What do you think?
Rate this book
Butterfly
Inspired by true events—one accusation can destroy everything.
Eighteen-year-old soccer prodigy Davis Day had everything: contract offers, loyal teammates, and a future on the field. Until a single lie destroyed it all.
Overnight, he becomes a criminal in the court of public opinion. Friends vanish. Coaches turn their backs.
When prosecutors offer a plea deal that could save him or bury him, he faces an impossible choice: tell the truth and lose everything, or confess to a crime he didn’t commit.
Content: This novel contains emotionally intense scenes, including depictions of sexual trauma, social ostracism, and self-harm. These elements are portrayed with sensitivity and purpose, but may be distressing for some readers.
Links
Eighteen-year-old soccer prodigy Davis Day had everything: contract offers, loyal teammates, and a future on the field. Until a single lie destroyed it all.
Overnight, he becomes a criminal in the court of public opinion. Friends vanish. Coaches turn their backs.
When prosecutors offer a plea deal that could save him or bury him, he faces an impossible choice: tell the truth and lose everything, or confess to a crime he didn’t commit.
Content: This novel contains emotionally intense scenes, including depictions of sexual trauma, social ostracism, and self-harm. These elements are portrayed with sensitivity and purpose, but may be distressing for some readers.
Links
416 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2025
About the author
Orion Monroe
1 book7 followersOrion Monroe is a filmmaker, writer, and advocate for social change, committed to storytelling that sheds light on critical societal issues. With a strong academic foundation, he holds advanced degrees in Economics, Accounting, and Psychology; a combination that provides him with a deep and analytical understanding of human behavior, financial systems, and the broader societal structures that influence social outcomes. His ability to merge these disciplines allows him to explore the complexities of systemic inequality, mental health, and social justice in his work.
For most of his career, Orion has worked in forensic mental health services, where he has witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by individuals navigating the intersections of psychology, law, and rehabilitation. His experience in this field has given him profound insight into human resilience, institutional challenges, and the need for reform in mental health and criminal justice systems. This exposure has shaped his storytelling, inspiring him to craft narratives that challenge prevailing perspectives, foster empathy, and advocate for meaningful change.
As a filmmaker, Orion has written and directed two short drama films that tackle pressing social concerns, using cinematic storytelling as a means to elevate awareness and provoke dialogue. His films are recognized for their emotional depth, realism, and dedication to amplifying voices that are often overlooked. Through his work, he strives to bridge the gap between entertainment and social consciousness, ensuring that audiences not only engage with powerful narratives but also reflect on the broader implications of these stories.
Beyond his filmmaking endeavors, Orion is deeply passionate about men’s advocacy and broader social change. He is committed to addressing the unique challenges faced by men in modern society, including mental health struggles, societal expectations, and the often-overlooked need for support and guidance. He believes in fostering open conversations around masculinity, emotional well-being, and the evolving roles of men in today’s world. His work seeks to challenge stereotypes and promote a more inclusive and supportive dialogue about men’s issues, emphasizing the importance of mental health resources, emotional expression, and community-building.
In addition to his film projects, Orion continues to explore new ways to merge his academic expertise, professional experience, and creative storytelling to drive impact. Whether through film, literature, or advocacy, his mission remains the same—to create thought-provoking narratives that resonate with audiences, challenge societal norms, and inspire meaningful conversations about justice, equity, and human connection
For most of his career, Orion has worked in forensic mental health services, where he has witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by individuals navigating the intersections of psychology, law, and rehabilitation. His experience in this field has given him profound insight into human resilience, institutional challenges, and the need for reform in mental health and criminal justice systems. This exposure has shaped his storytelling, inspiring him to craft narratives that challenge prevailing perspectives, foster empathy, and advocate for meaningful change.
As a filmmaker, Orion has written and directed two short drama films that tackle pressing social concerns, using cinematic storytelling as a means to elevate awareness and provoke dialogue. His films are recognized for their emotional depth, realism, and dedication to amplifying voices that are often overlooked. Through his work, he strives to bridge the gap between entertainment and social consciousness, ensuring that audiences not only engage with powerful narratives but also reflect on the broader implications of these stories.
Beyond his filmmaking endeavors, Orion is deeply passionate about men’s advocacy and broader social change. He is committed to addressing the unique challenges faced by men in modern society, including mental health struggles, societal expectations, and the often-overlooked need for support and guidance. He believes in fostering open conversations around masculinity, emotional well-being, and the evolving roles of men in today’s world. His work seeks to challenge stereotypes and promote a more inclusive and supportive dialogue about men’s issues, emphasizing the importance of mental health resources, emotional expression, and community-building.
