I decided to read Best Day Ever by Kaira Rouda after seeing some good reviews about it. It ended up being a creepy, addictive read. The story is narrated though a single POV (apart from the epilogue). I won’t mention who the narrator is because I think it is best to find out when you read the book for yourself.

The book reminded me a lot about the You and Hidden Bodies series. The narrator who is one of the MCs is so dark and twisted, one of those villains that you find yourself not hating as much as you should. The twisted narrations were creepy yet so addictive. I liked the narrative style which was used. It sounded conversational such that the narrator kept addressing the readers. We found out things before the other characters because we knew the narrator’s secrets. After all, we were in his mind.

The plot-line reminded me of the TV show 24 because all events take place in one day. We get hourly updates at first and then thirty minutes and sometimes fifteen. As the time goes by, so does the story line. It gets twisted as more discoveries are made. I couldn’t believe just how much was revealed in that day.

I really enjoyed reading Best Day Ever by Kaira Rouda. It’s the kind of book that you find yourself thinking about when you are not reading it. The villain is obviously a sociopath and the fact that readers get stuck in this twisted mind is both scary and fascinating at the same time. If you are looking for a creepy, psychological thriller then you might enjoy this one.

Paul is a bad man and a bad husband. He is a master manipulator, a narcissist, a liar and a deeply unreliable narrator. The book covers a 24 hour period and a large portion is Paul recollecting past memories and events (often in ways that favor him). His shtick grew a little old for me but once it turned into open warfare between him and his wife, I raced through the book. I just wished that happened a bit more towards the middle versus the end.

I received a free copy of this book for an honest review. Great psychological thriller. The majority of this story is told by narcissistic, manipulative, creepy Paul. He and his wife Mia are heading to their lakeside cabin for the weekend as the story begins. Paul tells us his thoughts and memories throughout the book so we really get to see how sinister he really is. You can see where the story is going but it is still suspenseful and keeps you reading. You don't want to put it down until the end. Great book!

Best Day Ever is a serious page turner. Although Rouda uses Paul to recount everything with infinitesimal precision, readers are still drawn in. The blow-by-blow analysis is part of Paul’s very disturbing personality.

Paul is one of the best, most obvious unreliable narrators I’ve read in awhile. Rouda uses him well. From early on, we know he’s unreliable, and it’s okay. About halfway through, readers understand what’s going on, as the slow burn of his crazy starts to show. But, because Rouda does such a great job with Paul, I for one could not stop turning the pages.

My biggest problem was with Mia. She fell for him when she was young and impressionable, but she was also smart and from a family that seems like they taught her right from wrong. Or maybe that was the problem? She was always overprotected, making this seemingly urbane older man look like the next logical step in her life. I don’t know — as the mother of daughters, I hope they’re smart enough not to fall for that.

I had one other problem with Mia, which I think was done by design, but it bothered me. It’s at the end, and, when you finish this book, please ask me about it! I can’t discuss it too much, because it’ll give it away.

If your looking for a page-turner, Best Day Ever fits the bill. Perfect for a weekend away or a day stuck inside. You may look sideways at your partner for a few minutes, but you’ll get over it. I hope.

Best Day Ever - sounds like some mushy romance novel I thought to myself. Was I ever wrong.

I don't want to say much for fear of giving anything away. Suffice it to say this was a very quick and engaging read. And I don't mean skimming and page skipping quick. I just couldn't wait to get to the end to find out who really gets to have the "best day ever."

ARC from Harlequin, via Netgalley

This book was not for me. I found myself only reading the dialogue because the author droned on about every single possible detail that was happening. It was grueling about every details. Yes, it was his own internal monologue, but geez, minute details were repeated over and over again.
I never felt any suspense about what was going to happen or even any mystery. I just didn't much care and was ready for the book to be over. Seriously, reading the epilogue was all that was necessary for this book. I'm really disappointed.

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.

OH MY. I could NOT put this book down. When I read that it was compared to "The Couple Next Door" I knew I had to read it....and I was not disappointed. In fact, I liked it more than 'The Couple Next Door."
I can't really even put into words my disdain for Paul Strom - the MC. You realize very early on that he is an unreliable narrator (along with many other colorful adjectives). While I was a little disappointed in his wife's character at first, I grew to like her throughout the book. Some may think it's a little too predictable, but I think the ending makes up for it. Definitely worth the read!! I had been in a thriller slump lately and this booked pull me out.

