It seems the TikTok algorithm (aka BookTok) has blessed romance readers with a fresh, dark, and – let’s just say it –- *twisted* series to dive into, but are they worth the read?
The Twisted book series is a tetralogy with the following titles – Twisted Love, Twisted Games, Twisted Hate, and Twisted Lies. They were written by New York Times Best Selling romance author Ana Huang who has written several thrilling romances including the King of Sin and If Love series’.
With a series title like Twisted, real romance connoisseurs will know that Huang’s series seems to hold a certain promise of darkness. There is an understanding that the setting, the characters, or the romance between them might be infused with a touch of danger, a little toxicity, and – maybe – some enthralling romance scenes. All these are great ingredients for a compelling and addictive romance novel. But does the Twisted series do it well? Is it worth the read? We should probably start at the beginning.
Twisted Book Series: Twisted Love
Alex Volkov, Ana Huang’s leading man in the first novel, is as cold-hearted as they come. Driven by tragedy and vengeance, Alex has little room to entertain connection or even compassion for others. Ava Chen is tormented by her own past traumas which she masks with a free-spirited persona, but her naïve positivity does not extend to cold, calculating Alex…At least, she doesn’t want it to.
As you can imagine, their drive to stay away from each other is what is bound to bring them together. Twisted Love is an enemies-to-lovers romance that revels in the classic tropes we love while also weaving original subtext. It is a strong debut for the Twisted series. The book is also among the top 100 best-selling books of 2023.
Twisted Book Series: Twisted Games
In her second novel, Ana Huang introduces us to Bridget von Ascheberg, the second-born child of the Kingdom of Eldorra. Bridget is characteristic of a ‘spare’: charismatic, stubborn, and a little rebellious. Her life changes drastically when her brother, King of Eldorra, abdicates and leaves her to rule. Suddenly Bridget is left with a throne and the terrible prospect of a loveless, politically advantageous marriage. None of these things are what she wants.
What Bridget wants is the unexpected, passionate love that she has found with Rhys Larsen, an elite bodyguard whose sole priority is the protection of his clients. Rhys has sworn off all personal attachments – Until Bridget that is. Rhys and Bridget share a reckless and beautifully compelling romance, but the circumstances of their love seem insurmountable. Twisted Games delves into forbidden romance and its consequences.
Twisted Book Series: Twisted Hate
Twisted Hate brings to life another enemies-to-lovers romance between protagonists Jules Ambrose and Josh Chen. Both high-achieving and ambitious individuals, Jules and Josh have loathed each other for nearly a decade. This open disdain comes to a climax on one memorable night and Josh and Jules come to an unconventional solution: A friends-with-benefits arrangement – or, more apt, enemies-with-benefits. They are only in it for the hate sex, no strings, no attachments.
However, as we can all imagine, Josh and Jules cannot help but peel back each other’s layers and a tentative, yet fervent love story begins to form. Is hatred the antithesis of love or one of its manifestations? In Twisted Hate, Josh and Jules are perfectly matched for banter, steamy scenes, and helping each other face the demons of their past.
Twisted Book Series: Twisted Lies
The final installment of Huang’s series, Twisted Lies is a slow burn about Christian Harper, characterized as a monster in a well-tailored suit, and enigmatic Stella, his neighbor. For reasons we are yet to discover, they embark on a sham dating arrangement. The pair are diametrically opposed, Stella is shy and unassuming while Christian is bold, arrogant, and occasionally amoral. Still, underneath it all, they have the perfect chemistry for a sweltering romance when this fake dating situation gives birth to very real romantic feelings. As the title suggests, Christian and Stella’s stories are wrapped in lies, deception, and unexpected twists that may threaten their relationship and force them both to reckon with their past traumas.
The Twisted series is a worthwhile investment for romance readers who want to sink their teeth in dark, gritty romances that reinvigorate the classic tropes that we love. Huang’s characters each have clear backstories that inform their present-day personality and decisions. Her leading men are dark, brooding, sexy, and enigmatic. Though each series focuses on a different couple, all the characters are intertwined in one way or another and they feature in each other’s stories. Anna Huang’s novels may have predictable themes, but her addictive writing style, compelling new romances, and hot sex scenes.
If you’re looking for some romances to read as we usher in autumn’s falling leaves and cooler temperatures, Ana Huang’s twisted series is a great place to start. Get one or all of the books of the series on BookScouter.com. For a better reading experience, check out our reviews of The Cartel book series and Silo book series.
