Book Review: Twisted Love by Ana Huang

Twisted Love

Ana Huang

Twisted, #1

Publisher: Bloom Books

Published Date: September 27, 2022

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction

343 Pages / 10 Hours 41 Minutes

Date Read: February 12-15, 2025

Format: 🎧

Source: Audible

This is the first book in a four-part standalone series. As always, if you prefer a spoiler free review please read my quick review instead of the in depth review below.

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About the Book

Ava Chen is a free spirit. Alex Volkov has a heart of ice... and is also Ava's brother's best friend. When Alex is tasked to watch over Ava by her brother, their dynamic is challenged over and over again. Obligation turns to an unexpected connection that reveals more than just mutual feelings. Ava and Alex must confront their forbidden feelings, their past secrets, and healing their emotional scars.

Quick Review (Spoiler Free)

I honestly did expect that I would like this story. It took me a little while to become invested in the characters. Over time, I really came to like Ava and Alex as a couple but honestly don't think I will read the rest of the standalones. I really did not feel connected to Ava's friends (the only intriguing one for me is Bridget). And Josh didn't impress me. The plot behind the romance was what really kept me hooked. I really enjoyed the way the story was written to learn about each character's past experiences and how those secrets influenced what they went through.

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Now, let's get into the details!!

The side characters felt rather boring, in my opinion, because there were too many things trying to happen within this friend group.

• Josh: Dude, get over yourself. Your sister is a big girl.

• Bridget: A princess. Yes, an actual princess. Which don't get me wrong, I'm a Princess Diaries girlie... that's my era. So while it could happen, is it likely? She's the only character that I would be willing to read more about.

• Stella: Don't dislike her. Just didn't get hooked on her. She's an influencer. That's all I remember.

• Jules: See notes from Stella (minus the influencer part).

I really enjoyed the romance between Alex and Ava. The forbidden, brother's little sister, opposites attract kind of deal. I especially loved when she was like, okay challenge accepted, and went after him.

The selling point of this book for me though was learning Ava and Alex's backstories and the trauma they both went through. The way that they learned this together and were able to comfort and support each other was really sweet.

Ratings