Best Day Ever

This was a different experience for me since it was the first time I've read a book told entirely in the first person by one character. It took some getting used to, and I must admit I really didn't care for it. However, I caught on quickly as to what this person was doing so I continued reading to see how it would turn out.I was expecting a surprise ending, a real twist, and I was right. However, clues along the way from the egotistical main character is sufficient to figure it out easily enough. The end was similar to what I expected only somewhat "less."I never give away plot details so as not to spoil the book for others. I'll just say that the book isn't loaded with profanity, graphic sex, or gratuitous violence, for which I'm grateful. It is well written and it did keep me turning pages to find out if I guessed the ending correctly (sort of).I debated but went ahead and gave it four stars. I wasn't crazy about the monotony of the single narrator but some readers might like that as change of pace.I recommend others read "Best Day Ever" too - you might like it much more than I did.

Psychologically rich, Kaira Rouda's latest, BEST DAY EVER is one of the most satisfying and entertaining books I have read in 2017! 5 Stars +++Kaira Rouda creates an unpredictable delicious unique domestic suspense at its finest. I predict BEST DAY EVER will be a blockbuster hit and prime for the big screen. What goes on behind closed doors? BEST DAY EVER, a  Big Little Lies - Season 1  but better. The author’s best work to date and this psychological domestic thriller sets itself apart from all the rest due to, a number of things which I will address in my review. (sorry for the length of the review, but have a lot to say).There are so many psychological elements at play here (starting with the car ride). A weekend trip. The allure. A lake house. A dinner. The anticipation. Afterwards. The perfect setup. You will be dying to know what will happen next. Truly edge-of-your-seat. I can envision Alexander Skarsgård (Paul) and Nichole Kidman (Mia) starring in the film. I want a front row seat. An ideal choice for BEST DAY EVER. Hint, someone! Will need to ponder the cast for Buck. (he needs to be hot and hunky)!Skillful writing and execution tactics abound. The story takes place within a 24 hr. period. Tick Tock. There is not one moment of boredom. It is addictive and compelling. The banter is to die for! The author has outdone herself. Spine-tingling. Impending peril (not knowing what Paul will do next) creating intense tension, that propels this claustrophobic cat-and-mouse tale toward its hold your breath, gratifying conclusion.Meet Paul and Mia Strom. Mia was once a copywriter at an advertising agency when they met. She is from a wealthy family. Paul is an advertising executive and he thinks he is God. He thinks everyone worships him. It does not matter what he does wrong. He can put a spin on it. He has secrets.He, of course, has taught his wife everything. (gag) Sex, love, fine food, travel. He is the sophisticated older man she pledged to love honor and obey. As most psychopaths, they do not respect women. They are a conquest. They seek them out. Put on the charm. Slowly turn on their dark side.We hear from Paul, in Ohio and his plans to take his wife away for the weekend to their home on Lake Erie. It is a Friday afternoon and Paul feels some tension. He has made these plans and he wants nothing to go wrong. He appears charming and romantic. It will be the BEST DAY EVER. They have not been away for a weekend together in more than a year. This day was going to be just for them and it was time to go. The phone rings causing a little delay.They drop the kids off at the sitter’s house and then they are on their way. After all, he has loaded and syncing all his wife’s favorite songs. It will be a romantic weekend, with candles, wine, and a fabulous restaurant. Everything to set the mood. Nothing will stand in his way. As for most of us, we are aware of any sort of relationship- when you are traveling, you have expectations of an upcoming trip. Emotions run high. She is thinking. He is thinking. Trying to read the other's mind. However, as the car winds its way to the lake, we soon get the feeling, Paul has a dark side.However, we are not quite sure what is going on with Mia.Of course, he does not like it when she wants to stop for a restroom break (God forbid) or stop at a bakery for croissants. However, he is in a flexible mood. He will throw her a bone or two. This once. Paul also talks about the neighbors and bad mouths them if they do not like him. He is all about appearances.First, I knew nothing about this book going in, except the summary and the book trailer. At first glance, you think this will be another murder at the lake. Been there, done that. Think again. This book is nothing like anything I have read. Not the blood and gore. It is the most dangerous of all. The mind. The thoughts. The suspense. The impending danger. The mystery. The intrigue and the dark humor. Character-driven.You pretty much suspect early on Paul (husband) looks at life through rose-colored glasses. He thinks he can do no wrong. Everyone is beneath him and he can manipulate anyone to his advantage. What a jerk. He is king of their castle and his queen needs to fall back in line. He is all about action, like a superhero. About achieving and success. Their family is superior. What is this talk about her going back to work? No way.You have no clue what he has planned for the romantic weekend away at the lake without the boys. You know something is hidden in the car in the glove