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Family Secrets #1
Best Day Ever
I glance at my wife as she climbs into the passenger seat, and I am bursting with confidence. Today will be everything I’ve promised her…and more…
Paul Strom has the perfect life: a glittering career as an advertising executive, a beautiful wife, two healthy boys and a big house in a wealthy suburb. And he’s the perfect husband: breadwinner, protector, provider. That’s why he’s planned a romantic weekend for his wife, Mia, at their lake house, just the two of them. And he's promised today will be the best day ever.
But as Paul and Mia drive out of the city and toward the countryside, a spike of tension begins to wedge itself between them and doubts start to arise. How much do they trust each other? And how perfect is their marriage, or any marriage, really?
Forcing us to ask ourselves just how well we know those who are closest to us, Best Day Ever crackles with dark energy, spinning ever tighter toward its shocking conclusion. In the bestselling, page-turning vein of The Couple Next Door and The Dinner, Kaira Rouda weaves a gripping, tautly suspenseful tale of deception and betrayal dark enough to destroy a marriage…or a life.
Paul Strom has the perfect life: a glittering career as an advertising executive, a beautiful wife, two healthy boys and a big house in a wealthy suburb. And he’s the perfect husband: breadwinner, protector, provider. That’s why he’s planned a romantic weekend for his wife, Mia, at their lake house, just the two of them. And he's promised today will be the best day ever.
But as Paul and Mia drive out of the city and toward the countryside, a spike of tension begins to wedge itself between them and doubts start to arise. How much do they trust each other? And how perfect is their marriage, or any marriage, really?
Forcing us to ask ourselves just how well we know those who are closest to us, Best Day Ever crackles with dark energy, spinning ever tighter toward its shocking conclusion. In the bestselling, page-turning vein of The Couple Next Door and The Dinner, Kaira Rouda weaves a gripping, tautly suspenseful tale of deception and betrayal dark enough to destroy a marriage…or a life.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2017
1735 people are currently reading
22757 people want to read
About the author
Kaira Rouda
41 books2,843 followersKaira Rouda is a USA TODAY and #1 Amazon 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, SOMEBODY'S HOME, THE WIDOW, BENEATH THE SURFACE, UNDER THE PALMS, THE SECOND MRS STROM, WHAT THE NANNY SAW and JILL IS NOT HAPPY. Her next novel, WE WERE NEVER FRIENDS, is out February 3, 2026.
She lives in Southern California with her family and is at work on her next novel. Visit her webiste, KairaRouda.com for more. Connect with her on 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 at: kairarouda.com/signup/
She lives in Southern California with her family and is at work on her next novel. Visit her webiste, KairaRouda.com for more. Connect with her on 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 at: kairarouda.com/signup/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,847 reviews
July 22, 2018
FIVE DARK&FUN STARS
Who knew psychological suspense could be such fun? I love this book! It's campy. Ludicrous. Wicked and delicious.
Just don't take it too seriously. I've seen other reviews that are so somber, stating the psychological storyline is forced and unbelievable. No offense to those negative reviews, but they completely neglect the amusement factor Kaira Rouda has so ingeniously employed in BEST DAY EVER.
Paul Strom has got the biggest ego of any fictional psychopath you've ever read. And he's hilarious that way. Oh my gosh, some of the opinions this guy has! You will have more fun hating this character than should be legally allowed.
Yes, Paul is over the top. He's a nut. But, he's a creative nut. Not quite a serial killer, more along the lines of a big mean baby. He's special and he will be the first to tell you that.
The entire book is told from Paul's point of view. He's taking his wife, Mia, to their lakehouse for a romantic weekend. The tongue in cheek writing style is evident in the title. Paul tells Mia many times that this is going to be the "best day ever." But, from the first page, you just know it's not.
The pages fly fast as fire and the ending is terrific! It is laugh out loud funny and suspenseful at the same time. I read the hardback and listened to the audiobook. The audio version is fantastic and the actor perfectly captures the ridiculousness that is Paul Strom. I highly recommend it.
Who knew psychological suspense could be such fun? I love this book! It's campy. Ludicrous. Wicked and delicious.
Just don't take it too seriously. I've seen other reviews that are so somber, stating the psychological storyline is forced and unbelievable. No offense to those negative reviews, but they completely neglect the amusement factor Kaira Rouda has so ingeniously employed in BEST DAY EVER.
Paul Strom has got the biggest ego of any fictional psychopath you've ever read. And he's hilarious that way. Oh my gosh, some of the opinions this guy has! You will have more fun hating this character than should be legally allowed.
Yes, Paul is over the top. He's a nut. But, he's a creative nut. Not quite a serial killer, more along the lines of a big mean baby. He's special and he will be the first to tell you that.
The entire book is told from Paul's point of view. He's taking his wife, Mia, to their lakehouse for a romantic weekend. The tongue in cheek writing style is evident in the title. Paul tells Mia many times that this is going to be the "best day ever." But, from the first page, you just know it's not.
The pages fly fast as fire and the ending is terrific! It is laugh out loud funny and suspenseful at the same time. I read the hardback and listened to the audiobook. The audio version is fantastic and the actor perfectly captures the ridiculousness that is Paul Strom. I highly recommend it.
September 24, 2017
My reviews can also be seen at: https://deesradreadsandreviews.wordpr...
4.5 Stars!
I was really excited to read this book after reading the description and seeing that awesome red cover! It sounded like a creepy good read. My excitement was dampened a little after seeing the mixed reviews it was getting. However, I was still looking forward to reading it to see how it worked for me.
I actually really enjoyed this book. I read it in just a few hours, not wanting to stop once I got going.
Paul and Mia Strom have it all. The perfect marriage, the big house, money, and two beautiful children. Paul has a fantastic job at an advertising agency and Mia has stayed home to care for their two boys. Paul tells us he's the perfect husband. He protects and provides well for his family. They want for nothing.
He's now planned a perfect weekend for just him and Mia at their cottage. He's thought it all through. He's promised Mia and us that it's going to be....
THE BEST DAY EVER!
"Today represents everything I've worked for, that we have built together"
The storyline takes place over approximately 24 hours and is told from Paul's point of view.
This is not a normal Friday for the Stroms. The day is special in few ways. Paul has dropped his children off at school, which is something Mia normally does. Then he does the dishes while Mia finishes getting ready. This is also something that he normally doesn't do. He tells us that he can be helpful when he wants to be. But he hopes Mia doesn't come to expect it. He urges Mia to hurry, tells her it's time to go. It's been quite awhile since they've had time together without the children. He reiterates that it's going to be a day just for them and that it's going to be great.
But as they start their drive, Paul feels like something is different. There is a strange tension inside the car. He wants to know what it is, he wants to eliminate it. Mia seems a bit wound up and he's not sure why. He tells her they've got a long drive ahead and that she should try to relax...
"Let's make today the best day ever"
Paul wonders if she's angry about the phone call that he took. The call ended up taking 30 minutes, which means they got a late start. He knows he should apologize ...but he doesn't want to. Pretty much from the get go we can see that it's unlikely going to be the best day ever for this couple.
Mia starts to talk about how she feels she missed out on having a daughter. Paul thinks she should be thankful for what she has. Then she talks about maybe going back to work now that the boys are older, Paul is getting annoyed.
"My wife does not work. That is not our situation. No matter what. She stays at home and cares for the house and the children"
Paul doesn't understand why she's bringing these things up today...on what's supposed to be their perfect day!
"This boldness is not like her. And I don't like it, not at all"
He decides he's not going to let his wife's strange behavior bother him anymore.
"We're going to have the best night ever together"
Typically they do not stop for bathroom breaks on the drive to the lake house. But he's in a loving mood and because this is the best day ever he will make an exception, without shaming her.
The book does have a bit of a slow start but I could see what the author was trying to do, slowly pulling the reader in, dropping hints that things may not be exactly as they seem without giving too much away. Even though I figured some things out early in the book, I'm pretty sure that author intended it to be that way. She wanted us to know that something wasn't right. I was on edge wondering what was going to happen next.
