This story goes back and forth between before Cecelia & Paul met, and then their one year wedding anniversary trip to Paris. So much has changed in a year for the two of them. Cecelia is no longer the happy wife, her husband is not only controlling and cruel but to top it off, he is having an affair. This Paris trip is going to be the end of the line as far as both of them is concerned. It is just a matter of who is going to walk away from it unscathed...

Paul Strom was the main character in another novel by this author - Best Day Ever. I will admit I had read that book, but it has been so long, I don't remember anything about it, so I don't think it matters if you haven't read the previous book. Paul references things from it throughout the story, so you will be getting an overview anyway. This book started out as a bit of a slow burn, and truthfully I couldn't stand either of the characters, which is usually a dealbreaker for me. However, there were diary entries from Paul's girlfriend scattered throughout the book, and once I realized who she was I was completely invested in the story. Plus, quite honestly, I was getting to the point that I was excited to see who was going to be the victor in the psychological warfare they were waging against each other. If you are a fan of psychological thrillers then you will definitely want to check this one out!

Thank you Netgalley and Bookoutore for the ebook to read and review. I'm a fan of Rouda's thrillers so I had to request this one as soon as I saw it! Talk about so unlovable unreliable characters. Not really sure who was worse Paul or Cecilia. We meet them on their 1 year wedding anniversary in Paris. Both have a surprise for the other one and neither one of them is expecting it! Told in flashbacks we find out how they met and let's say it's not a match made in heaven.

How can you not love (to hate!) Paul Strom?! I love that the narcissist himself has returned and is richer and more smug than ever! But has he met his match with his new young bride?

Told in a similar fashion to the best day ever, we walk through one what should be enchanting day through the streets of Paris with the beautiful Mr. and Mrs. Strom. It's a full year into their marriage and several years after the first Mrs. Strom exited the picture. Mr. Strom has "upgraded" and after conning a ridiculous wealthy socialite to leaving her estate to him, he's ready to re-flame the fires with his stunning new wife.

The flashbacks and diary entries kept me guessing and were really well done. There were some twists I wasn't expecting and I loved how everything unfolded and came together. No one and nothing is what it seemed! Except Paul of course!!

I listened to The Second Mrs. Strom on audio and it was well executed. I didn't particularly love the female narrator but she did work pretty well for Mrs. Strom. I listened to The Best Day Ever on audio as well and I think it was a different narrator for Paul but it didn't take anything away and I enjoyed them both.

I'm glad I read the first book in this series but I still would have thoroughly enjoyed it had I not. The plot was enough it's own here that the prior story wasn't entirely relevant and the necessary details were provided without rehashing the whole plot.

This was a fun one and I'm excited to read more by Rouda.

Thank you to Bookouture and Kaira Rouda for the copy.

I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The first half of the story repeats itself, and kept on going around in a circle of tension, the second half of the story picks up in pace, but ultimately left me wanting for more as I never met more unrelatable, and unsympathetic characters as Paul and Cecelia. Perhaps I need to read the first book to understand more of the relationship dynamic amd be ,more invested in the backgrounds.

Paul, Paul, Paul....my favorite male sociopath, you did not disappoint in your return!

Paul Strom met his match in his follow up of the Best Day Ever! Grab your popcorn and buckle up.

Paul and his wife are celebrating their one year wedding anniversary in the City of Lights but things quickly go south. Paul has certain expectations of his wife and life but he quickly loses control of the situation when Cecelia has expectations of her own. I would love to tell you more but I think you should read it for yourself :)

This book can be read as a stand alone BUT to witness the beauty of Paul's unhingedness read Best Day Ever first! I promise you will not be disappointed.

Bravo Kaira!! I can't wait to see what's next for Paul and if his story will continue!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the E-ARC.

This book was unfortunately not for me 😕. I adore books by Kaira and heard so many great reviews, but alas, I am the odd reviewer out.

This is a full throttle domestic thriller, in which both are harboring a ton of secrets. All starts out well, but the couples trip to Paris to celebrate their 1 year anniversary is like being in a 24/7 anxiety attack for the entirety of the book!!!!!!

The characters were incredibly annoying and I wanted to throw the book across the room many times. Cecilia was so whiny and moody, while Paul was arrogant, self absorbed and a sociopath.

I can see why others liked this, as it was fast paced and definitely dramatic, but the characters really ruined it for me.

Thank you Bookouture for a copy on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Kaira Rouda is a bestselling author that writes domestic suspense thrillers that capture the drama of perfect lives.
Charming psychopath Paul Strom is celebrating his one year anniversary with Cecelia his second wife.
Newly wealthy from an inheritance that is suss, Paul whisks his wife off to Paris with a plan.
But not everything goes to plan.
Both Cecelia and Paul have secrets from each other.
And the celebration is about to take some twisty turns…..
An addictive, crazy and wicked expedition.
I did realise that this was a sequel to Best Day Ever.
But that didn’t alter my enjoyment of the book.
There’s much to grip your reading mind and grab your attention.
Get ready for more of a wild ride in November where the next book is released.

