The book has been narrated from multiple perspectives. The description is gripping and characters are interesting. The relationship between them is complex. So a lot of things happens in the plot. The book is full of suspense and It will keep you guessing till the end. Kingley family has dark secrets. Ted is Paige’s husband. While things are not working between them. Richard is patriarch of the family and John and Ted are his sons. They are hoping to get higher position in business. While there is a mystery of Serena, Richard’s ex-wife. And so many unthinkable things happens in the plot. Some characters had facades. The author has portrayed dysfunctional family and how dark secrets can destroy the family legacy.

It’s an action packed suspense thriller. It is full of suspense, mystery, secrets, twists, unexpected twists and betrayal. The revelations at the end were so shocking.

Thanks to the Author, Publisher and Netgalley.

4.5⭐️ rounded up to 5

This was definitely a wild ride, and I really enjoyed it. This is the 2nd book in the author's Kingsley series, and I will most definitely be going back to read the 1st.

Paige is the new president of Kingsley Global Enterprises, and she's set up a corporate weekend retreat at a Luxurious Laguna Beach resort. The whole family will be there, and Richard Kingsley, the patriarch of the family, has some plans of his own for the weekend. His sons John, who is trying to move on from a past tragedy and Ted, the "golden boy" who happens to be married to Paige, are there. Both are hoping they will be appointed to a higher position and to push Paige out. When Sibley, Richard's "wild child" daughter and his ex Serena show up major drama, starts to unfold, and it appears Paige may have some allies after all. As the Santa Ana winds get stronger, so does the greed and betrayal. No one in the family is safe.

This book was SO entertaining! I was completely caught up in this dysfunctional family's drama. I was definitely turning pages to see what they would do next. This book was told in multiple POVs, and even though none of the characters are very likable, I really liked reading their perspectives. There were plenty of twists, and the ending totally shocked me. I really hope this family's story continues because I need more of the Kingsleys. I would highly recommend this book.

Paige, now in charge of the Kingsley's company, has organised a weekend retreat for the employees. All the Kingsley men are hoping for a fruitful weekend with talk of successorship back on the agenda as Richard is now unsure if Paige is right for the top job. It's back to the squabbling board....

The Kingsley's are back! I absolutely loved book one and could not wait to get stuck into Under the Palms. I have to admit, I was a little worried as to how much more drama one family could get into but wow, this book knocked my socks off! So many more secrets and lots of deceit - I loved it! I highly recommend reading Beneath the Surface before you pick this book up so you know about each character and their past. I now have all my fingers and toes crossed for a third installment!

After a disastrous family yacht trip, Ted’s estranged wife, Paige, has taken over the helm of Kingsley Global Enterprises as president. Reorganizing the company and their direction, she has arranged for a weekend retreat in Laguna Beach for the executive board. Surrounded in opulence but also her sly, conniving family members, the next two days are guaranteed to be nothing if not interesting.

Unluckily for Paige, however, her now estranged husband, Ted, and his brother, John, are hardly happy with her new rise to power and are intent to try and grasp it for themselves. Hoping to keep them at bay, she welcomes their wild child sister, Sibley, and Richard’s ex-wife, Serena, to the party. Little do the men know, but these three women have become fast friends and through their alliance have learned a few secrets. Secrets that they can and will use to their advantage.

Just like the last time the family was all together, though, things quickly get out of hand. Whether it is the harsh Santa Ana winds that are driving the angst or the fact that the Kingsleys are all together once again, they’re soon at each others’ throats. After all, this family has never exactly been about love and affection. There’s one question, however, waiting to be answered—just how far will each of them go to get what they think they deserve?

Phew! What a wild ride! Kaira Rouda sure knows how to craft a deviously cunning yet wildly dysfunctional family. And just like the first in the series, Beneath the Surface, Under the Palms had me eagerly watching who was trying to outsmart who in what was a devilishly good read. All I can say is that this action-packed ride of thrills and suspense was even, if possible, a step up from the last book. And, if you know Rouda, that’s quite the statement.

Right from the get-go, the plot was one shocking twist after another. Never knowing who was going to win in the end, I was totally blind as the plot unwound before me. Told through nearly all of the characters via multiple POVs, what could’ve been confusing was anything but. Instead, it felt more like an omniscient perspective that allowed me to see behind the curtain. Did that help me figure out who was the worst in the bunch? Happily, it definitely did not.

As for the characters, they are each thoroughly unlikeable, but only in the best possible way. Devious and manipulative, they each tried anything and everything to win in the end. Were they over-the-top in a delicious soap opera way? Absolutely, and I enjoyed every scandalous moment. Even better, there were plenty of characters I loved to hate and just a few that I would’ve done almost anything to have them come out on top. Did they? Well, I guess you’ll just have to read this one to find out.

