The Last Breathe by Kimberly Belle Review!

I received The Last Breath by Kimberly Belle for review and was excited to read it, based on the description on the jacket. It sounded like a great dramatic, mystery novel, but after finishing it, it was not what I had expected. And not in a satisfying, surprising way.

Goodreads has provided the following description of the novel:

Humanitarian aid worker Gia Andrews chases disasters around the globe for a living. It's the perfect lifestyle to keep her far away from her own personal ground zero. Sixteen years ago, Gia's father was imprisoned for brutally killing her stepmother. Now he's come home to die of cancer, and she's responsible for his care—and coming to terms with his guilt. 

Gia reluctantly resumes the role of daughter to the town's most infamous murderer, a part complete with protesters on the lawn and death threats that are turning tragedy into front-page news. Returning to life in small-town Tennessee involves rebuilding relationships that distance and turmoil have strained, though finding an emotional anchor in the attractive hometown bartender is certainly helping Gia cope. 

As the past unravels before her, Gia will find herself torn between the stories that her family, their friends and neighbors, and even her long-departed stepmother have believed to be real all these years. But in the end, the truth—and all the lies that came before—may have deadlier consequences than she could have ever anticipated…

There were elements of intrigue, mystery, compassion, suffering, etc. Everything a great suspense novel should have. But I felt it was more romantic suspense than anything else, and that was misleading. Romantic suspense is not my preferred genre. I mean, the main character falls in love with a guy within a few days, while her siblings are refusing to talk to her and her father has come home from prison (still incarcerated with an ankle bracelet) to die humanely? I was disappointed that this plotline seemed to overshadow what I presumed the actual plotline to be, simply based on the jacket description. There is mention of a “handsome bartender” so I knew there would be some romantic elements, but I was hoping more for a Gillian Flynn type of novel (not Gone Girl; don’t even get me started on the ending of that book).

Don’t get me wrong; some parts of this book were pretty good. There was a weird twist at the end with Gia and Jake, and as much as you want a happy resolution between children and a parent on his deathbed, it doesn’t always happen. So at least she didn’t give us a “too perfect” little happy ending where everything is sunshine and rainbows and everyone lives happily ever after. I was pleased with the ending of the book in a way that it wasn't corny and expected.

I see this book has been getting 4-5 stars on Goodreads and I’m not absolutely certain it deserves that. I would say 2.5-3 stars. In the author’s defense, she is a good writer. The book kept my attention for the most part but I found myself just wanting to be done with this book so I could start a new book. 

Guest Review: Kara Kelly

A copy was provided by NetGalley for review and there was no monetary compensation.

About the Author

Kimberly S. Belle grew up in Eastern Tennessee, in a small town nestled in the foothills of the Appalachians. Her four years at Agnes Scott College in Atlanta were a quick pit stop on her quest to see the world. After a bit of wandering she landed in the Netherlands, where she lived among the windmills and tulips for more than a decade. But the draw of Dixie was too strong. Kimberly returned and put down roots - permanent ones this time - in Atlanta, though she always makes sure to keep her passport current.

http://www.kimberlybellebooks.com/KimberlyBelleBooks/home.html