A guide to the Twisted series by Ana Huang

Ana Huang has become perhaps one of the most recognised romance authors of this generation with her Twisted series being a fan-favourite, which Netflix has decided to adapt for the screen.

As a reader, there are a lot of authors that I have come to love and admire. These authors vary in genre from thrillers and crime novels to romance and fantasy books, but one author I love in particular is Ana Huang.

I had the pleasure of meeting Ana when I attended RARE London 2023, and I'm so glad I did because she has become one of the most popular romance authors across BookTok and Instagram. She has also featured on American chat shows, such as Good Morning America and The Drew Barrymore Show.

But now her next venture is perhaps one that most writers dream of: Seeing their books be adapted for the big screen.

Ana Huang announced that her romance book series, Twisted, will be gracing our screens as a TV show on Netflix. Variety confirmed the news and stated that it's a seven-figure deal between the streaming service and the author. The news follows popular book-to-television adaptations, such as Bridgerton, Harlan Coben's novels and the Spanish romance trilogy, Culpa Mía, although this is on Amazon Prime.

As of yet, there is no release date and there is yet to be a cast announcement. However, fans of the series, on Bookstagram and BookTok, including myself, have speculated and shared their fan casts on social media.

But for those of you who don't know much about Ana Huang and her books, let's get into what the Twisted Series is all about.

Twisted series guide

The Twisted series by Ana Huang consists of four books, each focusing on a particular couple. Each book could be read as a standalone but they are all interconnected, so for the best reading experience, I'd recommend reading them together.

Variety described the logline as being: "A steamy new adult series that follows the lives of four best friends and their brooding love interests, riddled with dark secrets from their pasts, as they overcome the obstacles keeping them apart to fall in love."

The four books in the series are:

• Twisted Love

• Twisted Games

• Twisted Hate

• Twisted Lies

Twisted Love

Protagonists: Ava Chen and Alex Volkov

Tropes: Billionaire Romance, Brother's Best Friend, Grumpy-Sunshine

Nicknames: Sunshine

Summary:

Ava Chen has been haunted by a childhood trauma that she can't remember for a long time. But, despite her challenging past, Ava is full of optimism and sees beauty in the world and in others, even the brooding billionaire, who just so happens to be her brother's best friend. And her neighbour.

Alex Volkov is a man of few words and even less love, but fate has other plans for "the devil blessed with the face of an angel". Much like Ava, Alex is cursed by his past, but when Ava comes into his world and he's forced to protect her, his cold heart starts to warm.

Twisted Games

Protagonists: Bridget von Ascheberg and Rhys Larsen

Tropes: Bodyguard x Princess Romance, Forbidden Romance, Forced Proximity, Enemies-to-Lovers with an Age Gap

Nicknames: Princess

Summary:

Princess Bridget von Ascheberg has dreamed of independence, freedom and a love that she chooses. But unfortunately, we don't always get what we want and when her brother abdicates, Bridget's future is written for her as Queen of Eldorra.

And then Rhys Larsen joins the show. Rhys is broody, cocky and never ever gets emotionally attached to his clients. As a bodyguard, his job is to protect people, not full in love with them. But when it comes to Bridget, the rules slowly disappear and soon, the protector and his princess have to hide their love or risk destroying everything.

Twisted Hate

Protagonists: Jules Ambrose and Josh Chen

Tropes: Enemies-to-Lovers, Best Friend's Brother, Forced Proximity

Nicknames: Red

Summary:

Josh Chen, Ava's brother, is on his way to becoming a doctor whilst Jules Ambrose, one of Ava's best friends, is focused on becoming a lawyer. The two have never seen eye to eye and the animosity between them is palpable.

Jules has never been charmed by Josh and she has been a thorn in his side since they met, but one night their animosity turns to passion. Neither of them needs a relationship, but a fun arrangement could help them both get each other out of their systems.

Except, feelings start to form the more they get to know each other.

Side note: I received an ARC for this book and absolutely loved it! You can read my review here.

Twisted Lies

Protagonists: Stella Alonso and Christian Harper

Tropes: Fake Dating Billionaire Romance

Nicknames: Butterfly

Summary:

Stella Alonso is a sweet girl, who showcases her life on social media, despite being shy. With her work, Stella has little time for anything else, but a threat forces her into the life of Christian Harper, a dangerous, mysterious "monster dressed in the perfectly tailored suits of a gentleman".

Christian is smart and charming, but he's also deadly. He doesn't care for love, but the pull he feels towards Stella intrigues him so much that he offers her a deal. Soon, their love blossoms but the lies and secrets threaten to ruin it all.

Overview

Ana Huang has created an addictive book series full of diverse characters and intriguing plot lines that will leave you hooked and reeling for days. I love Ana's writing and the Twisted series is such a good series of books.

Yes, they're steamy and centred on romance, but there is emotion, mystery, and friendship.

If you have read Ana's books before, let me know which one is your favourite. And if you haven't but are a fan of romance novels, maybe give them a try.

I'm going to reread the Twisted series this year to refresh my memory on what happens before the Netflix adaptation comes out. Hopefully, there'll be more news on the series soon.

Until next time...