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The Love Trials: An enemies-to-lovers romance thriller about hunting the ghosts of serial killers
Not yet published
Expected 28 Apr 26A serial killer targets couples in love... But he accidentally takes a pair of enemies instead.
Eden Callahan survived a famous serial killer at thirteen by playing dead while her family was butchered around her. When she's attacked by another killer at twenty-one and rescued in the brink of time, she discovers a horrifying truth:
Some serial killers come back as ghosts after they die and possess innocent people to continue their murder sprees.
Eden joins a team of paranormal investigators aimed at finding and extracting these ghosts, and quickly begins hunting the most sadistic entity the team has ever encountered. When he was alive, the Game Master got famous for forcing couples into deadly trials designed to break their love, and now that he's dead, his games have gotten worse.
Eden hunts the Game Master alongside the team, trying to stop him before he kills another victim. But the Game Master has big plans for his next trials, and when Eden gets caught in his crosshairs, she will have to use all her cunning if she has any chance of getting through the investigation alive.
Perfect for fans of Criminal Minds, Saw, and Supernatural!
Tropes: Enemies to lovers / Hate to love / Slow burn / He falls first / Morally grey MMC / Includes two open door spicy scenes
Eden Callahan survived a famous serial killer at thirteen by playing dead while her family was butchered around her. When she's attacked by another killer at twenty-one and rescued in the brink of time, she discovers a horrifying truth:
Some serial killers come back as ghosts after they die and possess innocent people to continue their murder sprees.
Eden joins a team of paranormal investigators aimed at finding and extracting these ghosts, and quickly begins hunting the most sadistic entity the team has ever encountered. When he was alive, the Game Master got famous for forcing couples into deadly trials designed to break their love, and now that he's dead, his games have gotten worse.
Eden hunts the Game Master alongside the team, trying to stop him before he kills another victim. But the Game Master has big plans for his next trials, and when Eden gets caught in his crosshairs, she will have to use all her cunning if she has any chance of getting through the investigation alive.
Perfect for fans of Criminal Minds, Saw, and Supernatural!
Tropes: Enemies to lovers / Hate to love / Slow burn / He falls first / Morally grey MMC / Includes two open door spicy scenes
- GenresDark Romance
Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 28, 2026
55 people are currently reading
418 people want to read
About the author
Claire Fraise
7 books260 followersClaire Fraise is an award-winning author of paranormal thrillers about sinister spirits and the brave ghost hunters who bring them down. She won the Grand Prize at the 2023 Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards for They Stay, and published her debut novel Imperfect when she was still in high school. When Claire is not sitting behind her computer writing about murder, you can find her hiking in the mountains, on the back of a horse, or taking too many pictures of her dog. Even though it goes against every introverted bone in her body, she is on social media. Connect with her on YouTube at Write with Claire Fraise, Instagram at @clairefraiseauthor, or visit her website at clairefraise.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
March 28, 2026
⭐️ Review of ARC from the author ⭐️
Would you save yourself or your lover if you were trapped in a saw game?
I was absolutely hooked from the teasers Claire Fraise posted, but just reading the prologue cemented how much I loved this book. The absolutely insane amount of detail when it came down to Eden reading the research, the way the "scientist of sorts" was portrayed (CREEPY) and every characters backstory was beautifully written. I cannot wait for the next one and I am hoping I'll be lucky enough to be able to ARC read that too!
Would you save yourself or your lover if you were trapped in a saw game?
I was absolutely hooked from the teasers Claire Fraise posted, but just reading the prologue cemented how much I loved this book. The absolutely insane amount of detail when it came down to Eden reading the research, the way the "scientist of sorts" was portrayed (CREEPY) and every characters backstory was beautifully written. I cannot wait for the next one and I am hoping I'll be lucky enough to be able to ARC read that too!
March 28, 2026
ARC Review
I absolutely loved this book! My only complaint is that there isn’t more!
Serious Criminal Minds vibes with some Saw mixed in there.
I loved each team member, found family is my favourite trope and this definitely gave me those feelings.
The twists were not expected and plotted brilliantly
I can’t wait for the next one!
I absolutely loved this book! My only complaint is that there isn’t more!
Serious Criminal Minds vibes with some Saw mixed in there.
I loved each team member, found family is my favourite trope and this definitely gave me those feelings.
The twists were not expected and plotted brilliantly
I can’t wait for the next one!
March 29, 2026
ARC REVIEW
Loved it!
I read the whole book in a day the storyline was so interesting to me I couldn’t get enough!
Can’t lie I’m obsessed with Nico!
Only thing keeping it from being a five star read is it didn’t truly feel like an enemies to lovers since she was into him from the start and he just seemed annoyed by her presence there were times throughout that I did question it though so still got 4 stars and I loved them by the end!
Overall a great read and I’ll definitely be reading more by this author!
Loved it!
I read the whole book in a day the storyline was so interesting to me I couldn’t get enough!
Can’t lie I’m obsessed with Nico!
Only thing keeping it from being a five star read is it didn’t truly feel like an enemies to lovers since she was into him from the start and he just seemed annoyed by her presence there were times throughout that I did question it though so still got 4 stars and I loved them by the end!
Overall a great read and I’ll definitely be reading more by this author!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2026
ARC review
I haven’t read such a good and detailed book in SO long. Everything about this book was insane, i genuinely couldn’t put it down!! every page kept you wanting more The descriptions for every character was amazing as well as the descriptions and plot!! i felt as if i was there and i can’t believe i’ve only just discovered this author!!
I haven’t read such a good and detailed book in SO long. Everything about this book was insane, i genuinely couldn’t put it down!! every page kept you wanting more The descriptions for every character was amazing as well as the descriptions and plot!! i felt as if i was there and i can’t believe i’ve only just discovered this author!!
March 31, 2026
Thank you so much for my ARC of The Love Trials.
To begin, I DEVOURED this book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+
Any book that brings me to tears, has gripped me and this did more than once.
It had everything I love:
* Serial unalivers
* Ghosts/paranormal
* Horror/violence/gore
* Enemies-to-lovers
* Slow burn romance(soooo much yearning)
* Morally grey MMC
* Twists&turns
* Dark romance (specifically CNC)
* Found family
* BANTER!
It follows Eden Callahan, a 21 y/o girl that was dubbed “The Girl That Played Dead” by the media after her family is unalived by a serial unaliver and she survives by playing dead at 13 y/o.
She has done her best to survive for years on her own, having difficulty connecting with others, she lives with a lot of guilt from being the soul survivor when her family was attacked.
Having experienced a lot of loss myself, I really connected with her character. I love that her and Nico use banter and sarcasm as a defence mechanism as I do the exact same thing.
Despite everything, she is full of sunshine and positivity (not to mention she is super fierce and brave), much to the dismay of Nico (our grumpy and morally grey MMC) who she collides with when she is attacked by a man possessed by the ghost of a serial unaliver. She then realises she can see ghosts (anyone who has died can have the ability to see entities).
Donny (retired FBI turned paranormal investigator) offers her a job on his team. Eden realises she has no where to turn when she is attacked by a ghost after the run in with Nico and Donny.
You can tell that she is finally feeling she has found purpose when it comes to light that she has certain abilities to detect and communicate with ghosts that even Nico doesn’t have. Nico continues to push her away and tries his best to get her to leave but she’s too stubborn. Plus, any time he is in the room, she can’t breathe. Any time he brushes against her, she can’t think. She thinks he’s beautiful and a force of nature despite how much he hates her.
