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. It was 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.
- Who is Ana Huang?
- Twisted Series’ Characters
- Twisted Series Review
- The Twisted Book Series in Order
- Who Should Read the Twisted Book Series?
Who is Ana Huang?
Ana Huang is a Chinese-American writer who is well-known for her new adult fiction and romance series.
As the daughter of Chinese immigrants, she familiarized herself with English through literature. With her parents’ encouragement, she began reading and writing stories in English to reach proficiency—although she sneakily began reading Harlequin novels behind her mother’s back.
She began writing at 15 and publishing her works on Wattpad at 18, earning recognition and encouraging her pursuit of writing as a serious interest. However, her career aspirations took her elsewhere, as she got an international relations degree.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Huang took to writing and self-publishing. Her Twisted book series went viral and skyrocketed her popularity to unforeseen degrees. Subsequently, many of her novels made it to the New York Times Best Seller list, making her the fourth best-selling BookTok author in 2024.
Twisted Series’ Characters
What is the Twisted series about? The honest answer is that it is about the characters.
Each book is a standalone issue that follows a new set of characters in each turn. As such, every story follows a different couple with distinctive dynamics and tropes.
However, the stories are not entirely disconnected. They are set in the same universe—in fact, nearly all the Twisted series characters know each other. The central focus is a group of four best friends—each the star in one book, alongside her romantic interest.
1. Twisted Love Characters
In Twisted Love, the protagonist is Ava Chen, a sunshine-like character with an upbeat personality that hides deep pain and profound trauma from her stormy childhood.
On the other hand, Alex Volkov is her brother’s best friend. He is a billionaire who has experienced his fair share of tragedy, which has left him cold and detached. Despite their differences, they find common ground in their journey towards healing.
Tropes: Grumpy Sunshine, Opposites Attract, Brother’s Best Friend.
2. Twisted Games Characters
The second entry of the Twisted series is Bridget von Ascheberg, the princess of Eldorra, whose dreams of freedom crumble when her older brother abdicates the throne. As Crown Princess, she is bound by duty to marry for political convenience—despite loving someone else already.
Rhys Larsen is a stoic and arrogant elite bodyguard. He is sworn to protect Bridget by loyalty and bound by duty to do so without any desire, no matter how much he wants to.
Tropes: Forbidden Love, Bodyguard Romance, Royal Romance.
3. Twisted Hate Characters
Jules Ambrose is ambitious, outgoing, and unafraid to speak her mind. Having left behind her partying ways, she now focuses on passing her bar exam without distractions—including the insufferable yet alluring man she hates.
Josh Chen is Ava’s brother, and the group knows well that he and Jules cannot stand each other. He’s handsome, cocky, and a consumed ladies’ man. But his charm cannot worm his way towards Jules, whom he despises and desires.
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Enemies with Benefits, Best Friend’s Brother.
4. Twisted Lies Characters
Stella Alonso is a sweet and shy woman who has succeeded as a social media influencer. However, her fame forces her to keep her heart guarded and refuse the allure of romance.
Christian Harper is the billionaire owner of a security firm. Outwardly charming and secretly dangerous, he finds himself allured by Stella and desiring her at all costs—and when she needs safety from looming danger, he is there to help.
Tropes: Fake Dating, Neighbors to Lovers, Touch Her and Die.
Twisted Series Review
The Twisted series is a New Adult romance book saga with darker themes and touches upon topics that may be triggering for some readers. Likewise, it features explicit content and plenty of spicy scenes, so keep that in mind.
Twisted Book Series: Twisted Love Summary
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 Game Summary
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 Summary
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 Summary
The final installment of the Twisted book 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 Book Series in Order
The Twisted book series comprises four stand-alone books you can read individually, depending on which romance seems most alluring. However, since the books follow the developments within a group of friends, you’ll likely encounter references for events in the previous books.
If you want to avoid potential spoilers and see how the relationships develop throughout the saga, the ideal Twisted series order follows the publication date.
- Twisted Love
- Twisted Games
- Twisted Hate
- Twisted Lies
So, while you’re free to read any book you prefer first, you’ll likely get the best experience by reading the Twisted book series in order.
Who Should Read the Twisted Book Series?
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 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, be sure to check out our reviews of The Cartel book series, Silo book series, popular dark romance novels, The Mindfuck Series, and some of the best book series of all time.
