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donasbooks's review against another edition
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I found a digital copy of TWISTED LOVE by Ana Huang on Libby. All views are mine
"I'm sorry honey, but it's over," I told my poor heart. "You don't belong to me anymore." (5:16:01)
I know a lot of people read books like this for the sex, but this one doesn’t have that much sex in it. Plenty of smoldering! But only a few primary ignitions. I enjoyed the tension that built between the two lovers more than I did the releases. The sex was dirty, but not well expressed on the page. Honestly, during the sex scenes, I empathized more on a pain level than pleasure, because everything was written to sound like it hurt. Also, it's really not this easy to find someone who shares your kink, I mean, he basically fell in her lap. And she was just like, wanna choke me, heard thats your jam? And he was like, yeah. I'm paraphrasing, of course. But I do not like convenient plot points, they feel fictional. I want things to feel real when I read.
It may not sound like it, but I liked this book! I'm really happy with the plot and character development. This story and these characters are accessible to me. I honestly can take or leave this kind of sex-- what can I say? I like tenderness lol! But sex is not all this book has to offer either!
Stylistically, this is a very pleasant read, and the story and characters develop at a perfect pace. I enjoyed a the secondary characters as well, like Ava's brother. I'm so pleased that this was not a book built of tropes. Ava at 5'5" is sexier to me than all the 98-pounders I've ever read in one of these sex books, combined. Forced proximity is not so mundane as one bed in a shared hotel room; it is a strictly governed guardian/minor relationship, which is way more nuanced and believable. I could go on about how this book tramples weak and annoying tropes, but it's not necessary. I'll just say Huang's writing is skillful.
"[...Your] enemies are my enemies. Your friends are my friends. And if you wanted, I would burn down the world for you." (9:46:00)
Reading Notes
Three (or more) things I loved:
1. Honestly, I'm surprised at how good this writing is, and that makes me feel bad lol
2. I adore the protective older brother trope.
3. I'm 25% of the way through and I'm so relieved that no one has boned yet! I just cannot handle steamy scenes in every chapter. Plus, I love a slow burn plot!
4. Oh thank goodness she's not four foot seven. I get so sick of the teeny woman trope.
Three (or less) things I didn't love:
This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.
1. I love Cindy Kay, the narrator for Ava, but not Aiden Snow, the narrator for Alex.
2. I'm not a fan of this book's treatment of the mental health theme. There is so much toxic positivity. Ava actually tells herself that she should be grateful because only one of her parents died from suicide. But no worries, she still has her dad who doesn't express emotion or show affection! (You're going to
sh-t when you find out why he's so cold to her.)
3. I can do without "nub." At least she's not using "nubbin."
Rating: 👩🏻❤️💋👨🏽👩🏻❤️💋👨🏽👩🏻❤️💋👨🏽.5 burgeoning romances
Spice: 🔥🔥.5
Recommend? Yes
Finished: Sep 26 '24
Format: Audiobook, Libby
Read this book if you like:
⛓️ sub / dom and bdsm
👨👩👧👦 family stories, family drama
💇♀️ women's coming of age
🩹 pain and pleasure
❤️🔥 dark romance
"I'm sorry honey, but it's over," I told my poor heart. "You don't belong to me anymore." (5:16:01)
I know a lot of people read books like this for the sex, but this one doesn’t have that much sex in it. Plenty of smoldering! But only a few primary ignitions. I enjoyed the tension that built between the two lovers more than I did the releases. The sex was dirty, but not well expressed on the page. Honestly, during the sex scenes, I empathized more on a pain level than pleasure, because everything was written to sound like it hurt. Also, it's really not this easy to find someone who shares your kink, I mean, he basically fell in her lap. And she was just like, wanna choke me, heard thats your jam? And he was like, yeah. I'm paraphrasing, of course. But I do not like convenient plot points, they feel fictional. I want things to feel real when I read.
It may not sound like it, but I liked this book! I'm really happy with the plot and character development. This story and these characters are accessible to me. I honestly can take or leave this kind of sex-- what can I say? I like tenderness lol! But sex is not all this book has to offer either!
Stylistically, this is a very pleasant read, and the story and characters develop at a perfect pace. I enjoyed a the secondary characters as well, like Ava's brother. I'm so pleased that this was not a book built of tropes. Ava at 5'5" is sexier to me than all the 98-pounders I've ever read in one of these sex books, combined. Forced proximity is not so mundane as one bed in a shared hotel room; it is a strictly governed guardian/minor relationship, which is way more nuanced and believable. I could go on about how this book tramples weak and annoying tropes, but it's not necessary. I'll just say Huang's writing is skillful.
"[...Your] enemies are my enemies. Your friends are my friends. And if you wanted, I would burn down the world for you." (9:46:00)
Reading Notes
Three (or more) things I loved:
1. Honestly, I'm surprised at how good this writing is, and that makes me feel bad lol
2. I adore the protective older brother trope.
3. I'm 25% of the way through and I'm so relieved that no one has boned yet! I just cannot handle steamy scenes in every chapter. Plus, I love a slow burn plot!
4. Oh thank goodness she's not four foot seven. I get so sick of the teeny woman trope.
Three (or less) things I didn't love:
This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.
1. I love Cindy Kay, the narrator for Ava, but not Aiden Snow, the narrator for Alex.
2. I'm not a fan of this book's treatment of the mental health theme. There is so much toxic positivity. Ava actually tells herself that she should be grateful because only one of her parents died from suicide. But no worries, she still has her dad who doesn't express emotion or show affection! (You're going to
sh-t when you find out why he's so cold to her.)
