What I expected: A twisty psychological thriller much like B.A. Paris' previous books.
What I got: An emotional, character driven novel that left me with all the feels.

The story is told from the alternating perspectives of Livia and her husband Adam. Both have concerns for their daughter, Marnie, coming to Livia's birthday party but for completely different reasons. For a character driven novel to work (at least for me), the characters must be likable (which is rare) and also relatable. I found both to be true of Livia and Adam. I became so immersed, not only in their story, but also in their emotional journeys that I too felt that raw, real emotion of these characters. I was swept into this emotional roller coaster ride and, yes, a few tears were shed along the way. This won't be a book I'll forget for awhile, and I strongly recommend it!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

BA Paris is a gifted suspense writer. I literally read most of the book in one sitting and I wasn’t even that riveted by the plot. She has a way of keeping my interest and enticing me to keep going.

Now, the plot - it doesn’t seem that complicated. The Dilemma is unlike Paris’s other works. It’s not really a whodunit mystery, but a study of a family on the verge of unimaginable challenges. The main characters, Livia and Adam, are portrayed as a happily married couple, who didn’t start that way. But, they beat the odds of teenage marriage failures.

However, if these characters are as happily married as the book says they are, they truly are awful at communicating to each other. And if you’re bad in that department, you probably wouldn’t have good relationships. Much of the book would have been cut by 75% if this husband and wife just openly talked.

Though I wasn’t captured by the mystery, it did drive me to introspection. Like Livia and Adam, my husband and I also have a 19yo studying college halfway around the world. I can relate to the worry and heartache of being so far away from their child.

One question I kept asking myself while reading the book - is there anything my child could ever do that would make me hate, not forgive, or distance myself from them? It is hard to imagine I would ever stop loving my child, especially as a Christian who has tasted the forgiveness of God. But then I think of history’s most evil people - could I keep loving a Hitler or a Stalin?

The ending is somewhat anticlimactic, but with its dramatic real-life storyline, I couldn’t have conjured up a more satisfying-to-me conclusion, without making it fantastical

*Thank you to netgalley and publisher for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I was given an ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. With that said- here we go.
I was very excited to see a new book by BA Paris. I’ve read her three other books (all psychological thrillers) and enjoyed each of them. Going in- I wish I had set myself up for the fact that this was a departure from Paris’ typical genre. This is more of a family drama.
I did not relate to the characters and their relationships with each other. I find it so unbelievable that a husband and wife who had been together for over 20 years and have 2 children together would be such poor communicators and keep such important information about their child from each other. I also found Livia and Adam having such huge character flaws that it was hard to really LIKE either of them. (And I really don’t think you need to like characters in a book to like the book- just have characters you can relate to. This book had neither). Livia seemed so self centered and immature executing her 40th birthday party. As an almost 40 year old woman myself I could not imagine myself or anyone I know acting like her. And Adam. Forgiving his behavior in the beginning of his married life (which is so incredibly awful I can’t even imagine why Livia stayed with him), I cannot fathom why he wouldn’t immediately call the hotline to find out the status of his daughter. It’s beyond me. And the fact that he let this party happen knowing his daughter was likely dead- again, it’s beyond me.
All in all- 3 stars from me because I did finish it and I feel like this story could go have gone somewhere with some serious character editing. I’m sorry BA Paris! I promise I still love ya!

B.A. Paris has an interesting premise in her new book, Dilemma. The sudden tragic death of a child and its effect upon a marriage and family. Livia and Adam married young when they found out she was pregnant and it has been a good marriage with two grown children. Livia, who is completely estranged from her parents over the pregnancy and marriage, feels she missed out and has been saving for an over the top fortieth birthday party. Their daughter as a surprise is due to fly from Hong Kong to Cairo to Amsterdam to the UK. Only Adam knows that she was on the Cairo flight that crashed three minutes after take off killing more than 200 passengers. How the family copes with the loss of Marnie is complicated by the fact she was having an affair with a family friend who is the father of her best friend and whose wife is suffering from MS. The characters lack of communication and the decisions they make often leave the reader frustrated and at loose ends. What could have been a taut psychological work is just too much for this reader. This was an ARC.

I always look forward to this author's books, and despite this one, probably still will. However, this particular novel was so stressful to read. I've come to love Paris' creativity and the tension she builds up to make excellent thrillers. But, I can't really say that this one was a thriller. It was more or less some family drama that was allowed to grow out of hand. The "dilemma" was whether or not to cancel a party based on secrets that different characters knew. There's also a phone call that one of them could have made pretty early on which would have cleared up some of the "unknown" bits. All in all, this was a really sad book about a family who kept secrets which caused them all even more pain and suffering than they were already going through.

