A Riveting Psychological Thriller about the Perfect Marriage

I began reading this one night and was hooked right away. I love the way the author narrates the story through the husband. All his thoughts are known as he thinks, speaks, and we are left wondering if his wife is thinking what her husband thinks she's thinking. A page turner for sure. One of the most interesting and entertaining books I've read in a very long time. If you like psychological thrillers, don't miss this one.

This is a terrific read, expertly written; the suspense becomes almost unbearable with every twist as we near the climax. It features the best use of an unreliable - to say the least - narrator that I've read recently, superior to The Girl on the Train. It would be criminal to give away anything of the plot other than to say a perfect marriage is not what it seems, and "the best day ever" has sinister overtones. I was not familiar with the author when a friend passed the book on to me, but now I want to read more of her work.

SPOILERS AHEAD:

From the first chapter, you get a sense that all is not as it seems in the "perfect" marriage of Paul and Mia. If you have experience with living with (and/or being married to) an emotionally abusive narcissist, you'll spot Paul for what he is almost immediately. I'm not one to need "trigger warnings", but this book did bring me back to the pretty dark place that was my marriage to my ex-husband. That being said, it was still easy enough to focus on the pages, and the captivating story within. Wonderfully written, Rouda weaves Paul's story almost magically. It's hard to write compelling characters, it has to be even harder to write one like him but she did it flawlessly. My (fellow writer's) hat is tipped. The only negative thing I could say would be that the last chapter (before the prologue) ended a bit abruptly. Perhaps that was Rouda's intention, but with a book full of non-stop build-up, it seemed to end a bit deflated. I do love the book, and Rouda's writing. You need to read this.

This book was gripping and I dove into the story of a marriage between Paul Strom his wife Mia who are getting away from their two kids to go to their lakehouse to relax but the tone is off and the husband starts getting irritated with his wife. Their best day ever starts unraveling and Paul has hidden secrets from his wife for decades and the race against time to uncover what he's done is told from Paul's perspective. The wife is always the last to know and will their marriage survive is the question that's answered as chapter by chapter Paul is unmasked.

I enjoyed this book. Who doesn't like a psychopath narrator?

Paul Strom has planned the "best day ever" to spend with his wife, Mia, at their Lakeside cottage in Lake Erie. I mean, who doesn't like to take a day off from life and just relax? I guess that depends on your definition of relax....

A twisty book told just the way I like it by one, unstable psychopath.

I've never disliked the main character of a book as much as I did this one. Yet, I couldn't put it down. I had to see what Paul would do next, and to learn what he'd done in his past. He only cared about one person— himself. He used everyone else. I rooted for his wife, Mia. I liked the way the background story was told, revealing a little at a time in flashbacks. I also liked the time updates for the one day of the story. I did wonder how he got by with some of the things he did at the end. Makes me wonder if Paul won't appear in another book?

I was given a signed copy of this book & was excited about it since I live in the community the author based the home of the main characters in and have vacationed many times in the lake area where they also have a home. While it was fun reading about the various spots that I recognize, I simply cannot stand the narrative by the egotistical husband. He is despicable & while I realize that is the gist of the story, whenever I try to read more of it, I can feel my breath quicken & become very anxious because he's so nasty! I commend the author for getting the point across that this character is a horrible person & if people who are in abusive relationships can get something positive out of the story that's great. I just keep thinking that if this person was an acquaintance of mine, I would disassociate myself from them, so why would I read this? I'll try to finish it but I can only take a little at a time! Maybe there will be enlightenment at the end, but it sure is a tough read for me!!!

I didn’t actually like this book too much but it was an interesting read. I was hooked the first chapter because I thought the narrator couldn’t be the huge male jerk he was, but alas almost the entire book is this toxic male voice. I really couldn’t stand him and was just reading to witness his fall. I never truly enjoy a book if I can’t connect with the narrator so this was definitely more of a 3.5 star but it was a quick read and an interesting, if predictable story.

Every once in a while a book reaches out and grabs you. It is all you can do to put it down and walk away. Even as you read, chapters turn rapidly and the words fly by. Best Day Ever, by Kaira Rouda is such a book. From the very beginning you know this is going to be a good story and you just have to keep reading. To say more would ruin the magic of reading this one unencumbered by additional information. Suffice it to say, this is a domestic thriller for the ages and you will spend the Best Day Ever reading it.

This story unfolds in under 24 hours and is written with a fast pace that will NOT let you put the book down. As the book unfolds, it made me feel awkward- inside the relationship of 2 people who seemed a bit on the boring side. However, it changes and that awkwardness turns into fascination. The author does a great job of writing a narcissistic character and so then the fascination turns creepy. This is a really well written quick story that I would recommend.

More accurately, 3/12 stars. I like a twisted, unreliable narrator as much as the next person, and Paul, the "star" of this book, certainly qualifies. The story started strong, but lost momentum and actually became a bit repetitive ( the continual repeating of the phrase "best day ever" got old )
The eplilogue felt flat; without giving anything away, I wanted an ending that gave Paul the "justice" he deserved. If the author is planning a sequel, I'm not interested. Paul is just too unpleasant.

The Best Day Ever was the best book ever. I listened to the audio version and the entire book was riveting. Not quite sure why this book has not received more press because it is really in a league of its own.
Although the storyline was not that new and unusual, the way the story was told was innovative and brilliant. I listened to the book in one day because I could not stop listening. I look forward to reading many more of this very talented author's books.

A perfect husband and wife duo? Or so it seems! Paul & Mia have been together around 10 years when Paul decides the stress of their daily lives means they need a little trip away together to their holiday cottage on Lake Eerie. Leaving the kids at home with a babysitter, who it seems conveniently made passes at him at the office, the set off for what Paul describes will be “the best day ever’.

It’s safe to say that the character of Paul really didn’t appeal to me. He seemed like the kind of husband that I would hate to be married to, over-bearing and generally a bit disinterested. He has very traditional views of women being the homemakers and carers of the children and through the chapters, it seems that he feels his wife, Mia, is incapable of many things, but more so than that, it seems he is hiding things from her too. Although there are snippets of a time where he seems to admire her, or at the very least desire her, the majority of the first third of the book he seems to have simply wanted her to help him live out the all American family dream with the house with the white picket fence and the 2.4 kids.

As the book is written in first person, we get to catch a good old glimpse into his mind to see what is actually making him tick. I feel like we are meant to not actually like him and that’s what makes the book so interesting. Its clear that he has sunk to pretty low levels to dominate Mia’s life prior to the day the book is set and he appears to be the perfect family man from the outside but the perfect psychopath on the inside! Throughout the book, we discover the lengths he has gone to to manipulate things in his life to get his own way and it’s very alarming as they seem to fall under the radar so he’s clearly very good!

What was different about the book for me is that each chapter was actually a period of time during one day and seemed to be set in half hour intervals. At first I felt like this was making the book drag out, but in fact it was allowing the tension to mount throughout the story to really keep you on the edge of your seat! I really liked this actually as you could get a real picture of what was happening and it felt like you were going through the day with them.

I’m trying to keep this review spoiler free so you can go and enjoy it for yourselves. I always find thrillers the hardest genre to review as the most exciting part is obviously the ending when all becomes revealed and secrets are exposed. I love it when you finish a book and get all the answers you were looking for, especially if there’s a nice twist to the plot too. I’m going to say no more and suggest that you grab a copy yourselves so you can see what went down on Lake Eerie with Paul & Mia! If you give it a read, definitely let me know what you think! I would give this a solid 4/5 rating myself and I’m going to be passing it on to my Mum to read next!

Best Day Ever by Kaira Rouda is a chilling, suspenseful novel about a seemingly devoted husband who whisks his wife away for a romantic weekend at their lake house.

On the surface, advertising executive Paul Strom is good looking, successful and very involved in his wife, Mia, and their two sons’ lives. His marriage is quite traditional with Mia staying home to care for the children while Paul works hard to provide for his family. On the drive to their lake house, Paul is quite contemplative as he reflects on pivotal events that have occurred throughout his life. His musings run the gamut from his somewhat dysfunctional childhood to his first romance after college to his courtship of Mia. However, these rather bland reflections soon become disquieting and rather sinister as Paul’s anecdotes finally reveal his true nature. The tone of the novel soon turns ominous despite Paul’s constant assertions to Mia (and the reader) that he has planned the “best day ever” for his lovely wife.

Mia comes across as a dutiful wife who is completely under her husband’s thumb. In recent months, she has been suffering from a undiagnosed illness but her health appears to be improving. However, during the drive, Paul notices something about his wife seems to be different, but he cannot quite put his finger on what has changed. Once they arrive at their lake house, Mia immediately goes off Paul’s carefully scripted plans and he is frustrated by her emerging independence. He finally gets their evening back on track when he takes Mia to an upscale restaurant for a romantic dinner, but will their evening the way Paul has envisioned?

Narrated from Paul’s point of view and taking place over a twenty four hour period, Best Day Ever is a spellbinding novel that is impossible to put down. Although it is apparent right from the beginning that there is something quite off about Paul, it is still incredibly shocking once the truth about him is fully revealed. This tightly plotted domestic mystery has some fiendishly clever twists and turns that are sure to surprise readers as Kaira Rouda brings the novel to an unexpected conclusion.

I received a complimentary copy for review.

I have to start by saying that as gorgeous as the cover for Best Day Ever is in a picture it is absolutely stunning in person! I think it may be my favorite book cover of the year so far. If you’re a sucker for a pretty book do yourself a favor and order a copy of this one.

This is told solely from Paul’s point of view as him and his wife Mia head out to their lake house for a much needed weekend away. He speaks directly to the reader and at times it felt like he was slowly confessing his past sins, secrets and betrayals. He spoon feeds information only when he is ready, it’s very important for this man to be in total control at all times. The tension is a slow build, you know right from the start that not all is as perfect as Paul wants everyone to think it is, there is a simmering hostility bubbling underneath the surface of every single page. I questioned his reliability constantly and never knew if he was delusional, totally insane or maybe even telling the truth?!

