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Malibu Summer
Lose yourself in this opposites-attract romance set on a sunny Malibu hillside
Ivy Bauer is a young, bright environmental scientist, PhD candidate, and inventor of a game-changing organic irrigation system. She’s on top of the world when, suddenly, her husband is killed in a biking accident. Needing space to grieve, she takes a summer job as a gardener in Malibu.
Conrad Reed is a wealthy Hollywood has-been who, after the death of his young wife, feels overwhelmed by the care of his rambunctious stepson Hudson, massive beach estate, and deteriorating career. Enter Ivy with her gig as gardener-for-the-summer, who—he hopes—will help take at least one thing off his plate. But the bossy, opinionated Ivy isn’t making things any easier for him. When she starts cutting back his late wife’s prized rose bushes to plant indigenous grasses, sparks fly between these two uber-driven people—and not the good kind of sparks.
It’s when Ivy finds the key to Hudson’s heart that Conrad’s own heart begins to melt as well. . . and then the sparks that fly are the ones that kindle the best kind of love affair. . .
Ivy Bauer is a young, bright environmental scientist, PhD candidate, and inventor of a game-changing organic irrigation system. She’s on top of the world when, suddenly, her husband is killed in a biking accident. Needing space to grieve, she takes a summer job as a gardener in Malibu.
Conrad Reed is a wealthy Hollywood has-been who, after the death of his young wife, feels overwhelmed by the care of his rambunctious stepson Hudson, massive beach estate, and deteriorating career. Enter Ivy with her gig as gardener-for-the-summer, who—he hopes—will help take at least one thing off his plate. But the bossy, opinionated Ivy isn’t making things any easier for him. When she starts cutting back his late wife’s prized rose bushes to plant indigenous grasses, sparks fly between these two uber-driven people—and not the good kind of sparks.
It’s when Ivy finds the key to Hudson’s heart that Conrad’s own heart begins to melt as well. . . and then the sparks that fly are the ones that kindle the best kind of love affair. . .
304 pages, Paperback
Published May 21, 2024
About the author
Libby Gill
12 books61 followersLibby Gill is a former television executive who headed communications at Sony, Universal and Turner Broadcasting. Her first novel, MALIBU SUMMER, is published by Penguin Random House and debuts on May 21, 2024. Libby is an award-winning author of six non-fiction books, including You Unstuck, Traveling Hopefully, Capture the Mindshare, The Hope-Driven Leader, and Leadership Reckoning, (with co-authors Dr. Thomas Kolditz and Dr. Ryan Brown).
In addition to being a novelist, Libby is an executive coach, leadership expert, and international speaker, and has delivered keynotes on four continents and in 41 US states. She has appeared on the CBS Early Show, CNN, NPR, the Today Show and in Good Housekeeping, the New York Times, O Magazine, Self, Time Magazine, and the Wall Street Journal.
After many years living in Los Angeles—the center of the television industry— Libby and her husband relocated to Oregon’s Rogue Valley, where she hikes, gardens and attempts to learn golf.
In addition to being a novelist, Libby is an executive coach, leadership expert, and international speaker, and has delivered keynotes on four continents and in 41 US states. She has appeared on the CBS Early Show, CNN, NPR, the Today Show and in Good Housekeeping, the New York Times, O Magazine, Self, Time Magazine, and the Wall Street Journal.
After many years living in Los Angeles—the center of the television industry— Libby and her husband relocated to Oregon’s Rogue Valley, where she hikes, gardens and attempts to learn golf.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
August 11, 2024
3.5/5
Malibu Summer is Libby Gill's fiction debut, and what an interesting debut it was! This was such a unique premise with opposites-attract romance, found family, and forced proximity. I loved Ivy, and this is the first time I have seen an environmental scientist as the FMC of a romance which made it incredibly refreshing. She is one smart cookie and her intellect shines throughout the story. I wasn't the BIGGEST fan of Conrad, but he was a sweet dad to his stepson, and grief is a huge element since both Ivy and Conrad lost a partner. Hudson was the cutest little boy, and I thought he stole the show here.
The audiobook is narrated by one of my favorites, Thérèse Plummer, and even at the slow for me speed of 2x, her narration was completely on point. She had perfect pacing the entire time and made the speed feel less like a slog and more like a conversational pace. The only things that held me back a bit were parts of the book felt a bit disjointed and I didn't really feel any chemistry between our MCs. However, I did love the friendship between Ivy and Mak, and I appreciated the focus on grief and how healing can take different forms for different people. Gill's background in television shone through as well, and there was plenty I enjoyed!
