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A Twisted Love Story
From the bestselling author of My Lovely Wife comes a reckless, delicious thriller about a young couple that gives a whole new meaning to the dangers of modern dating.
Wes and Ivy are madly in love. They've never felt anything like it. It's the kind of romance people write stories about.
But what kind of story?
Because when it's good, it's great. Flowers. Grand gestures. Deep meaningful conversations where the whole world disappears.
When it's bad, it's really bad. Vengeful fights. Damaged property. Arrest warrants.
But their vicious cycle of catastrophic breakups and head-over-heels reconnections needs to end fast. Because suddenly, Wes and Ivy have a common enemy--and she's a detective.
There's something Wes and Ivy never talk about--in good times or bad. The night of their worst breakup, when one of them took things too far, and someone ended up dead.
If they can stick together, they can survive anything--even the tightening net of a police investigation.
Because one more breakup might just be their last…
Wes and Ivy are madly in love. They've never felt anything like it. It's the kind of romance people write stories about.
But what kind of story?
Because when it's good, it's great. Flowers. Grand gestures. Deep meaningful conversations where the whole world disappears.
When it's bad, it's really bad. Vengeful fights. Damaged property. Arrest warrants.
But their vicious cycle of catastrophic breakups and head-over-heels reconnections needs to end fast. Because suddenly, Wes and Ivy have a common enemy--and she's a detective.
There's something Wes and Ivy never talk about--in good times or bad. The night of their worst breakup, when one of them took things too far, and someone ended up dead.
If they can stick together, they can survive anything--even the tightening net of a police investigation.
Because one more breakup might just be their last…
390 pages, Hardcover
First published July 18, 2023
About the author
Samantha Downing
6 books5,869 followersSamantha Downing is an internationally bestselling thriller author. Her novels include My Lovely Wife, He Started It, For Your Own Good, and A Twisted Love Story. Her debut novel, My Lovely Wife, was nominated for Edgar, ITW, and Macavity awards in the US, the CWA award in the UK, and was the winner of the Prix des Lectrices award in France.
Her next thriller, Too Old For This, will be released on August 12, 2025 in the US.
Her next thriller, Too Old For This, will be released on August 12, 2025 in the US.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,200 reviews
July 18, 2023
It’s no surprise to me that Samantha Downing would deliver my first 5 ⭐️ thriller read of the year, as I am a big fan of her work and it was my MOST ANTICIPATED thriller read for 2023!
Her books seem to captivate me from the first sentence, and in this case, it was the dedication page…”For the man who inspired this book-You’re damn right I wrote about you” 🤨 Hmmm…
And, I doubt that it is coincidental that our main character is named IVY, a plant that can be toxic and hard to get rid of once it takes hold…
Ivy and Wes are THAT couple.
They have an addictive kind of love-but addictions aren’t always good for you. None of their friends, family members or co-workers think that they should be together. But they don’t care what people think. They know how they feel when they are together and nobody else makes them feel that way.
And, believe me-they try.
When things are good between them, they are very, very good. They swear to one another that this time, they will be together FOREVER. They have said this maybe hundreds of times-usually before they break up again.
When things are bad, they are VERY VERY BAD, and they tell each other that this time, the break up is for good. They will NEVER NEVER get back together again. And, the last break up was particularly nasty.
When Ivy wants to get back together with Wes again-she always finds a unique way to get his attention. This time it’s to report him to the Police for STALKING.
As soon as Detective Karen Colglazier comes to see him at work-he KNOWS.
Ivy never expected to be taken so seriously by the Police. This was just supposed to be a bit of FUN.
But the Detective, who may be projecting a bit, has made it her mission to help women escape the men who are abusing them, and now Ivy is one of them. And, when she looks into their PAST, she stumbles across a secret that they have been hiding, one that could threaten their FUTURE.
Her visit to his workplace has also caught the attention of Bianca, the firm’s NOSY personal assistant.
That CAN’T be good.
This time, Ivy may have taken things WAY too far.
Once again, the author has created two diabolical characters that SOMEHOW still had me rooting for them, despite the TOXIC games that they played, and the unforgivable things that they have done.
I knew two things as soon as I received an early copy.
First, that I would move it straight to the top of my TBR. And, second, that I would have to turn down all invitations this weekend so that I could dive right in! No regrets!!
AVAILABLE NOW!!
Thank You to Samantha Downing and Berkley for the very early ARC provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
Her books seem to captivate me from the first sentence, and in this case, it was the dedication page…”For the man who inspired this book-You’re damn right I wrote about you” 🤨 Hmmm…
And, I doubt that it is coincidental that our main character is named IVY, a plant that can be toxic and hard to get rid of once it takes hold…
Ivy and Wes are THAT couple.
They have an addictive kind of love-but addictions aren’t always good for you. None of their friends, family members or co-workers think that they should be together. But they don’t care what people think. They know how they feel when they are together and nobody else makes them feel that way.
And, believe me-they try.
When things are good between them, they are very, very good. They swear to one another that this time, they will be together FOREVER. They have said this maybe hundreds of times-usually before they break up again.
When things are bad, they are VERY VERY BAD, and they tell each other that this time, the break up is for good. They will NEVER NEVER get back together again. And, the last break up was particularly nasty.
When Ivy wants to get back together with Wes again-she always finds a unique way to get his attention. This time it’s to report him to the Police for STALKING.
As soon as Detective Karen Colglazier comes to see him at work-he KNOWS.
Ivy never expected to be taken so seriously by the Police. This was just supposed to be a bit of FUN.
But the Detective, who may be projecting a bit, has made it her mission to help women escape the men who are abusing them, and now Ivy is one of them. And, when she looks into their PAST, she stumbles across a secret that they have been hiding, one that could threaten their FUTURE.
Her visit to his workplace has also caught the attention of Bianca, the firm’s NOSY personal assistant.
That CAN’T be good.
This time, Ivy may have taken things WAY too far.
Once again, the author has created two diabolical characters that SOMEHOW still had me rooting for them, despite the TOXIC games that they played, and the unforgivable things that they have done.
I knew two things as soon as I received an early copy.
First, that I would move it straight to the top of my TBR. And, second, that I would have to turn down all invitations this weekend so that I could dive right in! No regrets!!
AVAILABLE NOW!!
Thank You to Samantha Downing and Berkley for the very early ARC provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
June 6, 2023
Not that Twisted
“Love always wins.”
A Twisted Love Story is a psychological thriller about a couple whose toxic relationship revolves around mind games. But in the end, love rules--even if it means murder.
Wes and Ivy met in college and have dated on and off for 10 years. Their relationship can be described as destructive--they play mind games, push each other's buttons, manipulate, and taunt each other. They make up and break up constantly. But their games have gone too far, especially when their past crimes become exposed.
The narrative alternates between Wes, Ivy, Bianca (an administrative assistant at Wes’ company,) and Karen, a sex crimes detective. I enjoyed Bianca’s POV the most, but her voice fades as events shift. Wes and Ivy are both horrible people. Karen’s background adds a new perspective to their relationship, but her bias undermines their dynamic.
None of the characters were likable, but their stories are vague enough that I was invested in finding out what was happening.
Wes and Ivy are the main attraction. While I was fascinated by their relationship in the beginning, their drama became tiresome, and I just wanted it to end already.
A Twisted Love Story reminds me a little bit of My Lovely Wife, which also explores unhealthy relationship dynamics. Downing has a knack for creating fascinating, twisted characters, and Wes and Ivy are no exception, but I think their games could have gone further--instead, they were repetitive, baseline, and, after a while, boring. At the same time, I did get sucked into this novel. The final events were a little crazy and unpredictable and made this novel fun to read.
Thank you to Elisha Katz of Berkley Books and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book!
“Love always wins.”
A Twisted Love Story is a psychological thriller about a couple whose toxic relationship revolves around mind games. But in the end, love rules--even if it means murder.
Wes and Ivy met in college and have dated on and off for 10 years. Their relationship can be described as destructive--they play mind games, push each other's buttons, manipulate, and taunt each other. They make up and break up constantly. But their games have gone too far, especially when their past crimes become exposed.
The narrative alternates between Wes, Ivy, Bianca (an administrative assistant at Wes’ company,) and Karen, a sex crimes detective. I enjoyed Bianca’s POV the most, but her voice fades as events shift. Wes and Ivy are both horrible people. Karen’s background adds a new perspective to their relationship, but her bias undermines their dynamic.
None of the characters were likable, but their stories are vague enough that I was invested in finding out what was happening.
Wes and Ivy are the main attraction. While I was fascinated by their relationship in the beginning, their drama became tiresome, and I just wanted it to end already.
A Twisted Love Story reminds me a little bit of My Lovely Wife, which also explores unhealthy relationship dynamics. Downing has a knack for creating fascinating, twisted characters, and Wes and Ivy are no exception, but I think their games could have gone further--instead, they were repetitive, baseline, and, after a while, boring. At the same time, I did get sucked into this novel. The final events were a little crazy and unpredictable and made this novel fun to read.
