Under the Palms (The Kingsleys 2) by Kaira Rouda-review & excerpt

Under the Palms (The Kingsleys 2) by Kaira Rouda-review & excerpt

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 21, 2024

Under the direction of the Kingsleys’ 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.

•••••

REVIEW:UNDER THE PALMS is the second instalment in Kaira Rouda’s contemporary adult THE KINGSLEYS dramatic, thriller series focusing on the dysfunctional Kingsley family.

Told from seven different first person perspectives (Paige, John, Serena, Sibley, Ted, Krystle and Richard) as well as intermittent gossip site reporting UNDER THE PALMS continues to focus on the maladjusted and completely dysfunctional Kingsley family. Patriarch Richard Kingsley has handed over the reigns of the company to his daughter in law Paige. Unable to comprehend their father’s mindset, brothers Ted and John struggle with their father’s choices including his marriage to fifth wife Serena, whose infidelities are matched only by her soon to be ex-husband Richard’s affair but a family retreat at a luxurious Laguna Beach resort during a firestorm and the Santa Ana winds brings forth the ultimate betrayal when not one but two Kingsley family members are murdered, and promises of retribution are directed to those now controlling the top but someone else is waiting behind the scenes to assume control, someone no one ever saw coming.

Once again, UNDER THE PALMS like book one BENEATH THE SURFACE is deeply reminiscent of televisions’ SUCCESSION™ and the questionable lives and reputation of the Roy family. From betrayal and vengeance to the behind the scenes manipulation of the board members, to the sons and daughters who have set into motion their own plans to assume the position at the top. Bargains are made; blackmail is a constant; infidelity, secrets, lies and murder are just the beginning of a power struggle for control. A fixer is hired to bury the dead and their secrets but the family will be outsmarted in their battle to remain at the top.

UNDER THE PALMS is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, betrayal and vengeance, dysfunctional family dynamics, murder, chaos, manipulation and madness. The premise is dramatic, intense and dark; the characters are one again pathological, disturbing, and deadly. UNDER THE PALMS ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one BENEATH THE SURFACE

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Excerpted from UNDER THE PALMS. Copyright ©2024 By Kaira Rouda. Reprinted with permission of Thomas and Mercer/Amazon Publishing. All rights reserved.

 

 

