I truly believe I needed to read the first one to fully enjoy this. Lots is going on with each character and a recap just wasn’t enough for me, unfortunately. Well, we have a nutty family. A rich nutty family. When I started this it slightly reminded me of Succession on HBO MAX. Loved that show.

The Kingsleys are taking an executive retreat. Laguna Beach Resort. Paige, Richard’s daughter-in-law has been appointed President. His sons are fuming at this. The women however, just might be able to help Paige out.

These characters are ones you love to hate. Everyone is out for something and who can you actually trust? If family secrets with some manipulation thrown in are your jam. Check it out. Easy read
I’d like to thank @kairarouda , @netgalley and @ThomasandMercer for the opportunity.
Publication date May 21, 2024
3.5 ⭐️

Real Rating: 3.5 / 5 Stars

If you decided to try and pick Under the Palms up without reading Beneath the Surface first then you need to rethink that decision right away, because you’ll be totally lost trying to read this book without reading BtS first. That’s the first thing I need to say.

The second most important thing I need to say is: While I was happy to hear and see that The Kingsleys were getting another book (because why not have another book full of rich, unscrupulous people doing more unscrupulous things?) I was kind of disappointed with the story Kaira Rouda chose to tell.

Under the Palms takes place roughly a year, maybe two, after the events of Beneath the Surface, and company President Paige Kingsley has organized a company retreat at a luxury retreat in the hills. This corporate retreat is more than it seems, of course, because everyone at Kingsley is gunning to oust Paige as President and she’s pulling everyone together (including some surprise players) in order to stop this coup in its tracks.

I don’t mind that in a lot of ways it echoes the bones of the first book’s plot. In a way, that’s in line with how the characters in these books work, using each other’s tactics and weapons against them. What did bother me was how the female characters in this book ended up relying on males to get them out of their bad situations. I’m not a fan of female characters who are supposed to be strong willingly letting men lead them around and make decisions for them when they had previously spent pages declaring they’d never do that again.

So while it was a fun read, it didn’t do the Kingsleys justice. They deserved more depravity.

I was provided a copy of this title by NetGalley and the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.

File Under: Book Series/Domestic Thriller/Murder Thriller/Psychological Fiction/Suspense Thriller

This was a wild ride with a rich, dysfunctional family behaving badly. Each character was unlikable, snarky and manipulative. I loved the setting at an exclusive resort in Laguna Beach. The unpredictable twists and turns in this thriller kept me interested throughout the entire book. I hope Kaira Rouda releases another thriller to wrap up the Kingsley Family series.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Kingsley family is back, and this time Paige is at the helm of the family company. That doesn't mean her husband Ted and his brother John have given up trying to take over the company. Even Richard has joined in the fray, and decided after one bad deal that maybe he made the wrong choice after all. However, Paige isn't about to go down without a fight. That is why she is having a company retreat at a luxurious Laguna Beach resort. She has a little something up her sleeve...... she had John & Ted's estranged sister Sibley hunt down Richard's ex-wife, Serena. She is sure Serena knows something about how John's wife died, and she wants the dirt. Both Sibley and Serena are going to surprise everyone at the retreat, and not in a good way. Let the power games begin!

This is the second book in the series, and although I did enjoy the first one a little bit more, this one was still really good. The Kingsley family reminds me of the Roy family on Succession. They are ruthless, back-stabbing, and untrustworthy. Paige was the best one of the bunch, and in this book, she seemed to be crossing over to the dark side. My only complaint with this book was that the ending felt rushed. There were so many secrets that were ready to blow up everything, and I just felt like there could have been a much more exciting conclusion. The way the book ended left the possibility of another book on the table, so fingers crossed there is more to their story!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.25/5).

Second book in The Kingsley Series. Paige is back as the President of Kingsley Global Enterprises. She needs to watch her back, estranged husband Ted and his brother John have joined forces and are out to get her, not to mention her father-in-law is not too happy with her. But the Kingsley women band together for this wild ride at a five star retreat for the executives.

Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous and Dynasty vibes for sure. Greed, murder, backstabbing, opulent lifestyle is the center of this book. In other words, just another day in the life of the Kingsley family. No one is what they seem. Told in multiple voices, it kept the he said, she said going throughout and was so easy to get the full feel of each character. Characters you love to hate, some you cheered for while others got their just rewards. Full of twists and turns it’ll keep your head spinning trying to keep up. Not a stand-alone, you should read the first one (Beneath The Surface) to get the full background of the family dynamics. This second book was so much more entertaining than the first and I am now fully vested! I can’t wait for the next installment to see what happens in this family next.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC due out May 21, 2024. This is my honest opinion.

The Kingsleys are back and as messy as ever. Wherever the Kingsleys are drama and mayhem are never far behind. This book picks up where Beneath The Surface left off but can be read as a standalone. However I do think you’ll better understand the characters and family dynamics if you read both.

Being likable is a stretch with this crew but the women are definitely the most likable so seeing them working together this time around was refreshing. And while the twists were more on the predictable side I was still thoroughly entertained.

All in all this was a fast paced read that kept me entertained from start to finish. At a little over 250 pages it’s a quick read that makes it perfect for a pool or beach day.

Put your seatbelt on and put your seat in an upright position because this one is a wild and crazy ride. The dysfunctional family known as the Kingsleys are up to their devious, back-stabbing ways again. Patriarch Richard shocked everyone when he named his daughter-in-law (Paige) as President of Kingsley Global Enterprises instead of either of his sons, one of which is the husband (Ted) to Paige, although husband would be stretching it. This man is disgusting with his womanizing ways.

