Betrayed

by Suzetta Perkins

Nineteen years after she was raped, Mimi Bailey makes a desperate attempt to protect her secret when she returns to the scene of the crime.

Setrina “Mimi” Bailey is carrying a nineteen-year-old secret that she’d like to remain hidden forever. However, a move to Durham, North Carolina, threatens to expose her secret and forever disrupt the lives of those she’s protected from the truth all those years.

Mimi Bailey was raped by Victor Christianson, her best friend Brenda’s fiancé, while they were in college. Now, Mimi’s daughter, Afrika, who is eighteen years old and college bound, wants to further her education at the same college where her mother still bears the scars of the crime. Mimi is unsuccessful in changing Afrika’s mind. And when Victor gets wind that Mimi is back in the area and has a daughter who looks very much like his own, he stops at nothing to chase them out of town and eliminate the reminder of his infidelity.

A complex tale of mystery and suspense, Betrayed explores the fine line between passion and power...and what we’ll do to protect the ones we love.

384 pages, Paperback

First published September 20, 2011

About the author

What happens to those who are left behind in the turbulent breakup of failed love and romance? "

Reviews

[Shannan Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I decided to pick up this book after reading the author's new release, which happened to be the sequel, because I wanted the full backstory. This was a good, enjoyable read and I was not disappointed.

[OOSA · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Enjoyable Read

Setrina Bailey has a loving family that she wouldn’t change for the world. Her husband is a handsome colonel in the U.S. Army and her daughter just began her first year in college. What could possibly be wrong in the Bailey household? Setrina, also known as “Mimi,” has everything that any woman would desire. If it wasn’t for this 19-year-old secret, she could grow old and have not a care in the world. Will this secret destroy her family?

Brenda Christianson is Setrina’s best friend. Brenda is having marital problems with her husband Victor. Victor has a difficult time controlling his temper among other things. Brenda has to make an important decision that will change her household forever. Will she leave her husband and tackle the world on her own? Victor sees no problems with his marriage. He would do anything to keep his family intact. He loves Brenda and their two children. Is this true love or has it been arranged to fit Victor’s marital standards?

“Betrayed” is a page-turning novel that has many twists and turns. Sitting down for a few chapters will not satisfy your thirst for the book. Just when you think nothing more could take place, the author hits you with a jaw dropping detail. This novel is a must read.

Due to incomplete sentences throughout the book and confusion in characters, I give “Betrayed” 4 stars. Without these errors, this would be a 5-star book.

Reviewed by: Sabrina

[T.A. Beasley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Setrina Bailey believed she was getting away from her past after a devastating event in Betrayed by Suzetta Perkins. Setrina left her best friend, Brenda guessing why she never told her goodbye. Nineteen years have past and Setrina is back in her hometown to support her daughter Afrika. Afrika was attending her mothers old college. Setrina's secret starts to unravel causing a chain reaction that will affect the lives of everyone involved.

Brenda has constantly thought about her best friend and praying that their paths cross again. When Brenda's daughter, Asia brings a friend home, Brenda takes one look and realizes her dream has came true. Brenda tries to reach out to her friend but minor obstacles keep getting in their way.Will Brenda learn once and for all why her dear friend left nineteen years ago?

Betrayed is a book about friends reconnecting and clearing the air. It has been said if the truth hurts say ouch and keep on moving and this rings true in this story. This author amazes me with her storytelling skills and her books are so entertaining. The character development encouraged the storyline. It brought out different emotions within me while reading some of the suspenseful and action packed scenarios. I recommend this book to others.

Teresa Beasley
A&RBC Reviews

[Michelle Chavis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ummmmm I enjoyed this book, but more editing was needed. The wrong name was used several times and sometimes I felt like something was missing..... The book was a little off at times. As I was reading I would sometimes feel like I was missing something. The ending surprised me though.

[Alisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad. I enjoyed this book. Finding out who killed Victor was a pleasant twist. I also appreciate that even though Sheila had HIV, her fiance still wanted to marry her. Even though she messed around with a married man, I can say that I'm glad she got her happy ending. I'm also glad that Mimi didn't take her relationship with John any further to where it became inappropriate. The wrong name (Brenda, Mimi) was used twice in the book, which could cause confusion if you weren't following along with the plot.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets and lies usually come out when you least expect them to...Mimi internalized a horrible evening and don’t don’t say anything for over 19 years. The people involved will need years of therapy to heal from the betrayal. Then there is the one man that gives other men a bad rap...Victor.

A page turning read with crazy happenings in every chapter. Read this while you have time because you won’t want to put it down.

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read and I finished it in about 5 hours. Once I started reading, I had to know how everything comes out. The ending: I kept reading and wondering how is this going to end. It was a shocker all around, but the story did complete itself. Great story!

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secret

This story had me swiping pages. Story was so addictive that I kept reading more. Victor was a rolling ing stone. His wife put up with his ways to keep his children in a two parent home. Mimi should have told her secret years ago.

[margaret polcyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Surprise ending. Really enjoyed. Reality imitating life.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had good bones and the potential for a great story. I felt the characters lacked depth in personality. The dialogue did not flow smoothly and there were major holes in the story. In additiin the author arbitrarily inserted journal notes from the main character Mimi. These seemed to be filler pages that recounted the five previous pages. I wish she would have used this to have her recount old memories and make us understand the character's choices.

[Ellowyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. The author grabbed your attention from the beginning and kept you wanting more. I love the twists that the author used in the book. Just when you think you know whats going to happen you get another surprise. Great job Suzetta Perkins.

[Amber Lace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading this book I started reading it yesterday evening and I couldn't put it done. I haven't read a book in a while that kept me on edge. I will be checking more of this authors books out.

[KaTrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. I can't wait to read more of her work.

[Tonya Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book I have read from this author and I must say this was very good. From beginning to end filled with suspense. I thought this was a good book and I would share it with others.

[Beeyondbelief]

This book was soo good. Could not put it down..

[Alexandria Neverson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very well-written. I enjoyed the character build, as well as the twists and turns of the plot.