Twisted Games by Ana Huang

“We always end up where we’re meant to be.”

Stoic, broody, and arrogant, elite bodyguard Rhys Larsen has two rules: Protect his clients at all costs and do not become emotionally involved. Ever. He has never once been tempted to break those rules…until Bridget von Ascheberg. A princess with a stubborn streak that matches his own and a hidden fire that reduces his rules to ash. She’s nothing he expected and everything he never knew he needed. Day by day, inch by inch, she breaks down his defenses until he’s faced with a truth he can no longer deny. He swore an oath to protect her, but all he wants is to claim her.

Regal, strong-willed, and bound by the chains of duty, Princess Bridget dreams of the freedom to live and love as she chooses. But when her brother abdicates, she’s suddenly faced with the prospect of a loveless, politically expedient marriage and a throne she never wanted. And as she navigates the intricacies—and treacheries—of her new role, she must also hide her desire for a man she can’t have. Unexpected and forbidden, theirs is a love that could destroy a kingdom…and doom them both.

I know I said I was not going to continue with this series because I disliked the first book, Twisted Love, but I kept getting it recommended to me that I just decided to read it. I liked this better than I expected. Going in with lower expectation was definitely the right choice so I ended up liking this a bit better than the first book. This book sort of gave me vibes from The Bodyguard. Especially since Bridget didn’t like how Rhys was trying to change the way she lived her life. Like increasing her security and forcing her to not go to certain events because he didn’t think he could do to keep her safe. Sometimes I was weirded out by how possessive he was and just how Bridget did anything he said.
The growling and crawling just isn’t for me. These men are just weird.

I gave this book a three star-rating. I actually really like Bridget and Rhys, great chemistry. I also enjoyed their own personal struggles and seeing them work through them alone and together. However, this story dragged on so much that by the end I was skimming to finish. I called every single plot twist and revelation.