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Alex Hayes #0.5
Trial By Fire
Before the Verdicts, There Was the Trial That Forged Her.Before she was a rising star in the DA’s office, Alex Hayes was a rookie prosecutor with everything to prove—and a ruthless defense attorney standing in her way.
When a high-stakes fraud case lands on her desk, Alex is confident it’s open and shut. The evidence is airtight, the paper trail unbreakable, and the victims desperate for justice. But when Michael Donovan, a brilliant and manipulative defense lawyer with a reputation for turning slam-dunks into acquittals, steps in to defend the accused, everything changes.
As Alex digs deeper, she realizes winning this case will require more than legal know-how. With pressure mounting from all sides and the trial spiraling into a psychological chess match, she must outwit a master manipulator without losing herself in the process.
Trial by Fire is a gripping legal thriller that introduces Alex Hayes at the beginning of her career—a time when the stakes were personal, and the courtroom was her crucible.
When a high-stakes fraud case lands on her desk, Alex is confident it’s open and shut. The evidence is airtight, the paper trail unbreakable, and the victims desperate for justice. But when Michael Donovan, a brilliant and manipulative defense lawyer with a reputation for turning slam-dunks into acquittals, steps in to defend the accused, everything changes.
As Alex digs deeper, she realizes winning this case will require more than legal know-how. With pressure mounting from all sides and the trial spiraling into a psychological chess match, she must outwit a master manipulator without losing herself in the process.
Trial by Fire is a gripping legal thriller that introduces Alex Hayes at the beginning of her career—a time when the stakes were personal, and the courtroom was her crucible.
60 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2025
About the author
L.T. Ryan
175 books1,498 followersL.T. RYAN is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author. The new age of publishing offered L.T. the opportunity to blend his passions for creating, marketing, and technology to reach audiences with his popular Jack Noble series.
Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.
BOOKS IN THE JACK NOBLE SERIES
The Recruit (prequel short story)
The First Deception (prequel)
Noble Beginnings
A Deadly Distance
Thin Line
Noble Intentions
When Dead in Greece
Noble Retribution
Noble Betrayal
Never Go Home
Noble Judgment
Never Cry Mercy
Deadline
End Game
BOOKS IN THE BEAR LOGAN SERIES
Ripple Effect
Blowback
Takedown
Deep State (coming January, 2020)
BOOKS IN THE CLARISSA ABBOT SERIES
Beyond Betrayal
BOOKS IN THE MITCH TANNER SERIES
The Depths of Darkness
Into the Darkness
Deliver Us From Darkness (coming soon)
Social Media Links
Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...
Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com
About the Author
L.T. RYAN is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author. The new age of publishing offered L.T. the opportunity to blend his passions for creating, marketing, and technology to reach audiences with his popular Jack Noble series.
Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.
Social Media Links
Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...
Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com
Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.
BOOKS IN THE JACK NOBLE SERIES
The Recruit (prequel short story)
The First Deception (prequel)
Noble Beginnings
A Deadly Distance
Thin Line
Noble Intentions
When Dead in Greece
Noble Retribution
Noble Betrayal
Never Go Home
Noble Judgment
Never Cry Mercy
Deadline
End Game
BOOKS IN THE BEAR LOGAN SERIES
Ripple Effect
Blowback
Takedown
Deep State (coming January, 2020)
BOOKS IN THE CLARISSA ABBOT SERIES
Beyond Betrayal
BOOKS IN THE MITCH TANNER SERIES
The Depths of Darkness
Into the Darkness
Deliver Us From Darkness (coming soon)
Social Media Links
Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...
Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com
About the Author
L.T. RYAN is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author. The new age of publishing offered L.T. the opportunity to blend his passions for creating, marketing, and technology to reach audiences with his popular Jack Noble series.
Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.
Social Media Links
Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...
Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 7, 2026
I went into Trial by Fire expecting a strong, punchy introduction to a new legal thriller series, but it didn’t quite deliver for me.
Because it’s so short, there’s barely any time for real character development, which made it hard to connect with the attorney or feel invested in the case. The trial itself felt flat and low-stakes, and nothing ever really built tension or excitement. I kept waiting for something deeper or more compelling to happen… and it just never did.
It’s not terrible — just underwhelming. More like a rough sketch of a story than a fully formed one. I’m still open to trying the next book in the series, but this one didn’t hook me the way a lead-in should.
Because it’s so short, there’s barely any time for real character development, which made it hard to connect with the attorney or feel invested in the case. The trial itself felt flat and low-stakes, and nothing ever really built tension or excitement. I kept waiting for something deeper or more compelling to happen… and it just never did.
It’s not terrible — just underwhelming. More like a rough sketch of a story than a fully formed one. I’m still open to trying the next book in the series, but this one didn’t hook me the way a lead-in should.