Paul as a character is super over the top, his sinister behavior is extreme to the max, but he is an extremely well drawn villian, I really felt like I was getting a glimpse inside the mind of a very disturbed individual with terrible intentions. As you slowly learn what motivates him I was completely captivated by his past and also how his relationship with Mia first began and how it progressed to the point it’s at today.

I did see where things were headed fairly early on, but I think this was purposeful on Rouda’s part, she wanted you to pick up on some subtle hints and veiled threats, it really heightened the anticipation factor. And as far as guessing what would happen? Well, I wasn’t totally right anyway, there were plenty of surprises towards the end that I didn’t see coming at all, I always LOVE that! The ending was really strong, I especially liked the epilogue and felt it added something necessary and it left things pretty much reconciled which I always appreciate. This was a chilling look at one messed up marriage, if you like domestic suspense you’ll enjoy this one.

I was gripped from the first page. She really captures the psychology of a twisted person and, while I suspected what was going to happen and was not really surprised, it still gripped me because the main character was so well written. I immediately recommended it to a friend who also finished it in a day and we concurred...when you are inside such a dark mind you feel almost dirty when you stop reading for a break! I hope there is a sequel. Very effective storytelling, highly recommended.

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Graydon House for providing me with a digital copy via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Best Day Ever is a domestic thriller that takes readers on a wild ride of secrets, betrayal and deceit. Readers witness one full day in the lives of Paul and Mia Strom as they set off on a short holiday that they expect to be the 'best day ever'. As the minutes and hours tick by, readers are privy to the main character's innermost feelings and motivations and witness their idyllic holiday spin out of control.

The beginning of the book has a slower pace than I had expected and I'll admit that it took me awhile to feel invested in Paul and Mia's lives. But if readers are patient they'll enjoy the slow building of tension as the author reveals, in wee doses, the cracks in her main character's perfect veneer.

You never know what goes on behind closed doors and Rouda brings this idea home by giving her readers a chilling, bird's eye view of a dysfunctional and toxic relationship that appears perfect to those who know the Stroms. Best Day Ever is a story of a sociopath who has manipulated people and events to build a perfect life. This character will easily go down as one of the least likable yet compelling characters I can remember reading. You can't help but be mesmerized and a little bit fearful of their narcissism, sense of entitlement and total lack of empathy.

The story has a slow build and while some of the plot was predictable to this well-read suspense reader, overall this was a good creepy page turner that readers will have a hard time putting down. It has a memorable evil character and I enjoyed how the simple plot is slowly infused with a sinister feel as Rouda unfolds her story and reveals her characters' true natures to her readers.

What a thriller! Best Day Ever kept me on my toes during the entire story. It also ended in a perfect situation for a sequel! Paul is one devious man. Once I figured out what Paul was up to, he surprised since he was just so evil. All the crazy things he did once he was confronted by Mia was unbelievable. Great thriller - quick read!

Paul and Mia Strom are determined to have the Best Day Ever. Despite Paul’s lurid past, and even shadier current dealings. Despite Mia’s slowly failing health. Despite the dishonesty (on both their parts) that is like a loose thread, about to unravel them both if either of them picks at it.

A seemingly enviable upper-middle class family struggles with a madman at the helm, manipulating and controlling everyone and everything around him to meet his self-serving agenda.

How far has Paul gone in his pursuit of the perfect life, and can Mia face all this head-on?

Best Day Ever is in the vein of Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl in its exploration of perfect-on-the-surface-marriage, and is creepy in a style similar to Caroline Kepnes You. The story is largely told from Paul’s perspective (until the Prologue), and he is not a likable guy. He’s entirely interesting, but a disgusting chauvinist pig. A certifiable narcissist. You know something bad is going to happen. But what? And to whom? And man, did I keep my fingers crossed for someone to toss this guy off a bridge.

The writing is impactful. The characters, particularly Paul, well fleshed out. I hadn’t meant to get so completely wrapped up in this book, but as soon as a few chapters in, I had to know what happens. I’m not entirely satisfied with the ending, but a perfect ending is rare. Everyone will have some feeling about what should have happened, and even if I didn’t get what I was after, the fact that Best Day Ever is well-written enough for me to have a feeling one way or another says everything about how good a story it is.

*Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing an advance reader copy (ARC).

Someone recommended this book to me and figured I'd give it a try. When I got the book, I say the whole book was about one day, not even 24 hours. And it was also the thoughts of one person in this one day. I was a little skeptical but willing to give it a try. What an amazing story. It kept me on the edge of my seat trying to guess what would happen next. One of the best psychological thrillers I have read in a long time.

Remember when so many books were described as the next "Gone Girl" and very few, if any, measured up? I enjoyed "Best Day Ever" almost as much as "Gone Girl." The husband in this book is a malignant narcissist, which is a good reminder that these type of people exist, even getting themselves elected into offices. Husband Paul says this in his defense at least twice in the novel: "I love women. I'd do anything for them."

Wow.

There are so many blurbs I have read in different books claiming that they are the next Gone Girl, I never thought that I would find it in a character like Paul Strom. He is the text book study of a narcissistic sociopath. He has planned the best day ever for his wife Mia. He is taking her to their house on Lake Erie. He has planned a dinner at the new restaurant in town. But things seem off with Mia. He can’t quite put his finger on it but he knows that he can charm her into anything. Hasn’t he always? She doesn’t know the secrets that he keeps and just why this trip is so important to him. Hmmmm…..

As I sat there reading into the night, I was praying for this man to get his due. I loved watching as he unraveled and yet tried to spin things his way. Why not? He always had before. Don’t ever tell him you can’t babysit! I loved how as the story progressed, we found out more and more about him. This man was one walking secret after secret. He is written so well. As horrible as he was, he kept me reading. It was dark and twisty and oh so delicious. I will not say you will love to hate Paul because you will probably pretty much just hate him but you will love this book. Definitely a page turner!

From the very start the protagonist Paul did not ring true to me. The 'Best Day Ever' refrain throughout also did not feel like the way a human being would think or act. I kept hoping that they would change the story between the perspective of the husband and the wife so I could get a feel for each of their perspectives. The supposed twists were easy to see from pretty early on. I did finish the book so I never give less than 2 stars to a book that I actually care to finish.

In BEST DAY EVER it only takes a couple of pages for the main character, Paul, to cast his spell on you while only telling you what he wants you to know (Definitely an unreliable narrator). The plot was a bit predictable at times, but the real strength of the novel was being in Paul's head and seeing things from his point-of-view. This was one novel I just couldn't put down until I'd read the very last page. I definitely enjoyed it!

I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator does an incredible job of bringing the gloriously creepy, narcissistic Paul Storm to life. Paul might be one of my favorite characters of all-time, and I loved learning his story slowly and deliberately, as he decided what to reveal to the reader. No spoilers, but I loved the twist at the end, and I'm hoping for a sequel.

I won't reiterate the mostly positive reviews because I mostly agree with them. My only problem is that the inside book jacket said "shocking conclusion" and one of the praises on the back jacket said "jaw-dropping ending". I failed to see either of these. I was expecting an OMG ending on the very last page[s]. I wasn't shocked nor did my jaw drop.

This book by Kaira Rouda gives us one of the most unlikeable male leads I’ve come across in a while. Untrustworthy and unlikeable narrators aren’t a new thing… think Girl on the Train and so forth, however I think the creepiest thing about our lead character Paul is that he lies to us. Out of laziness or habit I think, rather than any real fear of what we’ll think of him.

It wasn’t until I was part-way through the book I realised Paul reminded me of our narrator, Joe in Caroline Kepnes’ (also creepy) You. Although, despite his sociopathic ways, Joe was actually quite likeable: smart and funny.

We already know from the backcover blurb the day isn’t going to go as planned and things go downhill shortly after Paul and Mia leave on their ‘best day ever’.

I think part of what reminded me of Kepnes’ very-excellent book You, was that this book was (essentially) told in second person. It wasn’t hugely noticeable as Paul wasn’t really talking to we readers non-stop. It felt like a first person narrative but every so often he’d throw in a question and I’d realise he was talking to us. He blithely comments a couple of times on how he doesn’t want us to judge him harshly or think badly of him, but it’s pretty obvious (and becomes more-so) that he doesn’t care less.

He chatters away to us throughout the day with anecdotes here and there thrown in – the fact he’s unsure why formerly close friends now ignore them, he mentions the death of his parents, a woman at work he was rumoured to be seeing, and so forth. They’re flags I guess. Obvious ones, but less obvious is the question of whether Paul doesn’t understand or know the answers, or whether he just chooses not to tell us. Then.

There’s a strong sense of malice permeating Paul’s narrative and his thoughts are seriously creepy. (And yes, I know I’m overusing the word creepy. But he seems more that, than dangerous.)

Readers will kinda know where this book is heading, but it is most certainly not predictable.

I’d not heard of Rouda before and have since discovered she’s written a number of books in both romance and contemporary fiction and am now keen to read more of her work. For me this book started as a ‘4’ – as I wasn’t entirely sure what was coming, but its cleverness is evidenced in retrospect, nudging it up to a 4.5 star book for me.

Written in true Alfred Hitchcockesque, subtle, yet increasingly disturbing fashion, Best Day Ever hooked me from the beginning. Paul Strom is a loving husband, model father, killer advertising exec. who's taking his wife away for a romantic weekend. He wants it to be the Best Day Ever. What could be nicer?

The opening pages are upbeat, positive, there's only a whiff of something rotten hiding beneath the surface. Like an onion, the layers of the story peel away. The deeper you go, the more uncomfortable you become.

I thoroughly enjoyed losing sleep over this one. More please. A sequel would be lovely.

This is one of those books that's simply impossible to put down. I didn't read the book description because I rarely do. I'm so glad because I had NO idea where the story was headed. I will tell you that the book is written in first person from a character who defies description. I'm not giving anything away by telling you that he is not a likable guy. What amazes me was my inability to stop reading even though I detested the main character! THAT is the definition of incredible writing! I'll end my review here so that you can start reading this book NOW!