"I've learned people don't often want to hear the truth. Some get their 'feelings' hurt. As if a feeling could be hurt"
I really enjoyed this novel. I thought the story-line was awesome. The slow build up kept me intrigued.... I needed to see how this was going to play out.
The author ratcheted up the tension bit by bit, until I was completely in the grips of this twisted story. Dark and full of suspense. We see into the mind of a wonderfully creepy and sinister character. Once everything was finally revealed, I found myself going back to re-read parts to see what I didn't pick up on originally. An addictive read that I couldn't put down, I can't wait for more from Kaira Rouda!
Thank you, HQ for providing an advanced readers copy of this book for me to read in exchange for my honest review.
4.5 Stars!
I was really excited to read this book after reading the description and seeing that awesome red cover! It sounded like a creepy good read. My excitement was dampened a little after seeing the mixed reviews it was getting. However, I was still looking forward to reading it to see how it worked for me.
I actually really enjoyed this book. I read it in just a few hours, not wanting to stop once I got going.
Paul and Mia Strom have it all. The perfect marriage, the big house, money, and two beautiful children. Paul has a fantastic job at an advertising agency and Mia has stayed home to care for their two boys. Paul tells us he's the perfect husband. He protects and provides well for his family. They want for nothing.
He's now planned a perfect weekend for just him and Mia at their cottage. He's thought it all through. He's promised Mia and us that it's going to be....
THE BEST DAY EVER!
"Today represents everything I've worked for, that we have built together"
The storyline takes place over approximately 24 hours and is told from Paul's point of view.
This is not a normal Friday for the Stroms. The day is special in few ways. Paul has dropped his children off at school, which is something Mia normally does. Then he does the dishes while Mia finishes getting ready. This is also something that he normally doesn't do. He tells us that he can be helpful when he wants to be. But he hopes Mia doesn't come to expect it. He urges Mia to hurry, tells her it's time to go. It's been quite awhile since they've had time together without the children. He reiterates that it's going to be a day just for them and that it's going to be great.
But as they start their drive, Paul feels like something is different. There is a strange tension inside the car. He wants to know what it is, he wants to eliminate it. Mia seems a bit wound up and he's not sure why. He tells her they've got a long drive ahead and that she should try to relax...
"Let's make today the best day ever"
Paul wonders if she's angry about the phone call that he took. The call ended up taking 30 minutes, which means they got a late start. He knows he should apologize ...but he doesn't want to. Pretty much from the get go we can see that it's unlikely going to be the best day ever for this couple.
Mia starts to talk about how she feels she missed out on having a daughter. Paul thinks she should be thankful for what she has. Then she talks about maybe going back to work now that the boys are older, Paul is getting annoyed.
"My wife does not work. That is not our situation. No matter what. She stays at home and cares for the house and the children"
Paul doesn't understand why she's bringing these things up today...on what's supposed to be their perfect day!
"This boldness is not like her. And I don't like it, not at all"
He decides he's not going to let his wife's strange behavior bother him anymore.
"We're going to have the best night ever together"
Typically they do not stop for bathroom breaks on the drive to the lake house. But he's in a loving mood and because this is the best day ever he will make an exception, without shaming her.
The book does have a bit of a slow start but I could see what the author was trying to do, slowly pulling the reader in, dropping hints that things may not be exactly as they seem without giving too much away. Even though I figured some things out early in the book, I'm pretty sure that author intended it to be that way. She wanted us to know that something wasn't right. I was on edge wondering what was going to happen next.
"I've learned people don't often want to hear the truth. Some get their 'feelings' hurt. As if a feeling could be hurt"
I really enjoyed this novel. I thought the story-line was awesome. The slow build up kept me intrigued.... I needed to see how this was going to play out.
The author ratcheted up the tension bit by bit, until I was completely in the grips of this twisted story. Dark and full of suspense. We see into the mind of a wonderfully creepy and sinister character. Once everything was finally revealed, I found myself going back to re-read parts to see what I didn't pick up on originally. An addictive read that I couldn't put down, I can't wait for more from Kaira Rouda!
Thank you, HQ for providing an advanced readers copy of this book for me to read in exchange for my honest review.
June 19, 2018
5 chilling and thrilling stars!
When I am considering the rating of a book, I typically think about a few different factors. Chiefly, was I not able to stop reading? Was I like a rabid dog if someone tried to talk to me while I was reading? Did I stay up all night to finish? If I answer yes to these questions, then it’s a five star rating. Of course, I also like a little character development peppered in there for good measure.
In the beginning of “The Best Day Ever” we meet Paul and Mia Strom, seemingly the perfect couple. They are en route to their lake house and Paul is striving for this to be“The Best Day Ever.” It’s almost immediately apparent that Paul isn’t a good guy. For every action that he does, he wants an equal reaction to occur. In other words, he only does something for someone if it makes him look good.. to hide the fact that he is a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
The book is broken up into 24 hours. The pacing was excellent. Kaira Rouda had her pedal on the medal from the first page, and she didn’t let up on the gas until the final page was turned.
I highly, highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good, tense psychological thriller.
Final Note: Carol and I read this together as a buddy read. Click here if you would like to see our discussion about the book. We marked everything we thought might be a little "spoiler-y" with a spoiler alert.
When I am considering the rating of a book, I typically think about a few different factors. Chiefly, was I not able to stop reading? Was I like a rabid dog if someone tried to talk to me while I was reading? Did I stay up all night to finish? If I answer yes to these questions, then it’s a five star rating. Of course, I also like a little character development peppered in there for good measure.
In the beginning of “The Best Day Ever” we meet Paul and Mia Strom, seemingly the perfect couple. They are en route to their lake house and Paul is striving for this to be“The Best Day Ever.” It’s almost immediately apparent that Paul isn’t a good guy. For every action that he does, he wants an equal reaction to occur. In other words, he only does something for someone if it makes him look good.. to hide the fact that he is a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
The book is broken up into 24 hours. The pacing was excellent. Kaira Rouda had her pedal on the medal from the first page, and she didn’t let up on the gas until the final page was turned.
I highly, highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good, tense psychological thriller.
Final Note: Carol and I read this together as a buddy read. Click here if you would like to see our discussion about the book. We marked everything we thought might be a little "spoiler-y" with a spoiler alert.
March 2, 2018
4.5*
Finally. A much needed weekend getaway to the cabin. Just Paul and Mia. The little darlings left at home with the babysitter. Ah yes, a healthy dose of quality time is just what the doctor ordered to get their marriage back on track. And Paul, bless his heart, has planned out every single detail, hoping to give Mia “The Best Day Ever.” Now, if Mia will just go along with his plan!
Only Mia may have ideas of her own for her best day ever....
Oh my gosh! Paul is the perfect leading character you will just love to hate! I can’t say anymore...you’ll just have to read it yourself! The book is delightfully different and so well done! Not your typical domestic thriller! I blazed through this one in two sittings!
If you’ve already read this one...wasn’t it great?!
If you haven’t, I recommend you put this one on your list!
A super-fast Traveling Sister read with Brenda!
Finally. A much needed weekend getaway to the cabin. Just Paul and Mia. The little darlings left at home with the babysitter. Ah yes, a healthy dose of quality time is just what the doctor ordered to get their marriage back on track. And Paul, bless his heart, has planned out every single detail, hoping to give Mia “The Best Day Ever.” Now, if Mia will just go along with his plan!
Only Mia may have ideas of her own for her best day ever....
Oh my gosh! Paul is the perfect leading character you will just love to hate! I can’t say anymore...you’ll just have to read it yourself! The book is delightfully different and so well done! Not your typical domestic thriller! I blazed through this one in two sittings!
If you’ve already read this one...wasn’t it great?!
If you haven’t, I recommend you put this one on your list!
