Love on Trial

by Alexie Jane

She built her career defending the innocent. She swore never to let her heart be swayed by a man again.

Elena Carter is one of the country’s most sought-after defense attorneys—a sharp, unshakable woman with a reputation for winning impossible cases. After a painful betrayal, she’s buried her heart under layers of ambition and mistrust. Love? That’s something she’s long since put on trial and sentenced to life without parole.

Until Asher Brooks.

Accused of a brutal murder he swears he didn’t commit, Asher is every defense lawyer’s nightmare—enigmatic, complicated, and dangerously charming. From the moment Elena takes his case, she knows getting involved is a mistake. But the deeper she digs into the truth, the harder it becomes to resist the pull between them.

As evidence stacks up and the courtroom battle intensifies, Elena must decide: will she risk her career, her beliefs, and her guarded heart for a man who might be guilty? Or will Love on Trial be the one case she can’t win?

Perfect for fans of steamy legal dramas and slow-burn forbidden romance, Love on Trial is a gripping story of passion, secrets, and the thin line between justice and desire.

Paperback

Published September 15, 2025

About the author

Hi,
I’m a new author with a deep passion for writing stories that speak to the soul. I create across genres. From emotional romance and gripping crime thrillers, to meaningful journals and inspiring solo travel guides. Writing has become my way of exploring the world and connecting with others, one page at a time.

I may be just starting out, but every book I write is crafted with heart, care, and a love for storytelling. If my words make you feel something, reflect, or dream — then I’ve done my job. Thank you for supporting my journey.

“And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance… I hope you dance.” – Lee Ann Womack

Reviews

[Reading Mouse · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book as an ARC from the author.
I was a bit hesitant to request this book because of the somewhat short deadline for the release. But was quickly eased of that worry when I learned that this book was only about 100 pages long.

It was a nice short book to read, and book that I’d recommend if you are in a slump. But this book was very fast paced. Things escalated fast and moved even faster. And because of that this book felt a bit rushed. There wasn’t a lot of room for us to relax and enjoy or anticipate things because it just happened before you even got the chance. There also wasn’t enough time for the chemistry between the two main characters to build either.
Which is the main reason why this rating isn’t that high. Because I am an absolute sucker for chemistry.

I would still recommend this book as it was a nice short read that definitely kick started my reading after my rather busy month last month. And I hope that you come to enjoy this book more than I did.

Thank you Alexie Jane for giving me a chance to read your book and I hope you the best for your books!

Enjoy 😘

[Sheila Fowler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast-paced and thrilling . . .
You find yourself rooting for Asher and Elena. The beginning is slow, but it picks up pretty fast in this book. The way Elena puts the pieces together helps you as a reader put them together, too. I was on the edge of my seat as Elena kept putting herself in danger to trust in Asher's innocence. Alexei Jane created a wonderful and reluctant heroine who keeps this thrilling story move along.

[Phoenix Fyreheart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elena Carter is cold, calculated, distant and ruthless. Fiercely self-reliant. Until one trial changed it all. Defending Asher Brooks becomes more than just another case when everyone digging for the truth is threatened. For Elena, 'just another trial' forms cracks in the armor she's spent years building and a hard truth is at long last admitted: avoiding love doesn't mean you are safe. It just means you're alone.

I don't usually go for stories like this. Yes I love sweet romances, I'm a bit of a hopeless romantic and I'll be the first to admit that. But I had the chance to give Love on Trial a...well, a trial read, and I loved it. Reading Elena's story felt a bit like reading into a mirror. My neurospicy sense of justice REALLY didn't like Noah or Corvin. Maybe I was a bit blinded by my own past traumas, but it gave me such great pleasure to see a giant fall.

The cliffhanger ending swept the rug out from under my feet, though. The potential for Big Bad to make a return that could threaten not just their happiness, but their lives, mildly terrifies me. Will I read aa sequel anyways? Probably. Do I hope Big Bad gets his eventual comeuppance? You bet your butt I do. Five star read for sure!