While I loved the first in the series, which was a decidedly more low key tale of domestic suspense, this thriller totally blew it away, in my opinion. With a definite Succession-like vibe with some far more dangerous plot twists thrown in, this despicable family has yet again earned my undying love. If you love a good melodrama complete with all of the required tantalizing scandals, but also love a good death or two, this should definitely be on your TBR. One truly epic rollercoaster of a ride, it was the perfect popcorn thriller for this suspense loving gal. Rating of 4.5 stars.

Note: This series should definitely be read in order. This is no stand-alone, as you’d both be lost and missing out on quite a good time.

This was my first trip into the world of the Kingsleys, and I had no issues keeping up with all the action and in-fighting happening within this rich, yet jaded family. Rouda does a fabulous job of building internal and external conflict with the setting and the characters so pitted against each other. There were so many layers of intrigue to unpack while trying to figure out whodunnit. I loved the cast of characters with their distinctive personalities. Each character had their own personal goals which often conflicted with the goals of other characters vying for control of the family business. I'm hoping the Kingsleys story will continue.

Just when you think the Kingsley family couldn't get more evil and twisted, they're back in book two, this time at a posh five-star resort. In order to truly appreciate the family dynamics, this series is one that needs to be read in order, and, although I guess they could each be read as stand-alones, that wouldn't be my recommendation. Without a doubt, the Kingsley family vacations are to die for, and this series has become one of my recent guilty obsessions.

The Kingsleys are back, and more ruthless than ever! This family never has a shortage of drama and secrets! Like the last book, the three siblings and their significant others are pulling out all the stops to ruin each other. I didn’t think it was possible for them to hate each other more than they did in the first book, but these are the Kinsleys! I liked how the women of the story came together for one purpose ~ to keep Paige in power over John and Ted. I didn’t think I could be more disgusted by Ted and John, but I was wrong!
This is a fast paced read with a few shocking twists that I didn’t see coming. I can’t wait for the next book because this one ended on a cliffhanger!

Step into a world where lies intertwine with the pulsating beats of family drama, and the stage is set for an exhilarating saga of power dynamics. This narrative masterfully explores the intricate dance of speculation and superiority, delivering a spellbinding journey that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.

The aversion to falsehoods serves as a guiding principle, yet the allure of triggers and the pursuit of being the alpha create a magnetic pull that propels the story forward. The characters navigate through a labyrinth of emotions, forming a rich tapestry of human relationships, where every twist and turn reveals a new layer of complexity.

Against the backdrop of changing weather, the narrative weaves a symbolic tapestry, reflecting the storm within the characters' lives. The relentless pursuit of standing out, coupled with a never-ending saga, paints a vivid picture of a world where every move is a calculated step in the grand play of life.

As the final pages hint at a continuation, this story promises not just a conclusion but invites readers to immerse themselves in a world where the only certainty is the uncertainty that lies ahead.

I wanted to like this book because I enjoyed the first one but because I didn’t want to reread the first book after just a year of it being out I gave up on this one because I found I wasn’t that interested in the characters anymore.

Thank you so much NetGalley for my gifted copy!

I fell in love with the dysfunction and drama that surrounded the Kingsley family in Beneath the Surface, so I was thrilled to hear their stories continue! I devoured this book. I was here for every ounce of scandal and betrayal! The ending still has me reeling! Will we see more of the Kingsley's? I really hope so!

Thank you Netgalley for this gifted ebook. Fans of drama and dark thrillers will LOVE this book. I read this with a group and we enjoyed the chat and totally dissected the book. It was a treat to read and squeeze inbetween all the holiday romance I have been currently reading. This was my first book by this author. I didnt know she was such a gifted writer. I will definitely add all of her future reads to my tbr.

The Kingsley family drama continues in Under the Palms and if you thought Beneath the Surface was twisted, wait until you get your feet in the sand with this one. The brothers are still scheming to prove they should be running the company when Paige decides to plan a retreat for everyone at a high end resort at Laguna Beach. Just as surprises came aboard in the last book, sand blows a few surprises onto land as well in this one. This family seems to always live by keeping your friends close and your enemies closer. Fires threaten the area with the Santa Ana winds blowing in and deaths once again surround the Kingsley family during a time of intense weather where chaos ensues and almost anyone could be the culprit. Faced with trying to keep her status, Paige stops at nothing to prove she once again is the best at running the company and so much for giving others second changes to prove they have changed. Even though blood is thicker than water, that doesn't seem to mean anything and anyone will do anything to see that blood run if it means gaining the power of running the Kingsley company. I am very curious to see what happens in book three with how this one ended. Thank you to the author, NetGalley and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for the free ebook and tour invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

During a weekend retreat, a powerful family plays a dangerous game of dark secrets and cold-blooded ambition in a novel by Kaira Rouda, USA Today bestselling author of Beneath the Surface.

