I read Best Day Ever almost seven years ago (reviewed here), but it's one of those books that I haven't forgotten about. I was so excited to find out there was a sequel and I had to get my hands on it right away!

Paul Strom has clearly not learned any lessons from the first book, nor has he changed at all. He's still an egotistical, controlling, sexist narcissist. Kaira Rouda giving him his own narrative is actually quite a genius move. Even though we all love to hate him, it's rather entertaining to see what is going on in his mind and whether or not he will succeed at what he's planning to do. I only feel slightly sympathetic toward him in regard to the situation with his kids, but I won't say anything more so as to not spoil the first book. (You really should read it before reading this one! Lots of spoilers otherwise.)

This time around, Paul has met his match with Cecilia. She's a force to be reckoned with! I love that Cecilia also has a narrative in this novel so we can see the game of cat and mouse that is going on between her and Paul. There were some things I was able to guess at, but I was also surprised by some other things that came into play throughout the story.

I also love that the majority of the story takes place in Paris. It's a great setting, and I even learned some stuff I didn't know about the City of Lights. While the story jumps around in time every so often, it works nicely for piecing everything together. I found a few little inconsistencies, but since it is an advanced copy, I hope those will be ironed out for the final publication.

The Second Mrs. Strom will be out in mid-August, so be sure to read Best Day Ever between now and then (if you haven't already), so you're ready to pick this one up as soon as it hits shelves! I feel like there will be a third book in this series, and if that's in the works, I hope I don't have to wait another seven years to find out what else is in store for Paul Strom.

Movie casting suggestions:
Paul: Mark-Paul Gosselaar
Cecilia: Virginia Gardner
Susan: Madison Wolfe
Christopher: RJ Mitte

Thanks Kaira Rouda, Bookouture, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Have you read, Rouda’s BEST DAY EVER? I didn’t realize the connection at first, but the tone of the writing made me think of this book. Then I realized the overlap. This book was a hard one to put down. Lots of great twists right until the very end, when things come together nicely. Definitely one worth reading when released in August.

4.5🌟
Welcome back Paul!
One of my all-time favorite male sociopaths has returned in the long awaited follow up to Best Day Ever! Paul’s character has left an indelible impression on me for years. Now I compare all other sociopathic characters to him. Joe, (from Caroline Kepnes' You series) is a very close second.

Paul Strom insists on things being done a certain way. He wants to be in charge. Unfortunately for Paul, the women in his life have an irritating habit of not going along with his plan!

Paul has suddenly come into some major money! And just as quickly, he marries Cecelia. Now he can have everything he has ever wanted. But hold up, big boy. Cecelia is turning out to have wants of her own.

Paul senses he’s losing control of the situation. And we know it’s about to hit the fan!

Grab your popcorn and glass of wine and witness the battle royal between our precious couple as they celebrate their first wedding anniversary in Paris.

Can this book stand on its own? Well, yes. But for the best experience read Best Day Ever first. You can thank me later!

Are we in for a third book in this series? Or is this the end of the road for Paul? Well you’ll just have to find out for yourself. What would be the fun in me just spilling it?

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.

The Second Mrs Strom is full of secrets and twists, and is a nonstop adrenaline rush. You’ll love to hate Paul, a narcissist intent on creating the perfect life for himself, at whatever the cost.

“The Second Mrs. Strom” by Kaira Rouda is a sequel to “Best Day Ever.” I think reading the first book would help a little with this book but Ms. Rouda does a pretty good job catching the reader up on past history (though I do think the first book really helps establish the character of Paul better than this book did). Anyway, Paul has a new wife … and they’re celebrating their first year anniversary in Paris. While the majority of this book once again takes place over a few hours, there’s a lot of backstory from a number of character’s points of view (which, I’ll admit, I found a bit confusing at times since we jumped back 10 years, then last week, then had a mysterious “diary” writer in certain parts). I did like that this book once again held my attention, but I didn’t feel this one was a strong as the first book - granted, though, it would have been difficult to top the first book. I didn’t really like either Paul’s new wife or his side piece (of course Paul has yet another side piece!) and couldn’t feel anything for either of them, which did take away some of the enjoyment I felt from the first book. The short chapters helped move this book along at a good clip and once again, Ms. Rouda’s story was engaging. 3.5 stars rounded up.

