Twisted Love by Ana Huang Summary

Twisted Love follows Ava Chen, a Sunshine-artist hiding dark secrets, and Alex Volkov, her brother’s brooding best friend with a traumatic past. Their forced proximity ignites a passionate but volatile romance, blending steam, emotional tension, and suspense as they confront hidden dangers. The standalone novel kicks off the Twisted series, mixing brother’s best friend and grumpy-sunshine tropes with mafia undertones.

Fans of angsty, steamy romances with morally gray heroes and strong heroines will enjoy this book. Ideal for readers who love forced proximity, brother’s best friend dynamics, and suspenseful plots. Contains mature themes (violence, dark backstories), making it suitable for New Adult audiences.

Yes—readers praise its addictive pacing (4.4/5 Goodreads), emotional depth, and Alex’s morally complex character. Critics note some plot predictability, but the chemistry between leads and Ana Huang’s signature blend of spice/angst make it a standout in contemporary romance.

• Brother’s best friend: Alex’s loyalty to Ava’s brother conflicts with their attraction.
• Grumpy x Sunshine: Alex’s icy demeanor contrasts Ava’s optimism.
• Forced Proximity: A shared apartment intensifies tension.
• Secret Identity: Alex hides his involvement in organized crime.

• Healing Through Love: Both characters confront childhood traumas.
• Protective Instincts: Alex’s obsession with keeping Ava safe borders on toxic.
• Identity Concealment: Ava hides her panic attacks; Alex masks his criminal ties.

The novel includes explicit open-door scenes (medium-high spice), particularly in later chapters. Ana Huang balances emotional buildup with physical tension, earning praise for “[writing] steam perfectly.”

Critics highlight Alex’s possessive behavior and morally ambiguous choices. Some reviewers found the mafia subplot underdeveloped, while others praised the dark, suspenseful edge it adds.

The heart-shaped locket represents Ava’s repressed trauma and connection to her parents’ deaths. Its eventual opening parallels her emotional vulnerability with Alex.

Twisted Love focuses on emotional baggage and mafia elements, while Twisted Games (book 2) centers on a bodyguard-princess romance with royal intrigue. Both share high steam levels and interconnected friend-group cameos.

• “I’ll burn the world for you.” – Alex’s obsessive devotion.
• “You’re the chaos to my control.” – Highlights their contrasting personalities.

Yes: childhood trauma, graphic violence, parental death, stalking, and panic attacks. Recommended for readers 18+.

(Spoiler) Alex and Ava overcome external threats and internal fears, committing to a relationship. A HEA is achieved, though hints of future conflicts tease later series books.

• The Maddest Obsession by Danielle Lori (mafia romance, morally gray hero).
• The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood (grumpy-sunshine dynamic).
• Bully by Penelope Douglas (dark romance, emotional angst).