Reviews

The Last Breath by Kimberly Belle

oliviabrisebois's review against another edition

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1.0

1.5*.
SPOILERS
I wanted to like this book, but than the ending happened. It wasn't who I thought it would be, I really wanted there to be a twist ending where it was the lawyer uncle Cal, but no, it was actually the dad. That is stupid, I wanted a twist, there was all this lead up of whether or not it was Dean who killed her, and it was just the dad. This leaves me raging.

fuzzywuzzy's review against another edition

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4.0

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

ash2015's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5


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kbranfield's review against another edition

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4.0

4.5 stars.

The Last Breath is a very intriguing mystery and Kimberly Belle does an outstanding job keeping readers guessing whodunit right up until the novel’s conclusion. The cast of characters is well-developed with realistic flaws, but what really drives the story is the clever plot. A sizzling hot romance, long held secrets and complicated family relationships are secondary story arcs but they provide a fascinating backdrop to learning the truth about who killed Ella Mae Andrews.

Gia Andrews has not seen her father Ray since he was convicted of killing Ella Mae sixteen years ago. But when Ray is diagnosed with terminal cancer and released from prison to await a new trial, she returns to her small hometown to care for him. With her brother, sister and uncle avoiding her, Gia tries to set aside her ambivalence about her father’s guilt and comfort him in his last days. When new information about Ella Mae surfaces, Gia uncovers compelling evidence that her father’s claim of innocence might, in fact, be true.

The Last Breath is written from two very distinct points of view. Gia’s first person narration details the unfolding events in the present while third person narration from Ella Mae’s perspective reveals the events leading up to her death. Ella Mae’s last months are a tangled web of lies and deceit that have remained hidden since her death and Gia’s search for answers uncovers Ella Mae’s secrets. This newly discovered information leads to a reconciliation between Ray and his estranged children but will a shocking revelation jeopardize their tenuous bond?

The only bright spot in Gia’s homecoming is her surprising romance with bar/restaurant owner Jake Foster. Jake is not only helpful in her investigation, but his nightly visits to her family home lift her spirits and give her something to look forward to each day. Their relationship coasts cheerfully along until their conflicting plans for the future and a surprising disclosure threaten their happiness.

From the dramatic opening scene until the very last page, The Last Breath is a riveting mystery that is impossible to put down. Kimberly Belle brings this spellbinding tale of love gone horribly wrong vividly to life. A series of twists and turns carefully conceals the murderer’s identity until the novel’s incredibly dramatic conclusion.

A very smart and cunning debut novel that I highly recommend to readers of crime fiction.

cupcakereads's review against another edition

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5.0

I couldn’t put this one down! I loved the chemistry between Gia and Jake (he is so sweet, come on) and I enjoyed the mystery surrounding what really happened to Ella Mae.

mrskp91's review against another edition

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5.0

I read this book in 3 days. I loved the suspense, hopeful, until the truth is revealed.

asalters's review against another edition

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4.0

This was my first book by this author and I will definitely be looking at her other books. This book was just great. The emotions it made me feel along with the laughter mixed in with the mystery involved was the perfect combination. I read a lot and I can honestly say I haven't read a good book like this in quite a while. If you haven't read it you should!

gertyp's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5

inliterarylove's review against another edition

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4.0

A whodunnit that had me hooked from the very beginning.

andshe_reads's review against another edition

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5.0

WOW! & Powerful that was! A heart wrenching novel about a woman who wants to put her family back together and also wants to uncover the truth... but does she already know it?

This novel was very fast paced, the suspense had me on the edge of the seat and eager to read I found it hard to put my kindle down (cursing when I had to go back to work after my 30 minute lunch break). I then found myself pondering the storyline, thinking about the facts that I had previously read trying to piece together what I knew to see if I had figured the truth.. and I really hand't until it was told in the story! Who Knew!!

I loved the characters, especially Gia... a strong independent woman who secretly wants nothing more than for someone to protect her and care for her and to want to love her unconditionally! We admire Gia for her aid work in other countries and then her determination to come back home to face her fears in a town she despises to care for her dying father. Jake is a vibrant character although hiding a secret which is soon revealed and the romance between him and Gia blossoms throughout the story. All the characters were memorable, from a lonely step mother to a bitter father and all of those in between!!

Do I reccommend it... Hell yeah!! This is a must read between the fantastic characters and the captivating storyline it's a brilliant well written novel with a hint of both mystery and romance.

Thank-you to Netgalley and Harlequin Mira for the chance to review this book!