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A Twisted Game: A Paranormal Romance
After participating in a dangerous and trauma-inducing psychological experiment, Everly Wesson begins to hear whispers from beyond the grave...
Her gift—or curse—draws her to a spirit in agony, but in her quest to help, she uncovers a crime scene that's chillingly fresh—and a killer who'd like nothing more than to drag Everly into his morbid game of cat and mouse.
Enter Isaac Briggs, the seasoned psychiatrist with guarded eyes. Twenty years her senior and her brother's best friend, Isaac is the one man Everly has always wanted to unravel. Now, craving his protection as much as his touch, she must convince him to bridge the gap between friend and protector, logic and desire.
As the killer draws closer, taunting them with puzzles only a twisted mind could conjure, Everly's heart isn’t the only thing on the line. Finding solace in Isaac's embrace, she discovers that some connections transcend death and that love might be the key to exorcising her demons—if she survives the killer's deadly riddles.
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"This is an exceptionally good book. Ellis is a confident writer who can take readers to some very dark places – the birth/creation of a serial killer being one of them – then ease their anxiety with a humorous one liner and a few great sex scenes as Everly and Issac give in to their mutual attraction. She seamlessly blends the paranormal with good detective work and a passionate love story and you cannot see the joins." -Amanda on Goodreads ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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A TWISTED GAME is a heart-pounding journey of steamy romance and chilling suspense. It is the third book in the Cursed in Clayton Paranormal Romantic Mystery series. Each book can easily be read as a standalone with no cliff-hangers, but they are best enjoyed in order.
Her gift—or curse—draws her to a spirit in agony, but in her quest to help, she uncovers a crime scene that's chillingly fresh—and a killer who'd like nothing more than to drag Everly into his morbid game of cat and mouse.
Enter Isaac Briggs, the seasoned psychiatrist with guarded eyes. Twenty years her senior and her brother's best friend, Isaac is the one man Everly has always wanted to unravel. Now, craving his protection as much as his touch, she must convince him to bridge the gap between friend and protector, logic and desire.
As the killer draws closer, taunting them with puzzles only a twisted mind could conjure, Everly's heart isn’t the only thing on the line. Finding solace in Isaac's embrace, she discovers that some connections transcend death and that love might be the key to exorcising her demons—if she survives the killer's deadly riddles.
____________________
"This is an exceptionally good book. Ellis is a confident writer who can take readers to some very dark places – the birth/creation of a serial killer being one of them – then ease their anxiety with a humorous one liner and a few great sex scenes as Everly and Issac give in to their mutual attraction. She seamlessly blends the paranormal with good detective work and a passionate love story and you cannot see the joins." -Amanda on Goodreads ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
____________________
A TWISTED GAME is a heart-pounding journey of steamy romance and chilling suspense. It is the third book in the Cursed in Clayton Paranormal Romantic Mystery series. Each book can easily be read as a standalone with no cliff-hangers, but they are best enjoyed in order.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 16, 2023
12 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Jessie Ellis
11 books16 followersJessie Ellis is a romance author who lives in a tiny French village with her husband and three children, surrounded by woods, rivers, and farmland.
She's always loved reading thrillers, horror, and romance, thanks to sneaking books from her parents' shelves when she was too young to be reading them. Now she can't help but combine elements of those genres into the dark, gritty, and emotional tales she pens... always with a happily ever after.
She's always loved reading thrillers, horror, and romance, thanks to sneaking books from her parents' shelves when she was too young to be reading them. Now she can't help but combine elements of those genres into the dark, gritty, and emotional tales she pens... always with a happily ever after.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 15, 2024
A Twisted Game by Jessie Ellis is book three in the brilliant Cursed in Clayton series and I think this one might be my favourite. I’ve read book one and loved it and I picked this one by mistake. Luckily, they can be read in any order.
Everly has a dark past and she returns to her home town to escape that past. She turns to her brother’s best friend, psychiatrist Issac Briggs for help when she is attacked by a ghost while out on a pre-dawn hike. She has a long-held crush on him and it seems he has similar feelings for her as between them they search for answers.
