Shanora Williams is the Queen of thrillers!!! THE BITTER TRUTH is an earth shattering read that I h a d the opportunity to read early. Anytime a book has me on the edge of my seat in anticipation it is worth it. Things are not always what they seem, Especially in a relationship and the need to protect the perfect image is common. Adrenaline rush, and a must read for the Summer !!!

thriller on steroids and I LOVED IT!

This story had a strong provocative plot with so many moving pieces, the build up and suspense kept me guessing until the very end.

Secrets, lies, and a murder wrapped seductively in the lives of a married power couple made for an enticing, exciting and suspenseful story.

This author got me good with all the juicy details as I thought the story was going to go on one direction and BAM nope something else happened.

Complex and complicated characters shined as we try to figure out what’s what and who’s who.

Nothing is what it appears to be!
I was captivated from beginning to end!

This is my third book by Shanora Williams. I absolutely enjoyed The Wife Before and liked The Other Mistress. So naturally, I was ecstatic when I was approved to an ARC of her new book. I had such high hope for this one, but unfortunately it fell short.

At first, I was immediately hooked when I read the prologue. It had an eerie element and drew me in. I loved that the characters were short and that you get to see the POVs of multiple characters. I loved the premises of the story - a government official who has a dark secret, men with big egos ignited by greed, fame, and fortune. There was underlying theme of men, especially men in power, getting away with things they do wrong. I also really appreciated the women empowerment vibes.

Although the first half of the book started off promising, the second half went downhill. The twists were not twisting. They made no sense and left me with more questions than answers. They were so farfetched and I found myself rolling my eyes for most of the second half. Although I love multiple POVs, I felt like there were too many unnecessary POVs. There were repetitive and unnecessary details and long winded thoughts.

I wanted to love this book because I enjoyed her other books, but this one just was not for me. However, you might enjoy it. So I encourage you to give it a try.

𝔾𝕠𝕠𝕕 𝕥𝕠 𝕂𝕟𝕠𝕨
✍🏾 Domestic Thriller
✍🏾 Multiple POV
✍🏾 Revenge Plot
✍🏾 Dark Secrets & Lies
✍🏾 Political Scandal

⚠️This book has some dark themes and topics so check the trigger warnings.

Thank you NetGalley for this arc. Although this was an overall fast read the central issue that weighs it down for me was the perceptive it was told from. Dominic’s perceptive was way to dominant in this novel and I thought it took away from the enjoyment of the book. Reading from bad characters can be interesting at times but in Dominic’s case his perceptive is just so unbearable that I found myself being taken out of the book and hoping his parts would be over soon. I think the point of trying to show how a narcissistic man thinks could have been shown in only a few chapters, more than that took away from the overall enjoyment for me.

First, thank you to Netgalley and Shanora Williams for a chance to read this one early! This thriller is scandalous and twisty. While there was one character I did not care for very much, Jo started to grow on me. Even though she has her own issues. We start by following different characters and points of view from Dominic, Jolene (Jo),Brynn, and Daphne. Each character is able to tell their views and contribute to the story line in a different way. This popcorn thriller kept me turning the page to find out what was about to happen next. While I did feel as though some parts were a little bit rushed, I do think the ending was wrapped up cleanly.
⭐️:2.5
📖: thriller, mystery, suspense.

So. Much. Scandal.

This one is full of surprises. Every single character seems to have a secret here.

Definitely a popcorn read and our characters – especially one – are of the train wreck variety.

While I did think the plot ended up unnecessarily complex, I also realize that I just wanted to end one particular character with extreme prejudice and found myself a tiny bit irritated at the…um…extremely complicated way of dealing with them.

I found that I liked Jo immensely, though she’s definitely got her own issues, and was full on rooting for her and some of the other women in this book.

A good read!

• ARC via Publisher

"The Bitter Truth" by Shanora Williams is a gripping political thriller that expertly intertwines suspense, secrets, and a gripping narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The story centers around Jolene “Jo” Baker, a devoted wife to Dominic, a North Carolina gubernatorial candidate. Jo's unwavering support for Dominic is tested as they start encountering strange and ominous events on the campaign trail, including the appearance of a mysterious woman and a series of dangerous accidents.

Williams crafts a compelling tale of political ambition and personal turmoil, as Jo begins to dig into Dominic's past to uncover the truth behind his increasingly paranoid behavior. The narrative is enriched by multiple points of view, allowing readers to piece together the puzzle through different perspectives. The dual timelines and the past events add depth and build suspense, making it difficult to put the book down.

The characters are well-developed, with Jo standing out as a determined and resilient protagonist. Her journey from a supportive spouse to a woman desperate to uncover the truth is both engaging and relatable. Dominic's portrayal as a man haunted by his past adds layers to the story, keeping readers guessing about his true nature and the extent of his secrets.

While the pacing is generally effective, some parts of the story felt slightly rushed, and a few plot points could have benefited from further exploration. However, the twists and turns are well-executed, culminating in a satisfying and unexpected conclusion.

"The Bitter Truth" is a fast-paced and thrilling read, perfect for fans of domestic thrillers and political dramas. Shanora Williams delivers a captivating story that explores the complexities of trust, betrayal, and the lengths one will go to protect loved ones. Thank you to NetGalley and Dafina for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Shanora Williams' always dishes out the BEST thrillers and this one is hard to beat with all the twists and turns it takes. The Bitter Truth features a prominent Governor and his perfect wife. But things at home are not what they seem and Dominic Baker has a bit of a violent side. His wife wants to leave him and all of his secrets start to spill out in ways he never imagined they would. For him, he believed he could do whatever he wanted and get away with it all.

But there is so much more to this story! Every character in this one has something about themselves that their struggling with. Their own internal flaws. These flaws drive the story into so many directions that you'll forget which way is up and which way is down. Lying, backstabbing, and cheating to be the victor on the other side of this. No one really knows who is on their side and who is out for themselves.

The perfect cat and mouse game that's deadlier than sin, and it's full of sins. Dominic Baker is the Governor of North Carolina and up for re-election. He loves being in control and knowing everything, including have the perfect wife by his side. Jolene Baker, his wife, was raised in a family with her own trust fund and is the reason her husband is even successful in the first place. But as Dominic's sins start to add up, Jolene seems to want to take him down. But there are many obstacles in the way, including her own attachments and indiscretions.

I loved the unknown directions this story took and not having any idea what anyone was really doing from chapter to chapter. It kept me guessing, it kept me engaged, and I had to know how it all plays out. If you've ever read anything by Shanora Williams, you know her endings are always the best! She throws so many surprise curveballs that I'm always left shocked at the end!

I love to support BIPOC Authors especially those that can suck you into a story and never let go until the bitter end.

Dominic is the governor of North Carolina. He and his wife Jolene are a political power couple who have it all.

With greatness comes responsibilities or in this case reminders of the past. Things take a harrowing turn when Dominic begins to receive threatening messages. Messages reminding him of a past he has worked hard to hide. Secrets from the past that will have devastating consequences. Is his wife Jolene aware of Dominc’s past? Is she aware of his secrets? Does she have secrets of her own?

Politics, Secrets, Lies, Blackmail, Corruption and Murder. Who can you trust? Are you even trustworthy yourself? Talk about a wild ride with no breaks.

This is a must read thriller for the summer! I love that it is told from multiple perspectives. This book is a thriller mixed with juicy drama that keeps you turning the pages. I thought I was going to be rooting for the main character Dominic and feel bad that he was being stalked and tormented by his past mistakes on his way to political success but my oh my how the plot thickened! As you read to uncover who and what happened to Brynn and her connection to Dominic, you will be on the edge of your seat. This book is filled with secrets, lies, childhood trauma, relationship drama, power and privilege, and ultimately revenge at the hands of some very clever, smart, and deserving women. Even if you aren’t a thriller lover the drama in this book will have you hooked. This is a must read for the summer and 2024. Shanora this might be my favorite of your thrillers yet! They just keep getting better!

This review will be posted on June 22, 2024 to: https://instagram.com/amandas.bookshelf

Wow. Buckle up, readers, because this psychological thriller was BANANAS. And, I mean bananas in the best possible way!!! @reallyshanora absolutely comes up with the BEST twisty-turny plots! I sped through this, unable to put the book down and my mind reeling from all the turns. (HOWEVER. Do be sure to read the Author's Note at the beginning with trigger warnings. Read with care.) #TheBitterTruth Rating: somewhere between 🙂 / liked it AND 😊 / really liked it
•
This book is scheduled for publication on June 25, 2024. Thank you Dafina/@kensingtonbooks for providing me this digital ARC via @NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this book! I’m not the type to give anything away. But I want you all to read this book!
Shanora never misses. I’m glad I was able to get an arc copy of this thriller book that is coming out next week.(thank you @netgallery) I love how good a thriller book can build up a suspense and have you overthinking what will happen. Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen, I was wrong. Oh well that just made me keep turning the pages.

