Twisted Love

Ana Huang • Contemporary romance, New adult fiction, Romance novel

Twisted Love by Ana Huang Summary

Twisted Love by Ana Huang is a dark contemporary romance centered on the intense and emotionally charged relationship between Ava Chen, a gentle photography student with a traumatic past, and Alex Volkov, her best friend's sister—Ava is the friend's sister, and this forbidden-love dynamic adds extra tension—and Alex, her brother’s cold, calculating best friend who is driven by revenge. When Ava’s brother, Josh, leaves for Central America, he asks Alex to look after her. Josh leaves, and Alex moves into Josh's house (next to Ava's house) to keep her safe, which brings them into close proximity. Ava's apartment, located right next to Alex's house, becomes a key setting for their growing connection.

Ava, who struggles with fragmented childhood memories and an underlying fear she cannot fully explain, is unexpectedly drawn to Alex, sensing both danger and protection in him. Her traumatic past involves child abuse and being gaslighted by her father, Michael Chen—ava's father—who attempted to drown her, leaving deep psychological scars. As Alex digs into the mysteries surrounding Ava’s past, he uncovers disturbing truths, including murder alex's family in cold blood, which fuels his vengeance leave and explains his relentless drive for revenge.

Alex’s emotional journey is marked by ruthless pursuits, moments where alex breaks, alex cuts ties or makes pivotal decisions, and times when alex agrees to let his guard down. Their relationship develops through a heated kiss, highlighting ava's attraction and a moment where Ava throws Alex off guard with her vulnerability. Madeline Hauss, Alex's ex-fling, adds conflict, especially in the scene where she pushes Ava into a pool, intensifying the drama.

Ava’s healing process includes pursuing ava's fellowship (the World Youth Photography fellowship in London), her ava return to swimming and normal life, and taking krav maga lessons for self-defense. The birthday party Ava throws for Alex is significant—it’s his first birthday party, a surprise birthday party that marks a turning point in their relationship and is filled with emotional weight.

Ava and her friends launch operation emotion, trying to get Alex to show his feelings, including watching sad movies together. Both characters struggle to fall asleep, haunted by trauma and nightmares. As the story unfolds, it unleashes secrets that threaten to destroy them, revealing the heart beneath Alex’s cold exterior and the little room he has for love due to his past.

The main characters—Ava, Alex, the friend's sister, and Ava's brother—are central to the story’s emotional impact. Alex’s attention is hard to earn, his style is reflected in alex's shoes, and alex likes to keep his emotions hidden. Throughout their journey, the narrative explores how Ava is loved ava, how she loved alex, and how Alex becomes a forgiven alex as he seeks redemption. The story also shows how Ava loves Alex, and how their love is tested and deepened.

There are pivotal moments where ava asks alex about their relationship, and ava asks important questions that drive their emotional growth. In a tense scene, ivan asks a question that raises the stakes. The narrative often shifts to alex sees the world, providing insight into alex's story, how those who knew alex understand his pain, and how everything changed when he met ava. The book evokes mixed feelings and highlights the importance of time ava spends healing and growing.

Twisted Love stands out in the ana huang genre of New Adult Smut Romance, and many ana huang book review articles praise its complex characters and emotional depth.

Introduction to the Book

“Twisted Love” by Ana Huang is a gripping entry in the world of romance novels, captivating readers with its blend of emotional intensity and suspense. As the first installment in the Twisted series, this book introduces us to Ava Chen, a free spirit trapped by the shadows of her broken past, and Alex Volkov, a devil blessed with an angelic face but haunted by secrets and a relentless need to protect Ava. Their story is a masterclass in forbidden love, as Alex—tasked with watching over his best friend’s sister—finds himself drawn to Ava in ways he never expected.

Ana Huang’s signature style shines through in “Twisted Love,” combining the raw vulnerability of childhood trauma with the electrifying tension of a romance that’s as dangerous as it is irresistible. The novel explores how love can both heal and unleash secrets that threaten everything the characters hold dear. As Ava and Alex navigate the treacherous waters of trust, betrayal, and redemption, readers are swept into a world where every emotion is heightened and every choice has consequences.

Set against a backdrop that moves from the comfort of close friendships to the dangers lurking in the past, “Twisted Love” stands out for its complex characters and the way it delves into the psychological scars that shape them. Alex helps Ava confront her fears, while Ava’s warmth challenges Alex’s icy resolve, making their connection both explosive and transformative. The book’s success has cemented Ana Huang’s place in the genre, with fans eagerly following the Twisted series through sequels like “Twisted Games” and “Twisted Hate.” For anyone seeking a romance novel that balances heart-pounding drama with deep emotional resonance, “Twisted Love by Ana Huang” is an unforgettable read.

Main Characters

Ava Chen – A warm, artistic young woman with a traumatic childhood that left her with fragmented memories. Her journey revolves around reclaiming control over her life and finding emotional strength. Alex Volkov – A brilliant but emotionally distant man consumed by the desire for revenge. His icy exterior hides deep wounds, and his relationship with Ava forces him to face his own darkness. Josh Chen – Ava’s protective older brother and Alex’s best friend, whose absence initiates the central conflict. Bridget von Ascheberg – Ava’s elegant and supportive best friend, with her own storyline explored in later books. Jules Ambrose – A bold, outspoken member of Ava’s friend group who provides emotional grounding and fierce loyalty.

Ana Huang Book Review and Analysis

Twisted Love examines trauma, healing, emotional duality, and the moral complexity of revenge within the framework of a passionate romance. The contrast between Alex’s cold, calculated nature and Ava’s openness and vulnerability fuels the tension that drives the story. Alex represents logic, control, and darkness born from grief, while Ava symbolizes creativity, warmth, and emotional resilience. Their relationship raises questions about whether love rooted in obsession can become something redemptive, or whether it risks destroying both people involved. Ava’s storyline emphasizes the lasting impact of childhood trauma and the courage required to confront one's past. Alex’s arc explores the emptiness of revenge and the way love can challenge long-held beliefs and defenses. Supporting characters reinforce themes of friendship, loyalty, and found family, offering balance to the novel’s darker elements. Overall, Twisted Love is a story about transformation—how connection can expose vulnerabilities, demand growth, and force both characters to face truths they have long avoided.