First - Thank you St. Marteen’s Press for the ARC of the book in return for my honest review.

So here we go....

I have loved all of B.A. Paris’s books thus far so I was ecstatic when I learned a new book was being released.

Unfortunately for me this one missed the mark. I did like the characters for the most part and felt myself compelled to continue reading to learn more of their story but about 60% of the way through the book it started to drag and carry on and if I had to listen to the wife moan and carry on for one more page about the wedding she never had I was bound to throw my kindle.

Definitely no real “thriller” to this book and definitely type of book that 75% of the “conflict” and “mystery” would have been resolved in the first chapter if the characters just communicated!!

Am I still a Paris fan? Yes! Will I re-read this particular book of hers? Probably not. Will I look forward to her next release? Absolutely!

This is the first book I've read by this author so I had no experience with other books. The story starts with Livia planning for her 40th birthday. She has been saving for many years to throw a big party to celebrate the occasion. I don't want to give away any spoilers so will not go into specific details but for me the book was very slow So much dialog about things that didn't seem to have any bearing on the story. Olivia and her family did deal with a difficult situation but for the most part I was anxious for the book to be end.

This book was very close to a DNF for me because it was boring and there really wasn't much of a dilemma. The wife. 'Livia and her husband, Adam each have a secret but they lack any sort of useful communication. Since Olivia didn't get her dream wedding, she has been planning a blowout 40th birthday for 20+ years (who the hell does that). She doesn't want her daughter there but he does, but is there this (dumb) conflict over their daughter about a party when she is in college in Japan?

As a reader, you learn of the "dilemma" early on as well the secrets. From there not much really happens. I came upon this book because I like another author whose initials are B.A. and I thought this was one of her books. IT IS NOT!!! B.A. Shapiro wrote the Art Forger, which I loved. I was willing to give this book a chance when I realized it was the wrong author. But this book was not earth shattering or a thriller. It was more a family mystery written badly.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and BA Paris for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The story is told from two perspectives - Livia and Adam, a married English couple. They have two young adult children, Josh and Marnie. Livia is estranged from her parents. It begins as Livia is about to celebrate her 40th birthday with an elaborately planned party. Although this book is not a typical mystery, it is a slow burn, as suspense builds. Paris is such a good writer. I have read all of her books, and her writing flows so easily. The characters are very relatable and likable. Recommended.

To readers expecting a fast-paced mystery, this novel may feel like a tense, drawn out narrative with a bit of an anticlimactic ending. While B.A Parris delights in her consequential writing style and drawn out foreshadowing, the book itself just feels like an idea that never really came to fruition. The cast of characters hold no relatable qualities and for all the tautness that the storyline embraces, it ultimately fails to deliver that blow the reader expects. 2 stars.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC. It was read and reviewed voluntarily.

Having read B. A. Paris’ novel “Behind Closed Doors”, I went into this book with high expectations for a suspenseful thriller. “The Dilemma” takes place over the course of a day, during which a couple, Livia and Adam, prepare for and celebrate Livia’s 40th birthday. Each person knows a secret, and struggle with when and how to tell their partner. The novel is told from alternating viewpoints of Adam and Livia pre-party, during the party, and post-party.

Overall, the novel was okay, but did not live up to my expectations. Based on the description, I had expected this book to be a bit more suspenseful and thrilling, but felt that it fell a bit flat. While the novel kept me fairly engaged, I did find some parts to drag on, or just be a bit repetitive. I also felt the fact that the main character, Livia, was so obsessed with her elaborate 40th birthday party that her husband felt he could not share life-changing news with her a bit ridiculous.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

I received a copy of The Dilemma by B.A Paris from St. Martin's Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

Hands down 5 stars!!! B.A. Paris has written yet another fantastic book!!! Every marriage has a secret, right? I loved the characters. I knew from the moment I picked it up I wasn't going to be able to put it down until I finished it. The Dilemma keeps the reader engaged and on the edge of their seat from start to finish. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!!!

