Ranting ahead. This was... not good.

First of all, it's not a thriller. It's a family drama.

Secondly, it's a short story. It never should have been made into a novel. Half of it is pure repetition, disguised as suspense-building.

Thirdly, I didn't like it.

B.A. Paris' other novels have been fantastic, with the exception of Bring Me Back, which I loathed. Her best was her debut, Behind Closed Doors, which was grotesque, creepy and utterly absorbing.

What's strange is that the central premise behind The Dilemma could have been interesting. What if you had a secret that could change your entire family? Would you want to wait to tell them? Or would you throw the bomb and let it explode?

Adam and Livia both have secrets. It's the day of Livia's long awaited 40th birthday party, and they're both intent on having the perfect day. You see, Livia didn't ever get to have her extra-special wedding day (gag), so this party is a stand-in, complete with her wearing a white dress and carrying around a bouquet. I can't even, you guys. The notion that a grown woman would care this much about a birthday party is ridiculous, as is the amount of money and time they've spent on it. Not to mention, we get glimpses of this extravagant party throughout the novel, and it's not even impressive? There's some basic food, a big tent, and a crappy DJ. GAH.

But Adam is determined his wifey is going to have a night to remember. He's even arranged a surprise - for their daughter Marnie to travel from China (where she's taking a gap year) and get all wrapped up in a box for her mother to open. Little does he know that Livia would rather eat glass than see her daughter. Because Livia has a secret too, and it's to do with Marnie.

So we have a maddening set-up right from the get-go - no one talking, lots of inner hand-wringing and turmoil, and tons of Livia being oddly invested in a birthday party. Again, A BIRTHDAY PARTY. That is some next level regression, folks. She's so invested that when Adam finds out shattering news, he doesn't tell her because...

Because...

I HONESTLY DON'T KNOW WHY.

The fact that he doesn't tell her this particular news is just... it's beyond belief. It's beyond imagining. It doesn't make any sense.

In the meantime, Livia is agonizing over her big secret, which isn't even that huge of a deal... yes, it's tough and it's not going to be pretty when everything falls apart, but for her to even contemplate never speaking to Marnie again because of it? Whoa nelly, your priorities are skewed, girl. I have a suggestion for Livia: get your head out of the party-planning clouds for one single minute and pay some attention your daughter who is obviously struggling. MY CHRIST.

The audacity it takes to judge anyone's life choices when you've made this big of a hairy deal over your 40th birthday...

*piercing exhalation*

The ending is also completely superficial. It might as well have a bow on it. It's like a year later, and they're all fine. I didn't buy it. I didn't buy a single word. Again, as a short story, this might have worked. It might have worked if the central event that Adam was trying not to spoil had been bigger - like, what if it had been Josh's wedding day? But the very idea that he would be so psychotic as to not ruin his wife's little party is just beyond the pale. How could he even function, knowing what had happened?

How could he not have made the call?

I just couldn't, with any of it.

The only thing left to say is... poor Marnie. You were the only person I wouldn't have minded hanging out with. And you deserved better than a slut-shaming mother and a father who would rather his wife's birthday party go ahead than face the truth.

The End.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Of course I would read about the crash as the flight attendants were giving safety instructions as my flight to Balmaceda was taxiing... But hey, this was gripping enough to get me through a flight and the subsequent bus ride, so.
This was so much dramatic tension, with one character knowing information another didn't. Paris has pivoted from the traditional eerie psychological thriller which is good as I think we're all a bit thrillered out. I was impressed by how she handled the emotions here. While at times I did struggle to really connect with the characters, I teared up multiple times and she handled all the conflicting feelings and guilt around extremely well. The cast of characters wasn't entirely drawn, but they all had clear motives and problems that made them a fascinating one to deal with. Another really solid book! Glad to see the genre pivot and curious for the future.

I've read every B.A. Paris book so far, and this one is my favorite! I was completely immersed in the book from page one and I didn't stop until I finished. It was a great way to spend the last day of my winter break before heading back to work.

The best book of 2020 so far. Loved the suspense but also the family drama. Great book.

Thanks to author,publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book. While I got the book for free,it had no bearing on the rating I gave it.

