Twisted Love Summary

Twisted Love by Ana Huang revolves around Ava Chen, a photography student facing her own nightmares and buried childhood memories. The story kicks off with Ava stranded after a photography shoot in a remote area. When her brother, Josh, cannot pick her up, Alex Volkov, Josh’s best friend, steps in to give Ava a ride home. Their drive becomes tense, filled with unsaid words and emotional distances.

At Josh's going-away party, which is to celebrate his trip for a year of volunteering in Central America, Alex promises to keep Ava safe from her ex-boyfriend, Liam, known for his troubling tendency to harass her. Haunted by his own family's horrific murder, Alex feels compelled to watch over Ava, despite appearing cold and distant on the outside. His need for control arises from past trauma as he is molded into a protective figure for Ava.

With Josh out of the picture, Alex moves into his house to keep a closer eye on Ava. He accomplishes great success in business as the COO of a company he co-founded, yet his corporate persona spans into an emotional chill at home. To charm deniable walls between them, Ava bakes cookies and tries to open his guarded heart. During a heart-to-heart, they disclose their memory struggles: Alex possesses a rare ability to remember every little detail of his life, whereas Ava has amnesia concerning her childhood before age nine, hinting at unaddressed trauma.

As they spend time together, their relationship matures in complexity. Alex experiences deep jealousy and confusion regarding his feelings for Ava, oscillating between desire and his rigid belief that he cannot love her. At a gala, Alex’s discomfort rises upon seeing another man dance with Ava, revealing his inner turmoil. This leads to an intimate confrontation where Ava acknowledges that Alex almost hides his feelings, even though he desires real love.

One alarming night, after getting separated in a busy area, Alex hears Ava’s terrified screams. Racing towards the sound, he discovers Liam intimidating Ava. In a flash of anger, Alex intervenes violently, nearly beating Liam into submission until Ava interjects, signaling the need for restraint. This shocking incident lead to Ava finally recovering memories about her traumatic past, unearthing dark secrets she never knew she held.

Alex’s traumatic past shapes his urgent need to control and protect, all stemming from the horror of witnessing his parents' murder by his uncle, Ivan. Conflicts brew in their relationship as both Ava and Alex navigate their efforts to find forgiveness and embrace their struggles with pain.

Their dynamic creates moments of tension interspersed with vulnerable exchanges. Ava's spirited optimism stands in contrast to Alex’s dark and brooding nature, exemplifying the classic "grumpy/sunshine" theme. The story pushes forward the exploration of trauma, betrayal, healing, and redemption, outlining their complicated paths toward genuine connection and acceptance.

Moreover, a subplot named "Operation Emotion," involves Ava and her friends using playful tactics to draw emotional responses from the stoic Alex. This highlights their efforts, showcasing the layers beyond his hardened exterior.

Given the alternating perspectives between Ava and Alex, readers gain rich insights into their hearts and what drives their respective journeys. Ava's Asian background blends seamlessly with Alex’s Ukrainian heritage, further enriching the characters' personal tales.

Ultimately, Twisted Love captures Ava’s challenging terrain through nightmares and suppressed memories while chronicling Alex’s protectiveness rooted in past torment. As they redefine their entwined relationship

Ava learns a shocking truth; her father, not her mother, is behind the attempt on her life. He resents her because she is the result of his wife's affair. After Alex helps her expose her father's truth, he declares his love but feels the pain of parting as she heads to London for a fellowship.

Six months later, Alex decides to chase after Ava in London, asking for her forgiveness. He promises to persistently show up until she forgives him. Initially, Ava pushes him away, but Alex's heartfelt public declaration of love during her art exhibition, where he sings a vulnerable song, starts to change her mind. They find their way back to each other and spend a meaningful night together.

The story closes with a joyful epilogue four months after their reunion. They celebrate Thanksgiving surrounded by friends. Despite some lingering tension from Josh, Alex’s rival and Ava’s friend, there is hope for future acceptance. Additionally, Alex begins to cope with past pain from his uncle’s violent history, taking over his uncle’s company. Meanwhile, Ava's artistry flourishes with Alex's encouragement, marking a promising new chapter for both. They are finally healing together.

• Ava Chen: A college student and part-time photographer who battles childhood trauma, leading to nightmares and amnesia. She's often cheerful and bubbly, which helps brighten serious moments.

• Alex Volkov: Josh's best friend, a successful businessman with a chilly demeanor. He has hyperthymesia, recalling every detail of his past, shaped by the tragic murder of his parents. Although he starts off emotionally reserved, he begins to open up to Ava.

• Josh Chen: Ava’s protective older brother; he entrusts Alex with Ava’s safety while he is away.

These characters drive the themes of trauma, love, and healing in the story.