Succession in book form. With a cast of characters that includes a hardened patriarch, ambitious sons, and two women with a secret that could upend everything, the novel thrives on its intrigue and betrayals. The lavish setting of a Laguna Beach resort contrasts sharply with the dark motivations lurking beneath the surface.

The power struggles between the family members are compelling, though at times the characters feel more like archetypes than fully fleshed-out individuals. The secret at the heart of the story gives the plot a strong drive. The high-stakes family dynamics and the constant shifting of alliances make this a thrilling read for fans of family sagas and suspenseful dramas.

Kaira Rouda delivers another deliciously devious thriller in Under the Palms, a story packed with greed, betrayal, and high-stakes power plays. Set against the lavish backdrop of a Laguna Beach resort, the Kingsley family gathers for a weekend retreat that quickly turns into a battleground for control of their empire. With shifting alliances, buried secrets, and plenty of backstabbing, it’s a rollercoaster of ambition and revenge.

Rouda excels at writing about dysfunctional, powerful families, and the Kingsleys are no exception. Paige, the new company president, is a formidable protagonist, balancing strategy and survival as she faces off against her husband, his brother, and a cast of equally ruthless players. The narrative unfolds like a game of chess—each move calculated, each reveal raising the stakes.

While the novel keeps the tension high, some twists feel a bit predictable, and a few characters could have been fleshed out more. That said, the fast pace and sharp dialogue make it an entertaining, binge-worthy read. Fans of The Club by Ellery Lloyd or The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins will love the mix of wealth, scandal, and cutthroat ambition.

This book was great! It reminded me somewhat of the show Succession. Backstabbing family, estranged family members, what could go wrong?

Thank you Netgalley, Thomas & Mercer and Kaira Rouda for free e-ARC of Under the Palms
in return of my honest review.

This book offers an intriguing premise and sets the stage for a weekend of tension and drama at a luxurious Laguna Beach resort, under the leadership of Paige, the new president of the Kingsley family business. The dynamics among the characters—Paige, her estranged husband Ted, and Richard Kingsley’s two sons—create a backdrop ripe with potential for suspense and intrigue.

The narrative introduces several compelling elements: John, the oldest son who has battled personal tragedy, and Ted, the “golden boy” struggling with his own issues. The arrival of Richard’s ex-wife and rebellious daughter adds layers to the family conflict, as they come armed with secrets that could upend the entire Kingsley legacy. The idea of leveraging family secrets for revenge is a classic trope in family drama, and the author explores these themes effectively.

However, while the book is engaging and holds your attention, it ultimately feels like it lacks the depth and originality that would make it truly special. The power struggles and betrayals, though entertaining, follow a familiar formula that leaves little room for surprises. As the plot unfolds amid the chaos of the Santa Ana winds, the stakes feel high, but the execution doesn’t fully capitalize on the potential for a riveting climax.

In summary, the book is an enjoyable read for fans of family dramas, offering enough intrigue to keep you turning the pages. However, it doesn’t quite rise above the genre conventions, leaving it feeling somewhat predictable. If you’re looking for a light, entertaining read with a touch of family intrigue, this book fits the bill, but don’t expect it to break new ground

Huge thank you #thomasandmercer and @netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
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If you are a fan of succession this book is for you! I love this battle for power in book two. The Kingsley’s like to play dirty and no one is safe.
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Thank you to NetGalley, Kaira Rouda and Thomas & Mercer for the free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Whoa. I wasn’t super pumped for this after reading the first Kingsley family novel, but it was entertaining and a good palate cleanser. BUT this one - wow! This was epic and I loved every minute. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next novel as this was left off with the mother of all cliff hangers!

Great followup to Beneath the Surface - rejoining the Kingsleys as a corporate retreat turns into a weekend of family drama, intrigue, suspense and a bit of romance. Under the Palms is another page-turner by Kaira Rouda, with twists and turns that kept me guessing the entire time.

I loved this novel and it's continuance from the first in the series. A family that you enjoy disliking, with many lies, twists, and deceit. I cannot recommend this book enough. A must read!

A meeting of a super rich family on a yacht. So many things going on in this story. Power, politics, corruption, greed, secrets and ambition. What a read! I highly recommend it.

"Under the Palms" by Kaira Rouda is a captivating and atmospheric read that transports readers to the luxurious world of Palm Beach. The story follows a group of wealthy and glamorous characters as they navigate love, betrayal, and ambition in a sun-soaked paradise. Rouda's writing is sharp and evocative, bringing the opulence and drama of Palm Beach to vivid life. Fans of contemporary fiction and glamorous settings will enjoy this compelling novel.

I didn't realize this was a sequel but luckily it worked as a stand alone for me. This is a juicy, drama-filled family thriller that's perfect for fans of Billions and Succession. Is there anything better to read during the summer than stories about rich people behaving badly? I'm going back to read the first book now!

Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for the copy to review.

Thanks to Netgalley, Thomas & Mercer and Kaira Rouda for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Under the Palms was a fun, drama-filled thriller full of suspense and surprising twists and turns. I was hooked from the first chapter, I just couldn't put it down.

I really enjoyed the first book, Beneath the Surface, so it was great to read about the chaotic and charismatic Kingsley family again.
It didn't quite feel finished to me though, so I'm hoping we'll see more of the Kingsley family soon.