Ravenheart Rating: 9/10
Spice Factor: Level 3, kisses

[Julie Grayson · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Love on Trial” by Alexie Jane, is a masterful blend of high-stakes legal drama and intoxicating romance. The novel follows criminal defense attorney Elena Carter as she takes on the daunting case of Asher Brooks, a man whose fight for justice becomes inextricably linked with a powerful, and perhaps ill-advised, passion.
While the pacing lags a little bit in the beginning of the story, it soon accelerates into a relentless pulse of suspense. Elena's relentless pursuit of the truth—a quest that demands she risk her professional standing and personal safety to prove Asher's innocence—is utterly captivating. The meticulous way she pieces the case together will leave you in a state of breathless anticipation.
As another reviewer aptly noted, you will unquestionably find yourself championing the cause—and the passion—between Asher and Elena from the very first page to the last.
This is the perfect read for aficionados of romantic thrillers. I’ll end my review by saying that the author has created a thrilling and fast-paced narrative that absolutely earns 5 stars and a handful of Kudosaurus Rexes (🦖🦖🦖) to boot.

[Danial007]

Love on Trial delivers an intense blend of courtroom drama and forbidden passion. Elena Carter, a brilliant defense attorney scarred by betrayal, takes on the case of Asher Brooks—a man accused of murder and wrapped in mystery. As professional duty collides with undeniable attraction, the story unfolds into a gripping tale of truth, trust, and second chances that will keep readers hooked until the verdict.

[Ronda Smith-stoddard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this arc by the author Alexie Jane. I just want to say thank you for giving me the opportunity to read your book. This was a fast read for me . Elena is a gutsy, tough as nails , lawyer who is handed a pro bono case that turns out to be the trial of her career. Asher Brooks is the MMC who is on trial for murder. Very fast paced and unforgettable. Absolutely can't wait to read more of Alexie's work. Thank you again for this opportunity.

[Moonlight CreativeLab · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story perfectly balances legal suspense with passionate romance. Elena and Asher’s connection feels intense and genuine, making their journey both thrilling and emotional. The courtroom setting adds depth and tension, keeping me turning the pages. It’s a fast-paced, steamy read that will definitely appeal to fans of romantic suspense.

[Elina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating from the first page! The forbidden love story is beautifully written, full of emotion and tension. The courtroom scenes feel real, and the ending left me breathless

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping romantic drama with strong emotions and suspense. The chemistry between characters feels real, and the courtroom tension keeps you hooked until the final page

[H. L. Dawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got a review copy of Love on Trial from the author in exchange for an honest review. It's a lethal mix of courtroom drama and romance!

MC Elena Carter, a defence lawyer, steers clear of love because it might be safer that way, but it leaves her isolated. She's built up a tough shell, but that changes when she takes on Asher Brooks' case. He's handsome, full of secrets and far too intriguing for Elena's own best interests. What begins as strictly business turns into a dangerous affair where revealing the truth could put lives in danger. The cat-and-mouse relationship between Asher and Elena is tense, and it adds to the already dramatic courtroom drama. 🥵

The author balances the tension between suspense, romance, and raw emotion really well, so the book is as much about second chances and trust as unwinding a mystery. And that ending? I NEED a sequel. I want to see more of these characters and their chemistry. Perfect for lovers of courtroom drama and romance.

[FunctionX · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love on Trial by Alexie Jane is a scorching start to the Law & Love Chronicles series, delivering on its promise of a romantic legal thriller where the stakes are incredibly high both inside and outside the courtroom.

The premise is instantly captivating: ambitious lawyer Elena finds her control tested when sparks fly with Asher, the central figure in a dangerous trial. The book masterfully builds intense tension as duty constantly clashes with overwhelming desire. Every choice made by the protagonists feels loaded with consequence, creating a gripping sense of urgency.

Perfect for readers who enjoy steamy romance mixed with heart-stopping drama, this novel explores the kind of forbidden love that risks everything. Love on Trial will leave you breathless, anxious to see if Elena and Asher can survive the legal minefield and follow their hearts.

[Gracie Monroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love on Trial grabbed my attention from page one and never let go. Elena is such a compelling lead—sharp, guarded, and fiercely committed to her work—and watching her collide with Asher, a client who challenges her both professionally and emotionally, made this story impossible to step away from.

The mix of legal tension and forbidden attraction is done so well. The courtroom scenes are gripping, but it’s the slow unraveling of trust between Elena and Asher that really kept me turning the pages. Their chemistry feels electric, but there’s also a real vulnerability beneath it that gives the story heart.

