Twisted Games by Ana Huang Summary

Twisted Games centers on Bridget von Ascheberg, a princess seeking normalcy, and Rhys Larsen, her stoic bodyguard bound by duty. Their forbidden attraction unfolds amidst royal intrigue and assassination threats, blending steam, angst, and political tension. As Rhys breaks protocol to protect Bridget, they navigate peril and passion in this standalone romance within the Twisted series.

Fans of contemporary romance craving forbidden love tropes, bodyguard-protector dynamics, and high-stakes royal settings will enjoy this novel. Ideal for readers who appreciate strong heroines, alpha heroes, and steamy slow-burn relationships. With its blend of emotional depth and suspense, it appeals to New Adult audiences and Ana Huang’s Twisted series devotees.

Yes, especially for romance enthusiasts. It delivers intense chemistry, layered characters, and a gripping plot. As a New York Times #1 bestseller, it showcases Huang’s signature style: emotional tension, fierce heroines, and satisfying angst. Readers praise its pacing and royal intrigue, making it a standout in the Twisted universe.

Bridget von Ascheberg, a compassionate princess yearning for freedom, and Rhys Larsen, her brooding, rule-bound bodyguard. Their dynamic shifts from professional distance to explosive chemistry as Rhys defies orders to shield Bridget from danger. Supporting characters include royal family members and political figures driving the suspense.

Key tropes include:

• Forbidden love: Bodyguard/client protocol forbids their relationship.
• Slow burn: Tension builds through emotional barriers and mutual pining.
• Protective hero: Rhys prioritizes Bridget’s safety above all else.
• Royal/non-royal divide: Class differences heighten conflict.

It’s Book 2 but functions as a standalone. Each Twisted novel follows interconnected friend group romances with shared settings. Twisted Games expands the universe with royal intrigue, while Books 1 (Twisted Love), 3 (Twisted Hate), and 4 (Twisted Lies) explore distinct couples and conflicts.

• Identity vs. duty: Bridget’s struggle between royal obligations and personal desires.
• Sacrifice: Rhys’s internal battle between loyalty and love.
• Power dynamics: How authority influences vulnerability and trust.
• Freedom: The cost of breaking societal constraints.

The novel contains explicit open-door scenes, earning its "steamy" label. Heat escalates from emotional tension to intense physical intimacy, aligning with Ana Huang’s signature style. Readers note it balances plot and spice without overshadowing character development.

"You want to know how I sleep at night? By knowing you’re safe."
—Rhys Larsen

"I didn’t choose this crown, but I’d choose you a thousand times over."
—Bridget von Ascheberg

Yes, it concludes with a HEA (happily ever after). Despite assassination plots and emotional hurdles, Bridget and Rhys secure love and stability, satisfying romance genre expectations. The resolution ties up political threats while affirming their commitment.

Twisted Games is often praised for its unique royal stakes versus the grittier themes in Twisted Hate or Twisted Lies.

Some note paced political subplots occasionally overshadow romance development. A minority find Rhys’s hyper-protectiveness bordering on overbearing, though fans argue it aligns with his character. Critiques remain minimal, with most reviews praising its emotional depth and tension.

Its timeless forbidden-love trope and TikTok virality sustain relevance. Ana Huang’s status as a top BookTok author (1.4M+ copies sold) amplifies visibility. The novel’s exploration of duty versus desire resonates amid contemporary discussions about personal agency, ensuring continued appeal.