Under the Palms by Kaira Rouda is the second novel in the Kingsley family series and it is just as good as Beneath the Surface. There's something about a scheming, dysfunctional, crazy family that whets my whistle and Kaira is an expert! I love the feeling when I can picture myself smack dab in the middle of the book I'm reading and Kaira does that every time. Twisty, suspenseful and deliciously thrilling is how I'd describe Kaira's writing.

Under the Palms by Kaira Rouda is an interesting and witty mystery thriller keeping you on edge every time. The book is the second in the Kingsley Series. Under the Palms can be read as a standalone but, if you want to enjoy it deeply then you need to read the first book also. The characters were strong and clever. Women characters had much to do in this story. The plot picks its pace right from the start. The story is mainly focused on dark sides of wealth and how it can change relationships in a family.

I am reading the author for the very first time and I think I definitely need to read the first book. The book has excitement, tension, lies and deceit and you will never be able to guess the end. The book deserves 4 stars. Thanks to Netgalley.

Could I be a Kingsley for a day? Of course, as long as I had a full suit of body armor and access to a whole lot of dirt on every member of this Cray Cray super rich family.
Paige Kingsley is doing her best to run Kingsley Global Enterprises. But Richard’s displeasure along with his sons, John and Ted(her estranged husband) have Paige hanging on by a thread.
Did this family learn anything on their ill-fated yacht trip. Apparently not. Each of them wants some thing and honestly I don’t think anyone in this group has even one scruple. If you didn’t read Beneath the Surface you have plenty of time before this book publishes. The author includes enough backstory, so you won’t be lost, but the first book was so much fun and it’s just not worth missing.
So these are my main questions as I was reading this book. No spoilers, but lots of questions.
Can Paige hold onto her role in the company?
Can Richard ex-wife Serena win him back?
Will John and Ted work together or against each other?
How much of John’s money can his girlfriend Krystle spend in one weekend?
Is Paige’s assistant Justin working for or against her?
Will Sibley make her father love her?


Lots of twists and turns, and this was another page flipper. I think maybe these characters are more self-centered than in the last book. This publishes in May and it will be a terrific beach read.

Heart pounding thriller that left me on the edge of my seat. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one. Definitely one of the best books this year.

Have you been wondering what the Kingsley family has been up to since their fateful yacht excursion in Beneath the Surface? Well, wonder no more, because the family you love to hate is back in Kaira Rouda’s newest book, Under the Palms. This one picks up not long after the previous book ended, with daughter-in-law Paige Kingsley recently installed as the president of Kingsley Global Enterprises, while the two brothers scheme to dethrone her. When the family gathers for a business retreat at a swanky Laguna Beach resort, disasters both natural and man (woman!) made threaten to befall them.

This popcorn thriller is an entertaining blend of greed, corruption, and betrayal! Krystle Carrington would agree: the uber-wealthy Kingsleys are reminiscent of all the 80s nighttime soaps I grew up sneaking a peek of: Dynasty, Dallas, and Falcon Crest. Every single character is unlikeable but in a way that you just can’t help but enjoy! It’s fun to see former enemies unite against a common foe as well as meet new faces that might not be as sweet and innocent as they seem. When somebody meets the ultimate fate, everyone’s got a motive, and it kept me on my toes trying to guess the culprit!

Many thanks to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for providing me an advance copy of this book.

Kaira Rouda is one of my favorite authors and I was pleased to find out that the Kingsley's were coming back! This family is greedy, devious, and full of drama. The twists and turns never end. This was a great story and kept me reading to the end to find out what happened.

I actually enjoyed this one a little more than the first book-Beneath The Surface. The drama with the Kingsley’s is always intense. I thought this was a very easy read. I think I finished it in 3 days. The only thing preventing me from giving it 5 stars was that I knew who the murderer was almost immediately. Overall I loved this & I’m glad we got answers about what happened to the Kingsley’s.

The Kingsley family is at it again. What an absolutely delicious story of greed, murder, money, lies and everything in between!!!

5 HUGE stars for this family saga that takes dysfunction to the next level! If you love the show Succession you will devour these books!!! I am keeping my fingers crossed that Kaira Rouda continues this fantastic story!!!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review this book…what a ride!!!