Dive into a world of forbidden love, intense chemistry, and complex characters that will keep you turning pages long into the night.

Have you ever picked up a book that completely consumed you? The kind where you find yourself staying up until 3 AM, telling yourself “just one more chapter” over and over again? That’s exactly what happened to me when I discovered Ana Huang’s Twisted series. What started as a TikTok recommendation quickly turned into a four-day reading marathon that left me with the worst book hangover of my life—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

If you’ve been anywhere near BookTok lately, chances are you’ve seen these gorgeously designed covers with their distinct color schemes and elegant typography. But the Twisted series is so much more than just pretty packaging. It’s a masterclass in new adult romance that combines deliciously dark themes, swoon-worthy heroes, fierce heroines, and the kind of emotional depth that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page.

Today, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about this sensational series that has captured the hearts of romance readers worldwide. Whether you’re looking for your next binge-worthy read or trying to decide which book to start with, consider this your comprehensive guide to Ana Huang’s Twisted universe.

What Is the Twisted Book Series About?

At its core, the Twisted series is a collection of four interconnected new adult romance novels that aren’t afraid to explore the darker, more complex sides of relationships. Each book follows a different couple as they navigate their way through various obstacles to find their happily ever after.

What sets these books apart is Huang’s ability to weave together familiar romance tropes with fresh, unexpected twists. From enemies-to-lovers to forbidden romance, from fake dating to slow burns that will test your patience (in the best way possible), the Twisted series offers something for every romance reader.

All four books are set in the same universe, with characters appearing across multiple stories. While each novel works as a standalone, reading them in order provides a richer experience as you watch the entire friend group find their perfect matches one by one.

Meet the Author: Ana Huang

Before we dive into the individual books, let’s talk about the brilliant mind behind this addictive series. Ana Huang is a USA Today bestselling author who has quickly risen to prominence in the romance community. Her writing style is characterized by emotional depth, steamy scenes that advance the plot rather than just existing for shock value, and complex characters that feel like real people you might know (or wish you knew).

Huang has a knack for balancing darkness with light, creating stories that explore trauma and healing while still delivering the satisfying romantic payoff readers crave. Her dual POV approach lets us get inside the heads of both main characters, adding layers to the storytelling and making the emotional journeys that much more impactful.

Beyond the Twisted series, Huang has also written the Kings of Sin series, which shares the same universe and features some character crossovers that fans will appreciate.

The Complete Twisted Series: Book-by-Book Breakdown

Let’s take a deeper look at each book in the series, the couples they follow, and what makes each story unique.

Twisted Love: Where It All Began

Main Characters: Ava Chen and Alex Volkov

Key Tropes:

• Enemies-to-lovers
• Grumpy sunshine
• Brother’s best friend

Twisted Love introduces us to Ava Chen, a bright, optimistic college student with a passion for photography, and Alex Volkov, her brother’s cold, calculating best friend. When circumstances force them to live together, their vastly different personalities collide in the most delicious way.

Alex is the definition of tall, dark, and brooding—a successful businessman with walls around his heart so high they might as well be visible from space. Ava is sunshine personified, determined to find the good in everyone, including the seemingly unfeeling Alex.

What begins as a reluctant arrangement quickly evolves into something neither of them expected. As layers of Alex’s carefully constructed facade begin to peel away, we discover the pain behind his icy exterior and watch as Ava’s warmth slowly thaws his frozen heart.

The chemistry between these two is off the charts, but what really makes this story shine is how Huang balances the steamy moments with genuine emotional development. Alex’s transformation from a cold-hearted businessman to a man capable of love is beautifully crafted, making their eventual coming together all the more satisfying.

Why You’ll Love It: If you’re a fan of watching the grumpiest, most closed-off heroes completely fall apart for the one person who sees past their defenses, this book will be your catnip. The emotional payoff when Alex finally opens up is worth every angsty moment leading up to it.

Twisted Games: A Royal Romance Like No Other

Main Characters: Bridget von Ascheberg and Rhys Larsen

Key Tropes:

• Forbidden love
• Bodyguard romance
• Royal romance

The second installment in the series takes us to the fictional European kingdom of Eldorra, where Princess Bridget von Ascheberg lives a life of duty and protocol. Enter Rhys Larsen, her stoic, ultra-professional bodyguard, who takes his job of protecting the princess very seriously.

There’s just one problem: the growing attraction between them threatens everything they’ve both worked for.

Bridget is no damsel in distress—she’s a strong, capable woman trapped by royal expectations and family obligations. Rhys is her equal in every way, a man whose fierce protective instincts clash with his professional boundaries.