When, enemies, Eden and Nico are kidnapped and put in to a version of “The Love Trials”…will they stay enemies? Can Eden see past the heartbreaking and terrifying truth that she discovered about Nico, his close connection to one ghost unaliver in particular. You’ll have to read to find out!
I loved that the full plot isn’t only based around the “Love Trials”. Claire spent time building each character and concentrating on developing their characters and relationships. So although we have a MMC and FMC, every character is important in this story and I love them all for different reasons. And don’t forget BOB! Eden’s fiercely protective chihuahua who will stand up to anyone that threatens Eden.
Eden keeps the memory of her family alive by thinking about how they would deal with situations so it’s like they’re with her, always guiding her. Her Mom always seeing the best in people, her Dad guiding her and keeping her strong.
Claire described this perfectly…if you are a fan of Saw, Supernatural and Criminal Minds plus you are into dark romance….this is for you!
Please note that there are heavy subjects in this book so check the TWs.
Some of my fave quotes:
Eden: “it’s like someone just punched me, but in a good way. I reach for the locker handle, and I’m hit with a scary realisation: I want this. I want to belong somewhere so badly it’s making me ill. When’s the last time I had a place that was mine?”
The banter, US office reference: “ “You can’t order me around,” I say. “You’re not my boss.” “I’m Donny’s second.” “Is this some assistant to the regional manager bullshit?”
So much yearning:
“His tone may be lighthearted, but there’s an edge to the look he’s giving me, something hungry underneath that makes my pulse kick up for reasons that have nothing to do with anger.”
“The casual authority in Nico’s voice does deeply inappropriate things to my nervous system. Why is competence under pressure the sexiest thing ever? I need to get a grip.”
He falls first: “ “I thought I could do this,” he says, “but I can’t fucking handle seeing you in pain.”
To begin, I DEVOURED this book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+
Any book that brings me to tears, has gripped me and this did more than once.
It had everything I love:
* Serial unalivers
* Ghosts/paranormal
* Horror/violence/gore
* Enemies-to-lovers
* Slow burn romance(soooo much yearning)
* Morally grey MMC
* Twists&turns
* Dark romance (specifically CNC)
* Found family
* BANTER!
It follows Eden Callahan, a 21 y/o girl that was dubbed “The Girl That Played Dead” by the media after her family is unalived by a serial unaliver and she survives by playing dead at 13 y/o.
She has done her best to survive for years on her own, having difficulty connecting with others, she lives with a lot of guilt from being the soul survivor when her family was attacked.
Having experienced a lot of loss myself, I really connected with her character. I love that her and Nico use banter and sarcasm as a defence mechanism as I do the exact same thing.
Despite everything, she is full of sunshine and positivity (not to mention she is super fierce and brave), much to the dismay of Nico (our grumpy and morally grey MMC) who she collides with when she is attacked by a man possessed by the ghost of a serial unaliver. She then realises she can see ghosts (anyone who has died can have the ability to see entities).
Donny (retired FBI turned paranormal investigator) offers her a job on his team. Eden realises she has no where to turn when she is attacked by a ghost after the run in with Nico and Donny.
You can tell that she is finally feeling she has found purpose when it comes to light that she has certain abilities to detect and communicate with ghosts that even Nico doesn’t have. Nico continues to push her away and tries his best to get her to leave but she’s too stubborn. Plus, any time he is in the room, she can’t breathe. Any time he brushes against her, she can’t think. She thinks he’s beautiful and a force of nature despite how much he hates her.
When, enemies, Eden and Nico are kidnapped and put in to a version of “The Love Trials”…will they stay enemies? Can Eden see past the heartbreaking and terrifying truth that she discovered about Nico, his close connection to one ghost unaliver in particular. You’ll have to read to find out!
I loved that the full plot isn’t only based around the “Love Trials”. Claire spent time building each character and concentrating on developing their characters and relationships. So although we have a MMC and FMC, every character is important in this story and I love them all for different reasons. And don’t forget BOB! Eden’s fiercely protective chihuahua who will stand up to anyone that threatens Eden.
Eden keeps the memory of her family alive by thinking about how they would deal with situations so it’s like they’re with her, always guiding her. Her Mom always seeing the best in people, her Dad guiding her and keeping her strong.
Claire described this perfectly…if you are a fan of Saw, Supernatural and Criminal Minds plus you are into dark romance….this is for you!
Please note that there are heavy subjects in this book so check the TWs.
Some of my fave quotes:
Eden: “it’s like someone just punched me, but in a good way. I reach for the locker handle, and I’m hit with a scary realisation: I want this. I want to belong somewhere so badly it’s making me ill. When’s the last time I had a place that was mine?”
The banter, US office reference: “ “You can’t order me around,” I say. “You’re not my boss.” “I’m Donny’s second.” “Is this some assistant to the regional manager bullshit?”
So much yearning:
“His tone may be lighthearted, but there’s an edge to the look he’s giving me, something hungry underneath that makes my pulse kick up for reasons that have nothing to do with anger.”
“The casual authority in Nico’s voice does deeply inappropriate things to my nervous system. Why is competence under pressure the sexiest thing ever? I need to get a grip.”
He falls first: “ “I thought I could do this,” he says, “but I can’t fucking handle seeing you in pain.”
March 30, 2026
(Arc reader review)
I’m really happy that I got access to the arc. When I stumbled across the prompt of people who don’t like each other having to go up against one another in a saw like love trial I was immediately intrigued.
While reading I was pleasantly surprised that the love trial wasn’t the whole plot point. The story of Eden finding out she can see ghosts, meeting people who hunt said ghosts and have the knowledge to protect her plus giving her a place where she can feel like she belongs elevated the book for me already bc i massively enjoy the found family trope. I also have to say that that whole part kind of read like a supernatural episode in some way which I loved.
Because I knew that they would eventually end up in the love trial I constantly found myself on edge when they will get kidnapped.
During the Trials I thought that the author did a good job of describing the horrors while not making you feel too icked out (with exception of the scene in the bathroom but she still managed to write that scene manageable but still portraying the horrors while of it.)
SPOILER WARNING
Speaking of, I was really skeptical with Nico after finding out what Billy made him do and the confrontation in the library. Like Eden I still wanted to trust him but the stuff he said and especially with the knowledge of the way he killed those girls (even if he didn’t choose to) I didn’t know if I could still like him as a love interest.
But during the trials and with their conversations and his explanations I could trust and like him again and I’m looking forward to see him in the future books and how he will adjust to his new role of being the Boss now.
The only thing that I could criticize is that in the end when the team tries to track down the game master I felt like it was a bit jumpy and drawn out but that is like a minimal negative point because everything else in the book was really well paced and mapped out in my opinion.
I’m looking forward to the next books in this series and will also check out the other books from the author.
I’m really happy that I got access to the arc. When I stumbled across the prompt of people who don’t like each other having to go up against one another in a saw like love trial I was immediately intrigued.
While reading I was pleasantly surprised that the love trial wasn’t the whole plot point. The story of Eden finding out she can see ghosts, meeting people who hunt said ghosts and have the knowledge to protect her plus giving her a place where she can feel like she belongs elevated the book for me already bc i massively enjoy the found family trope. I also have to say that that whole part kind of read like a supernatural episode in some way which I loved.
Because I knew that they would eventually end up in the love trial I constantly found myself on edge when they will get kidnapped.
During the Trials I thought that the author did a good job of describing the horrors while not making you feel too icked out (with exception of the scene in the bathroom but she still managed to write that scene manageable but still portraying the horrors while of it.)
SPOILER WARNING
Speaking of, I was really skeptical with Nico after finding out what Billy made him do and the confrontation in the library. Like Eden I still wanted to trust him but the stuff he said and especially with the knowledge of the way he killed those girls (even if he didn’t choose to) I didn’t know if I could still like him as a love interest.