A super-fast Traveling Sister read with Brenda!
December 15, 2024
BEST DAY EVER by KAIRA ROUDA is a dark, thrilling, and sinister tale of deception and betrayal that takes place over a 24-hr period and had me flipping those pages with anticipation and fascination finishing the book in less than 24-hrs. I could not put this book down!
Okay, for the first part of this novel it takes a little while to get yourself into the book and into the mindset of the main character but as you read on you get the idea of what the author is trying to portray here. It is definitely worth the read and it gets easier and better as the story progresses.
KAIRA ROUDA delivers a gripping and highly entertaining read here told from the first person point of view of our main character Paul Strom who is described as an unreliable narrator by the author. He is narcissistic, arrogant, a womanizer, and a psychopath who is trying to have the Best Day Ever with his wife Mia. The author does a wonderful job portraying the mindset of this character as he is so well-written you totally get into his head and you discover rather quickly that there is definitely something not quite right here. Which will have you wondering why is this the best day ever and who is actually going to have the best day ever, Mia or Paul?
This character is not an easy one to read, I didn’t really like him very much as he has a horrible attitude and is really high on himself. You might also get a little lost sometimes as he will just go off into an inner monologue with himself confusing you even more. Once I figured out what was happening though then I found it rather easy to follow along with the storyline.
The ending was satisfying with all loose ends tied up neatly in a bow. This time around I really liked that the author chose to end the story that way as I needed clarification and closure. I did find the book somewhat predictable at times but there were a few little twists along the way to keep me interested enough throughout and I was totally curious in how this was all going to play out. Would recommend!
Publication date: September 19, 2017
Okay, for the first part of this novel it takes a little while to get yourself into the book and into the mindset of the main character but as you read on you get the idea of what the author is trying to portray here. It is definitely worth the read and it gets easier and better as the story progresses.
KAIRA ROUDA delivers a gripping and highly entertaining read here told from the first person point of view of our main character Paul Strom who is described as an unreliable narrator by the author. He is narcissistic, arrogant, a womanizer, and a psychopath who is trying to have the Best Day Ever with his wife Mia. The author does a wonderful job portraying the mindset of this character as he is so well-written you totally get into his head and you discover rather quickly that there is definitely something not quite right here. Which will have you wondering why is this the best day ever and who is actually going to have the best day ever, Mia or Paul?
This character is not an easy one to read, I didn’t really like him very much as he has a horrible attitude and is really high on himself. You might also get a little lost sometimes as he will just go off into an inner monologue with himself confusing you even more. Once I figured out what was happening though then I found it rather easy to follow along with the storyline.
The ending was satisfying with all loose ends tied up neatly in a bow. This time around I really liked that the author chose to end the story that way as I needed clarification and closure. I did find the book somewhat predictable at times but there were a few little twists along the way to keep me interested enough throughout and I was totally curious in how this was all going to play out. Would recommend!
Publication date: September 19, 2017
January 12, 2018
BEST AUDIOBOOK NARRATION EVER 🎧
5 BIG I LOVE ME some CRAZY STARS!!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I want to give major props to audiobook narrator Graham Halstead his portrayal of Paul was absolute perfection! Six stellar stars to him for enhancing this very entertaining crazy ride of a book.... I definitely believe this is a case where the audio brought such life to the character of Paul, you just couldn’t help but fall in love with this book!
Paul is a total narcissist.... and it isn’t too far into this book when you discover this fact as well.... paul’s inner dialogue and his justification for his actions, were simply priceless to me..... paul’s character as well as Mia’s were so well developed..... I had felt as though I had spent the day with them after finishing the book, and I was quite exhausted from it!
At first it appears as though Paul and Mia are the ideal couple... just about to have the Best Day Ever.... you find out real quick though that things aren’t quite as they seem.... as the book progresses you get to know the true Paul..... and there are some pretty tense moments when you’re not quite sure what is going to happen.... The audiobook kept me listening well into the night, not wanting to press the pause button!
I do recognize this book is not for everybody.... Paul is terribly unlikable, he really has not a single redeemable quality.... if I were to meet Paul in real life I’d hope I’d be smart enough to stay clear..... but as I said I love me some crazy...... I really enjoy what goes on in the head of a narcissist who is also psychotic.... please don’t judge me!😉
I strongly recommend this book on audio, for those of you that like well developed yet disturb characters and some tense situations.....
🎧🎧🎧 you can find my review on the audio narration as well as all the other reviews from my partner in crime and me on our new blog...
https://audiokilledthebookmark.com/
5 BIG I LOVE ME some CRAZY STARS!!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I want to give major props to audiobook narrator Graham Halstead his portrayal of Paul was absolute perfection! Six stellar stars to him for enhancing this very entertaining crazy ride of a book.... I definitely believe this is a case where the audio brought such life to the character of Paul, you just couldn’t help but fall in love with this book!
Paul is a total narcissist.... and it isn’t too far into this book when you discover this fact as well.... paul’s inner dialogue and his justification for his actions, were simply priceless to me..... paul’s character as well as Mia’s were so well developed..... I had felt as though I had spent the day with them after finishing the book, and I was quite exhausted from it!
At first it appears as though Paul and Mia are the ideal couple... just about to have the Best Day Ever.... you find out real quick though that things aren’t quite as they seem.... as the book progresses you get to know the true Paul..... and there are some pretty tense moments when you’re not quite sure what is going to happen.... The audiobook kept me listening well into the night, not wanting to press the pause button!
I do recognize this book is not for everybody.... Paul is terribly unlikable, he really has not a single redeemable quality.... if I were to meet Paul in real life I’d hope I’d be smart enough to stay clear..... but as I said I love me some crazy...... I really enjoy what goes on in the head of a narcissist who is also psychotic.... please don’t judge me!😉
I strongly recommend this book on audio, for those of you that like well developed yet disturb characters and some tense situations.....
🎧🎧🎧 you can find my review on the audio narration as well as all the other reviews from my partner in crime and me on our new blog...
https://audiokilledthebookmark.com/
December 10, 2017
5 Deliciously Wicked Stars!
Paul Strom loves his wife, Mia. Truly, he does. He is everything she could ever want. He has been extremely successful and has always provided for her and their two children. When they met, he knows she found him irresistible. He wanted her and he got her, just like that. Now however, he has felt that their relationship is in need of a little “boost” so he plans a romantic getaway and he just knows that it will be the “Best Day Ever.” How could it not be? He has all the confidence in the world. Once Mia shares what’s been on her mind however, (her health issues, her plans to go back to work, etc.) Paul gets a little frustrated, as her plans were not on his agenda for the weekend. No matter, he is confident that they will work it out, after all, he has planned the “Best Day Ever” and he won’t be deterred.
This is a novel that perfectly encapsulates a marriage. Can you ever know anyone as well as you think you know them? That is the question and it is a scary one. It makes you look around and it can shake you to your core.. if you are married that is.
Paul Strom is quite special - lets just say he’s one heck of a guy and not in a good way. The author, Kaira Rouda did a phenomenal job of making him utterly despicable. Paul is quite full of himself, if you must know. I was constantly laughing out loud at his ludicrousness. I think some of us may actually have met a man like Paul, lets just hope that none of us are married to the likes of him.
I listened to the audiobook of “Best Day Ever” and it captured my attention from the first sentence. It was completely gripping and was in fact the best audiobook I have listened to in 2017. Kudos to the narrator, Graham Halstead for bringing Paul Strom to life. This is a book that I highly recommend. It is extremely entertaining, full of lots of crazy twists and well, it was totally wicked, in the Best Way Ever.
Published on Goodreads, Amazon, Twitter and Instagram on 12.10.17.