Thank you to Elisha Katz of Berkley Books and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book!
September 11, 2023
A Twisted Love Story by Samantha Downing
Wes and Ivy have a past. They have a present, too, and almost feel like they are destined to repeat the same things over and over and over. Although there are some events that they will never discuss even though those events are always on their minds.
This is not just a twisted love story, it's also a demented, psycho, nutzo, toxic love story. I think I'd stay out of Fair Valley, CA because there must be something in the water, the air, something that is not good when it comes to love.
Back and forth Wes and Ivy go, break up, make up, a never ending kind of torture they seem to enjoy. Can't they see that their great times are just a drop in the bucket of how bad they are together? Everyone can see they are wrong for each other, their hate is stronger than their love, toxic is too mild of a word for their relationship.
The chapters are quick and always had me wanting to get to the next chapter. Wes and Ivy aren't the only obsessed ones, Detective Karen is as scary as she is determined once we get to know her. Wes's coworkers are a wacky bunch, each in their own way. I had to know what each person's motivation was because wouldn't life be a lot nicer if everyone minded their own business?
Publ July 18, 2023
Thank you to Elisha at Berkley and NetGalley for this ARC.
Wes and Ivy have a past. They have a present, too, and almost feel like they are destined to repeat the same things over and over and over. Although there are some events that they will never discuss even though those events are always on their minds.
This is not just a twisted love story, it's also a demented, psycho, nutzo, toxic love story. I think I'd stay out of Fair Valley, CA because there must be something in the water, the air, something that is not good when it comes to love.
Back and forth Wes and Ivy go, break up, make up, a never ending kind of torture they seem to enjoy. Can't they see that their great times are just a drop in the bucket of how bad they are together? Everyone can see they are wrong for each other, their hate is stronger than their love, toxic is too mild of a word for their relationship.
The chapters are quick and always had me wanting to get to the next chapter. Wes and Ivy aren't the only obsessed ones, Detective Karen is as scary as she is determined once we get to know her. Wes's coworkers are a wacky bunch, each in their own way. I had to know what each person's motivation was because wouldn't life be a lot nicer if everyone minded their own business?
Publ July 18, 2023
Thank you to Elisha at Berkley and NetGalley for this ARC.
March 7, 2024
As soon as I started reading this extremely wild and crazy story about a twisted, thrilling, jaw-dropping, angsty, and interestingly very entertaining couple, I found myself singing "I'm addicted to you, don't you know that you're toxic!"
Wow! Are you talking about the toxic couples Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee, Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, or Rihanna and Chris Brown?
Or let me give you some other examples of fictional TV couples who are in unhealthy and dysfunctional relationships, such as Joe Goldberg and Love Quinn from "You," Blair and Chuck from "Gossip Girl," or Mandy and Nate from "Euphoria." Can you imagine a fictional couple that is even more toxic, irrational, and angsty? If not, don't worry, Samantha Downing has already imagined and created them for you.
Meet Ivy and Wes, a couple who fell in love in college, broke up countless times, screamed at each other that they would never get back together, but still always reunited as if nothing had happened.
What's interesting about this book is that these outrageously crazy and damagingly in-love characters are not the only psychologically damaged ones. The people around them may be even more obsessive, prying, lethal, or dangerous. None of the characters in this book are flawless, innocent, or naive without a hidden agenda. Everyone is just as bad as Ivy and Wes.
A year after their last break-up, Wes and Ivy's paths cross at a common friend's wedding. Four months later, when Wes decides to move on, a detective from the Sex Crimes Unit comes to chat with him about a stalker who is harassing Ivy. Wes realizes that Ivy has told the detective that he is the stalker.
Contrary to what you might expect, Wes doesn't get angry after hearing the accusation. Instead, he smiles and pays a visit to Ivy, which leads to them giving their relationship another chance. Ivy has no idea that talking to the police will bring up a tragic event that they had sworn not to talk about and had buried in the past. They crossed a line that should never have been crossed, and there are people who are not happy to see them back together and are determined to reveal their secrets.
How far will they go to protect their twisted love when events push them to turn against each other?
I am a big fan of Samantha Downing! Even though I described Ivy and Wes as the most toxic lovers, I still rooted for them because the people who judge them and their unhealthy patterns are even more irritating hypocrites. The on-off, hot-cold relationship spirals into intrigue, lies, secrets, unexpected twists, and an ongoing mystery that kept me on my toes!
This is definitely an enjoyable read, and I highly recommend it!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for providing me with this digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
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Wow! Are you talking about the toxic couples Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee, Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, or Rihanna and Chris Brown?
Or let me give you some other examples of fictional TV couples who are in unhealthy and dysfunctional relationships, such as Joe Goldberg and Love Quinn from "You," Blair and Chuck from "Gossip Girl," or Mandy and Nate from "Euphoria." Can you imagine a fictional couple that is even more toxic, irrational, and angsty? If not, don't worry, Samantha Downing has already imagined and created them for you.
Meet Ivy and Wes, a couple who fell in love in college, broke up countless times, screamed at each other that they would never get back together, but still always reunited as if nothing had happened.
What's interesting about this book is that these outrageously crazy and damagingly in-love characters are not the only psychologically damaged ones. The people around them may be even more obsessive, prying, lethal, or dangerous. None of the characters in this book are flawless, innocent, or naive without a hidden agenda. Everyone is just as bad as Ivy and Wes.
A year after their last break-up, Wes and Ivy's paths cross at a common friend's wedding. Four months later, when Wes decides to move on, a detective from the Sex Crimes Unit comes to chat with him about a stalker who is harassing Ivy. Wes realizes that Ivy has told the detective that he is the stalker.
Contrary to what you might expect, Wes doesn't get angry after hearing the accusation. Instead, he smiles and pays a visit to Ivy, which leads to them giving their relationship another chance. Ivy has no idea that talking to the police will bring up a tragic event that they had sworn not to talk about and had buried in the past. They crossed a line that should never have been crossed, and there are people who are not happy to see them back together and are determined to reveal their secrets.
How far will they go to protect their twisted love when events push them to turn against each other?
I am a big fan of Samantha Downing! Even though I described Ivy and Wes as the most toxic lovers, I still rooted for them because the people who judge them and their unhealthy patterns are even more irritating hypocrites. The on-off, hot-cold relationship spirals into intrigue, lies, secrets, unexpected twists, and an ongoing mystery that kept me on my toes!
This is definitely an enjoyable read, and I highly recommend it!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for providing me with this digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
June 23, 2023
All the stars!! My favorite thriller of 2023!🤩
Where to start and what to say without giving anything away! Eeks! The pressure!
Ivy and Wes have had an on-again, off-again relationship for the past ten years. They’re a toxic combination together but alas…miserable apart. This latest rendezvous however have the police involved. And the cops aren’t about to go away!
I seriously can’t say more than that! Go in blind! Yes! It’s one of those thrillers! The less you know the better the experience!
The chapters are short and will have you blazing through them as fast as you can! There was so much I loved about this book. I hate to repeat myself but seriously…I can’t say more and chance ruining the experience for you!
All the characters were splendid! Loved them! And so vividly developed from the main characters to the supporting roles!
If you are a fan of Samantha Downing then don’t think twice about adding this gem to your list for the summer! It’s her best yet! (ha…and I didn’t think they could get any better)
Publication date July 18 2023‼️
A huge thank you to Berkley Publishing via NetGalley and Samantha Downing!
Where to start and what to say without giving anything away! Eeks! The pressure!
Ivy and Wes have had an on-again, off-again relationship for the past ten years. They’re a toxic combination together but alas…miserable apart. This latest rendezvous however have the police involved. And the cops aren’t about to go away!
I seriously can’t say more than that! Go in blind! Yes! It’s one of those thrillers! The less you know the better the experience!
The chapters are short and will have you blazing through them as fast as you can! There was so much I loved about this book. I hate to repeat myself but seriously…I can’t say more and chance ruining the experience for you!
All the characters were splendid! Loved them! And so vividly developed from the main characters to the supporting roles!
If you are a fan of Samantha Downing then don’t think twice about adding this gem to your list for the summer! It’s her best yet! (ha…and I didn’t think they could get any better)
Publication date July 18 2023‼️
A huge thank you to Berkley Publishing via NetGalley and Samantha Downing!
July 14, 2023
*3.5 stars*
Some relationships are just plain toxic, lies, manipulation, mind games - Ivy and Wes’s has all of those things and more.
Wes and Ivy met in college and have dated on and off for 10 years. They have the most horrendous break ups, and it’s fair to say that this is a completely dysfunctional relationship, they know exactly which buttons to push, but the making up is off the scale, and it’s clear that they both get off on it. However, a certain Detective by the name of Karen Colgazier is about to enter their lives, and it’s not going to be good for either of them, because they have secrets that they’ve kept buried for a very long time, but Detective Colglazier sees behind their lies and she is determined to find out exactly what it is that they’re hiding.