Best Day Ever, Kaira Rouda
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I raced through this thrilling book in 24 hours. I couldn't put it down! Husband and wife Paul and Mia are headed out of town for a very special day. Right away you know that there's something amiss...Paul seems very sure of himself and he's a planner and a successful and devoted husband and father. He's made a special playlist for the weekend and his wife is going to be treated like a queen. Seems like he wants the reader to be very sure of his gallant intentions and his detailed plans. As the story unwinds, and as they get closer to their lake house, more and more clues are revealed. Mia is acting strangely, or is she? She mentions going back to work. She mentions old friendships. Paul reflects on his past in his head and recalls some difficult "circumstances"he has had to overcome. But he's always clear that he's in control. Paul *will* make this the "best day ever" for his beautiful wife.
No spoilers here so you'll need to read it to find out what happens. Chilling and thrilling....the epilogue was my favorite part!
I received an advance copy from NetGalley and Great Thoughts Advance Ninja Review team. All opinions are my own.

Kaira knocked Paul out of the park in her development of the perfect embodiment of a classic sociopath who is cleverly balancing charm, good looks, and success on the outside while boiling over with rage, obsession and drive for utter control on the inside. From the first few sentences it was like a train wreck and I couldn't look away! I knew something was just a little off and being able to immediately put my finger on it kept me coming back for more!

This is a page turner that will take you on a journey of love, fear, betrayal, disgust, hope, and freedom only to find yourself truly understanding the Best Day Ever. I won't rehash the synopsis but I will say it was well paced, wrought with tension and anticipation interlacing an emotional rollercoaster. Just WOW. This was easily one of my favorite reads so far this year!

*I received an advance review copy of this book from the Great Thought's Ninja Review Team. All opinions are my own.*

Started it on a Thursday, had to put it down to get to bed, but stay up Friday night until I was finished. The story was really good and well-written.

*I received an advance reader's edition from the publisher. There was no requirement that I review the book.*

Paul Strom is an ad exec and has created a lovely home for his wife, Mia, and their two boys. He's planned a perfect getaway weekend to their lakehouse so that he and she can enjoy some private, romantic time together. On their way to their retreat, however, cracks in their relationship that widen into chasms start to appear.

Narrated by the husband, this is a psychological thriller that is indeed dark and disturbing. Tension builds slowly as the reader anticipates where this will lead. Although I knew where it was going, the writing was engaging and it keep me hooked. There was something in this whole story, though, that really irritated me but I can't say what it is because of spoilers. It's a quick read because it is hard to put down so plan to read in one sitting!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Books and Graydon House Books for the e-book ARC to read and review.

'The Best Day Ever' is a domestic suspense novel
that leaves the reader on the edge of their seat. Paul and Mia Strom appear to have it all but looks can be deceiving. The story begins with Paul and Mia traveling to their lake house for the weekend where Paul is going to show Mia 'the best day ever'.
Paul is narrating the story and he is trying to impress the reader with his success, intelligence and love for his family, but something doesn't seem quite right. The narrative turns ominous when Paul makes several comments that leave the reader guessing. About half way through the book Paul's secrets start to be revealed and the reader learns that Paul is not the loving husband that he would have the reader believe he is.
'The Best Day Ever' is a page turner that does not disappoint.
I received an advance review copy of this book from the Great Thought's Ninja Review Team. All opinions are my own.

It was light and fun and I gobbled it right up. By the second chapter, we're convinced that the husband is a jerk ... but just as quickly, we learn there's a lot more to it than that. The characters aren't exactly deep, but it's a fast-paced, entertaining story -- exactly what I was in the mood for.

I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of Best Day Ever from Netgalley, a thriller told from the point of view of an unreliable narrator, one who only mentions what he wants you to know. Paul is taking his wife, Mia, for a weekend getaway at their lake cottage. They’ve hired a babysitter for their two young boys and just set off on the road trip when the story begins. At first it seems like a lovely gesture on Paul’s part. Mia hasn’t been feeling too well and he thinks she needs this time to recuperate.

If the story continues in this vain, it wouldn’t be a thriller, would it? So, that’s all I’m giving away. I want you to have the pleasure of reading this intense, revealing human drama like I did. The tension gradually increases throughout the pages until it explodes with terror. Don’t miss this one. Rouda is definitely an author to watch.

Ever have a title to a book that sticks to you because it reminds you of something/someone? Best Day Ever is such a title. When I first saw it, Spongebob Squarepants song “Best Day Ever” started going through my head and stuck. So now, instead of being disturbed by the title, all I can think of is the little yellow guy singing that song. Actually, thinking about it, this song does seem to fit Paul Strom and Best Day Ever perfectly.

Best Day Ever fits the mystery/thriller genre. This book has a way of stringing you along, making you think that you know what is going on. Then, BAM, the twist comes and you have to rethink what you read. I, for one, was shocked when certain events happened. But, if you go back and read the book again, there are subtle hints about what is going on and what will happen. Very subtle hints that were hard to catch the first time through. That is what made this book fantastic in my eyes.

The plot of Best Day Ever is a man taking his wife on a much-needed weekend away at their lake house property. But there is a strange tension between them from the minute they start driving. I began to notice that things were not quite right with Paul around that time too. What sealed the deal for me was when he was talking about the drive to their house. There was a curve that you had to hit the brakes for.He made the comment that it wouldn’t take much not to hit the brakes and that the lake would be a great place to hide a body. Talk about total creepiness!!!

I thought Paul was off from the first chapter. He seemed too good to be true. The way that Mia acted around him also made me a bit leery of him. For someone who was so in love with his wife, he didn’t act it at times. I also had a feeling that her “special gift” that was in the dashboard wasn’t something good. The more the book went on, the more Paul started to become more sinister. His love for his boys turned from something great to something that was obsessive. Same thing with Mia’s trust fund that her father set up for the boys. Still, I was surprised at how evil he was and how he blamed his childhood for him being the way he was.

I am going to admit, I didn’t like Mia at first. I couldn’t understand why she was so indifferent to Paul and seemed to be baiting him. At the same time, my guard was up because I knew something wasn’t right. But the more stuff that was leaked the more I realized that something was up with their marriage. I was shocked when everything went down at the cottage. I wanted to bring her out of the book and apologize to her for judging her like I did.

While Mia and Paul didn’t have sex, it was mentioned a few times in the book. Paul seemed to think that he was a stud with women lined up. Because the book didn’t go into his relationships, I am going to go out on a limb and say that he wasn’t such a stud. That it was all in his head and he actually was horrible in bed. That the women stayed because he paid for everything. Well, Mia stayed because, at one point, she loved him.

The end of the book was not what I expected. There is a happy ending but it is overshadowed by Paul. I felt so bad for Mia because well…you need to read the book.

4 stars

My Summary of Best Day Ever:

Best Day Ever is a psychological thriller that took me on a rollercoaster. I didn’t know what was going to go on from chapter to chapter. I loved it!! This book had me glued to the pages and gave me the chills while reading it.

Linda Z, Reviewer
Last updated on 23 Jul 2017
I Recommend This Book

Strongly
MY REVIEW OF "BEST DAY EVER' by Kaira Rouda

Kudos to Kaira Rouda, author of "Best Day Ever" on writing such a suspenseful, intriguing, chilling, and captivating mystery. I love the way Kaira Rouda layers and tells her story. I read this in one sitting and just could not put this down. The genres of this novel are mystery, and thriller.

Are you sure you know the one you're with? Who can you trust? I appreciate the way the author describes the characters and plot, and weaves details and clues. The author describes the characters as complex and complicated. There are secrets, betrayals, and unexpected surprises. I like the way the author describes the locations, the Lakehouse, and the home the characters live in. In one way, the lake is described as a former place for toxins, than slime, in contrast it as beautiful and relaxing.

Paul Strom is presented as a successful businessman, with a perfect wife and family and is taking his wife away to "The Lakehouse" for 'THE BEST DAY EVER'. I love the way this phrase is used throughout the book, with added information. What could go wrong? Mia, is beautiful and a terrific mother. Unfortunately Mia hasn't been feeling well, but Paul promises to make this trip away "THE BEST DAY EVER".

There is an unexpected phone call that delays their trip 30 minutes, and Mia doesn't seem like herself. The interaction during the trip has building tension, and we learn more details of their lives. Of course Paul still wants this trip to be the best day ever. No matter what.

I highly recommend this captivating and intense novel with drastic twists and turns. The ending is amazing!! I received this ARC for my honest review.
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Best Day Ever is the story of what appears to be a good day for a couple but nothing is what it seems. Paul Strom has it all with a beautiful wife named Mia, two young boys and a big house in a wealthy community. He plans the best day ever for Mia by taking her to their lake house for a romantic weekend getaway but along the way, things do not go as planned. As the day goes on, we learn about their rocky marriage and the one simple thing of how good do you really know your spouse and their true intentions in a heart-stopping ending that will leave you wanting more!

OMG, this book will have you not want to do anything else but to read it until the last page is read! I started this book on a Thursday night but didn't get far that night until Saturday night when I read the entire thing in about 2 hours or so, yes people it's that great of a story!! The way that this book is written out by the minutes of the Best Day Ever, makes you get even more into a story that just grabs you and won't let go until that edge of your seat, heart-stopping ending that makes me want another book just to see what happens next for Paul and Mia!! I do have to say that the cover for this book is totally perfect for this story because it didn't make much sense to me of why there is a envelope on the cover but by the end of this story, you can figure it out why the cover is the way it is!!

Thank You to Kaira Rouda for hitting it out of the ballpark with this Thriller and I so can't wait to see what is next from you!!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher!

I'll start with this. I am a die hard Michael Crichton fan. Have read pretty much all he has written. His novels are almost always stories intertwined with facts about micro-technology, history, genetics, and human flaw, always with nail biting suspense to keep you on your toes. Best Day Ever is at this point in time one of the top three books I have ever read. The reasons why are three part. First, the suspense will make you sweat as the plot starts to quickly unravel towards the end. Second, the plot is character driven. This book gives you people to hate, love, root for, and despise. Not only for obvious reasons, but due to social status and other factors as well. Third, the writing is magnificent. The words and pages flow in a way not many authors can deliver. This book will grab you until the end, and leave you wanting more!