I loved ‘Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris, and could not wait to get my hands on her newest novel, ‘The Dilemma.’ This story stayed with me long after I finished it, and I could feel the rollercoaster of emotion harbored by Adam, who is keeping a dark secret from his wife Livia throughout her dream 40th birthday party. The entire book took place throughout the course of one fateful day - and the amount of twists, gut wrenching emotion, and secrets revealed throughout this 24 hours had me captivated. It followed not only Adam and Livia, but their best friends, 2 children, parents, and extended family members. The story itself was a bit unbelievable and far-fetched, especially as more people became involved, but I was intrigued by the suspense and drama throughout. B.A Paris does it again!!

For Livia's fortieth birthday, she (and her husband Adam) just want to have a perfect day. A perfect party, one that has been planned for a long time, to make up for the fairytale wedding that she never had. But, when is anything ever perfect? Livia is keeping a secret from Adam in regards to their daughter Marnie, but, Livia isn't the only person keeping a secret.

I was not expecting this book. Having read B. A. Paris' other books, I thought I knew what I was getting into, but I was so wrong. And you know what, that's okay with me! I loved reading about the family dynamic that Livia and Adam have.

A big thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

A heartbreaking novel that leaves you with hope by the end.
My quick review- still learning how to review books, and this one is hard to talk about without ruining the book.

Two people. Two secrets.
The Dilemma:
When do they tell each other?
How do they tell each other?
What will happen when they tell each other?

This books takes the reader on an hour by hour account of finding out horrible news, the thought process, anxiety, fear, and well, dilemma of living with this secret.

A slight departure from Paris' usual thriller style book, this book still captured me and I just had to continue to read until the end.

The bulk of this book takes place over just a 24 hour period. It is the day of Livia’s long awaited 40th birthday party. She did not have the opportunity to have the big wedding of her dreams so for 20 years she has been planning her 40th birthday party to make up for it. We soon find out that both she and her husband Adam have separate secrets they are holding in to share with one another but decide to wait until after the big day.
I could not stop reading this book. The alternating viewpoints makes the story move along at a swift pace. I couldn’t wait to find out what happened. I really enjoyed the book and it was a thriller, but not necessarily in the sense you typically think of for a suspenseful thriller.
I will say that some parts were pretty unbelievable. Like the fact that you would start planning a 40th birthday party 20 years in advance (why not just renew your vows to make up for missing out on a wedding??). I also find it hard to believe that Adam would be capable of keeping in his particular secret throughout the party.

*I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Wow! The Dilemma is definitely a page turner and I could not stop reading it even though I knew that staying up past my bedtime was not the best idea I've had all week. The story switches between Livia and Adam as we approach Livia's 40th birthday and her birthday party which she has been fantasizing about for the past 20 years. We understand the main characters' thoughts, fears and the secrets that they are keeping from each other. Livia and Adam have been married for decades and have two children: an older son and younger daughter who are both in their 20s and venturing out on their own. Present day Livia is reflecting on her relationships with her family and friends and wishing that things could have gone differently with her parents. With twenty years of wishing behind her, she's ready to let go if it comes to that and pursue her next chapter of life on her own terms. Adam has regrets too and he loves his family even if he hasn't always demonstrated it in the best ways. The family isn't truly dysfunctional, but like most families, they have their challenges.

The book only gives you pieces of information at a time, so it keeps you wondering what is going to happen, what might have already happened and if you can guess what the secrets are. The anticipation continues to build throughout the story which is one reason why the pages almost flipped themselves and all sense of the outside world was lost to me. I highly recommend this book as a fast and engaging read.

I always like to see an established writer take a risk, so when I started reading The Dilemma I was glad B.A. Paris seemed to be venturing into new territory. Whereas her previous book, Bring Me Back, is a straight thriller The Dilemma is entirely different. Told from Livia and Adam's points of view, the novel is broken up into short chapters that span a single day that combines frivolity and tragedy. After twenty years of imagining a lavish fortieth birthday party, Livia has at last made her dream a reality. All her friends will be there to celebrate with her, Adam and their son Josh in a backyard garden filled with roses and fairy lights. The only thing that mars Livia's happiness is that her 19-year-old daughter Marnie can't be there. Well, that's not quite right. Because she isn't sure she wants her daughter there, for reasons we learn later on in the novel.