This is an exceptionally good book. Ellis is a confident writer who can take the readers to some very dark places – the birth/creation of a serial killer being one of them – then ease their anxiety with a humorous one liner and a few great sex scenes as Everly and Issac give in to their mutual attraction. She seamlessly blends the paranormal with good detective work and a passionate love story and you cannot see the joins.
I'm off to read book 2 now.
Everly has a dark past and she returns to her home town to escape that past. She turns to her brother’s best friend, psychiatrist Issac Briggs for help when she is attacked by a ghost while out on a pre-dawn hike. She has a long-held crush on him and it seems he has similar feelings for her as between them they search for answers.
This is an exceptionally good book. Ellis is a confident writer who can take the readers to some very dark places – the birth/creation of a serial killer being one of them – then ease their anxiety with a humorous one liner and a few great sex scenes as Everly and Issac give in to their mutual attraction. She seamlessly blends the paranormal with good detective work and a passionate love story and you cannot see the joins.
I'm off to read book 2 now.
June 11, 2024
"A Twisted Game" by Jessie Ellis is a thrilling exploration of psychological trauma, supernatural mystery, and forbidden romance. The novel follows Everly Wesson, a woman burdened with the unsettling ability to hear whispers from the dead after a harrowing psychological experiment. This supposed gift thrusts her into the heart of a fresh crime scene and into the crosshairs of a sadistic killer. The tension in the book is palpable, with Ellis masterfully blending elements of horror and suspense to keep readers on edge.
Everly is a compelling protagonist, her strength and vulnerability making her relatable and endearing. Her dynamic with Isaac Briggs, the seasoned psychiatrist and her brother’s best friend, adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. The age difference and Everly's long-standing desire for Isaac create a simmering tension that is as engaging as the thriller elements of the plot. Isaac’s transition from a logical protector to a passionate lover is depicted with nuance, enriching the emotional depth of the story.
The novel's strongest suit is its ability to weave a chilling atmosphere. The killer’s twisted game, filled with puzzles and taunts, adds a cerebral element to the narrative, making it not just a physical but a psychological battle. Ellis’s portrayal of Everly's struggle with her supernatural abilities and the dark forces at play is hauntingly vivid.
"A Twisted Game" is a riveting read for fans of psychological thrillers with a touch of the supernatural. Jessie Ellis delivers a story that is both spine-tingling and heartwarming, exploring the depths of human resilience and the power of love amidst horror. This book is a must-read for those who enjoy a blend of suspense, mystery, and romance.
Everly is a compelling protagonist, her strength and vulnerability making her relatable and endearing. Her dynamic with Isaac Briggs, the seasoned psychiatrist and her brother’s best friend, adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. The age difference and Everly's long-standing desire for Isaac create a simmering tension that is as engaging as the thriller elements of the plot. Isaac’s transition from a logical protector to a passionate lover is depicted with nuance, enriching the emotional depth of the story.
The novel's strongest suit is its ability to weave a chilling atmosphere. The killer’s twisted game, filled with puzzles and taunts, adds a cerebral element to the narrative, making it not just a physical but a psychological battle. Ellis’s portrayal of Everly's struggle with her supernatural abilities and the dark forces at play is hauntingly vivid.
"A Twisted Game" is a riveting read for fans of psychological thrillers with a touch of the supernatural. Jessie Ellis delivers a story that is both spine-tingling and heartwarming, exploring the depths of human resilience and the power of love amidst horror. This book is a must-read for those who enjoy a blend of suspense, mystery, and romance.
June 30, 2024
A Twisted Game follows two MCs. Everly, a young woman fresh out of college who is reeling from a psychologically traumatizing experiment that was conducted on her by a professor. And Issac, a middle-aged psychologist who is Everly’s brother’s friend.
Everly has a special ability: she receives communications from the dead. So she sets out to investigate a killer whose victim has been desperately reaching out to her. Finding the crime scene, though, puts Everly on the killer’s radar… and puts Issac in a position to realize that maybe her episodes aren’t all in her head, either, as he encounters his first ghost.
Though this book could be read as a standalone, I think anyone interested in the story would be better served by reading in order. There were some character connections that look like were explored in previous books that I didn’t get the full impact of. The narrative was clean and well-written, but the dialogue did fall a little flat for me. The characters all seemed to sound similar and speak somewhat repetitively.