But during the trials and with their conversations and his explanations I could trust and like him again and I’m looking forward to see him in the future books and how he will adjust to his new role of being the Boss now.
The only thing that I could criticize is that in the end when the team tries to track down the game master I felt like it was a bit jumpy and drawn out but that is like a minimal negative point because everything else in the book was really well paced and mapped out in my opinion.
I’m looking forward to the next books in this series and will also check out the other books from the author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW!
Am I about to rate this a 5? Yes, I think I am.
I was beyond excited every time there was a tease on TikTok for this book. I am so excited that I was able to get an ARC for it.
Where do I even begin? First off, if you enjoy criminal minds and supernatural, this is those two worlds collided. I won’t lie and say I was curious at how that could be pulled off and not feel like too much. When the book first began it took me a bit to adjust to the two worlds mixing but once it finally clicked and made sense, I was hooked.
This book is told from the FMCs perspective. We do get the “Scientist” aka the Game Master perspective a few times. The book also ends giving us the MMC perspective. Typically, I do not read a book that is in one persons perspective. I enjoy getting in the minds of both MCs. Even though I wanted nothing more than to have our MMCs perspective, it was very nice to follow the FMC from start to finish.
Our FMC (Eden) has been through it. She watched her family be murdered and escapes death. Later she is almost killed by a different killer. Which is where she meets our MMC (Nico) and Donny. After reluctantly not wanting to join their crew she decides to do so. She is infatuated by Nico from the beginning and there are a lot and I mean a lot of mixed signals he is putting out into the universe. We watch the journey of these two as they are pushed past their breaking points. There were so many moments I almost didn’t know who to believe or what to believe.
I was so happy to see that there was no cliff hanger. When I was getting to the 90% mark and we still had no answers I just knew it was going to leave us hanging on til the next book.
If there is not a plan for this to be an audiobook, it needs to be. I could just imagine someone like Corvin King narrating as Nico.
So thankful to Claire Fraise for sending out an ARC. This was actually the first ARC I have ever got and reviewed. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am honestly a little sad it’s over. I very much look forward to hopefully a second book. Fingers crossed. 🤞🏼
Am I about to rate this a 5? Yes, I think I am.
I was beyond excited every time there was a tease on TikTok for this book. I am so excited that I was able to get an ARC for it.
Where do I even begin? First off, if you enjoy criminal minds and supernatural, this is those two worlds collided. I won’t lie and say I was curious at how that could be pulled off and not feel like too much. When the book first began it took me a bit to adjust to the two worlds mixing but once it finally clicked and made sense, I was hooked.
This book is told from the FMCs perspective. We do get the “Scientist” aka the Game Master perspective a few times. The book also ends giving us the MMC perspective. Typically, I do not read a book that is in one persons perspective. I enjoy getting in the minds of both MCs. Even though I wanted nothing more than to have our MMCs perspective, it was very nice to follow the FMC from start to finish.
Our FMC (Eden) has been through it. She watched her family be murdered and escapes death. Later she is almost killed by a different killer. Which is where she meets our MMC (Nico) and Donny. After reluctantly not wanting to join their crew she decides to do so. She is infatuated by Nico from the beginning and there are a lot and I mean a lot of mixed signals he is putting out into the universe. We watch the journey of these two as they are pushed past their breaking points. There were so many moments I almost didn’t know who to believe or what to believe.
I was so happy to see that there was no cliff hanger. When I was getting to the 90% mark and we still had no answers I just knew it was going to leave us hanging on til the next book.
If there is not a plan for this to be an audiobook, it needs to be. I could just imagine someone like Corvin King narrating as Nico.
So thankful to Claire Fraise for sending out an ARC. This was actually the first ARC I have ever got and reviewed. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am honestly a little sad it’s over. I very much look forward to hopefully a second book. Fingers crossed. 🤞🏼
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I finished this book in a day and 2 hours - I could NOT put it down! I was very lucky to receive this book as an ARC read and I'm so happy I did.
Characters (the ones that felt main character-y to me):
NICO -
I'm probably in the minority here, but I couldn't stand Nico! I get the flip-flopping in his moods, given that they're supposed to be enemies to lovers, but honestly...some of the things he said to Eden would've made him dead to me completely if I was her.
EDEN -
She is so believable and relatable as a character. I found myself rooting for her the whole time. The only thing I found a bit annoying about her was that she let Nico off with FAR too much!
GRIFFIN -
My absolute FAVOURITE! He is my man, my guy, the best, da bomb. If I was Eden, I definitely would've ended up with him! 'Nuff said.
DJ -
She's the friend everyone wants! Love her.
BOB -
Again, I absolutely LOVED this little man! I was so worried about him throughout the whole book and was so relieved that he was alright (albeit it with a tiny hairline fracture!).
The story was SO brilliantly written. I was deeply invested in the characters and the plot - to the point where I stayed up 'til almost 3am trying to finish it...I had to force myself to put it down.
It did definitely live up to the SawXCriminal Minds selling point and I couldn't believe how well I managed to picture it playing out in my head - literally like I was watching a film/show.
I loved the ending - the PERFECT cliffhanger - and I cannot WAIT for more!
I will say, the only thing I found quite difficult to read (and that says a lot given the list of trigger warnings at the start!) was the sex scene in chapter 49. I won't say who it's between (no spoilers!), but the two characters have to make it look like 🍇 - they're both in on the plan and very much want to have sex, but my brain just couldn’t get around what it was MEANT to look like as opposed to what it was.
That's literally the only thing I didn't really enjoy. This book was immense, emotional, heartbreaking, thrilling, shocking - basically, absolutely everything you could want in a book.
Check it out!
Characters (the ones that felt main character-y to me):
NICO -
I'm probably in the minority here, but I couldn't stand Nico! I get the flip-flopping in his moods, given that they're supposed to be enemies to lovers, but honestly...some of the things he said to Eden would've made him dead to me completely if I was her.
EDEN -
She is so believable and relatable as a character. I found myself rooting for her the whole time. The only thing I found a bit annoying about her was that she let Nico off with FAR too much!
GRIFFIN -
My absolute FAVOURITE! He is my man, my guy, the best, da bomb. If I was Eden, I definitely would've ended up with him! 'Nuff said.
DJ -
She's the friend everyone wants! Love her.
BOB -
Again, I absolutely LOVED this little man! I was so worried about him throughout the whole book and was so relieved that he was alright (albeit it with a tiny hairline fracture!).
The story was SO brilliantly written. I was deeply invested in the characters and the plot - to the point where I stayed up 'til almost 3am trying to finish it...I had to force myself to put it down.
It did definitely live up to the SawXCriminal Minds selling point and I couldn't believe how well I managed to picture it playing out in my head - literally like I was watching a film/show.
I loved the ending - the PERFECT cliffhanger - and I cannot WAIT for more!
I will say, the only thing I found quite difficult to read (and that says a lot given the list of trigger warnings at the start!) was the sex scene in chapter 49. I won't say who it's between (no spoilers!), but the two characters have to make it look like 🍇 - they're both in on the plan and very much want to have sex, but my brain just couldn’t get around what it was MEANT to look like as opposed to what it was.
That's literally the only thing I didn't really enjoy. This book was immense, emotional, heartbreaking, thrilling, shocking - basically, absolutely everything you could want in a book.
