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Best Day Ever: A Novel Kindle Edition
THE PERFECT MARRIAGE IS THE PERFECT ILLUSION.
Paul Strom has the perfect life: a glittering career as an advertising executive, a beautiful wife, two healthy boys and a big house in a wealthy suburb. And he’s the perfect husband: breadwinner, protector, provider. That’s why he’s planned a romantic weekend for his wife, Mia, at their lake house, just the two of them. And he’s promised today will be the best day ever.
But as Paul and Mia drive out of the city and toward the countryside, a spike of tension begins to wedge itself between them and doubts start to arise. How much do they trust each other? And how perfect is their marriage, or any marriage, really?
Forcing us to ask ourselves just how well we know those who are closest to us, Best Day Ever crackles with dark energy, spinning ever tighter toward its shocking conclusion. In the vein of The Couple Next Door, Kaira Rouda weaves a gripping, tautly suspenseful tale of deception and betrayal dark enough to destroy a marriage…or a life.
Praise for Best Day Ever
“Highly entertaining and truly surprising!” —Kate Moretti, New York Times bestselling author of The Vanishing Year
“Best Day Ever is a creepy, spine-tingling and utterly addictive tale of domestic suspense.” —Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke, bestselling authors of The Good Widow
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherGraydon House
- Publication dateSeptember 19, 2017
- File size716 KB
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From the Publisher
Praise for Best Day Ever
Editorial Reviews
Review
"A tensely written, shocking book that will hold readers on the edge of their seats to the very last page." –Publishers Weekly "We read Best Day Ever in one sitting-ripping through the pages with a breathless urgency. The book takes place over just twenty-four-hours, making you desperate to know: what exactly does the seemingly perfect Paul Strom have planned for his wife when he takes her away for the weekend? Here's what we can tell you: whatever you think it is, you're wrong. Best Day Ever isn't even close to what you're expecting. Best Day Ever is a creepy, spine-tingling and utterly addictive tale of domestic suspense."
– Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke, bestselling authors of The Good Widow
"Riveting and provocative, Best Day Ever is a gripping suspense that plays with your mind and makes you wonder how well you truly know your spouse. Accomplished author Kaira Rouda deftly navigates a day in the life of Paul and Mia Strom where what appears to be a perfect marriage is not all what it seems. Fast-paced, dark, and slightly disturbing, you won't be able to put this book down until its jaw-dropping ending. Rouda kept me glued to my seat. Absolutely brilliant!"
– Kerry Lonsdale, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Everything We Keep
"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."
-Kathryn Craft, award-winning author of The Far End of Happy, on Best Day Ever
"...it was completely addicting. It will be a Bets On pick. Those who loved THE COUPLE NEXT DOOR (another Bets On title) will want to take note of this one." –Carol Fitzgerald, BookReport.com
"Best Day Ever could be the best thriller of the year." -Heather Gudenkauf, New York Times bestselling author of Not a Sound
"Had the best day ever reading Best Day Ever. Great narrator in Paul, LOVE his voice! Fabulous book." -B.A. Paris, New York Times bestselling author of Behind Closed Doors and The Breakdown
"Perfectly plotted and devilishly dark, Kaira Rouda's Best Day Ever won't let you go until that last page is turned. Entertaining and provocative, I could not put this one down!" -Karma Brown, international bestselling author of In this Moment
"An intriguing, perfectly-paced page-turner, BEST DAY EVER is one hell of a ride!-Amy Hatnavy, author of It Happens All the Time
"Chilling, satisfying suspense...it will cost you sleep as you race through the pages."-Good Housekeeping "Creepy and claustrophobic, Best Day Ever ratchets up the terrors of a seemingly happy marriage from page to page. I loved this book. Kaira Rouda is a name to watch." –J.T. Ellison, New York Times bestselling author
About the Author
Kaira Rouda is a USA TODAY bestselling, multiple award-winning author of contemporary fiction that explores what goes on beneath the surface of seemingly perfect lives. Her domestic suspense novel, Best Day Ever, is a USA TODAY bestseller translated into more than eight languages. Her new novel,The Favorite Daughter, is available now. She lives in Washington, D.C., and Southern California and is at work on her next novel.