What makes Twisted Games so compelling is the exquisite tension Huang builds throughout the story. Every glance, every accidentally-on-purpose touch, every moment alone becomes charged with possibilities and consequences. The forbidden aspect of their relationship creates a delicious slow burn that will have you practically shouting at them to just kiss already.

But beyond the romance, Huang crafts a nuanced exploration of duty versus desire and what it means to choose your own happiness when the weight of tradition and expectation threatens to crush you.

Why You’ll Love It: If you’re a sucker for the “we absolutely cannot be together but we absolutely cannot stay apart” dynamic, prepare to be obsessed. The combination of royal intrigue, a protective hero, and forbidden romance makes for an irresistible reading experience.

Twisted Hate: When Loathing Turns to Lust

Main Characters: Jules Ambrose and Josh Chen

Key Tropes:

• Enemies-to-lovers
• Enemies with benefits
• Best friend’s brother

The third book in the series gives us perhaps the spiciest enemies-to-lovers story of the bunch. Jules Ambrose and Josh Chen have hated each other for years. She thinks he’s an arrogant player. He thinks she’s a judgmental ice queen. They’re both right—and they’re both wrong.

Jules is a talented artist and law student who’s fiercely independent and protective of her best friend (who happens to be Josh’s sister). Josh is a charming, flirtatious med student whose carefree facade hides deeper complexities.

When circumstances force them together, their mutual hatred transforms into something far more combustible. What starts as a physical arrangement to work out their frustrations quickly becomes complicated as they discover there’s more to each other than they ever allowed themselves to see.

Twisted Hate delivers some of the most intense chemistry in the series, with banter that crackles and tension that practically sizzles off the page. But what makes this story particularly satisfying is watching these two stubborn people slowly recognize their own misconceptions and biases and grow as individuals even as they fall for each other.

Why You’ll Love It: If you enjoy relationships that start with “I can’t stand you” and end with “I can’t live without you,” with plenty of steam along the way, this book delivers in spades. The emotional growth both characters experience makes their journey particularly rewarding.

Twisted Lies: The Perfect Series Finale

Main Characters: Stella Alonso and Christian Harper

Key Tropes:

• Fake dating
• Neighbors to lovers
• Slow burn

The series concludes with Twisted Lies, following photographer Stella Alonso and enigmatic businessman Christian Harper. Stella is dedicated to her craft and determined to make it on her own terms. Christian is mysterious, successful, and harboring secrets that could destroy everything between them.

When a case of mistaken identity leads to an unexpected proposition of a fake relationship, neither anticipates how real things will become. As their pretend romance develops, lines blur and walls come down, revealing vulnerabilities neither expected to share.

What sets Twisted Lies apart is how Huang masterfully balances the fake relationship trope with genuine emotional development. Christian’s character, in particular, carries mysterious threads that have been woven throughout the series, making the revelations in this book especially satisfying for readers who’ve followed from the beginning.

The slow burn in this one is excruciating in the best possible way, with tension that builds and builds until you’re practically begging for release. When that moment finally comes, it’s well worth the wait.

Why You’ll Love It: If you’re drawn to mysterious heroes with dark pasts and women strong enough to handle them, combined with the delicious tension of a fake relationship that feels all too real, this book will tick all your boxes. As a series finale, it also provides satisfying closure while still leaving you wanting more of this world.

What Makes the Twisted Series Special: Themes and Style

Ana Huang’s Distinctive Writing Style

One of the most compelling aspects of the Twisted series is Huang’s writing style. She employs dual perspectives throughout, allowing readers to experience the story through both characters’ eyes. This approach creates a deeper connection with the protagonists and provides insight into their motivations and internal struggles.

Huang doesn’t shy away from intense emotional language, creating visceral reactions that pull readers deep into the story. Her foreshadowing is subtle yet effective, planting seeds early that blossom into significant plot points later.

What I particularly appreciate about her writing is the balance she strikes between darkness and light. Even in the angsty moments, there’s often a thread of humor or tenderness that keeps the stories from becoming overwhelmingly heavy.

Common Themes Throughout the Series

While each book stands on its own, several themes tie the series together:

Healing and Redemption: Many of the characters carry wounds from their pasts that have shaped them in profound ways. The series explores how love can be part of the healing process without suggesting it’s a magical cure-all.

Family Dynamics: From Ava’s close relationship with her brother to Bridget’s complicated royal family situation, the series examines how family shapes us—for better or worse.

Personal Freedom: All four books touch on the struggle to break free from expectations, whether they’re self-imposed or placed on characters by others.

Trust and Vulnerability: Perhaps the most central theme is learning to trust and be vulnerable with another person, especially when past experiences make those things difficult.

