Book Boyfriends and Booze

Princess Bridget von Ascheberg has spent her life bound by duty, but when her brother abdicates the throne, she is thrust into a role she never wanted—along with the looming threat of an arranged marriage. The only person standing by her side is Rhys Larsen, her brooding, fiercely protective bodyguard who lives by one rule: never get emotionally involved. But as their undeniable chemistry ignites into something forbidden, both Bridget and Rhys find themselves breaking every boundary. He swore to protect her, yet all he wants is to claim her as his own. Torn between love and responsibility, their passion could cost them everything—including the kingdom itself.

The Bodyguard Romance of Our Dreams

Some books just hit differently the second time around. Twisted Games by Ana Huang is one of those rare gems that only gets better with each reread. The tension? Unmatched. The chemistry? Off the charts. And the book boyfriend? Rhys Larson is an absolute masterpiece. From the very first time we met him, he had us wrapped around his (very capable) Navy SEAL fingers. And honestly? We wouldn’t have it any other way.

Why Rhys Larsen Is Perfection

If you’ve read the Twisted series, you know that Ana Huang loves writing a broken, broody, and, at times, emotionally stunted male lead. But Rhys? He breaks the mold. He’s not toxic. He’s not emotionally unavailable. He’s just the right amount of grumpy with an unparalleled level of devotion and loyalty that makes him top-tier book boyfriend material. He’s a former Navy SEAL turned personal bodyguard, and when his job forces him to protect Princess Bridget von Ascheberg—future Queen of Eldorra—things get complicated in the best way.

Unlike the other heroes in the Twisted series, Rhys isn’t struggling with inner demons that make him self-destructive. His only flaw? Falling for the one woman he absolutely cannot have. And watching that internal battle between duty and desire unfold is what makes this book so irresistible.

The (Perfect) Slow Burn That Hurts So Good

Tension is everything in romance, and Twisted Games delivers a masterclass in longing, restraint, and eventual, earth-shattering payoff. The push and pull between Bridget and Rhys is absolutely delicious, and it builds to a climax that is worth every single moment of suffering. You feel their forbidden desire with every interaction. The lingering touches. The heated stares. The angst. And when that final line is crossed? It is utter perfection.

And speaking of perfection, let’s talk about the spice. Ana Huang does not hold back. The first time Bridget and Rhys give in to their feelings is filthy, emotional, and exactly what we needed after chapters of longing. The sheer passion in their scenes makes this one of the most rewarding slow burns in the Twisted series.

A Royal Romance Done Right

Ever wished The Princess Diaries had been an R-rated, bodyguard romance? Twisted Games gives us that fantasy on a silver platter. Bridget is a strong-willed, intelligent, and likable royal heroine who doesn’t make frustrating choices just for the sake of drama. She’s realistic, which is something we deeply appreciate. The dynamic between her and Rhys— while trying to balance her royal responsibilities and her forbidden love for him—feels like something straight out of a modern fairytale.

And the best part? The drama doesn’t come from miscommunication (thank goodness), but rather from external forces keeping them apart. The stakes are real, and they keep you hooked until the very last page.

Final Verdict: A Must-Read Book Boyfriend

If you’re only going to read one book in the Twisted series, let it be this one. No, you don’t have to read Twisted Love before Twisted Games. Rhys Larson is the ultimate romance hero—protective but not possessive, dominant but not controlling, and completely devoted to his woman. The romance is addictive, the tension is agonizingly good, and the spice? Chef’s kiss.

This book is a five-star read, and no matter how many books we pick up after it, Rhys Larsen will always be a book boyfriend we come back to.