The premise and structure of the novel reminded me immediately of Virginia Woolf's novel, Mrs. Dalloway, which also spans a single day. Like Livia, Clarissa Dalloway is also planning an extravagant party—a party that's marred by a tragedy. It's this similarity that gives me most pause when writing my review, because it makes me wonder just what Paris's take on her characters actually is. As a few other reviewers have mentioned, there are times when they seem shallow and selfish, not to mention foolish. Are Livia and Adam—as well as some of their friends—meant to come across as unsympathetic? Or are we supposed to identify with them and sympathize with their emotions? I'm just not sure. Maybe that uncertainty is what Paris wants readers to consider.

I'm also not sure whether Paris intended the narrative structure to be as frustrating as it was. Both Livia and Adam are holding back secrets—secrets they know they must share with each other. Readers know early on what Adam's secret is and are maybe halfway into the book when they find out what Livia's hiding from her husband. Because the chapters alternate between Livia and Adam's perceptions, and because they proceed hour by hour, the time between learning Adam's secret and hearing him tell Livia becomes excruciatingly maddening (there is also the not-so-small matter of an unmade phone call). At first I found Adam's behavior utterly unrealistic, but after mulling it over last night I realized I know people who have acted in just this same way when faced with difficult tasks. And as much as I couldn't identify with Livia's actions, I understand there are women out there who would react this way. As a mother, the final chapter in the book—the final paragraph specifically--was the hardest for me to accept. But again, that brings me back to my initial question: what are we as readers meant to make of these characters?

I do recommend two things: first, if you're a fan of Paris, go into this novel with different expectations. The Dilemma isn't like her other books and I wouldn't really classify it as a thriller, though there is a lot of suspense. Second, if you can read the book quickly, in one or two sittings. Otherwise, the waiting may drive you nuts. I think if this had been a shorter book, even a novella, it would have worked better for me. But I read it very quickly—in the course of a single day—and that fit with the narrative arc, more or less.

Much thanks to St. Martins and NetGalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the Kindle ARC of The Dilemma by B. A. Paris. The Dilemma is compulsive reading. Adam and Livia are preparing to celebrate Livia's long-planned 40th birthday. Unfortunately, each of them are keeping secrets from the other, none of them good. Adam's plans to have their daughter join them for the birthday celebration but, in addition to keeping that secret, he comes upon information that their daughter may not arrive for the party. Livia also has a secret about their 19 year old daughter, one that she is distraught over and isn't freely sharing with her husband.
One criticism I read of this book was that the reviewer found it difficult to believe that spouses who loved each other could hold that kind of secret from the other - that they would have such poor communication that they didn't share the devastating secret - didn't phase me. Marriages can be intricate and loving, but sometimes its difficult to tell even your closest loved one something that could change the entire landscape of the marriage. The Dilemma was twisty and tense and difficult to put down.

A quick, riveting story told along the same fast-paced lines as past novels, by this thought stimulating author. Readers are introduced to Livia and Adam as they prepare for a day of celebrating, surrounded by friends and family. Immediately, we feel the suspense as we know something is not going right and this day may be far from perfect. But who is hiding the biggest secret and will these secrets destroy friendships, family, and ultimately a day of celebrating that has been a dream of Livia's since she can remember?

While this novel doesn't have the storyline readers are used to from this author, they will feel just as thrilled and will find themselves turning pages faster with each new revelation.

Families can be difficult and family dynamics can a hard thing to maneuver through. This book will provide many good talking points for book clubs and make readers think about how they may or may not have handled the same types of situations.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read the advanced copy of The Dilemma by B.A. Paris. I received this book via NetGalley for an honest review. I’ve been anticipating the arrival of this book and it didn’t disappoint.

The Dilemma is more of a drama than her usual suspense/thriller books, but it still had a major suspense theme. The book is all about family secrets and fears. During this page-turner, you’ll be asking yourself how well do you know your own family. This book is worth the read and I look forward to more books from B.A. Paris.

#netgalley
#B.A.Paris
#TheDilemma

I was insanely bored by this book and found myself skimming through much of it. I wouldn’t say that the book is a thriller at all, more of a family drama. I couldn’t relate to the main characters. I wanted to like this book, but it wasn’t for me. Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

