I enjoyed the book, although I kept waiting for something ... not sure what. I imagine it is because the authors other books have been more of a thriller and this one was much different. Something to be learned from this one is that we all could probably be better communicators.
That’s to Netgalley and the Publisher for the ARC

Thank you to Netgalley.com for the ARC.

I have read BA Paris' previous books and think they are all good thriller, page turner novels. This one does not disappoint. Told from two different perspectives (husband and wife) each dealing with their own individual dilemma and how they those dilemmas intertwine. There is heartbreak and happiness throughout the story and while there is no big twist or surprise reveal, the story keeps you riveted hoping for an outcome that is different from the way it is heading.

I finished this book in a day and am sure it will be another best seller for the author!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this advance copy.

I really enjoyed this. It was less psychological and more domestic than the other books of hers, but I still liked it. The hour by hour framing of one day reminded me of Mrs. Dalloway. Slow at times, but then it moves faster.

First off, I want to say that The Dilemma by B.A. Paris is a lot different than any of her other books in my opinion. It’s a family drama that’s a very emotional read. The one thing that I didn’t care for about reading the story was that it seemed to drag on and on. If I hadn’t been reading it off from my kindle and had a physical copy, I know I would of peeked at the ending to see what was going to happen. I’m glad that I couldn’t, as that would of ruined the whole thing for me. I do think it was a very good story and one I’d recommend, although the subject matter might be very painful for some but only for those who have gone through similar circumstances. I do want to warn readers that tissues will be needed as this is a sad story, however, the way the characters work through it is uplifting. I wasn’t sure about the star rating, at first I thought only 4 stars because of the way I felt it dragged on but then I went with 5 because of the way it left me crying my eyes out. I believe that if an author can have that kind of effect on a readers emotions, then they deserve the 5 stars. I’d like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for giving me the opportunity to read and review the arc. All opinions stated are my own.

A real page turner, classic Paris does it again with a gripping story that is truly un-putdownable.
Whilst not my favourite genre, i appreciated and enjoyed it all the same.

When I saw that B.A Paris had a new book coming out, I knew I had to read it. I love a good psychological thriller and the way things get spun. I knew Paris wouldn't disappoint. What I got was so different from previous Paris books. It was twisted in a totally unique way and I'm still thinking about it a week later.

The Dilemma is basically told over one full day and it's more of a suspenseful family drama than a thriller. Livia's 40th birthday celebrations are to begin and she is having the party of all parties. She has literally been saving for this party for 20 years! She and her husband, Adam got pregnant and married at a very young age. Their children, Josh and Marnie are now grown. They made life work for them as they were young parents, but now they will enjoy what comes with having adult children. That is our background of the story that unfolds in such a breath holding way.

Livia has a secret and she is going to hold until sometime after the party. She wants everyone to be happy because she knows life will change for their whole family and their friends after. She wants one last day of happiness. What she doesn't know is Adam also has a secret and he doesn't even really 100% know if what he's keeping from everyone has happened or not. What follows is how these characters are feeling throughout the day.

Told from Livia and Adam's point of views, I definitely got in the head of both of these characters. How they grappled with keeping something so life altering from one another. How they wanted everyone to have one last day of happiness. They loved one another and their family and friends enough to give them that happiness. Or was it selfishness? I felt like I was holding my breath the whole time through this story AND it was just told over ONE day!! When were the secrets going to come out? How would it effect everyone? Would they share the secrets?

I found the storytelling compelling, but at times, I just wanted to get on with it. But that wasn't the point. The point was to feel the emotions of each character and how they were going to change the lives of those around them. You just don't release those thoughts without thinking about it. And that's what we got. Those thoughts and those emotions. And when they come to a complete boil, you have no idea what will happen with the family dynamic.

A different story that I enjoyed and liked getting inside the thought process of the two main characters. It definitely wasn't an easy read, but it was one in which made you think.

To me, this didn't feel like a traditional thriller or mystery. The two main characters, Livia and Adam, it alternates between are both keeping big secrets from each other until after Livia's 40th birthday party. It is the story of that day, as it all comes to a head. It was a fast read, but it was definitely a departure from what I'm used to in this genre, and I would probably say it read more like a straight psychological novel than a thriller. I obviously still read it very quickly and was interested and entertained the entire time, but if someone were to ask about a new thriller, this would not come to mind.

This story had more unexpected twists than a Jodi Picoult book! Every time I thought I had it figured out, another twist in the story caused me to rethink everything. I loved it!!!!

2.5.....I'm having a hard time deciding what rating to give this book. I'm a big fan of B. A. Paris so I couldn't wait to read this book however it was a disappointing read. I was expecting a good read like the previous books however what we have is a family/friends drama filled with people not communicating with each other, a grown woman obsessed with having a 40th birthday party to make up for her not having her dream wedding and I was just bored waiting for it to end. The ending was very emotional however everything leading up to it was just crazy, drawn out and unrealistic. It was a quick read because it was very repetitive and you could honestly skip chapters and not miss anything. I really hope the next book is a psychological thriller like the previous ones.

Thanks to NetGally for the arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Once again, B.A. Paris delivers an engrossing narrative that pulled me in and never let go. Riveting characters, grasping plots and twists, The storyline was addicting and fast paced. I found myself dying to find out what was going to happen next. You will not be able to put this book down until you are done. B.A. Paris delivered another masterpiece.