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Best Day Ever
By Kaira RoudaHarlequin Enterprises Limited
Copyright © 2017 Kaira RoudaAll rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-5258-1140-1
CHAPTER 1
I glance at my wife as she climbs into the passenger seat, sunlight bouncing off her shiny blond hair like sparklers lit for the Fourth of July, and I am bursting with confidence. Everything is as it should be.
Here we are, just the two of us, about to spend the weekend at our lake house. Today represents everything I've worked for, that we have built together. The sun blasts through my driver's side window with such intensity I feel the urge to hold my hand up to the side of my face to shield my eyes, even though my sunglasses are dark and should be doing the job. Under any other circumstances, on any other day, they would be, I know. But today, something is different between us; some strange tension pulses through the still air of the car's interior. I cannot see it, but it's here. I'd like to name it. Discover its source and eliminate it.
Sure, this morning has been hectic. It's a Friday, and Fridays always seem the most frenzied when you have kids. Getting the boys up and dressed, and then dropping them off at their immaculately landscaped and highly ranked red brick elementary school where they will no doubt excel, in first and third grade respectively. Truth be told though, I usually have little to do with the scenario I just outlined. Mia, my wife, handles all the tasks pertaining to the boys each morning. We're a traditional suburban household in that respect. In the morning, I make coffee, shower, dress and leave for work before the boys awaken. Yes, mine is quite a selfish and single-minded pursuit on most days.
That's another reason why today is so special. I drove the boys to school, reminded them that the babysitter would be picking them up afterwards. When I returned to the house, 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. Ha! Dishes finished, I had called up the stairs to Mia, urging her to hurry. We haven't had a weekend together, just the two of us alone, for more than a year. This day was going to be just for us, and it was time to go.
She called back, her voice floating like a butterfly down the stairs, asking for my help with her luggage. The next moment, I found myself lugging two huge suitcases down the grand main staircase of our home. She followed behind me with a laundry basket filled with who knows what.
"Staying a while?" I teased. She blushed, embarrassed by her notorious over-packing. But I didn't complain. It was her day. She was free to over-pack away. Once we got everything loaded into the trunk of the car, just as Mia was starting to relax, the packing part over, that was when my phone rang. I shouldn't have answered it. But onward. Taking the call was just one small mistake in a day that's destined to be brilliant. From the driver's seat, I finally finish syncing my phone with the car's system. I find the playlist I created for my wife. All her favorite songs will play during our drive. Music is such an important part of keeping romance alive.
And now, we're getting on the road. Mia turns toward me and smiles. She has a perfect smile: half moon-shaped, with glistening white teeth. My smile is more of a rectangle; no matter how hard I try, I appear to be smirking, I know that. But my teeth are perfect, thanks to the cosmetic dentist. I grin back.
She loves me so much, and of course the same can be said for me. We've been together almost ten years now. We know each other's best qualities, and we know each other's dark sides. Although to be quite honest about it, I'm not sure Mia has what you'd call a dastardly alter ego. Her dark side is simply grumpy, and it typically only appears when she is tired, or when one of our boys faces a rough patch. 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.
Today, though, this morning, right now, she is exuding energy; it oozes from her pores, from her flawless face. It's the cause of the strange pulsing between us, I decide.
"You seem wound up, honey," I say. I want to pat her leg and tell her to relax but I don't. Despite her odd mood she is still beautiful, almost perfect in every way.
"Do I? I guess I'm just excited," she says, confirming my assessment while stretching her hands toward the front windshield. The diamond from her wedding ring flashes in the over-bright sunshine as if imitating her energy.
"I know you are, honey. But we've got a long drive ahead of us, so try to relax. Let's make today the best day ever." I attempt to add the proper lilt to my voice. I need her to believe I am just as happy and carefree as she is. That driving up to our lake house for the first time this season is the most exciting thing I could ever imagine doing on any day, ever.
"In that case, can I request a small detour? There's a little bakery in Port Clinton, just before the turnoff to Lakeside. I'd like to stop there on the way in. For croissants for tomorrow morning. Do you remember the spot? We won't arrive in time to get croissants for breakfast today, but tomorrow's almost as good," she says. Thankfully, her bright blue eyes are hidden behind dark sunglasses that match mine. When I glance at her, we cannot make eye contact. Not really.
I wonder if the comment about not arriving in time is directed at me, and realize it is. Of course. I am the one who took the phone call just as we were walking out the door. I shouldn't have. It wasn't anything new, but I had still held out hope that it would be. Instead, I spent thirty minutes on a worthless call with a headhunter, and, I know, made us late. The croissants will be gone by the time we arrive at the bakery; I know this, too.
"Yes, I remember the place. Ugly strip mall, but sure, we'll stop. Not worried about gluten anymore, I take it?" I say. For a while, Mia and her doctor du jour thought her upset stomach, weight loss, and other intestinal issues were caused by gluten. I was relieved when she decided not to hop on that fad after giving up wheat for a few weeks with no change. She still insists on a vegetarian existence, leaving her with few choices when we go out to dinner and endless questions for the wait staff. It's annoying. But I push those thoughts away. My wife is just doing her best.
"Turns out gluten isn't the culprit," Mia says. She smiles. "So yes, I'd love to stop. If it's okay with you, of course."
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, I'm being a great husband. Mia's every wish is my command.
"As you wish, my dear." I am the perfect husband. I smile as one of the songs from our early dating days comes on. It was the soundtrack to our first night together. Innocent Mia, a virgin even after four years of college, somehow untouched by all of those lecherous fraternity guys. She was waiting for someone older, someone sophisticated, someone who could take care of her. She found that in me.
I had reserved a suite in the finest hotel in downtown Columbus, with views of the river sparkling below. We'd been dating a couple of months by then and I'd waited as long as any man can be expected to. Mia was nervous, uncomfortably sitting on the edge of the red and white striped upholstered chair, gripping her champagne flute like a weapon she'd use for protection. She wore a light blue dress that matched her eyes. The dress slipped easily over her head once I'd pulled her to me, asked her to dance. The memories of that night are vivid. It took me until the sun was coming up to convince her to give me the gift of her virginity. She worried about the promise she'd made to her mother. I told her if a tree falls in the forest but no one is around to hear it, then did it really fall? She laughed and I slid on top of her, pinning her arms gently above her head, pressing my mouth firmly against hers. And, she fell. I lick my lips at the memory and shift in my seat.
"Who were you talking to on the phone? The office?" she asks as I back out of our driveway.
"Who else? Sometimes I think they can't last a moment without me," I say. Some sort of emotion crosses Mia's face before she turns toward the passenger side window. I guess we're finished with that topic. I should apologize for the delay, but I don't. An amicable silence falls between us.
Personally, I have to admit I love the implied success I feel being able to drive out of my very nice neighborhood, my wife by my side, on a Friday morning on my way to my second home. I am driving a Ford Flex, navy exterior, by choice. Supporting America while demonstrating that my ego does not require a fancy sports car or luxury sedan. No, I am secure in my status and a family man, all rolled into one. The American dream, that's what we're living right here.
My wife is still looking out her window. She seems to be taking in the signs of spring around us. The lawns are greening up nicely and the trees, so stark for the long, dreary months of winter, are budding and flowering. Our suburb is becoming a lovely place to live again, just in time. We pull onto the freeway heading north through downtown Columbus, and I feel a pride for my hometown that extends beyond the college sports franchise. It's growing up. People from all over consider us a sophisticated, cosmopolitan place now, not just a college town or a field of grazing cattle. I don't have to say Columbus comma Ohio anymore. We are on the weather maps internationally as the city in Ohio. Our weather matters more than Cleveland's or Cincinnati's does. That, to me, is a sign we have arrived as a great city.