This one’s definitely more for a romantic suspense crowd than a supernatural thriller crowd, as the romance takes center stage over the mystery and the communications with the spirits, although you do get a nice dose of trippy psychological effects from Everly’s POV.
Be sure to look out for content warnings, as there is some sensitive content. This isn’t an age-gap relationship for readers who want that age-gap to be bridged or explained--as there is a definite power imbalance and maturity gap between Everly and Issac over the course of the novel, and it’s more a trait of their relationship than it is a central source of conflict.
Everly has a special ability: she receives communications from the dead. So she sets out to investigate a killer whose victim has been desperately reaching out to her. Finding the crime scene, though, puts Everly on the killer’s radar… and puts Issac in a position to realize that maybe her episodes aren’t all in her head, either, as he encounters his first ghost.
Though this book could be read as a standalone, I think anyone interested in the story would be better served by reading in order. There were some character connections that look like were explored in previous books that I didn’t get the full impact of. The narrative was clean and well-written, but the dialogue did fall a little flat for me. The characters all seemed to sound similar and speak somewhat repetitively.
This one’s definitely more for a romantic suspense crowd than a supernatural thriller crowd, as the romance takes center stage over the mystery and the communications with the spirits, although you do get a nice dose of trippy psychological effects from Everly’s POV.
Be sure to look out for content warnings, as there is some sensitive content. This isn’t an age-gap relationship for readers who want that age-gap to be bridged or explained--as there is a definite power imbalance and maturity gap between Everly and Issac over the course of the novel, and it’s more a trait of their relationship than it is a central source of conflict.
February 17, 2024
Jessie Ellis's "A Twisted Game" takes you on a suspenseful journey filled with chilling suspense and unexpected romance. Set against the backdrop of Everly Wesson's harrowing ordeal, the novel explores the dark depths of human psyche while weaving a tale of forbidden love and deadly secrets.
The book's strength lies in its intricate plot twists and gripping narrative, keeping you on the edge of your seats from start to finish. Ellis masterfully crafts a world where danger lurks around every corner, leaving readers guessing until the very end.
However, despite its thrilling storyline, the novel occasionally falters in pacing, with certain scenes feeling rushed or underdeveloped. Additionally, some character motivations may leave readers scratching their heads, detracting from the overall immersion in the story.
That said, "A Twisted Game" shines brightest in its exploration of the complex relationship between Everly and Isaac. Their chemistry sizzles on the page, adding depth and emotion to an already captivating story.
In conclusion, "A Twisted Game" offers a thrilling ride for fans of suspense and romance. While it may stumble at times, its compelling plot and well-drawn characters make it a worthy read for those seeking an adrenaline-fueled escape.
The book's strength lies in its intricate plot twists and gripping narrative, keeping you on the edge of your seats from start to finish. Ellis masterfully crafts a world where danger lurks around every corner, leaving readers guessing until the very end.
However, despite its thrilling storyline, the novel occasionally falters in pacing, with certain scenes feeling rushed or underdeveloped. Additionally, some character motivations may leave readers scratching their heads, detracting from the overall immersion in the story.
That said, "A Twisted Game" shines brightest in its exploration of the complex relationship between Everly and Isaac. Their chemistry sizzles on the page, adding depth and emotion to an already captivating story.
In conclusion, "A Twisted Game" offers a thrilling ride for fans of suspense and romance. While it may stumble at times, its compelling plot and well-drawn characters make it a worthy read for those seeking an adrenaline-fueled escape.
April 26, 2024
Jessie Ellis has truly outdone herself with A Twisted Game. Right from the start, you're thrown into Everly Wesson's eerie world, where communicating with spirits is her haunted reality. This book, the third in the Cursed in Clayton series, packs a solid punch of suspense and steamy romance, standing out as a stellar read even if you haven't caught the earlier books.
Everly is a character you can't help but root for—her strength in the face of creepy, life-threatening twists makes her more than just a protagonist; she’s a survivor with a deeply emotional story. Her relationship with Isaac Briggs, her brother's best friend turned protector and love interest, heats up the pages in a way that’s absolutely captivating. Their chemistry is undeniable, bringing a much-needed lightness to the darker, more intense moments of the story.