April 27, 2025
Wow, what a trial!
The case of a man on trial for fraud against the elderly was what Alex Hayes had on her docket to prosecute. It looked like the evidence against the defendant was solid. However, Alex Hayes was expecting the defence attorney to find an objection to something. The trial was tense and intriguing. Read this book to find out how the trial was prosecuted and defended. I recommend this book, and I don't think you will be disappointed. Happy reading! ☺️
The case of a man on trial for fraud against the elderly was what Alex Hayes had on her docket to prosecute. It looked like the evidence against the defendant was solid. However, Alex Hayes was expecting the defence attorney to find an objection to something. The trial was tense and intriguing. Read this book to find out how the trial was prosecuted and defended. I recommend this book, and I don't think you will be disappointed. Happy reading! ☺️
May 31, 2025
If you like court procedurals that aren't overwhelming and are short, then this is for you. The case itself already gets under your skin but the defense attorney also does a great job of making your skin crawl. It has the suspense, the thrill, and the satisfaction that I like to keep me entertained. I'm looking forward to reading the series.
April 28, 2025
Yup! I am gonna love this series!
I admit to reading this out of order. This introduced me to characters I already know. Alex is good. Quick thinking and well spoken. Donovan is nasty but just what Alex needs to season her in her profession! I can't wait for more!
I admit to reading this out of order. This introduced me to characters I already know. Alex is good. Quick thinking and well spoken. Donovan is nasty but just what Alex needs to season her in her profession! I can't wait for more!
June 19, 2025
Alex Hayes Legal shortie
Great short story about courtroom procedure, the wrangling that goes on, and the legal tactics employed by attorneys. It does a good job adding foundation for Alex and adds insight for additional stories in the series.
Great short story about courtroom procedure, the wrangling that goes on, and the legal tactics employed by attorneys. It does a good job adding foundation for Alex and adds insight for additional stories in the series.
July 1, 2025
An excellent lead in to the series
A few legal procedures were left out, but a nice introduction to Alex’s legal mind, tenacity and intelligence. Looking forward to reading more and watching her develop more.
A few legal procedures were left out, but a nice introduction to Alex’s legal mind, tenacity and intelligence. Looking forward to reading more and watching her develop more.
July 5, 2025
Snappy Successful Comeback
This book was s quick read. It held my attention throughout. The correct side won out despite a crushing blow from the defense. The case was settled through a very clever maneuver by the prosecution. It is worthy of a good read!
This book was s quick read. It held my attention throughout. The correct side won out despite a crushing blow from the defense. The case was settled through a very clever maneuver by the prosecution. It is worthy of a good read!
November 3, 2025
L.T. Ryan and Laura Chase successfully wrote a gripping legal thriller.
The story introduces rookie prosecutor Alex Hayes as she takes on her first major case with battles of strategy and strong, sharp confidence!
The story introduces rookie prosecutor Alex Hayes as she takes on her first major case with battles of strategy and strong, sharp confidence!
March 10, 2026
Very tense, but exhilarating!
The courtroom proceedings were accurate and the woman lawyer was very smart. Tension built when the defense attorney threw a monkey wrench into the mix. Good story!
The courtroom proceedings were accurate and the woman lawyer was very smart. Tension built when the defense attorney threw a monkey wrench into the mix. Good story!
May 22, 2025
Alex does her thing, excellently!
June 15, 2025
A very short introduction to Alex Hayes legal thriller, enjoyable but the style is not my cup of tea.
June 20, 2025
Great prequel leading up to the next Alex Hayes book. Interesting character development.
July 9, 2025
Believable
Fast paced with likable characters. Interesting subject matter not mentioned often enough. Law enforcement and legal system combatability, awesome. Worth checking out.
Fast paced with likable characters. Interesting subject matter not mentioned often enough. Law enforcement and legal system combatability, awesome. Worth checking out.
September 25, 2025
I enjoyed this trial! I thought the story was very good and entertaining. I did see this was not the first book, I did jump in on this one but still enjoyed it.
November 22, 2025
Maybe I should have giving it a better rating. I was just shocked it was only 60 pages. Didn’t know LT wrote short stories
December 6, 2025
court ending
A fast but good read. What it might be like to have a good ending for the story about law.
A fast but good read. What it might be like to have a good ending for the story about law.
January 16, 2026
Convenient
Kind of flat, but fast reading. Not what I had expected as a lead-in to a series. Reading the series anyways.
Kind of flat, but fast reading. Not what I had expected as a lead-in to a series. Reading the series anyways.
February 23, 2026
Great series. Very easy to get lost in the novel.
Read
April 2, 2026This one is very short, and it really has nothing to do with the story line.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews