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Best Day Ever

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'Best Day Ever' by Kaira Rouda follows the story of Paul Strom, a narcissistic and controlling husband, who plans a romantic getaway for himself and his wife, Mia. As the day unfolds, cracks in their seemingly perfect marriage start to appear, revealing Paul's dark and manipulative nature. The story is narrated solely by Paul, providing insight into his twisted mindset and the unraveling of their relationship over the course of a day. The writing style is described as intense, psychological, and filled with unexpected events that keep the reader engaged until the explosive ending.

Characters:

Characters are intricately crafted, with Paul as a narcissistic manipulator and Mia portrayed with complexity, leading to unpredictable dynamics.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is gripping and darkly humorous, using first-person narration to deeply explore the protagonist's distorted perspective.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features a psychological thriller centered on the dynamics of a seemingly perfect couple's marriage, unraveling complexities during a planned getaway.

Setting:

The setting is suburban Ohio featuring a lakeside cottage, creating a backdrop for the unfolding dramatic events.

Pacing:

The pacing is quick and steadily builds tension, engaging readers as the events unfold over a single day.
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 ...

Notes:

Kaira Rouda's novel 'Best Day Ever' features a main character, Paul Strom, who is depicted as a narcissistic advertising executive.
The story unfolds over a tense 24-hour weekend trip to a lake house, emphasizing the psychological suspense genre.
Readers have compared this book to 'Big Little Lies' and noted that it surpasses it in suspense and depth.
Paul, the unreliable narrator, manipulates situations to appear charming and romantic while hiding dark secrets.
Mia, Paul's wife, has been suffering from mysterious health problems, adding to the tension between them during the trip.
The novel has a strong focus on psychological elements and explores themes of marriage, control, and hidden truths.
Critics praised Rouda's ability to create a claustrophobic environment, enhancing the tension of the plot.
The character of Paul is described as both charming and deeply unpleasant, making readers question his true nature throughout the narrative.
'Best Day Ever' is noted for its witty banter and compelling character interactions, keeping readers engaged until the end.
The book is suggested to be adaptable for a film adaptation, with fan speculation about casting choices.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for this book include themes of domestic abuse, mental health issues, psychological manipulation, misogyny, infidelity, and potential violence.

From The Publisher:

"FABULOUS." -B.A. Paris, New York Times bestselling author of Behind Closed Doors and The Breakdown

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

Ratings (7)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (5)
Liked It (1)

Reader Stats (9):

Read It (7)
Want To Read (2)

2 comment(s)

Loved It
1 month

I started this book at 11 am this morning and didn't put it down until I finished. Sorry laundry, cleaning and dishes!

It was a perfect twisty read - the kind of book that leaves me eyeing my husband with suspicion for a few days.

And if you're from Columbus, that's where the main characters are from!

 
Incredible
4 months

Well written and the humor was darkly perfect!

 
 
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