I received an advance listening copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Malibu Summer is Libby Gill's fiction debut, and what an interesting debut it was! This was such a unique premise with opposites-attract romance, found family, and forced proximity. I loved Ivy, and this is the first time I have seen an environmental scientist as the FMC of a romance which made it incredibly refreshing. She is one smart cookie and her intellect shines throughout the story. I wasn't the BIGGEST fan of Conrad, but he was a sweet dad to his stepson, and grief is a huge element since both Ivy and Conrad lost a partner. Hudson was the cutest little boy, and I thought he stole the show here.
The audiobook is narrated by one of my favorites, Thérèse Plummer, and even at the slow for me speed of 2x, her narration was completely on point. She had perfect pacing the entire time and made the speed feel less like a slog and more like a conversational pace. The only things that held me back a bit were parts of the book felt a bit disjointed and I didn't really feel any chemistry between our MCs. However, I did love the friendship between Ivy and Mak, and I appreciated the focus on grief and how healing can take different forms for different people. Gill's background in television shone through as well, and there was plenty I enjoyed!
I received an advance listening copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 20, 2024
This book has its roots in death. It is a very intense novel, but it is a book that pulls you in and holds you there until you find out how it ends!
As you can see from the synopsis, Ivy Bauer and Conrad Reed have recently lost their respective spouses and are grieving—each in their own way. To add complications, Ivy is almost ready to test her invention, and Conrad has his very young stepson to take care of and to create a new TV series.
This time together, as Ivy restores an important garden for Conrad and Conrad learns what it is like to take care of Hudson AND write his show, pulls Ivy and Conrad together, begging the question -when is it appropriate for the remaining partner to begin a new relationship?
The author throws several monkey wrenches and then tosses some surprises into this book, keeping you on your toes.
I highly recommend this book to anyone,
*ARC was supplied by the publisher Penguin Books, the author, and NetGalley. My thanks.
As you can see from the synopsis, Ivy Bauer and Conrad Reed have recently lost their respective spouses and are grieving—each in their own way. To add complications, Ivy is almost ready to test her invention, and Conrad has his very young stepson to take care of and to create a new TV series.
This time together, as Ivy restores an important garden for Conrad and Conrad learns what it is like to take care of Hudson AND write his show, pulls Ivy and Conrad together, begging the question -when is it appropriate for the remaining partner to begin a new relationship?
The author throws several monkey wrenches and then tosses some surprises into this book, keeping you on your toes.
I highly recommend this book to anyone,
*ARC was supplied by the publisher Penguin Books, the author, and NetGalley. My thanks.
May 23, 2024
DNF @ 80% — there was more chemistry between the main characters and their professions than each other. They BARELY interacted. And when they did, it felt like small talk and god, it was just so forced and painful.
Instead of propelling the story, the short chapters made the pacing choppy and disjointed. And the plot was so incredibly boring. And the cherry on top was the overly quirky kid hogging the spotlight.
Instead of propelling the story, the short chapters made the pacing choppy and disjointed. And the plot was so incredibly boring. And the cherry on top was the overly quirky kid hogging the spotlight.
May 10, 2024
⭐️: 2
🌶️: 2
✨ grief
✨ widowers
✨ single guardian
✨ trigger warning: infertility
When I started reading this book, I was hopeful about it’s potential. I expected a deep and profound story about two widowers who were freshly overcoming their grief and would come to find support and new love within one another. This book was surface level and fell completely flat, in my opinion.
Unfortunately, the main area this book was severely lacking in, was character development. The main characters Ivy and Conrad were one dimensional, their only traits were that they were widowers and were successful in their careers. The two didn’t have an ounce of chemistry. As for the deceased, I had entirely no idea if Ivy even loved Will because honestly, he sounded pretty terrible. And Dawn, I think we may have learned more about Dawn than any other character. Also, the side characters might as well not have existed. Mak could have been an incredible companion to Ivy, and Charlotte and Randy could have been much more prominent as mentors and role models to Ivy.
I gave this book two chili peppers for spice because, and only because, it was open door. The sex scene was so vanilla and unnecessary(he slipped in, I came, he grunted). I would have enjoyed this climax (no pun intended) in their relationship much better as a beautiful, closed door moment.
