First off, thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is a quick family drama read that was my first of B.A. Paris. Husband and wife Livia and Adam are both keeping secrets from each other that slowly unravels during Livia’s 40th birthday party.

This drained me. I had so much anxiety throughout the entire book. The “dilemma” Adam is faced with is so much more tragic than just a dilemma and the way he dealt with it drove me nuts! The whole thing centers around a party that is way too superficial and trivial to me.

If you are already a B.A. Paris fan, I would say go for this when it comes out on June 30th. If you haven’t read anything of hers yet though, I wouldn’t start with one. I’m now so interested to read Behind Closed Doors because I hear it is very very different from this and is a 5 star thriller for many!

Short Take: The most depressing episode of Three’s Company EVER.

(*Note: I received an advance copy of this book for review.*)

Hello my nerdlings! I’m back after a long-ish absence, which I don’t have any good reason for other than a general lack of motivation, and maybe a bit of CERM (Current Events Related Malaise, wherein everything is terrible all the time and blathering about whatever I’ve read seems equal parts pointless and disrespectful to the people who are Dealing With Real Stuff). But I’m physically incapable of keeping my opinions to myself for any substantial length of time, so here we are. Let’s dive in, shall we?

We meet Livia and Adam, happily-ish married for a couple of decades, on the morning of Livia’s FORTIETH BIRTHDAY PARTY, and yes, it must be shouted from the rooftops, because this is LIVIA’S PERFECT DAY. She didn’t get to have a wedding that young girls dream about so she’s going all-out for this party. She’s saved for years, planned every detail of the catering and music and whatnot, and it has to be PERFECT.

Her family and friends humor her a lot more than I probably would. I just couldn’t relate to a 40 year old woman who demands to be celebrated to that extent. Maybe because I’m old, and birthdays don’t feel like a Big Thing anymore, maybe because I don’t like being the center of attention and the thought of dozens of people staring & taking photos while I just want to eat the cake that’s currently covered in tiny flames is the stuff of nightmares. With a great husband, smart healthy kids who’ve made it to adulthood, a decent income, and a lovely home, why so much focus on the one thing you’ve been denied? There was just something so childish and bratty about Livia’s IT’S FINALLY MY DAY attitude.

Anyway.

Because The Dilemma is billed as a thriller, there needs to be some kind of great big Thing Going Wrong, and we are actually handed two of them: in the titular storyline, Adam finds out something horrible that may or may not be true. Sure, he could probably just contact someone who knows and find out for sure but this is the kind of thing that would destroy Livia’s life, or even worse, her FORTIETH BIRTHDAY PARTY. Should he find out for sure? Because if it’s true, he would have to tell her, but the longer he stays dumb, the less responsibility he has to take for telling or not telling Livia.

Meanwhile, Livia ALSO has a secret that may not ruin Adam’s life, but will definitely upset him a whole lot if he finds out which could also throw a wrench in the FORTIETH BIRTHDAY PARTY extravaganza of perfection. So of course she can’t tell him, at least not till after the party, because PRIORITIES, PEOPLE. Again, this is a forty year old woman.

So as we follow Jack & Larry… er, Adam & their son Josh readying the house, or Livia heading to the Regal Beagle for pre-party drinks with Chrissy & Janet (ok, FINE, going to a local spa with some of her friends for massages and whatnot), the miscommunications pile up, and more of the troubled early days of their marriage are described. And both Jack and Livia fret over their own secrets and coverups, and it’s blatantly awful. Because the things they are carrying are bleak and grim and it’s just a big pile of unrelenting misery without even the charm of Mrs. Roper’s flowing caftans to break it up.

In the end of course, Everything Is Revealed, and all the terrible stuff comes out, and Livia’s perfect FORTIETH BIRTHDAY PARTY is served up with a side order of life-destroying awful. So, yay?

