The Dilemma - Review

The Dilemma, by B.A. Paris, is a nail biting account of multiple characters undergoing different dilemmas, all while planning for Livia’s 40th birthday party. The story alternates back and forth mostly between husband and wife Adam and Livia and their tortured dilemma of when and how to reveal what they know to each other, but there are also smaller dilemmas that sneak in throughout the sordid tale of the evening.

Livia never got the wedding she wanted, so she’s saved up for her 40th birthday and is having a celebration to beat all celebrations. However, her mood is dampened because she knows a secret of her daughter’s. When is the right time to share this secret with her husband? How will their friends and family react when they find out? This secret won’t stay hidden, and Livia wants to be strategic about its reveal to minimize the damage done to her close relationships. Meanwhile, her husband Adam has been working with her daughter to plan a surprise visit for the party. Turns out, Adam discovers a secret also. Although he desperately wants to tell his wife, he wants her to have the party of her dreams and is torn - when does he share this secret with her?

In typical B.A. Paris fashion, the story is laid out in such a way to racket up the tension. The alternating view points of husband and wife hour by hour as well as by chapter leave you on the edge of your seat as you wait for each reveal - just when you think you’re going to get the answer, there’s a new chapter with a different narrator. The reader can really feel the mental strain of each character as they ponder their next move in the game of life. Adam and Livia are both trying to look out for each other’s best interests while still maintaining the honesty that is important for a good marriage. And many, many little dilemmas sneak in throughout, contributing to the building of tension and propelling the reader through this delicious story.

Thank you to B.A. Paris, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for the advance copy of this book. If you love suspense, grab this one!! The Dilemma comes to the US on June 30, so soon!! Enjoy :)

The Dilemma - B.A. Paris