3. I can do without "nub." At least she's not using "nubbin."
Rating: 👩🏻❤️💋👨🏽👩🏻❤️💋👨🏽👩🏻❤️💋👨🏽.5 burgeoning romances
Spice: 🔥🔥.5
Recommend? Yes
Finished: Sep 26 '24
Format: Audiobook, Libby
Read this book if you like:
⛓️ sub / dom and bdsm
👨👩👧👦 family stories, family drama
💇♀️ women's coming of age
🩹 pain and pleasure
❤️🔥 dark romance
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Adult/minor relationship, Cursing, Death, Mental illness, Misogyny, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Grief, Stalking, and Death of parent
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Emotional abuse
anavpereira's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Physical abuse, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Child abuse and Emotional abuse
Minor: Domestic abuse
megs_k's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Pretty words and pretty faces don’t equal pretty souls. ~ Ana Huang
Sometimes you just want to read a toxic red flagged romance.
Sometimes you just want to read a toxic red flagged romance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, and Gaslighting
thespycrowreads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Ever so often, you stumble across hilariously dumb books on TikTok during your worst reading slump, and sometimes these trashy novels are what revive your interest in reading. "Twisted Love" by Ana Huang is the first instalment of the Twisted series.
This contemporary romance novel centres around Ava Chen and Alex Volkov. Ava is a cheerful, aspiring photographer with a complicated past, while Alex is a brooding, wealthy businessman with a vendetta. The story begins with Alex reluctantly agreeing to look after Ava when her brother, Josh, leaves for a year-long volunteering stint. Despite their initial friction, Alex and Ava gradually grow closer, sharing their struggles and vulnerabilities. Alex's cold demeanour is linked to his traumatic past and a deep-seated grudge against Ava's family. As their relationship deepens, both characters confront and deal with their respective emotional wounds. The novel delves into themes of trauma, revenge, and redemption, culminating in a resolution that highlights Alex's quest for forgiveness and their evolving relationship.
To be honest, I had the lowest expectations from this book considering many other book recommendations from the internet usually fall short. The plot and sub-plot are quite engaging, with a notable entertainment factor. The characters are well-developed and not shallow. The writing and narration are also commendable. However, several factors just did not sit right with me.
Firstly, the narrative feels a bit rushed due to the multiple intertwining plot elements. While this adds to the entertainment, it can also be overwhelming. Secondly, while Huang does a good job with character development, Alex Volkov's narcissistic and possessive traits made it difficult for me to fully root for him. The portrayal of his behaviour, particularly his attempts to control Ava, raised questions about his true intentions. Ultimately, this affected my overall enjoyment of their relationship.
I’d give it a solid two stars—one for the decent writing and one for the entertainment value. I'm currently debating whether to continue with the second instalment, "Twisted Games," which I’ve heard is lengthy and focuses more on steamy content.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse
Moderate: Domestic abuse
Minor: Sexual content
shinyfox's review against another edition
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I liked Alex in the beginning. He was broody, dark and mysterious. I read dark romances, this isn't even dark compared to some stuff I've read. I usually want the villain to get the girl but I ended up really disliking Alex by the end of the book. Honestly I was rooting that he wouldn't get Ava... and then he stalks her for like.... 6 months-ish? And then sings in front of a crowd and suddenly she wants to take him back? Blech. I enjoyed the banter and dialog. I also enjoyed Ava's character development and what she was able to face down and overcome. Ava was honestly what kept me reading.
There were times that I felt the plot wasn't very believable or the characters actions made me raise an eyebrow in disbelief. Also there was a certain point in the book where it was very obvious (to me at least) what the upcoming 'twist' was and where this whole thing was headed.
There were times that I felt the plot wasn't very believable or the characters actions made me raise an eyebrow in disbelief. Also there was a certain point in the book where it was very obvious (to me at least) what the upcoming 'twist' was and where this whole thing was headed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Suicide, and Torture
Minor: Kidnapping and Alcohol
smartcookiesca's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Suicide, Violence, Kidnapping, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, and Gaslighting
megcat13's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexual content, and Violence
nixdrafts's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Violence, Kidnapping, Death of parent, and Murder
nix_jinx's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Stalking
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Kidnapping, Death of parent, and Gaslighting
bees_bookcorner's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
If I had to describe this in three words or less, it would be: La petite mort.
🚩🚩🚩
There is DV (domestic violence) in this book. I’m a DV advocate and this book triggered vicarious trauma I didn’t even know I have, if it was listed in the Trigger Warnings it would’ve helped me mentally prepare myself for that.
Besides it not being on the TW list, I disliked how Liam’s actions were never labeled as such. It felt like it was brushed over and kind of used as a plot device. 85% loved what Alex did to him, but it could’ve been worse. Should’ve been pure agony for him!!!
It also felt that Alex’s stalking was in a way ‘romanticized’. What he did when he arrived in London was DV.
Was his persistence to get Ava back kinda sweet at the end? Yes, it still felt gross and yucky though • - •.
Please take care of yourself, you’re mental health matters <3
🚩🚩🚩
There is DV (domestic violence) in this book. I’m a DV advocate and this book triggered vicarious trauma I didn’t even know I have, if it was listed in the Trigger Warnings it would’ve helped me mentally prepare myself for that.
Besides it not being on the TW list, I disliked how Liam’s actions were never labeled as such. It felt like it was brushed over and kind of used as a plot device. 85% loved what Alex did to him, but it could’ve been worse. Should’ve been pure agony for him!!!
It also felt that Alex’s stalking was in a way ‘romanticized’. What he did when he arrived in London was DV.
Was his persistence to get Ava back kinda sweet at the end? Yes, it still felt gross and yucky though • - •.
Please take care of yourself, you’re mental health matters <3
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
Minor: Physical abuse