OC Scoop
Attention, Kingsley fans: your favorite family is back in the limelight! That’s right—hot off the presses in this month’s issue of Vanity Fair is a four-page spread featuring the fabulous new president of Kingsley Global Enterprises, the OC’s very own Paige Kingsley. We all remember how Richard Kingsley shocked the world when he named his daughter-in-law of twenty years as his successor, bypassing his sons and heirs to hand Paige the keys to their billion-dollar kingdom. Admit it, dear readers, we all raised a brow (as much as Botox permitted, of course) at the notion of the tennis-playing stay-at-home mom better known as Mrs. Ted Kingsley suddenly holding the reins of a Fortune 100 company . . . But could it be that Perfect Paige is something of a dark horse? In a few short months, she’s made good on her promise to usher the company into a new era of philanthropy—guess all that time volunteering as CEO of the Orange County food bank taught her a thing or two about giving to those less fortunate. (And let’s face it, who isn’t less fortunate than the Kingsleys?)
This charitable spirit is certainly a new look for Kingsley Global, and those of us who worshipped at the altar of King Richard can hardly be blamed for wondering what the diehard capitalist thinks of this bold new direction. Is he proud of his protégée, or does he privately wish he could turn the page on Paige? And what about Ted, the golden child of the Kingsley clan, who was rumored to be Richard’s first choice to helm the company before Paige got the gig? He plays the part of the doting husband in public, but one can’t help but wonder how Ted feels about his wife sitting in the office he thought would be his.
Then again, maybe Ted’s just happy that Paige is still alive, unlike his sister-in-law. Older brother John’s wife, Rachel, as you’ll recall, died tragically during a weekend mega-yacht trip to Catalina Island, à la Natalie Wood. They say she fell overboard during the storm, poor thing. A chilling death, really. And a good reminder to always wear one’s life preserver while aboard one’s yacht.
Of course, John’s marriage wasn’t the only one to end abruptly that fateful weekend. It’s no secret that Richard’s fifth wife, Serena, absconded to Italy with her Italian lover and baby daddy shortly after their return to shore. Nubile young bachelorettes around the world are no doubt bidding her a buon vioggio as they daydream about becoming the sixth Mrs. Kingsley. We hope for Richard’s sake that he finds a more faithful signorina this time around!
Speaking of signorinas, we hear Richard’s wayward daughter, Sibley, also ditched her boyfriend after that weekend on the yacht. And good riddance. Colson was hardly appropriate marriage material for the Kingsleys’ only princess, in this reporter’s humble opinion. Then again, perhaps that’s why Sibley dated him in the first place. The rebellious youngest Kingsley does seem to have a knack for making choices Daddy Dearest disapproves of. Which might explain why she’s currently hanging out in Florida with her uncle Walter, Richard’s estranged brother. Nobody seems to know quite what the two black sheep of the Kingsley clan are up to in the Sunshine State—but we do know that where Sibley goes, drama follows. We await her next scandal with bated breath.
Oh, who are we kidding—we await news of all the Kingsleys with bated breath. They are, after all, the family we love to hate and hate to love. Let’s hope they never change.Richard Kingsley, CEO, and Paige Kingsley, President,
cordially invite you to
THE FIRST ANNUAL
KINGSLEY GLOBAL ENTERPRISES EXECUTIVE RETREAT
Plus-ones are invited for dinner each night.
Business casual daytime dress.
Formal evening attire.
February 24–26
Twin Palms Resort, Laguna Beach
Kindly RSVP to Justin by February 14.
The future is bright when we all work together.
Remember, teamwork makes the dream work.
FRIDAY
Paige
They say it’s always the husband—and in my case, that’s the truth. Well, to be clear, it’s always my estranged husband, Ted. I remind myself I’ve found a good divorce attorney and take a deep, cleansing breath.
Through the floor-to-ceiling glass walls of my office, I see him, pacing back and forth, today’s ridiculous gift in hand, trying to get my attention. It’s childish, this behavior. Unoriginal. This is an every-morning performance: sometimes he brings doughnuts; other times, flowers, or a single sparkling water tied with a pink silk bow. He keeps making these offerings, I suppose expecting a different response from me. Or maybe it’s all for show, for his family, for his ego.
I pick up my phone, pretend to be on a call, and wave him away with the flick of my hand. I shouldn’t be surprised he has betrayed me again. Fool me once, and all that. But this time it’s business. I’m not sad. No—this time, finally, I’m angry. For so many years, I looked at his handsome face and couldn’t believe he was mine. The first word that came to my mind those days was love. Now the only word I have for him is betrayal. Oh, and the phrase I’m filing for divorce.
I know I need to talk to Richard, my father-in-law and boss, and tell him what I discovered and why I’m ending it with Ted. I spent the morning reading and rereading the letter from the city; the attached legal notices all amount to a big stop sign for the largest project Kingsley Global Enterprises has ever greenlit. The first big land deal I approved as president. All based on Ted’s insistence it was a clean deal that would mean everything for Kingsley’s future. Because of this deal, Ted has driven a huge wedge of doubt into Richard’s opinion of me, after I’ve worked so hard to turn things around at the company.