B.A. Paris is best known for her suspenseful thrillers. Her latest book, "The Dilemma," is a departure from her usual style but made for a totally compelling reading experience. The story is told in alternating voices between Adam and Livia who have been married for over twenty years. They have two children, Josh and Marnie, and on the surface everything appears like they have an idyllic family life. B.A. Paris is adept at character development and her portrayal of Adam and Livia is at times sharp and unflinching.

The story centers around a 40th birthday party for Livia, which she has been planning for an inordinate amount of time. As the story unravels, we learn that both Adam and Livia have life-changing secrets that each is afraid to tell the other. The story examines the fragile bonds of marriage, family and lifelong friendships told through the voices of Adam and Livia as they each grapple with their dilemma.

I was drawn into this gripping family drama and found the plot to be disturbingly effective. Paris gradually builds the story by exposing the sometimes baffling inactions of the main characters due to Livia's obsession with her party. It forces us to see how love can sometimes misguide us into making decisions that can have unexpected consequences and far-reaching ripple effects.

Many thanks to St. Martin's Press, NetGalley and B.A. Paris for an advance copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I did enjoy The Dilemma. I finished reading it in one day. It was different than the author's normal style of writing, and also different in the way the story flowed. Less intensity and less psychological thriller, with way more family drama, dynamics, and plenty of secrets for good measure.

Honestly, some of it felt predictable, whereas other aspects felt as though I thought I knew and then I totally didn't. Overall, I obviously enjoyed the read, as less than 24 hours is like flying through a novel these days.

I think that many of the author's fans will pick this book up and expect a mystery, when in reality they will get a bit beyond that, but still enjoy trying to put themselves in the shoes of each character. I look forward to reading more from Paris, and also hearing what readers say about this title! Thank you for the opportunity to read and review.

**Thank you Net Galley and St. Martin Press for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have read all four of the books by BA Paris and this was not good at all. I loved her first two novels, felt meh about the 3rd and found this one to be boring.

The story take place in a full day alternating between two characters, Livia and Adam each having a secret but wanted to get through the day first. Livia was having a giant 40th birthday party that she had been planning for 20 years because her parents disowned her when she got pregnant unmarried at 17 and she didn’t get to have her big dream wedding. So she spent 20 years planning a party for when she turned 40. I have never met anyone who has spent 20 years planning a birthday party. All I will say about these secrets is that they aren’t something you would keep from a spouse because of a birthday party even if you had spent 20 years planning it.

The character development was lacking. Half the time I couldn’t remember which point of view I was reading. The characters weren’t likable. In fact, I found them annoying and immature most of the time The plot was dry and boring. There were no twists or turns. As I said, the entire book was about waiting to share their secrets.

I am extremely disappointed in this book. As I said, this authors first 2 books were page turners. Sadly, I wouldn’t recommend this book to a friend.

I love reading B.A. Paris 's books, I loved the first two so much, the 3rd book she wrote wasn't to bad, and Now the 4th book, different kind of read, but it wasn't bad, I just wish it was more of a thriller kind of story line. I hope to read more book by her in the future.

Tense chilling could not put down.B.A.Paris has written another true page turner kept me guessing tilll the end.#netgalley#st.martinsbooks.

This was the first book I have read by this author. Not a typical whine done it page turner/thriller but definitely a parent’s worst nightmare realized. I look forward to reading more by this author.

This was a boring short story that was stretched out into a full-length snooze of a book. I basically hate-read it.

Why? Let me count the ways:
• The entire book relies on the tired trope of a couple NOT TALKING TO EACH OTHER!! UGH
• I found it hard to believe a grown ass woman would dream of a 40th birthday party for 20+ years, to make up for the big wedding she never had. The way she obsesses over the party is utterly ridiculous. Grow up already.
• Pages and pages could be skimmed without missing a thing. 90% of the book was repeating over and over and over again the “dilemma”. Good grief, we get it already. Without the repetition the book would have been about 30 pages long.
• The dilemma? Each knows a secret that they are keeping from the other. Adam’s secret is serious and to think he could continue with the party despite his suspicions is utterly ridiculous. Just so his immature wife can have her ridiculous party. Livia’s "secret" is just plain dumb, as is the way she obsesses over it.
• The ending? It was not only pat and unbelievable but it made me angry for all the people who have lived this particular hell.
• There was no tension, just irritation. This is a family drama, not a thriller, and a boring one at that.

