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Best Day Ever by Kaira Rouda
Have you ever read a book where the main protagonist is actually a thoroughly unpleasant human being but charms the socks off you?
Best Day Ever is just that book. The first person narrative of Paul Strom, a man determined to have the ‘best day ever’ with his wife Mia is very powerful. Kaira Raida has produced a character who is charming and thoughtful but fail him in any way and he unleashes his revenge.
The book is a real journey, not just in the physical sense of the trip Paul and Mia take to get away from the everyday stresses. The gradual discoveries of the depths that Paul has sunk to get his own way throughout his life is completely absorbing.
I found myself being annoyed with Mia even though I knew the terrible things Paul had done! His descriptions of his actions are so matter of fact and persuasive that they almost seem acceptable despite their horrific nature.
I really don’t want to give away any more of the plot as it was so important to let Paul reveal himself to the reader at his own pace. Despite the twist in the book, I still found myself on Paul’s side willing him to succeed!
I will just conclude by saying this book was truly excellent and I hope to read more by Kaira in the near future.
Score 5/5!
New Release….
A loving husband. The perfect killer?
‘I wonder if Mia thinks I have a dark side. Most likely as far as she knows, I am just her dear loving husband.’
Paul Strom has spent years building his perfect life: glittering career, beautiful wife, two healthy boys and a big house in the suburbs.
But he also has his secrets. That’s why Paul has promised his wife a romantic weekend getaway. He proclaims this day, a warm Friday in May, will be the best day ever.
Paul loves his wife, really, he does. But he also wants to get rid of her. And with every hour that passes, Paul ticks off another stage in his elaborately laid plan…
Behind Closed Doors meets Liane Moriarty in this creepy, fast-paced psychological thriller with a twist you won’t see coming!
Book available to buy from….
Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com Google Play Barnes and Noble iBooks Kobo Waterstones HarperCollins
‘A tensely written, shocking book that will hold readers on the edge of their seats to the very last page.’ Publishers Weekly
‘Fast-paced, dark, and slightly disturbing, you won’t be able to put this book down until its jaw-dropping ending… Absolutely brilliant!’
Kerry Lonsdale, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Everything We Keep
‘Through self-conscious charm and a chilling wit, Rouda’s narrator creates laugh-out-loud moments that will feel like guilty pleasures. 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
‘Deliciously diabolical and highly readable, BEST DAY EVER kept me flipping the pages with anticipation and fascination. Unputdownable!’ A. J. Banner, USA Today bestselling author of The Twilight Wife
About the Author
Kaira Rouda is a USA Today bestselling, multiple award-winning author of contemporary women’s fiction and sexy modern romance novels that sparkle with humor and heart. Her women’s fiction titles include HERE, HOME, HOPE, ALL THE DIFFERENCE, IN THE MIRROR and THE GOODBYE YEAR (April 2016). Her bestselling short story is titled, A MOTHER’S DAY. Kaira’s work has won the Indie Excellence Award, USA Book Awards, the Reader’s Choice Awards and honorable mention in the Writer’s Digest International Book Awards. Her books have been widely reviewed and featured in leading magazines.
Her sexy contemporary romance series set on INDIGO ISLAND includes: WEEKEND WITH THE TYCOON, Book 1; HER FORBIDDEN LOVE, Book 2; THE TROUBLE WITH CHRISTMAS, Book 3; and THE BILLIONAIRE’S BID, Book 4. Each of these novellas can be read as a stand alone, or enjoyed as a series. Her new series is set in LAGUNA BEACH and includes: LAGUNA NIGHTS, Book 1; LAGUNA HEIGHTS, Book 2; and LAGUNA LIGHTS, Book 3, and LAGUNA SIGHTS, coming winter 2016. She also helped launch Melissa Foster’s The Remington’s Kindle World with her bestselling novella, SPOTLIGHT ON LOVE and in the Dare to Love Kindle World, THE CELEBRITY DARE.
Her nonfiction titles, REAL YOU INCORPORATED: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs, and REAL YOU FOR AUTHORS: 8 Essentials for Women Writers, continue to inspire.
She lives in Southern California with her husband and four almost-grown kids, and is at work on her next novel.
Find the author on the following sites…
Website Facebook Twitter Pinterest Google+ Goodreads Amazon Author Page
Other Women’s Fiction books by the author…
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*I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
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#ReadABookDay with the Pasta Kidz by Bryony Supper
Do you have kids aged 4-7? Do you like pasta in all its wondrous shapes? Then this series of books may be perfect for your family!
While Matthew headed back to school yesterday, I had some time with Anya (Zach was having a nap) and as it was Read A Book Day and almost International Literacy Day we tried a new author.
Bryony Supper has created a fun range of new characters all based on pasta and the illustrations perfectly depict the multitude of shapes. There are 2 set of characters, the Kidz and the Petz. They have their own language which is based on their name. The language is excellent for reinforcing phonics which Anya will be learning very shortly!
Anya really loved this book and giggled at the fun words. Then had to repeat them… a lot!
Spaga spow and maca mow!
(wow!)
When Matt arrived home, he insisted on hearing the story as well even though he is more than capable of reading it by himself. He laughed like a drain at the alliterative phrasing.
To be perfectly honest, the book’s plot itself was secondary to the fun language and illustrations. However, once the novelty of the words wears off I think the underlining moral of giving careful consideration before acting (read instructions!!!) is a good one for children to learn as well as ideals of friendship and sportsmanship.
The ending of the book leaves a clue to the next book in the series: who are the Pasta Beasties…?
*We were sent this book for the purpose of this review. All opinions and photos are my own.
Quorn veggie chilli
I have been hankering after a chilli for a couple of weeks so finally got around to making one!
Serves 4-6 (depending on appetite!)
Ingredients
half an onion
300g frozen Quorn mince
1 jar Uncle Ben’s chilli sauce (I used the hot one)
400g can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
400g tin chopped tomatoes
Method
-
Fry the onion and Quorn mince for 5 minutes
-
Stir in the chilli sauce, tomatoes and kidney beans
-
Bring to the boil and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-
Dish up!
The first night I served this with tortilla chips. I usually grate some Cheddar on top but forgot this time! 🙁
The next day I made a cottage pie style dish with a serving of the chilli covered with mashed potatoes and a cheese top. Mmmm yum!
I have portions left in the freezer so more meals, yay! I guess some plain boiled rice might be next, or maybe try enchiladas as I have some leftover wheat free wraps…
What to do with blueberries…? Cakes!
Last year I bought some blueberry, blackcurrant and raspberry bushes as I love baking with fresh fruit. Finally they are producing and we have had a good harvest so far! The kids get involved and love picking them each day.
But then the panic of ‘what can I cook NOW’ as the numbers start to build up 🙂
Simple cakes with blueberries added and here is the recipe:
120g soft marge
120g caster sugar
2 eggs
120g SR flour (I used gluten free)
vanilla extract
splash of milk
blueberries
Method
1. Preheat the oven to GM5 and set out 16 cake cases (it helps if you have an assistant!)
2. Cream together the marge, sugar and eggs with an electric whisk for about 2 minutes
3. Fold in the flour and add some vanilla extract to taste and a splash of milk if required to loosen the mix
4. Either fold in the blueberries or put a few in each cake case
5. Bake for 15 minutes then allow to cool on a rack
6. Eat!
Please note: I mixed the blueberries in and then had complaints from Anya then she only had 1 in her cake while we all had 4 or 5. Now I know why my mum always very carefully allocated 7 chocolate chips per cake! Lesson learned, Mum!