It was suggested to me that I read Best Day Ever before this so that I really understood Paul. That being said, I have never loathed a character so much. I loved loathing him – if that even makes sense. I didn’t realize that the first book was released in 2017. I imagine that those readers are chomping at the bit to see what Paul is up to this time.
The Second Mrs. Strom brings us back to Paul’s world. The world that he controls. In Paul’s world, he knows all the outcomes, he is always right and gets what he wants. Paul has swooned an elderly widow who recently passes so he comes into quite a fortune. Sticking with his younger blonde and beautiful type, he meets Cecilia at the funeral and his conquest has begun. They have a whirlwind marriage and move to the West Coast where is he set on becoming a successful producer. Paul attempts to control everything about their relationship, down to what she can wear, who she can talk to and interact with.
But Cecilia has her secrets too. There is no victim and no villain. This isn’t a traditional cat and mouse game. It is more like a battle between two pit vipers. “There really is such little space between love and hate, life and death, for all of us.” This is a great binge read with devious and greedy characters that keep the story moving quickly. Enjoy!

Being back in Paul’s world is hilarious 😂 I love his inner monologue of thinking he can do no wrong. Best Day Ever definitely grabbed my attention more and kept me wanting more. This one felt a little slow and I wasn’t dying to know the ending. Also a few predictable parts.

Well well, looks like Paul is given a run for his money! Let me tell you that I was ecstatic when I found out Kaira Rouda had a sequel to Best Day Ever coming out in August. Best Day Ever, released in 2017, is literally my favorite hidden gem when it comes to thrillers. Everyone at #ThePulse, @thrillerbookloversthepulse couldn’t wait to eat this up!

Best Day Ever was the story of a married couple headed away for the weekend to have their Best Day Ever! Only thing is, both parties were terribly wrong! While heading for the cabin, we get to hear the narcissistic thoughts that come from Paul. Man, this guy is one hell of a character.

Fast forward seven years later enters The Second Mrs Strom. Paul has managed to snag himself a younger and gorgeous wife, Cecilia. It is their one year wedding anniversary and they are spending it in Paris. Once again, it will be their famous best day ever! Or will it?

This dude is beyond in love with himself. Paul truly believes the world revolves around him, since he’s so handsome, successful, rich, a great lover, and has the best looking wife. His controlling ways and ignorant thoughts are truly baffling. But you know, I LOVE his character and hope you do too!

Thank you so much @kairarouda and @bookouture for this amazing opportunity!
Publication date August 16, 2024
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Second Mrs. Strom by new to me authoer K. Rouda is a thriller of its finestr. Masterfully crafted, full of unexpected twists and turns that has the reader guessing till the very last page.
There is no real villain or victim, they're all that and more. A story where nothing is as it seems. literally nothing, wonderful twisted.

This was a pretty good thriller. I was kept on the edge of my seat and wanting to know what was going to happen next the whole time. I definitely look forward to seeing what else this author comes up with!

To say that I loved this book is an understatement. I tossed aside all my adult responsibilities to finish it in one day. While I need to read the first book it wasn't necessary to be able to follow along. In this story we find Paul with his second wife, Cecilia on holiday in Paris. Paul is controlling and devious. He's acquired the fortune that Esther left him at her passing and maybe Cecilia is scheming to get the money. As the story progressed, I found it hard to like Paul and Cecilia equally. It was a very enjoyable book as I couldn't decide who was good or bad. This is a five star book!

I found the storyline to be entertaining but overall I found the writing to not be the best. It was fairly predictable and somewhat far-fetched at points, though I understand fiction often is. Both main characters were not likeable in my opinion and that made it hard to get into.

He’s bacckkkk!!! 😍 I can’t even tell you how excited I was to hear Paul was back!! ❤️ I missed you Paul!! 😘So I immediately jumped at the chance to read this early copy! Five big stars!! 👏👏

Pub date is August 16th!! 🥳🥳 Trust me… it will be THE BEST DAY EVER!! ❤️ See what I did there. 😉

Paul… you handsome devil 😈… you never change. 😂🤷‍♀️ So attentive.. so charming… so controlling… If you have never met Paul… you are in for a treat… 😉… he is one of a kind. 😂 If you have met and loved to hate Paul as much as I do… get ready because he is back and.. typical Paul.. just a different wife. 😂

When Paul and Cecelia got together… 💍 .. I was a bit worried for her… but then I wondered if maybe… 🤔… he has met his match… 😏

Okay guys that is all I am going to say!! 🤐 I ABSOLUTELY loved this book!! No shocker as Best Day Ever was the book that made me start reading thrillers… yes.. for real..😍… No worries if you haven’t read it… this is totally 💯 % fine for a stand-alone. Except guys.. Best Day Ever is one of my favorite books EVER!! ❤️You need it!!