I know the employees have begun to see me as an effective leader. While I’ve been winning them over slowly, Richard’s admiration has been slipping away quickly. It’s the look in his piercing blue eyes, the downturn of his lip. He’s disappointed in me, and I have no idea why. Could it be he’s jealous of me? Of the fact the staff seems to like me? My eight months on the job have been marked by Kingsley Global Enterprises’ reemergence into the community as a philanthropic force. A community-spirited company gains a certain type of protection from enemies, especially if ugly secrets are unearthed. And besides, I enjoy doing good in the community, and this company can certainly afford it. I could attend a fancy charity event every weekend evening if I choose to, and we have been equally well received by the media, too, touting fresh female leadership at one of Orange County’s most powerful companies.
There’s a knock on my door, and before I can say anything, Justin pops his head in.
“Hey, here’s today’s offering,” he says with a crooked grin. Justin is my assistant—a dashing, too-good-looking, dimple-sporting man who is ten years younger than me. When Richard hired him six months ago, I was wary; he was too good to be true. Maybe he still is, but I’m embarrassed to say I enjoy every moment in his presence.
I stand up and walk over to his side. “What is it today?” I hold out my hand, and he drops a red silk bag into it.
“I’m guessing jewelry. He hasn’t done that lately.” Justin grins again, pushing a hand through his dark, thick hair. He’s distractingly cute.
I open the pouch, and sure enough, it’s a heart encrusted with pavé diamonds on a gold necklace. I drop it back into the pouch, trying to decide which of my twin daughters will get this latest gift. I roll my eyes.
Justin smiles at my reaction. “Are you all set for the retreat? Need anything else from me? If not, I’m going to head on over to the resort, get you checked in, and walk the space once more.”
“I think I’m set. I just feel like I need to speak to Richard before I head over. Is he here? Can you try to get me a meeting?” I ask.
“Sure, let me go find out,” Justin says. He touches my shoulder, and a tingle zips down my spine. “You know, he’ll be at the retreat. He promised to attend. You could speak to him there.”
“I know. I just want to get ahead of this land deal story. The reporter is running it tomorrow.”
“It’s not your deal, Paige. It was Ted’s. Everyone knows that,” Justin assures me. “I’ll go find out if Richard has time to talk.”
“Thank you,” I say, closing the door behind him. Yes, it was Ted’s land deal. Yes, his brother, John, agreed it was a great deal. But Richard said I had to make the final decision.
I believed Ted. Again. After everything he’s done. After all his lies, his cheating, his gambling, his dalliance—or whatever it was—with his own stepmother. John assured me he’d looked at the numbers, and Ted promised he’d looked at all the land-use issues. Even Richard said the deal looked doable, but he left the ultimate decision up to me. I knew in my heart Ted was a liar. I never should have approved the deal. If I’m not careful, this will give Richard the ammunition he needs to get rid of me, replace me with someone else.
Sometimes, I think he wants to push me aside—I do. But other days, he seems . . . well, like the old grumpy Richard who is fond of me and likes having me around as president. You just never know where you stand with the Kingsley men. That’s why, from now on, I will stand on my own two feet. I’m stronger now. A role model for my daughters, who are working here this summer. Hear me roar. And I’m not going to allow any of them to walk all over me again.
Particularly—and especially—not Ted.
Justin’s back. “He’s already left for the resort. I’ll head over, tell him you would like a meeting before the retreat starts. Don’t look so worried. Everything’s fine.”
I shake my head. “I’m well aware this weekend will be a lot like herding cats, but I must make my mark. I have a lot to prove here. You know that.”
“You do, and you are. Remember, when I first started here—working with you—I honestly didn’t think you would make it.”
He’s told me this before, but it stings every time. “I know. I seemed too nice.” I take a deep breath and walk over to my desk.
“Yep. And maybe easy to manipulate, for some people,” he says. “But the truth is, you’re tough and smart. So pack up your things, and I’ll see you over there. It’s a gorgeous day. Santa Ana winds are predicted tomorrow and Sunday, unfortunately.”
“I didn’t know that,” I tell him, filling my briefcase with my computer, extra phone, and all the charging cables life requires these days. “I hope they aren’t too strong.” Those winds put everyone on edge. The air changes, people’s moods shift. It’s dry—and itchy. Really unsettling.
Justin sighs. “Well, it is what it is. At least it’s warm and sunny, even with the winds.”
I don’t make eye contact. I remember the wind-driven fires in Laguna Beach, the roaring red flames of destruction above us on the hill, the ash swirling, choking the air. Our frantic evacuation. I shake my head, try to force the memories away.
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. 