compartment, but you do not know what. It will be the BEST DAY EVER. He has a lot riding on this weekend. More than you can imagine. Paul is trying to make this a pleasant experience to smooth things over, or so it appears. We soon learn Mia has been sick. It annoys him when she eats healthy and controls their eating and dining habits. He appears to be trying, yet he does not like it when the conversation does not go his way. Everything he is thinking is played out in the book. He continues to steer it in his direction. He demands control.This is where the book excels in my opinion. I could not put this book down. If I had to, I was dying to get back to it. You know something has occurred and he is trying to make a good impression to get Mia back to his side. He wants to smooth things over for some reason. He gets annoyed when she starts talking about her strawberries and garden at the lake. The guy Buck is their next door neighbor and his wife died. He helps look after her garden when they are away. Of course, Paul does not like Buck. Mmmmm . .The next thing which keeps the reader guessing. Mia does not seem like the meek and mild type with an overbearing controlling (Sleeping with the Enemy husband). She seems a little cocky. She is not argumentive, but yet she brings up topics which are uncomfortable for her husband. It is a tug and pull; a tit for tat, cat and mouse game. She appears calm and collected. What does she have on him? She keeps him on his toes. She is intriguing. Mysterious. You do not know what is going through her mind at all. It is all coming from Paul’s viewpoint (which you soon find out, he is wacky). Love her character.He is a modern- day psychopath. Mia, on the other hand, does not seem too worried about what her husband has planned, and pretty much drives the night in a subtle way, much to her husband’s displeasure. When Buck interrupts their alone time, throws dinner reservations late, and at dinner, appears the waiter hates him (because he is a pompous ass) and always looks at his wife, plus his wife seems to be looking at the window in a daze with a smile on her face. He is thrown off his game.Could Mia have turned the tables on him? Mia knows much more than she has let on about her husband’s secrets and lies. She is the one who comes from money (parent’s wealthy) and they do not like him and never have. How could he have not been paying attention? When did little Mia become so confident and bold? And what does she know? Has someone told her what is going on? He has many skeletons in his closet.“This was supposed to be the best day ever, and now it is deteriorating, decaying like the memories of his childhood. “Frantic, we see Paul’s world unraveling and spinning out of control. And the letter . . . . Priceless!!! I have never laughed so hard. Karma will bite you in the butt when you least expect.WOW! It is hard to describe a book of this nature since you do not want to give anything away. You want to provide enough to encourage others, they “Must” read this book. From the cover, author, characters, plot – from the first page to the last (A complete package). I would not change a thing. All the dirty secrets are revealed.Rouda has created a character so evil with his banter and thoughts. I would put him next to any of the bad guys out there. One reviewer compared him to Joe in You and I agree. I think also Perry in Big Little Lies and Jack Behind Closed Doors. An utterly compelling journey through the darker side of the human psyche. The things which go on in his head! Clever writing. Both creepy, and witty. Paul is psychotic, entitled, and a narcissist with a capital N! Rouda reminds me of Paul Cleave here. Another favorite author which uses a lot of dark humor mixed with the thoughts of his psychos.As many of you read, my personal notes in my recent review of Emma in the Night— this topic is very relatable and one I have researched for years since my ex-husband was a narcissist. Most everything in this book is so realistic. I think Paul and my ex could be brothers. SCARY. If you meet someone too charming and too good-looking. RUN.The author keeps you guessing all the way through the book. You want to savor each moment and not rush. What I did indeed enjoy (which I wish more authors would follow)- Kaira recaps the night and the events leading up to the night from Mia’s point of view at the end. A "behind the scenes."During the reading, the author does not give anything away. As a reader, you think she is being manipulated by her husband. By providing all the final details, this balances the story for a satisfying conclusion.Note: Kaira, if I see Paul around Palm Beach at the Breakers or shopping along Worth Avenue in his pink shirt with an older rich lady on his arm, will let you know. This could be a great follow-up book. Seriously, this may be my favorite psychological/domestic thriller this year. Congrats. Can’t wait to see what’s next. You have found your groove. Give us more of this, please. (no pressure).Also purchased the audiobook narrated by Graham Halstead and Amy McFadden (currently listening) and ordered the hardcover (to arrive today). I hear it is pretty spectacular. Look forward to reading 2018 PLENTY TO GO AROUND. (sneak preview included). If I have not convinced you yet. The best psychological thriller (domestic suspense) of 2017! Fans of Mary Kubica, Fiona Barton, and B.A. Paris will enjoy. A special thank you to Graydon House and NetGalley for an early reading copy. JDCMustReadBooks

I kept reading hoping there would be some crazy plot twist but there wasn’t. I felt like a was reading a lifetime movie.

