Ana Huang’s Twisted Hate is not your standard enemies-to-lovers tale. It’s a character-driven, emotionally volatile, and exquisitely crafted romance that doesn’t shy away from difficult emotions, moral gray areas, or scorching intimacy. The third book in Huang’s popular Twisted series, Twisted Hate builds upon the world and relationships established in Twisted Love and Twisted Games, yet it brings something entirely its own to the table—an exploration of hate-fueled lust turned unexpectedly tender.
With Ava and Alex’s slow-burn chemistry in Twisted Love and Bridget and Rhys’ royal romance in Twisted Games, Twisted Hate turns the spotlight on Jules and Josh—two characters with claws bared, past wounds unearthed, and a tension so thick you could slice it with a scalpel. This isn’t just hate sex. It’s catharsis, confrontation, and, unexpectedly, connection.
The Twisted Universe So Far
The Twisted series by Ana Huang comprises four books, each focusing on a different couple:
Twisted Love (2021) – Ava & Alex’s brother’s-best-friend romance layered with secrets and emotional scars.
Twisted Games (2021) – Bridget & Rhys’ royal bodyguard forbidden romance full of political tension and devotion.
Twisted Hate (2022) – Jules & Josh’s fiery enemies-with-benefits turned heartfelt love story.
Twisted Lies (2022) – Stella & Christian’s slow-burn, morally gray love with secrets, danger, and redemption.
While each book works as a standalone, the threads interweave beautifully for readers following the full quartet.
Plot Overview: Enemies, Benefits, and Unraveling Secrets
Jules Ambrose, the fiery redhead and future attorney, is focused on passing the bar and leaving her troubled past behind. Josh Chen, Ava’s protective, charming, hotshot doctor brother, has made it his life’s work to antagonize Jules at every turn. Their snark-laden banter, biting jabs, and thinly veiled hostility stem not just from clashing personalities, but a deeper wound neither is willing to acknowledge.
Their dynamic combusts when a single, drunken, passion-filled night leads to a dangerous arrangement: enemies with benefits. No strings. No jealousy. And no love. Simple rules, right?
But as Jules and Josh peel back each other’s layers, what starts as physical turns profoundly emotional. Both are burdened by secrets from their past—Josh’s letters from a broken family connection and Jules’s hidden trauma tied to her childhood. These aren’t throwaway plot points—they’re central to who they are.
When the past catches up with them in devastating ways, Jules and Josh must decide: will their hate-fueled desire destroy them, or will it be the key to healing?
Characters: Complex, Conflicted, and Captivating
Jules Ambrose:
Outspoken, wild-hearted, and unapologetically ambitious.
Beneath the bravado is deep-rooted pain, particularly linked to her family and sense of self-worth.
Her sarcasm is her shield, but her moments of vulnerability hit hardest.
Her growth—from guarded to giving—is a masterclass in layered characterization.
Josh Chen:
A cocky, flirtatious doctor hiding a fractured heart and a deep desire to protect those he loves.
Not just Ava’s overbearing brother—Josh’s storyline stands on its own.
Deals with betrayal and abandonment, wrestling between control and chaos.
His journey is a descent into emotional intimacy, a rare arc in male leads in contemporary romance.
Together, Jules and Josh don’t just ignite sparks—they light emotional wildfires.
Ana Huang’s Writing Style: Poised Between Passion and Precision
Ana Huang brings a razor-sharp balance of steamy romance and psychological realism. Her prose in Twisted Hate reflects:
Voice-Driven Narration: Alternating POVs give readers a peek inside both Jules’s self-deprecating wit and Josh’s self-loathing brooding.
Sharp Dialogue: The banter is clever, acidic, and delightfully layered with subtext.
Pacing: The book does not rush emotional beats. The transition from enemies to reluctant allies to lovers is organic, believable, and richly developed.
Emotional Resonance: Trauma, forgiveness, and vulnerability are explored without melodrama.
Compared to Ana Huang’s earlier books, Twisted Hate feels more emotionally raw, with a deeper dive into character trauma. Her storytelling matures here, balancing angst with compassion.
Themes and Emotional Depth
Huang doesn’t just rely on chemistry and conflict; she builds emotional architecture.
1. Hate as a Mask for Hurt
What begins as contempt is often unresolved grief. Jules and Josh both weaponize their trauma, projecting hurt onto each other—until they can’t.
2. Forgiveness and Redemption
Whether it’s Josh reconciling with his estranged past or Jules confronting her own fears of unworthiness, forgiveness (especially of the self) is central.
3. Trust and Boundaries
Their enemies-with-benefits rules are not just for tension—they reflect deep fears about intimacy, vulnerability, and loss of control.
4. Found Family
While biological family fails both protagonists in many ways, the friends they choose—Ava, Bridget, Rhys, Stella—become their anchors.
What Works Brilliantly
Character Growth: Each arc feels hard-earned and cathartic.
Chemistry: Huang excels in writing electric tension. The smut isn’t gratuitous—it’s laced with emotional subtext.
Interpersonal Dynamics: The way Josh and Jules interact with other characters adds depth—especially with Ava and Alex.
Exploration of Past Trauma: The storyline doesn’t just gloss over it. Instead, it is acknowledged, processed, and used as a foundation for growth.
What Could Have Been Stronger
While Twisted Hate by Ana Huang does have areas that might not work for every reader:
Pacing Midway: The transition from pure enemies to lovers is drawn out, which may test the patience of some readers.
Repetitive Inner Monologues: At times, the emotional reflections become cyclical, slowing the momentum.
Heavy Tropes: The “enemies with benefits” setup leans into predictable beats—though Huang adds her unique depth, the predictability lingers.
Still, the emotional payoff outweighs these critiques for readers invested in character development and psychological nuance.
Similar Reads
If Twisted Hate by Ana Huang captured your heart (or burned it), you might also enjoy:
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne – A classic office enemies-to-lovers romance.
Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas – For those who crave morally complex relationships.
Archer’s Voice by Mia Sheridan – Trauma healing wrapped in romance.
King of Wrath by Ana Huang – For those looking to explore her Kings of Sin series, which offers darker, high-stakes romance.
Final Thoughts: A Deliciously Tortured Romance
Twisted Hate by Ana Huang is not about simple attraction or fiery banter—though it delivers plenty of both. It’s about two people learning that the armor they wear doesn’t make them stronger; it isolates them. Jules and Josh strip away each other’s defenses not just physically but emotionally, making for a romance that’s both bruised and beautiful.
It’s Huang’s most emotionally volatile Twisted installment, and arguably her boldest.
Final Verdict: Best for readers who love character-driven slow burns, sharp banter, emotional wounds, and redemptive love stories.
Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely—especially if you’ve read the first two books in the Twisted series by Ana Huang. Even if you haven’t, Twisted Hate works as a standalone, though the emotional layering is richer when viewed as part of the entire universe.
This isn’t just a romance. It’s a dismantling of defenses, and the messy, vulnerable work of falling in love with someone you once couldn’t stand—and realizing they were your home all along.