By Ana Huang
Book is rated 5 / 5 stars.
I'm so used to 'sequels' being a bit of a let down from the original, but in this case, Twisted Games just soared so much higher than Twisted Love. Maybe because the characters were more relatable, and it was a trope I am obsessed with. Either way, Rhys and Bridget are goals and the tension within them had me clutching to this book like it was a lifeline. There are spoilers ahead, so if you haven't read the book, be prepared.
Book Tropes
Age Gap. Bodyguard. Forbidden Romance. Forced Proximity. Rich Heroine. Royalty.
Spice Level: 4 / 5 (super hot, super, super hot!)
Dual POV.
The Characters
To be honest, I was already in love with Bridget from Twisted Love and I couldn't wait to get to her book. Her character was so lovely, especially with her friendship with Ava. Seeing her take down Alex in his office at the end of the book made it all the better.
Rhys, on the other hand, I knew had to be interesting. Going into this book with a slight knowledge of him was helpful. And, I enjoyed seeing the almost full circle it made with the characters. Especially with Alex and Rhys knowing (of) each other.
I loved that this book also took what we already knew about each character previously, and just let them grow naturally - but, ultimately letting each character have their own book flesh them out entirely. The side characters, the constant throwback to the previous book, and the peppered hints at future books only skyrocketed my love of this book and the series thus far.
The Storyline
Oh. My. God. I knew the minute I read the forbidden romance of royalty and bodyguard, I was going to be in love with this book. Sort of like Princess Diaries 2. Remember that? They hated each other, it was forbidden, that tension -- until we get to that beautiful, peaceful, wonderful, breathtaking moment when it all comes into place. That was this book to me. I was worried I would like them less when they were together, but I only loved them more. Go figure.
Clean versus bloodstained. Innocence versus darkness.
Two worlds that were never meant to touch.
Their initial hatred was incredible; having someone be the total opposite of Bridget's previous bodyguard only made me latch onto the Rhys all the more. That mysterious. bad boy - who doesn't want that? He took his past and used it to help him. One of the strongest things of this book is each character's background that lead them to where they are when we are introduced makes sense. It's not some random, out of the blue moment. Rhys becoming a bodyguard makes sense. His relationship and history with Christian makes sense. His way around Bridget...you guessed it, makes sense. And, the way that Bridget reacts to her brother abdicating and watching her unfurl with the amount of stress and pressure she is under -- it makes sense. Every reaction is natural and not forced, which I think is what I cherish most about the way these books are written.
Bridget and Rhys falling in love is a huge part of this storyline, but it also takes a backseat when it needs to. The focus on Bridget becoming next in line and doing her part to prepare for it coupled with Rhys's history and his progress is at the forefront as the focus is on them individually, too. That, to me, is the mark of a really good story. When the characters grow together, and on their own, too. Did anyone else scream out loud when they broke up, though? I mentally grounded Bridget, Rhys and Ana Huang all at the same time. This book almost went into the freezer at that point (Friends reference here).
"Bridget, I need you. In any way I can have you."
When the pair of them finally get together, I was shocked. I didn't think they would until the very end as is normal in most books, right? I had like a third of the book left! But, being able to see that forbidden romance come into play with the secrecy of it all made the ending so much sweeter. I was so excited to see the twist of story in that the two decide to continue with the secrecy and accept its truth when the media catches wind. But, Bridget doesn't abdicate or give up her right. Instead, they work together (with her base idea which was my favorite) to make sure that it all works in their favor. Do I wonder if her brother can now take the throne? A little. But, I think she's found her place within the ranks and is going to do a great job.
I did slightly suspect that Rhys's background would come into play with one of the members - I did not expect Bridget's "cousin" to be related, too. That was a fun plot twist that I really enjoyed.
"Have you ever been in love, Mr. Larsen?"
"Only once."
My only issue with this book was how fast the timeline seemed to move - I swear, we jumped years in the span of like four chapters and it got a little chaotic. But, I still loved the flow. Love like this is so - incredible and intoxicating. I wanted nothing more than to be Bridget, to have someone like Rhys, to be caught in their vacation and romance. He loved her so much and she returned it without question. And, the tension and the spice? OH MY GOD. Easily one of my favorite storylines and books. Please read it.
Continuing the Series
Would I read this book again? 100%, it's definitely being added to my frequently read stack. Would I recommend it? 100%. This series is one of my favorites, and it's obvious that the author is top five already. While the next. book, with Josh and Jules, is not one I'm looking forward to, I know it's going to be an adventure to read anyway. And, that final book -- I suspect that it will be at the same level of this one for me, while the others will be at the same playing field.
Read it. I want to talk. I love this book like I love a good glass of Whiskey.
Also, someone find me a Rhys in real life, please!
What did you all think? What was your favorite part? Let me know in the comments!
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