Check it out!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW
i love horror. i love serial killers. and i really love saw (2004); it's one of my favorite movies, but the best part of the movie, in my opinion, is at the end, when adam screams "i wanna live! i wanna live!"
to me, this entire book feels like that.
it grips you by the collar on page one and doesn't let you go until the end--which i didn't know a 600 page book could even do, but it did, and i read this whole thing in a day. i was in tears at times, and other times i was covering my mouth with my hand, so i wouldn't wake up my roommate at 1 am with my laughing. i haven't read a book in so long that made me just LOVE reading, but this book did that for me.
my favorite part had to be eden--watching her grow in her belonging, watching her find safety, watching her make relationships with the people around her. the found family had my eyes watering so early on, and their chemistry was just so well done. multiple times, i just wanted to give them all big hugs.
it was well written and well paced! i'm a big character person, and i was such a fan of all these characters--even with a cast that was kind of big and had a lot of screen time, each of the main 6 (i think 6?) were so fleshed out, lovable, and had a depth to them that made them feel real.
admittedly at times, some of the book feels a little cringe in the dialogue, but honestly to be cringe is to be free!! it was heavy, and parts of it did make me uncomfortable (in a healthy way), but i found so many places in that to reflect and be like WHY did that make me uncomfortable? so honestly, to have a book kind of prod me and challenge me like that was so refreshing!
it was just so evident reading this how much love and effort went in, and i could feel the emotion all throughout. i highly recommend reading!
i love horror. i love serial killers. and i really love saw (2004); it's one of my favorite movies, but the best part of the movie, in my opinion, is at the end, when adam screams "i wanna live! i wanna live!"
to me, this entire book feels like that.
it grips you by the collar on page one and doesn't let you go until the end--which i didn't know a 600 page book could even do, but it did, and i read this whole thing in a day. i was in tears at times, and other times i was covering my mouth with my hand, so i wouldn't wake up my roommate at 1 am with my laughing. i haven't read a book in so long that made me just LOVE reading, but this book did that for me.
my favorite part had to be eden--watching her grow in her belonging, watching her find safety, watching her make relationships with the people around her. the found family had my eyes watering so early on, and their chemistry was just so well done. multiple times, i just wanted to give them all big hugs.
it was well written and well paced! i'm a big character person, and i was such a fan of all these characters--even with a cast that was kind of big and had a lot of screen time, each of the main 6 (i think 6?) were so fleshed out, lovable, and had a depth to them that made them feel real.
admittedly at times, some of the book feels a little cringe in the dialogue, but honestly to be cringe is to be free!! it was heavy, and parts of it did make me uncomfortable (in a healthy way), but i found so many places in that to reflect and be like WHY did that make me uncomfortable? so honestly, to have a book kind of prod me and challenge me like that was so refreshing!
it was just so evident reading this how much love and effort went in, and i could feel the emotion all throughout. i highly recommend reading!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
Normally I don’t read horror books but this really surprised me. It’s an extremely well-written book.
Edens backstory is deep but really intriguing and I really felt bad for her at times cause her trauma sits really deep and we can see that throughout the entire book.
Nico confused me at first. His character is complex and don’t even get me started on that plot twist with Nicos past. I was literally shook in the best way. His mood swings confused the crap out of me but on the other hand understandable considering what he went through as a teen.
Eden and Nico are both extremely well-written characters and I love that Eden somehow always seemed to trust him and that they have this understanding between each other.
I finished the book in less than two days cause I was SO invested. It’s that good. The plot is really really good. I love the ghost hunting systematics with all the different stuff Donny invented. Just in general the system of serial killer ghosts possessing people and how it worked with different ghosts and different instruments to catch them. It’s really detailed and well explained that you can actually imagine what’s happening and not sit there like „what’s happening“? I also like that that book, especially in the first half, was not that focused on the Game Master but also different ghosts and building the characters and everything. 11/10 story telling!!
„I don’t want to spend another second pretending to be anything other than yours.“ ifyk I was literally giggling kicking my feet even though the situation they were in was anything but happy. 🤭🤭
Was really the first 6/5 star book I read this year. A must read!!! 🤭😛(Check trigger warnings though)
Normally I don’t read horror books but this really surprised me. It’s an extremely well-written book.
Edens backstory is deep but really intriguing and I really felt bad for her at times cause her trauma sits really deep and we can see that throughout the entire book.
Nico confused me at first. His character is complex and don’t even get me started on that plot twist with Nicos past. I was literally shook in the best way. His mood swings confused the crap out of me but on the other hand understandable considering what he went through as a teen.
Eden and Nico are both extremely well-written characters and I love that Eden somehow always seemed to trust him and that they have this understanding between each other.
I finished the book in less than two days cause I was SO invested. It’s that good. The plot is really really good. I love the ghost hunting systematics with all the different stuff Donny invented. Just in general the system of serial killer ghosts possessing people and how it worked with different ghosts and different instruments to catch them. It’s really detailed and well explained that you can actually imagine what’s happening and not sit there like „what’s happening“? I also like that that book, especially in the first half, was not that focused on the Game Master but also different ghosts and building the characters and everything. 11/10 story telling!!
„I don’t want to spend another second pretending to be anything other than yours.“ ifyk I was literally giggling kicking my feet even though the situation they were in was anything but happy. 🤭🤭
Was really the first 6/5 star book I read this year. A must read!!! 🤭😛(Check trigger warnings though)
Review of advance copy received from Author
UGHHHH I WANT MORE OF EDEN AND NICO!!!!!! 😫 5 [BILLION]⭐ ARC READ!! 1000000000000/10 RECOMMEND TO READ!!
ARC from Author Review: I absolutely LOVED this book, I didn't ever want it to end! It had everything I could ever ask for, and more, in the short time of reading it. It has all of the wonderment of ghosts/paranormal entities you have ever heard of, but told from a side you probably have never even thought of. If Criminal Minds was FBI profilers for "Ghostbust[ing]", that would be the beautiful suspense and anguish of this book! If Saw did trials for more "scientific" studies while also trying to prove a point, that would be the gutwrenching horror of this book! There's one scene in this book that will live rent free in my brain, and as I was reading it all I could think of was the needle pit scene that's very well known and remembered from the Saw movies franchise. It was so good and had my toes curling with each trial! As soon as you'd end a chapter, you'd immediately wanted to continue because you were hanging onto something by a thread and were about to BURST from needing to know more! I'm so glad I preordered the hardcover of this book, and it can't come soon enough to read it all over again with the beauty of it's creation! 🤗 I cannot wait for more books and ghost hunting to come out for this, I'm sure they will all be just as good (if not a million times better) than the first! PLEASE, CLAIRE, I BEG YOU TO NOT DO ANYTHING THAT'S GOING TO HURT MY BEAUTIFUL BOY NICO!!! 🙏🏼🙏🏼
ARC from Author Review: I absolutely LOVED this book, I didn't ever want it to end! It had everything I could ever ask for, and more, in the short time of reading it. It has all of the wonderment of ghosts/paranormal entities you have ever heard of, but told from a side you probably have never even thought of. If Criminal Minds was FBI profilers for "Ghostbust[ing]", that would be the beautiful suspense and anguish of this book! If Saw did trials for more "scientific" studies while also trying to prove a point, that would be the gutwrenching horror of this book! There's one scene in this book that will live rent free in my brain, and as I was reading it all I could think of was the needle pit scene that's very well known and remembered from the Saw movies franchise. It was so good and had my toes curling with each trial! As soon as you'd end a chapter, you'd immediately wanted to continue because you were hanging onto something by a thread and were about to BURST from needing to know more! I'm so glad I preordered the hardcover of this book, and it can't come soon enough to read it all over again with the beauty of it's creation! 🤗 I cannot wait for more books and ghost hunting to come out for this, I'm sure they will all be just as good (if not a million times better) than the first! PLEASE, CLAIRE, I BEG YOU TO NOT DO ANYTHING THAT'S GOING TO HURT MY BEAUTIFUL BOY NICO!!! 🙏🏼🙏🏼
March 31, 2026
ARC REVIEW
I have been looking for a book similar to the SAW films for ages and this is it!! Just from the prologue I was already hooked and addicted.
