**DISCLOSURE: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.**

***This post contains SPOILERS for Twisted Love by Ana Huang***

He has a heart of ice…but for her, he’d burn the world.

Alex Volkov is a devil blessed with the face of an angel and cursed with a past he can’t escape. Driven by a tragedy that has haunted him for most of his life, his ruthless pursuits for success and vengeance leave little room for matters of the heart. But when he’s forced to look after his best friend’s sister, he starts to feel something in his chest. A crack. A melt. A fire that could end his world as he knew it.

Ava Chen is a free spirit trapped by nightmares of a childhood she can’t remember. But despite her broken past, she’s never stopped seeing the beauty in the world…including the heart beneath the icy exterior of a man she shouldn’t want. Her brother’s best friend. Her neighbor. Her savior and her downfall. Theirs is a love that was never supposed to happen-but when it does, it unleashes secrets that could destroy them both….and everything they hold dear.

Are you ready to dive into a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat and tug at your heartstrings? Ana Huang’s “Twisted Love” has taken the romance world by storm, with its intricate plot, unforgettable characters, and profound themes. In this review, we’ll explore the elements that make this novel standout in the genre and why it should be on your TBR list.

Ana Huang’s “Twisted Love” offers a mix of engaging moments and intense emotions, although it doesn’t quite hit the mark in every aspect. While the plot has its captivating twists and the characters have some depth, some elements feel a bit overdone, and the pacing can be uneven at times. Nevertheless, the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the transformative power of love provide a solid foundation for the story, making it worth a read for fans of contemporary romance. Let’s delve into the key themes that make this novel work:

Redemption: At its core, “Twisted Love” is a story of redemption. Both Alex and Ava embark on journeys of self-discovery and healing, seeking to atone for past mistakes and find forgiveness. Alex’s actions, driven by guilt and a desire to right his wrongs, reflect his quest for redemption. Similarly, Ava’s unwavering support and belief in Alex’s potential for change underscore the transformative power of redemption.

Forgiveness: Another central theme that runs throughout the novel is forgiveness. The characters grapple with the need to forgive themselves and others to move forward. Alex’s struggle to forgive himself for his past and Ava’s ability to forgive Alex for his mistakes highlight the importance of forgiveness in their healing process.

Love and Healing: I found that Ana Huang beautifully portrayed love as a healing force. Alex and Ava’s relationship is marked by intense emotions and deep connections that help them confront their past traumas. Ava’s love brings warmth and light into Alex’s life, while Alex’s love gives Ava the strength she needs to face her fears. Together, their love is the source that allows them both to heal and grow.

Trust and Vulnerability: This is a crucial theme in “Twisted Love.” Alex’s journey involves learning to trust Ava and being vulnerable with her, while Ava’s willingness to open up about her past and trust Alex highlights the courage it takes to be vulnerable. Honestly, for myself personally, it’s not easy being vulnerable. I’ve seen some messed up stuff in my childhood and instead of being vulnerable, I make a joke. I talk about everything as if it’s not a big deal and I know that it is. The relationship between Ava and Alex evolves throughout the book and is a testament to the importance of trust and vulnerability in forging deep connections.

Overcoming Trauma: The impact of past traumas on the characters’ lives is a significant theme in the novel. Both Alex and Ava carry deep emotional scars that stem from their family and it influences their actions and decisions. Throughout their journeys, they confront and overcome their traumas, demonstrating resilience and the power of healing.

Second Chances: Towards the end of the book, we see the importance of second chances. In life, it can be hard to give a second chance, especially if the first time you were emotionally destroyed like Ana. The revelation she experienced from Alex was big and would understandably rock anyone. The characters ability to forgive, heal, and grow opens the door for new beginnings. Alex’s efforts to rebuild his relationship with Ava and Ava’s decision to give Alex another chance illustrate the hope and possibility of starting anew.

With every book, writers use motifs and symbols to reinforce the theme of the story. Motif’s are not the same as the theme. They can be breadcrumbs that lead the readers to discover the theme or used to support and reinforce the theme. Motifs can evoke other moments in the story to remind the readers of the connection between scenes. Here I am going to explain what I saw as symbols and motifs:

Fire: Fire plays a significant symbol because it symbolized both destruction and rebirth. The intense passion between Alex and Ava is often likened to fire, representing the consuming nature of their emotions. At the same time, fire signifies the characters’ journey of transformation, as they burn away their past traumas to make way for new beginnings. That’s just the metaphorical fire. The actual fire that takes place in the book symbolizes the end to a past trauma,

Water: Water is a symbol of cleansing and renewal. It represents emotional healing and the washing away of past traumas. The moments involving water, such as rain or scenes by the lake, often signify turning points or moments of clarity for the characters. While the water imagery is a beautiful touch, it can occasionally come across as cliched, detracting from the overall originality of the symbolism. For me, I love water. I love pools and the ocean. I love swimming. I told my husband once that floating in the water, just there, not moving just being in that moment letting the water wash over me is my favorite. I feel free. I don’t ache, I don’t hurt. My anxiety isn’t thru the roof, my mind isn’t constantly runny, it’s the most free I ever feel. So, I honestly couldn’t relate to Ava’s fear of water. I understand why she is scared, she has a very valid reason. But I couldn’t relate because I honestly love it.

Now to talk about the main characters”

Alex Volkov starts as a brooding, enigmatic figure, who is heavily guarded and driven by a need for vengeance due to his family’s tragic past. His cold exterior and detachment serve as defense mechanisms to protect his vulnerable heart. As the story progresses, Alex’s interactions with Ava begin to thaw his icy demeanor. Her warmth and compassion gradually break down his emotional barriers, prompting him to confront his deep-seated traumas. Alex’s journey towards self-discovery is marked by his willingness to seek therapy and make amends for his past actions. Through love and trust, he learns to forgive himself and others, ultimately transforming into a more compassionate and self-aware individual. By the end, Alex has found redemption and healing, embracing a future filled with hope and love.

Ava Chen is introduced as a vibrant and compassionate photographer, hiding her own past traumas behind a cheerful demeanor. Her fragmented memories and experiences with a cheating ex-boyfriend slash stalker add complexity to her character. Ava’s journey is one of resilience and strength. As she supports Alex and navigates their tumultuous relationship, Ava learns to confront her fears and trust others. Her unwavering belief in Alex’s potential for change underscores her inner strength and capacity for forgiveness. Throughout the story she takes proactive steps to protect herself and seek answers about her past, demonstrating her growth and empowerment. By the end, she emerges as a more self-assured individual.

Overall, the story was fine. It was decent. It was your run of the mill romance novel with a little spice added. I read it pretty fast and enjoyed it. However, it didn’t captivate me. I was hoping for a little more. But, nonetheless, I am excited to see what the next book is like. I am also excited because I hear Netflix is turning this series into movies.

If you are looking to give this book a try you can find it on amazon HERE