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!

Where to start? A tale very well told as it lays out a completely phsycotic relationship. At once disturbing, yet small glimmers into identifiable behaviors, begs some questions. The author is either an incredible observer of deviant behavior or a survivor strong enough to relate experience. Either way, thank you for the emotional investment in a very well written piece. Disturbing on the one hand, enlightening on the other.

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.

This book was fantastic and very creepy. It tells the story of Paul - a loving father of two, and his wife Mia. Paul wants to take Mia on a romantic trip to their holiday house by the lake as a special getaway without their two boys. It will be the "Best Day Ever" he keeps telling her as they make their way to the lake. This book was quite creepy, you just knew it was building up to something, Paul was just the perfect husband - or was he. I had to keep turning the pages to find out what it was all leading to. No spoilers here - you have to read it yourself. A new author for me, and a very good storyteller, this is domestic noir at its best, and I will definitely be seeking out other titles by this author.

Thank you to Harlequin and Graydon House for the ARC of this book. Graydon House is a new imprint specialising in Womens Fiction, and I am excited to read their other titles in the future.

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.

If you like your narrators creepy and utterly detestable, then this, Dear Readers, is the book for you. 

You sense from the start that Paul might not be the most trustworthy guy around, but, conversely, you don't have any reason not to trust him. He's taking his wife Mia to their lake house for what he keeps assuring you will be The Best Day Ever. He seems romantic and sweet, even.

As he and Mia travel on their way, though, Kaira Rouda inflicts some second-guessing on you. Paul thinks and, worse, actually says some pretty mean-spirited and snarky things to his wife. And her body language, pressed as she is toward the opposite side of the car, makes you start to wonder if this romantic weekend will achieve its intended goal. Rouba takes you deep into her narrator's mind, showing you how he approaches love and women, which makes you sympathize with Mia. To an extent, anyway. Mia herself isn't all that likable. She whinges on a bit too much. So maybe Paul has a reason to be short with her?

Rouba slowly reveals that Paul's idea of The Best Day Ever might just be a bit different from what you anticipate.

This is one of those reviews in which I want to tell you things but I can't because they would be spoilery. So let's just say that Paul and Mia might be fabulous contenders for a Can This Marriage Be Saved session. 

Using the forced intimacy of a car ride, Rouba develops her characters through their reactions to each other and, of course, through Paul's thoughts. You get as strong a sense of Mia as you do of him, and you absolutely get a sense of their relationship. Rouba infuses this story with a sense of anxiety and pending doom. 

The problem is that the build-up seems to take long as the drive. You find yourself sort of waiting for something to happen. Rouba drops clues with some foreshadowing, but the first half's pacing is inconsistent and, occasionally, frustrating. 

Nevertheless, I do recommend this book. Paul is so delightfully disturbing that he almost appears charming, albeit in an eerie way.

This was the most straight forward thriller I've read in ages. Paul Strom is driving his wife, Mia, to the lake for a romantic weekend getaway. It will be perfect -- the best day ever -- because Paul is used to getting what he wants. He's smart and careful and won't let anyone else derail his plans...but he's not Dexter Morgan or Joe from the books by Carolne Kepnes. He's not likeable, or all that interesting. And I didn't really care what happened to him or his wife, even after it became obvious that Paul doesn't know quite as much about his marriage as he thinks he does.

Paul Strom is about to have the Best Day Ever with his wife, isn't she lucky? They have 2 beautiful boys, a nice house in the suburbs, sensible SUVs, and she doesn't have to work. Life is good, as it should be. As he has perfectly planned everything to be. But things aren't always what they seem and the past has a sneaky way of coming back to haunt you.

I think what especially made this book so great was how it made me react as a reader. I did not like the narrator. I was uncomfortable and I wanted justice. Initially, this had me debating whether or not I should continue. Especially as it was based in where I currently live-Columbus, OH- and the descriptions gave mental images of more than a few people that I have met in the suburbs here. Coincidentally, I happened to have picked up the audiobook for You by Carolyn Kepnes (read by Santino Fontana who voiced the unreliable character Prince Hans of the Southern Isles in Disney's Frozen) which also has an arrogant, sinister, and unreliable narrator which may have added to my discomfort level with Best Day Ever. For the record, I took a break with You so I could finish Best Day Ever first. Finally, this book also had a slow, arduous start as the readers are only given Paul's malicious, misogynistic, and narcissistic perspective. However, somewhere around the halfway point, it quickly spirals into the suburban nightmare (kind of like B. A. Paris' The Breakdown) and the conclusion was redemptive and incredible.

