Twisted Love (Twisted, #1) Review: A Compelling Mix of Chaos and Chemistry
When I first stumbled across Twisted Love by Ana Huang, I was instantly intrigued. The combination of tropes—groveling, best friend’s brother, grumpy/sunshine dynamics, and a revenge plot—had me running to download the book without a second thought. The buzz from BookTok was undeniably enticing, leading me to wonder if I’d discovered a hidden gem or just another overhyped read. Spoiler alert: it’s a bit of both.
From the outset, this novel explores the complexities of love and revenge through its central characters, Ava and Alex. Their relationship unfolds amidst a backdrop of intrigue and tension, typical for the “best friend’s brother” trope. Alex is painted as the quintessential “fictional character”—a multimillionaire tech genius with an IQ of 160 who also happens to be a martial arts expert. Honestly, his character borders on too-perfect, making it hard not to roll my eyes at points, yet you can’t help but be drawn to the formidable presence he exudes.
Ava, on the other hand, is the relatable sunshine to Alex’s grumpy exterior. Her strong, independent personality shines through, particularly in how she handles the complications of their evolving relationship. I found myself rooting for her, not just in her romantic misadventures but in the way she navigates her own friend group, which is refreshingly vibrant and diverse—think princesses, influencers, and aspiring artists.
Let’s talk about the writing style. Huang’s narrative glides smoothly, packed with cheesy yet alluring dialogue that makes you want to pick apart every banter-laden exchange. However, I noticed that while the chemistry is palpable in the early chapters, the romance escalates into what’s often referred to as "0 to 100" territory. One moment, Alex is indifferent to Ava’s nightmares, and the next, he claims her as his—without sufficient groundwork for such a dramatic shift in character. This inconsistency left me questioning the depth of their emotional connection.
And then there’s the spicy aspect, culminating in jaw-dropping quotes like:
"And your pussy is mine. Every inch of you belongs to me… if you ever let another man touch you—he’ll end up in pieces…"
Let’s be real. This was a line that made me do a double-take. Typically, I lean more towards strong, independent heroes rather than possessive ones, which led me to reflect on my own preferences. But as I read, something shifted, and I found myself oddly captivated. Maybe I’m just a sucker for a gripping narrative.
Yet, I can’t overlook the flaws. The latter part of the book seemed to prioritize a revenge plot over developing the relationship between Ava and Alex, which stifled the romantic moments I was hoping for. The telling over showing dynamic meant that much of their emotional journey felt rushed or absent. It ultimately left me wanting more detail in their interactions.
In conclusion, Twisted Love encapsulates a chaotic swirl of romance, friendship, and drama. While it has its shortcomings—particularly in pacing and emotional depth—the allure of its characters and some steamy moments make it a fun, albeit flawed, read. I’d recommend this book to anyone who thrives on spicy romance and isn’t afraid of a hero with a questionable moral compass. If you love the thrill of dramatic love stories with overlap into revenge, you’ll find something to enjoy here. As for me, I’m already eager for the next book in the series, especially with Bridget’s upcoming tale that promises a forbidden twist!
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