Thank you Net Galley & St. Martin's Press for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
**
This one is a bit harder to review as I do not want to give anything away from this book. The description doesn't even begin to cover what is really going on.
Livia is throwing herself the 40th birthday party of all parties. This is in major part to make up for her not having the wedding she wanted. You see, her and her now husband Adam got married at 19, and they found out they were pregnant with their first born Josh shortly after meeting. To say Livia's parents didn't approve was an understatement. They didn't show to the wedding, and then never made contact through the years. Even though Livia sent the invitations to every family functions, holidays, as well as informed them of the birth of their second grandchild, Marnie. Livia's parents were beyond ashamed of how her life turned out but, Livia was more than happy in her perfect life she and Adam made for their family. It may have been a rough road, but god did she love the end result.
Now Marnie is 19 and studying abroad in Hong Kong. She will not be able to make the party that's been in the stages of planning since before she was born. Everyone appears to be saddened by this; except Livia. As much as she loves her daughter there is something she needs to tell Adam about his beloved daughter; and it would be so much easier without her home. However, Adam has his own secret to share and it is eating him up inside.
**
Again, I don't want to give away too much because this is something I think BA Paris's readers should live through. I've loved every book so far that she's published, and this one has sky rocketed to the top of that list. This book had me in my feelings. The last 20% of this book had me constantly on edge and in tears. To an extent I've been in this families shoes, of the just complete unexpected way life can change and make everything go from color to black. BA Paris knows how to capture her readers attention, keep us on the edge of our seat, and throw us through a roller coaster of emotions.

Ever since I read Behind Closed Doors, B.A. Paris has always been an author whom I follow and will read any book she writes. They call Paris the Queen of Suspense and they're certainly not exaggerating. All of her books keep me entertained from the first page until the very last. This book had me filled with suspense throughout and is another great addition to the collection of books by Paris.

Another great read from B.A. Paris. The Dilemma examines the inner struggle we face while trying to shield love ones from hurt and pain. Full of suspense as the reader is left on edge most of the book. I couldn’t put it down! Definitely recommended.

*I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review

I have read and loved everything by B.A. Paris. I was actually a little unsure about this one though. The description just sounded like a Lifetime movie rather than her usual top-notch thrillers I was used to. Well, I was partially right. It is not a thriller per se, but it was still VERY suspenseful and I could not put it down. At first I had trouble relating to Livia, as I have never planned for years for a party and that seemed a little superficial, but that was just a tiny thing. Her character is extremely well written, as is her husband Adam. I raced to the end and afterwards thought a lot about what I would do in a situation like that. I'm still not sure. GREAT job with this one, Ms. Paris! I look forward to the next!

Thank you to NetGalley, B.A. Paris and St. martin's Press. I will post my review to Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Kobo on the publishing date of June 30th.

This book will more than likely be my top book for 2020, and it is only January! I was so happy to read the latest by BA Paris and feel the same kind of pull I felt when reading her first novel Behind Closed Doors. The pull to continue readying way past my bedtime and to just plow through the book to find out what happens. The Dilemma felt different from her previous novels because the husband and wife in this book actually love each other! Shocker! In general, it was very refreshing to read a story that doesn't involve the husband being a murderer, the wife being an unreliable drunk, etc. This story revolves around a family, and the secret's they are keeping to protect one another out of true love. BA's story is compelling, and gripping from the very beginning. You truly care about these characters, and find yourself asking, "What would I do?" when thinking about the dilemmas both characters are facing. This book at the very core is about protecting the people you love at any cost, and facing the consequences you may have to deal with based on your decisions. LOVED IT! 4.5 stars.

B.A. Paris knocked it out of the park again!! This book was amazing!! It drew me in right away and the tension kept me riveted so much that I could not put the book down. I HIGHLY recommend "The Dilemma".

I'm surprised at the number of positive reviews for this book. I really, really disliked this book. I've read all of B.A. Paris's previous books and while I enjoyed her first two, I didn't care for Bring Me Back and I liked The Dilemma even less. For starters, this is NOT a thriller. This is a family drama and an extremely BORING one at that. The actual dilemma the title is referring to is RIDICULOUS. The way a 40 year old woman spent so much time and energy on a birthday party for herself was immature and silly... I could go on and on but the bottom line is, I didn't like this book and probably won't read further books by this author.

I have read several books by B A Paris and went into this book with expectations of the same kind of thriller type story. This book is very different from the author's previous books however it is still a page turner. It's true, parts are a little unbelievable but I found myself engrossed in the story. The book was very enjoyable for me and I will recommend it to others.

The Dilemma is a departure from B.A. Paris' usual psychological thrillers, but it's a good departure. Livia is a successful attorney, married to Adam and with two young adult children. For many years, she has dreamed of having an extravagant 40th birthday party, in large part to make up for the wedding that she never got to have. Livia has spent years planning out every last detail, and finally, the day has arrived. The only downside to the day? Livia's 19 year old daughter Marnie is studying abroad in Hong Kong, and won't be able to make it home for the party.