Ironically, as we zip through the periphery of downtown, skyscrapers slicing the clear blue sky, we are headed to farm country. Most of Ohio still is agrarian, it seems, no matter how much Columbus has changed. My wife and I, we spend our time in the bubble of suburbia mostly, cutting through the city on our way out of town. We really should explore downtown more, I realize. There always seems to be so much more to do in a day than you can ever accomplish. That's why I make plans.
Mia shifts in her seat, angling her body toward me as much as possible for someone strapped in by her seat belt, and asks, "Do you really think the strawberries will take hold? I mean, they looked like they were from the photos Buck sent me. They might even have grown a little. But things can change." I notice she holds her phone in her hands now; her lovely fingers, accented by a cheery red — strawberry red — fingernail polish, move quickly across the small keypad. She was a copywriter at an advertising agency when I met her, and she has amazing keyboard speed still.
"It says strawberry plants should be bought from a reputable nursery. I'm just not sure I picked the right one. And they need deep holes, wide enough to accommodate the entire root system without bending the roots. Very persnickety plants," she continues. Her lips are pursed together, as if she has eaten a sour berry.
"I'm sure they're fine," I reassure her. "No one could have nurtured them more than you did." 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.
"It's like having babies again, or puppies," she says, ignoring the racecar as I turn on my blinker and slide us out of the passing lane. "Don't plant too deep, it says. The roots should be covered, but the crown should be right at soil surface. I should call Buck and ask him to check on the crowns."
She glances at me, no doubt catching my smirk. First, what kind of name is B-U-C-K? I mean, really. But despite his ridiculous name, Buck Overford is a nice enough guy, I guess. He's our next-door neighbor at the lake, a widower even though he's about my age, who likes to talk gardening with my wife. I should be clear. I'm forty-five, and Mia is only thirty-three. Buck is closer to my age than hers, maybe even a bit older. I look younger anyway. Not that we're old geezers by any stretch. 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.
At least gardening is what Mia tells me she and Buck have been talking about since we met him last summer. It was just after our moving truck had left. He brought over a bottle of Merlot, a nice one if memory serves, and the three of us spent a lovely evening together on the screened porch until it was time for us to find our boys and get them ready for bed. The boys were free-range chickens up at the lake, had been every summer we'd rented. Now that we were owners, members, they'd increased their span of wandering, it seemed.
There were countless wholesome activities at the lake to draw their attention, from sailing lessons to shuffleboard, skateboarding to bike riding. Sometimes, we'd find them sitting by the edge of the lake, skipping rocks, like they'd stepped out of a Norman Rockwell painting. It was all perfectly safe, these endless summertime activities that delighted our boys and made them beg us to head to Lakeside whenever possible. When it was bedtime though, finding them, corralling them and then getting them into bed was a process best left for family only. We never wanted witnesses to that exhausting exercise.
"Right, I don't need to bother Buck. I can check the crowns as soon as we get there," she says in my direction before returning her attention to her phone screen.
"Good call," I say, checking the rearview mirror for any more speeding sports cars. I had an expensive sports car before, of course. I'll likely have one again one day when my lifestyle dictates a change, I muse, taking in the interior of my sensible Ford Flex. Room for the whole family, as many strawberry plants as Mia could handle planting. I can haul as much of the boys' sports equipment as they can throw my way. It is a sensible, practical car. For a responsible family man. It fits me perfectly, this car. Me and my hot, newly skinny again wife. If she loses any more weight, though, she'll disappear. It's a real shame about the nausea she's been struggling with. The latest doctor is convinced it's stress-related. He told her to meditate.
"Did you know my strawberry plants' runners are called 'daughter' plants?" she asks. The air between us pulses, I feel it. Ping.
"No, I didn't," I say, taking a deep breath before I realize I am doing it. It's funny how the absence of a daughter catches your breath at the strangest times, over the silliest topics. "No 'son' plants? How sexist."