It's clever how the childhood games we all know are morphed into something sinister. It’s creepy, it's edgy, and it keeps you on the edge of your seat, wondering just how far the madness will go. For anyone dipping their toes into Jessie Ellis’s world for the first time with this book, you're in for a treat. It’s perfectly fine as a standalone, though I bet you'll be tempted to go back and devour the first two books just to get more of the backstory.
Everly is a character you can't help but root for—her strength in the face of creepy, life-threatening twists makes her more than just a protagonist; she’s a survivor with a deeply emotional story. Her relationship with Isaac Briggs, her brother's best friend turned protector and love interest, heats up the pages in a way that’s absolutely captivating. Their chemistry is undeniable, bringing a much-needed lightness to the darker, more intense moments of the story.
It's clever how the childhood games we all know are morphed into something sinister. It’s creepy, it's edgy, and it keeps you on the edge of your seat, wondering just how far the madness will go. For anyone dipping their toes into Jessie Ellis’s world for the first time with this book, you're in for a treat. It’s perfectly fine as a standalone, though I bet you'll be tempted to go back and devour the first two books just to get more of the backstory.
March 23, 2024
A Twisted Game by Jessie Ellis can easily be read as a stand alone, but I have since realised it is book 3 of a series . I found Jessie's writing to be original and inteligent and therefore somewhat unpredictable. The story is centred around Everly who has a mysterious and somewhat dark past. Everly returns to her home town and is accosted by a ghost in the early hours of the morning while out in the wilderness.
Issac Briggs is a psychiatrist (and the best friend of Everly's brother). Issac and Everly have both had feelings for each other for some time but have pushed them down over the years. Issac becomes embroiled in the world that Everly has found herself in where spirits communicate with her. Issac becomes involved, first in a concerned sense, but their chemistry becomes harder to ignore. There is a fair bit of suspense with the 'will they, wont they' theme , but you will have to read it to find out!
Through Everly, we see into the mind of a serial killer which is rather dark, but the story is lightned with humour and sexual chemistry throughout. This is a clever mix of genres, a touch of paranormal and also a love story/ investigation. A unique read.
Issac Briggs is a psychiatrist (and the best friend of Everly's brother). Issac and Everly have both had feelings for each other for some time but have pushed them down over the years. Issac becomes embroiled in the world that Everly has found herself in where spirits communicate with her. Issac becomes involved, first in a concerned sense, but their chemistry becomes harder to ignore. There is a fair bit of suspense with the 'will they, wont they' theme , but you will have to read it to find out!
Through Everly, we see into the mind of a serial killer which is rather dark, but the story is lightned with humour and sexual chemistry throughout. This is a clever mix of genres, a touch of paranormal and also a love story/ investigation. A unique read.
February 7, 2024
A well-written, engaging, and intense paranormal romance novel with a strong female lead and interesting, complex, well-developed characters. Readers will appreciate the gripping suspense, intricate plot twists, and the development of love between the main characters. The supernatural elements add a layer of intrigue to the story, keeping you hooked until the very end. The book delivers a thrilling experience for both new readers and fans of the series (this is the third book). It may contain some steamy and explicit scenes, which add a layer of passion and sensuality to the narrative. Readers who enjoy a bit of heat in their romance novels will appreciate this aspect. Overall, it's an interesting, suspenseful, and emotionally stimulating read that leaves a lasting impression on you. Regardless if you're seeking heart-pounding thrills or charming elements in a book, this novel offers a satisfying blend of both, making it a captivating addition to any reader's collection, but especially for fans of paranormal romance, romantic suspense, and psychological thrillers.
January 27, 2024
"A Twisted Game" is a nice mix of paranormal, romantic suspense, and fantasy. It follows Everly's journey as she grapples with her newfound ability to communicate with spirits while facing a psychopathic killer. The story is set in a paranormal realm and combines chilling suspense with romantic elements. The killer has a strong sadistic nature and likes to play twisted games with Everly. As she seeks safety with Isaac, a doctor and her brother's best mate, their relationship deepens. This results in some steamy moments, creating an atmosphere of passion, intimacy, and intrigue. If you appreciate a nice mix of spooky paranormal stuff, heart-racing romantic suspense, and a bit of fantasy, this is a great and engaging read. It will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish, wondering what comes next. Its atmosphere and overall vibe could be easily transferred to the big screen.