The book didn't even get interesting until the last few chapters. It was just too descriptive and dragged on in the beginning. The only reason I hung on was all of the positive reviews. It was interesting to see life thru a narcissist's point of view, and it did have a few good twists at the end. I'm glad I didn't pay for this book, I was able to get it free thru my public library and hoopla.

Loved this book. A fun romp through cray cray-ville. Read the book in one and a half sittings. Story of "the perfect marriage" through the eyes of the husband. Wow!!! Nothing deep, no moral lessons, just a fun, unnerving novel. This book should have been released in the summer for a summer read.

All I'm going to say about this book is it's a really quick read, its a really good read, and you think you know, but you don't know. If you like You and Hidden Bodies, you will like Best Day Ever. It's from the husband's point of view. I don't want to tell you too much about Paul, you need to figure it out for yourself.
This book though...lol...I like it, I like it a lot.

First sentence: I glance at my wife as she climbs into the passenger seat, sunlight bouncing off her shiny blonde hair like sparklers lit for the Fourth of July, and I am bursting with confidence.

Last sentence: "The best day ever."****

Fast paced , page turner quick read. The story villain is very arrogant it makes you shake your head thinking is he for real.
Make sure you have a clear calendar because this novel can be finished in one seating.

I'll admit I'm a sucker for a good sociopath and in Kaira Rouda's novel Best Day Ever she definitely delivers and satisfies with our narrator Paul Strom. I thoroughly enjoyed the ending as well.

Thank you to Edelweiss and Harper Collins for providing me with an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review.

Really great story! I love to hate the husband. I know that sounds strange, but if I’m hating the husband then I’m loving the book! If I have to put a book down because I’m mad, that tells me the writing is realistic. Well done and I will definitely look for more books by this author.

Paul Strom, a successful advertising executive, has planned a romantic day for his beautiful wife stay-at-home wife Mia. He and Mia have the perfect life – an enviable lifestyle, financial stability, a beautiful home, luxurious furniture and décor, a sparkling lake house, and two beautiful little boys. He and Mia have a leisurely drive to the lake house and enjoy playful and loving banter along the way.

But as we spend more time with Paul and Mia, it’s very apparent that things aren’t what they seem because Paul is a sociopath.
A sociopath is defined as “a person with a personality disorder manifesting itself in extreme antisocial attitudes and behavior and a lack of conscience.” I never really understood what that meant until I read this book. The story is told from the perspective of Paul, so the reader literally gets into his head and is privy to his real thoughts and feelings which most often contradicts his behavior.

Beneath Paul’s carefully polished facade is a mean, cunning, despicable, evil, manipulative, lying, stealing, cheating man who can barely count as a human being. It’s a fascinating read on the type of person that lives among us as a neighbor, friend, family member, or even a spouse, and the justifications that sociopaths make to themselves that are unlike normal people. Overall, we find out that the truth is the opposite of the picture-perfect image that Paul portrays and I enjoyed learning about the mind of a sociopath.

I really liked most of it. It was the kind of book that I carried around the house with me reading it for days. I was disappointed with the ending just because there was so much build up and then lackluster ending but I am still giving it 5 stars for keeping me very interested through most of it.

You are quickly queued in by the author that Paul is a controlling as***
by his thoughts on the drive to their lake house. He doesn't like to stop when driving so he "graciously" allows a stop so Mia can go to the bathroom. He actually has "rules" for most everything! She manages to one up him however, when he stops at McDonald's and she asks if he'd like anything. He immediately responds "fries" to which she shakes her head and brings him bottled water. Score one for Mia! Cause of course he needs to hydrate! The fact that Paul realizes he does not respond well emotionally and has to school himself to feel sadness and other emotions is a tip-off that he may also be a bit psycho.
Once I started this book, barely 50 pages in, I knew I was going to be up all night reading so hubby got leftovers (it was steak and potatoes so I didn't feel too bad though I did read through most of the meal). I did the dishes and got a shower in less than 10 minutes so I would not have to move again till I finished. If you enjoy peeking behind the curtain at what on the outside appears to be a "perfect" life, you are going to enjoy this ride!
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley

3.5/5 stars

Best Day Ever is a standalone mystery thriller. The narrator is 45 year old advertising executive Paul (1st person POV).

Paul and his wife Mia are driving to their second home/lake house for a weekend away from their boys. The book takes place over 24 hours and Paul wants the day to be the "best day ever".

When I started this book I was not sure exactly what the book was about. But Paul gave off a really bad vibe. I hated him right from the start. But I was curious to see what was going to happen.

At first I had a bit of a hard time enjoying the book. It can be difficult to like a book when the narrator is so unlikable. But gradually I became hooked. I wanted to see what Paul would do. And I wanted to see what his wife was going to do.

Paul was such a creepy character (think if Joe from You by Caroline Kepnes had a best friend). But he was an intriguing one. I enjoyed getting inside his head.

There were some interesting twists. And I enjoyed the epilogue. Surprisingly I even found myself rooting for Paul.

Thanks to Harlequin (US & Canada)/Graydon House and netgalley for allowing me to read this book.

I read this book really quickly,it was the sort of book that I didn't want to put down. The main character Paul Strom who was also the narrator was everything that you would dislike in a person, arrogant, deceitful never spoke an honest word if a lie would do, and a thoroughly bad guy, and that really piqued my interest.Normally I don't really get it when authors write really bad, nasty characters if I don't like them it affects my enjoyment of the book, some thing I think I should adjust my thinking on some times, but I didn't have to adjust my thinking with this character he was like a pantomime villain and I disliked him intensely but also was fascinated by him and really enjoyed having a really bad guy as the main character. Of course I wanted his poor long suffering wife Mia to put him in his place some how, but he always seemed to have the upper hand.I am not going to give the game away by saying any more just that it was really tense and kept me page turning as fast as I could and I had no idea what was going to happen and it was a thrilling read right to the end.thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC in return for an honest review.

They live among us-everybody has likely met one- (but you probably don't know it-hiding in plain sight is their M.O.) They're the most charismatic, charming, exciting and good looking person in the room. They hang on your every word-making you feel like you're the only person in the world. Every day is a holiday, every night a party, and you can't help but getting swept off your feet. But it's all an act-lurking behind the charm and bravado are self centered and tormented souls who couldn't care less about your feelings- because they are incapable of feeling anything for anyone but themselves. Such is the case with Paul Strom-protagonist of Kaira Rouda's chillingly sinister novel Best Day Ever. Paul is literally dripping evil-sometimes you want to slam the book shut just to get away from him. Paul appears to be living the American dream-great job, adoring wife and sons, biggest house on the block-but he is hiding a much darker reality from everyone around him-especially his unsuspecting wife Mia. When Paul and Mia head off for a day at their lake front cottage (Paul promises it will be their "best day ever"), you know the outing is not going to end well. The plot takes place over a tense 24 hours-as revelations unwind like a spool of thread, and Mia and Paul play a scary game of cat and mouse. The Best Day Ever is intense, thrilling and most definitely clever.

At first he tricked me too. I believed him and then saw him for what he was. The thriller built in tension quickly and I couldn’t put it down read in one day. Even broke a date to stay home and finish. Can’t wait for the sequel to see what Paul Storm is up to next.

While suspense is not my typical genre, it's been quite big lately, so I've been diving in. BEST DAY EVER pulls it off as well as any I've read, maybe better. There was a sense of where the book was going, but it was gripping to take that ride. And, there were still several twists that I didn't see coming. I read in the author's acknowledgments that it has been optioned for film, and I think it will play out very well on the big screen. Kudos to the author for making a departure from her previous books and doing it well! I hope she writes more. I received an advance review copy of this book from the Great Thought's Ninja Review Team. All opinions are my own.

Not one of the best books I have read but all in all it turned out to be pretty good. I was glad to see Paul get what was coming to him. He was downright scary. I was glad to reach the end of the book.

Best Day Ever was one of my Best Books Ever! I loved everything about this book. Charming Paul who takes us along on his attempt to create the best day ever for he and his wife Mia. I loved being in his mind, it was fascinating. I loved each little tidbit I received along the way that allowed me to see just one more bit of the big picture. It was the perfect way to carry me and the story along. I loved how this book still makes me smile with the brilliance of it all. It's like I have a secret and I want to tell everyone but I won't cause that would make it so everyone couldn't have their own secret. It is just that thrilling though and makes me shiver with all of the goodness.

I absolutely recommend this one to anyone who loves this genre. This is the perfect example of twisty, turny, creepy goodness that keeps one flipping pages way too far into the night. Brilliant!

I received an advanced review copy of this book from the Great Thoughts Ninja Review Team. All opinions are my own.

It is possible to detest an unreliable narrator and love the book! With a little background/experience in psychology I could see from the beginning that our protagonist here was a narcissist at the very least.....don't let him fool you into thinking he's just being nice. Every time I thought I knew what was coming next, it changed! Highly recommend to any fan of thrillers.

Bet Day Ever is a chilling, riveting book told from the point of view of a narcissistic, controlling husband. Paul Strom is charming and personable, but beneath the surface lies a smoldering rage, a sense of entitlement, and the belief that others are always at his mercy, satisfying his needs. His wife, Mia, has been at his beck and call since the first time they met, fulfilling his desire of the perfect wife, home, and family....but nothing is ever really as good as it seems. This is a fascinating look behind the facade of a perfect, suburban family, showing us how we never truly knows what goes on behind closed doors. The author did a brilliant job of building up tension, revealing bits and pieces of Paul's vision of the best day ever...this is a book that will have you reading into the wee hours of the morning...but you might want to leave the lights on....
I received an advance review copy of this book from the Great Thought's Ninja Review Team. All opinions are my own.

First off, you’ve got to love a creepy unreliable narrator and, boy oh boy, is Paul Strom deliciously awful. Beneath his facade of a successful ad executive and father, Paul is a lying, cheating, sociopath that will stop at nothing to get rid of the people who stand in his way. For the first half of the book, I wanted to reach into the pages and tell Mia to grab her sons and run away as fast as she can.
Kaira Rouda deftly tells the story of Paul’s plan for the “best day ever” through his stream of consciousness narration. As he brags more and more about how women love him, how wonderful his life is, and how he is the most successful man ever, the reader gets pulled deeper and deeper into the dark waters of Paul Strom’s narcissism. Even when things start to wrong with his plan, he finds a way to twist the narrative and convince himself that he is the greatest. A great read.