I enjoyed the balance of suspense, romance, and high stakes. It’s fast-paced, smartly plotted, and emotional in all the right ways. I’ll definitely be continuing this series—Alexie Jane hooked me completely.

[Sandra Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elena was working a pro-bono murder case. This should’ve been an easy open-and-shut case, but there was something about the defendant that didn’t resemble a cold-blooded murderer.

I always enjoy a good whodunnit mystery and this one certainly was interesting. The read itself was pretty good, but I did run into some cringing typos. Also, on a side note: while I was reading this on my Kindle, I seemed to have been missing the beginning part of each chapter. Weird. Despite the typos and missing paragraphs, I still managed to get a story that interested me.

Story was filled with courtroom drama, emotional ties, and mystery. And, in the midst of it all, a killer lurks wanting to shut this case once and for all. The read was kind of repetitive in some parts, but the power and sentiment were nicely done and easily draw the reader in. A good read!

[Vijay Kerji · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well-written suspense and thriller story by the author, Alexie Jane
Asher Brooks is falsely implicated and imprisoned for the murder of his boss, Richard. The attorney, Elena Carter, is confident he is innocent and decides to fight to free him. She takes the help of her intern, Cloe, to gather the evidence and help her in her quest.

What follows next is a tense courtroom drama, as enemies threaten and injure Elena and her associates, who seek the truth.
Will Asher Brooks be released, and will justice be served for him? Who is behind the murder of his boss? What hurdles does Elena and her team face before they find the truth?

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and highly recommend it to all readers who like murder mysteries with courtroom dramas.

[Emma Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-written thriller romance story by the author Alexie Jane. I loved Elena Carter's character, like how strong-headed and determined she is. Asher Brooks is falsely accused of the murder of his boss, Richard, and Elena fought for him. She is confident that he is innocent, and she decides to fight for him, and I loved how in the end Chloe fought the case because as an intern she made Elena proud.

I really enjoyed the whole courtroom drama, how enemies threaten and injure Elena and her associates. It's a fast-paced and thrilling story. The start is a bit slow, but it picks up pretty fast.

To know more about this book, I would recommend that people give this book a read. You'll will really enjoy this.

[Mila Bykova · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Moving, Intense Romance That Stays With You

“Love on Trial” is a beautifully written, emotionally charged story that follows El and Asher through healing, trust, and the complicated shadows of their pasts. What impressed me most is how grounded and human this book feels — the author doesn’t rush their emotions but lets them unfold naturally.

The book balances tenderness with emotional intensity, and the ending leaves you with a sense of quiet anticipation rather than finality — especially when that last message appears: “This Trial was only the beginning.” It’s a perfect hint that some stories heal us slowly, one step at a time.

If you enjoy romance with depth, vulnerability, and characters who feel truly alive, “Love on Trial” is absolutely worth reading.

[Joey Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want a powerful, bada** female main character, El is your gal. I was in awe at how this girl just kept going and fighting. I was like "she's going to have to break soon, or get tired soon, no?" NO! El is very inspiring as a woman (even though she's fictional). Alexie gives you wonderful description to immerse you in the book, and an arrogant super villain you will absolutely hate. Would I have liked to see a bit more scenes and development in the love/relationship between El and Asher? Sure. The relationship seemed a bit rushed, and we didnt get too many scenes between the two (I mean, maybe because he was in jail??), but I guess that's what sequels are for!
Otherwise, I flew through this book and could not root for El harder. Can't wait to see what's next!

[S.F. Parkhurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine! You've spent years becoming a tough, bit** in heels attorney, a powerhouse in the courtroom, and you believe the hard shell that grew out of a traumatic past is impenetrable, in public and private, but then...someone pokes a little hole in it. And it gets larger...AND SUDDENLY everything is on the line! LOVE, YOUR CAREER, AND EVEN YOUR LIFE! WOW!
In this fast-paced legal whodunit, Elena finds herself defending a man who not only challenges her legal abilities but also takes her on a journey of self-discovery. If you're looking for a quick read and don't want to get bogged down in a million details and characters, put the lasagna in the oven and read this while it bakes!