April 9, 2024
A twisted game by Jessie Ellis is a fantastic steamy romance that blends a dark shroud of mystery and intrigue in the main characters Everly and Isaac. Twisted Game is exactly as it is described on the tin. The killer plays games with Everly as she tries to use the paranormal and mysterious themes in the book to uncover who it is and why he’s doing it to her. Along the way is Isaac, her brother’s best friend that she has been crushing on for quite some time.
The thriller aspects of the story keep the pace flowing along nicely, and the steam is obviously what everyone is here for. Twisted Game is well written across all aspects, and the steam between the two leads is more than palpable.
An engaging read that is likely to keep Ellis’ readers coming back to her for more. If you’re a fan of thrillers and romance this will keep you well entertained. Well done.
The thriller aspects of the story keep the pace flowing along nicely, and the steam is obviously what everyone is here for. Twisted Game is well written across all aspects, and the steam between the two leads is more than palpable.
An engaging read that is likely to keep Ellis’ readers coming back to her for more. If you’re a fan of thrillers and romance this will keep you well entertained. Well done.
February 13, 2024
A twisted game is a mixed genre book combining elements of the paranormal, romance, steam and mystery with a thriller twist. I loved the dynamics between the characters Everly and Isaac. Although the blurb said it could be read as a standalone I do wish I had read the other two first as I felt there were some inside stories I was t privy too as they'd happened in the other books. That being said it didn't detract from the story too much. I'm a suckered for anything with ghosts and the paranormal and these elements are what made it for me. Plus the story kept me guessing until the end my only reason for not giving 5 stars was the repetition of words when the characters spoke it just didn't seem natural and was too often which pulled me out of the dialogue.
March 8, 2024
Tag your IT!
Everly is a troubled woman with a dark and messed up past. Trying to make sense of everything that's happened to her, while moving forward in her life.
A dark moment from her past has left her with a gift to helping those no longer in this world, those who still need help. But helping leads Everly down a dark, dangerous and life threatening road.
With help from Isaac, her brothers friend, her new therapist and love interest, Everly learns answers to not only help Shelley, a ghost asking her for her assistance to stop Johnny from killing again, but closes doors from other things in her past.
If you like suspenseful reads with hot romance and a mix of dark then this is the book for you.
Everly is a troubled woman with a dark and messed up past. Trying to make sense of everything that's happened to her, while moving forward in her life.
A dark moment from her past has left her with a gift to helping those no longer in this world, those who still need help. But helping leads Everly down a dark, dangerous and life threatening road.
With help from Isaac, her brothers friend, her new therapist and love interest, Everly learns answers to not only help Shelley, a ghost asking her for her assistance to stop Johnny from killing again, but closes doors from other things in her past.
If you like suspenseful reads with hot romance and a mix of dark then this is the book for you.
October 25, 2023
Hot! And suspenseful!!
I've been following this series and they keep getting better! Romantic relationship between Isaac and Everly was my favorite. One word: hot!! The thriller plot had me guessing. Lots of suspects, kept me turning pages . The ending was perfect. Wrapped everything up nicely as usual but I can't wait for a Jude story. Hope there's one soon.
I highly recommend starting with the first book. You will be hooked like me!
I've been following this series and they keep getting better! Romantic relationship between Isaac and Everly was my favorite. One word: hot!! The thriller plot had me guessing. Lots of suspects, kept me turning pages . The ending was perfect. Wrapped everything up nicely as usual but I can't wait for a Jude story. Hope there's one soon.
I highly recommend starting with the first book. You will be hooked like me!
October 27, 2025
Pace: 8
Plot: 7
Characters: 6
Enjoyable: 7
Insightful: 6
Ease of Reading: 8
Spicy Level: 4
Rented through Kindle Unlimited
It's starting to feel repetitive.
Plot: 7
Characters: 6
Enjoyable: 7
Insightful: 6
Ease of Reading: 8
Spicy Level: 4
Rented through Kindle Unlimited
It's starting to feel repetitive.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews