Really 2.5 stars, for me. I found the writing competent, but not compelling. I am all about the "beach read" genre if the author can manage a bit of either hilarity or pathos, but in this book, Pekkanen doesn't. I remember thinking the same thing about the other book of hers I've read (*The Opposite of Me*).The reason I rounded up to 3 stars is that I found the points of view of the mothers (two of the four female characters in the book) relatable. These are experiences I know, and Pekkanen does a decent job capturing them. But otherwise, the story fell flat for me. Reviewed by JoAnneBook provided by NetGalley for reviewReview originally posted at Romancing the BookI found this book tedious and kept losing interest and my place as I read. The premise of the book sounded great – college friends getting together to celebrate one of their birthdays and they are invited to a week away in Jamaica to do so – relaxing at a sumptuous villa, all expenses paid. But it was anything but. The characters did not do much except drink, drink and drink some more and then smoked some pot as well.The characters had many layers to them and all were dysfunctional in one way or another. There were so many possibilities that never were explored. I would have been drawn in better if Dwight was more central to the storyline instead of a bystander many times throughout. Some of them were responsible parents, some had careers/jobs and most needed this getaway more than they could say. The infighting, the arguments and secrets did nothing to endear me to any of them. None seemed to want to be with their spouse either so instead of bonding with each other as well as with their friends they seemed more to be pushing each other away.The descriptions of Jamaica is what helped this book. I felt like I exited the plane with them and saw everything they saw through my eyes as well as theirs. The words had me picturing white sand, blue sky, sparkling clear water, delicious food, the less than smooth helicopter ride and to die for snorkeling trip. I could see the vividness of the colors and almost taste the salty air and feel the cool sand on my feet as well as hear the destruction of the villa being battered by the storm.There was friendship and family, lots of heartache, backstabbing, insecurities, misunderstandings, arguments and some love but almost no romance. Each couples dirty laundry was aired for all to see and the title did not fit the premise of the book since it really wasn’t the best of us for any one of them but the worst of us throughout. The book ended abruptly. It would have been nice to have a few more chapters where the characters resumed their normal lives and showed the impact their week away had on them and their families.I haven’t read books by this author before and can’t say that I plan on reading any others in the future.Favorite Quote: It had been another flawless day, Pauline reflected as she glanced at the platters of hors d’oeuvres the chef was preparing: pan-seared baby crab cakes, mini London broil sandwiches on sourdough croutons with spicy mustard, tropical fruit skewers, and a trio of tapenades-olive, eggplant, and red pepper-with garlicky crostini for dipping.
What do You think about Dias De Paixão (2013)?
Really a beach read. Blew through it in a day. Nothing of substance really.
—TOSamuel
Plain and simple. I just love her books. Great women's fiction!!
—Mason