I have no intention for this review to be harsh, and this is just my honest opinion. I would not recommend this book.
🌶️🌶️ = open door, minimal detail
📚Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Books for the ARC of Malibu Summer.
🌶️: 2
✨ grief
✨ widowers
✨ single guardian
✨ trigger warning: infertility
When I started reading this book, I was hopeful about it’s potential. I expected a deep and profound story about two widowers who were freshly overcoming their grief and would come to find support and new love within one another. This book was surface level and fell completely flat, in my opinion.
Unfortunately, the main area this book was severely lacking in, was character development. The main characters Ivy and Conrad were one dimensional, their only traits were that they were widowers and were successful in their careers. The two didn’t have an ounce of chemistry. As for the deceased, I had entirely no idea if Ivy even loved Will because honestly, he sounded pretty terrible. And Dawn, I think we may have learned more about Dawn than any other character. Also, the side characters might as well not have existed. Mak could have been an incredible companion to Ivy, and Charlotte and Randy could have been much more prominent as mentors and role models to Ivy.
I gave this book two chili peppers for spice because, and only because, it was open door. The sex scene was so vanilla and unnecessary(he slipped in, I came, he grunted). I would have enjoyed this climax (no pun intended) in their relationship much better as a beautiful, closed door moment.
I have no intention for this review to be harsh, and this is just my honest opinion. I would not recommend this book.
🌶️🌶️ = open door, minimal detail
📚Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Books for the ARC of Malibu Summer.
January 25, 2024
(3-3.5 stars) If you look at the cover and think, you are about to read a light hearted rom-com with Malibu Summer, you are not. This is a story about two people who are grieving the tragic loss of their spouses, in their own ways.... who somehow (I will get to the somehow), develop a romance. Ivy, a Soil Scientist, needs to get away after losing her husband, and ends up in Malibu with a gig as a Gardener for the estate of a hit TV writer/director/producer, Conrad. Conrad, coincidentally, recently had lost his wife, and is now raising his step-son, while battling his own grief and trying to make a new TV hit in order to provide for their new normal.
There was a lot I really enjoyed about this-
Mak (Ivy's best friend) and Hudson (Conrad's Step Son) honestly caried the story for me. Mak's quick wit never failed to make me laugh and Hudson... that sweet baby boy, I just couldn't get enough of him. I especially love how quickly he warmed up to Ivy and how I ultimately believe they greatly impacted how the other one helped them heal.
I love the way this book told a story about grief in such a unique way that highlighted a lot of big things for me- everyone grieves differently, and it is OKAY to move on with your life (not just romantically, but feeling joy is okay too).
Okay and the DRAMA- I did not see the 3rd act of this book coming!!!! I could honestly not put the book down from 75% on, I had to know what happened. My jaw was on the floooooor. Truly was in tears by the end.
Unfortunately what I felt like this book was lacking the most was the romance. I understand Conrad and Ivy were grieving, so the pacing needed to happen a bit slower than just getting right into it, but the romance didn't feel organic whatsoever. Once it "picked up", it felt random. I wanted there to be some form of tension, slow-burn, or even some kind of "I want them but I shouldn't", but that didn't even come until AFTER the first kiss.
I honestly felt like this was written more like a TV show or Movie Script DIALOUGE, without the ques from the characters on how to act... completely missing the build up, stolen glances, etc.
All & all, I did really enjoy this book and probably would have rated it a 5/5 if the romance was developed better. I do think this would make a GREAT movie. It would be so fun to watch.
There was a lot I really enjoyed about this-
Mak (Ivy's best friend) and Hudson (Conrad's Step Son) honestly caried the story for me. Mak's quick wit never failed to make me laugh and Hudson... that sweet baby boy, I just couldn't get enough of him. I especially love how quickly he warmed up to Ivy and how I ultimately believe they greatly impacted how the other one helped them heal.
I love the way this book told a story about grief in such a unique way that highlighted a lot of big things for me- everyone grieves differently, and it is OKAY to move on with your life (not just romantically, but feeling joy is okay too).
Okay and the DRAMA- I did not see the 3rd act of this book coming!!!! I could honestly not put the book down from 75% on, I had to know what happened. My jaw was on the floooooor. Truly was in tears by the end.
