This book was good, it was intriguing although at times infuriating. It felt as if the characters were making work for themselves simply to drag out the plot. However there was a real sadness to it, and I like a book that can really make me feel something. I would recommend this.

I was looking forward to reading this as I loved this author’s previous books and I found this was a good read. It is very well written and doesn’t take long to read. Interesting story with great characters.

It's the first book I read by this author and I'm more than happy I requested it because it was a great discovery.
It's a gripping and entertaining read, it kept me on the edge till the end and it was a rollercoaster of emotions and "GASP".
I think that Ms Paris is a master storyteller and she is great at creating an engrossing plot and fleshed out characters.
I will surely read other books by this author.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

This was a fantastic read to start the year with. It’s Livia’s 40th party and she had planned it for years. Her Husband Rob is by her side to celebrate. Livid and Rob both have something they are hiding from each other’s until the party is over.
The story is told in alternating chapters from Adam and Livia’s point of view. This book took me to the top of a cliff and then pushed me off. For a simple premise I was absolutely gripped and read until 3am to finish it and was then lost when it finished.
This author will always be at the top of my pile.
Thanks to NetGalley and HQ for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was great, just enough to keep you guessing and even when you do discover the secrets its gripping enough to keep you until the end.
I very much enjoyed this book and didn't want to put it down

I loved this book . Hooked from the first page . I am a huge fan of this author and this book didn’t fail . Easy 5 stars 🌟

Livia always resented the fact she had not had the big wedding she dreamed of after her parents cut her off when she became pregnant. She had a happy marriage with Adam, two children she loved but she still wanted a 'big event'! From early on in her marriage she started saving for a big party for her fortieth birthday. It has been anticipated for years. Soon the big day draws close, but Livia has something she has kept from Adam. Adam knew how much this party meant to his wife, however when something dreadful happened on the morning of the party he couldn't decide when he should do- tell Livia or let her enjoy her big day & tell her afterwards?

Told from both points of view B.A. Paris makes the reader think about what they would do in the circumstances.

Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book. It was a good read.

B. A. Paris writes a hugely engrossing and entertaining novel of romantic suspense, awash with harboured secrets. Although, The Dilemma is a little different to B.A. Paris' previous novels, in that it's more of a family drama than a psychological thriller, it had a pleasing synopsis, so I jumped at the chance to read it and there were no disappointments here!

Livia is married to Adam and she is rapidly approaching forty. Her birthday is actually very soon and she has organised the best party ever. But Livia and Adam both have secrets that they have been keeping from one another.

Told from the perspectives of Livia and Adam, leading up to and on the night of the party, The Dilemma isn't the read I had been expecting. Although I had been anticipating something pretty good, it was first-class! Livia and Adam are both wholly unpersonable, but that made for a more interesting and addictive read.

B. A. Paris delivers this unrestrained story with a delightful cocktail of miscommunication, indecisiveness, duplicity, rights and wrongs, and little white lies. The Dilemma is beautifully plotted, a cracking story and a book I revelled in all the way through. The author did a brilliant job of drawing me into the plot, capturing and commanding my attention with her superbly drawn characters, while adding in clever twists. Nearing the point of the final revelation, I thought I knew what was going to happen, but I didn't. Along with its well-executed, satisfying and fulfilling finale, The Dilemma is sure to please both fans of B. A. Paris' previous novels, as well as those discovering her for the first time.

A riveting, stellar and exemplary novel that I'm delighted to recommend.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel, at my request, from HQ via NetGalley, and this review is my own unbiased opinion.

The Dilemma follows husband and wife Livia and Adam and the long awaited party for Livia’s 40th birthday. After falling pregnant young, being disowned by Livia’s parents and tying the know in a small ceremony, Livia knew she wanted a huge party to celebrate her 40th and make up for the wedding she dreamt of but couldn’t afford. However as the party gets closer it becomes clear that their daughter Marnie won’t be able to attend as she is studying abroad, and when the day arrives, both Livia and Adam are hiding some life changing secrets. Should they open up now and cancel the party? Or go ahead with the dream party and deal with the consequences afterwards?

The character development in this book is perfect. After about 40 pages I felt like I had been reading about these characters for months and was already part of their world. No one was absolutely perfect, but they all had a likable factor about them (well almost all of them).

Whilst reading The Dilemma, there were a couple of points throughout the plot that really got me. I had to stop reading once or twice to really digest what I was reading. Its at these times that I know a book has well and truly got hold of me.

This incredibly emotional book will really put your life into perspective and make you take a step back from what you think is important in life. Paris has done a fantastic job in portraying every characters feelings and emotions.

I can honestly say I have never found a book easier to read than The Dilemma. Paris’ writing is extremely rare and unique and the kind that I quickly become completely absorbed in. I was discussing this with another blogger and friend of mine and we realised that it is because Paris’ doesn’t spend an unnecessary amount of time (and word count) on over the top descriptions. Another fact you will know about me if you have been following for a while is that I hate pages and pages of descriptions. I lose interest easily and either skim read those parts, or put the book down. Every single sentence, paragraph and page that Paris writes is building on the plot and pulling you in with every word.

