The Dilemma

The Dilemma is a family drama that centres around a couple who are desperately trying to keep secrets from each other. Told using multiple POVs over a 24-hour period, this wasn’t the typical BA Paris thriller with twists and turns. Instead, it’s a very slow burn kind of read that felt like it would be better suited as short story or novella.

The story centres around Livia’s huge, self-indulged and luxurious 40^th birthday bash and a premise heavily dependent on Livia and her husband Adam not having a simple conversation (or a quick phone call) that would clear up the issues. I'm not a fan of this trope. It felt like the author was hoping readers would see their inertia as a caring act because they're keeping their secrets in the interest of their spouse’s feelings. But their in-action, repetitive internal dialogue, and decision to keep the peace, despite what occurred, were hard to believe and resulted in an ending that was frustrating more than it was compelling.

I have a dilemma with The Dilemma. Did it have enough going for it to keep me interested? Yes. Was it long-winded? Yes. Did it have good elements? Yes. Did I get a big ‘made it all worthwhile’ twist at the end? Sadly, no. Will Paris’ diehard fans enjoy this book? Probably.

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to the publisher for providing me with a

complimentary eBook copy of this title in exchange for my honest review.

My Rating: 3 stars

Author: B.A Paris

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Type and Source: eBook from NetGalley

Publisher: St Martin's Press

First Published: June 30, 2020

Opening Lines: It's the cooling bathwater that wakes me. 

Disoriented, I sit up quickly, sploshing suds up the 

sides, wondering how long I've been asleep.

Book Description from GoodReads: It’s Livia’s fortieth birthday and tonight she’s having a party, a party she’s been planning for a long time. The only person missing will be her daughter, Marnie.

But Livia has a secret, a secret she’s been keeping from Adam, her husband, until the party is over. Because how can she tell him that although she loves Marnie, she’s glad their daughter won’t be there to celebrate with her?

Adam is determined everything will be just right for Livia and the party is going to be perfect… until he learns something that will leave him facing an unbearable decision.