Samantha Downing is the best at creating a creepy feeling to an common story. Wes and Ivy are in love, and hate. Their romance is like nothing you have ever seen, while perhaps reminding you of something you experiences yourself. Playing with each other, torturing each other and always reuniting, no one thinks they are good for each other but Wes and Ivy truly only have eyes for one another. When Ivy makes a call to the police about Wes however, she sets off a series of events that cannot be stopped. If you have ever been in a toxic relationship, madly in teenage love or just enjoy a twisty thriller of intense romance, A Twisted Love Story is for you!
#Berkley #ATwistedLoveStory #SamanthaDowning

I’m a huge fan of Samantha Downing’s writing and was thrilled to receive an early copy of this one. My favorite is For Your Own Good, which gained much deserved hype when it came out. I knew from the dedication that this was going to be a fun read. A Twisted Love Story is all about a toxic relationship between a couple and everything that gets destroyed in its wake. While I did enjoy it, I found it very hard to root for anybody and would’ve liked if at least one character (supporting or otherwise) had managed to be even slightly likable. There was also a good amount of suspension of belief on the reader’s part. The book started off with a bang, dragged a bit in the middle, and had a slightly anti-climatic end. I kept waiting for some huge twist and it just never really came, though some readers might be surprised by the last one. Overall, a very fun read that just slightly missed the mark for me. I did find myself wanting to keep picking it up and I definitely felt invested to see what happened so I’m rounding my rating up! Recommend to readers who enjoy toxic romances and like romantic mystery/suspense.

3.5 rating, rounded up.

Her books always have unlikable characters but this takes it to a new level. Yikes. I enjoyed the book but wanted to be able to root for someone. My Darling Wife had awful people but you still somehow ended up liking one of them. That's what was missing from this book. I do think that everyone who enjoyed her past books will like this just as much.

In "A Twisted Love Story," we witness the tumultuous relationship of a highly toxic couple who are unable to stay apart. It is a gripping tale about two individuals who bring out the worst in each other, and Downing skillfully depicts the damaging effects of abuse and unhealthy relationships.

Another devilish tale from Samantha Downing. A recommended purchase for collections where her previous titles and thrillers are popular.

Book: A Twisted Love Story
Author: Samantha Downing
Publisher: Berkley Publishing Company
Pub Date: July 18, 2023

I. Love. Samantha Downing. If she writes it then I am here for it! First this title couldn’t be more perfect for this book. It’s more than twisted. Wes and Ivy are a toxic couple…..that are made for each other. They love to hate each other and aren’t going to allow anyone else to have the other. It’s clearly a game that always ends up with Wes and Ivy together. With each chapter you feel like there is something you don’t know but as you read you gather all the information you need. You feel left out but trust me you get caught up. And I honestly stayed mad at Karen the whole time! You aren’t saving Ivy from anything! I was disappointed a little in that part of the story because it just kind of went away. But then there is a jaw dropping moment and that’s forgotten. I feel like you are left guessing until the end about what really happened.

Thank you Berkley Publishing Company and NetGalley for this sneak peak! Publication date is July 18, 2023.

You know that drunk couple you see at a bar arguing? The one you want to scream at to just break up already? That’s Wes and Liv!

A Twisted Love Story follows an incredibly toxic couple who just can’t stay away from each other. This is a compelling tale about two people who truly make each other worse. I think Downing tells a fantastic story about abuse and unhealthy relationships

As far as a thriller or suspense plot, it's much more subtle. The narrative is constantly flipped and I truly had no idea where things were going. I loved parts of this book and was a bit underwhelmed by others, but overall it was a really good read. Just don't go into this expecting edge of your seat thrills or a lot of closure!

Because I don’t own too many romcoms, I decided today was the perfect day to review Samantha’s upcoming release 𝑨 𝑻𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝑺𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚. Thank you Samantha and Berkley Pub for approving a very early galley!
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If you’re like me and your “romance” reads consist of toxic relationships, do not miss this book! As with all her thrillers, Samantha’s writing is not only flawless but also comical filled with a lot of sarcastic overtones. I personally found this story to be the least thriller-y of all her books, but don’t let that dissuade you one bit from reading about Wes & Ivy, who are absolute trainwrecks…not only to others but also to themselves. Talk about toxicity and possessiveness at its finest, and you get this couple’s brazen love.

Have you ever called the cops on your significant other JUST FOR FUN because he/she momentarily pissed you off? Yeah, I didn’t think so. But Ivy sure did, an event that results in a cascade of events for everyone involved.

The detective, Karen, who Ivy meets, cannot let go of the case. Karen’s obsession over Ivy and Wes further spirals matters, and as the reader, I found myself yelling at Karen saying:” NO, KAREN, NOOOO!!! YOU DON’T GET IT!!! LET GO BEFORE IT’S TOO LATEEEE”

This is all I can say, folks! An unputdownable “love” story of two protagonists who act more like antagonists for their own good! I cannot wait for people to discuss Wes & Ivy when the book comes out in July!

Ob. Sessed. Yes, that’s two words and they describe the way I feel about Samantha Downing’s writing. It’s been two years since her last book and I clasped my hand over my mouth in twisted, glorious shock at the same time then as I did with this one… at about 4% in… it’s never expected and just whacks me over the head and I’m SO HERE FOR IT! The twisted games these characters all play is like a well choreographed and yet unexpectedly calculated dance. Yes, I do realize that those words are oxymorons and that’s the only way I can describe it without giving away any spoilers. I’ve never highlighted so many passages in a book as I did with this one! Downing is a master of the thriller writing craft!!! 87 zillion stars from me!!!

