TWISTED LOVE

 Book Review: Twisted Love by Ana Huang

Author: Ana Huang

Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult, Emotional Drama

Series: Twisted Series (Book 1)

Published: 2021

Synopsis

Twisted Love tells the story of Ava Chen and Alex Volkov, two people bound together by circumstance and undone by secrets. Ava is a warm, kind-hearted photography student who carries the emotional scars of a traumatic childhood. Alex, her brother’s best friend, is a cold, brilliant man haunted by his past and driven by revenge.

When Ava’s brother goes abroad and asks Alex to watch over her, a slow-burning, forbidden romance unfolds. But love between them isn’t simple—it’s twisted by pain, secrets, and the darkness Alex can’t seem to let go of.

Themes

The novel explores:

• Trauma and Healing: Both characters wrestle with childhood trauma that shapes how they love and trust.
• Revenge and Forgiveness: Alex’s quest for vengeance collides with his love for Ava, forcing him to choose between holding onto pain or embracing healing.
• Emotional Vulnerability: Beneath the spicy and brooding exterior, the story delves into the vulnerability that comes with letting someone truly see you.

Writing Style

Ana Huang’s prose is accessible, emotional, and charged with tension. The alternating points of view give readers a deep look into both Ava’s innocence and Alex’s turmoil. The pacing is steady, blending slow-burn romance with high emotional stakes, and the spicy scenes are balanced with heartfelt moments.

Character Development

• Ava Chen: Gentle yet resilient, Ava’s growth from a naive girl into a woman who confronts her fears is one of the novel’s strongest aspects.
• Alex Volkov: A classic morally gray hero—intelligent, obsessive, and emotionally scarred. His transformation is imperfect but compelling.

Their chemistry is undeniable, but their relationship also raises questions about control, obsession, and emotional health—making the title Twisted Love very apt.

Strengths

• Deep emotional backstories that make characters feel real
• Tension-filled romance that keeps readers hooked
• A satisfying blend of spice, suspense, and sentiment

Weaknesses

• Some tropes (brother’s best friend, damaged alpha male) feel familiar
• Certain plot twists are predictable or overly dramatic

Verdict

⭐ Rating: 4/5

Twisted Love is a captivating, steamy, and emotionally charged romance that balances heartbreak and healing. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy angsty love stories with a touch of darkness and redemption. While not flawless, it delivers the emotional punch and addictive chemistry that Ana Huang is known for.