The whole premise of the book is incredible, dead serial killers coming back to possess people to continue their sprees and Eden joining a team of paranormal investigators had me reading for HOURS, and the game master entity capturing couples and forcing them to do trials to break their love? IM OBSESSED!! It absolutely gives SAW vibes.
I liked learning about the 7 different types of ghosts, it was really interesting to see how different they are and how they became that particular ghost. The different types of seers were really interesting too.
The amount of tense scenes that had me on the edge of my seat was insane!! It was thrilling and I couldn’t stop reading. The amount of times I gasped and was gobsmacked too was comical! Things I wasn’t expecting at all and never would have guessed happened, happened.
The absolute strength that Eden and Nico have is incredible, they went through so so much and was still resilient despite everything they were put through. They didn’t break, they worked together and pulled through. I love them so so much.
The ending was so good too!! I’m assuming there will be another book so I’m excited for that if so. I devoured this book and I absolutely love it. It’s honestly so addicting and incredible that I know I won’t be able to stop thinking about this.
I have been looking for a book similar to the SAW films for ages and this is it!! Just from the prologue I was already hooked and addicted.
The whole premise of the book is incredible, dead serial killers coming back to possess people to continue their sprees and Eden joining a team of paranormal investigators had me reading for HOURS, and the game master entity capturing couples and forcing them to do trials to break their love? IM OBSESSED!! It absolutely gives SAW vibes.
I liked learning about the 7 different types of ghosts, it was really interesting to see how different they are and how they became that particular ghost. The different types of seers were really interesting too.
The amount of tense scenes that had me on the edge of my seat was insane!! It was thrilling and I couldn’t stop reading. The amount of times I gasped and was gobsmacked too was comical! Things I wasn’t expecting at all and never would have guessed happened, happened.
The absolute strength that Eden and Nico have is incredible, they went through so so much and was still resilient despite everything they were put through. They didn’t break, they worked together and pulled through. I love them so so much.
The ending was so good too!! I’m assuming there will be another book so I’m excited for that if so. I devoured this book and I absolutely love it. It’s honestly so addicting and incredible that I know I won’t be able to stop thinking about this.
Review of advance copy received from Storygraph
ARC REVIEW
Oh wow. This was everything I didn’t know I needed in a book. I’ve always loved series like Supernatural, Saw and Criminal Minds so this was absolutely perfect for me. I was hooked from the very start. The plot was so so interesting.
Man!! The characters in this book. I genuinely loved every single character. They all have such difficult backgrounds and I found myself able to connect to them all. Nico’s behaviour confused the hell out of me at the start but when you get to THAT chapter and realisation hits… WOW! The plot twist. His story is so incredibly sad but so interesting. And I LOVE Eden she was so strong and her background is intriguing
I LOVE DJ she’s like a best friend everyone needs in their life.
Griffin!!!🙂↕️🙇♀️ that man deserves the world and I wish for him to find the peace and happiness he deserves
Benji is so smart and interesting and I love the energy he brings to the team
And Zoey is particularly interesting to me I hope we learn more about her
I loved the romance in this. The slow burn and the fact that it wasn’t the entire focus on the book and the plot had depth. It made it all the more enjoyable.
And the found family was beautiful. I’m so glad Eden found a place where she belonged. This book was incredible and I really suggest anyone to read this. I’m hooked and looking forward to future books
March 31, 2026
ARC REVIEW - 4.5 ⭐️
Serial killers coming back as entities ✔️
Enemies to lovers ✔️
Saw inspired games ✔️
What more could a girl ask for?
Could not put this down! Eden was a fun & relatable FMC; seeing her character develop and find her place in her found family was lovely to read. I liked that the main plot was the paranormal investigations and the romance didn’t take away from this.
I would have loved to see more of the pair as true enemies, as it felt more like one-sided hostility but nonetheless, it was a slow burn with great tension between them.
I enjoyed having a read where all supporting characters were likeable, and despite it being single POV, you get to know the group and their dynamic as a team which kept me engaged. I have a soft spot for Griffin.
The ghost-hunting process was detailed, making it easy to understand what was happening and how equipment was used. Showing the journal/paper extracts at the start of chapters was a good way of including what research had been done by Donny & co.
While the trials weren’t a huge percentage of the book, they had impact. The trials were written well, creating a sense of dread whilst pulling on your heartstrings during emotional confessions. The glass trial made me wince.
The pop-culture references were sprinkled in brilliantly, my favourites included: 😈📑🦖
Can’t wait to read more in this series!
Serial killers coming back as entities ✔️
Enemies to lovers ✔️
Saw inspired games ✔️
What more could a girl ask for?
Could not put this down! Eden was a fun & relatable FMC; seeing her character develop and find her place in her found family was lovely to read. I liked that the main plot was the paranormal investigations and the romance didn’t take away from this.
I would have loved to see more of the pair as true enemies, as it felt more like one-sided hostility but nonetheless, it was a slow burn with great tension between them.
I enjoyed having a read where all supporting characters were likeable, and despite it being single POV, you get to know the group and their dynamic as a team which kept me engaged. I have a soft spot for Griffin.
The ghost-hunting process was detailed, making it easy to understand what was happening and how equipment was used. Showing the journal/paper extracts at the start of chapters was a good way of including what research had been done by Donny & co.
While the trials weren’t a huge percentage of the book, they had impact. The trials were written well, creating a sense of dread whilst pulling on your heartstrings during emotional confessions. The glass trial made me wince.
The pop-culture references were sprinkled in brilliantly, my favourites included: 😈📑🦖
Can’t wait to read more in this series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I am absolutely obsessed. My favorite shows that I rewatch constantly are criminal minds and supernatural so this was my dream come true.
We have our MMC Nico, and our FMC Eden who joins the ghost hunting team Nico is on after a scary encounter with a very rude ghost. Eden and Nico later get kidnapped by a serial killer who makes them complete “trials” that pit them against each other in hopes one kills the other. Nico and Eden have to do everything in their power to make it out alive.
This book did not feel like the 600 pages it is. It was so captivating the entire time and i absolutely loved watching their connection grow. Nico and Eden have such a special place in my heart. ALSO the found family in this story omg it was so perfect!! I feel for Griffen and hope he eventually gets his happy ending. Learning about Nico’s past was so sad, but I’m so glad he has Eden to remind him who he really is. And our girl Eden, she’s so strong I truly admire her!!
Tropes
• found family
• burn the world for her/him
•enemies to lovers
•morally grey mmc
•traumatized fmc and mmc
This book was everything I wanted it to be and more. I hope we get more stories about the friend group and get to see Nico become the leader we all know he is. (ALSO DONNY NOOOOO)
Thankyou so much for the arc!
I am absolutely obsessed. My favorite shows that I rewatch constantly are criminal minds and supernatural so this was my dream come true.
We have our MMC Nico, and our FMC Eden who joins the ghost hunting team Nico is on after a scary encounter with a very rude ghost. Eden and Nico later get kidnapped by a serial killer who makes them complete “trials” that pit them against each other in hopes one kills the other. Nico and Eden have to do everything in their power to make it out alive.