I just couldn’t find anything to like about this book. As I said earlier, Livia is a Bridezilla without a wedding, and Adam is a wishy-washy wimp who pretends that he’s doing his wife a favor by letting her have her dream party that will be forever tied to the worst events of her life. That’s some next-level passive-aggressive cruelty. Their friends are all equally terrible in differing ways, and the kids are basically props. The one adult child who makes their own decisions is vilified for it.

I believe Ms. Paris was trying to build suspense by not letting the truth out till the very end, but the final result is an ultra-depressing deep-dive into the minds of a narcissist & her enabler. It’s not fun or enjoyable, there’s no payoff other than finally knowing what actually happened, and the people who started the story unhappy and dissatisfied end it even more so.

The Nerd’s Rating: TWO HAPPY NEURONS (and some vodka on the patio. I am ready for some sunshine and peace, for a few minutes, anyway.

This was a great read but it was more of a family drama than it was an actual suspense thriller. I’m a little confused as Behind Closed Doors was the opposite and maybe the author is wanting to spreading her writing wings a bit but if you’re into emotionally driven family dramas with a little twist, then this book so for you :)

3.5/5
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Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advanced copy!
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So I was pretty much digging this book the entire read - B.A. Paris knows how to write a page-turner!! (This is my first Paris, but it will not be my last!) However, I knocked this rating down a peg or two because I could not get a handle on the story, and while I thought everything would make sense at the end... it.. didn't? The initial tone is kinda light - I thought I was reading a twisty-turny domestic thriller with all the juicy drama. What started out as thrilling suddenly became super heavy and I simply was not prepared for that; I closed the book wondering if I'd missed a part?
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Livia has been waiting years for the party of a lifetime - she's turning 40 and since she didn't get a proper wedding, this is the event she is going to go all out for. However, there's a damper on the day, she has recently discovered that her daughter has a secret, a secret that could destroy the family.
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Adam, Livia's husband, also has a secret. One meant to bring joy. But when plans go astray, there is no joy that comes from his secret and it most certainly WILL destroy the family.
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So, page-turner? Yes! Good writing? Yes! Plot that makes sense? NO. I'm just sorta struggling on any sort of rating because what went down was so bizarre! The plot was sorta like this review, I don't really know where it's going at this point - ;). I think The Dilemma is worth the read and I'm definitely interested in what other people think and how they interpret this story!

Star rating: 3/5

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC!

Summary:

Livia has been planning her 40th birthday party for years to make up for the grand wedding she never had. The day of the party has finally come, but it can't be the happy day that Livia and her husband Adam both want it to be. They both have a secret, one that they know will devastate the other. They both just want to get through the party, but how can they laugh and dance as if nothing is wrong knowing what they know? Paris' newest novel is a family drama about the pain that holding in secrets can cause.

Review:

It seems like Paris has tried to shift gears from intense thrillers to family dramas. Before starting this, I did read enough summaries and reviews to know that this would be pretty different from her previous books, and I went in open-minded. Unfortunately, The Dilemma just didn't work for me. I found the whole premise ridiculous - all this build up for a 40th birthday party? I think this story had a lot of potential to be exciting - both of the "secrets" were indeed devastating, though one certainly far worse than the other - but I just don't think it was told right. I kept waiting for some big moment or twist that just didn't come. Overall, this is a well-written novel but fell rather flat for me. I recommend giving it a chance if you're a fan of Liane Moriarty and Sally Hepworth. The Dilemma will be available to the public on June 30, 2020!

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishing house and the author for the opportunity to read a complimentary advance reader copy of this book in return for a review based upon my honest opinion.

I was not sure how to go about this review. The story was interesting, I enjoyed it. I really felt it easily could have been a short story. The story was dragged out way too much and the characters were so frustrating. This was simply an instance of family members who didn’t confide in one another and when they discovered secrets about a family member, things probably could’ve been different if they had. All in all, not my favourite book by this author but still a good read

It’s never a good idea to keep secrets from your spouse. Each spouse had a secret about their daughter, one was meant to be a happy secret more of a surprise and the other a dark secret that could destroy friendships. I really wanted to enjoy this book because I’ve heard a lot of praise for this authors previous writings. However this book just didn’t do it for me. The slow approach to the dilemma and the back-and-forth just drew the story out for far too long. I really didn’t appreciate Livia’s need for a 40th birthday party at a time when it seemed there was so much going on in the lives of her children. Although her children are adults she didn’t seem to be acting like much of one herself. I guess basically I was just very frustrated with the story. I was pleased to receive a copy through Netgalley and I’ve offered my review voluntarily.