I thought a book of 4 parts, coming out to 69 chapters, it would take me forever to finish but nope! Only 2 days and I’m not shocked. I’m a fast reader especially when the book is really good. This book was really good.

I love the different POV, the back stories and current events. Everything made sense and blended together perfectly! Love a black politician with drama and honeyyy it was some juicy drama.
I will definitely recommend this book to all my thriller book lovers! 🙌🏽

Side note: there are some triggers as rape, domestic violence, weight issues, mental health and suicidal.

Shanora has done it again! I love a good revenge story and Dom deserved all the smoke! Thank you so much for allowing me early access to this amazing book.

I discovered this author through Hailey Hughes' vlog and have already added some of her books to my list, although I haven't read them yet. However, when I found her new book on NetGalley, I immediately requested it, and I was fortunate that the publisher approved my request right away.

The story features four different points of view and unfolds across two timelines. It bravely addresses sensitive subjects such as mental illness, suicide, rape, and physical abuse, so I want to provide a trigger warning for those who may find these topics difficult to read about. Throughout the story, I found myself rooting for the three women who face abuse as they bravely stand up for themselves.

It's noted here that trauma often creates bonds between people, and it's inevitable that hurt individuals may inadvertently hurt others, reflecting a facet of human nature. While I strongly dislike the abuser, I can understand his perspective to some extent, though I don't condone his actions throughout the story.

Some scenes were quite graphic for my taste, but that's just a personal reaction. My intention is to commend the author for depicting how women can endure various forms of abuse irrespective of their race, social status, or age.

Oooh a political scandal, relationship drama, and a terrible secret (or is it secrets?!) from the past. This book took so many turns, right when I thought I had the story figured out, we were hit with more jumps into the past for the true answers and many shock waves throughout. I loved Jolene (the political wife) and related to her so much with her struggle for acceptance... and whether that "acceptance" really led to the happiness she was looking for. There are some REALLY tough scenes in this book and when I say I hated some characters in this book... phew. The character descriptions and developments were so well done and the different POVs (past and present) were perfectly timed. The story was nicely medium paced - enough time for it to sink in the secrets behind the masks, but also to keep you on your toes the entire time.

Another explosive thriller from Shanora Williams. A real page turner with an interesting flowing plot that kept me on edge and pondering all the way through. 

What I liked about this story was that I didn't instantly know who to love, who to hate or who to trust, they were all very intriguing. It made it so much more exciting trying to uncover all their secrets and boy some of these characters had a lot to hide.

The Bitter Truth was an exhilarating thriller where power plays and politics, deception, seduction and greed all reveal secrets that have to be stay buried, no matter what. 

Loved it.

I'm a fan of many of Shanora Williams' previous books, so I was ecstatic to get an advanced copy of The Bitter Truth. While normally her writing immediately pulls me in, I couldn't connect with this story. The multiple perspectives and sensitive subject matter were also blockers to holding my attention. (Though I greatly appreciate the author putting a trigger warning up front!) This one wasn't a fit for me, sadly, but I am absolutely watching out for her next book.

I really enjoyed this one! The lies and the drama. The pacing was perfect and the drama kept me engaged throughout. As the story unravels, we’re learn more about each character and the things they’ll do to protect themselves and find the truth. This would be a great book to pull you out of a slump.

Thank you NetGalley for this arc,

Dominic and Jolene are a political power couple, Dominic is the governor of South Carolina, he’s a very busy man but than one day he is getting mysterious letters about a woman from his past that he thought he got rid of. Jolene knows there’s something up with her husband but can’t figure it out.

Dominic is panicking and rushing to get rid of whatever is hunting him and Jolene is trying to uncover what Dominic is hiding and how she can escape her marriage after finding out Dominic has been secretly putting some of her inheritance in offshore accounts.

This was such a quick enjoyable read, the story sucks you right in. I think this is perfect for people who are beginning their thriller era. My only critique is that it was very predictable.

Jo and Dominic - a match made in, well, you decide…

I don’t know how to expect anything less from Williams. She knows how to rock the boat EVERY time.

The characters fall anything flat between their careers, relationships, history and expectations for the future. Jo and Dominic’s marriage is on full display to the public-smiles and picturesque in appearance, though, they struggle to store every secret with such little patience they have left for one another.

As with all of her thrillers, Williams sends us spiraling into quite the hole some of the characters have dug themselves into and who will be the one to find their way??