"I still wish we'd tried," Mia says quietly, stirring the age-old pot. Just that topic, that old leathery shoe of a stew makes me swallow something bitter. I cough, trying to clear my throat, my dark mind.
"Can we not have that old discussion today, of all days?" I ask. I focus on the farmland beginning to open up on either side of the road. We're finally out of the reaches of the city, finally free from the responsibility, the shiny office buildings, bespoke suits, and country clubs that that part of civilization values. I would miss golf if I had to live in the country, of course. And many other things. Country visits are for weekends, a touch-base with our more rural and simple selves. Not a place to live full time. I hope we aren't going to disagree this early in our country excursion.
Mia turns to me and I can hear her gentle, agreeable smile in her next words. "Of course, no fighting. This is our happy day, the start of a wonderful weekend. I just didn't realize until this moment about strawberry seedlings and 'daughter' plants. I should have grown peppers." Her voice is soft, a stealth dagger to my heart. This statement, the peppers, is a jab. Sure, we could have tried to get pregnant one more time, but I was convinced it would be another boy. We had two of those, perfect little specimens, each a miniature version of me, as they should be. I realize Mia would enjoy seeing a little version of herself walking around this world, following in her footsteps. But why tempt fate?
(Continues...)Excerpted from Best Day Ever by Kaira Rouda. Copyright © 2017 Kaira Rouda. Excerpted by permission of Harlequin Enterprises Limited.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Product details
- ASIN : B06XFJFJ17
- Publisher : Graydon House; Original edition (September 19, 2017)
- Publication date : September 19, 2017
- Language : English
- File size : 716 KB
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Not Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 196 pages
- Best Sellers Rank: #392,069 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #1,586 in Heist Thrillers
- #2,586 in Psychological Fiction (Kindle Store)
- #4,928 in Coming of Age Fiction (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
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About the author
Kaira Rouda is an award–winning, USA Today and Amazon Charts bestselling author of contemporary fiction that explores what goes on beneath the surface of seemingly perfect lives. Her novels of domestic suspense include The Widow, Somebody’s Home, The Next Wife, The Favorite Daughter, Best Day Ever, All the Difference, Beneath the Surface – optioned for a feature film – and Under the Palms. Her next novel, The Second Mrs. Strom, is out in August 2024, and Only the Nanny in November 2024. To date, Kaira’s work has been translated into more than a dozen languages. Three of her novels have been named Amazon Editor’s Picks for Best Mystery, Thriller & Suspense. The Next Wife was named a Suspense Magazine’s Best Book of 2021 Award, and a 2022 Silver Falchion for Best Suspense Novel and a 2022 Silver Falchion first runner-up for Best Book of the Year.
She lives in Southern California with her family and is working on her next novel. Please sign up for her newsletter to learn about new releases and exclusive content on her website, and follow her on social media.
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers enjoyed the suspenseful and realistic story with plot twists. They found the book compelling and enjoyable, with witty humor and clever writing. The characters were described as hilarious, quick, and sarcastic. Readers appreciated the witty and dark humor. The backdrop was described as beautiful and picture-perfect. Overall, customers found the book hard to put down and a page-turner.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the story engaging with unexpected plot twists. They describe it as a realistic psychological thriller with fast-paced writing that keeps them hooked until the end. Readers mention the book is not your typical domestic thriller and takes them on an exciting ride.
"...The ending was jaw dropping. Be sure to read all the on-target Editorial Reviews on your Kindle...." Read more
"...not a thriller in any sense of the word but well written and interesting. Looking forward to reading the sequel." Read more
"...Although the book is described as a psychological thriller, which it certainly is, I found myself laughing as I read about one day in the life of..." Read more
"...The reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is only because the ending was too drawn out but a really good read in spite of that." Read more
Customers find the book engaging and enjoyable. They describe it as a realistic story that hits the mark.
