It’s been three years since Ana Huang swept readers off their feet with the ultimate grumpy-sunshine love story, Twisted Love. That unforgettable romance sparked a series of three more “Twisted” novels—each one just as compelling and addictive. Even though they can be read on their own, all four books are linked by a tight-knit group of best friends and their very intense love lives. Each hero in the series is every bit the possessive alpha, willing to go to the ends of the earth (and maybe even cross a few lines) to protect the women they love.
WARNING: This book contains a possessive antihero, explicit sexual content, and profanity. No cheating or menage, but if you’re looking for a traditionally sweet, loveable hero, this is not the book for you. Recommended for 18+.
If you’re a fan of grumpy-sunshine romances, Alex Volkov and Ava Chen are about to become your new obsession. Alex—dark, guarded, and haunted by his past—reluctantly moves in next door to the warm and sunny Ava. His mission? To keep an eye on his best friend’s kid sister while he’s away. Beneath Alex’s tough exterior lies a fierce loyalty and protectiveness for the people he loves. Meanwhile, Ava is struggling with hidden memories, and it’s Alex who helps her move forward. As these two spend more time together, they begin to see beyond their traumas and form an undeniable bond. Their chemistry practically leaps off the page, delivering a love story that’s both heart-wrenching and impossible to put down. Here’s why it completely captivated me:
The sexual tension that kept me turning pages
Ava bakes cookies for her new neighbor to break through his icy front. The small gesture leads to a sudden moment of intimacy. Alex and Ava try to resist their mutual attraction but they are fueled by sexual desire and eventually give in after sharing intimacies of past traumas. Their unexpected love affair defies all odds, unraveling hidden truths that have the power to shatter their worlds.
Her brother’s best friend.
Her neighbor.
Her savior and her downfall.
The grumpy-sunshine trope
Alex planned to avenge his family’s deaths for years, despite any possible obstacles – until Ava entered his life more permanently. In her presence, he set aside his desires, dedicating himself to her well-being. The sudden shift forced him to confront suppressed emotions, revealing that they had never truly been gone. Among the darkness that covered his life, Ava emerged as a shining presence, brightening his world with warmth and energy. Through her, he gained a fresh perspective, realizing good in a once gloomy world.
The Characters
Ava’s beautiful character, marked by optimism, soft-heartedness, and compassion, did not diminish her strong will and self-confidence. She conquered her personal struggles and revealed a new facet of her personality when enjoying herself with Alex (iykyk). She personifies a strong type of femininity and also serves as a representation of a person of color with a highlighted Chinese background in the story.
Alex is much less likable than Ava. He’s a macho, detached man who only displays emotion when he’s around Ava. I did enjoy his character development but he’s a walking red flag.
The enemies-to-lovers dynamic was fantastic. There was a sense of forced closeness and the classic scenario of sharing one bed. Although Alex was more indifferent and cold towards Ava rather than openly hostile, and she harbored resentment towards him for his rudeness, their relationship had enough tension to be considered enemies. The progression of their feelings for each other was skillfully portrayed and thoroughly developed, making their interactions captivating every step of the way.
