BOOK REVIEW: Twisted Lies

Twisted Lies is an enticing romance story that delves into the complexities of love, lies and trust. Written by New York Times bestselling author Ana Huang, this is the fourth instalment in her widely acclaimed Twisted series, offering readers a compelling blend of passion and suspense.

Huang is known for her impressive capability to mix romance with emotion. She delivers a compelling story that attracts both dedicated romance readers and newcomers to the genre.

The book centres around Stella Alonso, a reserved and introverted character, who is an aspiring fashion designer, looking to build her career and find a purpose in her life. She has little interest in romance until she meets business owner Christian Harper, a mysterious and powerful tech genius. Stella is struggling with financial difficulties and applies for a part-time job at Christian’s company. When Stella lands the job, she soon persuades him to participate in a fake dating agreement to boost her social media following, in the hopes it will help her fashion career take off. In exchange she agrees to accompany him to his business functions, which eventually leads to both characters having to confront vulnerabilities and emotions they didn’t anticipate.

Huang’s biggest strength lies in her slow burn character development, and Twisted Lies showcases this perfectly. Christian is introduced as a calculated and cold individual, but he is more than just the typical wealthy business owner, and different layers of his personality are soon exposed. His protective nature and mundane backstory give him a depth that keeps readers wanting more. Stella is presented as a relatable protagonist, who is dealing with her own struggles, from anxiety to insecurities. Her journey is filled with self-discovery and is one many readers can relate to themselves.

Both characters have numerous secrets, hence the title Twisted Lies. Huang skilfully intertwines these hidden truths into the story, creating suspense and mystery that drives the story forward. Huang doesn’t just expose the lies between the two but takes the time to delve into the characters past experiences, that deeply explain their different personalities. This detailed character development allows readers to understand the different layers of both Stella and Christian.

Twisted Lies is undoubtedly an entertaining read, although it does follow very common romance tropes, which can make the plot somewhat predictable. However, Huang’s writing style, filled with descriptive, detailed and engaging storytelling helps keep the book a captivating and gratifying read. For readers who enjoy slow-burn romances with complicated characters and strong emotional depth, Twisted lies is a pleasurable and well-worth read.