Thank you to St Martins Press and @netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review! It comes out June 30th.

Synopsis: This is a dual POV story between Livia and her husband, Adam, leading up to her 40th birthday party. She never had the big wedding, so she has been planning/ saving for a long time. However, Livia knows a secret about their daughter, Marnie, that might affect the big day and their relationship with their friends. Adam, on the other hand, is also struggling with his own dilemma that he knows about Marnie that will affect their lives forever. Should he hold onto this secret until after the party or ruin everything?

My Review:⭐️⭐⭐.5 / 5 stars

Livia and Adam clearly have communication issues - especially when it comes to the borderline relationship Adam has with his daughter, Marnie. There is a lot of resentment, jealousy, and lack of trust in this family, and it's hard to want to scream when reading each chapter. Many parts are repetitive, and dragging out a pretty simple situation into a 300+ page story. However, B.A. Paris has you wanting reading more and more about this dire situation, like a fly on the wall at a family reunion. It’s supposed to be awkward. As I did like this, definitely not my favorite just due to pacing. However, if you are into family dramas, then this is for you.

I thoroughly enjoyed the thriller Behind Closed Doors by this author, so this was a highly anticipated read. Going into it realizing it is more a family drama kept me from being disappointed.
Livia has been looking forward to her 40th birthday party for many years. Since she didn't get a big wedding, she wants to make up for it by having a fabulous birthday celebration.
She recently learned a disturbing secret about her daughter Marnie, who is studying in Hong Kong, so Livia is a bit relieved when her daughter can't make it to the party.
Her husband Adam wants to make it the best party, he loves her so much.
But now it is the day of the party and Adam has a secret too, one that is destroying him and leaving him with a dilemma...
This one hooked me from the start, building suspense and emotions and keeping me guessing.
I really enjoyed the writing and pacing of the story, a good read.
Thank you St. Martin's Press for the e-ARC via NetGalley.

Hiding Bad News

Livia is totally wrapped up in her 40th birthday party. She didn’t have a fancy wedding. Her husband, Adam, wants her to have this perfect party to make up for it, and he’s willing to do anything that will make the day perfect.

All Livia’s friends will be there except for her daughter Marnie who is studying in Hong Kong. Actually, Livia is glad Marnie won’t be there because she has uncovered a secret about her daughter that she’s reluctant to share with Adam. Perhaps she will after the party.

Adam, too, has a secret. Marnie has been able to get a flight and will be home in time for the party. He doesn’t want to tell Livia about the surprise. Then the unthinkable happens. The plane Marnie is on crashes and there are no survivors. How can he tell Livia on the eve of her special evening?

This is a story that makes you cringe. Both partners want to save their spouse from unpleasant facts, but not telling can be as hurtful as sharing the pain. The evening is looking perfect. Everyone is having a great time, but Livia and Adam are sitting on secrets that cause them to disconnect from the festive atmosphere.

This is a story that only takes two days, but has been building up for years. I enjoyed the book, but it can be painful reading. You want to shake Livia and Adam and tell them to grow up and support each other before it’s too late.

I received this book from St. Martin’s Press for this review.

Livia became pregnant when she was seventeen and her wealthy but distant parents basically disowned her. As such, she's always dreamed of having a giant party of her own. Now she's turning forty and finally having the lavish party she's always longed for. Her husband Adam and eldest child, Josh, will be there, but her younger daughter Marnie, who is studying in Hong Kong, will miss the celebration. And, secretly, Livia is relieved--something she hasn't even told Adam. Adam, meanwhile, just wants it all to go well for Livia. He has his own surprise planned, until he learns something terrible that will change everything.