This is one crazy mixed up couple, whose fights are vengeful, resulting in damaged property and arrest warrants, but of course that makes for a dark and intriguing storyline that drew me back every time I put it down.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
Some relationships are just plain toxic, lies, manipulation, mind games - Ivy and Wes’s has all of those things and more.
Wes and Ivy met in college and have dated on and off for 10 years. They have the most horrendous break ups, and it’s fair to say that this is a completely dysfunctional relationship, they know exactly which buttons to push, but the making up is off the scale, and it’s clear that they both get off on it. However, a certain Detective by the name of Karen Colgazier is about to enter their lives, and it’s not going to be good for either of them, because they have secrets that they’ve kept buried for a very long time, but Detective Colglazier sees behind their lies and she is determined to find out exactly what it is that they’re hiding.
This is one crazy mixed up couple, whose fights are vengeful, resulting in damaged property and arrest warrants, but of course that makes for a dark and intriguing storyline that drew me back every time I put it down.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
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October 20, 2022I'm so excited for everyone to read this book and I can't wait to hear what you think! I had a lot of fun writing it. Wes and Ivy, my tumultuous and dramatic couple, will always have a special place in my heart.
Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy it!
Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy it!
July 19, 2023
Oh my goodness. I don’t even know where to start with this one. I have to hand it to Samantha Downing - she knows how to write dysfunctional, delusional characters like nobody else!
Ivy and Wes. Wes and Ivy. They’re together. They’re not. They fight. They make up. They push each other’s buttons. They can’t live without each other. Ten years on a toxic merry-go-round that neither one ever tires of …
Until Ivy calls the police. She says someone’s stalking her and she offers evidence pointing to one person: Wes, of course. Now Detective Karen Colglazier of the Sex Crimes Unit has her laser focus set on him and saving “poor” Ivy from danger. Ivy just wanted Wes’ attention again, during one of their many break-ups, but now things just got complicated.
Ivy has unintentionally opened Pandora’s Box, and this time neither she nor Wes can shut it. Detective Colglazier takes her job of protecting victims very seriously, and now she’s making connections to a tragic event from seven years ago that Ivy and Wes thought was well in the past. We all know the past can come back to haunt you!
If you think Wes and Ivy are a mess, add in Ivy’s overprotective best friend Heath, a snooping assistant named Bianca, a not so self-aware podcaster named Milo and a few others and you really have one big toxic stew!
What I liked? Downing’s reliably black humor is on full display in this. She writes truly unlikeable characters then somehow worms them into your heart by the end. Ivy and Wes make dysfunctional people look completely normal by comparison with their endless headgames, but by the end I could still kind of sympathize with both of them to some degree. Go figure. The short chapters moved the story along quickly, and she kept me hooked the entire book wondering who was really playing who.
What didn’t work as well for me? The style of writing for this felt a little more clinical and true-crime-ish than that of some of her other books, and the constant POV and story shifts made it harder to get into the flow of the story. The rapid on-off nature of Ivy and Wes’ relationship was intentional but tiring at times. There were a couple nice reveals, but no big AHA! moments for me. Be warned: you don’t just need to suspend disbelief … you kinda need to murder it!
I still recommend this - Downing always delivers the fun, even if this wasn’t my favorite of hers!
★★★ ½
Thanks to Berkley Publishing, NetGalley and author Samantha Downing for this DRC to honestly review. It’s out today!
Ivy and Wes. Wes and Ivy. They’re together. They’re not. They fight. They make up. They push each other’s buttons. They can’t live without each other. Ten years on a toxic merry-go-round that neither one ever tires of …
Until Ivy calls the police. She says someone’s stalking her and she offers evidence pointing to one person: Wes, of course. Now Detective Karen Colglazier of the Sex Crimes Unit has her laser focus set on him and saving “poor” Ivy from danger. Ivy just wanted Wes’ attention again, during one of their many break-ups, but now things just got complicated.
Ivy has unintentionally opened Pandora’s Box, and this time neither she nor Wes can shut it. Detective Colglazier takes her job of protecting victims very seriously, and now she’s making connections to a tragic event from seven years ago that Ivy and Wes thought was well in the past. We all know the past can come back to haunt you!
If you think Wes and Ivy are a mess, add in Ivy’s overprotective best friend Heath, a snooping assistant named Bianca, a not so self-aware podcaster named Milo and a few others and you really have one big toxic stew!
What I liked? Downing’s reliably black humor is on full display in this. She writes truly unlikeable characters then somehow worms them into your heart by the end. Ivy and Wes make dysfunctional people look completely normal by comparison with their endless headgames, but by the end I could still kind of sympathize with both of them to some degree. Go figure. The short chapters moved the story along quickly, and she kept me hooked the entire book wondering who was really playing who.
What didn’t work as well for me? The style of writing for this felt a little more clinical and true-crime-ish than that of some of her other books, and the constant POV and story shifts made it harder to get into the flow of the story. The rapid on-off nature of Ivy and Wes’ relationship was intentional but tiring at times. There were a couple nice reveals, but no big AHA! moments for me. Be warned: you don’t just need to suspend disbelief … you kinda need to murder it!
I still recommend this - Downing always delivers the fun, even if this wasn’t my favorite of hers!
★★★ ½
Thanks to Berkley Publishing, NetGalley and author Samantha Downing for this DRC to honestly review. It’s out today!
August 10, 2023
Loved this twisted love story! 💗 4.5 STARS
I went in blind and wasn't sure what to expect. I even debated not reading it, because I thought it would be too much, but it was FUN following all the unpredictable characters and their behavior.
There were lots of ups and downs, twists and turns, promises, promises and lots of alarm bells pinging! ⏰
Talk about changing sides while reading, Wes and Ivy were so hard to untangle. I wasn't sure who to side with, so I was constantly back and forth. #TeamIvy/ #TeamWes?? Who to trust? Who to believe? I couldn't decide if Wes was a genius or a pushover.
The hidden motives and the reveals along the way were perfectly paced. I was hoping for more punch in the ending, but still very happy with it.
Hats off to Karissa Vacker for the amazing narration (Karissa Vacker 💖). This was an audio library loan that I flew through. Published on July 18, 2023
I went in blind and wasn't sure what to expect. I even debated not reading it, because I thought it would be too much, but it was FUN following all the unpredictable characters and their behavior.
There were lots of ups and downs, twists and turns, promises, promises and lots of alarm bells pinging! ⏰
Talk about changing sides while reading, Wes and Ivy were so hard to untangle. I wasn't sure who to side with, so I was constantly back and forth. #TeamIvy/ #TeamWes?? Who to trust? Who to believe? I couldn't decide if Wes was a genius or a pushover.
The hidden motives and the reveals along the way were perfectly paced. I was hoping for more punch in the ending, but still very happy with it.
Hats off to Karissa Vacker for the amazing narration (Karissa Vacker 💖). This was an audio library loan that I flew through. Published on July 18, 2023
July 17, 2023
Outlier alert, found this one to be just ok.
Wes and Ivy have an on again/off again relationship. Their passion runs high but their tempers run hot as well. Their friends and family think they are awful and toxic for each other, and so they try to stay away, but something always draws them back in. Ivy goes to the police after she receives many creepy notes and gifts indicating she is being stalked. She names Wes as a possible suspect, so the police detective Karen pays him a visit. This sends Wes and Ivy back into each other's orbits with shocking repercussions.
I did not like ANY of the characters. I wasn't rooting for anyone because they all had their own agendas. I wanted Ivy and Wes to just grow up, to knock off their horrible behavior. There are some decent surprises, but it just didn't captivate me like I wanted it to.
Like I said, I'm an outlier. There are many positive reviews for this book. Give it a try if you think it sounds good, it has short chapters which keep the story moving even when the characters are stuck.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Wes and Ivy have an on again/off again relationship. Their passion runs high but their tempers run hot as well. Their friends and family think they are awful and toxic for each other, and so they try to stay away, but something always draws them back in. Ivy goes to the police after she receives many creepy notes and gifts indicating she is being stalked. She names Wes as a possible suspect, so the police detective Karen pays him a visit. This sends Wes and Ivy back into each other's orbits with shocking repercussions.
I did not like ANY of the characters. I wasn't rooting for anyone because they all had their own agendas. I wanted Ivy and Wes to just grow up, to knock off their horrible behavior. There are some decent surprises, but it just didn't captivate me like I wanted it to.
Like I said, I'm an outlier. There are many positive reviews for this book. Give it a try if you think it sounds good, it has short chapters which keep the story moving even when the characters are stuck.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
February 24, 2023
I squealed when I got approved for an ARC for this one. 🐷
For those of you who adored For Your Own Good, you will probably enjoy this book in one way or the other. The main character in that was a horrible person and so are the MCs in this one. If likable characters are a dealbreaker for you, this won’t be your book. There are times you will want to shake them for how crazy they are.