Dilemma was a complex tale that seemed simple on the surface. Livia, an upper middle class attorney in England, was planning to celebrate her 40th birthday with an elaborate party at her home. She was throwing it for herself, complete with catered food and drinks, music, lights and flowers. She never had a wedding reception, so this party, in her mind, was a substitute for her loss of that rite of passage. Unfortunately, she has a secret that she has kept from her husband for a few months. Alex, Livia’s husband, is the other main character. He too has a secret he is keeping from Livia. Both secrets revolve around their grown daughter, Marnie, who is away studying at college. The chapters of the book alternate between Livia and Alex telling their stories of how they came to the evening of the big celebration.
As the story evolves, the reader finds out about their upbringing, their adolescent dreams, their early marriage, and their struggles as a young couple. Fortunately, they have become successful, with a beautiful home and gardens, good jobs, and two educated young adult children, Marnie and Josh.
As in most families, the relationship between parents and children is labile, strained at times, but overall one of mutual love.
There is also a host of friends of Livia and Alex who figure prominently in the story, particularly a set of brothers, Nelson and Rob.
As each chapter evolves, you are drawn into the mind of Livia, of her years of saving money and planning for this party, and feeling guilty now that she’s having it for herself. Her secret that she’s keeping from her husband is weighing heavily on her, as is her past life. From Alex’s point of view, he is at first keeping a joyful secret, which later turns tragic.
The novel was a wonderful character study of Livia and Alex, and the secrets they held that reflect their private agony. Even though they are close as a married couple, they have their private thoughts that they carry alone.
The book was a page turner, I read it in a day because I couldn’t stay away. The author developed characters who were real, and their issues universal. The setting of an upper middle class family home was relatable, with struggles of finances, children in college, and thoughts on life going from youth into middle age. The uncomfortable feelings of the secrets both Livia and Alex held were palpable, and the reader was drawn into the private hell of each as they struggled with how to tell the other. Not if, but when and how.
I was given the book to review, and it is my unbiased opinion that is well worth the read for fans of suspense fiction. I quickly came to know the characters well, and to relate to the problems in their lives. We have all had internal struggles with secrets, we have all had hopes, aspirations and regrets.
The writing flowed well, weaving past issues, friendships, marital stresses, and the secrets held by Livia and Alex into a suspenseful novel that will keep you guessing until the end.

I received this book from Net Galley for an honest review. I couldn't put this book down!! I kept trying to but ended up reading it in one night. It kept me on my toes and I couldn't help but wonder if in each chapter some answers might be revealed. This is one of those books where it's hard to write a review without giving it away. I would have to say the only thing I really disliked about this book was how many characters there were, and how they all seemed important to the main characters. The writer did give good back stories, and given that the booked is based around the main characters birthday you need to know the guests and know them well enough to keep up. But by the time I got to the end, even I was exhausted from all the guests. I felt this was a faster paced novel vs some of his others, even tho it's not really a mystery. I felt more invested in the characters and wanting to know the changes that would inevitably change their lives.

WOW! I admit I have never read a B.A. Paris book before, and I was blown away!!!

The Dilemma is a fast-paced book that grabs you from the beginning, and slowly peels off layers of a story at a pace that keeps you turning pages well into the night.

There are two distinct plotlines, each told from the perspective of the husband and wife, Adam and Livia. Told in alternating voices, each party has something they are hiding from the other, and as the book unfolds you get closer to each person’s explosive truth with increasing intensity. Though the book unfolds in a brief timeline, basically 24 hours, each chapter gives you enough of the backstory for the characters that you can relate to them and fully understand their background and motivations for their actions in the present. I won’t go into the secrets that each party is hiding, for fear of spoiling the story, but suffice it to say that you know when the secrets converge something huge will happen for this family.

Adam and Livia are the two main characters, but the other characters (parents, kids, friends) all play a significant role in each spouse’s story. The author submerges you into the world of this family in a way that makes you feel like you can’t stop reading until you know what happens.

I began this book on a weeknight, and found myself eager to return to it each night, cozily reading by the fire while I got to know Adam and Livia better, and worried for them as the story unfolded.

The Dilemma is one of those books that you can’t put down, but are sad to see it end. The characters and plot held my attention, and the pace of the story was not too hurried, but enticing enough that you want to keep reading to see what happens.

I think this book is perfect for anyone who likes a story that blends family drama with intrigue and secrets. Although this was my first B.A. Paris read, it certainly won’t be my last.

I gave this book 4 stars, and would recommend it highly.

I thank Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the copy of the book I received in exchange for an honest review.

Ok I was SO excited to see another B.A Paris book being released and I definitely had a very hard time putting this one down, the twists and turns of this story were amazing. I really loved Livia's character and all she wanted was a day to feel special, holding a huge secret from the family but in the end she wasn't the one holding the biggest one of all. The best day of her life definitely turns into the worst.

I did not enjoy this book. Mostly because I just found it horribly sad and upsetting. Almost the entire story takes place over one single day, and while the story .moved quickly for me, not much of significance happened. The ending of the book didn't feel right either. This read much more like a realistic fiction novel than a thriller.