I did finish the book thinking there just might be a payoff at the end. There wasn’t. I'm rounding it up to 2 stars simply because I finished it.

The Dilemma by B.A. Paris was really good! It was extremely fast paced with alternating points of view. I really liked how I got more of the back story that way. The characters are really good and very relatable. This is a story about secrets and what you would do to spare or protect a loved one. I wouldn't consider this a thriller but more of a family drama or suspense. This was the first book I read by this author and it definitely won't be the last! I highly recommend.

I absolutely love B. A. Paris and was thrilled to get an advanced copy of this book. I literally could not stop reading it once I started. I especially liked the alternating narrations as I felt like it got me even more engrossed in the events of the story. This book was more of a “family drama” storyline as opposed to a “thriller” but that didn’t keep me from thoroughly enjoying it. Highly recommend!

Absolutely riveting.

I couldn’t put this book down. In the face of unimaginable tragedy, would you keep a secret to protect someone you loved?

That exact scenario is laid out in The Dilemma and will keep you glued to the pages as you follow Adam as he prepares a surprise for his Wife’s 40th birthday party.

If you are a fan of B.A. Paris, don’t wait to pick this one up. If you are new to her work, make this the first book of hers you read because you will not regret it.

Wow. Wow. Wow.

The Dilemma is a fast paced, heart pounding, gut wrenching, emotional, masterpiece.
B.A. Paris does not disappoint. 5 stars. It will be my most recommended book of 2020, hands down. I can’t recall the last time I read through the night to find out what was going to happen next. I came so close to flipping to the back of the book to find out. I was on pins and needles for more than half of the book. The characters development was exceptional, I felt like I was on an emotional roller coaster. A must read.

From the first time I read Behind Closed Doors I knew BA Paris was a special writer. Each one of her books is a masterpiece. They sear themselves in your heart and you can not help but take something with you from each one of her works. She can get inside your head and your heart and is just amazing. It is a privilege to read her works.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Net Galley for providing me with an ARC of The Dilemma. I have read all of B.A. Paris's books and have enjoyed them. This one was a departure as the suspense aspect of the book came from an entirely different direction than in her last few books. That being said, I found this book to be a page turner. I couldn't stop reading to see how all of the "side plots" would come together at the end. Without saying too much, I continued to hold out hope and hold my breath in regard to ending outcomes. If you are a reader looking for outlandish twists and turns that seem to be hallmark of many prior books by B.A. Paris, this one will be a bit different. However, you will want to pick up this book. It is a great exploration of family, friendships and relationships and was an extremely engaging read. I give it 3.5 stars.

I love this author. This book was awesome. Livia and Adam are both hiding things from each other. It leads to some interesting communication issues. They both seem to be waiting until the end of Livia's birthday party to tell the other one horrible news. They don't want to spoil the party and they don't want to ruin each other's life, but they're really just stalling because the truth needs to come out eventually. I thought this was stunning. You see this from each character's perspective and they don't necessarily tell you everything at the beginning. I got really involved with the characters. And I could not put this down once I got going. I definitely recommend this.

The Dilemma by B.A. Paris has been one of my most highly anticipated reads of 2020, and I could not have been more thrilled to be granted an ARC from the publisher. If, like me, you are ready to devour anything that this author puts forth, you will not be disappointed.

Livia has been preparing for her fortieth birthday party for the past twenty years, and the day has finally arrived. With the full support of her husband, Adam, and son, Josh, Livia has spared no expense to create an event that is solely for her. There is only one thing that is preventing the day from being absolutely perfect, and that is the absence of her daughter, Marnie, who is studying in Hong Kong. Yet, Livia knows a secret that makes her reluctant to welcome her daughter home, knowing that the truth will destroy her husband once it is revealed. Adam, meanwhile, has a secret of his own, and will do whatever it takes to preserve his wife's happiness. Just how far will someone go to protect those they love? Herein lies the dilemma.

This is domestic drama at its very best, and a must read for any B.A. Paris fan.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this wonderful ARC.

OMG this was one of the best books I have ever read (and I've read hundreds of mysteries, Suspense, thrillers--you name it. But this book just blew me away. Now I know what peop,e mean when they say a book is unputdownable because I absolutely couldn't go to sleep until I finished it. The writing is beyond wonderful, the plot, the characters--all amazing, B.A. Paris can REALLY WRITE. What a gift!