Although I did like For Your Own Good better than this one, it was still very enjoyable and entertaining to say the least.
There’s a few surprises sprinkled throughout the book to keep you engrossed and itching to read more!
One of the many reasons Samantha Downing has turned into a go-to author is because she can add humor and shock value and doesn’t ever have the need to elaborate on gory sex details or feel the need to swear. I think the writing can do all the talking instead of an f-bomb to prove a point.
If you’re looking for…well…a twisted love story…then this is exactly what you’ll find within these pages!
A big thank you to Berkley Publishing as well as NetGalley for a complimentary advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This book will be released on July 18th, 2023.
For those of you who adored For Your Own Good, you will probably enjoy this book in one way or the other. The main character in that was a horrible person and so are the MCs in this one. If likable characters are a dealbreaker for you, this won’t be your book. There are times you will want to shake them for how crazy they are.
Although I did like For Your Own Good better than this one, it was still very enjoyable and entertaining to say the least.
There’s a few surprises sprinkled throughout the book to keep you engrossed and itching to read more!
One of the many reasons Samantha Downing has turned into a go-to author is because she can add humor and shock value and doesn’t ever have the need to elaborate on gory sex details or feel the need to swear. I think the writing can do all the talking instead of an f-bomb to prove a point.
If you’re looking for…well…a twisted love story…then this is exactly what you’ll find within these pages!
A big thank you to Berkley Publishing as well as NetGalley for a complimentary advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This book will be released on July 18th, 2023.
October 7, 2023
Oh.my.gosh. This was so bad. I had a tough time slogging through it.
Even the writing was sub-par. Who kidnapped Samantha Downing?
But, I am stubborn. I just cannot quit a book once I've started it.
Wes and Ivy have been together, on and off, for ten years and they just can’t quit each other either.
This is the story of their volatile, juvenile, toxic, and yes, twisted relationship.
Read at your own risk.
Even the writing was sub-par. Who kidnapped Samantha Downing?
But, I am stubborn. I just cannot quit a book once I've started it.
Wes and Ivy have been together, on and off, for ten years and they just can’t quit each other either.
This is the story of their volatile, juvenile, toxic, and yes, twisted relationship.
Read at your own risk.
July 18, 2023
HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY!
“…Everything about their relationship was wrong. It was obsession, lust, addiction . . . whatever you want to call it. But not love. Wes and Ivy were like a human tornado that destroyed everything in its path.”
Wes and Ivy are meant for each other. Aren’t they? When Ivy receives threatening notes, creepy photos, and half eaten chocolates, she assumes they could only be gifts from Wes, her on again, off again boyfriend. So naturally, she reports it to the police. What she doesn’t account for is how seriously detective Karen Colglazier will take the case. Wes and Ivy get back together, but the detective won’t ease up on the investigation!
Things are only good between Wes and Ivy until they are not. And…both of them are keeping a secret from their past that could have legal consequences. Will Karen discover the truth?
Samantha Downing is a favorite author of mine and I absolutely loved For Your Own Good. Teddy was the best character! So my hopes were high for her latest domestic thriller.
Outlier opinion alert!
In Twisted Love Story, Downing explores themes of sexual harassment, domestic abuse, and stalking. However, I was expecting really explosive relationship dynamics given the “twisted” in the love story. For a supposed abusive relationship, this just felt too tame to me. The plot drags, is repetitive at times, and didn’t really bring anything new to the genre like For Your Own Good. I didn’t feel invested in Ivy or Wes, as they weren’t really likable or unlikeable. And why in the world does everyone call the detective by her first name??
I really wanted to love this one, but it just didn’t work for me. It’s probably my least favorite of all of her books. However, I’m still a fan of Downing and am looking forward to reading her next thriller.
3/5 stars
Expected publication date: 7/18/23
Thank you to Edelweiss and Berkley publishing for the ARC of Twisted Love Story in exchange for an honest review.
“…Everything about their relationship was wrong. It was obsession, lust, addiction . . . whatever you want to call it. But not love. Wes and Ivy were like a human tornado that destroyed everything in its path.”
Wes and Ivy are meant for each other. Aren’t they? When Ivy receives threatening notes, creepy photos, and half eaten chocolates, she assumes they could only be gifts from Wes, her on again, off again boyfriend. So naturally, she reports it to the police. What she doesn’t account for is how seriously detective Karen Colglazier will take the case. Wes and Ivy get back together, but the detective won’t ease up on the investigation!
Things are only good between Wes and Ivy until they are not. And…both of them are keeping a secret from their past that could have legal consequences. Will Karen discover the truth?
Samantha Downing is a favorite author of mine and I absolutely loved For Your Own Good. Teddy was the best character! So my hopes were high for her latest domestic thriller.
Outlier opinion alert!
In Twisted Love Story, Downing explores themes of sexual harassment, domestic abuse, and stalking. However, I was expecting really explosive relationship dynamics given the “twisted” in the love story. For a supposed abusive relationship, this just felt too tame to me. The plot drags, is repetitive at times, and didn’t really bring anything new to the genre like For Your Own Good. I didn’t feel invested in Ivy or Wes, as they weren’t really likable or unlikeable. And why in the world does everyone call the detective by her first name??
I really wanted to love this one, but it just didn’t work for me. It’s probably my least favorite of all of her books. However, I’m still a fan of Downing and am looking forward to reading her next thriller.
3/5 stars
Expected publication date: 7/18/23
Thank you to Edelweiss and Berkley publishing for the ARC of Twisted Love Story in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2023
Have you ever known a couple whose relationship works seemingly due to mutual toxicity? If there are two people who deserves each other, it’s Wes & Ivy. They know each other’s buttons to push and use them to their advantage.
Like attracts like, right?
During one of their many break-ups Ivy pulls off a practical joke that sets a detective on a path that threatens to uncover a deep buried secret in Wes’s and Ivy’s lives. Wes’s assistant Bianca has a bit of a snooping problem which adds to the fun.
Detective Karen lives up to her name as she allows her past personal experiences to affect her job. She’s certain Wes is an abuser and she sets out to save Ivy, setting into motion a train wreck that threatens to derail everyone involved.
Speaking of train wreck…this was a train wreck I couldn’t tear myself away from. What a fun addictive read! I confess there were moments I had my doubts of where this was going and who was the toxic one, which only added to my interest.
No one is likable, so if that is a deal-breaker steer clear. Otherwise pop the popcorn and settle in for a fun ride to a satisfying ending!
Samantha Downing delivers again!
Like attracts like, right?
During one of their many break-ups Ivy pulls off a practical joke that sets a detective on a path that threatens to uncover a deep buried secret in Wes’s and Ivy’s lives. Wes’s assistant Bianca has a bit of a snooping problem which adds to the fun.
Detective Karen lives up to her name as she allows her past personal experiences to affect her job. She’s certain Wes is an abuser and she sets out to save Ivy, setting into motion a train wreck that threatens to derail everyone involved.
Speaking of train wreck…this was a train wreck I couldn’t tear myself away from. What a fun addictive read! I confess there were moments I had my doubts of where this was going and who was the toxic one, which only added to my interest.
No one is likable, so if that is a deal-breaker steer clear. Otherwise pop the popcorn and settle in for a fun ride to a satisfying ending!
Samantha Downing delivers again!
December 13, 2024
"This is a story of boy meets girl. But you should know upfront: this is not a love story."-
500 Days of Summer
Wes and Ivy hate to love each other...but can't imagine life any other way. Ever since they first met in college, they've been on-again, off-again, subsisting on fights and make-up sex, jealousy followed by loving gestures, and the sort of kismet like chemistry that comes once in a lifetime. But this time...one of them has crossed the line. When Ivy goes to the police station and tells them Wes has been stalking her, a curious detective gets involved...and is desperate to protect Ivy from her abuser Wes at all costs.
Meanwhile, there's trouble brewing at Wes' office, and a secretary named Bianca begins to take on her OWN little investigation...and what she finds is TRULY shocking. Why did Ivy show up one day to destroy the office? Why are the two so desperate to keep their origin story under wraps...and WHY is there a donation listed on Wes' computer to a name that is VERY familiar to Bianca... made in honor of someone who is now dead?
It's hard to say much more about the premise of this book without accidentally giving away key clues and details. Samantha Downing's latest showcases MANY of her traditional hallmarks: short and speedy chapters, unlikable characters, and an overarching backstory to connect all of the puzzle pieces together.
And yet...this fourth book is in many ways like NOTHING I've read from her before. Which makes me very sorry to say...I miss the old Samantha.
Downing makes it clear from her dedication that this book was at least partially inspired by life and an old boyfriend (in a very tongue-in-cheek way) and in theory, there is a lot to like about it. Wes and Ivy are detailed and complex enough to keep you guessing, and the undercurrent of "which one is the BAD one" in the relationship alone kept me engrossed for the first 40% or so. There are many anecdotes and scenes both from Wes and Ivy's tortured past and equally tortured present to make you wonder, and this is one of those books that kept me hooked based SOLELY on wanting to know the backstory and what was going on. Throw in a couple of juicy side characters (Detective Karen, and my personal favorite, secretary Bianca) and I kept waiting for the axe to drop, as it were.
