Sequel Perfectly Flows From Prior Book. This is one of those books where everything I said about its prior book, Beneath The Surface, still feels spot on for this book as well. This is the continuing saga of one family and their business empire and the machinations as the patriarch of the family faces his coming death and everyone else is biting at the bit to become his chosen successor. The atmosphere switches from a yacht off shore near Catalina Island to a resort onshore... as the Santa Anna winds kick up, with all of their usual effects on both land and people (at least per so many books and even some real life reports I've seen, I've never lived in Southern California or indeed anywhere west of the Alabama/ Georgia State Line).

Because this flows so perfectly from Beneath The Surface, you really do need to read that book first. But once you do, you're likely going to be glad that this book is already available - I read almost 130 books between reading them both as Advance Review Copies.

Whatever you feel about dark family/ boardroom dramas is how you're going to feel about this series as it currently exists, as both books have really identical feels. Rouda actually did a truly superb job in doing so well with the first book and then managing to clone the stylings so effectively in this tale while telling a similar yet distinct tale the furthers the overall universe - and even allows for some intriguing possibilities for any potential Book 3.

Overall a very fun book, and also on the shortish side at under 300 pages. Very much recommended.

Paige might have won the last round but the Kingsley family is a nest of vipers. This is a followup to the novel which introduced this group of Hateful horrible people who are determined to undermine each other in order to gain power within the family business- and billions. It helps,, I think, to have read that first book to better understand all the dynamics but this can also work as a standalone if you just accept that everyone is trying to beat everyone else to the cash. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Talk about family drama!

The second book about the Kingsley family, Under the Palms is an action-packed story about an extremely wealthy family and their many lies, betrayal, and secrets. This was a good story once it got going!

Under the Palms by Kaira Rouda is a very highly recommended tale of family treachery, greed, betrayal, and scheming all set during a weekend retreat at a luxurious Laguna Beach resort. Oh my! Under the Palms is delicious, lethal, soap-operatic fun and once you start reading, it is impossible to stop.

Paige Kingsley, the current president of Kingsley Global Enterprises, was put in charge of the family business by CEO and family Patriarch, Richard. Sons John, the eldest, and Ted, Paige's husband, still have plans to take over the family business. Paige has planned a weekend corporate/family retreat and team building time at the exclusive Twin Palms Resort in Laguna Beach. The family is there plus several surprises, which means the secrets and scheming are going into overtime.

Let the cut-throat competition of power games, and intrigued begin! The entire novel is pure entertainment with nonstop action and so much scheming, twists, humor, and dark secrets you will not be able to stop reading. It is also a whodunit mystery as a murder takes place- just another one for this bunch.

There is not one likable, trustworthy character in this glorious soapy, engrossing narrative featuring one very dysfunctional family. They are all complex, cunning, calculating, clever characters and immanently scheming all the time. You will follow the maladjusted family through chapters that present the point-of-view of Paige, Richard, John, Ted, Serena (ex-wife of Richard), Sibley (estranged daughter), Krystle (John's girlfriend), and blurbs from the gossip site OC Scoop.

Although it is the second in a series, I read it not knowing that and still followed the plot and enjoyed it tremendously. This novel is excellent fun! Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The review will be published on Edelweiss, X, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

This is a sequel to last year’s Beneath the Surface, a book I thoroughly enjoyed. So what a great surprise that there was going to be a continuation! Last time it was the peril of water, being on a yacht during turbulent weather. This time is fire, at a retreat with the Santa Ana winds causing the trouble.

If you love rich people with secrets, doing bad things & trying to out maneuver one another, this is for you. It’s got the guilty pleasure aspect to it that is ideal for a summer/beach read. The chapters rotate the viewpoints of the characters, which I enjoyed. I wouldn’t say there’s actually a character you’ll root for, no one is that good of a person to truly be on their side but it wasn’t an issue for me. Overall a worthy sequel to the first book & fun to read.

🌴

Read if you like:
* The Last Invitation by Darby Kane
* The Guest by B. A. Paris
* The Senators’s Wife by Liv Constantine

Under the Palms is the second book in what I anticipate will be a trilogy about The Kingsleys, a hideously over privileged family of narcissists all competing to succeed the ailing billionaire patriarch as the head of his corporation. I read the first instalment, Beneath the Surface, last year, and luckily forgot how much I had disliked it when this came up for request, as I enjoyed this one a lot more, which is strange as it has all the same elements: sometimes it’s just a case of right book, wrong time.

It’s a year on from the disastrous cruise where arrogant controlling billionaire Richard Kingsley pitted his family members against each other for the presidency of his company, leading to the murder of his daughter-in-law. Having ultimately selected his younger son Ted’s do-gooder wife Paige to be president, he’s now regretting his decision, and is planning to roll her at the corporate retreat in a luxury Oceanside resort she’s organised for them all, but now Paige has the Kingsley women on her side. This time there’s even more conniving and backstabbing, but who will go too far?

When I look back on my review of book one, my main complaints were about how unredeemingly awful all the characters were. Well the funny thing is they haven’t changed, but I guess because I was expecting it I didn’t mind and found them entertaining rather than irritating. Yes it’s still in annoying first person present but the dialogue was much better done and there was more tension and suspense.
This is high melodrama clearly inspired by Dynasty - I laughed when one character introduces herself (yes, showing my age here!) and not to be taken seriously at all, but I had a good time reading it.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC. Under the Palms is published on May 21st.

This book is getting a lot of buzz around @thrillerbookloversthepulse It’s definitely one that you’re definitely not going to want to miss out on this summer!

This is book #2 in the Kingsley series and they can be read as standalones. But let me tell ya, the Kingsleys are crazier than ever! 😵‍💫 This was a fast paced, domestic suspense with so many secrets, twists, and unexpected betrayals.

Kaira Rouda does an amazing job depicting a dysfunctional family and how secrets can tear a family apart.

And the ending…COMPLETELY SHOCKED ME! 😱

This was a fun thriller filled with drama. Unfortunately, I just read a book with a similar plotline, so that may have had a negative impact on my experience. Still. I loved to hate the Kingsley family and loved to root for Paige. I read this as a stand-alone even though it is a sequel. The author did a great job of revealing prior incidents to keep readers current with the plot. Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. Fun read!

Thanks #netgalley and the publisher for my Arc in exchange of an honest review.

𝑼𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒂𝒍𝒎𝒔 is the second book in the Kaira Rouda series, which follows the famous Kingsleys, a family of billionaires.
The backstabbing members of this family will do just about anything to gain absolute power over the company. It was so much fun watching them try to outsmart themselves.

I highly recommend reading Book 1 to better understand the family dynamics. Unfortunately I haven't read it so I was a bit confused about what happened in book 1. But the book gave me strong ‘Succession’ and ‘Dynasty’ vibes which I really enjoyed.

The whole book takes place over a weekend at a luxury resort. There are countless twists and turns and the characters are all ruthless…. the kind you’re gonna love to hate! 😈 I would never have guessed the culprit!

Under the Palms by Kaira Rouda is labelled The Kingsleys #2. I hadn't realised it was the second in a series but I didn't feel like I was missing any backstory or context. Although - given the secrets of #1 (Beneath the Surface) are revealed here - it does render going back and reading that kinda pointless (from the whodunnit and why perspective anyway). 

I enjoyed the early parts of this novel though found almost all of the characters to be incredibly unlikeable. And in some ways they bordered on caricatures, they were soooo obvious. That being said, I appreciated the whodunnit and the game-playing that featured prominently.

As I'd not read the first book I had no idea why Richard had made daughter-in-law Paige president of the family company. The brief backstory we get about her experience with not-for-profits is hardly an indication that she had business-smarts. So that seemed a bit weird, unless it was solely a 'F*ck you!' to his problematic sons and wayward daughter. And though Paige plays the game exceptionally well here, I really didn't get any sense that she's crazy-clever. 

Though she fared better than other female characters including John's money-hungry recent girlfriend (Krystal Carrington - YES REALLY!) desperate for him to put a ring on it (though with a hidden agenda to make his family pay for the death of her brother); Richard's ex-wife Serena who cheated on her husband with his philandering, alcoholic and gambling addict son (Ted) and then got herself pregnant in an affair with some Italian dude, who doesn't feature here other than to completely throw things into disarray and force a revised climax. And then there's Sibley, Richard's daughter who I wanted to like but who - quite frankly - came across as a flighty bitch, falling for one of the hotel staff members after a conversation or two and changing her allegiances at the drop of a hat. (Or promise of money and love.) 

I absolutely adored the first book I read by Rouda, Best Day Ever, which made my 'best of the year' list back in 2017. I didn't enjoy this as much but she does seem to be able to create some evil / sociopathic characters. 

I have to say however... though the characters were thoroughly unlikeable and I ultimately cared little whether they lived or died, I'll probably tune in for #3 because there are some obvious red flags here including the fact that Paige's younger assistant who was supposedly spying on her for John and Ted, was (in fact) helping her, but also happens to be the son of some billionaire rival of Richard's. The already murky plot thickens! 

3.5 stars

Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for this sneak peek. Unfortunately this book was not for me. I really like Kaira Rouda but I am not a fan of series books. I didn't realize when I requested this book that there was a book one. I still wholeheartedly recommend this author.