The Perfect Balance of Steamy and Emotional

Let’s be real: These books bring the heat. The Twisted series features explicit content that’s definitely not suitable for younger readers. But what makes the intimate scenes work so well is that they’re never gratuitous—they serve the character development and relationship progression.

Each couple has their own distinctive dynamic in these scenes, reflecting their personalities and the nature of their relationship. The emotional context makes these moments all the more powerful, as physical vulnerability often parallels emotional vulnerability.

Comparison Table: The Four Books of the Twisted Series

Book Title	Main Characters	Primary Tropes	Heat Level	Emotional Angst	Standout Feature
Twisted Love	Ava Chen & Alex Volkov	Enemies-to-lovers, Grumpy sunshine	🔥🔥🔥🔥	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Alex’s emotional transformation
Twisted Games	Bridget von Ascheberg & Rhys Larsen	Forbidden love, Bodyguard romance	🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	The exquisite forbidden tension
Twisted Hate	Jules Ambrose & Josh Chen	Enemies-to-lovers, Enemies with benefits	🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥	⭐⭐⭐	The banter and character growth
Twisted Lies	Stella Alonso & Christian Harper	Fake dating, Slow burn	🔥🔥🔥🔥	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	The mystery and series connections

Frequently Asked Questions About the Twisted Series

Can I Read the Twisted Series Out of Order?

Yes, you technically can read the Twisted series out of order since each book focuses on different main characters and completes their story arc. However, I highly recommend reading them in sequence: Twisted Love, Twisted Games, Twisted Hate, and Twisted Lies.

Reading in order provides a richer experience because characters appear across multiple books, and there are references and developments that build throughout the series. You’ll catch fun Easter eggs and appreciate character cameos much more if you follow the intended order.

That said, if a particular trope or couple speaks to you more than others, you won’t be completely lost jumping straight to that book. Just know you might miss some nuances in character interactions.

Are the Books in the Twisted Series Suitable for All Audiences?

Definitely not. The Twisted series contains explicit sexual content and mature themes and explores some darker subject matter, including trauma and toxic family dynamics. These books are firmly in the new adult/adult romance category and are intended for readers 18+.

If you’re sensitive to explicit content or darker themes in your romance reading, this series might not be for you. However, if you enjoy emotionally complex stories with steam and substance, you’ll find a lot to love here.

How Does Ana Huang’s Writing Style Contribute to the Series?

Ana Huang has cultivated a writing style that perfectly suits the emotional intensity of the Twisted series. Her use of dual POV allows readers to understand both sides of the relationship, creating a more immersive experience and a deeper emotional connection to the characters.

She excels at building tension, whether it’s the slow-burn anticipation of a first kiss or the mounting emotional stakes as secrets threaten to unravel everything. Her dialogue feels natural and distinct for each character, and she has a gift for creating scenes that linger in your mind long after you’ve finished reading.

Perhaps most impressively, Huang balances the darker elements of her stories with moments of lightness, humor, and genuine warmth, preventing the books from becoming overwhelmingly angsty.

What Are Some Common Themes in the Twisted Series?

The Twisted series explores several recurring themes across all four books:

Love as a transformative force is perhaps the most central theme, as we watch characters who believe themselves incapable of love or unworthy of it discover their capacity for deep connection.

Redemption and healing feature prominently, with characters confronting past traumas and finding ways to move forward without minimizing the impact those experiences had on them.

Family—both blood relations and chosen family—plays a significant role, exploring how these relationships shape us and how we can overcome familial wounds.

Personal agency and the courage to choose your own path, even when it goes against expectations or traditions, runs through each story, particularly in Twisted Games with its royal setting.

Are There Any Companion Series to the Twisted Series?

Yes! Ana Huang has another series called Kings of Sin that shares the same universe as the Twisted books. While the Kings of Sin series features different main characters, it exists in the same world, and there are some character crossovers that fans of the Twisted series will appreciate.

If you find yourself with a book hangover after finishing the Twisted series (trust me, you will), the Kings of Sin books are the perfect next step to stay in Huang’s captivating universe.

Where Can I Purchase the Twisted Series Books?

The Twisted series is widely available across all major book retailers. You can find them on Amazon (in both e-book and paperback formats), Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and Google Books. If you prefer physical bookstores, many carry the series as well, particularly since its rise in popularity.

For collectors, there are sometimes special editions available through book subscription boxes or limited releases. You can also find signed copies on platforms like Etsy, though availability varies.

If you’re an audiobook fan, the series is available through Audible and other audio platforms, with narrators who do an excellent job bringing these characters to life.

