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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.
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416 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 17, 2025

2 people are currently reading
3248 people want to read

About the author

Orion Monroe

1 book5 followers
Orion 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

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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Profile Image for Ellen Ross.
544 reviews57 followers
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.
Profile Image for Sandy Barnhart.
11 reviews2 followers
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November 15, 2025
This 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.
Profile Image for Ren .
311 reviews
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!
Profile Image for ReadAlongWithSue ★⋆. ࿐࿔catching up.
2,902 reviews442 followers
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.
16.9k reviews164 followers
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
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews

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