Paul Strom loves his wife, Mia. Truly, he does. He is everything she could ever want. He has been extremely successful and has always provided for her and their two children. When they met, he knows she found him irresistible. He wanted her and he got her, just like that. Now however, he has felt that their relationship is in need of a little “boost” so he plans a romantic getaway and he just knows that it will be the “Best Day Ever.” How could it not be? He has all the confidence in the world. Once Mia shares what’s been on her mind however, (her health issues, her plans to go back to work, etc.) Paul gets a little frustrated, as her plans were not on his agenda for the weekend. No matter, he is confident that they will work it out, after all, he has planned the “Best Day Ever” and he won’t be deterred.
This is a novel that perfectly encapsulates a marriage. Can you ever know anyone as well as you think you know them? That is the question and it is a scary one. It makes you look around and it can shake you to your core.. if you are married that is.
Paul Strom is quite special - lets just say he’s one heck of a guy and not in a good way. The author, Kaira Rouda did a phenomenal job of making him utterly despicable. Paul is quite full of himself, if you must know. I was constantly laughing out loud at his ludicrousness. I think some of us may actually have met a man like Paul, lets just hope that none of us are married to the likes of him.
I listened to the audiobook of “Best Day Ever” and it captured my attention from the first sentence. It was completely gripping and was in fact the best audiobook I have listened to in 2017. Kudos to the narrator, Graham Halstead for bringing Paul Strom to life. This is a book that I highly recommend. It is extremely entertaining, full of lots of crazy twists and well, it was totally wicked, in the Best Way Ever.
Published on Goodreads, Amazon, Twitter and Instagram on 12.10.17.
October 4, 2017
Paul Strom has the perfect romantic weekend planned for his wife Mia—their two sons will be in the care of their babysitter, and they will head to their lake house outside Columbus, Ohio.
It's been a while since they've been able to spend any time alone, given how hard Paul works to provide for their family, and how much time and effort parenthood requires. He's even planned a playlist of songs that remind them of different occasions throughout their relationship.
It's really going to be the best day ever.
As they drive up to the cottage, some little annoyances pop up. Mia starts talking about going back to work, which Paul will absolutely not tolerate, since he's the breadwinner and he wants her to be home to care for their children. Mia gets angry that they got a late start because of a mysterious phone call Paul received, so they can't stop at her favorite bakery for croissants. (This is a big deal, since Mia has become a vegetarian of late, after suffering from unexplained fatigue and weakness for a while.)
But even with the little frustrations, both Paul and Mia are committed to making the day the best ever. They want to recapture the magic of when they first met, when Paul was an up and coming executive at an advertising agency, and Mia was a young copywriter. At that moment, Paul knew what he wanted—Mia—and he always got what he wanted, no matter what. And Mia loved how in control Paul was, and how he won her over.
Things haven't been perfect between them lately, but how often do marriages run into tough times? Paul is determined to make everything better. But why are Mia's questions putting him on edge? Is she testing him, or does she suspect him of something?
Is there such a thing as a perfect marriage? Best Day Ever explores how well we really know our spouses, and explores how quickly a fragile trust can be broken down. Kaira Rouda throws lots of twists and turns into the plot, which spans a little more than one day in the life of a couple. She also introduces another creepy main character into the literary world, as Paul Strom is definitely the type of person you wouldn't want to encounter.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. I had seen some tremendously positive reviews and some lukewarm ones, and given how many thrillers I read, I wasn't sure if Rouda would be able to surprise me. The truth is, even though this is a familiar story, Rouda knows how to ratchet up the tension little by little, so you really are left wondering just how she'll tie everything together.
This is a fast read—I devoured the book in a day. It was a little predictable in places but I liked disliking these characters so much. Rouda definitely has a great deal of talent, and I'll be interested to see what she comes up with next.
See all of my reviews at http://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blo....
It's been a while since they've been able to spend any time alone, given how hard Paul works to provide for their family, and how much time and effort parenthood requires. He's even planned a playlist of songs that remind them of different occasions throughout their relationship.
It's really going to be the best day ever.
As they drive up to the cottage, some little annoyances pop up. Mia starts talking about going back to work, which Paul will absolutely not tolerate, since he's the breadwinner and he wants her to be home to care for their children. Mia gets angry that they got a late start because of a mysterious phone call Paul received, so they can't stop at her favorite bakery for croissants. (This is a big deal, since Mia has become a vegetarian of late, after suffering from unexplained fatigue and weakness for a while.)
But even with the little frustrations, both Paul and Mia are committed to making the day the best ever. They want to recapture the magic of when they first met, when Paul was an up and coming executive at an advertising agency, and Mia was a young copywriter. At that moment, Paul knew what he wanted—Mia—and he always got what he wanted, no matter what. And Mia loved how in control Paul was, and how he won her over.
Things haven't been perfect between them lately, but how often do marriages run into tough times? Paul is determined to make everything better. But why are Mia's questions putting him on edge? Is she testing him, or does she suspect him of something?
Is there such a thing as a perfect marriage? Best Day Ever explores how well we really know our spouses, and explores how quickly a fragile trust can be broken down. Kaira Rouda throws lots of twists and turns into the plot, which spans a little more than one day in the life of a couple. She also introduces another creepy main character into the literary world, as Paul Strom is definitely the type of person you wouldn't want to encounter.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. I had seen some tremendously positive reviews and some lukewarm ones, and given how many thrillers I read, I wasn't sure if Rouda would be able to surprise me. The truth is, even though this is a familiar story, Rouda knows how to ratchet up the tension little by little, so you really are left wondering just how she'll tie everything together.
This is a fast read—I devoured the book in a day. It was a little predictable in places but I liked disliking these characters so much. Rouda definitely has a great deal of talent, and I'll be interested to see what she comes up with next.
See all of my reviews at http://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blo....
December 10, 2017
Wickedly Fun!!
Paul is successful, handsome, and quite the catch!! (Paul's thoughts, not mine!)
Paul is conniving, creepy, and someone to completely avoid!! (My thoughts!)
Paul thinks he is God's gift to women (not just his wife either!) Boy, this is a book that will have you raising your eyebrows at all of Paul's ridiculous tactics!! He is so wicked, but yet his thoughts had me laughing, shaking my head and NOT taking him too seriously. Too me this book was more of a light, sarcastic, devilish read that one could devour easily in a day!
Told by Paul's POV (which is hysterical!!!) He sets out to give his wife Mia the BEST DAY EVER, but Mia isn't cooperating and Paul "doesn't like his wife thinking"! Plenty of surprises, twists, laughs, and just plain "dark" fun! The ending was chilling in more ways than one...
Paul is successful, handsome, and quite the catch!! (Paul's thoughts, not mine!)
Paul is conniving, creepy, and someone to completely avoid!! (My thoughts!)
Paul thinks he is God's gift to women (not just his wife either!) Boy, this is a book that will have you raising your eyebrows at all of Paul's ridiculous tactics!! He is so wicked, but yet his thoughts had me laughing, shaking my head and NOT taking him too seriously. Too me this book was more of a light, sarcastic, devilish read that one could devour easily in a day!
Told by Paul's POV (which is hysterical!!!) He sets out to give his wife Mia the BEST DAY EVER, but Mia isn't cooperating and Paul "doesn't like his wife thinking"! Plenty of surprises, twists, laughs, and just plain "dark" fun! The ending was chilling in more ways than one...
October 19, 2017
What an entertaining read! Paul takes his wife Mia on an outing, planned down to the last detail to create the Best Day Ever. I do love unreliable narrators and this one is best read knowing nothing about the plot. The true nature of the 'best day ever' is revealed slowly and has a few twists along the way which kept things interesting.
I have an e-galley but downloaded the audio and saved it for a long drive - it was well worth the wait because the narrator is the best. He was perfect for the role and actually enhanced the story. And that cover is brilliant as well. To find out why you will just have to read the book.
*many thanks to Edelweiss and Graydon House for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review
I have an e-galley but downloaded the audio and saved it for a long drive - it was well worth the wait because the narrator is the best. He was perfect for the role and actually enhanced the story. And that cover is brilliant as well. To find out why you will just have to read the book.
