3.5 stars rounded up.

First, I have to applaud Shanora for always including a trigger warning at the beginning of her books. I wish more authors would follow suit!

I enjoyed this book, but it wasn't my favorite of hers. While it was a quick read, so many of the characters were unlikable (some intentionally so). I also felt like it was just a bit too farfetched for what I prefer.

One other thing I want to point out is that initially I was really annoyed that Dominic's chapters were all in third person while the others were in third person. I thought this was an oversight at first but now I 100% think it was intentional and a super smart way of showing that the women and their thoughts/feelings mattered more than his. The feminist in me ended up loving that ;)

Let me first start off by saying that Dominic deserved every ounce of everything that came his way! Oh how the mighty fall and it sure is a bitter pill to swallow. It had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The level of vindictiveness and manipulation in this book was wild. Every single person has a secret and ulterior motive, you have no clue what direction this was going to lead you to. I had to trust Shanora on this wild ride. I love how she implemented girl empowerment. It was tough to read what Brynn and Jolene went through, all three women were strong and I loved that! Jolene rose to the occasion for Brynn and Shavonne. I really love this side of Shanora, I'm not one much for politics but she knocked this out of the park!!

The Bitter Truth by S. Williams, published by Kensington Books is a fast paced, complex stand alone full of unexpected twists and turns.
An outstanding read that had me in suspense right from the star and had me guessing till the last page.
Blurb: For Jolene Baker, the least she can do for her adoring husband, Dominic, is give unwavering support for his North Carolina gubernatorial run. He is not only the love of her life, he's also helping her prove that she's far more than just a pampered trophy wife. With huge crowds showing up at Dominic’s speeches and the polls consistently in his favor, she's never been happier to stand proudly by his side . . .
Until she and Dominic start seeing the same, strangely ominous woman turning up all along the campaign trail. Until their tour starts becoming a nightmare of botched events, crucial missed information, and increasingly dangerous “accidents.” Suddenly Jo can't get any answers from Dominic—or understand why he is acting so paranoid and terrified . . .
What Jo can do is start digging into his past—one she's never really questioned beyond his perfect image and dazzling accomplishments. What results is an alarming series of events that leave her Good friends turn into enemies, truths are revealed to be lies, and all clues lead back to one secret, shattering weekend that changes Jo’s entire life. With her world splintering into pieces, can Jo risk trying to set things right?

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for an ARC of The Bitter Truth.

I've had this one on my TBR since it was announced, so I am sad to say that this was not my favorite. From very early on, the story felt like one big set up for a dramatic ending, instead of naturally introducing the characters. I didn't get to know any of the characters well enough to like them or root for a good outcome for them.

I loved Sharona Williams' last release and will continue to read her work in the future, but this was just ok.

3 stars.