"What I hate most is that my need for this party came from my parents. If I'd been able to have the wedding they promised me, I wouldn't have become obsessed with having my own special day."

Well, I can say one thing about this book: it's really readable. I flew through it in one day. Now, did I enjoy it? That's something entirely different. The plot is based on a preposterous web of lies and secrets that I don't think any couple would actually keep from one another. Not to mention that Livia is just ridiculous in her desire for this elaborate party, which we learn she has truly been dreaming about and planning for twenty freaking years. Seriously, lady?

Both Livia and Adam make insane decisions in the name of their secrets, but Livia's "secret"--which is actually just her being crazy yet again and overreacting to life--pales in comparison to Adam's, so it's impossible to take her seriously about anything. Meanwhile, you just want to shake Adam, tell him it's a stupid party, and get it together. Man up, tell your wife, and let's go. None--none of this--is necessary!

Honestly, while I kept turning the pages because a) I hoped someone would grow up and make a smart decision and b) I was wishing things would turn out differently, this book was stressful. It was hard to read, emotional, and tense (and not in a good, thrilling way). The whole story has an "ick" factor to it. While it was a quick read, it's not one I really recommend. 2 stars.

I love B.A Paris. She is one of my all time favorite authors. I was going into this thinking that it was like her other books, twisted psychological thrillers. It was a pleasant surprise. Not a thriller, but a domestic suspense. Still so very good!

This book alternates between Adam and Livia as they celebrate Livia’s 40th birthday. Both have to tell their spouse something about their daughter Marnie, but just can’t find the right time. They also don’t want to ruin the birthday party Livia has always dreamed of, kind of a replacement for the dream wedding she never had. The story slowly unfolds as you watch an emotional journey of love, secrets and choices that take a toll on this family.

I enjoyed this book. It was not a thriller as I expected but more a domestic fiction. No dilemma here, read this book!

I am a huge fan of BA Paris’ books. They have been SO dark and twisted in the past that I basically wanted to crawl into her brain and explore how she could come up with those ideas. This book is VERY different. I want you to be fully prepared for the fact that this book is NOT a thriller like her norm when you embark on it. Her writing is still amazing, but if you go into it expecting her normal style you would be surprised and confused. :)

Let’s chat about it. I found Livia, the protagonist, to be a bit whiny and entitled. I did find her character believable, but I had a hard time personally relating to her. The book surrounds a big event - her 40th birthday party - that she has been squirreling money aside for since she got married in a town hall style. She never had the wedding of her dreams and she felt like she deserved that big event.

Her husband, Adam, started their marriage as kind of a jerk who wasn’t in it to win it… but since then has become the doting father and husband. I found his storylines much more relatable and interesting, personally.

Leading up to the event, both Livia and Adam have a big secret that they are keeping from the other one. As the book unravels you start to guess or learn what the secrets are. I found both secrets interesting as I learned them.

The book was written in an interesting and creative format. It was told in hour time slots leading up to the party. I really liked that because it made me feel like a fly on the wall during the party and planning. It switched back and forth between Livia and Adam which was also interesting to see how two people could perceive the same event differently.

The biggest takeaway and elevator pitch here is what type of secret should you keep from your spouse and why? What impact will the secret ultimately have on your marriage and your life?

THANK YOU to the publisher and Netgalley for this advanced reader’s copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This novel centers around a married couple who each have a secret. They struggle with the decision on whether or not to tell their partner the information which will be detrimental to their family in the midst of a long-awaited 40th birthday party. The entire novel unfolds over the course of a day and is told in alternating perspectives from the husband and wife.

I have read two other B.A. Paris books and thoroughly enjoyed them, therefore I was very excited to receive this new novel. Unfortunately, I finished the book and was disappointed. I felt the entire story dragged on far too long and became extremely repetitive. It was also highly unrealistic, as each decision the husband makes in the novel seems absurd - TALK TO YOUR WIFE. The last 25% really dragged and I felt like I was skimming entire paragraphs and not missing a single important detail. Overall, I would recommend checking out Behind Closed Doors or The Breakdown by B.A. Paris and skipping this one.