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy of the novel.

Could not willingly put it down. Handsome, successful Mark has it all. A great career, a loving wife and two sons. He'll even manage to sucker you in at first, but braggers gotta brag...

You won't go wrong with this book.

Wow! What a thriller! Kaira Rouda shines a light on a married couple -- Paul and Mia -- who on the surface seem perfect but we quickly realize that something is off. As the story unfolds we realize how off the couple is as Rouda unveils secrets and a sinister plot.

If you have a soft spot (ha!) for unreliable narrators, then Best Day Ever is the book for you. Every time you think you have Paul figured out Rouda throws another curveball.

Highly recommend.

I received an advance review copy of this book from the Great Thought's Ninja Review Team. All opinions are my own.

I received an advance review copy of this book from the Great Thoughts Ninja Team. All opinions are my own.

The Best Day Ever is a roller coaster ride inside the mind of a man who couldn't help but remind me of our current president. Narcissistic to a point that he's almost unbelievable. But as our president has proven, narcissism is a crazy almost unbelievable disorder.

As we are taken through the course of the best day ever, we quickly realize that there is nothing remotely good about this day.

I couldn't put this book down and highly recommend you read it.

Wow! This is a book about marriage in the worst kind of way and how on the best day every everything comes to the end game. If you like to twist and turns I highly recommend you read or as I did listen to this book! I listened straight through.

When I first started this book, I was worried that I wouldn't enjoy it because of the male narrator. Male narrators written by female authors are really hard to pull off, but wow, Kaira Rouda nailed it. I love books with unreliable narrators, and this book has that, plus more. It covers a 24 hr period of a husband and wife and their attempt at having "the best day ever". The husband tells the story, and through the wife's interactions with him, we've spun this web of lies and deceit that can only blow up in our faces. It's a book about what goes on behind closed doors in a marriage, and what goes on behind the closed doors of a psychopath/sociopath (I put both because I go back and forth...sometimes the narrator is one, then I can see the other).

I read this book in a little over a day because I could not put it down. I received this book via the Ninja review team

If Caroline Kepnes' Joe Goldberg was married with a family, this would be his story. Another sociopath roams in our midst in the way of Paul Strom. And his story is told over the course of 24 hours when he's planning the "best day ever" with his wife, Mia, as they escape to their lake cottage for a romantic getaway.

I love the setup of this story, how each chapter was the next 15 minutes, half hour, or one hour of time. It was reminiscent of The Dinner by Herman Koch and if worked well for what this story was trying to accomplish.

You knew something was off about Paul when the book started but it's easy to see how off the rails he is as time goes on. An easy read where the pages move quickly. Pleased to discover Kaira Rouda is releasing a new book in a similar vein next year.

I received an advance copy from the Great Thoughts Ninja Review Team. All of the opinions are my own.

Paul Strom is one of the shallowest, most self centered, chauvinistic characters you will meet. At first, I thought Rouda was writing a parody of every despicable trait a man could have when it hit me that he was a classic pathological narcissist and men like him really do exist.

The action in this domestic suspense novel takes place over less than 24 hours with an epilogue one year later. Paul wants to spend the “best day ever” with his wife and is intent on not letting anything interfere with it. Why is he so intent on this?

Paul is so heinous you might be inclined to stop reading this book….but don’t. You will be rewarded if you stay with it to the end. His sinister actions drew me in; I couldn’t put the story down and finished it in a day. It is well written with excellent character development and a satisfying ending.

Didn't think I was going to like it but stuck with it. The description of Ohio was interesting. But THEN about 40% into the book I got this feeling there was more to Paul and Mia that I wasn't seeing at first.

Ok, so Paul was controlling and he thought the sun rose and set on him....he told a good story on how he adores his wife and children - gives them everything....but he started getting on my nerves when he boasted about his mistresses (yes, more than one) and how he didn't want his wife to work.

Then came the surprise of what he was doing to Mia, his wife, - showing her the Best Day Ever would solve all his problems. Oh, I can go on and on - but read the book (out today Sept. 19, 2017) and see if you hate Paul as much as I do. I would love to see this author write a sequel....you know "karma" and all that!

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!

A skilled character writer and therefore very engrossing on that level. The plot was definitely psychologically twisted but you knew it would be and therefore it did not surprise really but was nonetheless very captivating

I am meh with this book. My friends had raved, so I thought I would give it a go. It is anti-climactic. There is no big scene. I knew from the beginning what was going on, it was very predictable. I was surprised with how easily it ended without a big scene. It was disappointing to say the least

3 1/2 stars
Paul Strom has it all…..perfect children, a perfect wife (who just happens to have the perfect bank account), the perfect career, a perfect life. He is totally blessed with high intelligence, good looks and the ability to charm just about anyone. Paul loves women and women love him. Paul is misunderstood by just about everyone he meets, and he just can’t seem to grasp why he isn’t loved by all.

God Bless his egotistical, narcissistic, delusional, manipulative heart.

What Paul believes about himself is just sad. Paul is a psychotic jerk and is about to get a reality check handed to him all tied up in a nice pretty bow. Well, maybe not so much because he is so out of touch reality, none of what happened is his fault.

Yes, this is Paul’s story and the reader gets up close and personal with his thoughts, desires and how he was wronged in so many different situations. Nothing is ever Paul’s fault….you know, because he is perfect.

But anyway….as you can tell from the title, this book is about the BEST DAY EVER. Paul and his lovely wife, Mia, are taking a weekend trip to their beach cottage. Their two boys are being cared for by a babysitter and Paul and Mia are going to have a carefree weekend alone. It’s going to be a perfect day with his perfect wife at his perfect cottage. Nothing will get in the way of the Best Day Ever. Or so he thinks. I won’t give anything away, but Paul’s plans get ruined and the sweet smell of revenge is in the air. It is the best day ever…..just not for Paul.

The day is told from Paul’s perspective and the reader learns a lot about his marriage, his job, his lovers and everything in between. For about five seconds, I kind of liked Paul. He seemed to be the devoted and loving husband every girl dreams of having. But as the story progressed, it didn’t take long before I started to despise this man and everything about him. And this is how it is supposed to be. At the end of this story, you will despise Paul as well. Paul is an evil, asinine jerk.

For the most part, I liked this book. Getting inside Paul’s head seem to draw out a little longer than I would have liked, but to get to the heart of the story, I understand why the author did this.

The Best Day Ever is well-written and although the story was slow going for me, the journey to the end was well worth the effort. It’s a dark, gripping psychological thriller that will keep you turning each page determined to know how this twisted story will end.

This book was so addicting I read it in a weekend AND stayed up until 1:30am to finish! Paul Strom is the husband and finally as readers and females we get an unreliable narrator who happens to be male. Paul loves his wife Mia and we find out, chillingly, just how much, as we ride along with them for a weekend at their cottage in the quaint town of Lakeside on Lake Erie. Paul tells Mia, this is going to be their best day ever. But, whose best day? This is a desperately, dark tale showing a light on the underside of a perfect marriage. It will leave you wondering about all those seemingly indefectible marriages that we all know of. Just a hint, things are not what they seem! I received an advance review copy of this book from the Great Thought's Ninja Review Team. All opinions are my own.

I truly enjoyed this book and had trouble putting it down, as I wanted to finish it in one sitting, but had to get some sleep. The developing of Mr. Strom's character is wonderful, as well as Ms. Rouda's writing style. I am going to look for her other books. Thank you, Ms. Rouda!

From pretty much page one of "Best Day Ever" by Kaira Rouda, you know that first-person narrator, Paul Strom is a Huge Jerk, and as the narrative continues of his "best day ever" trip with his wife of ten years, Mia, to their cottage on Lake Erie, he becomes more and more creepy and the tone becomes more and more menacing. Rouda does a wonderful job of slowly ramping up the "Oh No!" factor. Fans of a Slow Burn that leads to a Big Fire will enjoy this immensely. Even if you are a seasoned reader of thrillers like this, you won't anticipate ALL the twists. I wasn't sure I could stand living in Paul's twisted mind for 300+ pages, but the novel is a fairly quick read.

Paul is a 100% Narcissist; if you have ever had the misfortune of knowing one, you'll recognize this signs easily. Is he also, more disturbingly, a sociopath? Mia, has been his pliable "wifey" for ten years; is she changing? Does she "know something" that will alter the dynamics of their relationship? Well, you'll find out when Paul does!

Paul has created a mix-CD for their "best day ever" with songs like: "You Know I'm No Good", "Cold Cold Heart", and "Every Breath You Take", all of which IS a little too "on the nose", and frankly the novel gets a little cheesy and melodramatic at the end...but by then you're in it for the Pay Off! 3.5 stars

I had never read one of Kaira Rouda's novels before and I thoroughly enjoyed this dark and riveting story. I HAD to keep reading to the very end.

Paul Strom has it all - a successful career, an enviable home, two beautiful children and his beloved wife of ten years, Mia. He has the car loaded up and has carefully planned a romantic weekend getaway, orchestrating every single detail.

The closer they get to their lake house, the more noticeable the tension becomes. Snide comments are made. Innocent questions are filled with innuendo. How well can one ever know their spouse? Their secrets? Their past? All this and more will be revealed.

I received an advance review copy of this book from Great Thoughts Ninjas. All opinions are my own.

Paul and his lovely wife, Mia are headed to their lake house for their best day ever. They have left their children in the hands of a young girl and are going to rekindle their marriage or are they? Paul loves his wife and has planned this weekend to show her how devoted he is or is it that Paul wants others to think he is the devoted husband and he really can't tolerate anyone who goes against his every desire. As the book progresses we begin to wonder if their relationship is all as it seems. Will this truly be their best day ever or is it the start of a nightmare they will never forget. Paul is the perfect unreliable narrator and you want to hate him but you will feel compelled to keep reading.

Really loved this book! The narrator of the book is incredible and you want to hate him but you cant help but almost love him. Really kept me interested until the end and I was sad when it was over.