"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...." Read more
"Loved this book! The reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is only because the ending was too drawn out but a really good read in spite of that." Read more
"I enjoyed this book. Definitely not a thriller in any sense of the word but well written and interesting. Looking forward to reading the sequel." Read more
"Kaira Rouda has written one of the most entertaining novels I have read in a long time...." Read more
Customers enjoy the character development in the book. They find the protagonist humorous, sarcastic, and smart. The author does an excellent job of portraying a sociopath. Readers appreciate the depth of narcissism and control over Paul, the main character.
"...Kaira Rouda created an incredibly rich, complex character around whom BEST DAY EVER revolves...." Read more
"...Character is slowly revealed and plot twists are doled out like candy." Read more
"...Paul is such a perfect by-the-book psychopath, with his own grandiose (but unbelievable) assessments of self!..." Read more
"...has been going on between these two people, and has some of the blandest characters I have ever read about...." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's humor. They find it witty and well-written, with hilarious stream-of-consciousness ramblings and dark humor. The writing is clever and the book is a delight to read.
"...Despite the hilarious dark humor, I sat on the edge of my chair because The Best Day Ever has evil, malicious underpinnings...." Read more
"...I'll just say that the book isn't loaded with profanity, graphic sex, or gratuitous violence, for which I'm grateful...." Read more
"...'s opinion and what is really going on -- well, it makes for extremely dark humor and fun (though definitely frightening) read...." Read more
"...I loved her witty writing style and can't wait to read about his next marriage." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's visual appeal. They find the couple attractive and well-received, with a backdrop that looks like a movie set. The story is described as captivating, fresh, and beautifully written.
"...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..." Read more
"...perfect life: a glittering career as an advertising executive, a beautiful wife, two healthy boys and a big house in a wealthy suburb...." Read more
"...He’s smart, charming, and friendly to your face, but in his mind he’s calculating ways to destroy you...." Read more
"...This novel is beautiful to look at and a true delight to read - a well written domestic drama that grabs your interest from the first page to the..." Read more
Customers enjoy the book. They find it engaging and entertaining, though some feel the ending is too much.
"...It is a major page turner." Read more
"A fun thriller and a page turner! I would recommend this as a great beach book with some entertaining twists." Read more
"A page-turner. Toward the end, I felt it got a little "too much." Not totally satisfied with the ending. But, overall, a good book ." Read more
"...Exciting, surprising, entertaining -- It's the very definition of a page turner." Read more
Customers find the book engaging and hard to put down. They say it's easy to figure out before the end.
"...Well written and hard to put down. I was riveted to the end." Read more
"...This one took a little longer because it was easy to put down in the beginning. Probably for the first half of the book...." Read more
"...Not a problem with this book. I really could not put it down; I kept reading "just one more page"...." Read more
"...I did enjoy reading and found it hard to put down." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book. Some find the writing fast-paced and exciting, making it an engaging, quick read with excellent narration. Others feel the book starts slowly, moves too quickly without providing sufficient information, and drags in certain parts.
"...Definitely not a thriller in any sense of the word but well written and interesting. Looking forward to reading the sequel." Read more
"...It is well written and it did keep me turning pages to find out if I guessed the ending correctly (sort of)...." Read more
"...It's boring, moves too fast without any information leading up to the stuff that is/has been going on between these two people, and has some of the..." Read more
"...💰 I love how the book is written in a 24 hour period in what Paul refers to as “the best day ever”...." Read more
Reviews with images
This was a slow burn thriller of who is crazy and who is doing what?
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2017Brilliant. 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."
- Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2024Loved this book! The reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is only because the ending was too drawn out but a really good read in spite of that.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2024I enjoyed this book. Definitely not a thriller in any sense of the word but well written and interesting. Looking forward to reading the sequel.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2017Kaira Rouda has written one of the most entertaining novels I have read in a long time. BEST DAY EVER had me in its clutches until I reached the last page. Although the book is described as a psychological thriller, which it certainly is, I found myself laughing as I read about one day in the life of Paul and Mia Strom.