B.A. Paris is one of my top 3 favorite authors of all times. I own all her books in hardcover and always preorder the first day I am able too. My preorder has been in for months and I can’t wait to get this delivered June 30th and read it again. Hats off to B.A. Paris for another piece of brilliant work. On a selfish note I am hoping you have already started your next book.

I give this book a 3 star rating. I was very confused on what was happening and had a hard time keeping up. I felt like it was too focused on the wife's party. I wanted thrill and I didn't receive that from this book.

I absolutely love all B.A. Paris books. But this one kinda felt flat to me. The characters were semi likable but story was drawn out. It's not like her another books. This one a family drama. I kept waiting for twist or stock in the end but got nothing. SPOILER ALERT: I wish there was more after the death of the daughter. It kind of just ended. The whole book was about Liv and Adam the day of the party. I wish she wrote few chapters about Marnies point of view before she died. Overall I would give it 3 half stars.

I think if you go into this book thinking it’s a thriller, you will be disappointed. If definitely is a long drawn out family drama. I love this authors books and will continue to read her books. This one was okay, but not nearly as good as the authors other books.

B.A. Paris is the undisputed master of domestic suspense, so this book was high on my wishlist.. One of my favorite current authors, Paris always delivers the thrills and I am usually on pins and needles for her next release. I absolutely loved The Breakdown, and wondered how she would ever top it. Here, she did not disappoint! Paris always has very creative ideas, and is great at building suspense and thrills organically without resorting to trick twists, red herrings or overly dramatic prose. Just genuine thrills and quick page turning with your heart in your throat. When people say a book is "unputdownable," this is the author that comes to mind most literally. I am usually physically unable to put her books down until I get to the end.

This book poses a really interesting and scary "dilemma" that I won't describe here, because that would ruin the fun. The author has said this is more of a family drama, and different from her other books, which is true - but it's still extremely scary so it will satisfy any thriller reader. This is a very suspenseful, brutally honest and interesting portrait of a "perfect family" that I enjoyed very much. It's a little bit of a slow burn at the beginning but well-written and your interest is always piqued, and it really picks up speed halfway through. The last 1/3 of this book is scary and uncomfortable to read in the best way. Paris never cheats with her endings and always delivers - this was no exception.

Another great book by this author. I can't wait to read B.A. Paris' next book, even though I just finished this one!

Thanks so much to NetGalley, B.A. Paris and St. Martin's Press for giving me one of my most wished-for books in exchange for my honest review!

If you're a fan of long, drawn out family dramas, then you'll enjoy this one.

I walked into this one knowing it was a family drama, so there were no surprises there. However, I think fans of B.A Paris' thrillers, will be disappointed with this one.

What I liked:

- alternating POV's & timelines
- pacing. The story gets going from the start.

What didn't work for me:

While the pacing was quick, the secrets and lack of communication between characters made the story monotonous, and drag on longer than it needed to.

While I enjoy family dramas, I also hate when it takes too long to get to the highlight of the book. It's like, spit it out and tell me already!!
This will work for some readers, but for some it won't.

Let's start with I LOVE B.A. Paris. I was so excited when I heard about a new book.
I didn't read a single thing going into the story. I tend to do that for some reason.

This book was a bit slower in pace. I know it only spans a day in time but it feels like a drawn out day. I get the Dilemma each of the faces in their secrets. You think you know what is best for your spouse when really you probably should just spit it out. Deal with things together. They obviously didn't get the memo.

I liked the characters of the book. Well except 1. You'll know who later.
I cried at parts. And I felt all the feels. It's not her typical book but I'm okay with that!

Thank you to @stmartinspress for a copy of this book to read and review! I went into this book not really knowing much about it other than the author. I loved Behind Closes Doors by her. The opening note from the author talked about putting off telling loved ones about something difficult. Livia is planning to celebrated her 40th and planning a big party. Her daughter is planning to surprise her by coming home. The book follows her and her husband mainly over 24 hours or so. Without giving too much away, I 100 percent related to Adams feeling that something was wrong but hoping it wasn’t! I went through the same feelings as he did with an event in my life and those feelings really hit home. I’ve seen some mixed reviews but I was really impressed by this book and storylines came together. This was totally not what I expected at all but I was pleasantly surprised. Comes out June 30.

I devoured this. Not the mot unique plot and kinda meh at times, but I couldn’t put it down. And I loved the ending - which felt true to the novel.

In The Dilemma by BA Paris a married couple face a horrible decision. Adam and Livia have been married for years. They have two grown children, Josh and Marnie. Marnie is away in Hong Kong studying. This book takes place all in one day. The day is Livia’s 40th birthday party. She’s been planning for this her whole life. Unfortunately, Marnie will not be able to make it back. Also , Adam and Livia have horrible secrets from each other. They’re both trying to decide if they should tell each other the day of this party and possibly ruin everything. This was not as much of a thriller as I thought it would be. However, I very much enjoyed the story in the suspense. I identified with both main characters in different ways. I like the fact that the story took place in one day. That made it seem much more suspenseful. Thank you to the publisher and net galley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This is the first book of B.A. Paris's that I have read, though I've heard rave reviews for her previous work. This was fantastic, and I will definitely be seeking out more of her work.