Kaira Rouda has outdone herself here. Paul Strom is one of the more interesting characters I've come across in recent years. While the domestic/psychological thriller seems to be quite the trend these days, this is a story with a real fresh feel. I was eager to know what was going to happen next and the unique way this was narrated really kept me engaged. Don't let the comparisons to other popular novels dissuade you from picking this up. You will thank me later!

Best Day Ever was one of the best psychological thrillers I have read. It is done in the first person through the mind of the husband first part of book. A page turner-loved it. A real twist at the end. I highly recommend it.

Couldn't pull myself away from this one! What a page-turner! Paul Strom is a narrator you will love to hate! Incredible story, amazing character development, and terrifying ride. Make sure to leave the light on...you won't be able to stop reading.

This book is amazing. The narrator breaks the fourth wall, readers. That happens so rarely that when it does, the book really stands out.

My experience with Best Day Ever reminded me a lot of my experience with Gone Girl. You're going along, reading the book, and suddenly have a "wait, did that really just happen?" moment that makes you go back to reread the previous chapter see if you are imaging things or not.

If you are a fan of thrillers/suspense, read this book!

~ I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. Great Thoughts' Great Readers Ninja ~

Wow! This was one scary story!! Paul is simply terrifying and the story is gripping, dark and disturbing and I absolutely loved it! Paul is a narcissist, probably a psychopath, has no conscience, needs power and control, lies constantly and has no shame! He and his wife, Mia, are out for what he planned as the "best day ever". But, best day for whom? And why? I will certainly be reading more of this author!

His voice will grip you. Through self-conscious charm and a chilling wit, Rouda’s narrator creates laugh-out-loud moments that will feel like guilty pleasures in light of the story’s high-impact conclusion. This may well be the most entertaining read of your year. If you like fiction with distinctive voice and taut psychological tension that will keep you turning pages late into the night, pick this one up.

Superb, thought provoking and attention-grabbing!

What do you expect form a psychological thriller? Suspense, tension, twists and turns, throughout the storyline this book delivers on all fronts.

From the first page to last the author has you hooked, the thought train of the main character is expertly defined and shows an incredible knowledge of how the human mind operates in different situations.

The main character has got it all mapped out and is in total control of his destiny and future or so he thinks. Planning a romantic trip with his wife to rekindle their relationship, he starts to notice his wife behaviour has changed and becomes suspicious, the dark side of his soul starts to become disturbed, but to what end?

All through the storyline you are kept on tender hooks and question what is going on, which is the sign of an excellent psychological thriller, what is going to happen? Why has his wife's behaviour changed? What is going to be the outcome?

The writers prose is first class and I could not put this book down, it had everything that I expected and more, having read a lot of thrillers I can normally guess the result but not in this case which enhanced the reading.

This book should be taken to the big screen and would rate up there with the great Alfred Hitchcock I cannot give this book enough praise and if I write anymore I am endanger of spoiling it for other readers.

This is the first book I have read by this author and is now on my list alongside Lee Child, James Patterson and Ian Rankin that’s how highly I rate this story and cannot wait for future publications.

This has got to be best psychological thriller I have read yet, and I am not sure how I am going to do this book justice with my review without spoiling it.

This was sinister and creepy from the get go, Paul Strom has to be one of the most creepiest characters I have read in a long time, clearly a Sociopath who shows little emotion other than what he wants to show - he doesn't get called Poker Face Paul for no reason!

Best Day Ever is set over a 24 hour period, Paul and his wife Mia are heading to their cottage for the weekend, just the two of them, child free. Mia has been sick for a while now and he sees this a perfect opportunity for her to recoup and relax, though it is clear from the get go that something is going to go down over the weekend but you really are left guessing as to what Paul has in store for him and his wife.

Paul is one of those characters that you are supposed to hate but he hooked me right in that even I was beginning to believe his justification for some of his actions! He is a man who likes to be in control of everything so when his wife starts to act “unusual” in his eyes, over the course of the weekend the mask he has held in place for so many years begins to slip and the whole story begins to unfold.

This story was expertly written and the tension twists and turns really had me on the edge of my seat, I devoured this book and this is far different from Ms Rouds other works, it is clear that she can wear the hat of writing different genres brilliantly!

One of the best domestic suspense books I've read! Because this book's plot takes place over the course of one day, you simply cannot put it down. Each chapter has a staccato like feel forcing you to turn pages as quickly as possible. Paul Strom is the guy you hate but you cannot look away. Mia plays the role of victim/suffering wife too well.

I devoured this book in one siting. You will too!

I received an advance review copy of this book with the Great Thoughts' Great Readers Ninja program. All opinions are my own.

This story takes place over a 24-hour period and it is gripping right from the very beginning. Paul takes his beautiful wife Mia to their lakeside cottage for a much needed romantic weekend. He has every detail planned and wants it to be the best day ever. A phone call for Paul before they leave, however, delays their departure time and seems to throw everything off. He senses that something is not quite right with Mia. Is she upset because of this delay or is she acting "different" because she hasn't been feeling well lately? Throughout their drive, there appears to be some tension between them but Paul tries to remain confident that things will be great once they arrive at the cottage. Told in Paul's perspective, one starts to see that Paul is a bit creepy and very narcissistic. You start to wonder if he is up to something or perhaps it is Mia that is up to something since, according to Paul, her behavior is surprising to him and so not like her. Will this be the best day ever for Paul? For Mia? Or for them both? I could not stop reading this book and stayed up way too late finishing it because I could not wait one more day to find out how it would end. Kaira Rouda has written a spectacular, intense psychological domestic thriller with an amazing ending. Well done.

I received an advance review copy of this book from the Great Thought's Ninja Review Team via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

An entertaining thriller about a seemingly normal couple who are anything but. Paul and Mia Strom seem to be the perfect couple with two homes, two young sons and everything to look forward to. The novel starts with Paul and Mia going off for a romantic weekend to their summer home. As the pages turn, layers of Paul's personality and duplicity are revealed. I was glued to the screen, wondering if Mia would survive, and if so, how she would extricate herself from his clutches.
Well done!

Full marks to the author Kaira Rouda for her creation of Paul Strom, a narrator like few others. He was such a jerk and I did chide myself for reacting so extremely to a fictional character but just the thought of his 'rectangle grin' and 'signature wink' gives me the creeps. I was pretty sure and definitely hoping that he would get his comeuppance and I had to finish the book to find out.

I received a copy of Best Day Ever via NetGalley and my thanks to the publishers HQ for that

A happy couple heading to their lake house for the night.Chiildren home with a babysitter the best day ever lies before them.Slowly you start to doubt whether they are as happy as they seem.As you notice cracks in their relationship you will not be able to put this book down.Each page a surprise racing to a shocking end.

What a gripping read. Kaira is a master storyteller and Best Day Ever was very well written and flowed well. The book is written from the narcissist Paul’s point of view. His thoughts were truly psychopathic and just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse he managed to shock you again! Even though the story centres around a 24 hours period where Paul is promising his wife Mia, “the best day ever”, there are so many twists and turns and much is revealed in this short period of time.

I really connected with Mia and felt sorry for her naivety (too trusting) in the beginning but she managed to grow up quickly and become very brave indeed.

I enjoyed the Epilogue, which was from Mia’s point of view, it rounded up the story well.

I highly recommend this page turning psychological thriller.

ARC kindly provided by Harlequin Australia via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

After I read some of the reviews, I hesitated to read this book. SO glad I ignored the so-so reviews, as this book delivers. I could not put it down. Cannot wait for the next book from this talented author.

Best Day Ever is told from the first person point of view of Paul, over the period of 24 hrs. The title made me think the book might be silly, so I put off reading it. Boy, was I wrong! When I finally picked it up, I couldn't put it down and dragged into work sleep-deprived the next day. I absolutely love getting into the mind of a character completely, and once you get to know Paul, you understand the simplicity of the title. Paul surprises his wife, Mia, with an overnight trip to their cottage, just the two of them, while their two small children stay behind. As the day unfolds, and layers come off to reveal more layers, Rouda amps up the suspense. At first I was not sure the ending was satisfying. The more I really thought about it, the more I realized it was perfect! Really glad I discovered Kaira Rouda.

You won’t like Paul Strom in Kaira Rouda’s latest novel, Best Day Ever. He will do his best to convince you. You watch him shower, Mia, his wife with a playlist of romantic music, a weekend getaway, and plans to make their day together the best ever. But something will gnaw at you, until you realize Paul Strom’s life is about unravel in the most unexpected ways.

I loved this book so much. It's thrilling, creepy, and I couldn't put it down. I read it all in one sitting! It was so unique, being in the mind of a textbook narcissist... really unsettling, yet fascinating to see everything from his perspective. Satisfying ending, too. I plan on reading the rest of Kaira's books now!

I love psycho thrillers which is why I was so excited to read this one. It was creepy which is perfect for this time of year but I don't really think it was all that thrilling. Paul is crazy but I saw most things coming. Yes, I would think it would be romantic if my husband went through so much trouble to plan everything out for a weekend getaway but like I said Paul was crazy.

This has got to be best psychological thriller I have read yet, and I am not sure how I am going to do this book justice with my review without spoiling it.

This was sinister and creepy from the get go, Paul Strom has to be one of the most creepiest characters I have read in a long time, clearly a Sociopath who shows little emotion other than what he wants to show - he doesn't get called Poker Face Paul for no reason!

Best Day Ever is set over a 24 hour period, Paul and his wife Mia are heading to their cottage for the weekend, just the two of them, child free. Mia has been sick for a while now and he sees this a perfect opportunity for her to recoup and relax, though it is clear from the get go that something is going to go down over the weekend but you really are left guessing as to what Paul has in store for him and his wife.

Paul is one of those characters that you are supposed to hate but he hooked me right in that even I was beginning to believe his justification for some of his actions! He is a man who likes to be in control of everything so when his wife starts to act “unusual” in his eyes, over the course of the weekend the mask he has held in place for so many years begins to slip and the whole story begins to unfold.

This story was expertly written and the tension twists and turns really had me on the edge of my seat, I devoured this book and this is far different from Ms Rouds other works, it is clear that she can wear the hat of writing different genres brilliantly!

One of the best domestic suspense books I've read! Because this book's plot takes place over the course of one day, you simply cannot put it down. Each chapter has a staccato like feel forcing you to turn pages as quickly as possible. Paul Strom is the guy you hate but you cannot look away. Mia plays the role of victim/suffering wife too well.

I devoured this book in one siting. You will too!

I received an advance review copy of this book with the Great Thoughts' Great Readers Ninja program. All opinions are my own.

This story takes place over a 24-hour period and it is gripping right from the very beginning. Paul takes his beautiful wife Mia to their lakeside cottage for a much needed romantic weekend. He has every detail planned and wants it to be the best day ever. A phone call for Paul before they leave, however, delays their departure time and seems to throw everything off. He senses that something is not quite right with Mia. Is she upset because of this delay or is she acting "different" because she hasn't been feeling well lately? Throughout their drive, there appears to be some tension between them but Paul tries to remain confident that things will be great once they arrive at the cottage. Told in Paul's perspective, one starts to see that Paul is a bit creepy and very narcissistic. You start to wonder if he is up to something or perhaps it is Mia that is up to something since, according to Paul, her behavior is surprising to him and so not like her. Will this be the best day ever for Paul? For Mia? Or for them both? I could not stop reading this book and stayed up way too late finishing it because I could not wait one more day to find out how it would end. Kaira Rouda has written a spectacular, intense psychological domestic thriller with an amazing ending. Well done.

I received an advance review copy of this book from the Great Thought's Ninja Review Team via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Just finished this novel and what a ride man! The Best Day Ever is told by the husband, Paul. He is the classic good looking man, with a beautiful young wife, perfect kids and money making job. He decides to take his wife for a trip without the kids to the lake house and has planned the best day ever for her. Little do we know is that nothing will go as planned as we discover more of him and his real intentions! And... It. Will. Creep. You. Out. The fact that the whole novel unfolds in 24 hours is what makes this book intense and hard to put down! Amazing 4 star read for me! Thanks to the publisher for the copy via Netgalley for my honest review!

Fast paced , page turner quick read. The story villain is very arrogant it makes you shake your head thinking is he for real.
Make sure you have a clear calendar because this novel can be finished in one seating.

An entertaining thriller about a seemingly normal couple who are anything but. Paul and Mia Strom seem to be the perfect couple with two homes, two young sons and everything to look forward to. The novel starts with Paul and Mia going off for a romantic weekend to their summer home. As the pages turn, layers of Paul's personality and duplicity are revealed. I was glued to the screen, wondering if Mia would survive, and if so, how she would extricate herself from his clutches.
Well done!

Full marks to the author Kaira Rouda for her creation of Paul Strom, a narrator like few others. He was such a jerk and I did chide myself for reacting so extremely to a fictional character but just the thought of his 'rectangle grin' and 'signature wink' gives me the creeps. I was pretty sure and definitely hoping that he would get his comeuppance and I had to finish the book to find out.

I received a copy of Best Day Ever via NetGalley and my thanks to the publishers HQ for that

A happy couple heading to their lake house for the night.Chiildren home with a babysitter the best day ever lies before them.Slowly you start to doubt whether they are as happy as they seem.As you notice cracks in their relationship you will not be able to put this book down.Each page a surprise racing to a shocking end.

What a gripping read. Kaira is a master storyteller and Best Day Ever was very well written and flowed well. The book is written from the narcissist Paul’s point of view. His thoughts were truly psychopathic and just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse he managed to shock you again! Even though the story centres around a 24 hours period where Paul is promising his wife Mia, “the best day ever”, there are so many twists and turns and much is revealed in this short period of time.

I really connected with Mia and felt sorry for her naivety (too trusting) in the beginning but she managed to grow up quickly and become very brave indeed.

I enjoyed the Epilogue, which was from Mia’s point of view, it rounded up the story well.

I highly recommend this page turning psychological thriller.

ARC kindly provided by Harlequin Australia via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

After I read some of the reviews, I hesitated to read this book. SO glad I ignored the so-so reviews, as this book delivers. I could not put it down. Cannot wait for the next book from this talented author.

Best Day Ever is told from the first person point of view of Paul, over the period of 24 hrs. The title made me think the book might be silly, so I put off reading it. Boy, was I wrong! When I finally picked it up, I couldn't put it down and dragged into work sleep-deprived the next day. I absolutely love getting into the mind of a character completely, and once you get to know Paul, you understand the simplicity of the title. Paul surprises his wife, Mia, with an overnight trip to their cottage, just the two of them, while their two small children stay behind. As the day unfolds, and layers come off to reveal more layers, Rouda amps up the suspense. At first I was not sure the ending was satisfying. The more I really thought about it, the more I realized it was perfect! Really glad I discovered Kaira Rouda.

You won’t like Paul Strom in Kaira Rouda’s latest novel, Best Day Ever. He will do his best to convince you. You watch him shower, Mia, his wife with a playlist of romantic music, a weekend getaway, and plans to make their day together the best ever. But something will gnaw at you, until you realize Paul Strom’s life is about unravel in the most unexpected ways.

I loved this book so much. It's thrilling, creepy, and I couldn't put it down. I read it all in one sitting! It was so unique, being in the mind of a textbook narcissist... really unsettling, yet fascinating to see everything from his perspective. Satisfying ending, too. I plan on reading the rest of Kaira's books now!

I love psycho thrillers which is why I was so excited to read this one. It was creepy which is perfect for this time of year but I don't really think it was all that thrilling. Paul is crazy but I saw most things coming. Yes, I would think it would be romantic if my husband went through so much trouble to plan everything out for a weekend getaway but like I said Paul was crazy.

This story grabbed my attention and it was a book I couldn't put down. Having experienced these guys firsthand it was great to really "see" into their heads and learn what they are truly thinking. A fascinating look into the mind of a 99.5%er. If you run into one just run the other way, if you can.

This is one of the best thrillers I've read all year. Thanks to the publisher I received an early copy in exchange for an honest review, and as someone who loves mysteries and thrillers, this one fantastically taut ride. Don't be surprised if you hate Paul as a character when you first meet him- stick with it, sink it into the story, and watch everything get upended.

Read this book in one sitting. It's captivating, darkly funny, and just the perfect creepy read for fall. Paul Strom - one helluva character! Can't wait for more from Kaira Rouda. Received a copy of this book via Netgalley.

How unnerving to read the story from the perspective of the narcissistic husband! Throughout the story I found myself shaking my head at the audacity of such a personality and on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next! Excellent suspenseful read! I received an advance copy from Great Thoughts Ninjas. All opinions are my own.

Kaira Rouda's best book yet! Well written, cleverly woven tale. The main character, Paul, is a guy you love to hate! The book is suspenseful and entertaining!!! Could be one of the best books I'll read this year. Can't wait for her next novel....

I loved every second of this story with characters that you rooted for and others you rooted against. Positively creepy in its accuracy of a narcissistic personality. Fans of Liane Moriarty will love this one!

In her novel BEST DAY EVER, Rouda examines the lives of a seemingly perfect couple, Paul & Mia. Written in the vein of a domestic suspense, Rouda makes the genre feel fresh by having the husband narrate the slow-building, spine-tingling weekend getaway, in which he promises her the best day ever. With little hints to his previous misdemeanors, readers know something must be afoot, and over the course of the novels 2-day timeline, readers won’t be able to put this one down until they race to the final conclusion. Highly recommended!

I received an advanced review copy of this book from The Great Thoughts Ninja Review Team. All opinions are my own. A harrowing heart pounding adventure of a book. You don't know from one moment to the next what will happen. The ending will have you dropping your jaw. Pick up this book. You definitely won't regret it.

Paul Strom has the BEST DAY EVER planned for his wife and a weekend away from their sons. He's the perfect husband - beautiful house, a job that anyone who watches Mad Men would envy, two wonderful sons... and now the perfect weekend at the lake house. Life couldn't be better... right? On the car ride up, he notices his wife is a bit distant but he can't quite figure out why. Surely she doesn't know what's really going on in his life. He's made sure to cover all his tracks.. and she knows the rules. So why is she challenging him now?

Told in first person narration strictly from Paul's point of view, we slowly see his narcissistic and controlling ways. Personally, I LOVE being in the mind of a sociopath. Set in a 24-hour time period, we watch as he tries to control his primal instincts and convince himself that his wife is being the good girl he wants her to be. I struggled a little bit with the slow pacing and the sudden movements from past to present. However, it didn't take away from this being a fast read. Personally, I would have liked to see a bit more of the sinister in Paul - the more calculating and devious side without him losing control. For someone who is inherently paying close attention to detail, it seems as if he would have been better at fooling more people but I suppose all good things must come to an end, right? ? I do wish I knew more about Mia's side and what she went through but it was also refreshing to see things strictly from the male side and not the woman, who is almost always the victim. This wasn't as suspenseful or as sinister as I was thinking it was going to be going into it. However, that epilogue did get me thinking....

For those who love a slower, unique pacing of a full day in a domestic thriller with an unreliable narrator whom you'll grow to detest, this is a book you won't be able to put down.

Very suspenseful with various tiny revelations doled out throughout the story. You may figure out what is going on long before the end but that doesn't mean you won't continue to race through the pages to discover the final solution. Very reminiscent of Caroline Kepnes' "You", and it wouldn't surprise me if a sequel were in the works.

I really enjoyed this book. Paul and Mia appear to have it all, a beautiful home, 2 adorable sons and a lake house. Paul plans a special day for him and Mia, the best day ever!! What happens when some of Paul's plans don't go as he plans? I thought at first that the story started out a little slow, but as Mia ponders on things, the story picks up steam and it's hard to put down until you've read the final scene

Spend the day in the mind of a psychopath. Paul Strom has it all - a gorgeous wife, two healthy kids, the nicest house on the block and a cottage by the lake. Paul and his wife Mia are heading up to the lake for a weekend away, and Strom has created "the best day ever" for him and his wife. But things begin to take a dangerous turn as the day wears on until Paul and Mia find themselves in the fight for their lives.

It all sounds like it could be a bit cliche - but this book is different. It is literally laid out over 24 hours from the point of view of Paul, who, as we find, isn't the most reliable narrator. He's funny, charming and clever, but he is also horrible, egotistical and evil.