Unfortunately what I felt like this book was lacking the most was the romance. I understand Conrad and Ivy were grieving, so the pacing needed to happen a bit slower than just getting right into it, but the romance didn't feel organic whatsoever. Once it "picked up", it felt random. I wanted there to be some form of tension, slow-burn, or even some kind of "I want them but I shouldn't", but that didn't even come until AFTER the first kiss.
I honestly felt like this was written more like a TV show or Movie Script DIALOUGE, without the ques from the characters on how to act... completely missing the build up, stolen glances, etc.
All & all, I did really enjoy this book and probably would have rated it a 5/5 if the romance was developed better. I do think this would make a GREAT movie. It would be so fun to watch.
June 11, 2024
A heartwarming, feel-good story about second chances, overcoming grief and found family that sees two widows falling love as they care for a young orphaned boy. Full of forced proximity goodness and set in Los Angeles, this was great on audio and perfect for fans of authors like Ava Wilder. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
Steam level: kissing only
Steam level: kissing only
July 19, 2024
This was my first book by Gill and I really enjoyed it. The story of loss and the grieving together was so well done. I ached with Ivy and I just really connected with these characters. I can't wait to read more from Gill. Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
February 13, 2024
I have mixed feelings about this one. I absolutely love the premise — two recently-bereaved people coming together as they’re both in their healing processes and figuring out how to navigate their new normal — but it just didn’t pack the punch I was hoping it would.
I feel like the secondary characters got a lot more exposition than usual books of this genre provide (which isn’t a bad thing!), but those storylines didn’t add enough relevance to the storyline to merit the page time they got (I would’ve been totally fine without the Sal storyline & without the JP storyline…). JP’s presence, I feel, was supposed to create a love triangle? But their triangle was an acute one and JP was the short side of it.
Ivy and Connor’s romance didn’t feel like it built at a normal pace, yet at every other turn there was some little conflict that spurred disproportionately large issues between them. The drastic shift between his uber-eagerness for romance and their whatever-miscommunicated-conflict-of-the-day felt a little jarring to me.
That being said, I did enjoy the book - I just don’t think it’ll be a story the lives in my brain very prominently.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin books for the eARC of Malibu Summer
I feel like the secondary characters got a lot more exposition than usual books of this genre provide (which isn’t a bad thing!), but those storylines didn’t add enough relevance to the storyline to merit the page time they got (I would’ve been totally fine without the Sal storyline & without the JP storyline…). JP’s presence, I feel, was supposed to create a love triangle? But their triangle was an acute one and JP was the short side of it.
Ivy and Connor’s romance didn’t feel like it built at a normal pace, yet at every other turn there was some little conflict that spurred disproportionately large issues between them. The drastic shift between his uber-eagerness for romance and their whatever-miscommunicated-conflict-of-the-day felt a little jarring to me.
That being said, I did enjoy the book - I just don’t think it’ll be a story the lives in my brain very prominently.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin books for the eARC of Malibu Summer
June 4, 2024
one of the worst books i’ve maybe ever read. cover is so pretty though 😔
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May 26, 2024This Adult Celebrity Romance book wasn't earth-shatteringly amazing, but a perfectly pleasant read. It reminded me of an updated Harlequin romance in which a woman falls in love with a single dad.
Loved the main character, an idealistic scientist and young widow who is trying to make a moisture retaining component that could improve agriculture but is being thwarted by an evil investor. Wasn't the biggest fan of the love interest, a grieving widower and former TV star turned show runner trying to make a quality show but thwarted by Hollywood.
The problem I had was that this book was set up like a romance, but really didn't deliver on that front.
The characters had virtually no romantic chemistry. It was a more touching love story between the main character and the young son of the dead wife.
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Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
Loved the main character, an idealistic scientist and young widow who is trying to make a moisture retaining component that could improve agriculture but is being thwarted by an evil investor. Wasn't the biggest fan of the love interest, a grieving widower and former TV star turned show runner trying to make a quality show but thwarted by Hollywood.
The problem I had was that this book was set up like a romance, but really didn't deliver on that front.
The characters had virtually no romantic chemistry. It was a more touching love story between the main character and the young son of the dead wife.
Subscribe to my amazing newsletter HERE at JenRyland.com Let's be friends on Bookstagram!
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
July 14, 2024
Respectfully, I was not buying the rom nor the com
Read
June 5, 2024DNF. Just couldn’t get into this one.
July 16, 2024
Very cheesy predictable but cuTe
April 27, 2024
I really enjoyed Malibu Summer, especially the lush, gorgeous cover. I found the premise of two grief stricken people, both suffering the loss of their spouses in violent accidents. compelling. It was a fast read, and a mostly satisfying one.
Unfortunately, there were some issues that made me pause. I found the format of the abrupt chapter endings a bit jarring. Some wrapped up fully, but others just cut off bluntly, and I found myself searching for resolution or wondering if I received an incomplete ARC. I'd say this was the biggest problem I had--the flow and pacing felt a little off because of it.
As for the characters, I liked them all for the most part, though Conrad and Ivy reacted disproportionately angry to each other at times (though I could chalk that up to their grief talking and introducing the trope of "miscommunication."). But I'm not sure about adding Mak's and Fernanda's POV for a couple random chapters. And though I adored the idea of Hudson (his reason for not wanting Ivy to join their family is heartbreaking), he reads like a much older character when he's only a preschooler.
Thanks so much to Penguin Random House for the invite to read and review this book through NetGalley.
Unfortunately, there were some issues that made me pause. I found the format of the abrupt chapter endings a bit jarring. Some wrapped up fully, but others just cut off bluntly, and I found myself searching for resolution or wondering if I received an incomplete ARC. I'd say this was the biggest problem I had--the flow and pacing felt a little off because of it.
As for the characters, I liked them all for the most part, though Conrad and Ivy reacted disproportionately angry to each other at times (though I could chalk that up to their grief talking and introducing the trope of "miscommunication."). But I'm not sure about adding Mak's and Fernanda's POV for a couple random chapters. And though I adored the idea of Hudson (his reason for not wanting Ivy to join their family is heartbreaking), he reads like a much older character when he's only a preschooler.
Thanks so much to Penguin Random House for the invite to read and review this book through NetGalley.
May 28, 2024
❤️ ❤️❤️/5
🌶️/5
Tropes:
Opposites-Attract
Grief
Found family(?)
This book follows Ivy Bauer, a PhD candidate who terribly loses her husband in an accident. Needing a change of scenery, she is employed by Conrad Reed, a Hollywood producer who himself suddenly lost his own wife and is navigating new parenthood.
So I didn’t think was too bad, honestly. I loved Hudson very much, I think he was my favorite part of the entire book. His honesty and how he deals with grieving his mom while also welcoming Ivy was so sweet. I just wanted to hug the guy 😭 (and Rory ofc). That scene at the sushi restaurant hurt my heart.
I’m ngl, if you told me this was a romance book after I read it, I’d think you’re crazy. Because the main characters had negative chemistry. Like it vacated the premises. At one point, I thought Ivy would get with JP because I was just confused 😂
That brings me to another point! The transitions between the chapters/scenes were abrupt. I had no idea what was starting sometimes, and the change in POV was not terrible but even having Mak’s there was kind of weird, considering she was a side character.
But all in all, it was an okay book! It definitely made me miss being near the water often.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Publishing Group for allowing me to read and review this ARC 🥰
🌶️/5
Tropes:
Opposites-Attract
Grief
Found family(?)
This book follows Ivy Bauer, a PhD candidate who terribly loses her husband in an accident. Needing a change of scenery, she is employed by Conrad Reed, a Hollywood producer who himself suddenly lost his own wife and is navigating new parenthood.
So I didn’t think was too bad, honestly. I loved Hudson very much, I think he was my favorite part of the entire book. His honesty and how he deals with grieving his mom while also welcoming Ivy was so sweet. I just wanted to hug the guy 😭 (and Rory ofc). That scene at the sushi restaurant hurt my heart.
I’m ngl, if you told me this was a romance book after I read it, I’d think you’re crazy. Because the main characters had negative chemistry. Like it vacated the premises. At one point, I thought Ivy would get with JP because I was just confused 😂
That brings me to another point! The transitions between the chapters/scenes were abrupt. I had no idea what was starting sometimes, and the change in POV was not terrible but even having Mak’s there was kind of weird, considering she was a side character.
But all in all, it was an okay book! It definitely made me miss being near the water often.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Publishing Group for allowing me to read and review this ARC 🥰
April 28, 2024
This was a fast and easy read, but with that being said, it has such a weird voice. This reads like young YA. The dialogue feels so stunted and is just made up of these short little phrases and questions that don’t read like how adults speak. Another thing that makes it read like YA is how the main character, Ivy, describes herself. She does so in the way that is kind of cringey. (People don’t stand in front of the mirror and describe what they’re wearing and what color their hair is…you know that whole drill.)
The characters didn’t have much relationship development and chemistry, which I understand, given what they’re going through. This book is definitely focused on them grieving and dealing with those emotions and situations. As long as you know that going into this book, it’s not a problem at all. But it was just a tad disappointing to me based on what I was expecting from the genre.
This had such a great premise. The description sounded so up my alley and like it would be such a fun time, but it just fell a bit too flat. But there’s so much potential here.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
The characters didn’t have much relationship development and chemistry, which I understand, given what they’re going through. This book is definitely focused on them grieving and dealing with those emotions and situations. As long as you know that going into this book, it’s not a problem at all. But it was just a tad disappointing to me based on what I was expecting from the genre.
This had such a great premise. The description sounded so up my alley and like it would be such a fun time, but it just fell a bit too flat. But there’s so much potential here.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
May 21, 2024
2.5⭐️
Thank you Penguin Books for the ARC & happy release day!
I went into this book loving the premise, that two recently widowed people are intertwined by fate and are able to heal together. I loved Ivy and her world as a scientist. While this book is about two people’s individual stories, I think I needed them to connect more because I didn’t thoroughly enjoy that the only thing that connected them was death. I hoped for a little more. Or even better, if this was a story about friendship I think it would’ve been more believable and natural if they weren’t romantically linked at all.
Thank you Penguin Books for the ARC & happy release day!
I went into this book loving the premise, that two recently widowed people are intertwined by fate and are able to heal together. I loved Ivy and her world as a scientist. While this book is about two people’s individual stories, I think I needed them to connect more because I didn’t thoroughly enjoy that the only thing that connected them was death. I hoped for a little more. Or even better, if this was a story about friendship I think it would’ve been more believable and natural if they weren’t romantically linked at all.
May 25, 2024
This was an OK book. It wasn’t fantastic and it wasn’t bad. Just a middle of the road novel.
It was billed as a romance, but it was a very slow simmer of a romance. I ended up being more interested in what Ivy was doing with the gardens and her invention than how Ivy and Conrad were trying to get over the deaths of their spouses and their eventual romance. 🤷🏻♀️
I would like to thank the author and publisher for the free ARC I received in a giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
It was billed as a romance, but it was a very slow simmer of a romance. I ended up being more interested in what Ivy was doing with the gardens and her invention than how Ivy and Conrad were trying to get over the deaths of their spouses and their eventual romance. 🤷🏻♀️
I would like to thank the author and publisher for the free ARC I received in a giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2024
Such a great heartwarming story of second chances. A book about starting over, it goes in depth on much deeper topics. Such as finding yourself after a life changing event. Becoming yourself again and learning to trust, love and live again. I love how fate had a way of bringing Ivy and Conrad together. It was such a great summer read.
September 27, 2024
This isn't my typical genre. I read it because it was a new book from a local author. Given that, I was surprised that I enjoyed it and it was an interesting premise. It was kind of a beach read, not too taxing but it was engaging. I wanted to keep reading it. I think the kid Hudson was supposed to be five years old, maybe six. But he was given a much older personality that didn't really ring authentic, but what the heck. For a writer on non-fiction in her first fiction book, I thought it was great. Weird plt twist with Sal.
June 4, 2024
It was hard to read a romance that I thought would have actually been better off without the romance. I found it very hard to believe the two leads had any love for each other until suddenly they just did.
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June 12, 2024DNF at 35%. I’m in some sort of a reading slump so I rlly couldn’t enjoy this. I might go back to it another time. Bcs i love the cover sm. Anyway this is bcs of my reading slump. Nothing was wrong with the book!
June 20, 2024
This was a cute story. There wasn’t much realistic chemistry between the main characters but I enjoyed the story.
July 3, 2024
⭐️3.5
This was a good, I enjoyed the reading experience. The romance was not the best, but still I think this book was worth the read.
This was a good, I enjoyed the reading experience. The romance was not the best, but still I think this book was worth the read.
May 27, 2024
This book follows the lives of Ivy and Conrad after the loss of their spouses. It was a quick read for me as I was completely invested in how they tried to move forward after such devastating losses. Ivy was an environmental scientist and Conrad a screenwriter, which made these two complete opposites. But with Ivy living on his estate and both of them trying to process their grief, they were naturally drawn to each other.
