The Love Song of Nathan Crane: A Novel

by E. Reyes

Nathan Crane, a handsome and charming young man, becomes fixated on Christine Romero, a stunning woman who catches his eye. Despite his initial attempts to woo her, Christine repeatedly rejects Nathan's advances, and he spirals into a dangerous obsession.

As Nathan's obsession with Christine intensifies, he reveals his dark side. His once-charming demeanor is replaced with menacing and possessive behavior, and he becomes determined to make Christine love him, even if it means keeping her all to himself.

Nathan's solution to his problem is extreme and violent, leading him down a dangerous path. As Christine becomes aware of the extent of Nathan's obsession and his true nature, she is forced to fight for her life and her freedom.

As the story unfolds, Nathan's obsession with Christine reaches a fever pitch, leading to a final confrontation that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.

This gripping novel explores the dark side of obsession and the lengths some people will go to in order to get what they want.

Genres: Horror

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2025

About the author

E. Reyes is a writer, a horror fanatic, and the author of the novel The House on Moon Creek Avenue. Overloading on books and movies and working retail, Reyes brings terror and the unimaginable to everyday life with his experiences and transcends them into a different range of characters and situations. When not watching scary movies and reading books, E. Reyes is busy being a father and a husband and putting in time playing Xbox. He resides in Arizona.

Reviews

[C.J. Daley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had my eyes on this one for a while and decided to grab it for National Book Buying Day. Perfect timing for Hispanic Heritage Month too!

Nathan Crane is a typical young adult. Handsome, somewhat charming, normal. Sure he’s had some issues with love in the past, and sure his life at home isn’t perfect, but who hasn’t gone through something like that?

When Nathan meets Christine, the new girl at school, they instantly connect, and while he walks her to class, they agree to meet up again for lunch. The friendship is fast and strong, and Nathan is immediately taken with her, even ignoring Marlene, who so obviously is interested in him. One night at an alcohol-infused party, Christine is a little too generous with herself, and Nathan leaves upset—which also hurts Christine. But when Nathan finally lays his heart out to her, she’s quick to turn him down. Already coming undone throughout the novel, Nathan starts to crack and splinter, spiraling into a deep, dark descent.

Personally, I happened to really enjoy the fact that the relationship has some building before the initial rejection starts. In that way, it’s a lot deeper than the blurb gives it credit for. Christine is interested, she’s flirtatious, she’s engaging, she just doesn’t want to be with Nathan. For me, it just gives the story a much needed layer where it allows for Nathan to not just be this colossal creep.

However, once Nathan has gone over the edge, and settled on his plan, there’s nothing left to keep the creep from showing, and god is he awful. Perhaps Reyes’ best writing yet, this is a fantastic showcasing of infatuation, toxic masculinity, and a torturous upbringing coalescing into all out obsession. If Nathan can’t have Christine, no one can.

Nathan’s spiral gives Reyes the room to give us some unique and gruesome kills. From self defense to unfettered cruelty. And while I wouldn’t say I had fun with them, as I was so investing in the creep factor, this is a set of spree killings that really do show just how unhinged the main character is. There is a small paranormal plot line that the reader is never really sure about throughout the story. It’s quick and small, and I found myself wondering why it was there. The twist it brings really worked for me though, and it adds to Nathan’s craziness once you understand.

https://fanfiaddict.com/review-the-lo...

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nathan gave me the creeps so bad. I almost dnfd this book because the first part of the book was slow. I did walk into the book blind and not knowing where it was going was frustrating. But my oh my, the last part of the book was a ride and I’m glad I stuck through to read it.

[Alana K. Drex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Watching a character unravel is the best thing in horror, and in this novel, you get a front row seat to just that. Nathan has a pretty craptastic life: his dad is a drunkard bully, and he doesn't seem to have good luck in love. There's also the mystery of...is there or isn't there a ghost in his room? E. Reyes has written something that has all the vibes of a classic. I don't like to leave spoilery reviews, so I'll leave it at that. Pick up this book!

[Brianna Rood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this book completely blind (as usual) and didn't really know what to expect.

There were so many times that Nathan gave me the ick. He gives off the persona that he is the nice guy but he is anything but. He becomes obsessed with a girl he met at school, Christine Romero and the poor girl has no idea he is a closeted lunatic.

There were a few times I felt that I couldn't get through the book and almost DNF'd it.

BUT!!!!!!

about 60% of the way in it really turned around and all the craziness that happens at the end of the book turned it all around and I could not put it down!

Really the only reason I docked a star is because of how slow the beginning of the book was and how corny some of the parts were. Other than that, definitely a great read and I will be looking into this authors other books :)

[Cari-Leigh Vang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Nathan Crane has just met new student Christine Romero. It’s your classic love at first sight, for Nathan. He needs to have her, to love her. He’ll do absolutely anything to show his love for her. E. Reyes has written a wonderful, horrifying love story. Readers of You and Misery will love this twisty horror novel.

[E. Reyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first released this book as The Love Song of Nathan Franco in 2022. It was a story I had in my head since 2014. Nathan, the main creepy character, was initially named Nathan Crane. I switched it to Franco during the writing process, and I don't know why. When I rereleased it in May of 2023, it had its original title: The Love Song of Nathan Crane.

I held back a lot on the first release (something I don't suggest to any writer), and it was lacking so much more depth, craziness, and creepy moments. I re-wrote it and added more scenes, and it went from first to third-person POV. Now, I feel pleased and content with how the story turned out. Beware of Nathan Crane and all the Nathan Crane's of this world.