But as time ticked on and pages kept flipping...I went from fascinated to frustrated. While Wes and Ivy's toxic push and pull was intriguing at the start, the games they constantly play with one another's minds because SO repetitive that I started to get annoyed every time the narration went back to their POV. We are given little bits and pieces of The Incident and how it ties everything together...but once I figured it out (and the basics are PRETTY easy to figure out once you hit a certain point) the novel lost a lot of its impact and drive...and never really recovered.
I think if I had to boil it down, the main reason this novel didn't QUITE work for me is that Downing attempted to write a sort of character study, slow burn plot AND a pacey and twisty thriller simultaneously. This style just didn't suit the narrative, and without her trademark short chapters, there is NO way I would have finished this one in three days!
Another missed opportunity here is voice: we never heard firsthand from any of these characters, and in a character study-style thriller especially, I think this would have been fascinating. We as readers are left to fill in so many blanks with these two, and in this case, I just wanted to know the characters better. Knowing how they liked to torture each other through passive aggressive moves just seemed like one tiny piece of a much more intricate puzzle: there was simply room for MORE.
The mystery itself wasn't too thrilling, and the biggest question becomes whether Wes and Ivy can find a way to stay together...or if they even should. As a reader who couldn't decide how to feel about these two, both as individuals AND a couple, however, I discovered that I didn't really care whether or not they had a Happily Ever After or not. And being somewhat of a romantic at heart...I guess I prefer my love stories straight up...without a twist. 🍸 😉
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4
Now available in paperback!
Wes and Ivy hate to love each other...but can't imagine life any other way. Ever since they first met in college, they've been on-again, off-again, subsisting on fights and make-up sex, jealousy followed by loving gestures, and the sort of kismet like chemistry that comes once in a lifetime. But this time...one of them has crossed the line. When Ivy goes to the police station and tells them Wes has been stalking her, a curious detective gets involved...and is desperate to protect Ivy from her abuser Wes at all costs.
Meanwhile, there's trouble brewing at Wes' office, and a secretary named Bianca begins to take on her OWN little investigation...and what she finds is TRULY shocking. Why did Ivy show up one day to destroy the office? Why are the two so desperate to keep their origin story under wraps...and WHY is there a donation listed on Wes' computer to a name that is VERY familiar to Bianca... made in honor of someone who is now dead?
It's hard to say much more about the premise of this book without accidentally giving away key clues and details. Samantha Downing's latest showcases MANY of her traditional hallmarks: short and speedy chapters, unlikable characters, and an overarching backstory to connect all of the puzzle pieces together.
And yet...this fourth book is in many ways like NOTHING I've read from her before. Which makes me very sorry to say...I miss the old Samantha.
Downing makes it clear from her dedication that this book was at least partially inspired by life and an old boyfriend (in a very tongue-in-cheek way) and in theory, there is a lot to like about it. Wes and Ivy are detailed and complex enough to keep you guessing, and the undercurrent of "which one is the BAD one" in the relationship alone kept me engrossed for the first 40% or so. There are many anecdotes and scenes both from Wes and Ivy's tortured past and equally tortured present to make you wonder, and this is one of those books that kept me hooked based SOLELY on wanting to know the backstory and what was going on. Throw in a couple of juicy side characters (Detective Karen, and my personal favorite, secretary Bianca) and I kept waiting for the axe to drop, as it were.
But as time ticked on and pages kept flipping...I went from fascinated to frustrated. While Wes and Ivy's toxic push and pull was intriguing at the start, the games they constantly play with one another's minds because SO repetitive that I started to get annoyed every time the narration went back to their POV. We are given little bits and pieces of The Incident and how it ties everything together...but once I figured it out (and the basics are PRETTY easy to figure out once you hit a certain point) the novel lost a lot of its impact and drive...and never really recovered.
I think if I had to boil it down, the main reason this novel didn't QUITE work for me is that Downing attempted to write a sort of character study, slow burn plot AND a pacey and twisty thriller simultaneously. This style just didn't suit the narrative, and without her trademark short chapters, there is NO way I would have finished this one in three days!
Another missed opportunity here is voice: we never heard firsthand from any of these characters, and in a character study-style thriller especially, I think this would have been fascinating. We as readers are left to fill in so many blanks with these two, and in this case, I just wanted to know the characters better. Knowing how they liked to torture each other through passive aggressive moves just seemed like one tiny piece of a much more intricate puzzle: there was simply room for MORE.
The mystery itself wasn't too thrilling, and the biggest question becomes whether Wes and Ivy can find a way to stay together...or if they even should. As a reader who couldn't decide how to feel about these two, both as individuals AND a couple, however, I discovered that I didn't really care whether or not they had a Happily Ever After or not. And being somewhat of a romantic at heart...I guess I prefer my love stories straight up...without a twist. 🍸 😉
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4
Now available in paperback!
July 24, 2023
3.5 stars
Love is a serious mental disease. —Plato
A Twisted Love Story is Samantha Downing’s 4th full length novel (and the one with the best cover, in my opinion), with a similar vibe to her debut My Lovely Wife. This new book is a twisted tale of cat and mouse in the midst of a toxic relationship, and the dysfunction is real on so many levels.
Ivy and Wes have been in an on again-off again relationship for a decade, and when they’re good, they’re great. When they’re bad? Well, their antics escalate drastically with each break up, so much so that one break up in particular resulted in the cover up of a crime that they don’t discuss. Unfortunately for them, a detective (her name is Karen, LOL) has decided to get involved in their business and they need to figure out how to team up together to make sure nothing they are tied to is uncovered.
We have a Bonnie and Clyde type vibe going on here, and I was completely sucked in during the first chapters, and again towards the end, but the middle did drag a bit for me. The antics between Ivy and Wes began to get a little childish and repetitive, but I found myself glued to Bianca, Will’s coworker, and her chapters. The ending gives us some closure while also leaving a bit for the reader to draw their own conclusions, which I appreciated. I think I expected the big secret to be a little darker and more shocking, but that’s personal preference and likely reading so many thrillers that it might not be possible to achieve that state of mind any longer. Overall, this was an enjoyable summer popcorn thriller!
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
Love is a serious mental disease. —Plato
A Twisted Love Story is Samantha Downing’s 4th full length novel (and the one with the best cover, in my opinion), with a similar vibe to her debut My Lovely Wife. This new book is a twisted tale of cat and mouse in the midst of a toxic relationship, and the dysfunction is real on so many levels.
Ivy and Wes have been in an on again-off again relationship for a decade, and when they’re good, they’re great. When they’re bad? Well, their antics escalate drastically with each break up, so much so that one break up in particular resulted in the cover up of a crime that they don’t discuss. Unfortunately for them, a detective (her name is Karen, LOL) has decided to get involved in their business and they need to figure out how to team up together to make sure nothing they are tied to is uncovered.
We have a Bonnie and Clyde type vibe going on here, and I was completely sucked in during the first chapters, and again towards the end, but the middle did drag a bit for me. The antics between Ivy and Wes began to get a little childish and repetitive, but I found myself glued to Bianca, Will’s coworker, and her chapters. The ending gives us some closure while also leaving a bit for the reader to draw their own conclusions, which I appreciated. I think I expected the big secret to be a little darker and more shocking, but that’s personal preference and likely reading so many thrillers that it might not be possible to achieve that state of mind any longer. Overall, this was an enjoyable summer popcorn thriller!
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
September 11, 2023
Well, I unfortunately have no one to blame but myself. I could have put this book in the DNF pile, and I should have put this book in the DNF pile, but I kept on reading… After loving Downing’s three previous novels, I didn’t want to give up. I kept thinking something good or “twisty” was going to happen, but NOTHING ever happens throughout this whole entire book. All we can read about is Wes and Ivy’s toxic (and redundant) relationship, and quite frankly this story was painful to read. 😫
This story starts off with Ivy making a police report about Wes stalking her. This works in Ivy’s favor as it brings Wes back into her life. Ivy and Wes have been an on again and off again couple for the past ten years. They can’t seem to live without each other. However, little do they know the detective in this stalking case starts to dig deep into Wes’s past, and secrets come out that Wes and Ivy thought were hidden forever.
Let’s just say that this book had all unlikable characters- which that usually doesn’t bother me if I’m at least enjoying the story (but I wasn’t). I just didn’t care about Wes or Ivy or their “twisted” relationship. I felt everything about this book was just juvenile, and not for me at all.
I am a fan of Samantha Downing, but this was definitely my least favorite of hers so far. There’s lots of others who enjoyed this book way more than I did, so I say to give it a shot (as we all know- not every book is for everyone).
