Malibu Rising characters

Appears from the start

The eldest Riva sibling, a professional surfer and highly visible model whose Malibu home hosts the family's annual party. Nina has spent much of her life caring for her younger brothers and sister and is facing the public collapse of her marriage.

Appears from the start

Nina's younger brother, a celebrated competitive surfer. Confident and sociable in public, Jay is closely bound to his siblings and expects the annual party to be one more night at the center of Malibu's attention.

Appears from the start

Jay's brother and traveling photographer, only minutes younger than him. Hud documents Jay's surfing career from behind the camera and carries a private conflict that makes the coming family party unusually tense.

Appears from the start

The youngest Riva sibling, an energetic surfer who is still trying to establish an identity apart from her famous family. Kit is observant, competitive, and less interested than her brothers in performing confidence for other people.

Appears from the start

Nina's famous professional-tennis-player husband. His recent departure from their marriage has become public news, leaving Nina to prepare for the party while strangers speculate about her humiliation.

First appears in chapter 2

The Riva siblings' mother as a young woman, raised in Malibu and working in her parents' seafood restaurant. June is romantic and hopeful when a handsome aspiring singer begins paying attention to her.

First appears in chapter 2

A handsome singer with a powerful voice and ambitions far beyond the small venues around Malibu. Mick is immediately attracted to June, even as his hunger for fame shapes the promises he is prepared to make.

First appears in chapter 13

A model and trusted friend of Nina's. Tarine understands the demands of a career built around appearance and is one of the people Nina can speak to without maintaining the polished image expected of her.

First appears in chapter 18

Jay's former girlfriend, whose connection to the Riva family has not ended as cleanly as he believes. Ashley arrives at the party carrying news that will force a long-concealed conflict into the open.

First appears in chapter 21

A young woman who comes to the Riva party hoping to meet Mick and his children. She is uncertain of her welcome but believes she may have a personal claim to a place in their family story.

First appears in chapter 24

The tennis star with whom Brandon has recently begun a highly public relationship. Carrie is another formidable athlete whose own decisions complicate Brandon's attempt to control the story of his marriage.