Stay tuned for my #AuthorElevatorSeries Chat with Kaira, where we go behind the scenes of the book and this mega-talented superstar author and long-time favorite. (pub day May 21).

Kaira Rouda (favorite author) is back following Beneath the Surface, where we were introduced to (The Kingsleys #1), with her latest scandalous thriller, UNDER THE PALMS (The Kingsleys #2).

When the family is invited to a weekend retreat, the knives come out in her latest devilish and witty installment of greed, dark secrets, revenge, power, betrayal, and MURDER.

No one does dark humor and scandal better than the queen, Kaira Rouda! The Kingsleys are keeping the funeral director busy!

Let the power plays begin! There is a lot of girl power in UNDER THE PALMS, and the Kingsley women are here to stay! The women have joined forces, putting aside their past differences to TAKE DOWN their greedy opponents. The pressure is on. Watch out.

DELECTABLE! Some will do anything to WIN, ATTAIN, or KEEP the power at Kingsley Global Enterprises.

Picking up for the last book with Paige, the new president, she has invited the family to the weekend Kingsley Corporate Retreat at the posh and luxurious Twin Palms Resort in Laguna Beach.

She has been on the job for eight months and is well-received by the media, touting fresh female leadership at one of Orange County's most influential companies. But the Santa Ana winds and more are coming to threaten the upcoming weekend retreat.

"The winds are not what we need this weekend. The winds remind you of how tentative everything is and how fast it can all be lost." —Paige

Of course, the sons are unhappy with Richard Kingsley's (the family patriarch's) decision to give Paige control of the company.

This includes John, the oldest son (accused of murdering his lawyer wife during the weekend mega-yacht trip to Cataline Island), and the golden boy, Ted, Paige's estranged husband.

Things get juicy when Richard's ex-wife, Serena, is back, his estranged daughter, Sibley, a delicious new Southern witty character, Krystle Carrington (John's latest squeeze, HILARIOUS) and Paige's new sexy assistant, Justin.

Even Richard threatens Paige due to a bad land deal that Ted approved. Some big juicy secrets and allies will keep the suspense high with nonstop action and another MURDER.

Told from alternating POVs:
~Richard
~Serena
~Paige
~Ted
~John
~Sibley
~Krystle (loved)
~OC Scoop

Everyone is hiding something, and there are shared SECRETS that can bring down the company. Who will survive?

🌴 From backstabbing, power plays, greed, corruption, and ambition to howling Santa Ana winds and wildfires exploding around them, UNDER THE PALMS is riveting, soapy, and drama-filled with dark humor, thrills, and twists you do not see coming, with divine commentary from OC Scoop, keeping you entertained until the last page is turned, awaiting the next in the series!

"The worst thing for a Kingsley man is for a Kingsley woman —or two—to outshine him."

Buckle up, fans, and get ready for a wild ride! If you enjoyed the soaps of the 80s, Falcon Crest, Dynasty, Dallas, and daytime Young and The Restless, you need to board the train. The Kingsleys are here to stay. Except if they keep getting murdered, I'm not sure how many family members will be left.

Highly entertaining. I loved #2 even more than #1! I cannot wait for the next in this sizzling series! Get the popcorn ready.

HOLLYWOOD: Be sure and check out the Hollywood Deadline News! Beneath the Surface is coming to the screen!

Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: May 21, 2024
My Rating: 5 Stars
May 2024 Must-Read Books
May Newsletter

UNDER THE PALMS
🤍𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: mystery/drama
📖 261 pages
𝗘𝗺𝗼𝗷𝗶𝘀: 🌴💰😮😱
𝗣𝘂𝗯 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲: 5/21/2024

💚𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲💚

Thank you @kairarouda for the #gifted copy! The @thrillerbookloversthepulse is lucky enough to review this one!

Dive back into the world of the powerful Kingsley family with the gripping sequel to BENEATH THE SURFACE. This second installment is a rollercoaster of scandal, intrigue, & drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Packed with action packed thrills, the story unfolds through multiple points of view, allowing you to delve into the minds of each character. If you love stories with over-the-top, malicious characters seeking vengeance, then this is the book for you. Get ready for a wild ride!

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲𝘀:
◽️ scandal & dark secrets
◽️ a luxurious beach resort
◽️ a powerful family

𝗣𝗹𝗼𝘁: Under Paige's leadership, the Kingsleys gather for a retreat at a lavish Laguna Beach resort. Richard Kingsley's sons, John and Ted, vie for succession, with Ted being Paige's estranged husband. Paige allies with Richard's ex-wife and daughter, holding a secret that could disrupt the family legacy. As power struggles intensify, the family faces threats beyond the Santa Ana winds. Amidst greed and betrayal, no Kingsley is safe.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #Thomas&Mercer for the book #UnderThePalms by #KairaRouda. Beware the Santa Anna Winds. They are dangerous and so is the Kingsley family. There is a fight for the CEO and President position of the family business. And murder is not beyond their grasp. I could not put this hook down. Amazing!

The crazy Kingsley family is back with more drama than ever!
Richard Kingsley heart is failing and the family will do anything to have a place in the company. With his daughter in law, Paige, as current CEO, the sons will stop at nothing to get her out of there.
The woman of the family join as a team to take them down.
This book is full of unlikeable characters and you better have the popcorn ready for their drama and…..murder?!?!
Be sure to check out and read the first book of this crazy family, Beneath The Surface.

Even though this is book #2 in the Kingsley’s series,it can be read as a stand alone, as the author does a good job of incorporating the important details of the first book!

Everyone is shocked after the announcement on the yacht that Richard Kingsley, CEO of his own company, named Paige Kingsley, his daughter-in-law, as the President of the company, instead of his own sons. In the first 8 months, Paige has divorced Ted and has gotten the company involved with giving more to charities. Paige feels successful in her new role.

Everyone is invited to attend The First Annual Executive Global Enterprises Executive Retreat at Twins Palms Resorts in Laguna Beach. What are Richard’s motives for this retreat? Will Paige remain as President? Will the past catch-up to them? Is it what it seems?

Kaira Rouda’s writing just draws you in from the start! I loved all the twists and turns. Just when you think you figured it out, she throws in a curveball! The drama will keep you turning the pages to find out who will lead the company. A wonderful book to take on vacation!

Thanks to Thomas & Mercer, I was provided an ARC of Under the Palms by Kaira Rouda via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. #UnderthePalms #NetGalley

4.5 stars rounded up to 5

Under the Palms continues the saga of The Kingsley's and what a story it is.

Kaira Rouda has knocked this one out of the park.

There is murder, backstabbing, secrets, jealousy, betrayal, plotting and conniving.

What more could you want.

Did I mention crazy?

Paige is the best, Ted and John are just nasty and the patriarch Richard takes the cake.

Twists and turns , a storm is brewing with the Santa Ana winds and the atmosphere is tense.

That's all I am saying .

Get your copy and hope no one disturbs you as you get lost in the Kingsley world.

What will happen next?

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for a compelling read.

"𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒖𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒘𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌 𝒕𝒐𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓.
𝑹𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓, 𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌."

Special thanks to @thrillerbookloversthepulse @kairarouda @amazonpublishing and @netgalley for this #gifted eARC.

➡️ swipe for synopsis 👉🏼

MY REVIEW:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The kingsleys are back at it again , vying for their fathers attention, love, and approval - oh and money, of course. Don't think they aren't bringing their normal dysfunctional selves to the table either because it's the same old shenanigans-different location.
This time, Paige is in charge and clawing to keep her role as president while John and Ted are dying to oust her. There's a special appearance at the twin palms retreat by a familiar face, and of course , everything goes off course - which is always expected in their presence.

Of course, this retreat is full of surprises and MURDER, but who is the culprit, and who keeps sending Paige threatening messages?

All will be revealed in the shocking ending. - which of course I can't spoil!!!!

Definitely check out this continuation in the Kingsley drama!

PUB DATE:
May 21, 2024

QOTD ❓️⁉️❓️ Have you ever stayed at an all-inclusive resort?
Where at?

AOTD - I went to Mexico w my family and fiancé one year and LOVED it.

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#mysteryandthrills #thrillerbooklovers #thrillerbookloversthepulse #thekingsleys #kairarouda #underthepalms #thrilleraddict #bookbuzz #upcomingrelease #upcomingthriller
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A fun, fast paced read about the family you love to hate.
Under The Palms is the second book in the Kingsley family series and while I accidentally read this one before the first, I can say it still kept my attention, keeping me interested in seeing where the rest of the story will take us and , more importantly, Paige.
You can check out my more in-depth spoiler free review here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUqj-u8s_qw

This is the second book that has the wealthy Kingsley family of Southern California behaving badly. In the first book, BENEATH THE SURFACE, there is trouble on the family yacht. In the second book, the family is at a corporate retreat and the Santa Ana winds are blowing in trouble.

I love the multiple points of view in this book. There is even a pivotal character that had no voice in the first book that gets his own chapters in book two.

You can read this one as a stand-alone, but these books are quick reads and it’s worth reading book one to get a real deal feel at this scheming family.

Bring on book three!!