This story starts off with Ivy making a police report about Wes stalking her. This works in Ivy’s favor as it brings Wes back into her life. Ivy and Wes have been an on again and off again couple for the past ten years. They can’t seem to live without each other. However, little do they know the detective in this stalking case starts to dig deep into Wes’s past, and secrets come out that Wes and Ivy thought were hidden forever.
Let’s just say that this book had all unlikable characters- which that usually doesn’t bother me if I’m at least enjoying the story (but I wasn’t). I just didn’t care about Wes or Ivy or their “twisted” relationship. I felt everything about this book was just juvenile, and not for me at all.
I am a fan of Samantha Downing, but this was definitely my least favorite of hers so far. There’s lots of others who enjoyed this book way more than I did, so I say to give it a shot (as we all know- not every book is for everyone).
October 26, 2023
A Twisted Love Story by Samantha Downing was a thoroughly enjoyable read. This little gem held my attention throughout and it certainly delivered in the thriller/suspense stakes.
The most fascinating aspect of this story was the toxic relationship between Wes and Ivy. OH MY GOD – talk about knowing how to push each other’s buttons. We all know the pinch points of intimate partners – something to be used in critical situations, perhaps when you’re partner has you cornered with logic and reason, and all you have is emotion and spite – a quick button press – quickly achieves DEFCON 1!!!!.
Well, Ivy and Wes do this ALL THE TIME. They break up, as a routine. They have friends who wonder why they’re together – friends who take sides. It really is a sight to behold. But it seems they’re in love – really?
When her beauty products spread out too far, he swept them into a drawer to clear the counter. The second time, he hid the makeup all over the apartment, stuck in every nook and cranny he could find
My heart rate increased to critical levels after reading this.
There are some wonderfully tense interplays between Ivy and Wes. Quite tense, for example at dinner on one occasion, Ivy orders beef – ‘to prepare for battle’ – it’s that type of thing that keeps this reader from sleeping for another half an hour. It’s intriguing – relationships are fascinating.
Wes is not above payback. In fact, he loves it
Now, I have focussed here on the relationship aspect of this story. There is a helluva lot more – for example, Ivy and Wes may have been part of a hit and run many, many years ago – and they are now under scrutiny from a female detective who is as determined and as gnarly as rusty nails. They MUST work together – yes, these two!!
You reckon they'll pull it off?
Very enjoyable.
4 Stars
Footnote: There was one particularly offensive line in this story. One of the characters was looking for an alias and quite wisely made the sophisticated decision to choose the name “Mark” – this prompted the startling retort:
”Mark? Of all the names in the world, you picked Mark?”
I fell off my chair.
The most fascinating aspect of this story was the toxic relationship between Wes and Ivy. OH MY GOD – talk about knowing how to push each other’s buttons. We all know the pinch points of intimate partners – something to be used in critical situations, perhaps when you’re partner has you cornered with logic and reason, and all you have is emotion and spite – a quick button press – quickly achieves DEFCON 1!!!!.
Well, Ivy and Wes do this ALL THE TIME. They break up, as a routine. They have friends who wonder why they’re together – friends who take sides. It really is a sight to behold. But it seems they’re in love – really?
When her beauty products spread out too far, he swept them into a drawer to clear the counter. The second time, he hid the makeup all over the apartment, stuck in every nook and cranny he could find
My heart rate increased to critical levels after reading this.
There are some wonderfully tense interplays between Ivy and Wes. Quite tense, for example at dinner on one occasion, Ivy orders beef – ‘to prepare for battle’ – it’s that type of thing that keeps this reader from sleeping for another half an hour. It’s intriguing – relationships are fascinating.
Wes is not above payback. In fact, he loves it
Now, I have focussed here on the relationship aspect of this story. There is a helluva lot more – for example, Ivy and Wes may have been part of a hit and run many, many years ago – and they are now under scrutiny from a female detective who is as determined and as gnarly as rusty nails. They MUST work together – yes, these two!!
You reckon they'll pull it off?
Very enjoyable.
4 Stars
Footnote: There was one particularly offensive line in this story. One of the characters was looking for an alias and quite wisely made the sophisticated decision to choose the name “Mark” – this prompted the startling retort:
”Mark? Of all the names in the world, you picked Mark?”
I fell off my chair.
January 13, 2025
I wasn't sure what to expect from A Twisted Love Story after seeing a few mixed reviews. For me it was a fun and engaging Domestic Drama, which offered up quite a bit of food for thought that I wasn't necessarily anticipating.
Downing was able to draw me in and keep my attention, which is pretty tough to do during the holiday season!
This story focuses on Wes and Ivy, whose contentious romance has nevertheless lasted for a decade.
Their on-again, off-again nature may seem toxic to outsiders, but for them, it is their deep, passionate love for one another that pushes them to extremes at times.
Ivy messes up though and ends up contacting the wrong outsider and drawing her attention to their relationship. Unfortunately, the new woman in their life is a detective and Wes and Ivy have something they're desperate to hide.
As Detective Karen Colglazier begins to circle the couple like a shark, the heat ramps up and they start feeling serious pressure. It's a classic game of cat-and-mouse as Ivy and Wes scramble to get out from under the Detective's scrutiny.
When I first began this story, I hadn't read the full synopsis. Samantha Downing's name was enough to attract me to the book. As it was first kicking off, we're getting a lot of info regarding Ivy, Wes and their relationship. I was curious how it was going to gain intensity, or suspense, from that set-up.
It soon became clear Downing had a plan and I just needed to relax into it. She definitely pulled it off in the end.
I found this story to be compelling and highly readable. While I would tamper your expectations as far as thrills go, I think as a character exploration and twisted romance, this one is extremely well-paced and plotted.
I may be reading too much into it, but it made me think a lot about assumptions. We all make assumptions, even if unintentional, a lot of time based on our own experiences.
We've all heard of, or even know of, relationships like Wes and Ivy's. I enjoyed watching the side characters interacting with them and discussing their relationship with them.
Each of these friends and family members it seemed felt they knew what was best, but I don't feel like any of them were ever truly spot on with this couple.
Most interesting to me was the Detective's perspective. She was definitely making assumptions about them, which I felt were incorrect, but then things would happen that would make me second-guess my own interpretation. It was super enjoyable and engaging.
I would recommend this story to people who enjoy dramatic, possibly OTT-Domestic Dramas. This title says it all, this is a twisted love story. That's exactly what it is.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Berkley, for providing me with a copy to read and review. This is only my second Downing novel, but I'm excited to pick up more!
Downing was able to draw me in and keep my attention, which is pretty tough to do during the holiday season!
This story focuses on Wes and Ivy, whose contentious romance has nevertheless lasted for a decade.
Their on-again, off-again nature may seem toxic to outsiders, but for them, it is their deep, passionate love for one another that pushes them to extremes at times.
Ivy messes up though and ends up contacting the wrong outsider and drawing her attention to their relationship. Unfortunately, the new woman in their life is a detective and Wes and Ivy have something they're desperate to hide.
As Detective Karen Colglazier begins to circle the couple like a shark, the heat ramps up and they start feeling serious pressure. It's a classic game of cat-and-mouse as Ivy and Wes scramble to get out from under the Detective's scrutiny.
When I first began this story, I hadn't read the full synopsis. Samantha Downing's name was enough to attract me to the book. As it was first kicking off, we're getting a lot of info regarding Ivy, Wes and their relationship. I was curious how it was going to gain intensity, or suspense, from that set-up.
It soon became clear Downing had a plan and I just needed to relax into it. She definitely pulled it off in the end.
I found this story to be compelling and highly readable. While I would tamper your expectations as far as thrills go, I think as a character exploration and twisted romance, this one is extremely well-paced and plotted.
I may be reading too much into it, but it made me think a lot about assumptions. We all make assumptions, even if unintentional, a lot of time based on our own experiences.
We've all heard of, or even know of, relationships like Wes and Ivy's. I enjoyed watching the side characters interacting with them and discussing their relationship with them.
Each of these friends and family members it seemed felt they knew what was best, but I don't feel like any of them were ever truly spot on with this couple.
Most interesting to me was the Detective's perspective. She was definitely making assumptions about them, which I felt were incorrect, but then things would happen that would make me second-guess my own interpretation. It was super enjoyable and engaging.
I would recommend this story to people who enjoy dramatic, possibly OTT-Domestic Dramas. This title says it all, this is a twisted love story. That's exactly what it is.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Berkley, for providing me with a copy to read and review. This is only my second Downing novel, but I'm excited to pick up more!
May 27, 2023
3.5 stars, rounded down
Samantha Downing has a true ability to create creepy characters. Wes and Ivy are two twisted souls. They have a love/hate relationship with each other. Making up and breaking up since college. But they take it to extremes - trashing each other’s possessions, getting the cops involved. They are whack a doodle crazy. They are not folks I’d want to know in real life.
But they’re not the only ones that stand out as less than normal. There’s Bianca, the administrator at Wes’s office. She is not one for respecting boundaries. And a detective who seems keen to keep investigating them when Ivy makes the mistake of saying she’s being stalked. To be honest, there’s not a normal person in the whole cast of characters. Everyone seems to be just a tad “off”.