Lastly.. if you have never read @kairarouda .. well you are missing out!! She is literally… no kidding… the QUEEN 👸 of cray!! 😂 Her characters are so much fun!! She has mastered the snarky crazy unlikable characters like no other!!! She is one of my very favorite authors. ❤️ Absolutely loved this book!! #paulisback

Summary: This is the follow-up novel to Best Day Ever about the ever-charming psychopath Paul Strom. After the implosion of his first marriage to Mia in Best Day Ever, Paul took some time to get his life together and then spent a year in Palm Beach pursuing lonely, elderly ladies with too much money. Yes, Paul was basically a gigolo. He struck gold with Esther Babcock, an octogenarian with millions. After Esther shuffles off the earthly coil, Paul is the sole inheritor of her massive wealth and then meets stunningly beautiful Cecilia. They fall madly in love and one year later, Paul has whisked her off to Paris for their anniversary where, as usual, he has planned the day down to the last second. Frustratingly, the day does not go as Paul meticulously planned and Cecilia has suddenly become obstinate and uncooperative, which is totally unacceptable! Their best day ever in Paris is about to take some unexpected twists.

Thoughts: Can you tell from my summary how much fun I had reading this novel? After Best Day Ever, I couldn’t wait to see what Paul Strom would do next. He is so confident in his ability to charm and manipulate that it never occurs to him that perhaps he could actually be someone else’s target. One of my favourite quotes from him occurs when he is contemplating his wife’s attitude in Paris and concludes that it is selfish and narcissistic, “I hear that personality trait is quite prevalent these days.” I was reading and chortling to myself as Paul struggles to comprehend what is happening with his compliant second wife. The pace is quick and the eye-opening developments keep coming to keep the reader engaged. I would highly recommend that you read Best Day Ever prior to this novel as one flows neatly into the next.

If you enjoy a novel that doesn’t take itself too seriously and resembles an episode of Dallas or Dynasty on steroids, then I highly recommend The Second Mrs. Strom and the precursor, Best Day Ever.

This was an absolute fun, fast paced and of course twisty read! Paul and Cecelia, I loved them but goodness, I hated them too! This was the first book I’ve read by Kaira Rouda and better believe it won’t be my last!!!

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my advanced reader copy!

I requested this book specifically because I loved Best Day Ever but I didn’t even realize it was about Paul!!! But first chapter, I was like wait a minute. IYKYK. It was funny being back with Paul he is a hoot but overall it felt really long and boring 🥱

This was a fast paced and twisty novel. I did guess one of the twists but that didn’t take away from the fun. The ending suggests a follow up and I’m excited to read that!

Wow what a sequel! This was a gripping back and forth battle. Oh Paul you stunning, well dressed and charming yet oh so evil man. Why must you be so controlling and possessive? If you haven’t met Paul you are missing out!! But don’t count his new/younger wife out just yet…Cecilia also has some tricks and secrets up her sleeve.

Paul Strom is back after first appearing in one of Kaira's previous books, Best Day Ever. Paul is now divorced and meets his new wife Cecilia at the funeral of a very, very wealthy widow that Paul had been engaged as an escort for. The woman has passed away and Paul has now received her massive fortune, not bad for only 12 months after meeting her.

Paul believes all his dreams have come true after meeting the noticeably young and attractive Ceclia at the widow's funeral, a girl who grew up with nothing. Soon they are married, Ceclia has moved into the mansion owned by Paul, but she is not yet aware of what she has taken on, a very narcissistic and self-absorbed egotistical man who believes he is above everyone else. After 12 months the marriage we would not call this marital bliss, Paul is trying to isolate his pretty young wife, he hosts many parties and loves having the blonde candy on his arm to be seen by his friends and she is trying to establish herself as a sophisticated person that all would wish to know. The main question here is who is playing who?

I love Karira's books and this is a very enjoyable quick and fun to read and I look forward to more books from this author. Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions expressed are my own.

Title- The second Mrs. Strom
Rating-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

When I picked up this book, I was excited to see how the husband and wife trope would play out, and I was not disappointed. Paul and Cecilia's journey to Paris for their first anniversary was filled with twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. The different perspectives were refreshing and added depth to the story, making it easy to become invested in the characters and their motives. Although there were moments in the middle of the book where the story felt a bit repetitive, the shocking plot twist made it all worth it, making it a book that fans of the thriller genre will surely enjoy.

Synopsis-

I don’t want the perfect marriage. I want revenge…

If you had met me a year ago, you wouldn’t have noticed me. A beautiful woman, but a struggling nobody in a tiny apartment, invisible…

Meeting Paul changed that.

And now here I am in Paris, after a whirlwind courtship and a stunning beach proposal. I smile at my handsome husband, my eyes shining in the candlelight, my huge diamond ring sparkling on the starched white tablecloth. Other women look at me in envy. They see a couple completely in love.

They’re wrong.

Despite this incredible luxury vacation, my husband and I can’t escape our problems. I can’t get over what he did with that woman just after our wedding, and my bright smile can’t hide the hardness in my heart.

I wonder if Paul knows the truth. That our first meeting, when we fell in love, wasn’t the coincidence he thinks it was. That what I want from him has nothing to do with his money.

And now that he’s wronged me, I’ll stop at nothing to get it…

This book has been blowing up over here in the pulse chat because it’s just so good 👏🏽