The Dilemma

The Dilemma by B.A. Paris

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I didn’t know what to expect when I began reading B.A. Paris’s new book “The Dilemma”. From the previous experience, I knew of an author’s style and her love to shock the reader with deliciously shocking twists. And I must say, I was not disappointed.

It’s Livia’s big day. Ever since the quick wedding she dreamed of having a big fancy party for one of the birthdays. Twenty-two years later, the dream comes thru. Close family and friends, neighbors and colleagues, are all surround the birthday girl, showering her with well-deserved attention and love. But Livia’s mind is not at ease. A secret, a bag of secrets she has been hiding from loved ones, the one that can hurt many families and tore their relationship apart.

And here comes another twist. Livia is not the only one that is keeping the deadly secret. Throughout the big celebration, Adam chats, and drinks, and eats, and dances, and being a perfect host at his wife’s 40th birthday, but his mind is occupied by a tragic event, that is tearing him from the inside out.

The quote says: “the truth will set you free”, but in Adam and Livia’s case it will turn their world upside down.

A phenomenal novel, took me two days to read it. Brilliant story, shocking twists, one phenomenal rollercoaster ride. The thriller of the year! Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advanced copy of the book.

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Three Hours in Paris

Three Hours in Paris by Cara Black

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Three Hours in Paris” is an astonishing tale of an American young woman, in a heart of Paris, playing for the English team, with an order to execute German politician and leader of the Nazi Party, the Fuhrer himself. How did an American girl fell into the British spy army to fight against the world’s biggest bully?

Months prior to Sunday, June 23, 1940, Kate experienced the biggest loss of her life, the deaths of her husband, and newborn baby by the hands of the germans. Shortly after, she received an opportunity of a lifetime – to perform an act of revenge.

And finally, June 23, 1940, Kate is back in Paris, the city that once brought her happiness, loving husband, and hopes for a bright future. This time she is here on a mission of her lifetime. Unfortunately, Hitler’s assignation goes wrong, Kate is on a run. And shortly after the fatal morning, she realizes the horrific truth. His mission was never the main plan, she was being used as a decoy. Angry and betrayed, young American finds herself on the dangerous streets of once-beloved Paris, surrounded by an enemy. Kate’s desire to survive pushes her one step forward every time she meets new obstacles, and in the end, she concludes the mission her fellow agents were sent to do but failed in the process.

Yet another phenomenal story of strong women during the horrific days of WWII. I was on the edge of my seat while reading the book. I am fascinated by the bravery of all characters. Thank you, NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for an advanced copy of the novel, and Cara Black for a remarkable and gratifying novel.

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Sweet Little Lies

Sweet Little Lies by Caz Frear

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Caz Frear has written an addictive and compelling story. “Sweet Little Lies” was twisted and filled with complex characters, misdirections, lies, and secrets.

Recent murder hits close to home and brings back memories from Detective Cat’s childhood. The victim is recognized as a missing teen from the time when Cat was just a little girl. While hiding this fact from her superiors, Cat jumps headfirst into the investigation and details that she unveils put a strain on an already difficult relationship with her father.

This book has been sitting on my TBR shelf for ages, I have no idea why it took me so long to get to it. I was drawn to the investigation. I could not get enough of the suspense. At first, I was not impressed by the fact that the detective had a connecting to the victim, but the further I read and discovered the twists – I was hooked to the storyline. The phenomenal story, easy read, great and right amount of characters who are equally involved in the story, many unexpected developments. This novel includes everything required for a juicy thriller read. Do not repeat my mistake and do not let this gem collect dust on your TBR shelf.

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A Hundred Suns

A Hundred Suns: A Novel by Karin Tanabe

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I must admit I was quite surprised by the plot – both the storyline and history. It took me a while to understand who was a villain and who was a victim.

The novel has two narrators, American Jessie Lesage and French Marcelle de Fabry. Both women come from different backgrounds and social statuses. They have built themselves up and created a better future with successful marriages. There is one more thing Jessie and Marcelle have in common – Michelin family.

I’ve enjoyed the novel more than I ever expected it. The stories of both Jessie and Marcelle tell us about poverty, child abuse, drug abuse, infidelity, political wars, and revenge. I’ve learned so much about French Indochine during the 1930s. An author painted a sad, gruesome but real picture of the colonies and its natives’ lives before the fall of France during WWII.

“A Hundred Suns” is a wonderful historical fiction read. I enjoyed both Jessie and Marcelle’s storylines, admired their ambition, dedication, and strong will. Thank you, NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for a free and advanced copy of the novel.

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