The book has a kind of skin crawling, guilty pleasure aspect to it. But the pacing was uneven and at times I will even admit to being bored. It didn’t help that none of the characters were fully fleshed out. But the ending kept me guessing because there were just so many ways this one could play out.
While not my favorite of her works, the ending redeemed what had been just a so-so book up until the 80% mark.
My thanks to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing for an advance copy of this book.
Samantha Downing has a true ability to create creepy characters. Wes and Ivy are two twisted souls. They have a love/hate relationship with each other. Making up and breaking up since college. But they take it to extremes - trashing each other’s possessions, getting the cops involved. They are whack a doodle crazy. They are not folks I’d want to know in real life.
But they’re not the only ones that stand out as less than normal. There’s Bianca, the administrator at Wes’s office. She is not one for respecting boundaries. And a detective who seems keen to keep investigating them when Ivy makes the mistake of saying she’s being stalked. To be honest, there’s not a normal person in the whole cast of characters. Everyone seems to be just a tad “off”.
The book has a kind of skin crawling, guilty pleasure aspect to it. But the pacing was uneven and at times I will even admit to being bored. It didn’t help that none of the characters were fully fleshed out. But the ending kept me guessing because there were just so many ways this one could play out.
While not my favorite of her works, the ending redeemed what had been just a so-so book up until the 80% mark.
My thanks to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing for an advance copy of this book.
July 30, 2023
A "twisted" love story?
More like a "dizzying, repetitive, and eye-rolling" one.
I am a huge Samantha Downing fan who absolutely, positively loved "For Your Own Good".
This being said, my expectations for "A Twisted Love Story" were sky-high.
"A Twisted Love Story" showcases the toxic and enduring 10-year relationship of protagonists Wes and Ivy.
I listened to the 10-hour audiobook, read by Karissa Vacker, one of my favorite narrators.
I would have enjoyed the book much more if the book was a 7-hour audiobook with repetitive text omitted.
Readers/listeners were told upfront that Wes and Ivy had a longstanding toxic relationship.
Repeating this information multiple times was not necessary and negatively impacted the storyline.
I also found the relationship between a few of the ancillary protagonists to be contrived.
To avoid spoilers, I will refrain from citing specific examples.
And, finally, although Karissa Vacker did a superb job with the narration, the book would have benefited from multiple narrators since, at times, it was difficult to tell who was saying what.
From the book's title and author, I was anticipating a well-orchestrated, twisty thriller.
Perhaps that was why I was so disappointed.
I am still a loyal Samantha Downing fan, but this one was a "miss" for me.
2.5 stars rounded up.
More like a "dizzying, repetitive, and eye-rolling" one.
I am a huge Samantha Downing fan who absolutely, positively loved "For Your Own Good".
This being said, my expectations for "A Twisted Love Story" were sky-high.
"A Twisted Love Story" showcases the toxic and enduring 10-year relationship of protagonists Wes and Ivy.
I listened to the 10-hour audiobook, read by Karissa Vacker, one of my favorite narrators.
I would have enjoyed the book much more if the book was a 7-hour audiobook with repetitive text omitted.
Readers/listeners were told upfront that Wes and Ivy had a longstanding toxic relationship.
Repeating this information multiple times was not necessary and negatively impacted the storyline.
I also found the relationship between a few of the ancillary protagonists to be contrived.
To avoid spoilers, I will refrain from citing specific examples.
And, finally, although Karissa Vacker did a superb job with the narration, the book would have benefited from multiple narrators since, at times, it was difficult to tell who was saying what.
From the book's title and author, I was anticipating a well-orchestrated, twisty thriller.
Perhaps that was why I was so disappointed.
I am still a loyal Samantha Downing fan, but this one was a "miss" for me.
2.5 stars rounded up.
September 1, 2023
Unraveled.
Two other books by Samantha Downing are on my All Time Favorites List: My Darling Wife and For Your Own Good .
So of course I was excited to read Twisted Love Story, her newest.
Unfortunately, this wasn’t my cup of tea.
I felt that this wasn’t as sharp as the other two and I missed the subtle extras between the lines often present with this author’s writing. Not to mention the humor.
In addition, although I love unlikeable characters, I was detached from the two protagonists in this book. Which meant that the drama of their volatile love affair didn’t captivate me either.
I didn’t care and started skimming. Never a good sign.
I’ve seen other stellar reviews raving about this and realize that I’m pretty isolated here on outlier island. Enough said and I hope that you enjoy it more!
Two other books by Samantha Downing are on my All Time Favorites List: My Darling Wife and For Your Own Good .
So of course I was excited to read Twisted Love Story, her newest.
Unfortunately, this wasn’t my cup of tea.
I felt that this wasn’t as sharp as the other two and I missed the subtle extras between the lines often present with this author’s writing. Not to mention the humor.
In addition, although I love unlikeable characters, I was detached from the two protagonists in this book. Which meant that the drama of their volatile love affair didn’t captivate me either.
I didn’t care and started skimming. Never a good sign.
I’ve seen other stellar reviews raving about this and realize that I’m pretty isolated here on outlier island. Enough said and I hope that you enjoy it more!
August 12, 2023
3.5 stars
This was all about the secondary characters for me!
Wes and Ivy have a heavy history. Their relationship has been on and off again for years and they can’t seem to give each other up. Their relationship drama takes twisted to a whole new level in this shocking and binge-worthy story.
I think there is a sense of connection that many readers will find in having been in relationships that have tested us, changed us and/or made us question if it was worth staying. This relatability will speak to many and these drama filled pages will keep the reader curious about how things will play out.
The secondary characters were far more appealing than the main characters for me. The secondary characters add tension and suspense to the storyline that really pull the plot forward. I loved what they added to the novel and that it was multilayered in the narrative.
The first half was much stronger than the second half. I didn’t like the main characters but was satisfied with following them along on their dramatic journey in the first half of the story. After the halfway point, I felt the relationship drama became repetitive causing my investment and connection to lessen. There were also several over the top plot points near the end that felt overdone to me.
I enjoyed this book but didn’t love it as much as I had hoped. I am definitely the outlier as there are countless 4-5 star raving reviews so please check those out!
Thank you to the publisher for my review copy!
This was all about the secondary characters for me!
Wes and Ivy have a heavy history. Their relationship has been on and off again for years and they can’t seem to give each other up. Their relationship drama takes twisted to a whole new level in this shocking and binge-worthy story.
I think there is a sense of connection that many readers will find in having been in relationships that have tested us, changed us and/or made us question if it was worth staying. This relatability will speak to many and these drama filled pages will keep the reader curious about how things will play out.
The secondary characters were far more appealing than the main characters for me. The secondary characters add tension and suspense to the storyline that really pull the plot forward. I loved what they added to the novel and that it was multilayered in the narrative.
The first half was much stronger than the second half. I didn’t like the main characters but was satisfied with following them along on their dramatic journey in the first half of the story. After the halfway point, I felt the relationship drama became repetitive causing my investment and connection to lessen. There were also several over the top plot points near the end that felt overdone to me.
I enjoyed this book but didn’t love it as much as I had hoped. I am definitely the outlier as there are countless 4-5 star raving reviews so please check those out!
Thank you to the publisher for my review copy!
October 27, 2023
I liked the super short chapters but I disliked just about everything else!
Wes and Ivy have a dysfunctional relationship, yes, toxic at times, perhaps, but most of that was told to us rather than shown. Their story and backstory is painfully slow and repetitive.
All of the secondary characters, including the detective, seemed nosy, inserting themselves into someone else's personal business and looking to find trouble rather than knowing there was anything to be found. I think they were supposed to bolster certain points, cast doubt on another character, or mislead the reader in some way, but my take on them was that were meddlesome and creating at least some of the tension and toxicity in Wes and Ivy's relationship.
In the end, Wes seemed like the clearest thinking one of the bunch in spite of his dubious choices.
I didn't mind Wes and Ivy's story, but I disliked the drawn-out telling of it. At the end, I didn't find the time invested worth the weak payoff.
Wes and Ivy have a dysfunctional relationship, yes, toxic at times, perhaps, but most of that was told to us rather than shown. Their story and backstory is painfully slow and repetitive.
All of the secondary characters, including the detective, seemed nosy, inserting themselves into someone else's personal business and looking to find trouble rather than knowing there was anything to be found. I think they were supposed to bolster certain points, cast doubt on another character, or mislead the reader in some way, but my take on them was that were meddlesome and creating at least some of the tension and toxicity in Wes and Ivy's relationship.
In the end, Wes seemed like the clearest thinking one of the bunch in spite of his dubious choices.
I didn't mind Wes and Ivy's story, but I disliked the drawn-out telling of it. At the end, I didn't find the time invested worth the weak payoff.
February 18, 2024
This is the first Samantha Downing book that I have not enjoyed the characters were unlikeable the trope was just too far off for me.