*many thanks to Edelweiss and Graydon House for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review
September 19, 2017
Available today!!! Bonus points, Kaira Rouda was kind enough to reach out and thank me for my review - I thought this was such an unexpected and kind gesture! See my blog for the super creepy trailer that goes along with it.
*********
Joe Goldberg, of the massively disturbing YOU, has some stiff competition for creepiest book protagonist of all time with the incarnation of Best Day Ever's main character, Paul Strom.
I went into this book cold, and I believe that is the way to go here. The less you know the better. Just know that the author delivers with getting into the mind of what I believe to be one of 2017's most sinister character's minds in fiction.
I devoured this book in less than two days, it will definitely keep you on your toes.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
*********
Joe Goldberg, of the massively disturbing YOU, has some stiff competition for creepiest book protagonist of all time with the incarnation of Best Day Ever's main character, Paul Strom.
I went into this book cold, and I believe that is the way to go here. The less you know the better. Just know that the author delivers with getting into the mind of what I believe to be one of 2017's most sinister character's minds in fiction.
I devoured this book in less than two days, it will definitely keep you on your toes.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 2, 2024
A little birdie let slip that Kaira's newest novel, "The Second Mrs. Strom," coming out in August 2024, has ties to this book. And let me tell you, this one was a fantastic read!
You get to dive deep into the mind of a guy who is, well, let's just say he's full of himself. The author masterfully gets into the head of this character who thinks he's the best thing since sliced bread. He even remembers things the way he wants them to be, not how they really happened. It's brilliantly done.
The story's pace keeps you hooked from start to finish. Paul and Mia Strom seem like the picture-perfect couple—two lovely homes, two adorable young sons, and a bright future ahead. The book kicks off with them heading off for a romantic weekend at their summer house. But as you turn the pages, you start to question if their relationship is really as perfect as it seems.
I'm crossing my fingers that Negalley approves me for the second book!
You get to dive deep into the mind of a guy who is, well, let's just say he's full of himself. The author masterfully gets into the head of this character who thinks he's the best thing since sliced bread. He even remembers things the way he wants them to be, not how they really happened. It's brilliantly done.
The story's pace keeps you hooked from start to finish. Paul and Mia Strom seem like the picture-perfect couple—two lovely homes, two adorable young sons, and a bright future ahead. The book kicks off with them heading off for a romantic weekend at their summer house. But as you turn the pages, you start to question if their relationship is really as perfect as it seems.
I'm crossing my fingers that Negalley approves me for the second book!
August 16, 2017
I tried so hard with this book "Best Day Ever" but it was just so, so slow from the start. On advice from other readers who seem to have had a similar problem I stuck with it, but at about half way through i skipped to the end as I just couldn't go on with it.
The story is set over twenty four hours with the majority of it set in a car with the two main characters Mia and Paul driving to their second home for what Paul plans as their 'best day ever'. I personally found the exchanges between them boring and slow and although you know something is brewing it still didn't captivate me.
This book has been well received by a lot of reviewers so perhaps I'm just in a minority, but I prefer my books a little more fast paced and entertaining.
However, the author has written the book well, there's certainly no problems with her writing style - unfortunately the story just wasn't for me.
The story is set over twenty four hours with the majority of it set in a car with the two main characters Mia and Paul driving to their second home for what Paul plans as their 'best day ever'. I personally found the exchanges between them boring and slow and although you know something is brewing it still didn't captivate me.
This book has been well received by a lot of reviewers so perhaps I'm just in a minority, but I prefer my books a little more fast paced and entertaining.
However, the author has written the book well, there's certainly no problems with her writing style - unfortunately the story just wasn't for me.
February 23, 2024
3.0 stars— I decided to read “Best Day Ever” after reading several positive reviews of the book on Goodreads over the past few years. “Best” is unique in that 95 percent of the book is told from the perspective of Paul Strom, an abusive narcissist who is in the midst of taking his wife to their cabin so they can celebrate what he has termed the best day ever. Paul is delusional about his intelligence and power, and through his very long and rambling narratives, I was easily able to tell that most of what Paul says is exaggerated and only half of the truth. Although I usually like a good unreliable narrator, Paul is so obnoxious that he becomes tiresome very quickly. However, the plot was pretty good with a lot of twists and turns I didn’t expect. However, Paul’s actions and reactions didn’t always seem to be very genuine— even for a narcissistic sociopath. In fact Paul is one of the most impulsive and reactionary characters I’ve read in quite a while. In no way would someone that acts the way he does be able to pull off all of the things he was supposed to have done at his job and over the ten years of his marriage to Mia. Because the believability factor was so low and the main character was so obnoxious, this was nowhere close to “Gone Girl” or any other domestic suspense novel. I might eventually try another book by the author because the book was a fast paced read… but not a fast paced read I particularly enjoyed.
April 5, 2021
Narcissist-a person who exhibits a lack of ability to empathize with others and an inflated sense of self importance.
You probably know one, but are unaware that you do. Their public persona may be quite charming, but they are a different person behind closed doors. It could be a neighbor, or a friend's significant other.
Or maybe, you have met a narcissist and are well aware of that fact. A parent or someone you have been involved with.
I recognized Paul Strom as a narcissist immediately. A narrator who believed everything he was saying. A narrator who was easy to hate. He may be fooling his wife Mia, with his "Best Day Ever" plans...but, he wasn't fooling me.
A slow build up of tension, well developed characters, and all of the nuances of a relationship deteriorating captured perfectly...I read as long as my tired eyes would allow...
Be sure to read the author's note at the end of the book too-well said, Kaira!
And, after you have read this book, I think you will agree that this is the “best book title ever” !!!
❤️
You probably know one, but are unaware that you do. Their public persona may be quite charming, but they are a different person behind closed doors. It could be a neighbor, or a friend's significant other.
Or maybe, you have met a narcissist and are well aware of that fact. A parent or someone you have been involved with.
I recognized Paul Strom as a narcissist immediately. A narrator who believed everything he was saying. A narrator who was easy to hate. He may be fooling his wife Mia, with his "Best Day Ever" plans...but, he wasn't fooling me.
A slow build up of tension, well developed characters, and all of the nuances of a relationship deteriorating captured perfectly...I read as long as my tired eyes would allow...
Be sure to read the author's note at the end of the book too-well said, Kaira!
And, after you have read this book, I think you will agree that this is the “best book title ever” !!!
❤️
April 8, 2018
4.5 Stars
This novel takes place in a day, specifically the best day ever for married couple Mia and Paul Strom. They are a couple to be envied; they are successful, beautiful, and madly in love.... Just ask Paul himself, he'll tell you just how amazing his life truly is.
As Paul and Mia take a little day trip together you soon realize that looks may be deceiving as a sense of growing unease and urgency begins to build with each page. This couple has secrets. As Paul reveals his intentions and personality slowly but surely, you're still left puzzled about Mia. Only getting glimpses of Mia's intentions in the eyes of the less than reliable narration of Paul Strom.
To say Paul Strom is unlikable is putting it lightly. He is narcissistic, obnoxious, delusional, and a just brutal asshole.... needless to say I'm in love him. Or to be more specific I am in love with reading his inward running dialogue. I absolutely love books that give you perspective of the antagonist. They are so fun and disturbing all at once and I always find myself rooting for the psychopath and it was no different in this novel. I wanted Paul Strom to get everything his little psychopathic heart wanted. I'm sure that means I have major issues but I blame the brilliant writing of Kaira Rouda who not only made it bearable to be inside Paul's head for this entire novel but actually quite enjoyable.
This book is a top read for me. It was so fun and twisted, with just a hint of campy goodness. I think fans of You by Caroline Kepnes would love this read or anyone who doesn't mind getting inside the mind of a complete jackass for a couple of hours. Fair warning I meant to just read a couple of chapters of this book and here I am a few hours later after completely devouring this novel. So make sure you block out time for this read because once you start you're not going to want to stop.