Well this was a dark, disturbing and crazy story. Two psychopaths married to each other. Unlikable characters.

I loved this story and yes I did read the best day ever. This could be a stand alone but it's preferred you read the best day ever first.

A definite recommend

Thanks Bookouture and Netgalley
All thoughts are my own and aren't influenced by anyone else.

✨ Review ✨

@kairarouda always delivers fun thrillers and The Second Mrs. Strom is no exception!

We first meet Paul Strom in Best Day Ever (if you haven’t read it yet, this is your cue to pick it up ASAP!) and I’m so glad we get more of him in this book. While you can read The Second Mrs. Strom as a standalone, you’re going to want to read Best Day Ever because it’s awesome. And that’s all I’m going to say about the story- this is a book you should just jump into and enjoy :)

While I’m keeping my lips sealed about the plot, here are a few reasons I loved the book:
🌼 Unlikable characters with lots of personality. Not saying I’d be friends with most of them … but they are delightfully readable
🌸 Epic mind games
🌼 Shady morals
🌸 Snarky sociopaths
🌼 Dual narration and POVs

I know I’m in for the best kind of wild ride whenever I pick up a book by Kaira Rouda.

Don’t forget to join the squad @thrillerbookloversthepulse and add #thesecondmrsstrom to your #augusttbr . In the meantime, head to @goodreads and check out her backlist!

Thank you to @netgalley and @bookouture for the arc to read and review.

🔲📚𝙴-𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠📚🔲

"𝗜 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗜 𝗱𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗲𝗻, 𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗺𝘆 𝗵𝘂𝘀𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗱, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲. 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗜'𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲."

"ᵗʳʸⁱⁿᵍ ᵗᵒ ʳᵉᵃᵈ ᵐᵒʳᵉ ᵇᵒᵒᵏˢ. ⁱᵗ'ˢ ᵍᵒᵒᵈ ᶠᵒʳ ʸᵒᵘ, ʳᵉᵃᵈⁱⁿᵍ, ᵃⁿᵈ ⁱᵗ ᵒᵖᵉⁿˢ ʸᵒᵘʳ ᵐⁱⁿᵈ.... ᵀʰᵉʳᵉ ᵃʳᵉ ᵇᵒᵒᵒˢ ᵗʰᵃᵗ ᶜᵃⁿ ʰᵉˡᵖ ʸᵒᵘ ᶠⁱᵍᵘʳᵉ ᵒᵘᵗ ʷʰʸ ʸᵒᵘ ᵃʳᵉ ᵗʰᵉ ʷᵃʸ ʸᵒᵘ ᵃʳᵉ, ᵃⁿᵈ ʷʰʸ ʸᵒᵘʳ ᵖᵃʳᵗⁿᵉʳ ⁱˢ ᵗʰᵉ ʷᵃʸ ʰᵉ ⁱˢ."

"ᴹᵘʳᵈᵉʳ ᵃⁿᵈ ᵐᵃʸʰᵉᵐ ᵃʳᵉ ˢᵒ ᵃᵖᵖᵉᵃˡⁱⁿᵍ ⁱⁿ ᵗʰᵉ ᶠⁱᶜᵗⁱᵒⁿᵃˡ ʷᵒʳˡᵈ"

I finished reading this in half day. It's dragging at first and the plot keeps going around in circles. It makes slow progress halfway, although the twists and turns are somewhat predictable.

What i like about this book is the 2nd Mrs Strom's way of dealing Paul. I like how Cecilia bullies Paul, her sarcasm is over the top, Paul doesn't know what struck him 🤣

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘔𝘳𝘴 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘮 by @kairarouda
General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers
Pub Date: 16 Aug 2024
⭐⭐⭐💫
Thank you @bookouture @netgalley for this copy.

#TheSecondMrsStrom #NetGalley #ARCReview
#mysterybooks #mystery #thrillerbooks #thriller #psychologicalthriller #kindle #kindleoasis #strapsickle

Who loves a good psychopathic sociopath? Anyone? Just me? Okay then. Wow this was a killer read! I went in blind because that way I'm extra extra surprised when it comes to the twists and turns and the BIG KAHUNA of the piece de resistance 👏👏👏 Well done Kaira! Just when I think the last book by you I read was amazing? BOOM💥💥💥 you come out ablaze aglory and your fists swinging. I had read Best Day Ever way back and was excited to see there was a sequel featuring Paul Strom and his new wide. I'm actually gonna re-read Best Day Ever and then re-read The Next Mrs. Strom. Why? Because 95% of the time I forget what I read so it's like I'm reading the book again for the first time.