This book did not feel like the 600 pages it is. It was so captivating the entire time and i absolutely loved watching their connection grow. Nico and Eden have such a special place in my heart. ALSO the found family in this story omg it was so perfect!! I feel for Griffen and hope he eventually gets his happy ending. Learning about Nico’s past was so sad, but I’m so glad he has Eden to remind him who he really is. And our girl Eden, she’s so strong I truly admire her!!
Tropes
• found family
• burn the world for her/him
•enemies to lovers
•morally grey mmc
•traumatized fmc and mmc
This book was everything I wanted it to be and more. I hope we get more stories about the friend group and get to see Nico become the leader we all know he is. (ALSO DONNY NOOOOO)
Thankyou so much for the arc!
Review of advance copy received from Author
where does one even BEGIN.
I genuinly think I've just found one of my new fave books. I love how this book is genuinly as if Criminal Minds and SAW had a baby - in the best way ever!
In the beginning Eden's backstory intruiged me, and then we met Nico and this man confused the living crap out of me with his moodswings, but trusting the process were 100% the right move cause HOLY.
I swear to God the plot twists hit me like a truck. I kept thinking I were on to Nico, but he continued to prove me wrong. And he were hot whilst doing it👀 Eden and Nico's characters are so extemely well-written, and I love that they actually UNDERSTAND one another!
And do NOT get me started on Griffin🧎♀️ If the second book isn't about Griffin, I might actually die. I love me a good tease!
Though I do LOVE that the book isn't smut-heavy. There is spice and tension, but it doesnt take over the whole plot🙏
This book was so complex, and well written, and I ate it up and finished it in 2 days, and now idk what to do with my life🥳
Borderline is - u like Criminal Minds? u like SAW? You're gonna LOVE this one.
I genuinly think I've just found one of my new fave books. I love how this book is genuinly as if Criminal Minds and SAW had a baby - in the best way ever!
In the beginning Eden's backstory intruiged me, and then we met Nico and this man confused the living crap out of me with his moodswings, but trusting the process were 100% the right move cause HOLY.
I swear to God the plot twists hit me like a truck. I kept thinking I were on to Nico, but he continued to prove me wrong. And he were hot whilst doing it👀 Eden and Nico's characters are so extemely well-written, and I love that they actually UNDERSTAND one another!
And do NOT get me started on Griffin🧎♀️ If the second book isn't about Griffin, I might actually die. I love me a good tease!
Though I do LOVE that the book isn't smut-heavy. There is spice and tension, but it doesnt take over the whole plot🙏
This book was so complex, and well written, and I ate it up and finished it in 2 days, and now idk what to do with my life🥳
Borderline is - u like Criminal Minds? u like SAW? You're gonna LOVE this one.
April 1, 2026
arc review!
The Love Trials has been one of my most anticipated reads for this year and it DID NOT DISAPPOINT!
It has the perfect combination of elements I could ask for in a book
- Strong willed FMC
- Mysterious and broody MMC
- A chihuahua named Bob
- Enemies to lovers
- Slow burn romance
- Twists and turns I never saw coming
- Found family
- Criminal Minds/Saw inspo
- A reference from The Office
- Paranormal hunting
- Banter
The book was about 600+ pages and I could not put it down once I started reading. The story line flowed so well and each character had such an in depth story that I couldn’t help but be emotionally invested in every single member of the team. Eden had such a heartbreaking story and I loved every moment of her finding herself and figuring out her place in the world because she deserved it so much. Nico was definitely a complex character that gave me so many mixed feelings, then I got to the part about his backstory and it all made so much sense. I can’t wait to read future books about this group!
Definitely recommend this to any reader but make sure to bring the tissues and to read the trigger warnings because it does get a little dark!
The Love Trials has been one of my most anticipated reads for this year and it DID NOT DISAPPOINT!
It has the perfect combination of elements I could ask for in a book
- Strong willed FMC
- Mysterious and broody MMC
- A chihuahua named Bob
- Enemies to lovers
- Slow burn romance
- Twists and turns I never saw coming
- Found family
- Criminal Minds/Saw inspo
- A reference from The Office
- Paranormal hunting
- Banter
The book was about 600+ pages and I could not put it down once I started reading. The story line flowed so well and each character had such an in depth story that I couldn’t help but be emotionally invested in every single member of the team. Eden had such a heartbreaking story and I loved every moment of her finding herself and figuring out her place in the world because she deserved it so much. Nico was definitely a complex character that gave me so many mixed feelings, then I got to the part about his backstory and it all made so much sense. I can’t wait to read future books about this group!
Definitely recommend this to any reader but make sure to bring the tissues and to read the trigger warnings because it does get a little dark!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was my first ever ARC read and I'm so so happy it was this. When I saw it was inspired by criminal minds, SAW and supernatural I knew I had to read it and boy I wasn't disappointed!
Near the start of the book I was a little worried because of how ovbiously some of the characters were based on characters from the series so I thought it might end up like a bad crossover fanfiction but instead it was more like a love letter to all the different inspirations.
It's ovbious to tell who is based off of who but they are still also their own unique loveable characters that work perfectly in the story.
I really loved how realistic the thought process was in regards to the main character and how even though she was barely looking after herself she always made sure to put her dog first and i thought the bond between them was really well done and I really appreciated how he never felt like an afterthought - regardless of what the main character was doing she always made sure to mention where the dog was or who was watching over him.
Overall this book was amazing and I can't wait to read any sequels that come from it and would 100% recommend it!
Near the start of the book I was a little worried because of how ovbiously some of the characters were based on characters from the series so I thought it might end up like a bad crossover fanfiction but instead it was more like a love letter to all the different inspirations.
It's ovbious to tell who is based off of who but they are still also their own unique loveable characters that work perfectly in the story.
I really loved how realistic the thought process was in regards to the main character and how even though she was barely looking after herself she always made sure to put her dog first and i thought the bond between them was really well done and I really appreciated how he never felt like an afterthought - regardless of what the main character was doing she always made sure to mention where the dog was or who was watching over him.
Overall this book was amazing and I can't wait to read any sequels that come from it and would 100% recommend it!
Review of advance copy
This book had me in a chokehold from start to finish.
⭐ Criminal Minds vibes
⭐ Paranormal investigators
⭐ SAW-inspired trials
⭐ Serial unalivers as entities
⭐ Enemies to lovers (slow burn tension)
⭐ Found family
⭐ Fierce, protective dog named Bob
Eden was such a fun and relatable FMC. Watching her grow into herself and find her place within this found family was one of my favorite parts. The romance stayed in its lane, letting the paranormal investigations shine. You can tell the author did their research—everything felt detailed, intentional, and easy to follow.
The enemies to lovers had great tension, though I would’ve loved a bit more true enemy energy. Still, the slow burn worked. The supporting cast was genuinely likeable, and even in a single POV, the team dynamic came through strong. The trials weren’t overdone but hit when they mattered. The dread, the emotion, the confessions… and that glass trial? Yeah, I felt that.
And that twist? Right on point. Didn’t miss.
If you love dark, twisty paranormal investigations with tension, found family, and just enough romance, this one delivers.
⭐ Criminal Minds vibes
⭐ Paranormal investigators
⭐ SAW-inspired trials
⭐ Serial unalivers as entities
⭐ Enemies to lovers (slow burn tension)
⭐ Found family
⭐ Fierce, protective dog named Bob
Eden was such a fun and relatable FMC. Watching her grow into herself and find her place within this found family was one of my favorite parts. The romance stayed in its lane, letting the paranormal investigations shine. You can tell the author did their research—everything felt detailed, intentional, and easy to follow.