Conrad's stepson Hudson was a standout character. I loved his curiosity. It was sad watching him struggle after the loss of his mom. But there were so many happy moments as he bonded with Ivy. Their relationship felt real. I loved when she would let him help in the garden and taught him about her experiments. There was one scene in particular between him and Conrad that was so special.
The romance took a back seat to the overall theme of how to move forward with your life after the death of a loved one. Usually I prefer the romance to be front and center, but for this book I felt the opposite. I liked following both Ivy and Conrad's careers and all the different interactions with other people that came into play. Their slow burn romance was intertwined so well with the others themes presented in this book.
4.5 stars
I received an advanced copy.
Conrad's stepson Hudson was a standout character. I loved his curiosity. It was sad watching him struggle after the loss of his mom. But there were so many happy moments as he bonded with Ivy. Their relationship felt real. I loved when she would let him help in the garden and taught him about her experiments. There was one scene in particular between him and Conrad that was so special.
The romance took a back seat to the overall theme of how to move forward with your life after the death of a loved one. Usually I prefer the romance to be front and center, but for this book I felt the opposite. I liked following both Ivy and Conrad's careers and all the different interactions with other people that came into play. Their slow burn romance was intertwined so well with the others themes presented in this book.
4.5 stars
I received an advanced copy.
June 27, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin books for the ARC of Malibu Summer by Libby Gill. This was my first novel by the author, so I went into it not knowing what to expect, but liking the synopsis and cover. The cover is pretty but deceiving, as this is not a light heated, sunny read by any means. It is brimming with death and grief and actually transpires over a year, not a summer. Pros: quick read. Supporting characters Hudson (plus Rory) and Mak were enjoyable. Cons: Extremely slow, uneven, choppy chapters that do not align. Am I missing something? Underdeveloped plots, and characters Conrad and Ivy have zero chemistry, and as widowers rush into an intimate relationship while both grieving. This just feels wrong and the entire story fell flat for me. 2/5
Read
February 29, 2024DNF
October 1, 2024
Thank you #penguin and #netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Don’t let this cover fool you this is heavier than expected, but a beautiful story!
Don’t let this cover fool you this is heavier than expected, but a beautiful story!
April 23, 2024
It's a true shame when a book with fantastic characters has such disappointing writing. Because these characters are stand-outs.
Ivy, our left-brain soil scientist developing a product to help with water retention, is a powerful FMC. Though this woman in STEM is grieving the loss of her husband, she finds her place as a gardener for a TV producer in Malibu, getting to experiment with her products in a very hands-on way. Conrad, our right-brain TV producer, is also grieving the death of his wife, but he settles for selling out so he can continue to provide the best quality of life for his step-son Hudson. And Hudson truly ties everything together, the first step in the bond between Ivy and Conrad as they develop into a partnership. I found myself rooting for all of these characters and very invested in their journey.
But...most of the chapters were incomplete. They cut off randomly, taking away much of the action. It felt like a TV show cutting for commercial, but then never going back to that plotline. I could excuse a couple chapters of this, but I genuinely started wondering if half of my eARC was missing. A couple of chapters randomly followed side characters (like Mak or Fernanada) and featured their POVs. If this was a slice of life with more intentional looks at different perspectives, it would be fine. But in this story, it was super distracting. I liked each dramatic moment in the third act individually (the storm, the business, the fears of falling in love), but it was too much all together, especially with the cut-off chapters.
There were also random outbursts that didn't fit the narrative at all, like when Ivy didn't know that her supposed best friend's mom died when she was a kid. It felt like lazy character writing. We are also supposed to believe that Will and Ivy were this perfectly moral couple, but Ivy references a Woody Allen quote that Will supposedly loved. It just felt out of place.
Last note: this book takes place over a whole year. Not just a summer. I wish the title fit this book.
I'm giving this three stars because it is hard to write really strong characters and realistic depictions of grief, but the writing left a lot to be desired.
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest review!
Ivy, our left-brain soil scientist developing a product to help with water retention, is a powerful FMC. Though this woman in STEM is grieving the loss of her husband, she finds her place as a gardener for a TV producer in Malibu, getting to experiment with her products in a very hands-on way. Conrad, our right-brain TV producer, is also grieving the death of his wife, but he settles for selling out so he can continue to provide the best quality of life for his step-son Hudson. And Hudson truly ties everything together, the first step in the bond between Ivy and Conrad as they develop into a partnership. I found myself rooting for all of these characters and very invested in their journey.
But...most of the chapters were incomplete. They cut off randomly, taking away much of the action. It felt like a TV show cutting for commercial, but then never going back to that plotline. I could excuse a couple chapters of this, but I genuinely started wondering if half of my eARC was missing. A couple of chapters randomly followed side characters (like Mak or Fernanada) and featured their POVs. If this was a slice of life with more intentional looks at different perspectives, it would be fine. But in this story, it was super distracting. I liked each dramatic moment in the third act individually (the storm, the business, the fears of falling in love), but it was too much all together, especially with the cut-off chapters.
There were also random outbursts that didn't fit the narrative at all, like when Ivy didn't know that her supposed best friend's mom died when she was a kid. It felt like lazy character writing. We are also supposed to believe that Will and Ivy were this perfectly moral couple, but Ivy references a Woody Allen quote that Will supposedly loved. It just felt out of place.
Last note: this book takes place over a whole year. Not just a summer. I wish the title fit this book.
I'm giving this three stars because it is hard to write really strong characters and realistic depictions of grief, but the writing left a lot to be desired.
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest review!
June 14, 2024
Libby Gill's "Malibu Summer" offers a heartwarming exploration of grief and unexpected connections. Set against the sunny California backdrop, the novel delves deeper than its lighthearted cover suggests. While the central romance falls flat, the story shines in its portrayal of loss and the beauty of finding solace in unlikely places.
The narrative centers on Ivy, a grieving widow who seeks refuge in Malibu by taking a gardening job for Conrad, a Hollywood producer grappling with his own wife's death. The true stars of "Malibu Summer" are the supporting characters. Mak, Ivy's witty confidante, injects humor, while Conrad's adorable stepson, Hudson, steals hearts with his charm. Their interactions form the heart of the story, emphasizing the power of shared experiences in navigating grief.
The novel excels in its nuanced portrayal of grief. Gill avoids clichés, showcasing the messy and individual ways characters grapple with their pain. This heartfelt exploration makes their journeys towards acceptance all the more relatable. "Malibu Summer" also tackles the sensitive topic of moving on after loss, offering a comforting message about finding joy and new connections while honoring the past.
However, the romance between Ivy and Conrad, a key element, feels underdeveloped. The emotional intimacy often found in novels is absent here, replaced by dialogue that feels more suited to a movie script, lacking the depth needed to build a strong emotional bond.
Despite this shortcoming, "Malibu Summer" offers a worthwhile read. Its focus on overcoming grief and the power of found family creates a heartwarming escape. The well-developed supporting characters and the realistic portrayal of grief make for a compelling story, particularly for those who enjoy character-driven narratives. If you're looking for a light summer read that tackles emotional themes, "Malibu Summer" might be a good choice, but keep in mind the romance takes a backseat to the exploration of grief and growth. While it might not be a perfect beach read, it has the potential for a great movie adaptation.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
The narrative centers on Ivy, a grieving widow who seeks refuge in Malibu by taking a gardening job for Conrad, a Hollywood producer grappling with his own wife's death. The true stars of "Malibu Summer" are the supporting characters. Mak, Ivy's witty confidante, injects humor, while Conrad's adorable stepson, Hudson, steals hearts with his charm. Their interactions form the heart of the story, emphasizing the power of shared experiences in navigating grief.
The novel excels in its nuanced portrayal of grief. Gill avoids clichés, showcasing the messy and individual ways characters grapple with their pain. This heartfelt exploration makes their journeys towards acceptance all the more relatable. "Malibu Summer" also tackles the sensitive topic of moving on after loss, offering a comforting message about finding joy and new connections while honoring the past.
However, the romance between Ivy and Conrad, a key element, feels underdeveloped. The emotional intimacy often found in novels is absent here, replaced by dialogue that feels more suited to a movie script, lacking the depth needed to build a strong emotional bond.
Despite this shortcoming, "Malibu Summer" offers a worthwhile read. Its focus on overcoming grief and the power of found family creates a heartwarming escape. The well-developed supporting characters and the realistic portrayal of grief make for a compelling story, particularly for those who enjoy character-driven narratives. If you're looking for a light summer read that tackles emotional themes, "Malibu Summer" might be a good choice, but keep in mind the romance takes a backseat to the exploration of grief and growth. While it might not be a perfect beach read, it has the potential for a great movie adaptation.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
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