I would recommend this book for fans of domestic thrillers, psychological thrillers, and fast-paced action at the end.

I would not recommend this for anyone younger than 18, nor for those who may be triggered or offended by: foul language, graphic violence, infidelity, revenge, arson, burglary, mental abuse, sexually suggestive scenarios, stalking, and misogyny.

And intense, gripping narrative that takes you on a ride with an old married couple. It's told in the man's POV, who I immediately disliked and yet understood perfectly. He wants to make that day in their lives the best day ever and by the end of it you'll know how. I was expecting a twist at the end, which didn't come. And yet, the end was as perfect as it's unreliable narrator.

This is one of those books where I was very glad to have read it on my Kindle. I kept wanting to glance at the next page to see what would happen next. Thankfully, only being able to see one page at a time hindered my impatience!

The genre for this is set to Thriller. The synopsis is pretty vague but intriguing! And with it being under the genre, thriller, I knew I wanted to read this.

This couple has everything that most people want. A good marriage, Paul has a high paying job where he is respected, a house in a great neighborhood, and two boys who go to a reputable school. They decide to take a little break from life and go away for a weekend, leaving the kids with the sitter, so they can get back in touch and enjoy “couple” time.

Paul’s inner dialogue is fascinating. Sometimes exhausting, but it is nice seeing his thoughts. Although even as he is telling this story, he does not divulge too much. Straight away, the narrator, says some things that give me question marks. If I was a cartoon character they would pop up all over the place! I’ll just take a note from Aubrey’s playbook and post stickers everywhere!

Paul drops some serious clues. I highlighted a few and read them all out to my husband to see if he was getting the same psycho vibe that I was. It’s not that Paul is full out crazy, but he says things that show, very early on, that he is controlling.

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.

or how about

as far as she knows, I am just her dear loving husband.

and here’s a fun one!

It’s a bit late for Mia to be contemplating finding herself. What could she possibly find that I don’t already provide?

Again, these quotes just add to his mystery. None of what he says is full out psychotic, but those question marks do keep popping up.

Mia, on the other hand, seems a bit meek. Maybe that’s why they work, as far as we know at the moment anyway. The book is called The Best Day Ever. But there is this constant underlying threat there. I was never sure by which person it would come from because they bounce back and forth from being stressed and arguing but not really arguing, to seemingly being perfectly fine.

Although nothing is actually happening, they’re just taking a drive and talking, my heart is pounding. I don’t know what is going to happen next or who the villain is! (I have my clues though, lots of them now!)

And even as I hope that it will continue, I just wanted to speed read to the end!

There is a moment about 70% in where the full thing starts coming out. All of the clues were placed perfectly, adding up to a not super in your face villainy, but downright dastardly all the same. I was dying near 85% wondering how everything was going to come about.

The ending was my least favorite. It matches the story and the way the characters worked through it all, but I just wanted something more. Maybe I’ve watched too many horror movies (I am a product of 80 horror movies) but the ending is growing on me. It’s not flashy, but not every ending has to be.

In short: I want to read more of Kaira Rouda’s work. I hated that this ended, even while I had to continue pacing myself not to speed read through the story.

The author’s note at the end was fabulous. I loved reading about how Kaira Rouda came up with these characters. Sometimes it just works and you have to roll with it, no matter how twisted the plot is!

I gave this book my best shot, but it just didn't work for me. The main character, who was also the narrator of the story, was so unlikeable that I just couldn't stand the story. For me, it was similar in theme to You by Caroline Kepnes, which I also disliked, because of the narrator. For me, I have to be able to latch onto the characters and feel something for them in order to get into a story. The only feeling I got with this story is loathing for the main character.

It's not easy to keep my attention, but this book did it. It moves at a rapid pace and is completely in the head of the Hero ... though I would never use that term for Paul.

I loved this twisted look at one 'perfect day' and a husband's mad attempt to keep his crumbling life in order, all while hiding enough secrets to keep the reader guessing until the very last page. Well executed, and delightfully wicked - I couldn't stop reading.