The story is narrated by Paul, a self-described ideal family man, quintessential Casanova and advertising whiz. He is not only king of his castle; he is king of his world, which extends from Columbus, Ohio, to the shores of Lake Erie. Paul has it all: a beautiful rich young wife, two handsome intelligent sons, the best house in the best suburb of Columbus, a summer cottage in Lakeside, a closet filled with designer clothing and a Ford Flex. No luxury cars for Paul, for he is also an environmentalist. In a word, he is perfect...in his own mind.
He has decided to bestow upon Mia, his sickly wife, The Best Day Ever at the cottage in Lakeside. Nothing is left to chance on this weekend excursion in the Flex. He even goes to the trouble of creating a special playlist for his beloved.
The story is cleverly delineated by the time of day, a day that must have seemed interminable to Mia. As they cruise north in the Flex, Paul muses to himself about how lucky the world is to have him In it. Mia would be nothing if he had not rescued her from her boring job at the ad agency; the ad agency would go belly-up if not for his brilliance.
When, out of left field, Mia announces that she is returning to work now that their sons are in school, Paul’s plans for The Best Day Ever experience their first hiccup. Before he knows what hit him, docile sweet Mia has had the unmitigated gall to substitute a country music radio station from Hicksville, no doubt, for his carefully crafted playlist. Things go from bad to worse when she refuses pizza at Sloopey’s, instead ordering a Cobb salad without the Cobb.
By the time they reach the cottage, Paul is in a frenzy and is in no mood to see Mia’s gardening companion, a handsome widower named Buck, of all things. What kind of a low class name is Buck anyway, and what red blooded man would be interested in strawberry plants, Paul wonders.
Despite the hilarious dark humor, I sat on the edge of my chair because The Best Day Ever has evil, malicious underpinnings. Paul has the characteristics of a malignant narcissist, and, no doubt, this weekend will not end well. I learned a lot about Paul as he sat behind the wheel of his prized Ford Flex. At times while laughing at his ridiculous misogynistic drivel, I wanted to slap him, but I was afraid of him. Kaira Rouda created an incredibly rich, complex character around whom BEST DAY EVER revolves.
BEST DAY EVER is high on my list of recommendations. The story flows seamlessly, yet I have no idea how it will end. Read it and find out!
- Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2017This was the most successfully suspenseful, prolonged, teasing arrival at a story climax I recall reading for a very long time. For so much of the book, the reader knew that something major was going to happen but just when and where it was going to occur was unclear. Clever, taut and gripping, the story was totally mesmerising and just the safe side of spooky. Just.
The author did scenes superbly. As a reader, I almost felt I was there, squirming in the back seat of the car as Paul and Mia drove to their holiday cottage, and as for the scene in the restaurant, I could imagine being there at their table and urgently wanting to throw my linen serviette on the table and high tail it out of there.
The author is terrific at writing 'squirm' content!
My only criticism and the only reason I did not give the book five stars was because of the ending, In comparison with the rip roaring sustained pace of the book, the ending was a tad lame. Perhaps some innuendo re the protagonist resurfacing in Mia's life unexpectedly would have given the wow
conclusion. The book was just so wow, I thought the ending needed to have more of the same, to sustain the superbly taut thread of tension.
A really terrific read.
Top reviews from other countries
- AngelReviewed in Canada on June 2, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars Ironic
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.
-
em.dcReviewed in Mexico on December 9, 2017
4.0 out of 5 stars I couldn’t stop reading
4.5 stars. Great book, I finished reading in 2 days. Easy reading, I liked how it is narrated and all the suspense.
- FeeReviewed in the United Kingdom on September 14, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars Best Day Ever!
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!
- Amazon CustomerReviewed in Australia on November 14, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Product arrived as advertised.
Product arrived as advertised.
- LavenderReviewed in Germany on July 27, 2018
5.0 out of 5 stars Pompous psychopath you will love to hate
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!