Paige has assembled the family at a cushy resort at Laguna Beach to try and bring the family together for a company bonding weekend. It is another power grab for this family of narcissists who will stop at nothing, and I do mean nothing, to gain the upper hand and be in charge. There is not one character in this book who has any problem manipulating anything and anyone to gain the upper hand. There is no love lost, nor is there any loyalty amongst them. Paige has some sneaky little secrets up her sleeve this time that the boys will not see coming.

There is a storm brewing outside with the Santa Ana winds and threat of fire, but those winds cannot be any more vicious than the storm brewing inside this plush resort. Kaira Rouda quite obviously knows how to write a book where there is not even one likable character in the entirety of the book, but this is by design. Dirty little secrets, revenge, ambition and greed are the name of the game for this weekend. The surprises and hits just kept coming. I zoomed through this phenomenal book wondering who was going to get the last word and declare victory. Prepare to be shocked beyond belief. Once again we are left with a cliffhanger (of sorts) which promises more books in this series.

Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer Amazon Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of the second book in The Kingsley series by Kaira Rouda. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

They're back! The Kingsley family that we met in Beneath the Surface is back, this time they are all gathered at a corporate retreat at a luxurious resort. Paige is now President, but not for long if her estranged husband, Ted, and his brother, John, have anything to say about it. Paige isn't without her supporters though, patriarch Richard's ex is back along with his older daughter, both squarely on team Paige. As the Santa Ana winds kick up, so does the drama!

This is a great series - definitely read the first book before this one so that you understand all the family dynamics and secrets. Told through multiple POV, we are privy to all the drama - and there is a lot of drama! This is non-stop action and the twists had me whirling, especially that ending. It's Dynasty on steroids, full of characters you will love to hate, and a glimpse at how the other half (or 1%?) live. So much fun and the perfect summer read!

Kaira Rouda’s books are always so good and I read Under the Palms quickly, anxious to see what was going to happen. I remembered the characters from the novel, Beneath the Surface and this is the sequel. Read both or one at a time, either way, just be sure to read them!

The Kingsley family has gathered together in Laguna Beach at a glamorous resort. Paige is at the helm of the family business, but her ex-husband and brother-in-law are determined to get the company into their own greedy hands, no matter the cost.

The story has so many twists, and the suspense keeps moving the plot forward. You’ll find yourself reading quickly as the tension escalates. This family is terrible and no one can be trusted, they are all pretty unlikable. That being said… I loved it.

Synopsis:

Under the direction of the Kingsley’s new president, Paige, the family has gathered for a weekend retreat at a luxurious Laguna Beach resort.

Still clinging to the hope of succession are the sons of Richard Kingsley, the family patriarch and CEO: John, the oldest, who’s clawed his way back from a dark tragedy, and Paige’s estranged husband, Ted, the golden boy. When Richard’s ex and his wayward daughter join the fray, Paige finds herself with two fast allies. They know a secret that could shatter the family legacy. Call it leverage, call it revenge, the Kingsley women believe they have the upper hand.

But as the power games begin, greater threats than the howling Santa Ana winds are coming. Because this weekend, amid so much greed and betrayal, no Kingsley is safe. It’s family. Watch your back.

Out on May 21.

UNDER THE PALMS was another exciting story from Kaira Rouda. It's filled with secrets, lies, and a ton of drama. This is book two of The Kingsleys Series. I would recommend reading BENEATH THE SURFACE first. Once you do, you will see how far these characters have come. It was
an overall, fun story. The ending was jaw dropping!! If you like surprises, this is the story for you!

Many thanks to Thomas & Mervsr and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.

This review will be shared to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) close to publication

I think there should be a gift pack option for this book. It could come with a bag of fancy popcorn and some oversized sunglasses. Why? Well, because this book was like watching a trainwreck tv show like Dallas or Dynasty. You just can't look away! Heck, there was even a direct Dynasty reference in the book! Don't read this book if you want serious intrigue or realistic anything. This book is as realistic as certain body parts on certain people in a family whose name begins with "K." This book is a terrific illustration of why generational wealth is a bad idea, all stereotypes and caricatures! And I loved it! I also loved how the Santa Ana winds were used to increase the tension throughout the book. Those who don't live on the west coast may not understand the terror of those fires, but I felt the book gave a good indication. I can not wait to see what troubles the Kingsleys get in to next, because you know they will!

Under the Palms, by Kaira Road, is a thriller involving an extremely wealthy corporate family. My error was not realizing that this is the second entry in a series, and as some readers may know, I always advise starting with the first entry. Nonetheless, the author provides enough information so readers won't be lost. Meticulously plotted and paced, this series should transition well to the screen. It is a quick and diverting read. The big issue for me is characterization. Every character is so infested by greed for money and power, that there is no one to root for or care about. Some of the characters are cardboard cliches and others are irrationally dumb. I should note that what appears irrational in this book may make more sense in the next book. Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read a digital ARC.

I love all things Kaira Rouda and this one was a great sequel to Beneath the Surface. Set in Laguna Beach, the novel details this crazy family and their antics as they convene at the Twin Palms Resort for the first annual Kingsley Global Enterprises Executive Retreat. Paige now holds the reins of this Fortune 500 company and is delighted to be in charge, much to the chagrin of her siblings. Nothing goes as planned and there is a sudden death, an engagement, countless rumors, and of course a reading of the will. Just know to avoid this family at all costs (if you ever meet them in person) as they are as nutty and ruthless as they come!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

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! 😱