BookTok Can’t Get Enough: Why the Twisted Series Is Taking Over

It’s impossible to talk about the Twisted series without mentioning its massive popularity on BookTok. The TikTok book community has embraced Ana Huang’s work with unmatched enthusiasm, creating thousands of videos featuring dramatic readings, character analyses, fancastings, and reaction videos.

What is it about these books that resonates so deeply with readers? I think it comes down to the perfect storm of compelling tropes executed with emotional intelligence, characters who feel authentic despite their often extraordinary circumstances, and relationship dynamics that hit that sweet spot between fantasy and relatability.

The series also benefits from its gorgeous, instantly recognizable covers, which look stunning in social media posts. Each book has a distinctive color palette that’s become almost symbolic of the couple and their story, making them visually memorable.

When BookTok finds a series worthy of hype, it spreads like wildfire, and the Twisted books have definitely earned their viral status. If you’ve been seeing these books all over your For You page, I can confirm: the hype is absolutely justified.

Beyond the Books: Twisted Series Merchandise

The popularity of the Twisted series has spawned a wealth of merchandise options for devoted fans. From Redbubble stickers featuring favorite quotes and couples to tote bags perfect for carrying your book collection, there are plenty of ways to display your love for these stories.

Some of my favorite Twisted merchandise includes:

• Character stickers featuring iconic duos like Rhys and Bridget
• Book cover art stickers that capture the distinctive aesthetic of each novel
• Quote stickers featuring memorable lines from the series
• Tote bags emblazoned with series artwork or quotes
• Bookmarks featuring character art or quotes

For serious collectors, signed copies of the books themselves make for treasured possessions. Ana Huang occasionally offers signed editions through her website, and you can sometimes find them through third-party sellers on platforms like Etsy.

If You Loved the Twisted Series: What to Read Next

If you’ve devoured all four Twisted books and are looking for your next romance fix, here are some recommendations that capture similar elements:

For Fans of Twisted Love:

The Professional by Kresley Cole features a similarly intense hero who discovers emotions he thought himself incapable of experiencing.

Lush Money by Angelina M. Lopez: Explores wealth and power dynamics in relationships with emotional depth.

For Fans of Twisted Games:

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston: This is another take on forbidden love with political and royal elements.

A Nordic King by Karina Halle: Features a royal romance with a protective, brooding hero.

For Fans of Twisted Hate:

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne: The quintessential workplace enemies-to-lovers story with plenty of banter.

Never Sweeter by Charlotte Stein deals with complex emotions and healing from past trauma while developing an unexpected relationship.

For Fans of Twisted Lies:

The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata is a masterful slow burn with a fake relationship at its center.

Ruthless People by J.J. McAvoy: For those who enjoyed the darker, more mysterious elements of Christian’s character.

Other Ana Huang Books:

Of course, the most obvious next step is to check out Ana Huang’s other works, particularly the Kings of Sin series, which shares the same universe as the Twisted books. This gives you the opportunity to spot character crossovers while enjoying fresh stories.

The Twisted Experience: Why These Books Will Stay With You

I’m not exaggerating when I say that finishing the Twisted series left me with a book hangover unlike any I’ve experienced before. There’s something special about the way Ana Huang creates characters who feel like friends and relationships that make you genuinely invested in their outcomes.

What I appreciate most about this series is how it balances familiar romance tropes with genuine emotional depth. These aren’t just steamy stories (though they definitely deliver on that front)—they’re explorations of how people heal, grow, and learn to trust after experiencing pain.

Each book offers something different, from the slow-burn tension of watching Alex Volkov’s icy exterior melt for Ava, to the forbidden thrill of Bridget and Rhys’s secret moments to the passionate hate-to-love journey of Jules and Josh, to the mysterious intrigue surrounding Christian and Stella. Yet they all share that indefinable quality that makes you want to immediately flip back to page one and start again when you finish.

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Start Reading the Twisted Series Today

If you’re still on the fence about diving into the Twisted series, let me give you that final push: these books deliver everything you could want from a new adult romance series. Unforgettable characters. Heart-stopping romance. Genuine emotional growth. Steam that will have you fanning yourself. And writing that pulls you in from the very first page and doesn’t let go until long after you’ve read the final words.

Whether you’re already a devoted romance reader or looking to dip your toes into the genre, Ana Huang’s Twisted series offers an experience that exemplifies why romance novels are so beloved. These books remind us why we read in the first place—to feel deeply, to escape reality for a while, and to believe in the transformative power of love.

So grab a copy of Twisted Love, settle in with your beverage of choice, and prepare to lose sleep, neglect responsibilities, and fall completely in love with these characters. I promise you won’t regret it—though your productivity might!

Have you read any of the Twisted series books? Which couple is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!