This novel takes place in a day, specifically the best day ever for married couple Mia and Paul Strom. They are a couple to be envied; they are successful, beautiful, and madly in love.... Just ask Paul himself, he'll tell you just how amazing his life truly is.
As Paul and Mia take a little day trip together you soon realize that looks may be deceiving as a sense of growing unease and urgency begins to build with each page. This couple has secrets. As Paul reveals his intentions and personality slowly but surely, you're still left puzzled about Mia. Only getting glimpses of Mia's intentions in the eyes of the less than reliable narration of Paul Strom.
To say Paul Strom is unlikable is putting it lightly. He is narcissistic, obnoxious, delusional, and a just brutal asshole.... needless to say I'm in love him. Or to be more specific I am in love with reading his inward running dialogue. I absolutely love books that give you perspective of the antagonist. They are so fun and disturbing all at once and I always find myself rooting for the psychopath and it was no different in this novel. I wanted Paul Strom to get everything his little psychopathic heart wanted. I'm sure that means I have major issues but I blame the brilliant writing of Kaira Rouda who not only made it bearable to be inside Paul's head for this entire novel but actually quite enjoyable.
This book is a top read for me. It was so fun and twisted, with just a hint of campy goodness. I think fans of You by Caroline Kepnes would love this read or anyone who doesn't mind getting inside the mind of a complete jackass for a couple of hours. Fair warning I meant to just read a couple of chapters of this book and here I am a few hours later after completely devouring this novel. So make sure you block out time for this read because once you start you're not going to want to stop.
August 30, 2021
Best Day Ever by Kaira Rouda is a 2017 Graydon House publication.
Paul and Mia are heading out to spend a weekend alone without their kids, or work interference, at their lake house. Paul was hoping to create ‘The Best Day Ever’ for his wife- but things are not quite working out as he planned.
Mia is argumentative, bringing up old grievances, picking at sore spots between them. At all turns Paul’s plans go awry- including their pesky neighbor who keeps popping up at the most inopportune moments, and can’t seem to take a hint.
As the weekend progresses, it becomes clear that Paul and Mia’s perfect marriage may have a few cracks in it- and they each have very different ideas of how to spend their time together…
After suffering through a crispy fried burnout on Domestic and Psychological thrillers a few years back, for all intents and purposes, I stopped reading them all together for a while- only gradually adding them back in once the trend eased up a little.
The problem was that I was left with stacks and stacks of PT’s on my TBR pile. This summer I’ve been working through my TBR list, as a whole, because it had ballooned out of all reasonable proportion.
When I got around to this book, which has been gathering dust now for four years- I waffled back and forth on whether to keep it or delete it from the pile.
What to do?
I decided to read a few chapters of the book, then decide. The next thing I knew I’d read half the book in one sitting!
This is one of those strange, and rare, situations when having a pretty good idea of what is going on well in advance is a good thing- otherwise, this book might have bored me to tears.
But because I knew early on that something sinister was afoot and it wasn’t necessarily one-sided, I was absolutely captivated by the way the story unfolded.
Although, domestic thrillers all seem to borrow from a similar format, once you’ve read a dozen or fifty in a year, it starts to feel like reading the same book over and over and over- only with different names and locations.
This book has those hallmark elements- but was smarter, with even pacing- and no deluge of over the top twists.
It wraps up quite nicely - because it is always richly satisfying when an utterly deplorable person finally gets their comeuppance- and it couldn’t have been more fitting!
Overall, I enjoyed the ride- and will certainly read this author again.
4 stars
Paul and Mia are heading out to spend a weekend alone without their kids, or work interference, at their lake house. Paul was hoping to create ‘The Best Day Ever’ for his wife- but things are not quite working out as he planned.
Mia is argumentative, bringing up old grievances, picking at sore spots between them. At all turns Paul’s plans go awry- including their pesky neighbor who keeps popping up at the most inopportune moments, and can’t seem to take a hint.
As the weekend progresses, it becomes clear that Paul and Mia’s perfect marriage may have a few cracks in it- and they each have very different ideas of how to spend their time together…
After suffering through a crispy fried burnout on Domestic and Psychological thrillers a few years back, for all intents and purposes, I stopped reading them all together for a while- only gradually adding them back in once the trend eased up a little.
The problem was that I was left with stacks and stacks of PT’s on my TBR pile. This summer I’ve been working through my TBR list, as a whole, because it had ballooned out of all reasonable proportion.
When I got around to this book, which has been gathering dust now for four years- I waffled back and forth on whether to keep it or delete it from the pile.
What to do?
I decided to read a few chapters of the book, then decide. The next thing I knew I’d read half the book in one sitting!
This is one of those strange, and rare, situations when having a pretty good idea of what is going on well in advance is a good thing- otherwise, this book might have bored me to tears.
But because I knew early on that something sinister was afoot and it wasn’t necessarily one-sided, I was absolutely captivated by the way the story unfolded.
Although, domestic thrillers all seem to borrow from a similar format, once you’ve read a dozen or fifty in a year, it starts to feel like reading the same book over and over and over- only with different names and locations.
This book has those hallmark elements- but was smarter, with even pacing- and no deluge of over the top twists.
It wraps up quite nicely - because it is always richly satisfying when an utterly deplorable person finally gets their comeuppance- and it couldn’t have been more fitting!
Overall, I enjoyed the ride- and will certainly read this author again.
4 stars
April 25, 2022
I hope you guys are having The Best Day Ever!!❤️Guys...seriously...if you have not read this one...you need to! I NEVER reread a book...but I did this one! I had read this in 2017 and that was long before I knew about Goodreads! Me write a review?! Ummm you must be kidding! I had always read rom coms and chick lit...and this my friends was my gateway to pycholocial/domestic thrillers! I was hooked.
Sooo it's been 5 years and I know I loved to hate Paul..but my memory was failing me as to why...So Paul and I had a date...and wow! I now know why this was marked down as one of my favorite books!
Paul Strom is one of the most unlikable characters around...and I loved him! I stick with my word that Kaira Rouda truly is the queen of cray characters! Paul's inner and outer voice is...so disturbing but hilarious! I love a good snarky banter! Now if that "garden troll" next door would stop bothering Paul...........Oh Paul...you crack me up!
Loved this book obviously and can't recommend it enough!
Sooo it's been 5 years and I know I loved to hate Paul..but my memory was failing me as to why...So Paul and I had a date...and wow! I now know why this was marked down as one of my favorite books!
Paul Strom is one of the most unlikable characters around...and I loved him! I stick with my word that Kaira Rouda truly is the queen of cray characters! Paul's inner and outer voice is...so disturbing but hilarious! I love a good snarky banter! Now if that "garden troll" next door would stop bothering Paul...........Oh Paul...you crack me up!
Loved this book obviously and can't recommend it enough!
November 28, 2025
Unreliable narrator ✅ Suspense ✅ Evil yet comedic ✅
A Psychopath that can get down to Taylor Swift (specifically The Story of Us) why is the red flag turning green all of a sudden.
I wouldn’t say this is a thriller novel as you basically know how the end will play out from the beginning. Usually this is something I hate in books, especially ones of this genre but this was so fun and unlike anything I’ve read before. Taking place over one day, we follow a man who is the exact opposite of any nice adjective you can think of as he takes his wife out for what will be an unforgettable getaway for the both of them by the end of the story.
If you’re an American Psycho fan, The MMC is literally Patrick Bateman with a beer belly (which his wife points out several times, I don’t normally support body shaming but YOU GO GIRL!) His internal monologue was so interesting and also fun to be in because it would go from really dark to completely unhinged only sentences later. I kind of feel bad at finding a total manic to so funny but here we are haha.
Definitely recommend if you don’t need a crazy plot twist in your suspense novels and are content with a simple yet still sadistic story.