4 stars from me. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

3.5 stars

I loved the song of this book because I’m familiar with the area, and I was entertained by the story, but nothing stuck with me. It’s been a while since I read it which is part of the problem but the reason it’s taken me so long to write a review is because I really had nothing to contribute even right after listening to it.

Under The Palms by Kaira Rouda the second in the Kinglsey's Series.

After the yacht trip that destroys the family in book one "Beneath the Surface". Book two continues the story of the Kingsley Family with more mystery and thrills to keep the intrigue alive.

The plot of this book begins with Paige, the daughter in law of the Patriarch of the Family Richard Kingsley. Richard has appointed Paige to take over the direction of the family business "Kingsley Global Enterprises". Paige arranges a family two-day retreat (for the executive board) at the luxurious Palms Hotel in Laguna Beach California.

Paige is aware that her new appointment as President of the company has upset both brothers and only sons of Richard, Ted being Paige's Ex Husband is furious and John longs to make claim on his rightful inheritance and the brothers plan Paige's resignation as President.

Paige is aware of their scheming and plans, through her assistant Justin. But is Justin only her assistant or is there more to their relationship? Paige invites Sibley the renegade of the family and sister to Ted and John as well as Richard's ex-wife Serena to the weekend retreat. Both Brothers are blinded by their own revenge that they don't even know that these three women have formed an alliance against them. They discover the family secrets that will change the future of everyone involved.

Is this retreat going to be a success or will it end in disaster, just like the last family retreat on board the Splendid Seas yacht?

Before they are aware of each other's fate, California brings harsh Santa Ana winds and a wild firestorm that threatens not only the fate of each of the family members and the future of the "Kingsley Global Enterprises" as they now know it, but a future they all were not expecting.

Who will survive this family retreat? Will everyone's future plans end the way they wish and intend?

WOW! what an intriguing, non stop, fast paced roller coaster ride! A story of a dysfunctional family. Full of secrets, murder, manipulation, deceitful twists and turns. A watch your back, suspenseful thriller. Each character trying to outsmart the other, leaving you surprised and content at the end. Kaira Rouda has written such a great book that has the reader's full attention. Each chapter has a unique heading, that is, the character name is the title of each chapter and is skillfully written in the first person as in each character is telling the story.

I rate this book 5 stars out of 5, I loved the format of how the story was written. They story can be both read as part of the series and also as a stand alone book. I thank both the publisher Thomas and Mercer and Net Galley for this copy of an exciting read. Well worth the trips on the seas and in a luxury hotel all in the comfort of your reading space.

This was the perfect summer vacation read! I highly recommend to all. The cover is also beautiful which is always a bonus!

This is the second book in the Kingsley series. This book was unpredictable, this book was over the top and I loved it. Unfortunately I havent read the first one so I will be making sure I do, as I feel it would make it easier to know about the characters.

The Kingsley family is back!

Under the Palms is the second book with The Kingsleys series. While Under the Palms can be read as a standalone, I recommend starting with the first book in the series, Beneath the Surface.

This book is told using multiple points of view with short chapters. Devious characters in a fast-paced and wild story.

Under the Palms is a fun read with twists and turns. The pages are filled with secrets, scandals, and betrayals.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Under the Palms is book two of The Kingsleys series and these should be read in order. I am unsure if this will be a complete duology or if Kaira will revisit The Kingsleys in a spin-off sort of way (I hope so!).

Since Paige was anointed President of Kinglsey Enterprises, things have changed and not everyone agrees that it’s for the better. She plans a retreat to a post OC resort in hopes to get all parties on the same page, however Richard’s sons have not given up the fight of claiming what they view to be rightfully theirs.

As the Santa Ana winds arrive and the threat of wildfire is on the horizon, the family plays a dangerous game of power with one another and not everyone will make it to see the end of the weekend.

It’s hard to divulge too much of the plot of this book, as it is a direct sequel to Beneath the Surface and I don’t want to give anything away. The family and everyone involved with them is toxic, power hungry, and greedy as all get out and will stop at nothing or anyone to get what they want…and I. Am. Here. For. It.

Everyone is a jerk and yet I couldn’t stop finding people to root for. Some I was rooting for their demise, of course, but others I legitimately felt should have some sort of success in their endeavors.

I loved the setting and bringing the Santa Anas into the mix, it adds a whole extra level of impending doom and atmosphere to an already tense book.

While this is definitely one of those quick and fast fun summer thrillers, it’s also a nice solid story of toxic family and corruption that would fit well at any time of the year.

Whoa! What an ending! I did not see that coming! In Beneath the Surface I was really on team Paige but in this book I feel like she is falling in with the Kingsleys and not in a good way. Ted & John were total jerks as per usual. I was happy to see Serena and Sibley back in the story. This sequel was great. It had the same great mystery & pace from the first book. It kept me engaged the entire time.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for a copy of this book.

I was not aware that this was the second book in a series. I started reading and had to do a little google search. I did enjoy what I did read. But nice I realized it was part of a series I stopped. I do plan on reading the first book and coming back to this one. It seemed so interesting from what I did gather so I’m looking forward to reading the first book. 📚