The enemies to lovers had great tension, though I would’ve loved a bit more true enemy energy. Still, the slow burn worked. The supporting cast was genuinely likeable, and even in a single POV, the team dynamic came through strong. The trials weren’t overdone but hit when they mattered. The dread, the emotion, the confessions… and that glass trial? Yeah, I felt that.
And that twist? Right on point. Didn’t miss.
If you love dark, twisty paranormal investigations with tension, found family, and just enough romance, this one delivers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was everything I hoped it would be and more! Saw meets Criminal Minds with a side of ghostbusters/Supernatural, with a beautiful enemies to lovers arc that brought tears to my eyes. Eden was an amazing fmc, flawed in such a way that she feels real, and so stupidly funny. I felt for her character throughout the entire book, the undercurrent of her trauma making everything else happening so much more intense. Nico was just beautiful, in the angry wonderful way a traumatised character is, he burrowed deep in my heart alongside Eden. And of course Bob, the mightiest of them all.
I loved this book from start to finish, it was paced in such a way that putting it down was a struggle, i’d have finished it in a day if it wasn’t for work pulling me away. It had all the yearning and enemies to lovers should have, and all the suspense from its horror/crime/ghostbusting? that made it a perfect blend and a perfect read. Pulled me right out of a slump by my hair, and all i want to do is read the next one.
I loved this book from start to finish, it was paced in such a way that putting it down was a struggle, i’d have finished it in a day if it wasn’t for work pulling me away. It had all the yearning and enemies to lovers should have, and all the suspense from its horror/crime/ghostbusting? that made it a perfect blend and a perfect read. Pulled me right out of a slump by my hair, and all i want to do is read the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Holy cow. Be prepared to get a lot of questions about your sanity when reading this (in a good way).
Eden doesn’t have much to her name, unless you count her determination, an overprotective chihuahua named Bob, and a whole lotta emotional baggage. That doesn’t mean that she wants to get attacked by a guy in a Walmart parking lot, much less punch the attractive guy that helped her, but that’s how the game falls. Buckle up for the ride as Eden takes on a whole new job hunting the ghosts of serial killers.
Claire Fraise did an excellent job with this book, and making characters feel real despite all the situations that (I hope) are very not real. She did a great job of getting into the mindset of some messed up people and paid good attention to detail when coming up with team interactions and drawing parallels to true crime/profiling shows. Overall very interesting reaf that I will be recommending (but please please be mindful of the trigger warnings, there are some very dark scenes that may not be for everyone)
Eden doesn’t have much to her name, unless you count her determination, an overprotective chihuahua named Bob, and a whole lotta emotional baggage. That doesn’t mean that she wants to get attacked by a guy in a Walmart parking lot, much less punch the attractive guy that helped her, but that’s how the game falls. Buckle up for the ride as Eden takes on a whole new job hunting the ghosts of serial killers.
Claire Fraise did an excellent job with this book, and making characters feel real despite all the situations that (I hope) are very not real. She did a great job of getting into the mindset of some messed up people and paid good attention to detail when coming up with team interactions and drawing parallels to true crime/profiling shows. Overall very interesting reaf that I will be recommending (but please please be mindful of the trigger warnings, there are some very dark scenes that may not be for everyone)
April 4, 2026
Claire’s teasers promised a book that was like if Saw / Criminal Minds/ Supernatural had a baby and in my opinion she delivered!
The yearning in this book is spot on. That slow, emotional tension had me completely wrapped up in every interaction. It’s the kind of romance where the anticipation almost hurts—in the best way.
One of my favorite elements was Nico. I loved that I was constantly second-guessing him, trying to figure out whether he was genuinely a good guy or not. That uncertainty added such an engaging layer to the story and kept me hooked the entire time.
And the trials themselves? Genuinely gripping. The pacing really picks up toward the end, and from that point on I could not put it down—I stayed up until 2am because I had to know how it all played out. The final stretch is intense, emotional, and completely binge-worthy.
Overall, this is a compelling, tension-filled read with just the right mix of romance, mystery, and drama. If you love stories full of longing, twists, and characters you can’t quite figure out, this one is definitely worth picking up.
The yearning in this book is spot on. That slow, emotional tension had me completely wrapped up in every interaction. It’s the kind of romance where the anticipation almost hurts—in the best way.
One of my favorite elements was Nico. I loved that I was constantly second-guessing him, trying to figure out whether he was genuinely a good guy or not. That uncertainty added such an engaging layer to the story and kept me hooked the entire time.
And the trials themselves? Genuinely gripping. The pacing really picks up toward the end, and from that point on I could not put it down—I stayed up until 2am because I had to know how it all played out. The final stretch is intense, emotional, and completely binge-worthy.
Overall, this is a compelling, tension-filled read with just the right mix of romance, mystery, and drama. If you love stories full of longing, twists, and characters you can’t quite figure out, this one is definitely worth picking up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2026
This story had me in a chokehold from the very beginning!
Eden is the sole survivor of her family after a serial killer ruined them when she was 13. She's struggled throughout her life from foster homes and is homeless as an adult while working construction for a friend her deceased dad.
Eden finds herself letting her tiny hellion of a dog out for the night when she was attacked. Eden is saved by two guys who look like ghost busters when she comes to find out her attacker is actually possessed by a ghost. She's offered a job hunting down the ghosts possessing these victims. The entities happen to be the ghosts of serial killers. Unfortunately the Game Master sets his eyes on the team.
This story is a dark romantic thriller that sprinkles in criminal minds x saw vibes. The characters all have rough backgrounds and the unexpected secret oh my lanta! You get a feel for the characters emotional turmoil and the complexities of them. I need another book now!
Thank you Claire for the gifted ebook!
*check trigger warnings*
Eden is the sole survivor of her family after a serial killer ruined them when she was 13. She's struggled throughout her life from foster homes and is homeless as an adult while working construction for a friend her deceased dad.
Eden finds herself letting her tiny hellion of a dog out for the night when she was attacked. Eden is saved by two guys who look like ghost busters when she comes to find out her attacker is actually possessed by a ghost. She's offered a job hunting down the ghosts possessing these victims. The entities happen to be the ghosts of serial killers. Unfortunately the Game Master sets his eyes on the team.
This story is a dark romantic thriller that sprinkles in criminal minds x saw vibes. The characters all have rough backgrounds and the unexpected secret oh my lanta! You get a feel for the characters emotional turmoil and the complexities of them. I need another book now!
Thank you Claire for the gifted ebook!
*check trigger warnings*
Review of advance copy received from Author
Holy crap! How to explain how I felt about this book? I don’t have words.
This book, The Love trials, was an absolutely phenomenal book. Like I wish I could rate it higher than a 5/5 stars.
What shocked me was that I was expecting a more enemies to lovers type of book, that was about these 2 enemies being kidnapped and put through love trial that last most of the book.
I definitely wouldn’t consider this an enemies to lovers, as Eden never really considered Nico an enemy. Plus Nico may have been trying to act like he hated her but kinda failed. Also the most of the book was backstory and lore of them, which is not what I was expecting, but truthfully I enjoyed it more. I got to know the characters and it made so more sense when it came to the kidnapping.
Cons: That’s it’s over with. Like I am needing more already.
All in all, amazing book that I will 100% be reading again. I also fully recommend reading as it will keep you entertained the whole book.
This book, The Love trials, was an absolutely phenomenal book. Like I wish I could rate it higher than a 5/5 stars.
What shocked me was that I was expecting a more enemies to lovers type of book, that was about these 2 enemies being kidnapped and put through love trial that last most of the book.
