I have read everything written by B.A. Paris and my heart raced when I saw her latest book, The Dilemma, was out! Consider this a family drama/domestic suspense novel that will have you staying up late at night (to read, not because you’re freaked out.). The Dilemma‘s premise is simply about truth. Two secrets held by two individuals. Each secret will destroy the other person.
The Players
Livia (Liv) and Adam have been happily married for 20 years. They hadn’t planned to get pregnant so young, but it was clearly written in the stars. Though Josh is resentful to his dad for playing the eternal bachelor role during those formative years and for comments here and there.
Liv and Adam had Marnie a few years later and Adam fawns over his daughter. Josh is headed to New York for an internship and Marnie is studying abroad and mere months from graduating. Liv and Adam are living their best empty nester life as almost-40-year-olds. A bit different than the circle they run with, but they wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Because Liv and Adam never got the dreamy wedding they would have liked, Liv has been socking away money for ages for a 40th birthday celebration to rival the best of wedding receptions. This has been her unicorn dream for oh-so-long, and it’s finally within reach.
So What’s the Beef?
Liv knows something about Marnie that will crush Adam. Like, gut him. She’s been sitting on it for a while and just wants to get beyond her 40th birthday celebration before she shares the news.
It’s the weekend of the much-anticipated birthday party and Adam knows something about Marnie that will destroy Liv. He tells himself it would be best to let Liv enjoy her celebration before sharing the news.
This Ain’t Good
Both Liv and Adam are trying to protect the other one. But what’s worse…sitting on a shocking secret for months or a life-changing secret for the whole weekend while your spouse celebrates like nobody’s business? The truth will destroy you either way.
See For Yourself
One of the zillion reasons I love reading is because readers can try on a new perspective. While I might assume I would lean one way, after reading a book like this I can understand the reasoning behind both perspectives. Harder to try on your spouse’s perspectives in real life. 🤣
I really liked this book! My all-time favorite B.A. Paris book is still Behind Closed Doors. It’s a thriller like no other, so if you haven’t read it, give it a whirl. Quickly!