Thanks to the publisher, I was able to read an advance copy of Best Day Ever. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.
Best Day Ever
I glance at my wife as she climbs into the passenger seat, and I am bursting with confidence. Today will be everything I’ve promised her…and more…
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 bestselling, page-turning vein of The Couple Next Door and The Dinner, Kaira Rouda weaves a gripping, tautly suspenseful tale of deception and betrayal dark enough to destroy a marriage…or a life.
My Review of Best Day Ever
This book gave me chills and thrills. It is an amazing thriller that you won’t be able to put down…I read it in a little over a day. Part of the appeal for this book to me was the fact that it takes place in Lakeside. I know where that is! I’ve never been to Lakeside, but I know several people who have. I have been to Lake Erie and several spots around Lakeside. After reading this, Lakeside is on my list to visit next year.
Paul and Mia seemingly have the perfect life, but as the story progresses, we find that only one of them believes their lives are perfect. I love how this book is narrated by Paul. It gives you such an insight to his twisted mind. He thinks he is totally normal which makes this all the more believable. He’s a true psychopath in every sense.
Paul has the “best day ever” planned out for his wife, and he can’t understand why she’s not cooperating. On the surface she “seems” to be cooperating, but he knows something is off. He just can’t figure out what that is, and that makes him even more frustrated. Mia never speaks her mind or goes against Paul’s plans. Now her subtle defiance is confusing Paul.
The fact that the entire book takes place over one day is awesome. There are flashbacks, but mainly everything is playing out right before your eyes. I love the way the day ends and how smart Mia is. She is completely in charge, and Paul has no clue. The ending wraps up this “best day ever” in the “best way ever.” I can’t wait to read more from the author!
Lakeside photos courtesy of Bethany Starr
Knowing that I’ve got friends who’ve been to Lakeside, I reached out on Facebook for photos. I thought they’d go perfectly with this book, and these do! Enjoy a little glimpse into Lakeside Ohio.
Sloopy’s Sports Cafe where Paul and Mia eat
Pizza from Sloopy’s
Sloopy’s Sports Cafe memorabilia
Hotel Lakeside
I had to include this sign because of my visit to Sewah Studios! It’s got the leathery background, so I know it was made there.
Author Kaira Rouda
Kaira Rouda is a USA TODAY bestselling, multiple award-winning author of contemporary fiction exploring what goes on behind closed doors of seemingly perfect lives. Her novels include BEST DAY EVER, ALL THE DIFFERENCE, HERE, HOME, HOPE, IN THE MIRROR and THE GOODBYE YEAR. The modern romance novels are set on beaches, including the Indigo Island series and the Laguna Beach series, also its own Kindle World. Her latest book is called FAVORITE DAUGHTER and looks amazing!
She lives in Southern California with her family and is at work on her next novel. Connect with her on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest: @KairaRouda; and on Facebook at Kaira Rouda Books. Visit her online at http://kairarouda.com/
I love this review so much! Thanks for adding photos of beautiful Lakeside, Ohio, to really bring the setting to life!
Thank you! It was amazing!
That picture of the Hotel Lakeside is creepy! Sounds perfect. Thanks for sharing this author with us.
Could not believe as I started to read Best Day Ever, Lakeside OH. Was this the Lakeside OH, that I knew. Sure enough it was. My grandparents started going there, and my parents later. Of course, as a child, I went also. As I grew and married and had my own family, we continued to vacation there, camping, and renting cottages. I remember when you could actually dive off the dock, and actually, I Learned to swim there. I remember watching fireworks from the dock, and listening to hymns. All the while seeing tears in my dad’s eyes……anyhow, thanks for the memories. Have not finished your book, but am looking forward to it.
You’re welcome! I really want to visit Lakeside this year!