I am so excited for everyone to get their hands on The Dilemma and I personally cannot wait to see what Paris has in store for us next.

Honestly, this book is absolutely brilliant! On more than one occasion I was up until stupid o’clock in the morning because I just couldn’t put it down. Both of the main characters are struggling with heartbreaking decisions and choices they have to make, which will inevitably have huge consequences for the family and their friends.
I have to admit to crying at several points during this thought provoking book. The way the characters have been drawn, and their individual struggles told, this book stayed with me for days after I’d finished it. Another excellent story for an author who keeps pushing the bar higher with every book!

4.5

I went in to this book with very high expectations and they definitely were hit. I found that I couldn't actually put it down I was so interested to see how it all unravelled!

I found as I was reading I could actually picture the scenes in my head because it was very descriptive but without it being boring or dragging on, which is a great plus for me!

It is definitely a thrilling family drama with some great twists and dark secrets. I did find some parts a bit heart breaking and definitely tugged on my heart strings but overall this is a great thrilling drama full of suspense and hard to put down!

The only reason it is a 4.5 and not 5 ⭐ is that I felt it dragged a teeny weeny bit after the big reveal but other than that it was a fantastic read!

B A Paris is swiftly becoming one of my must read authors. I have read a few of her books now and I absolutely loved ‘The Dilemma.’

We are introduced to Livia in the opening chapters. She is in the midst of organising her 40th birthday party. Her younger years saw her fall in love with Adam and unexpectedly fall pregnant prior to marriage. Her wedding was not the stuff of dreams but her 40th will be the big day she never had.

She is living the perfect life, her two children are grown and independent. Her daughter Marnie is studying in Hong Kong and her son, ??? about to go to New York but her life is about to be torn apart.

Adam has secretly arranged for his daughter to fly home for the party but this is about to throw him into a dilemma. Bad news is on the horizon but can he, should he keep it to himself until after the party?

Livia is relieved that her daughter will not be home for the party, A secret has been uncovered that would blow their world apart, She is desperate to tell Adam but she just wants her party and her life to continue as normal, just for a little while longer.

This was not so much of the psychological thriller that I was expecting but more of a domestic drama. That was fine with me as I love a good family that are not quite so perfect as they appear.

The characters in this book were likable in some parts but then as I was reading through I would think to myself actually, I don’t like you quite so much anymore and before I knew it, I was back to loving them.

This story revolves around family, love, heartbreak and strength. Was Adam strong enough to put his emotions on hold until after the party and would him doing so tear the family apart?

I am rating this book a 4 star. This is not down to they story but more my only personal taste in reading. The lifestyle that these characters were leading was somewhat Hollywood movie style and I do tend to prefer characters that lead a more down to earth gritty life style but that’s just my personal taste.

I did really enjoy this book and will be looking to read more from this author.

I loved it! Another fantastic drama from BA Paris who never disappoints.
Her first novel Behind Closed Doors is one of my favourite books ever and I continue to be gripped by everything she writes.
Highly recommended author and I will continue in my attempts to get everyone reading her this year.
Thank you very much Netgalley for an early copy in exchange for my review.

Riveting! This is a novel which lives up to it's title!

Livia never got the big wedding she had been promised; ever since she has dreamed of having a huge party for her 40th birthday, and finally that day has arrived. Her husband, Adam, has news he really should share with his wife but he doesn't want to spoil the party she has planned for so long so decides to hold fire. Unknown to him, Livia is in possession of something which she should also share, but has decided to wait until the party is over. Have they made the right decisions? That is their dilemma . . .

This is another gripping read from B. A. Paris, and I was hooked all the way through. Starting off upbeat, the day of the party is revealed hour by hour as we discover the family dynamics followed by some shocking revelations. The decisions and doubts are clearly displayed and it's inevitable that the reader will ask themselves what they would do if they found themselves in a similar position; honestly, I have no idea. The author has planned this meticulously, minute by minute, and I wondered how it was all going to play out. Full of twists and turns, this kept me glued to the very last and I was extremely pleased when everything was finished off so well. No unanswered questions, just a feeling of happy satisfaction that everything was tied up. This is a prime example of a well thought out book which has left no stone unturned and I really enjoyed reading it. Fully deserving of the 4 stars I'm happy to give it.

My thanks to publisher HQ for my copy via NetGalley; this is my honest and original review.

