Review of Twisted Hate (Twisted, #3) by Ana Huang
When I first picked up Twisted Hate, I had no idea it would whisk me away into a whirlwind of emotions, nostalgia, and sheer joy. Ana Huang’s third installment in the Twisted series felt like an old friend returning with stories that tug at your heartstrings and light up your soul. As I dove into the complex relationship between Josh Chen and Jules Ambrose, I found myself captivated once again, completely enthralled by their journey of hate, passion, and unexpected love.
At the heart of Twisted Hate is the fiery clash of our protagonists: the bold and unapologetic Jules, who embodies the phrase "If money can’t buy happiness, then give me yours," and the endearing but complicated Josh, referred to as the "devil’s spawn." Their dynamic is rich with banter, tension, and sultry moments that spark like firecrackers. I was drawn into Jules’s unapologetic confidence; she’s a character who truly owns her identity, flaws and all. Her journey of self-discovery is powerful and relatable. In a genre often saturated with ‘pick-me’ females, Jules breaks the mold with her fierce independence and strength. Quotes like, “I didn’t believe in false humility—I knew I looked good," became anthems of empowerment for me.
Conversely, Josh’s character, though flawed, resonates deeply. His humor, mixed with his moments of vulnerability, makes him a relatable, multifaceted person. The revelation of his struggles with trust and emotional intimacy adds depth to his character, making me root for him. His chaotic charm and tendency to create drama ensnared me, especially with quips like, “On a scale of one to ten, how badly do you want to fuck me right now?”—delivered with an attraction that left me breathless.
Ana Huang’s writing style shines through vibrant dialogue and an impeccable ability to draw readers into the chemistry between Josh and Jules. The pacing, filled with witty banter and illustrative scenes, kept me engaged, allowing me to devour the pages swiftly—and, let me tell you, the sex scenes are anything but sweet; they are raw, passionate, and serve as a reflecting moment for their tumultuous relationship. I honestly couldn’t help but revel in every tension-filled encounter and shared thought.
One particular scene that hit heartfelt notes was where Josh shows genuine care, offering comfort during Jules’s painful moments—a graceful reminder of how tenderness exists within their fiery connection. Moments like these, coupled with a soundtrack of resonating songs like "One More Hour" by Tame Impala, transformed my reading experience into an immersive journey, further amplifying the emotional stakes I felt alongside these characters.
Yet, as with any romance, not everything flows smoothly. The third act conflict involving Max was frustrating, a reminder of how messy relationships can be. While I was cheering for Jules when she took charge of her narrative, the moments where Josh let his hurt dictate his anger were almost unbearable. Yes, they created melodrama and a chance for redemption, but it also pushed me to grapple with the reality of flaws within relationships. I appreciated that Ana Huang didn’t shy away from the darker moments; they lend authenticity and make the eventual resolution even more satisfying.
In conclusion, Twisted Hate is for those who crave an enemies-to-lovers romance filled with laughter, heated passion, and emotional depth. If you appreciate complex characters who are flawed yet lovable, this book is undoubtedly a must-read. It stirred my emotions and rekindled my love for the modern romance genre, making it a memorable addition to my bookshelf. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the series, I wholeheartedly recommend diving into this fiery world. This one left me feeling all the feelings, and let’s be honest—I’ll definitely be returning to it time and again. 💗✨
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