A Psychopath that can get down to Taylor Swift (specifically The Story of Us) why is the red flag turning green all of a sudden.
I wouldn’t say this is a thriller novel as you basically know how the end will play out from the beginning. Usually this is something I hate in books, especially ones of this genre but this was so fun and unlike anything I’ve read before. Taking place over one day, we follow a man who is the exact opposite of any nice adjective you can think of as he takes his wife out for what will be an unforgettable getaway for the both of them by the end of the story.
If you’re an American Psycho fan, The MMC is literally Patrick Bateman with a beer belly (which his wife points out several times, I don’t normally support body shaming but YOU GO GIRL!) His internal monologue was so interesting and also fun to be in because it would go from really dark to completely unhinged only sentences later. I kind of feel bad at finding a total manic to so funny but here we are haha.
Definitely recommend if you don’t need a crazy plot twist in your suspense novels and are content with a simple yet still sadistic story.
July 22, 2018
Truly this book had me going and not wanting to stop reading. It fulfilled the creepy, frightening nature of a person who manipulates, schemes, and goes literally to any length to get what they want.
Paul and Mia Strom have planned a weekend together. For Paul, who calls it the best day ever, it is a time to reconnect with his wife, have an alone weekend together, and display all the marital bliss one could possibly imagine. One fault lies in his perception as we are led through a twenty-four hour period of Paul and Mia's life. Paul is the narrator and as we delve deeper into the passing minutes of his tale, we begin to see cracks in Paul's brilliant armor. He is and becomes to the reader a man of many depths all of them dedicated to his own self interests. We begin to discover his sinister traits as he is the perfect psychopath able to hide his true nature behind so many screens. As the minutes pass, we become more like his confidants as he leads us to where he intends Mia and his family to fall within his plans for his ultimate happiness.
Certainly unnerving, Paul is the ultimate villain. He has everything, manipulates everything, and as all psychopaths do, regrets nothing. Mia seems to be his pawn. Does she not see or even sense the wrongness in Paul?
Ms Rouda, with Paul as the unreliable narrator, creates a tale of intimidation and one where the reader has to ask themselves, how well do we really know the person we are married to? Scary thought right?
Paul and Mia Strom have planned a weekend together. For Paul, who calls it the best day ever, it is a time to reconnect with his wife, have an alone weekend together, and display all the marital bliss one could possibly imagine. One fault lies in his perception as we are led through a twenty-four hour period of Paul and Mia's life. Paul is the narrator and as we delve deeper into the passing minutes of his tale, we begin to see cracks in Paul's brilliant armor. He is and becomes to the reader a man of many depths all of them dedicated to his own self interests. We begin to discover his sinister traits as he is the perfect psychopath able to hide his true nature behind so many screens. As the minutes pass, we become more like his confidants as he leads us to where he intends Mia and his family to fall within his plans for his ultimate happiness.
Certainly unnerving, Paul is the ultimate villain. He has everything, manipulates everything, and as all psychopaths do, regrets nothing. Mia seems to be his pawn. Does she not see or even sense the wrongness in Paul?
Ms Rouda, with Paul as the unreliable narrator, creates a tale of intimidation and one where the reader has to ask themselves, how well do we really know the person we are married to? Scary thought right?
December 21, 2019
4.5 stars!
Paul Strom - you are one sneaky, conniving, twisted and unforgettable character!
This book has received a lot of love and hype and I’m happy to report it lived up to it!
Paul is taking his wife, Mia, away for a weekend at the family cottage. Hoping to have quality alone time with Mia, they hire a babysitter to stay home with their sons so they can have a romantic getaway and reconnect. Paul has plans for the “best day ever”.
This novel is narrated through Paul’s perspective. He was a fantastic character to spend this journey with. I was fascinated by his thoughts and actions and couldn’t flip the pages fast enough to see what would happen next. His character was done to perfection!
There were a few plot points that I had figured out early on, but it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment. The storyline is quick and engaging from the start. I felt like I was in a permanent state of shock with Paul’s inner snark, thoughts, plans and decisions.
If you love thrillers and haven’t read this one yet, you need to run to the library or bookstore immediately and pick up a copy! Thank you to my lovely local library for the loan of this fantastic book!
Paul Strom - you are one sneaky, conniving, twisted and unforgettable character!
This book has received a lot of love and hype and I’m happy to report it lived up to it!
Paul is taking his wife, Mia, away for a weekend at the family cottage. Hoping to have quality alone time with Mia, they hire a babysitter to stay home with their sons so they can have a romantic getaway and reconnect. Paul has plans for the “best day ever”.
This novel is narrated through Paul’s perspective. He was a fantastic character to spend this journey with. I was fascinated by his thoughts and actions and couldn’t flip the pages fast enough to see what would happen next. His character was done to perfection!
There were a few plot points that I had figured out early on, but it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment. The storyline is quick and engaging from the start. I felt like I was in a permanent state of shock with Paul’s inner snark, thoughts, plans and decisions.
If you love thrillers and haven’t read this one yet, you need to run to the library or bookstore immediately and pick up a copy! Thank you to my lovely local library for the loan of this fantastic book!
September 30, 2017
CREEP-TASTIC!!!
Talk about your unreliable narrator. This guy takes the cake AND the table it sits on.
Pull up a chair and indulge.
Talk about your unreliable narrator. This guy takes the cake AND the table it sits on.
Pull up a chair and indulge.
January 9, 2018
This book was great! I was absorbed from beginning to end.
Paul Strom is a successful, handsome man married to Mia, a stay-at-home mom. The books narrates a day in the life of this couple, but is not just any day, it is the day Paul takes Mia away to their lakehouse home for a relaxing weekend.
On the journey there we hear Paul's thoughts about their life and how it has evolved to this day. The story is told from the point of view of Paul and it alternates between the present day and past events.
It is brilliantly told and Paul is an excellent character. I was completely captivated by the novel and finished it fast.
Overall, I loved the novel and highly recommend it to readers of thrillers and contemporary fiction. I look forward to the author's next book.
LAST NOTE: I did a buddy read with Crumb and we posted our thoughts on this thread, all spoilers are hidden :)
Paul Strom is a successful, handsome man married to Mia, a stay-at-home mom. The books narrates a day in the life of this couple, but is not just any day, it is the day Paul takes Mia away to their lakehouse home for a relaxing weekend.
On the journey there we hear Paul's thoughts about their life and how it has evolved to this day. The story is told from the point of view of Paul and it alternates between the present day and past events.
It is brilliantly told and Paul is an excellent character. I was completely captivated by the novel and finished it fast.
Overall, I loved the novel and highly recommend it to readers of thrillers and contemporary fiction. I look forward to the author's next book.
LAST NOTE: I did a buddy read with Crumb and we posted our thoughts on this thread, all spoilers are hidden :)
June 6, 2017
Hope you enjoy Best Day Ever as much as I enjoyed writing it. Thanks!
November 29, 2024
Paul is the narrator of this one “perfect” day tale. And, he will be an unreliable narrator because of his cocky, outbursts and justifications for what he believes will create the “best day ever” for his meticulously planned drive with his wife Mia to their vacation home.
But not all will go as planned. What will be truth and what will be lies? How healthy and perfect is this marriage really? What is Mia thinking about what Paul has planned for her?
Readers will feel the suspense and angst and drama and deception and could it possibly be betrayal as pages turn? The drive will be tense as readers wait for the riveting conclusion.
But…about that ending…(no spoilers from me.)
But not all will go as planned. What will be truth and what will be lies? How healthy and perfect is this marriage really? What is Mia thinking about what Paul has planned for her?
Readers will feel the suspense and angst and drama and deception and could it possibly be betrayal as pages turn? The drive will be tense as readers wait for the riveting conclusion.
But…about that ending…(no spoilers from me.)
November 11, 2017
I’m going to start off my review stating one simple fact about myself: I live for sweatpants. I live for comfort. Especially at night, hell, sometimes during the day if I want to. 🤷🏻♀️ And, if a man has a problem with my sweatpants then I suppose I will remember him while I’m buying new sweatpants. Rant over.
Okay, so Best Day Ever was truly hilarious to me. Our main character, Paul, is 100% a straight up a**hole. His thoughts literally made me laugh out loud. His comment about yoga pants and tennis outfits only being worn by thin woman? Really, Paul?
Anyways, what’s it about? The story is of a married couple, Paul and Mia. Paul is charming, he’s the best husband, the best father. He loves himself and is the best at everything. Paul is the money maker, so that Mia can stay home and take care of the house and kids. He expects sex and for Mia to never question his motives, (barf). Paul has planned a romantic get away to their lake house, just the two of them. He wants to have the best day ever. This story is told in 24hr period. Secrets, lies, money and betrayal oOoOo juicy.
Best Day Ever did start a little slow for me but my buddy told me it was worth it, and it was. Paul was extremely interesting to me. A true manipulator, a narcissist. A man I could NEVER get a long with. Like I said I laughed out loud while reading his thoughts but I also was rooting for Mia. Best Day Ever was a fast read for me. I’ll rate it 4.5 Stars and recommend.
Okay, so Best Day Ever was truly hilarious to me. Our main character, Paul, is 100% a straight up a**hole. His thoughts literally made me laugh out loud. His comment about yoga pants and tennis outfits only being worn by thin woman? Really, Paul?
Anyways, what’s it about? The story is of a married couple, Paul and Mia. Paul is charming, he’s the best husband, the best father. He loves himself and is the best at everything. Paul is the money maker, so that Mia can stay home and take care of the house and kids. He expects sex and for Mia to never question his motives, (barf). Paul has planned a romantic get away to their lake house, just the two of them. He wants to have the best day ever. This story is told in 24hr period. Secrets, lies, money and betrayal oOoOo juicy.
Best Day Ever did start a little slow for me but my buddy told me it was worth it, and it was. Paul was extremely interesting to me. A true manipulator, a narcissist. A man I could NEVER get a long with. Like I said I laughed out loud while reading his thoughts but I also was rooting for Mia. Best Day Ever was a fast read for me. I’ll rate it 4.5 Stars and recommend.
March 27, 2022
I really wanted to love this one, but there isn’t a single thing I liked about this book. 😭 It pains me to give books one star, but I really didn’t like this. This doesn’t feel like a thriller to me, I’m so tired of reading books like this in the thriller genre. We follow the POV of this asshole named Paul, and he’s the most obnoxious sexist cheating abusive piece of shit. I feel like this book is trying to be like You by Caroline Kepnes with his inner dialogue, but he’s not nearly as interesting of a character as Joe Goldberg he’s just…. an asshole and that’s it. The writing style kind of drove me crazy because there is soooo much inner thoughts and huge chunky paragraphs of Paul going on and on about how he’s in control of his family and his wife and spewing about what they can and can’t do. It was just annoying to read and also incredibly boring. It’s easy to predict where this is going because I’ve read a ton of “thrillers” just like this one.
This book definitely has an audience though, it’s just not for me. I feel like if you enjoy B.A. Paris thrillers, you might enjoy this. 🤷🏻♀️
This book definitely has an audience though, it’s just not for me. I feel like if you enjoy B.A. Paris thrillers, you might enjoy this. 🤷🏻♀️
May 16, 2018
Entertaining but not surprising. This was fun and sometimes funny.
The author crafted a believable (albeit irritating) sociopath nut job. (This is not a spoiler as it is evident from page one.) This kept my interest for the most part but I was hoping for something less obvious and more convoluted. Still, this would make a good beach read. 3.5 stars
The author crafted a believable (albeit irritating) sociopath nut job. (This is not a spoiler as it is evident from page one.) This kept my interest for the most part but I was hoping for something less obvious and more convoluted. Still, this would make a good beach read. 3.5 stars
November 25, 2018
Paul Strom – Thinks so highly of himself that you don’t have to.
Paul is taking his wife Mia on a road trip to their lakeside cottage for a romantic getaway, and according to Paul it is going to be – wait for it – the best day ever! He considers himself to be the bestest husband, lover, family man, and provider, but from the moment they get on the road Mia appears annoyed with him. Why is she trying to ruin their best day ever?
At first glance Paul comes across as a conceited, narcissistic, misogynist douchebag with a way overinflated ego. By the close of chapter one his thoughts have taken a more sinister, dangerous turn – we’re talking full blown psychopath in our midst. Most of the plot twists I saw coming, but I think I was meant to, as the way it was written had Paul hinting at past actions or things he had planned, safe in the knowledge that we wouldn’t figure it out, because he (Paul), considered himself superior to us mere readers. Very clever Kaira Rouda!
Initially, Mia annoyed me with her crankiness and whining, even as I reminded myself that I was only getting Paul’s POV, i.e. his perception of his wife. Also, she had been putting up with him for years, and after spending ten minutes with him I wanted to scream and run away – fast, so she's allowed to be cranky. As the chapters progressed I completely changed my mind about her character, understood why she was that way, and was really rooting for her.
I don’t mean to make light of the seriousness of this book’s content, and don’t get me wrong there were some tense, and uncomfortable, as well as emotional moments, but being inside Paul’s head was as hilarious as it was entertaining. Let me be clear, I was laughing at him though – a nasty, vile individual – who deserved my mockery I feel. The funniest bits were any time he was outsmarted by someone, and the resulting confusion that followed, as he couldn’t comprehend the idea of a person possibly being more intelligent than him. That whole superiority complex again!
It was quite a slow progress read, that dragged in places, but the last chapter summed up why nicely, and it now makes sense to me why it was written that way. I had decided on a 4-star rating, but having now written my review I’m upping it to 5, well 4.5/5. Recommended for those who enjoy a slow-burn, psychological study.
Paul is taking his wife Mia on a road trip to their lakeside cottage for a romantic getaway, and according to Paul it is going to be – wait for it – the best day ever! He considers himself to be the bestest husband, lover, family man, and provider, but from the moment they get on the road Mia appears annoyed with him. Why is she trying to ruin their best day ever?
At first glance Paul comes across as a conceited, narcissistic, misogynist douchebag with a way overinflated ego. By the close of chapter one his thoughts have taken a more sinister, dangerous turn – we’re talking full blown psychopath in our midst. Most of the plot twists I saw coming, but I think I was meant to, as the way it was written had Paul hinting at past actions or things he had planned, safe in the knowledge that we wouldn’t figure it out, because he (Paul), considered himself superior to us mere readers. Very clever Kaira Rouda!
Initially, Mia annoyed me with her crankiness and whining, even as I reminded myself that I was only getting Paul’s POV, i.e. his perception of his wife. Also, she had been putting up with him for years, and after spending ten minutes with him I wanted to scream and run away – fast, so she's allowed to be cranky. As the chapters progressed I completely changed my mind about her character, understood why she was that way, and was really rooting for her.
I don’t mean to make light of the seriousness of this book’s content, and don’t get me wrong there were some tense, and uncomfortable, as well as emotional moments, but being inside Paul’s head was as hilarious as it was entertaining. Let me be clear, I was laughing at him though – a nasty, vile individual – who deserved my mockery I feel. The funniest bits were any time he was outsmarted by someone, and the resulting confusion that followed, as he couldn’t comprehend the idea of a person possibly being more intelligent than him. That whole superiority complex again!
It was quite a slow progress read, that dragged in places, but the last chapter summed up why nicely, and it now makes sense to me why it was written that way. I had decided on a 4-star rating, but having now written my review I’m upping it to 5, well 4.5/5. Recommended for those who enjoy a slow-burn, psychological study.
Want to read
August 29, 2018So, when your trusted book buddy, Susanne, recommends a book with glowing praise and devoted adoration, you read the book!
(No pressure, though, promise ;)
(No pressure, though, promise ;)
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