I haven't read the first book but I felt like I knew enough to explore the growing tension in this relationship that made this a read that kept me hooked.

Can you get mad at an author when the bad things you want to have happen don't but they are replaced by other bad things? That was me and this book. Maybe I shouldn't have read it back to back with the first book. I had leftover feelings to get out. Better than the first book, I liked that we got more points of view than just Paul. He was hurting my head! But I didn't like that the timeline bounced around. It wasn't just two timelines but an interweaving of various points in the past with the current. The look backs were generally done to explain something that was taking place in the present, but it still got a little confusing at time. And, of course, the excessive epilogue wasn't a favorite of mine. I want a short wrap up not a drawn out explanation. But, it did hint for another book in the series. Maybe then the bad things I wanted to have happen will get to take place?

This is a dark and twisted story about a married couple who seem to have it all. However, underneath the surface, nothing is as it seems and no one is telling the truth. Told from two different perspectives and two different timelines, The Second Mrs Strom combines Paul’s narrative in the present with Cecilia’s narrative at a variety of points in her past.

I’m not sure either character are particularly likeable but I did enjoy their vocal sparring and Paul’s reaction to the changes in Cecilia’s behaviour. The development of their dynamic against Paul’s inner dialogue made for an interesting read which kept you turning page after page to see where their story ends. As there is no doubt that it is ending, the question is when, where, and how.

When everyone is lying and have ulterior motives, who can you trust?

Was this my favourite book? No. But it was a solid summer read that kept me gripped until the final page.

Well, alrighty then! I had previously read and enjoyed Best Day Ever. I did not realize the is a continuation of that story. How cool!! Extremely wealthy Paul is newly married to Cecelia, a former foster child. She can't believe her luck at marrying this wonderful man. Or is he? For that matter, is she a wonderful woman? This was a fun, quick read, much like all of Kaira Rouda's books. I don't want to give too much away so I will just leave it at that! This can be read as a standalone, but I do recommend reading Best Day Ever first for a true feel of the characters.

Thank you to #NetGalley, Kaira Rouda and Bookouture for this ARC.

I will post my review to Amazon, Facebook and other retail and social media sites upon publication day.

The tension starts with a simmer...and keeps building and building until EVERYTHING comes to a boil. Absolutely gripping! Read in two sittings!

Paul, Cecilia, and a diary tell this tale of a couple with secrets. I missed the first book but that didn't matter as Rouda establishes early on that there's something not quite right about Paul, who more or less swept Cecilia off her feet after their meeting at a-wait for it- funeral. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Some of this is a tad predictable, other parts not so much but it's a good read.

3.5 stars, rounded down.

I approached The Second Mrs. Strom without realizing it was a sequel, which may have impacted my experience. Without the context of the prior book, I found Paul’s character less intriguing than others who were familiar with his backstory. This left me somewhat disconnected from the emotional stakes of the story.

The book itself was largely predictable, with only one early twist offering any real surprise. Unfortunately, the predictability was compounded by the fact that the plot often felt far-fetched, and none of the characters were particularly likable or engaging—there wasn’t even one of those love-to-hate characters to latch onto.

One issue that stood out was the repetition in the narrative. Paul’s repeated bouts of illness from the rich sauces became almost a running gag, but not in a good way—it felt more like being hit over the head with the same detail again and again.

Overall, The Second Mrs. Strom didn’t quite work for me, finding it largely in unmemorable. Though, I suspect fans of the first book may have a different take.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture, and the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest review

What a gripping, intense, mind-blowing, cat-and-mouse-chase-esque thriller! I was hooked and couldn't put it down until the end.

The narrative begins with Paul and Cecilia preparing for dinner at the Eiffel Tower restaurant. The story alternates between Cecilia and Paul's perspectives, revealing the events leading up to their Paris trip. Paul was once an escort to a wealthy woman in Florida. When she died, she left him her estate. Paul and Cecilia met at her funeral and quickly fell in love. Six months later, they were married, a dream come true for Cecilia, who had been living in poverty. The narrative also delves into their backgrounds, shedding light on their family lives and the experiences that shaped them.

As each scene unfolds, the suspense keeps readers glued to the story. This thriller is a nail-biting adventure, perfect for those who enjoy a heart-pounding read. You will need a big bowl of popcorn for this book because, like a thrilling movie, it's so gripping you won't want to put it down.

This is my first venture into Kaira Rouda's writing, and it won't be my last. Excellent storytelling and character portrayal, with suspense maintained throughout. The ending? Absolutely mind-blowing!

The plot of this book had me intrigued so I was excited to read it- I did not, however, realize that this was a sequel. I definitely would have read the first book before diving into this one if I had realized. I really liked the writing style and the changing POVs in this book. A super quick read that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end!