I definitely wouldn’t consider this an enemies to lovers, as Eden never really considered Nico an enemy. Plus Nico may have been trying to act like he hated her but kinda failed. Also the most of the book was backstory and lore of them, which is not what I was expecting, but truthfully I enjoyed it more. I got to know the characters and it made so more sense when it came to the kidnapping.
Cons: That’s it’s over with. Like I am needing more already.
All in all, amazing book that I will 100% be reading again. I also fully recommend reading as it will keep you entertained the whole book.
Review of advance copy
4.25/5 stars!
Admittedly this book took me about 20% to really get into but when I hit that point I was HOOKED - this book had me up till 4am heart racing lol.
I loved that you almost had to work to get drawn into the characters and that their personalities and essence weren't just an info dump slog to get through but rather a sprinkle of motivations growing as the plot progressed.
I went into this book pretty blind - all I knew was Saw like games and a romance subplot but I was very pleasantly surprised with the paranormal element, completely unexpected (because I didn't read the blurb lol) but really interesting system and well thought out world building which kept me intrigued and turning the pages as quickly as I could.
Despite the darker themes of this book, the humour had me giggling throughout and kicking my feet.
My final thoughts are Bob is my GOAT 10/10 would pet
Admittedly this book took me about 20% to really get into but when I hit that point I was HOOKED - this book had me up till 4am heart racing lol.
I loved that you almost had to work to get drawn into the characters and that their personalities and essence weren't just an info dump slog to get through but rather a sprinkle of motivations growing as the plot progressed.
I went into this book pretty blind - all I knew was Saw like games and a romance subplot but I was very pleasantly surprised with the paranormal element, completely unexpected (because I didn't read the blurb lol) but really interesting system and well thought out world building which kept me intrigued and turning the pages as quickly as I could.
Despite the darker themes of this book, the humour had me giggling throughout and kicking my feet.
My final thoughts are Bob is my GOAT 10/10 would pet
Review of advance copy received from Author
(4.5/5)
I had the chance to read an ARC of The Love Trials and overall I really enjoyed it!
I’m not usually super into paranormal elements but I have to admit, it added a fun and unique twist to the story that kept me intrigued. The concept felt fresh, and it definitely stood out from your typical romance/thriller blend.
That said, if you’re going in expecting a heavy thriller with lots of spice, just know it leans a bit differently. The spice is pretty minimal and I found myself wishing there was a little more intensity on the thriller side at points.
Still, the story was engaging, the premise was interesting, and it kept my attention the whole way through. I enjoyed that I’ve never read something with the same storyline. Definitely worth the read if you’re open to a paranormal twist!
I had the chance to read an ARC of The Love Trials and overall I really enjoyed it!
I’m not usually super into paranormal elements but I have to admit, it added a fun and unique twist to the story that kept me intrigued. The concept felt fresh, and it definitely stood out from your typical romance/thriller blend.
That said, if you’re going in expecting a heavy thriller with lots of spice, just know it leans a bit differently. The spice is pretty minimal and I found myself wishing there was a little more intensity on the thriller side at points.
Still, the story was engaging, the premise was interesting, and it kept my attention the whole way through. I enjoyed that I’ve never read something with the same storyline. Definitely worth the read if you’re open to a paranormal twist!
Review of advance copy received from Author
(ARC review) This book was everything I love combined in one beautiful story. When I first came across the authors TikTok video containing what the book was about, my first thought was omg I need to buy immediately. After further inspection I realised it wasn’t yet published and I was crushed, so I’m extremely grateful I was able to receive and read the ARC. Before reading I would suggest thoroughly reading the TWs. The author talks about highly sensitive topics in a beautiful way, portraying emotions and feelings realistically and not in a romanticised way. If you love a slow burn, “enemies” to lovers, found family with mystery, twists and turns that will keep you on your toes type of story you will LOVE this.
Side note: along with Criminal Minds and Saw, if you have read (or watched the show) Lockwood & Co. and loved it, you will find that this book has a similar vibe.
Side note: along with Criminal Minds and Saw, if you have read (or watched the show) Lockwood & Co. and loved it, you will find that this book has a similar vibe.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
The Love Trials was amazing from start to finish! If you love all things horror, and paranormal, and are a crime junkie, this book is for you. It combines the best vibes of Criminal Minds, Supernatural, and Saw.
Overall thoughts:
1. Crazy things happen to the FMC so quickly and so often that it kept the pace moving very well.
2. Character backstories were used to move the story along rather than just information dumps that some authors use.
3. The Trials had me ON EDGE and agressively curling my toes through the entire thing (if you know, you know).
4. It feels less enemies to lovers and more mildly displeased acquaintances to lovers, but it works for this book.
5. Both FMC and MMC are phenomenal characters and I want to bottle them both up and make them my friends.
6. The dog is the most important side character, as he should be.
The Love Trials was amazing from start to finish! If you love all things horror, and paranormal, and are a crime junkie, this book is for you. It combines the best vibes of Criminal Minds, Supernatural, and Saw.
Overall thoughts:
1. Crazy things happen to the FMC so quickly and so often that it kept the pace moving very well.
2. Character backstories were used to move the story along rather than just information dumps that some authors use.
3. The Trials had me ON EDGE and agressively curling my toes through the entire thing (if you know, you know).
4. It feels less enemies to lovers and more mildly displeased acquaintances to lovers, but it works for this book.
5. Both FMC and MMC are phenomenal characters and I want to bottle them both up and make them my friends.
6. The dog is the most important side character, as he should be.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
First of all: thank you Claire for the ARC. Second of all: OH MY GODS!!!! I have been waiting ages to read this book, ever since I first saw a video about it on TikTok and it did not dissapoint!
Criminal Minds meets Saw meets Supernatural, like what more do you want from a book?! I honestly couldn't put it down, the characters were so easy to fall in love with as they're so well developed with their different personalities and backgrounds and the relationships between them were so genuine. I'm a sucker for a found family.
The plot was so gripping and honestly, I know this book isn't officially out yet but I'm already excited for more! Definitely one of my favourite books I've read!
First of all: thank you Claire for the ARC. Second of all: OH MY GODS!!!! I have been waiting ages to read this book, ever since I first saw a video about it on TikTok and it did not dissapoint!
Criminal Minds meets Saw meets Supernatural, like what more do you want from a book?! I honestly couldn't put it down, the characters were so easy to fall in love with as they're so well developed with their different personalities and backgrounds and the relationships between them were so genuine. I'm a sucker for a found family.
The plot was so gripping and honestly, I know this book isn't officially out yet but I'm already excited for more! Definitely one of my favourite books I've read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book. Y'all.
I saw it being promoted on Tiktok and being a dark romance girlie, the mention of Saw games and Criminal Minds got me immediately. So I signed up to Arc read and I am OBSESSED.
I couldn't put it down!! There's a few twists that catch you by surprise, the whole cast is incredibly well written. Claire has a way to inject some humour that works and is funny without throwing you off. Everyone has their distinctive personalities and roles within the story world. I was hooked and I want more of this world because it's so cool!!
It gives you hints there is something happening but it's still a surprise when it is revealed.
I genuinely loved this book and I'll be reading it again for sure!
I saw it being promoted on Tiktok and being a dark romance girlie, the mention of Saw games and Criminal Minds got me immediately. So I signed up to Arc read and I am OBSESSED.
I couldn't put it down!! There's a few twists that catch you by surprise, the whole cast is incredibly well written. Claire has a way to inject some humour that works and is funny without throwing you off. Everyone has their distinctive personalities and roles within the story world. I was hooked and I want more of this world because it's so cool!!
It gives you hints there is something happening but it's still a surprise when it is revealed.
I genuinely loved this book and I'll be reading it again for sure!
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