The pacing is taut, and there are enough twists and turns to keep you riveted for the entire rollercoaster ride. The author cleverly pulls the reader into a seemingly idyllic day in the lives of this couple, but we quickly realize that we are being led astray. I couldn't put it down. A psychological thriller of the first order.

Best Day Ever takes place over a 24 hr period. We live in the mind of an egotistical man who thinks he’s the KING of his castle and what he says goes. His name is Paul. Paul Strom that is. He’s taking his wife to their lake cottage to have the BEST. DAY. EVER! Nothing and I mean NOTHING will ruin his plans to make everything perfect.

I love books like this. One minute Paul’s talking about this subject and then the next we’re thrown back into the past. Page by page dark secrets unfold before us. I couldn’t read fast enough. I needed to know what was going to happen next. It was like a train wreck and I couldn’t look away.

The plot, the characters, the mood that Kaira Touda writes and sets makes for the almost perfect dark, thrilling, suspense book that everyone is talking about. Her writing is flawless and she does a fantastic job at making you feel uneasy being in Paul’s mind throughout the whole book.

At times, well let’s be honest, the majority of the book I wanted to kill Paul. I wished we had a reprieve and seen the perspective from Mia. I don’t know how many times I would’ve killed to read her mind. I also think parts of the book were overly descriptive. Maybe there was a reason for this but it made it hard to get into the book and at times I found myself skipping parts. Other than that I loved it.

Best Day Ever is a dark, thrilling ride that leaves you guessing right up until the very last page. At times you’ll get chills running up your spine and memories of the past come back to haunt you.

**This review is for the audiobook on Audible.**

Best Day Ever: A Psychological Thriller by Kaira Rouda, narrated by Graham Halstead and Amy McFadden was one I had on pre-order and couldn't wait to listen to! I was so excited when it finally appeared on my Audible app! I definitely recommend it to those who enjoy thrillers and books about psycho, crazy people...husbands, in particular! It is well-written, and every time when I thought this man (husband) couldn't get any more looney, he did!

The performance by Graham Halstead was controlled and consistent. He played the part well, and his calm demeanor, overall, made the main character seem even more psycho! We only heard from Amy McFadden at the end (in the Epilogue), which disappointed me a little because I really enjoy listening to her narrate books! I thought we would get to listen to both of them throughout the entire book, but, sadly, that was not the case. :-(

Overall, I would rate this audiobook between 4-4.5 stars. It kept me fully engaged, and I couldn't wait to continue listening the second I got out of work. This was my first book from Kaira Rouda, and I 100% plan to check out more of her work. I'm also excited to see what she comes up with next!

Thank you for reading my review. I hope it was helpful. :-)

Do you watch AGT? You know when Mel B just slams both palms down on the panel in front of her and exclaims, “Oh. My. GOD!!”?

Yea, that’s kind of my reaction throughout this entire book. Rouda captures the mind of a sociopathic, narcissistic whackjob and brings him to life in one of the most chilling, nail-biting domestic thrillers I have ever read. Paul Strom is calculating, manipulative, controlling, and all around batshit crazy, but to the outside world he is successful. Has a beautiful wife, gorgeous home, adorable kids, and more recently, the coveted vacation home. On a weekend trip to have the Best Day Ever with his wife Mia, the tension pulses. Will they have their Best Day Ever? The suspense is riveting. Reading through the mind of Paul is like looking at a car wreck- so bad, so messed up, but for the life of you- you just can’t look away. You won’t be able to put this one down. Sit down, light a candle, and prepare to be terrified. (p.s. As an Ohioan, loved reading a book set in my home state. Though I'll never see Chautauqua or Port Clinton the same again. Thanks Kaira.)

I received an advance review copy of this book from the Great Thought's Ninja Review Team. All opinions are my own.

Picked up this book and didn't put it down until I was finished with the last page! The story is written in a very unique still, but it is still a story that reaches out and grabs you. Paul is a terrifying character because we all have known someone like him in our lifetime. Loved the resolution to this story. I will be looking for more books by this author.

This book was excellent. I started off thinking Paul Strom was a great guy with a great family and then it all went downhill from there. In the author's note Rouda calls Paul an unreliable narrator and that is certainly what he is. Paul reveals more & more of who he really is as the book goes along. I just kept thinking "how much worse can this guy get?" and then something else would happen. It's hard to write a review for this book since I don't want to give too much away. The ending was AMAZING and it left me feeling satisfied. I especially enjoyed hearing some of the story from Mia's point of view since I really liked her right from the beginning. This is a fast paced book that is well crafted & gives good clues as it goes along.

I received an advance review copy of this book from the Great Thought's Ninja Review Team. All opinions are my own.

Just the cover of this stunning book made me want to pick up and devour it, and it didn't disappoint. With a narrator you'll love to hate, and who twists the truth like a pretzel, BEST DAY EVER will have you turning the pages until way past your bedtime. Domestic suspense at its finest!

Best Day Ever is a novel by Kaira Rouda. Ms Rouda breaks the day into a time frame for the chapters. The main character is far from a hero and the story is very predictable. That said, Ms Rouda gives the reader an excellent ride to the finish.

This book drew me in from the start and continued to do so. The intrigue made for compelling reading and the tension just kept on rising. . Best Day Ever is definitely a slow burner which builds up to a great finale.

Paul is taking his beautiful wife Mia to their lake house for the weekend. Their boys are with a babysitter at home and Paul has planned "The Best Day Ever". Their drive to lake is delayed when Paul decides to take a phone call. Paul can tell Mia is annoyed getting a late start but he knows she is his dutiful wife and he will just charm himself back into her good graces. As the story progresses, you see their marriage isn't what it seems to be. Paul is keeping many secrets from Mia. The story being told from Paul's POV and being inside his head, is unlike any I have read before. I could not put this book down! It is a fast paced, keeps you on the edge of your seat kind of book and one you must read quickly!!! I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the Great Thought's Ninja Review Team. All opinions are my own.

I always enjoy a book which has you rooting for the bad guy at the end, and this is a great example of that.

There were a few bits when I guessed what was coming, but then there were definitely some unexpected twists and turns as well.

Definitely recommended!

Wow this book was just full of surprises. I really enjoyed it. Paul and Mia's idea of what the best day ever will be is very different as you will find out. Very cleverly written to keep you in suspense as to what is really going on. We think these two have the perfect life until we start to find out it is anything but. The story being written mainly in Paul's point of view definitely added to the continued curiosity factor and also helps you see that he is definitely not what he is making himself out to be at first which is a loving and good husband and father. His real character comes out as the story unfolds. This was my first Kaira Rouda book and it won't be my last.

Just finished this novel and what a ride man! The Best Day Ever is told by the husband, Paul. He is the classic good looking man, with a beautiful young wife, perfect kids and money making job. He decides to take his wife for a trip without the kids to the lake house and has planned the best day ever for her. Little do we know is that nothing will go as planned as we discover more of him and his real intentions! And... It. Will. Creep. You. Out. The fact that the whole novel unfolds in 24 hours is what makes this book intense and hard to put down! Amazing 4 star read for me! Thanks to the publisher for the copy via Netgalley for my honest review!

I received an advanced review copy of this book from The Great Thoughts Ninja Review Team. All opinions are my own. A harrowing heart pounding adventure of a book. You don't know from one moment to the next what will happen. The ending will have you dropping your jaw. Pick up this book. You definitely won't regret it.

We delve into the seemingly perfect lives of Paul (45) & Mia (33) who have been married for almost 10 years. They have two boys both in elementary school. The youngest is (6).

Paul (a classic narcissist) is trying to impress us with his intelligence and his love for his wife & kids. He wants people to envy him; the wealthy successful businessman, his beautiful younger wife, their two cherubic sons, living on the best street in the best suburb. But, we can read between the lines.

He has no conscience, he's greedy & heartless, has a need for power & control, thinks he is more important than anyone else, lies constantly & has no shame. He's had lovers during their engagement & marriage and he's done alot worse.

Paul & Mia haven't had a weekend together, just the two of them alone, for more than a year. Paul plans a getaway to their lakeside cottage during the off-season; the first sunny weekend in May. His plan is to share a romantic dinner & then, murder his wife. But, what he doesn't know is that Mia has had him under surveillance. From this point on, we root for Mia who has finally put her own plan in motion.

This book was very predictable but it was a book I couldn't put aside until I had finished reading it. The characters both engaging in the relationship for their own reasons. The title of the book fits the story well.
I however wasn't able to pick a side of either character as both have their own well hidden secrets. Neither one of them perfect.
This story flowed nicely. Which held my attention.
This is the first story by this author but I wouldn't mind reading more.

I liked this book. I didn't love it but I think a lot of people will. I decided to read this book without knowing much about it but the cover caught my attention and the premise sounded good which was enough for me. I knew pretty early on that I was going to have to see what was going to happen to these characters in the end.

This book tells Paul's story. The reader spends almost the entire book in Paul's head which is not always a pleasant place to be. I wasn't sure about Paul from the very beginning of the book and it quickly became apparent that he really wasn't someone you wanted to put your trust in. As the book moves forward, we only learn the things that Paul wants to share and he is only going to share the things that paint him in the best light possible.

Paul is taking his wife away for the weekend and has planned the best day ever. He has it all planned out and wants to make sure that things go perfectly. Unfortunately for Paul, there are a few factors that are out of his control. The neighbor seems to show up at all the wrong times and refuses to take a hint. Mia doesn't always follow the plan that Paul has in his head either.

I found myself setting this book aside more often than usual. I think I just needed a break from Paul's thoughts. I didn't like Paul at all which was kind of the point of the book but it made it hard to connect with any of the characters since everything is described by him. The entire takes place over the course of a single day. There are times in the book where things seemed to move really quickly but at other times the plot slowed to a crawl.

I would recommend this book to anyone that thinks the premise sounds interesting. It was pretty fast read for me which was a good thing since I was really wanting to see how everything would work out. I would be interested in reading more from Kaira Rouda in the future.

I received an advance reader edition of this book from Harlequin - Graydon House via NetGalley.