[Michelle Shamy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not really sure what to think of this one. it had the making of a great book but fell short. even for a short read, it was lacking in description of the characters. moved to fast fir the type of story that it was.
in all honesty, this book needed more. much more. this book needs more length to give it the depth that it deserves.
I found that there was just too much missing to make this story worthwhile.
if the author were to rewrite this, and put on more description more depth, and detail to the overall story then it could be a really good book

[Martins Kremeris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love on Trial is a sizzling blend of courtroom tension and forbidden passion. When fierce attorney Elena meets the magnetic Asher, their chemistry defies logic—and the law. What begins as a professional rivalry spirals into a battle between heart and duty, truth and temptation. With sharp dialogue, emotional depth, and edge-of-your-seat twists, this first entry in the Law & Love Chronicles delivers everything fans of romantic legal thrillers crave: heat, heart, and high stakes that don’t let go.

[Artur Swiatek]

I was surprised how much I got into Love on Trial. The mix of legal drama and slow-burn romance actually worked really well. The characters felt real—flawed but likable—and I liked how their chemistry built naturally instead of rushing things. A few courtroom scenes dragged a little, but the emotional payoff made up for it. It’s not all about the law; it’s about trust and second chances too. If you enjoy romance with a dash of tension and a lot of heart, this one’s worth reading with a cup of tea.

[Ela Sharp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, thrilling, and romantic.
This was a short, fast-paced read. I enjoyed the dynamic between the main characters: fierce lawyer Elena and her calm client, Asher. The evolution of their relationship added an exciting layer to the story. The plot centers around trials, accusations, and threats, all woven together with the pursuit of truth. Readers who enjoy courtroom thrillers with a touch of romance will likely find this an engaging read.

[Bryant Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pulled me in right from the start. Elena is such a strong, complex character—you can feel her struggle between duty and emotion as she defends Asher, who’s equal parts mysterious and magnetic. The courtroom scenes are tense, but it’s the emotional tension between them that really makes it hard to put down. If you like legal thrillers with a touch of romance, this one’s a perfect mix of suspense and heart.

[Garima Bais · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just read Love on Trial, and it pulled me in right away. Elena is tough and smart, but you can feel how much she’s been hurt before. When she meets Asher, everything gets messy in the best way. You never really know if he’s innocent or if she’s making a huge mistake, and that tension kept me turning the pages.

The mix of romance and courtroom drama is really fun. If you like emotional, forbidden love with a bit of mystery, this book is a great read.

[Marie Epperson · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Love on Trial” by Alexie Jane is an addictive blend of forbidden romance, legal suspense, and emotional intensity. The chemistry between the leads is electric, and the high-stakes courtroom drama keeps you turning pages. With strong character development and a plot that balances danger and desire, this first installment of the Law & Love Chronicles sets up a series you’ll want to follow. A captivating, risk-it-all romance that delivers both heat and heart.

[Deep Forest · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging blend of forbidden romance and legal suspense, this story pulls you in quickly with palpable chemistry between the leads and a trial setting that raises the emotional and ethical stakes beyond a standard love story. While a few plot beats feel slightly rushed, the tension, high-risk setup, and promise of deeper character development in future installments make it a page-turner for a dramatic, high-stakes romance.

[Natalie Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received as an ARC from the author:
I gave this book 3 stars due to how fast paced the romance was between the FMC and MMC ( I’m a sucker for slow burns). The plot had me sucked in wanting to know what was going to happen next. The twists and turns kept me on edge. Looking forward to the next book in this series!

Thanks Alexie for the ARC!

[Mykella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A steamy and dramatic romance that blends courtroom tension with forbidden passion, this book keeps you hooked from start to finish. Elena and Asher’s chemistry is electric, and the high-stakes legal setting adds fresh intensity to their love story. While some twists feel a bit over the top, the mix of desire, danger, and emotional conflict makes this a gripping and enjoyable read.

[Merit. L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love on Trial is a quick and entertaining book you can easily finish in one sitting. The writing flows nicely, and the story has that mix of courtroom tension and romance that keeps things moving.

Elena, the tough defence lawyer, and Asher, her client, make an interesting pair, and the forbidden spark between them adds a fun twist to the legal drama.

[Mehmet Çalışkan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexie Jane’s Love on Trial is a gripping romantic legal thriller. The story revolves around defense attorney Elena Carter and her client Asher Brooks, and the tension in the courtroom combined with their dynamic explores both justice and passion. I think it would be an enjoyable read for fans of romantic suspense and legal drama.