The Betrayal (Sexy Men…Sassy Women Book 1) by Kathryn Shay

They met as children and formed an unbreakable bond. Until he grows up and writes a book about her, now a famous artist, and changes the trajectory of her life.After being violently raped, Darcy Weston escapes her home on Long Island and runs away to upstate New York, to the farmhouse her grandfather bequeathed her. She doesn’t know what to do next, or how she’ll even live up here, but at least she’s safe. At twelve, she’s completely alone.Nine-year-old Jordan Mackenzie catches sight of someone hiding out at the farmhouse down the road. He finds a girl like no other he’s seen before. She dresses really cool, wears makeup and is so sure of herself. He ends up helping her survive by buying groceries, fetching firewood and spending every free moment with her at the farmhouse. Soon, they become fast friends.Darcy likes to draw and Jordan likes to write, so they sit side-by-side as they follow their interests. They never see each other’s work, though.But soon, their hideaway is discovered. Darcy confides in Jordan’s mother about the rape, and eventually her own socialite mother comes to claim her. She and Jordan try to stay best friends but it’s impossible long-distance. Soon, she outgrows him.Fast forward twelve years: Jordan has become a bestselling author and Darcy is the famous recluse artist D.J. West. But he’s forced to betray her by publishing their story at the farmhouse, which soon leads to the revelation of her identity. This time, their lives collide.What follows is a suspenseful roller-coaster ride that has people attacked physically, others betrayed and still others traumatized. When the police solve these mysteries, Jordan and Darcy are left to pick up the pieces.Can they forgive each other, and build something new together? Or will they go their separate ways and lose the loves of their lives.