[Jamie Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I think Nathan Crane just made my top 10 list of characters I could not possibly hate more! I mean what else can I call him besides an absolute douche bag!

This is (finally) my first book by E. Reyes. I am glad I started here, as this makes me definitely want to give into other books soon to see if he can write all his characters this well. There were parts of the story that were even hard to enjoy because if Nathan was a real life human in front of me I would have throat chopped him.

Nathan Crane is a young college kid. He lives with his dad, which is an absolutely horrible situation as his dad is an abusive alcoholic. For about 5 minutes in the beginning of this book you may feel sympathy for Nathan because of his dad. But that quickly turns into seeing the type of guy Nathan is. While at school a new girl starts - Christine. Christine is everything that Nathan has dreamed of having and more. And as he knows he needs her to be his, things start out slow and you may think that Nathan can win her heart in a normal and healthy fashion. Instead, his obsession starts as a little tiny itch on the back of his neck to a full outrage filled disease and obsession. It's not even that he will stop at nothing to have Christine, it's like he doesn't have the ability to think of stopping until he has her.

Nathan is annoying and nauseating, but this story definitely kept me turning the page. I did the immersive experience as I have a physical copy, but this book was also free if you have an Audible Plus subscription. I am definitely looking forward to reading more from E. Reyes, I follow him on TikTok and he's always pumping out amazing content.

I would rate this one 3.5/4 and rounding up here on GR to a 4. Happy reading!

[Albert C · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I was entertained by this book there was a lot of lines that made me cringe. I’d prefer the author had painted a picture with their words as opposed to constantly comparing visuals with pop culture figures and scenes out of popular real life movies.

The main character is obviously obsessive and you can tell early on there are a few loose screws up there; still, his quick change from 0 to 100 towards the later half seems to come out of nowhere. The characters made me chuckle but lack depth.

I didn’t hate this book, it truly did entertain me, but i wouldn’t pick it up again. I chalk it up as this book being a literary version of what a cheesy 80s thriller/horror movie would be: Not to be taken too serious and just sit back and enjoy the ride.

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can’t help but feel sad for Nathan Crane. Well at least I did. He grows up with a drunk, bullying father and just wants love and someone special in his life. When he meets Christine Romero, she seems like everything he’s been searching for sweet, pretty, and perfect.

But Nathan’s need for love quickly turns into obsession. He becomes clingy, possessive, and unable to accept that Christine only sees him as a friend. From there, things spiral out of control, and Nathan’s desperation takes a darker, more psychotic turn.

This was one of the first books I read by E. Reyes and it’s still one of my favorites. His writing has a nostalgic feel that makes every story unforgettable. It’s the book I always recommend, and it remains my go-to whenever I want a gripping psychological horror.

[Z · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book was pretty good if you’re looking for a horror book then I guess this is the book for you. So basically, the guy is super obsessive over the girl and he kidnaps her and she runs away at the end. You know those TikToks when they say that when a man writes a book, they exaggerates a woman’s body well, guess what it’s actually true, he exaggerative a woman’s body a lot actually in this book. I also didn’t like the fact when the main male character lead, was checking out other girls and describing their bodies and how they are so beautiful when he was supposedly obsessed with the female Main character like wtf.

[Risshan Adele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Song

Oh Nathan Crane. He just wants to be loved, but he keeps getting friend zoned. Maybe he’s a little too intense..Or maybe it’s just bad luck. This was an enjoyable and engrossing read! Nathan just kept surprising me. I love stories like this. What’s not to love about a messed up love story with a deranged person.

[Kateri Stanley · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I had to pitch this book, I’d say it was a Young Adult version of You, the TV show. The reader follows the life of community college student, Nathan Crane. He seems presentable on the surface but when you delve deeper into a psyche, you realise there’s an obsessive, twisted and traumatised guy. He also happens to have a major crush on a girl at his college who he stalks on a daily basis. He lives, thinks & breathes Christine Romero.

I’d recommend this novel if you’re into stories with a slow burn to build up tension and the character development. There were some sections when my attention waned but it does get better later on into the novel. Nathan becomes…I’d say - unhinged but I won’t say what happens. His actions lead to dire consequences.

Thank you for the review copy, Mr Reyes!

[Sara Mcfadden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was DARK DARKITY DARK. It is watching the devolution of a man who can’t handle rejection and lives in a truly abusive home. His dad is AWFUL. I feel like ppl are sleeping on Mr Reyes’s work. His writing style is fresh, humor laced horror that tells tales worth reading. This book for sure will feel like someone is breathing down your neck.

[James Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good, it had some relatable moments and some definite WTF moments as well. I couldn’t wait to get to the next page and see what unfolds. You can almost hear a soundtrack playing as you read it. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes a good romantic love story.😂

[Jennifer Shepherd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book! Very creepy and reminiscent of You. I look forward to reading more of his work.

[Jaydeep Shah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it❤️

I loved the story so much.❤️ Every chapter gave me goosebumps. This is a must read for the horror readers. 😈

[Anabel Mejia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story line, I couldn’t stop reading it I had to know what was going to happen next

[Samm · Rating 5 out of 5]

•Damn, I love a good stalker POV!! Nathan Crane could be the devious little love child of Joe Goldberg and Dexter Morgan. Nate was such a sad boy who wanted love on his terms and on his time. This was brutal! One thing you can count on with E. Reyes is the gore is always top notch and the kills will shock you every time. Don't wanna spoil anything but the way Nate loses his shit and is less careful and more impulsive as this story went on was soooo insane and fun to read.
•
•If you're into some stalker shit and body horror, read this!!