Brilliant. I read a lot of 'suspense' novels but this one is on a whole different level. The subtlety of the increasing tension is addictive. As the author says in her Author's Note at the end, "Sometimes it's more about what a character doesn't say than what he admits to doing." Paul is one narcisstic, rotten, evil character. With every revelation he provides about his past actions I was sucked in even more by his sick mind. The conversations between Paul and Mia had you walking a tightrope. Mia was ethereal. I was addicted to this novel from the get-go. I was grabbed from the start and not released till the very end. I usually do my reading in bed before sleep time but this one had me picking it up throughout the day. I can see why some people just poured through it in one straight shot. The ending was jaw dropping. Be sure to read all the on-target Editorial Reviews on your Kindle.I find passages I've highlighted better express what I could attempt to say to provide examples of an author's wonderful writing ability. I probably highlighted more in this one than any other, but here are a selection to 'whet your appetite":"I put the dirty dishes in the dishwasher. I can be helpful when I want to be, although I don't want to remind Mia of this fact as she may come to expect it.""For my part, I wonder if Mia thinks I have a dark side. Most likely, as far as she knows, I am just her dear loving husband.""Stopping on our way to the lake house at a bakery that will no doubt be out of croissants was not on my agenda today. She knows I'm a man of action and when I have a plan, I follow it. I just want to get up there already. But today, Mia's every wish is my command.""A black sports car passes us on our right, only a flash of metal actually, because it's moving so quickly. I hadn't even seen it coming in my rearview mirror. It's funny how things can sneak up on you, appear out of nowhere.""Buck does have this affinity for gardening, which to me is a woman's thing, so that makes him older, weaker than me in my book.""We have been arguing, disagreeing let's call it, over our phantom daughter....for six years. The whole thing is absurd. She should be counting her blessings, like her strawberry daughters at her beautiful lake house. She should be thankful for everything she has, everything I'd provided, not missing something, someone who never existed. I feel myself squeeze the steering wheel, watch my knuckles whiten.""I'm uncertain why after all of our years together, she hasn't grown and developed her cooking expertise. I know she's invested in cookbooks and cooking classes, but still, her best efforts can only be awarded a C. Barely edible, actually, when compared to fine dining. It's a shame, really.""Even though I cannot see her face, I detect a tone in her voice, something that sounds like the feeling you get when you can't understand a joke. Like you are the joke, like you are an idiot. Only someone you love can make you feel that way.""Soon the road will narrow, and it will be down to one lane, each direction. That's when I'll really need to pay attention. That's when it gets dangerous. If you make a mistake, there is no forgiveness on a two-lane country road.""I like the way I feel when I stand at the end of the dock. The backdrop complements me like a movie set: oh look, there's handsome, wealthy city-dweller Paul Strom enjoying a carefree day of leisure at his lakefront community. Very presidential.""Typically we do not take bathroom breaks on the drive to the lake house. The boys know this, Mia knows this. But in her weakened state, and on this, the best day ever, will make an exception without shaming her. I'm in a loving, flexible mood. "Gas station or fast food?" I ask Mia-I'm not about to be blamed for choosing the wrong bathroom for her. "I'll let you know when we see the options" Mia replied, reopening her magazine. I'll let it go, my disdain for the fact that she isn't more appreciative of my willingness to stop for her.""Before I can think to stop her, she has popped open the glove compartment and she's rummaging around in it. I check myself in the rearview mirror and notice my forehead is shiny, suddenly damp. It's so hard to keep secrets these days. People can find out anything, ruin all kinds of plans. Sometimes, all it takes is just opening the wrong door.""I'm sure she doesn't really mean this, that's why her voice shakes. She's in unfamiliar territory. This boldness is not like her. And I don't like it, not at all.""I ignore this old-man type of physical pain, just as I ignore cashiers and parking lot attendants. They are all a bother, beneath my wasting a breath or thought on.""She gets to eat and do whatever she wants all day long, and all I ask for is just that: respect.""And I told her what I told you: I knew we were perfect for each other from the moment we met. As long as she could become the wife I was looking for, of course.""I wonder if she is asking me for something, for some understanding. Some type of compassion or empathy. I'm not good at those emotions, or, if we're being honest, any emotion except anger. Rage lurks deep inside me, ready to lash out whenever it's needed.""It's not easy, feigning care.""But not if it means she'll be working with John. No way. Together, they each know too many pieces of me.""There should be a rule that adults cannot walk three abreast or even two across on crowded sidewalks. Everyone should walk single file, destination in their sights, briskly and with purpose. Unfortunately, humans are like sheep, most of the time. They need a shepherd or they are a milling-about mess.""I allow the Pilmers to see the boys, of course, ever since Mia told me they'd set up large trust funds for them. So nice, and she gave me access to the accounts so I could monitor them. I was sure old Donald wouldn't like that, but too bad. Mia was in love and what was hers was mine.""You don't discuss family dirty laundry, not at all. You smile and quietly accept what comes your way. Don't make waves, not until you're the one in control. Then you get your revenge.""I'm the opposite of my father in many ways. I fight to be like that, to be his opposite, every day, tamping down the anger that's there, the fire-filled rage he instilled inside me from an early age. It's like a wildfire that is 80 percent contained.""Most of the time, people don't notice their surroundings. They wouldn't even realize if the same car was following them for miles. It's the same following someone on foot, or, say, sneaking into someone's home. It's easy if you're quiet and methodical.""We're all like me, ladies, just differing degrees. We are more than willing to put up with your emotions, as long as you keep your end of the bargain. Look good, take care of the kids, maintain a clean home, have sex when we want it and for God's sake, don't question us or our motives. Never do that.""I notice she's holding the side door handle, as if she were anticipating an accident. It's a pose you'd assume if you knew something was coming at you head-on at any moment.""Mia looks at Buck like a lost puppy dog and nods a silent yes. Clearly my mutt needs a little retraining."

