. Not only do the seasonaires need to promote their brand via social media but now adjust to being filmed as well. Of course it wouldn’t be a Malibu summer without romance, danger, drama and gorgeous sunsets. Add this book to your summer reading list because you won’t want to miss it
August 1, 2019
A huge thank you to Pegasus Books for gifting me a copy of this book.
If you are looking for a fun summer series to start on your beach vacation than this one is it! I was a huge fan of The Seasonaires (Book #1) which I would highly encourage you to read before picking up this one. I feel like if you do not know the backstory that book one provides you may find this story a bit confusing.
This book takes us forward to the next summer. Mia's mother has passed away and she is unsure how her and her brother are going to make rent when she is approached to do her Lyndon clothing line again and be the returning Seasonaire. The new group will take you on all the thrills and adventures as the old crowd with new drama haunting the group.
A fun read for a day at the beach. I did not enjoy it as much as the first one but still enjoyed reading about the life of the Seasonaire's!
If you are looking for a fun summer series to start on your beach vacation than this one is it! I was a huge fan of The Seasonaires (Book #1) which I would highly encourage you to read before picking up this one. I feel like if you do not know the backstory that book one provides you may find this story a bit confusing.
This book takes us forward to the next summer. Mia's mother has passed away and she is unsure how her and her brother are going to make rent when she is approached to do her Lyndon clothing line again and be the returning Seasonaire. The new group will take you on all the thrills and adventures as the old crowd with new drama haunting the group.
A fun read for a day at the beach. I did not enjoy it as much as the first one but still enjoyed reading about the life of the Seasonaire's!
December 31, 2019
Malibu Bluff is very much a guilty pleasure, and one that I really enjoyed reading, even more than its predecessor The Seasonaires. The choice to move the setting to California was smart. Overall, I thought the plot’s pacing was better, but I found myself questioning the need for some of the more soapy thriller parts. (Would the story be better if it’s only about Mia dealing with the aftermath of last summer as a returning seasonaire without the new threat, for example?) As a whole, though, Malibu Bluff is a great beach read...or a great couch read when you are wishing you could be at the beach. 😎
July 27, 2020
This is book 2 about the Seasonaires. This book will feel like your favourite reality tv show combined with a beach vacation. This book has all the drama and also has some suspenseful shocking plot twist moments. We find out more about the characters from book 1, The Seasonaires, and also are introduced to some new characters this summer in Malibu. This book was entertaining and is a great summer read and you definitely should read The Seasonaires before reading this book.
May 25, 2019
This breezy sequel captures young millennials from all walks of life living the dream out in Malibu. Locations are a road map through Malibu, gay pride, and every place in between through the eyes of Mia, an outsider looking to escape with her band of seasonaires capturing the spirit of LA with a mystery at the center.
February 16, 2022
The Seasonaires second summer was a light read. If you enjoyed the Seasonaires, you’ll probably also enjoy Malibu Bluff. You should read the Seasonaires first if you plan to read Malibu Bluff. A significant amount of the story is a continuation. It is a light read, and it will not tax your brain.
May 13, 2019
There’s never been a better time for a beachy escapist novel. Taking off from The Seasonaires, Malibu Bluff continues the frothy drama in another gorgeous locale with some new brand ambassadors and a few returning characters. Another fun, easy read.
September 2, 2019
if the seasonaires is like getting sucked into reality tv, this is me canceling my cable because it's too fake and i just can't. i love malibu but the motorcycle gang was just too much for me. also, after the seasonaires this just felt tired.
September 3, 2019
The Seasonaires was soooo good! Malibu Bluff is killin’ me. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Leaning hard on its predecessor the weak antagonist didn’t invoke much interest for me and by the time they were threatening enough, it was over. It felt very phoned in. ☹️
Leaning hard on its predecessor the weak antagonist didn’t invoke much interest for me and by the time they were threatening enough, it was over. It felt very phoned in. ☹️
June 17, 2024
I love this series a lot!!! but mia pissed me off a lot with this book ngl! but even though she pissed me off i would love a third book… not sure if there is one but i’m too into this series for there not to be!
May 16, 2019
This is exactly what I want to read when I’m sitting in the sun in Santa Monica. It’s perfect for sheer entertainment and fun.
June 17, 2019
Review to follow shortly
July 5, 2019
See my full review here.
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