In addition to his film projects, Orion continues to explore new ways to merge his academic expertise, professional experience, and creative storytelling to drive impact. Whether through film, literature, or advocacy, his mission remains the same—to create thought-provoking narratives that resonate with audiences, challenge societal norms, and inspire meaningful conversations about justice, equity, and human connection
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 1, 2025
This book had me completely hooked. What an amazing plot. So much is repeatable and this is really an important read because these things happen in real life and that’s the tragedy of this whole thing. The characters were so relatable and I felt a lot of strong emotions for them all. The author did an amazing job with this book. There are many lessons to be learned in real life from this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 12, 2025
This was an intense literary fiction surrounding trauma and assault. The exploration of social media, society, and parental influence was so interesting to me. Knowing this story is based on true events was utterly heartbreaking. I really enjoyed Orion’s writing style and hope to see more books from him in the future!
Read
November 15, 2025This book was devastating to read. Anybody who has a loved one that has been falsely accused will identify with the characters. Anybody who hasn't should read this to have more empathy.
April 9, 2026
What a hauntingly beautiful book. The writing style really painted a picture of everything that happened in this book, the good and the bad. Such a harrowing story that made me emotional throughout. The fact that this is real life is scary and heartbreaking.
March 17, 2026
Want to read something thought provoking? Then this may be a book for you.
This is about a young guy called Davis.
He's bipolar. Arrogant. Quick to anger.
Obsessed with wearing the latest brands and projecting an enviable lifestyle to his large growing social media following.
He's also really talented at playing soccer ⚽️
A soccer prodigy if you will.
Tipped to go professional.
And then IT happens....
He is accused.
This story is about being falsely accused and the ramifications of that.
The ripple effects on him, his family, and the reactions of peers and vigilantes.
The story was descriptive and really set the scene about not just Davis, but his parents, his friend, and the accuser.
I found myself quickly immersed in the characters and the way Davis is flawed... no polished halo, it felt real and at times, bleak.
And the updated cover? Once I finished reading this, looking at it again, it made brilliant poetic sense.
This book.... i feel like this is one thats gonna sit with me, and for that, I give it 5 stars, and a high recommendation to read this.
This is about a young guy called Davis.
He's bipolar. Arrogant. Quick to anger.
Obsessed with wearing the latest brands and projecting an enviable lifestyle to his large growing social media following.
He's also really talented at playing soccer ⚽️
A soccer prodigy if you will.
Tipped to go professional.
And then IT happens....
He is accused.
This story is about being falsely accused and the ramifications of that.
The ripple effects on him, his family, and the reactions of peers and vigilantes.
The story was descriptive and really set the scene about not just Davis, but his parents, his friend, and the accuser.
I found myself quickly immersed in the characters and the way Davis is flawed... no polished halo, it felt real and at times, bleak.
And the updated cover? Once I finished reading this, looking at it again, it made brilliant poetic sense.
This book.... i feel like this is one thats gonna sit with me, and for that, I give it 5 stars, and a high recommendation to read this.
March 30, 2026
WOW WOW WOW, this book needs be read as it’s based on facts of the true events of what happened to this poor lad who was and is still innocent. Unfortunately these things do happen when someone accuses a person of a serious crime and don’t careless that your suffering because of it (when the system just has a text they think that’s proof enough) but that is not enough as they should of had physical evidence, Gretchen should have bee examined & proved with the obvious DNA that he’s innocent.
This happened 30yrs ago but this girl/woman is now living her life in luxury, got children of her own, she’s still not confessed. She did this to another person called Ethan when she was younger before Davis (her age is no excuse for lies, no matter who actually did it), she ruined his life and future, not just his alone but his whole family.
Gretchen played on his vulnerabilities and knew he would say yes in a text that he did it as his mind gets messed up at times (he had bi-polar), she got him that wound up his head hurt, he was pushed into a corner even though he DID NOT DO IT.
Cher a friend of hers later on told Davis it wasn’t him and that Gretchen lied. But in the end it was too late. Travis, Davis best friend stood by him right from the start as he knew he was innocent, he was a great friend to him and I wish I had a friend like him in my life. This book made me angry and upset of what Gretchen done and the fact the system let him down.
This broke me as that lad could not move on with his life as he couldn’t have one due to the lies still out there and what is on his record. Yes some tell the truth but there are also ones that are out there innocent.
Lies hurt family, friends, colleagues, affect the person future and their mentality. With these lies also can get them beaten up/killed/both to which in my eyes that’s murder/manslaughter. I don’t like Gretchen and the case should be open again.
The system has to change and has a lot to answer for also. At the end of the book it left me crying, gasping for air, I am still mortified too this day and will forever be feeling the same. Even though this book is based on true events, it was written beautifully and well thought out, thank you for bringing this out and nobody should shy away from the truth of what is happening as put yourself in his shoes and his families.
How would you feel and what would you want to happen, the public need to speak and open up about things like this and get heard. You can hide away from it.
This happened 30yrs ago but this girl/woman is now living her life in luxury, got children of her own, she’s still not confessed. She did this to another person called Ethan when she was younger before Davis (her age is no excuse for lies, no matter who actually did it), she ruined his life and future, not just his alone but his whole family.
Gretchen played on his vulnerabilities and knew he would say yes in a text that he did it as his mind gets messed up at times (he had bi-polar), she got him that wound up his head hurt, he was pushed into a corner even though he DID NOT DO IT.
Cher a friend of hers later on told Davis it wasn’t him and that Gretchen lied. But in the end it was too late. Travis, Davis best friend stood by him right from the start as he knew he was innocent, he was a great friend to him and I wish I had a friend like him in my life. This book made me angry and upset of what Gretchen done and the fact the system let him down.
This broke me as that lad could not move on with his life as he couldn’t have one due to the lies still out there and what is on his record. Yes some tell the truth but there are also ones that are out there innocent.
Lies hurt family, friends, colleagues, affect the person future and their mentality. With these lies also can get them beaten up/killed/both to which in my eyes that’s murder/manslaughter. I don’t like Gretchen and the case should be open again.
The system has to change and has a lot to answer for also. At the end of the book it left me crying, gasping for air, I am still mortified too this day and will forever be feeling the same. Even though this book is based on true events, it was written beautifully and well thought out, thank you for bringing this out and nobody should shy away from the truth of what is happening as put yourself in his shoes and his families.
How would you feel and what would you want to happen, the public need to speak and open up about things like this and get heard. You can hide away from it.
February 16, 2026
I listened to this book on audio, but I also have it in ebook and physical book as that way I can keep the physical book on my shelf .
When first starting the audio book I found it a bit slow going however when I progressed further in I understood why. There is no way you can storm into a book like this. It’s well written but with passion zooming out of the pages I’m not sure if it was just me as the reader, but I felt the presence of the author within the writing.
This is fiction based on fact, which makes this kind of read very harrowing. Many of us toddle away in our own lives forgetting or putting out of our minds the atrocities that happen in the world, or indeed near you. A case of “ what we don’t see, we don’t grieve over” however sticking our heads in the sand helped no one.
When I got to the part of the falsely accused and what he endured it made me not only sad/sick, but angry too .
The audiobook is more a wake up as the terrible events really hit home. The way Orion Monroe wrote the incident I could see this in my minds eye. Picturing it is not a pretty sight, …. I thought long and hard after reading this and my thoughts are, there are grey morals in this and it’s not a straight forward decision, decisions have consequences and sometimes advice is not always justified to be the correct one there is much more to this fictional based on fact than meets the first instance and you thing about it much longer than the last page..
It’s a harrowing tragic impactful eventual read, written with compassionate care but with a strong story to tell.
When first starting the audio book I found it a bit slow going however when I progressed further in I understood why. There is no way you can storm into a book like this. It’s well written but with passion zooming out of the pages I’m not sure if it was just me as the reader, but I felt the presence of the author within the writing.
This is fiction based on fact, which makes this kind of read very harrowing. Many of us toddle away in our own lives forgetting or putting out of our minds the atrocities that happen in the world, or indeed near you. A case of “ what we don’t see, we don’t grieve over” however sticking our heads in the sand helped no one.
When I got to the part of the falsely accused and what he endured it made me not only sad/sick, but angry too .
The audiobook is more a wake up as the terrible events really hit home. The way Orion Monroe wrote the incident I could see this in my minds eye. Picturing it is not a pretty sight, …. I thought long and hard after reading this and my thoughts are, there are grey morals in this and it’s not a straight forward decision, decisions have consequences and sometimes advice is not always justified to be the correct one there is much more to this fictional based on fact than meets the first instance and you thing about it much longer than the last page..
It’s a harrowing tragic impactful eventual read, written with compassionate care but with a strong story to tell.
January 1, 2026
He has lost everything with one lie and he now needs to decide what to say. He could tell the truth and risk everything but saying he did a crime he did not do would also ruin his life. Follow him as he decides what he should do
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a very thoughtful read
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a very thoughtful read
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews