Review: The Last Breath by Kimberly Belle

The Last Breath
By: Kimberly Belle
Expected publication:
September 30th 2014
by Harlequin MIRA

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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…

When I picked up this book, it completely monopolized my time and took me by total surprise. I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did. I had to make myself put it down but that's because the author wasted no time in bringing you the story. She wasted no time is drawing you in. And just with the prologue alone she will hook you.

I immediately felt drawn to Gia. I myself lost my dad to cancer too, so I was able to connect and sympathize with Gia right away. The thought of having to go home just to spend his last days with him is an inconceivable thought for her and for myself. But what's even worst is that she's going home to the place where her dad was found guilty of murdering his wife. So that also proves to be challenging.

In this book you get a little bit of everything. You get suspense because there's the question whether or not Gia's dad really killed his wife or not. You get drama because of her relationship with her sister and brother. BTW, I loved her sister, even though she was a bit selfish. And most of all you get romance because she meets someone who you will end up falling in love with. He made everything easier for her. As far as if she had a rough day, he would be there later to make her feel better.

I loved how Ms. Belle wrote this story. The flow was so easy. The issues and dilemma were written so addicting that I just couldn't put the book down. And she writes so good that she had me second guessing who the real murderer was. I changed my mind at least three times before I got to the end of the story. I absolutely enjoyed this book and I think those that like drama and suspense would too. The Last Breath gets 5 huge stars and it's a definite Good Choice for Reading!!