I would like to thank the author and publisher for providing me with a free digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

This book! Aaagghhh! The story is told hour by hour on Livia’s 40th birthday, as she is anticipating her party that she has dreamed about for years. The party is over the top because she had a shotgun wedding that her parents did not approve of and one of her biggest wishes for the party is that her estranged parents come and they reconcile with her and her family. In the meantime, as each chapter alternates from a different character’s perspective, time is ticking away and Adam, Livia’s husband, realizes some possible awful news that he knows, if true, will break his wife’s heart.
The questions become what do you know, when did you know it and when do you share it? These are a few of the heart wrenching questions that this family must face in the days and months. This makes for a page turning premise for a book.
I really loved most of this book, the story for sure and the writing were good. The only thing that I disliked, and this may have been only me, was the constant repetition of pieces of the story or the characters’ inner thoughts and imaginings. At first, this was a tolerable method for the story to go but eventually it became tedious. I don’t think it distracted so much that I disliked it, I just wanted to get on with it.
Definitely recommend. 4/5
Thanks for the early copy for review. #TheDilemma #Netgalley #StMartinsPress

Thank you for the chance to read this book early! I guess after “Behind Closed Doors” which was rough but kept me interested That this book would be similar. It was just okay and left me looking for more.

If you are familiar with B.A. Paris's previous novels you may be surprised that The Dilemma isn't a psychological thriller; however it is still very much a page turner of domestic suspense. Livia has been planning her 40th birthday party for years-ever since she married her husband Adam at the age of 18. The birthday party is an effort to compensate for not having a wedding; she was pregnant with their oldest son Josh during their registry wedding and her parents disowned her. Having waded through some troublesome early days she and Adam navigated marriage and family, having daughter Marnie a few years after Josh was born.

The novel takes place over just a couple days, with majority of time occurring at the party. Livia, looking forward to her party after the months of preparation is focusing when the guests leave and she and Adam are alone-as she has a secret to share about their daughter. A secret that will change everything. Livia doesn't know that Adam is also keeping something from her about Marnie-something that will potentially upend their lives. How long would you keep a secret in order to provide those you love a few hours of uninterrupted happiness? That is the dilemma these characters are facing.

If you are a fan of domestic fiction you will want to read The Dilemma. Even though it takes place over a short amount of time the characters are decently developed and you become vested in the outcome. I found myself frantically reading the last quarter of the novel wanting to know the outcome.

Thank you to the writer, publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

The Dilemma is a family drama that centres around a couple who are desperately trying to keep secrets from each other. Told using multiple POVs over a 24-hour period, this wasn’t the typical BA Paris thriller with twists and turns. Instead, it’s a very slow burn kind of read that felt like it would be better suited as short story or novella.

The story centres around Livia’s huge, self-indulged and luxurious 40th birthday bash and a premise heavily dependent on Livia and her husband Adam not having a simple conversation (or a quick phone call) that would clear up the issues. I'm not a fan of this trope. It felt like the author was hoping readers would see their inertia as a caring act because they're keeping their secrets in the interest of their spouse’s feelings. But their in-action, repetitive internal dialogue, and decision to keep the peace, despite what occurred, were hard to believe and resulted in an ending that was frustrating more than it was compelling.

I have a dilemma with The Dilemma. Did it have enough going for it to keep me interested? Yes. Was it long-winded? Yes. Did it have good elements? Yes. Did I get a big ‘made it all worthwhile’ twist at the end? Sadly, no. Will Paris’ diehard fans enjoy this book? Probably.

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to the publisher for providing me with a complimentary eBook copy of this title in exchange for my honest review.

B. A. Paris is showing us she's more than a thriller writer. She spread her wings with The Dilemma and brought us a family drama. There's still some thriller elements in there, so it's still the signature B.A. Paris we've come to love. I highly recommend this book and think she'll appeal to a wider audience with this one.