Thanks to Anna Pitoniak, Simon & Schuster, and Netgalley for the chance to read this advanced copy in return for an honest review.

Sofie Morse is an American journalist who has worked through the most unusual presidency of her life - the presidency of Henry Caine. One day she is contacted by Lara Caine, the First Lady of the United States, to write her biography. The First Lady, a woman of Russian descent, has promised to be open and honest with Sofie and does not require her to sign an NDA. Lara relays the story of her father, a man who worked for the KGB, and how his life was taken. She also shares the story of her one true love, Sasha, and how he changed her life. Lara's life is forever changed when she meets Sasha's American friend. During the telling of her story, Lara reveals her biggest secret and then stops talking to Sofie who runs with the story and upends lives. This secret reveals an act so treasonous it causes Sofie and her family to run away to another country.

When I decided to request this book from Netgalley, I thought the storyline sounded intriguing but I was unsure of whether I would enjoy the time period covered due to the 60ish cover. I am so glad I didn't let the cover sway me as this story was amazingly told and kept my interest the whole way through. It was obvious at several parts that President Henry Caine was modeled after the last administration and the ridiculousness that America had to deal with for four years. The story spans the 1970s through the present day and shows the changes that take place not only in the main characters but in Russia, the government, and the KGB

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I really enjoyed this political thriller. Lara and Henry Caine are clearly based on the Trumps but Lara still manages to be a sympathetic character. Sofie is also a very likable and relatable character. Both Lara's storyline in the 1980s and the present day story of Sofie and Lara were interesting and format of switching between the timelines worked well. I had never read anything by Anna Pitoniak before but I will be checking out her other books. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC. ( )

spec-fiction, political, journalist, interviews, interpersonal-problems****

Although the book was interesting, it did not hold my attention through all it's twists and turns. For me it felt flat and with irregular pacing but not at all the intriguing sort as it was hyped. The characters are well crafted and the imagery is clear but the ending felt incomplete, unfinished. The publisher's blurb is a good hook. Although it wasn't my thing, I can see where some others would wholly appreciate it.
I requested and received a temporary digital ARC of this book from Simon & Schuster via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ( )