I received this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I didn’t like this book from the opening chapters. The characters were whiny and unlikable. Olivia was so fixated on a birthday party. And why couldn’t Olivia and Adam just talk to each other?

I’ve found my luck hit or miss with this author. This was a miss. 2.5 stars. I would note recommend this to others.

I am typically a big of B.A. Paris, unfortunately, this book didn’t really do it for me. The entire concept - while heart breaking - didn’t really meet my expectations given Paris’ past work. I wouldn’t say don’t read it, I just wouldn’t expect a thrilling ride. This is more of a family drama in my opinion.

Unfortunately, this is the first book by Paris that isn't grabbing my attention at all, so I will have to abandon it. Sorry to say this, because I was looking forward to it, but it's just not for me.

I really enjoyed this read. It's not your typical thriller. It takes place over the course of one night and involves a dysfunctional family where everyone has secrets. Though there isn't the typical murdery central story of typical thrillers, this one still had me itching to pick it back up every time I put it down.

This book was so intriguing, and I couldn't put it down until I reached the ending. The Dilemma centers around Livia and her husband Adam, and Livia's huge plans for her 40th birthday bash. Most of the story takes place during that one day of her party. Told in dual POV, both characters have secrets that they need to reveal to their spouse but are hesitant to discuss until after this party. In fact, all characters in the book appear to have a secret of some kind or another. As the book unfolds, so do the secrets. I really enjoy the way the author rolled out the plot throughout the book. Secrets were slowly dispersed in a way that made the reader begging for more and flipping the pages to find out what happened next.

4/5 Stars. I've read all of the thrillers from B. A Paris and this one was a solid read. I was not a huge fan of their last thriller but found this one compelling. I will be checking out more from them in the future.

B.A.Paris writes such amazing physiological thrillers, my favorite of course has been “behind closed doors” but the dilemma is just as good. I could barely put it down and when I did it was because I kept feeling anxiety. I recommend this book to thriller lovers
.

I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley.
I have discovered most of my new favorite writers on NetGalley. B A Paris is one of them. Her novels are filled with suspense and always keep me reading way too long into the night. I always end up talking about these books at work or with friends. "The Dilemma" is so amazing. I can't wait to start telling people about it.

I hate writing low-star reviews, so I’ll keep this short. The Dilemma didn’t do it for me. The entire premise was unbelievable, and the characters seemed shallow.

Gripping book about a family keeping secrets from each other and the disastrous consequences that may have been the result of secrets. The book also touches on how families can survive when faced with crises, rejection & other factors. Couldn't put it down.

This is a great thriller! Paris has created an edge-of-your-seat page turner that will keep you up long into the night! Definitely a great 4 star read and one I recommend to all thriller lovers!

I will read anything B.A. Paris writes, forever. I loved the Dilemma. I found the family full of secrets extremely enticing. I wanted to know more right away. I would highly recommend.

Livia is turning 40, a big milestone birthday, and her husband, Adam, is planning a big party to celebrate. She thinks their daughter, Marnie, can't attend the party since she's studying overseas, but Adam is surprising her by bringing Marie home for the party. The problem? Livia doesn't want Marnie there particularly, as she has a terrible secret she's keeping about her, but saving it until *after* the big party so she can enjoy the celebration. Well, turns out Adam ends up having a terrible secret to keep too, and now they are both so eager to please one another, and themselves, that the dilemma is continue to deceive each other into this "perfect party" can be pulled off. Or should they come clean, be honest?
As others have pointed out, this was definitely more of a family drama, unlike the other faster paced thrillers B.A. Paris has written. I did like it, but it was slower paced and redundant in spots - plus I did NOT like Livia at all. She seems overly obsessed with her party and very self absorbed. I felt for Adam, even though I could have whopped him upside the back of the head a few times here and there for trying to seemingly over-please his wife. Overall, a good read, just not my favorite by a long shot by Paris.
Thanks to B.A. Paris, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC. 3.5 stars.

Let me start off by saying that I love BA Paris along with Behind Closed Doors and Bring Me Back but I justcould not get on board with this one unfortunately. The chapters were alternated between the wife and husband who right off the bat let you know they both are keeping a secret from each other. Each chapter starts off repeating the last which was something that really bothered me. And nothing really seems to happen until 80% into the book. For me it created boredom and anxiousness trying to finish. I wanted to love this book but this is a slow burn of a family drama story. Not a thriller or even psychological thriller that I was expecting.

From the beginning when Adam tells Marnie not to tell anyone she's coming home for mother's birthday you anticipate something tragic. What follows is the gut-wrenching day Adam endures to give his wife Liv the birthday party of her dreams while suffering through his worst nightmare alone. It was definitely hard for me to put this down until I was done, always hoping for a different outcome.

This book was very different than other books I’ve read from BA Paris. I loved the connection I made with some of the characters, as well as the split timeline. I didn’t love how some parts seemed a bit drawn out. Overall, the story did keep my attention and I loved the ending.

I originally got this book from NetGalley for a review last year and tried to read it last year. I really did try to read it, B.A. Paris is one of my favorite authors and I normally devour her books in one or two sitting, but this book just didn't do it for me. A bit different from her normal suspense this is just pure family drama, one that super important and shouldn't have been delayed as much as it was and one that was really a nonfactor in the grand scheme of things. Some things were just flat out ridiculous, like who in the world holds off on any big celebration just to celebrate a 40th birthday, most people who were disappointed by their wedding would just save up and plan a grand recommitment ceremony. Also, if your daughter is missing why the hell wouldn't you call the airline and other emergency numbers to find out where your child is instead of doing nothing because you want a dumb ass party to go well and don't want to yet tell your wife.

The whole book is boring and convoluted.

I am sorry for not reviewing fully but I don’t have the time to read this at the moment. I believe that it wouldn't benefit you as a publisher or your book if I only skimmed it and wrote a rushed review. Again, I am sorry for not fully reviewing!

If I could, I would rename this book avoiding trauma. The entire book is a husband and wife keeping two devastating secrets from each other. It was emotional and well written, which is why it got two stars rather than 0 from me.

I kept waiting for the plot twist, the surprise, and it never came. I love B.A. Paris but this book wasn't the same level, in my opinion, as her other four reads. It was less dark, twisty, mystery shrouded amazing-ness and more slow, relaxed pace and just flat out sad. Still a great great by an amazing author, but would recommend The Breakdown or Behind Closed Doors if you are looking for suspense and a dark and twisty mood.