I Cannot get enough of Kaira Rouda and her stories. almost did an all nighter on this... I can't wait to read more about Paul and Yes this would make a great Netflix or Amazon series. Enjoy! I absolutely did.

A book that exemplifies one can not always trust the narrator. Having said that I won’t give away the plot, the reader soon catches on that not all is as it seems to be. A really great read where you’re hoping that someone gets put in their place, and quickly.

Meet Paul, he’s truly an amazing individual. Do you know how I know this? Because he reminds us every other sentence. I’m not even joking! This novel is set over a 24 hour period. Paul is taking his wife, Mia, to their second home for a lovely weekend away. How lucky Mia is - to be married to such a generous, handsome and successful man. You see, this is how Paul describes himself. In reality, Paul is a sociopathic, narcissist.I did not like Paul. Actually, I despised him. But that is kinda the point, we are supposed to hate him. He’s really well written! I like how throughout the novel he constantly reminds us of his successes in life, and justifies any failure by passing blame onto other people. He reminded me very much of some people I have worked with in the past. As for all other characters, well, we don’t really get to know them really. The whole novel is told from the POV of Paul, and he felt like somewhat of an unreliable narrator. He is also immensely judgemental about everybody and so really all we get his is warped vision of what other people do.This is a good psychological thriller, and I like those. But, it did have some faults. It felt as though it dragged on a little at points. I had an issue with the ending. The epilogue ties things up nicely for us, but I oddly didn’t like that. The ending was left a little open and I think I would have preferred that. Making up my own scenarios for what happens after a story ends is all part of the fun, and the epilogue stole that from me. Also, the epilogue was pretty much a tl;dr for the novel I’d just read - the whole thing just didn’t feel necessary. My other gripe was with Mia, and her lack of action leading up to the best day ever. I can’t go into too much without major spoilers, but it’s just not realistic.I do think that Sweetpea did a similar thing to what this was trying to do, but did it better. Overall, I enjoyed this but it wasn’t mind blowing by any means. If you like thrillers with a well written, creepy, unhinged main character, then give this a go - you’ll probably enjoy it too.Anyway, I’m off to get my urine tested. Peace and Love.

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!

Dark, gripping and extremely entertaining.The story takes place in a single day, with the exception of the last chapter. Paul takes his wife Mia to their lakeside house in Ohio. He plans to spend the perfect day with her. He wants to be alone with her and enjoy “the best day ever”. Unfortunately, not everything works as planned.The book is just fun. The story is told from Paul's point of view. We are in his head, so to speak. Paul is a psychopath and extremely narcissistic. He has a very high opinion of himself and precise ideas of how everything has to be to his liking. Mia was until this day the perfect and willing wife. She also has rich parents. But somehow apparently he does not have everything under control anymore. In his boundless confidence in his own genius he has missed that something has changed behind his back.You could complain about the lack of a story because there is not much happening. The plot is rather small. Paul drives with Mia in a car, goes out for lunch, goes shopping and then leads his wife out to dinner. We as readers are practically in his head the whole time. He basically has a long monologue. Paul is one of those characters you love to hate. I found him very amusing. He is an un-empathic psychopath and knows it. I enjoyed the book a lot. I think it's terrific written and Paul is a ghastly-fascinating character."Best Day Ever" is an exciting, amusing and dark reading pleasure. If you love a good psychopath, well here you are!

No suspense