 

Social Media Links: Amazon Author PageGoodreadsWebsiteTwitterFacebookInstagram/

Kaira Rouda is a USA TODAY and Amazon Charts bestselling author of contemporary fiction exploring beneath the surface of seemingly perfect lives. Her suspense novels include BEST DAY EVER, THE FAVORITE DAUGHTER, ALL THE DIFFERENCE, THE NEXT WIFE and SOMEBODY’S HOME. Her next novel, THE WIDOW, is out December 1, 2022.

She lives in Southern California with her family and is at work on her next novel. Connect with her on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest: @KairaRouda; and on Facebook at Kaira Rouda Books.

If you’d like to host Kaira at your book club, please reach out through her website KairaRouda.com

Sign up to receive a monthly email from Kaira with exclusive sales news, book excerpts, sweepstakes, and giveaways atkairarouda.com/signup/

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Beneath the Surface by Kaira Rouda-review & giveaway

Beneath the Surface (The Kingsleys 1) by Kaira Rouda-review & giveaway

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au / B&N paper /

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On a weekend voyage, the power-hungry children of an aging billionaire are unprepared for a storm of deceptions in a novel about ruthless family ambition by USA Today bestselling author Kaira Rouda.

You are cordially invited to an overnight voyage on the Splendid Seas.

An invitation to Catalina Island from billionaire CEO Richard Kingsley. For his sons, Ted and John, and their wives, it’s an opportunity to curry favor, gain control of a real estate empire, and secure their family’s futures. For the controlling patriarch, succession is a contest. He and his newest wife won’t make it an easy win.

Then Richard’s estranged live-wire daughter, Sibley, crashes the party. She’s the least of the night’s surprises. As the stakes for the inheritance of the Kingsley legacy are raised, the beautiful waters of the Pacific look more like a menacing illusion.

Let the games begin for a family who has everything money can buy, and has used lies, deception, and more to keep it. This weekend one of them will be crowned heir. One is in line to lose everything. That’s the plan. But in the coming storm, so much can go dangerously wrong.

•••••••

REVIEW: BENEATH THE SURFACE is the first instalment in Kaira Rouda’s contemporary, adult THE KINGSLEYS dramatic, thriller series focusing on the dysfunctional Kingsley family.

Told from five different perspectives (Paige, John, Serena, Sibley and Richard) as well as intermittent gossip site reporting, BENEATH THE SURFACE focuses on the bitter reunion, sibling fighting and the naming of a new CEO at Kingsley Enterprises. Billionaire CEO Richard Kingsley, the patriarch of the Kingsley family, has invited all of his children and their spouses aboard his new yacht, the Splendid Seas. Along with his much younger wife Serena, Richard has set a plan into motion to ferret out who would be best suited to take the reins at the top but each sibling is determined to win their father’s approval, forgetting that Richard Kingsley knows all, and more than anyone could have imagined. A weekend cruise, a storm on the seas, and the revelation of secrets and lies, proves that Richard is unable to trust those vying for the top prize.

BENEATH THE SURFACE is reminiscent of televisions’ SUCCESSION™ and the maladjusted Roy family. From the top, Richard Kingsley has pitted his own children against one another, in an effort to see who was worthy of the job. All of his children and some of their spouses keep hidden the secrets that could destroy them all but Richard is well aware of everything, including the biggest secret of them all. Murder and mayhem, theft and destruction, drugs, gambling, adultery and blackmail are but a few of the sins uncovered by the man at the top.

We are introduced to the Kingsley siblings: John and Rachel, Ted and Paige, only daughter Sibley, as well as Richard’s fourth (or fifth) wife Serena.

BENEATH THE SURFACE is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, dysfunctional family values, greed and murder. The premise is intriguing, captivating and dramatic; the characters are pathological, desperate, jealous and lost. BENEATH THE SURFACE is only the beginning as the new CEO is about to have their hands full when betrayal continues to push at the wounds.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Social Media Links: Amazon Author PageGoodreadsWebsiteTwitterFacebookInstagram/

Kaira Rouda is a USA TODAY and Amazon Charts bestselling author of contemporary fiction exploring beneath the surface of seemingly perfect lives. Her suspense novels include BEST DAY EVER, THE FAVORITE DAUGHTER, ALL THE DIFFERENCE, THE NEXT WIFE and SOMEBODY’S HOME. Her next novel, THE WIDOW, is out December 1, 2022.

She lives in Southern California with her family and is at work on her next novel. Connect with her on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest: @KairaRouda; and on Facebook at Kaira Rouda Books.

If you’d like to host Kaira at your book club, please reach out through her website KairaRouda.com

Sign up to receive a monthly email from Kaira with exclusive sales news, book excerpts, sweepstakes, and giveaways atkairarouda.com/signup/

The Reading Cafe and Spark Points Studio are graciously offering a paper copy of BENEATH THE SURFACE by Kaira Rouda to TWO (2) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe.

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10. Giveaway runs from September 18-22, 2023

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