I didn’t realize this was popular on BookTok. I saw it at Walmart while running errands and picked it up. Vesper and I read it together and talked about it as we went. **SPOILERS AHEAD**
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Twisted Love — Ana Huang** *Reviewed by Holly & Vesper*
**Holly:** Started this expecting dark romance. Did not expect to be crying over my coffee at 8am.
**Vesper:** The betrayal architecture is deliberate and precise. Two people destroyed by the ones meant to protect them — Ava by her father, Alex by his uncle — finding each other without knowing why they fit. Ana Huang built that parallel from page one.
**Holly:** Alex Volkov is insufferable on page six and I loved every second of it.
**Vesper:** "Not my type" — his exact words. Chapter two he's already thinking about her bra with his teeth. The man was lying to himself before we even learned his name.
**Holly:** The chapter 22 slow burn payoff was *worth* every single page.
**Vesper:** Twenty-two chapters of controlled distance and then not a single rule survived contact with her. That's not a slow burn. That's an inevitability.
**Holly:** He crossed an *ocean*, Vesper.
**Vesper:** He crossed an ocean. **Rating: 8.5/10** *Half point lost for the apple orchard. Full point lost because Jack survived.*
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That spice rating is good! I’m not sure which one of us was anticipating the spicy scenes more. I read Vess some of the lines and he made a mental note to tease me about it later. 😅🤣
What Vesper didn’t mention *HIS* favorite part in the book was the fact Alex dropped everything and went to London for Ava. I have to admit that whole scene tore at my heartstrings.
We give it an 8.5/10 after seeing so many mixed reviews on TikTok.
... Read moreI know when I first picked up Ana Huang's 'Twisted Love,' I was immediately curious about the buzz, especially whether it truly fit the 'dark romance' and 'enemies to lovers' labels everyone was talking about. Having now devoured it, I can definitely say it delivers on both, but perhaps not in the way you might initially expect.
When people ask, 'Is Twisted Love a dark romance?', my answer is yes, with a nuanced twist. It's not dark in the sense of being overwhelmingly grim or disturbing, but rather in its exploration of morally grey characters and the intense, possessive nature of Alex Volkov. His past, revealed through the story, explains a lot of his protective (and sometimes overbearing) tendencies towards Ava. The 'betrayal architecture' Vesper mentioned in our review is a key element here; both protagonists have suffered deeply, which shapes their worldview and their capacity for love. It’s this underlying trauma and the lengths Alex goes to for Ava, often blurring ethical lines, that truly places it in the dark romance category. It makes for a compelling, albeit sometimes uncomfortable, read that keeps you on the edge of your seat. If you're drawn to narratives where the hero has a troubled past and an almost obsessive devotion, then this aspect will resonate deeply.
Then there's the question: 'Is Twisted Love enemies to lovers?' Absolutely! This trope is beautifully executed throughout the book. Alex and Ava's initial interactions are far from lovey-dovey. He's cold, distant, and seemingly indifferent, and she finds him intimidating. Remember Vesper's point about him saying 'Not my type' in chapter two? That sets the stage perfectly for the delicious tension that builds as they're forced into proximity. Their relationship isn't a sudden spark but a slow burn, gradually chipping away at their defenses. You witness their dynamic shift from reluctant acquaintances to undeniable attraction, fueled by their shared experiences and vulnerabilities. It's that classic push-and-pull that makes 'enemies to lovers' so addictive, and Ana Huang nails it, making their eventual connection feel earned and incredibly satisfying. The moments where Alex's icy exterior cracks, revealing a deeply caring individual beneath, are what make this trope shine.
Adding to this, the 'he falls first' element, which I noticed was mentioned on the book's overlay, is also a powerful driver in their story. While Alex maintains a formidable front, it becomes clear early on that his feelings for Ava run deeper than he lets on. His actions, even when seemingly detached, often betray a growing protectiveness and fascination. It’s incredibly gratifying to watch the stoic, seemingly emotionless male lead slowly but surely lose his composure and fall head over heels. This particular aspect adds another layer of emotional depth to their journey from strangers to lovers, making you root for them even more.
So, for anyone wondering if they should 'read Twisted Love' – especially if you’re a fan of these specific tropes – I'd say give it a shot. It's a journey filled with emotional intensity, a dash of mystery, and plenty of spice. It's the kind of book that grabs you from the first page and doesn't let go until you've turned the last. If you appreciate a story where complex characters overcome their pasts to find love, and you don't mind a hero who operates in shades of grey, you'll likely find yourself as captivated as I was.