I’ve just finished reading “Twisted” by Emily McIntire, and WOW. If you’re a fan of dark fairytale retellings with a sprinkle of romance and a lot of moral ambiguity, this is going to be right up your alley. It’s the fourth book in the “Never After” series, and it’s an intense ride from start to finish. If you thought you knew the tale of Aladdin and Jasmine, get ready, because McIntire turns it on its head in the most deliciously wicked way.

The Twisted Plot 🖤

“Twisted” takes the familiar story of Aladdin but flips the script with a dark, gritty, and modern reimagining. We follow Yasmin Karam—strong, independent, and navigating her father’s criminal empire with grace and grit. She’s fierce but trapped in a world of expectations, looking for a way out.

Then there’s Julian Faraci, inspired by Jafar in the original tale. He’s manipulative, cunning, and has a hidden agenda that makes him one of the most intriguing anti-heroes I’ve come across. He’s not your classic villain—there’s a complexity to him that makes you love and hate him at the same time. The push-pull tension between Julian and Yasmin is chef’s kiss—absolutely intoxicating.

Favorite Quote: “In a world where power is the currency, the one with the darkest heart wins the game.” – Julian Faraci

This line perfectly encapsulates the dangerous world of power plays and dark romance at the heart of this story.

What I Loved ❤️

• Julian’s Dark Intensity: He’s not your average villain. Julian is driven, complex, and twisted (pun intended). But despite his dark nature, you can’t help but be drawn to him. The way McIntire crafts his character is perfection—he’s morally grey but still manages to win your sympathy. It’s a love-hate relationship that keeps you hooked.
• Yasmin’s Strength: I love a strong female lead, and Yasmin delivers in spades. She’s got a mind of her own and isn’t afraid to challenge the men who try to control her. Her journey to reclaim her own life and power had me cheering her on throughout the book.
• Steamy Romance & Dark Themes: McIntire does an incredible job balancing the tension and romance in this book. It’s slow-burn in all the best ways, and when it ignites, it’s full of fire and passion. The dark themes of power, manipulation, and ambition only add to the depth of the story, giving it so many layers.

A Few Drawbacks ⚖️

• Sometimes Predictable: While I loved the story, there were moments where certain plot twists felt a bit predictable. You can kind of see where some of the drama is heading, especially if you’re familiar with the original Aladdin story.
• Not for Lighthearted Romance Fans: This is definitely not your fluffy romance. It’s dark, gritty, and dives into some heavy themes. If you’re not into anti-heroes and morally grey characters, this one might not be for you.

Final Thoughts 🌟

Emily McIntire has delivered yet another addictive, dark, and seductive tale with “Twisted”. This isn’t just a love story—it’s a story of power, manipulation, and ambition, with romance woven into the chaos. If you’re into fairytale retellings that take you to the darkest corners of human nature, then “Twisted” is for you.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟✨ (4.5/5)

Can’t wait to hear your thoughts! Have you read it yet? Let’s chat all things dark and twisted in the comments! 💬