Wes & Ivy have had a toxic on - off relationship since university they play mind games but has it gone too far this time?
A murder has taken place & Wes & Ivy are suspects they get offside with Detective Karen Colglacier who intends to find out the truth.
I must say this wasn’t Ms Downings best offering I found the trope a bit off putting & Wes & Ivy were not likeable at all the ending was a surprise but that is about it I still have to read He Started It should be good I hope recommended for those who like twisted (pardon the pun) stories.
Wes & Ivy have had a toxic on - off relationship since university they play mind games but has it gone too far this time?
A murder has taken place & Wes & Ivy are suspects they get offside with Detective Karen Colglacier who intends to find out the truth.
I must say this wasn’t Ms Downings best offering I found the trope a bit off putting & Wes & Ivy were not likeable at all the ending was a surprise but that is about it I still have to read He Started It should be good I hope recommended for those who like twisted (pardon the pun) stories.
August 5, 2023
I liked it! The characters were all “twisted” in their own way.
What a wild ride, I had with this one!
Wes and Ivy are so in love or is it hate? Hard to tell with these two as they flip from I can't live without you to how can I get back at you. Couldn't believe in them for a bit but then the book starts to make sense in a toxic way.
When Ivy claims that Wes was stalking her and calls the police, little does she know that she will start a chain of reactions that will set them both on a path to big trouble.
Karen Colglazer is on the case and she is like a dog with her bone. After Ivy calls her off, saying all has been patched up between she and Wes, (once again), Karen can't let it go. She is determined to "get" Wes in any way she can and she is intrepid in her decision. It means eventually it's big trouble for Wes and then Ivy, as they twist and turn trying their best to escape what is definitely coming at them full speed.
These people all had the stalker quality in their makeup including Karen, who was not my favorite character. How far one goes and to, and what pushes one into their ultimate limits is the story this tale relates. Will Wes and Ivy live their dream/nightmare world together or will they once again end up being apart in a place they never imagined themselves to be? Twisted indeed!
What a wild ride, I had with this one!
Wes and Ivy are so in love or is it hate? Hard to tell with these two as they flip from I can't live without you to how can I get back at you. Couldn't believe in them for a bit but then the book starts to make sense in a toxic way.
When Ivy claims that Wes was stalking her and calls the police, little does she know that she will start a chain of reactions that will set them both on a path to big trouble.
Karen Colglazer is on the case and she is like a dog with her bone. After Ivy calls her off, saying all has been patched up between she and Wes, (once again), Karen can't let it go. She is determined to "get" Wes in any way she can and she is intrepid in her decision. It means eventually it's big trouble for Wes and then Ivy, as they twist and turn trying their best to escape what is definitely coming at them full speed.
These people all had the stalker quality in their makeup including Karen, who was not my favorite character. How far one goes and to, and what pushes one into their ultimate limits is the story this tale relates. Will Wes and Ivy live their dream/nightmare world together or will they once again end up being apart in a place they never imagined themselves to be? Twisted indeed!
June 19, 2023
To describe Wes and Ivy’s love story as twisted is one understatement as they take things to a whole new dimension when their relationship sours. Over and over again in one vicious cycle of horrific break ups followed by heartwarming make ups this pair are addicted to each other, obsessed even but in equal measure they are destructive. A few months after one such dramatic breakup, Ivy receives some creepy items, assumes it’s Wes and reports it to Detective Karen Colglazier ….. now after the latest make up they have a common enemy – the detective. The pair have much to hide and the last thing they need is a Rottweiler detective on the case. Oh, and I forgot to mention Wes’s nosy PA Bianca whose next level snooping could spell disaster. So, sit back, get comfortable and let the games commence.
This takes toxic relationships almost into the stratosphere and I love the shenanigans! It’s like watching two gladiators dodge and spar in the Colosseum, who will emerge the victor? The characters are definitely not likeable, keep your beak out Bianca, Colglazier is like the proverbial dog with a bone or the bloodhound on the scent. Much of what she does is informed by her personal experiences as well as gut instinct. Wes and Ivy need their heads banging together to knock some sense in. However, if I’m honest though, I do have a sneaky admiration for some of the stunts, oh to have that nerve!! Samantha Downing keeps you reading on, with surprise after surprise and twist after twist, so you have to keep up. At the centre of this is a buried secret and that hook keeps you reading on, and you just want to know, no, you HAVE to know!
This is one fast paced, rollercoaster ride you’ll definitely want to be on and although the ending is good, I think I’m probably expecting a bit more Kapow! It’s a cracking read nevertheless.
With thanks to NetGalley, and especially to Penguin Michael Joseph for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
This takes toxic relationships almost into the stratosphere and I love the shenanigans! It’s like watching two gladiators dodge and spar in the Colosseum, who will emerge the victor? The characters are definitely not likeable, keep your beak out Bianca, Colglazier is like the proverbial dog with a bone or the bloodhound on the scent. Much of what she does is informed by her personal experiences as well as gut instinct. Wes and Ivy need their heads banging together to knock some sense in. However, if I’m honest though, I do have a sneaky admiration for some of the stunts, oh to have that nerve!! Samantha Downing keeps you reading on, with surprise after surprise and twist after twist, so you have to keep up. At the centre of this is a buried secret and that hook keeps you reading on, and you just want to know, no, you HAVE to know!
This is one fast paced, rollercoaster ride you’ll definitely want to be on and although the ending is good, I think I’m probably expecting a bit more Kapow! It’s a cracking read nevertheless.
With thanks to NetGalley, and especially to Penguin Michael Joseph for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
March 27, 2024
Wes and Ivy have been on and off for ten years. They believe that they are just really passionate people that annoy one another from time to time. Most everyone believes that their relationship is terribly toxic and that they should no longer be together at all.
So they break up. Again. For real this time.
Four months later.....
Ivy begins to receive photo's of herself from a distance under the windshield wiper of her car. Then a box of truffles is left on her doorstep. The exact truffles Wes always bought for her.
She can't let Wes get away with this. They're over. Kaputs! So she decides to head to the police station to file a stalking report against him. Ya know, just to scare him a little. What she hadn't bargained for is a detective with an ax to grind and who makes it her mission to take Wes down.
What the detective hadn't bargained for is what two soulmates will do in the name of love.
Hot damn, I loved this one. I got such a kick out of both Wes and Ivy and chuckled my way through most of this book. Samantha Downing had me hook, line, and sinker. Short chapters, humor, twists and turns. This one checked all my boxes. All. The. Stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks to Overdrive for the loan!
So they break up. Again. For real this time.
Four months later.....
Ivy begins to receive photo's of herself from a distance under the windshield wiper of her car. Then a box of truffles is left on her doorstep. The exact truffles Wes always bought for her.
She can't let Wes get away with this. They're over. Kaputs! So she decides to head to the police station to file a stalking report against him. Ya know, just to scare him a little. What she hadn't bargained for is a detective with an ax to grind and who makes it her mission to take Wes down.
What the detective hadn't bargained for is what two soulmates will do in the name of love.
Hot damn, I loved this one. I got such a kick out of both Wes and Ivy and chuckled my way through most of this book. Samantha Downing had me hook, line, and sinker. Short chapters, humor, twists and turns. This one checked all my boxes. All. The. Stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks to Overdrive for the loan!
June 15, 2023
4.5 rounded up to 5 on GR—i DEVOURED this book. Downing is one of my all time fave authors and i was soooo excited to get my hands on this one early. i’ve actually had it for months but wanted to savor it but simply couldn’t wait anymore 😂 it’s SUCH a good binge.
this is for lovers of TELL ME LIES and MY LOVELY WIFE. a super fun cat-and-mouse psychological thriller with a toxic relationship and couple at the center of it all. there’s secrets, murder, a police investigation and tonssss of drama.
the ending had me sweating, i was SO nervous it was going to end a way i didn’t want it to but i’m happy to report that the ending pleased me 😌🙏🏼🙌🏼 ty Samantha lol!!
i think readers will enjoy this—it’s certainly one of my favorites of hers. it would be SO fun to see this adapted and brought to life too. these characters were sooo much fun.
more to come on my IG later this month! thanks to Berkley for the #gifted early copy 🩷 pre-order this one 👏🏼
this is for lovers of TELL ME LIES and MY LOVELY WIFE. a super fun cat-and-mouse psychological thriller with a toxic relationship and couple at the center of it all. there’s secrets, murder, a police investigation and tonssss of drama.
the ending had me sweating, i was SO nervous it was going to end a way i didn’t want it to but i’m happy to report that the ending pleased me 😌🙏🏼🙌🏼 ty Samantha lol!!
i think readers will enjoy this—it’s certainly one of my favorites of hers. it would be SO fun to see this adapted and brought to life too. these characters were sooo much fun.
more to come on my IG later this month! thanks to Berkley for the #gifted early copy 🩷 pre-order this one 👏🏼
August 13, 2023
Review to come
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