👏👏👏 to Samantha Downing for having the most epic dedication ever!
I could not put it down and loved truly how dysfunctional and manipulative Wes and Ivy are!

When things are good for Ivy and Wes there are grand gestures, mutual love and understanding for the other, and genuine happiness between the two. When things are bad, they are destructive with violent fights, arrest warrants, and damaged property. They are a dysfunctional couple, their break ups are epic and harmful, destructive, and manipulative. Yet they can't turn away from each other and keep coming back. They are in a toxic love and perpetual cycle of abuse. I kept flipping if I was on someone's side and who I was rooting for! The detective on the case was a bit narrow minded in her focus and I thought she would end up having a different role.

I only knocked off a star because the ending was a bit anticlimactic for me after the great build up and wish I had a couple more questions answered!

Well, once again author Samantha Downing has blown this reviewer's mind!!! Her newest release, "Twisted Love Story" is indeed quite twisted, and it's certainly a very different kind of "love" between the two MC's, Wes & Ivy, neither of whom are very good people! This one kept me quite hooked as we switch POV's often, trying to get to the bottom of their dysfunction and toxicity, and discover, along with the compelling Detective Karen Colglazier, just what happened in the past that they never, ever talk about. A twisted web indeed! Highly recommend for those into psych thrillers. My sincere thanks to the publisher & Net Galley for the complimentary DRC, all ratings and reviews my own.

A twisted tale indeed, one that will keep you guessing as to who to believe and who is lying.

Wes and Ivy have been dating for 10 years, off and on. When they love, they love hard, but when they fight, look out! When Ivy accuses Wes of stalking her and the police pay him a visit at his workplace, events are put in motion that will affect them both and some innocent bystanders and leave one person dead. Just when you think you may have figured things out, another twist occurs.

An excellent thriller from Samantha Downing who just keeps getting better. Good characters, smooth pacing and a storyline that keeps you up late to finish it.

I love Samantha Downing’s books and this one was no exception. Focused on a toxic, volatile relationship, 𝗔 𝗧𝗪𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 is a tense, fast-paced page turner that I didn’t want to put down. I had no idea how the story would unfold which definitely kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. The ending did leave me wanting a little more but overall this is another fantastic read from one of my favorite authors.

A Twisted Love Story is the tale of a toxic relationship. It definitely kept my interest throughout as I tried to figure out the direction the story would go. Definitely recommend for readers who like to be kept guessing!

𝐓𝐨 𝐦𝐞, 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.

Sometimes when reading fiction you have the uncomfortable feeling of looking into a mirror. I'm making a broad assumption, but I feel that nearly everyone has had one toxic, dysfunctional, unhealthy relationship in their lives. If you have, you will understand the dynamic between Wes and Ivy, and if you haven't...well, just count yourself lucky. I'll always bear the scars of mine, so it was easy for me to relate to these two.

When things are good between these two, everyone else ceases to exist, but when things are bad...while it never turns physical, the emotional and psychological abuse these two dole out raises eyebrows, especially when the police get involved. It's on the night of their most explosive, volatile breakup that someone ended up dead, and now Ivy and Wes have both a common secret and a common enemy--the female detective who follows the police reports and starts digging. Will she find what they are desperate to keep secret?

I am in awe of this author's storytelling, but she is SO talented in taking a secondary character like Detective Colglazier and making her layered, complex, and mysterious.

I'm forever grateful to the author, NetGalley, and Berkley Publishing for an early copy of this book. A TWISTED LOVE STORY will publish July 18, 2023.

This book truly lives up to its name. Twisted, it is indeed. If you’ve read this authors other books, you know you can expect something that will completely blow your mind. Wes & Ivy have had a tumultuous relationship, to say the least. When Ivy takes things one step too far and involves the police in an effort to get Wes’s attention again… their entire ten year relationship gets put in jeopardy. We switch POVs between several of the characters throughout the story, so you really do get a full grasp of what’s going on from all angles. Some of the characters are more enjoyable to read from than others, the detective on the case in particular was my least favorite. She was pretty insufferable, in my opinion. But the switching back and forth really kept me hooked and I finished this one quickly. My only reason for withholding the 5th star is the lack of an epilogue. I needed more closure! Overall, if you love a twisty mind boggling thriller, I’d recommend this one.

I usually really like Downing's books, but this one was a miss for me.
Wes and Ivy have been in an on-again-off-again toxic relationship for 10 years. They are petty, dramatic and need to grow up. When they are broken up, Ivy calls the cops on Wes because she believes he is stalking her and leaving her notes/candy. The detective, Karen, shows up and just knows that Ivy is in an abusive relationship, but is too scared to leave. Oh, how little Karen actually knows!
There is something in Wes and Ivy's past that they don't speak about, and Karen is intent on finding out what that is.
I found it repetitive with unlikeable characters. The ending was just....eh.. Nothing too exciting.

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!

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 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! ☺️

Expected publication date: July 18, 2023

Thank You to Samantha Downing and Berkley for the very early ARC provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!

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.

I really wanted to love A TWISTED LOVE STORY, but I can't say that I did. I didn't care for the characters Wes or Ivy at all or what happened to them. I was just confused by their entire toxic relationship. I have enjoyed Samantha Downing's previous novels, but I just didn't find this one exciting. I do hope others will enjoy it more than me. I am giving it 2.5 stars rounding up to 3 stars.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.