I was delighted to be approved by the publisher to read The Dilemma ahead of publication via Netgalley. One of my favourite books of recent years was Behind Closed Doors by the same author, so I was excited to read where she would take us in this next novel.
The subject of the book is Livia's 40th birthday party. She has been planning it for years, a kind of replacement for the big wedding she never had. Livia and Adam married young due to a shock pregnancy which saw Livia's parents disown her and Adam is happy to indulge her in her dream. But events on the night before the party put Adam into the worst position of his entire life, yet nobody can help him decide what to do or how much to say to Livia because nobody else knows.
While all this is going on, we hear from Livia's point of view. She too has her own secret which she is holding back from telling Adam, also wondering when and how she is going to break her news. She knows what she has to tell him will have repercussions and she doesn't want to spoil the party as it won't just affect her husband.
For a section of the book I did become a little frustrated by the amount of procrastinating Adam was doing but this was overshadowed by how strongly I felt sorry for him for what he had to tell his wife. Something nobody ever wants to be doing. The secret Adam was holding actually helped him deal with other issues in his life which he could have handled badly if he wasn't overwhelmed by the task in hand, which I felt strengthened the relationship he had with his son Josh after the event. My heart broke for him and I admit to having shed a good few tears as the book came to a climax.
Once again BA Paris has created a cracking good read which I am sure will be one of this year's top selling novels.
*This review will be posted on my social media and blog on publication day*

Having enjoyed BA Paris's previous offerings, I was really excited to get stuck into The Dilemma.

First off, I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn't quite this. The immediate plot of Livia's 40th birthday was irritating, I didn't much like her as a character - but it was Adam's storyline that kept the book going for me. I could really see how he reacted the way that he did throughout and the eventual confession was harrowing to read.

I did enjoy the book, but found the pacing to be quite slow and couldn't connect to Livia at all; she came across as very manipulative to me...but I'd still recommend the book, it certainly throws some curveballs.

I generally quite like a bit of domestic suspense so the premise of The Dilemma intrigued me. The story follows Livia and Adam, a married couple, on the day of Livia’s much anticipated and extravagant 40th birthday party. Both of them are keeping major secrets from each other which the reader slowly becomes aware of as the book progresses. The truth of these secrets and their reasons for keeping them is the big hook of The Dilemma and is sometimes successful and sometimes not.

I have to admit I was definitely compelled to keep reading The Dilemma. I wanted to know what exactly the secrets Livia and Adam were keeping involved. However the book does get quite repetitive after a while. I just felt like things were dragged out a bit and the story could have done with more action or tension throughout. The other problem I had was the slightly odd obsession Livia has with having a huge, fancy birthday party – ostensibly because she didn’t have a big wedding – although I couldn’t really work out why the two things were so intertwined. Livia’s intensity about the party came across as slightly juvenile and just didn’t make much sense to me personally.

On the more positive side, The Dilemma is certainly an addictive and compulsive read, There are some really interesting situations that arise and the relationships between certain characters are intriguing to examine as they unravel. Overall I have to say I was a little underwhelmed by The Dilemma and there wasn’t quite enough suspense for the repetitiveness to work. However the addictive nature of the secrets being revealed did keep me reading at a quick pace. A bit hit-or-miss in my view.

Yet again, another brilliant read from BA Paris. I don't know how she does it but the way it's written it doesn't take any time at all to read.
Rating: 4/5

Livia and Adam had got married when they had little money and no family support, not that they regretted getting married. They had worked hard ever since, had a 22-year-old son, Josh and a 19-year-old daughter, Marnie. Marnie was in Hong Kong at university. Livia had decided all those years ago that when she reached 40 she would throw a huge party that no-one would ever forget. She got her wish.
The story bounces between Livia and Adam, their thoughts and feelings and reasons for the choices that they made on the day of the party. Everything focuses on that day, although the story does jump to the past for background info. As the reader, I was privy to everything. The public face of each of them and the secrets that they were both keeping.
I was frustrated and angry, bubbling away in my own world of turmoil. I can't and won't spoil the story this is one that the slightest hint at anything could kill it and it just wouldn't read the same. It is edgy in a way that makes you hold your breath and feel light-headed. It is so much deeper than you could imagine. There are little sideline stories going on too, like all families, nothing ever just revolves around one event and so often they are all somehow linked. Like the 'butterfly effect'.
B. A. Paris brings to life characters with souls and what feels like real lives. It isn't a story that you can simply walk away from when you close the book. The characters kept coming back to me way after I had finished and my feelings were still as strong. Highly recommended
I wish to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.

Ahhhhh… I have a serious dilemma… I want to discuss The Dilemma with you, but I can’t because I don’t want to spoil it for you or give anything away. So I am going to keep this brief and rather evasive, but you will thank me once you’ve read it.

The Dilemma is the latest standalone psychological thriller from BA Paris and like her previous books, Behind Closed Doors, The Break Down and Bring Me Back, it doesn’t disappoint. In fact I think her books are getting better and more twisty.

The story is about a married couple, Livia and Adam who have been married for over 20 years with two children, Josh and Marnie. Livia has been planning her 40th birthday party for over half her life and for reasons revealed throughout the book we find out why this party matters so much to her.

Adam loves his wife and his family and knows how important this party is to Livia, however he finds something out on the day of the party which will devastate them all, but Livia is also keeping a secret that potentially will blow the family apart.

This book kept me up all night reading and I went through so many emotions I felt physically and mentally exhausted at the end of the book. The underlying tension throughout the story ensured I was unable to put the book down and my heart broke in so many places it was quite a traumatic roller coaster of a ride. Highly recommended for lovers of psychological thrillers but be warned this book should come with tissues.