When the day arrives, Livia is elated. There is just one minor flaw to the day....she is troubled by something she recently discovered about Marnie. The news has the potential to not only tear the family apart, but Livia's group of friends as well. Livia is struggling to keep this secret from Adam, not realizing that he is also keeping a secret from her. As the day goes on and the party prepares to start, both Livia and Adam discover more truths. Should they inform their spouse, or wait until the party is over to break their respective secrets?

The Dilemma is a riveting novel that digs deep into the secrets and choices that families make to protect one another, and the devastating ramifications of those secrets. While I understood why each spouse did not confess to the other, I also found their choices to be incredibly selfish, with outcomes that neither of them could have predicted. The Dilemma will make you question your day-to-day existence, and will also bring to light the potential consequences of the fateful decisions you might innocently make in your own life.

Very well written, very compelling story. If you are into dramas and emotional roller coasters this is the story for you. There’s always something to tantalize you into reading just one more page to see how things will work out. It takes real talent to make me become thoroughly engrossed in a story that on the surface sounds ridiculous, but B.A. Paris managed with flying colors.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for this ARC.

This is a suspense novel that had me racing to get to the finish!
It is a slow and dramatic climb as the uncertainty accelerates through each chapter!
I needed to know what happens- NOW!
Livia is planning her own fortieth birthday party and has an awful secret that she will attempt to deal with after her celebration!
She is happy that her daughter Marnie is unable to come home from Hong Kong.
It means less to hide until she can attempt to comprehend this confidential matter and share with her husband, Adam.
Adam is so happy for Livia and this party she has always strived for, but he too, has a gut-wrenching nightmare he needs to face and share with Livia!
Can he survive the party for a night before the world changes for his family?
This suspense drama is so different than the other B.A. Paris novels, but wait! It is definitely a great read!
Loved it!

Title: The Dilemma

Author: B.A.Paris

Genre:

Rating:3

Livia is finally having the birthday party she always dreamed of. When she and her husband Adam fell pregnant as teenagers, she was disowned by her parents. Their marriage has had its ups and downs, but now, twenty years on, they are blissfully happy now with their two grown-up children, Josh and Marnie. And tonight, Adam is throwing Livia the party of a lifetime, to make up for the fairytale wedding they could never have.

Marnie has been studying abroad and can’t make it to the party. Livia can’t help but be slightly grateful for this, as she’s recently uncovered a secret about their daughter which, if revealed, will shake the foundation of their family to its core. For just one night, Livia wants everything to be perfect.

Adam, meanwhile, has set up another surprise for his wife: Marnie will be secretly flying back for the family celebration. But soon it emerges that Adam is faced with a dilemma of his own, and he too may have to keep a terrible secret. After all, if you could give the person you love the most in the world a few more hours of happiness, you would . . . wouldn’t you? As the day of the party dawns, one thing is clear: Marnie’s arrival could shatter


My thoughts

Would I recommend it? Yes

Would I read more by this author?yes

I was so happy when I got an email from St.Martins Press inviting me to read her new book, because of the two I've read I ended up loving them, and I didn't even know she was coming out with a new one until I saw the email ,and I was like yes please ,it even made its way on to my most anticipated reads for this year, bit sadly it didn't work for me, while I did like the concept of the story and as always her characters came to life it just didn't have her normal punch that her other two books (The Breakdown and Bring Me Back),and while I know and understand that every book is going to be different this one just didn't want to hold my attention at all,it was just boring even though it was a spectacular emotional display of love and deceit in a marriage. With that said I want to thank St.Martins Press as well as NetGalley for letting me read and review it , and I can't wait to to read more by this author .

The Dilemma is not so much a dilemma as it is a family drama and tragedy. When Livia turns 40, she throws herself a lavish party to compensate for the dream wedding she never had, due to a teen pregnancy and hasty marriage to Adam. Years later, Adam and she are reflective of their troubled start, their complex relationships wjtb children Josh and Marnie, and each wields a secret they’re keeping from the other. Then tragedy inevitably strikes the family and as the family grieves, they finally release all of the secrets that threaten to cleave them apart.
Meh. I don’t mind unlikeable characters - as long as they’re well developed and have important places in the story. . Livia, Adam, Marnie - they all were just selfish and self absorbed but nothing beyond those traits that made them interesting or memorable; they were either self pitying themselves for what they didn’t get in the past, or they were focused on their own needs in the present. Josh was perhaps the only family member who wasn’t so annoying, but again, he lacked depth and was forgettable as a character. The “dilemma” that was the core of this plot was underwhelming to say the least. I finished the book feeling cheated out of my time and effort. Yawn.
Conclusion: forgettable and dull.