Book Boyfriends and Booze

Alex Volkov, a ruthless and emotionally guarded billionaire, has spent his life chasing success and vengeance, leaving no room for love—until he’s tasked with looking after his best friend’s sister, Ava Chen. Ava, a vibrant free spirit haunted by the shadows of her forgotten childhood, finds herself drawn to the icy man who becomes her neighbor, protector, and ultimately, her undoing. As their connection deepens, forbidden love sparks between them, but buried secrets and dark pasts threaten to tear them apart. Twisted Love is a steamy brother’s best friend and grumpy-sunshine romance that kicks off Ana Huang’s Twisted series, and though it can be enjoyed as a standalone, we highly recommend you don’t stop after this one and at least check out book two: Twisted Games.

Twisted Beginnings

If you’re new to the spicy romance genre, Twisted Love is a solid starting point. With grumpy-sunshine vibes, billionaire romance elements, and a touch of degradation play, it introduces readers to the darker, steamier side of love stories. While this book holds a special place as an introductory read for many–including us–it isn’t necessarily a standout, and Alex Volkov, the enigmatic male lead, doesn’t quite make the cut for top-tier book boyfriend material, especially compared to some of the other male leads in the Twisted Series, but that doesn’t rule him out entirely.

Alex Volkov: The Grumpy Billionaire

Alex is the quintessential grumpy billionaire with a dark, emotionally detached edge. While his icy demeanor melts for Ava, it’s hard to pinpoint what exactly leads him to fall for her. The narrative hints at their eight-year history (as Ava’s brother’s best friend) as a foundation for his feelings, but the emotional progression from apathy to possessiveness is abrupt, to say the least. His declaration of “you’re mine” feels more like a switch being flipped than a natural development, leaving us wanting more depth and gradual growth in his character. If you’re looking for more tension and character development, then this may not scratch the romance itch for you.

Ava Chen: The Sunshine to His Storm

Ava appears to be the perfect foil to Alex’s brooding personality. Her lighthearted and optimistic demeanor serves as a beacon in his otherwise shadowy world. However, while Ava’s warmth is intended to break down Alex’s walls, the execution of this transformation feels a bit rushed and underexplored. A deeper dive into their interactions over the years, particularly from Alex’s unique perspective (thanks to his photographic memory condition, which also allows him to vividly recall past traumatic memories), could have strengthened their connection and made his love for her more believable.  

Spice and Storyline

Despite minimal character development, Twisted Love delivers fairly well on spice and plot. The chemistry between Alex and Ava is present, with memorable steamy scenes set in the kitchen, the bedroom, and even against a wall. The storyline itself is compelling, involving family secrets and intertwined pasts that add layers to their relationship. These elements keep readers engaged, even if they find Alex’s emotional arc lacking.

Final Thoughts on Alex Volkov and Who Should Read This Book?

For readers dipping their toes into the spicy romance genre, Twisted Love is a safe choice. It introduces darker elements like degradation play without venturing too far into extreme territory. However, seasoned romance readers looking for complex characters and richly developed relationships might find Alex and Ava’s dynamic a bit underwhelming.

Alex’s moments of vulnerability and grand gestures of love redeem him somewhat by the end, but his overall character falls short of the high standards set by other book boyfriends in the Twisted series. If you’re looking for a truly swoon-worthy hero, skip ahead to Rhys Larsen in Twisted Games. For now, Alex remains a memorable—if not exceptional—entry point into Ana Huang’s universe.