Twisted Minds

Splintered Hearts #2

by Sophie Quinn

Twisted Minds is the prequel to Splintered Hearts taking place three years prior. While this is a prequel, it is best enjoyed in release order to avoid spoilers.

Mark

Stay focused. Work on your video game. Stay out of trouble.

All three of those things shatter into oblivion over the summer. I am the king of bad decisions and the one I made when I started hanging out with Derrick and his crew is the dumbest. Now I’m trying to keep my head above water and fix the mess I made. He holds my fate in his hands, but then he comes to me with a proposition. One last task, and then I’m free.

Date the hockey captain and destroy his heart.

I agree because it will give me more time to catch him in his lies. I know I didn’t commit the crime he’s accused me of. He’s responsible somehow. I know it. I just need evidence. I need time. This is the way to get it. Besides, it’s not like this hockey jock will even want me.

But. . . then he does.

Hunter is unlike anyone I’ve ever met. I don’t know what to do with his kindness, the sweet looks he gives, and the patient way he handles me. What I don’t expect is to fall for him. Hard. I have to get out of this. I need help but I only have myself to blame. When secrets come to light my world implodes. I need to fix this for good. I need to stop Derrick.
Or risk losing the best thing that has ever happened to me forever.

Hunter

Life is suffocating me. I’m taking care of my best friend after a horrific accident changed all our lives. School and hockey won’t let me breathe. I’m being pulled in all different directions trying to stay afloat for everyone around me. Sometimes it feels like I want to scream. After a fight, my friend Sawyer ends up with him in jail and me stranded at his dorm with nowhere to go. I think everything is finally closing in around me.

Then I meet Mark

As I sink down into misery in front of a vending machine on his dorm room floor, he offers me some food and a place to sleep until I can get my friend out of jail. He’s kind of awkward, adorably so and yeah maybe he drools a bit in his sleep. There’s something about him that breathes life into me for the first time in nearly a year. I love his feisty attitude and the way he lights up talking about video games. There’s something between us that first night we meet, and I can’t stop thinking about him. For the first time in so long it’s like I can breathe again.

Things are starting to look up and I start to trust again for the first time in a while. Even when I’m a little bit wary of his ex-friends with benefits now turned best friend Noah who is the most outrageous person I’ve ever met. The more time we spend, the deeper I fall for him. Maybe this is it, I’ve finally found my happily ever after.

People start to talk though, and Mark seems like he’s hiding something. When secrets come to light, I can’t believe the mess I’ve gotten myself into. There is no coming back from this.

So much for happily ever after.

Twisted Minds is an 18+ MM college romance featuring a gamer and hockey captain. You can expect sweet moments, spice, and angst as these characters fall in love.

Genres: M M Romance

289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 17, 2025

About the author

Sophie Quinn writes queer romances with the belief that love is best served with a side of chaotic friendship dynamics.

Their books are known to have equal parts snark, swoon, and spice. You can follow her on Instagram and Tiktok @Sophiequinnwrites

Reviews

[Karina Liebiedieva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Я щось не зрозуміла нащо було робити пріквел🤨тобто цих героїв ми бачимо в першій книзі вже як пару. Мила історія❤️ Є в нас Марк, його шантажує один чєл за сумнівний злочин, він хоче, щоб Марк розібрався з його ворогом - капітаном хокейної команди. І план такий, що Марк мутить з капітаном, Хантером, а потім кидає його перед грою🤌🏻😅
Але бачити Ноя з попередньої книги тут мило, веселий 😁 хлопець

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐
3 🌶️

Did I want to shake Mark and make him use his words instead of hiding his struggles? Yes. Did he redeem himself for me? A resounding yes. I hated how much he tortured himself when just a simple conversation could have fixed most of it. He had the tools he needed. He was just too scared to lose Hunter, which I completely get.

I absolutely LOVED Hunter (Puck Daddy FTW). I knew I would from reading Splintered Hearts. The entire found family group Bri, Xavi, Jamie, Sawyer & Hunter had me from the jump. I love their dynamics and just the way they take care of each other.

The king of this book however is Noah. Thank the universe for giving us Sophie Quinn who in turn provided us with Noah in his puck bunny era. I have never laughed more than when Noah is on page. He is the best character in my opinion and I can't imagine this series without him. My heart also broke for him because I know that being used the way he was broke him. He just wants to be loved. I am glad that we got to read his HEA first. I soothed some of the ache for him in Twisted Minds.

The sneak peak at Bo & Cam's story... I may not emotionally recover from those two. I fell in love with Bo in Splintered Hearts. Noah may have his crown taken for favorite Splinterverse MC by Bowen.

Overall, this was a great addition to the series and I cannot wait to see where the rest of the crew end up!

• WHAT TO EXPECT •
🎮Prequel to Splintered Hearts
🏒The start of Noah and Mark's friendship
🎮Some new faces
🏒College hockey
🎮Blackmail and messy mistakes
🏒Noah collecting hoodies as trophies

Cheating: No
Third-act breakup: Yes
POV: Dual POV (First Person POV)

[Danielle Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophie Quinn does it again 😊 I’m falling in love with this series ❤️
I received an ARC of this book. This book focuses on Matt and Hunter’s relationship. Matt and Hunter are adorable together you could sense how much they meant to each other. They do face some issues but ends in a HEA. This book takes place before Splintered Hearts so Noah and Jamie are not together, but also get to see how Noah and Matt became best friends.
Spice Level 🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Mikaela (risqué.romance) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twisted Minds - Sophie Quinn
4.5/5✨🌟

Blackmail
College romance
Gamer boy/hockey captain
Nerd/jock
Kissing in the rain

* SPOILERS *

“𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘯’𝘵.” 𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘢 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘯. 𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬. 𝘎𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭. 𝘉𝘦𝘨. 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐’𝘮 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘬. 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰. “𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯.” 𝘐 𝘴𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘦, 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘢 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬. 𝘏𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘪𝘴𝘴 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘪𝘮. “𝘔𝘺 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯.” 𝘐’𝘮 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘺, 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘪𝘮.

OMG! I have never ever read a book so entertaining like this book. Even though I did not read the first book, which I now have to read, I was so into this book.

I felt for Mark on so many levels. From his emotions to the douche blackmailing him for something he didn’t do, but knew that Derrick did, I just wanted to hug this man so hard. I’ve never connected with a character so quickly.

Hunter, also known as Puck Daddy by the lovely Noah, was so innocent in all of this. He’s the captain of the hockey team and he hated what Derrick had done. I loved that he went to the coach and got him kicked off the team. Because of that, Derrick got hurt in his feelings and that’s where the blackmail begins.

I knew the fake dating was not going to be fake from the moment these two met. The emotional connection that these two had with one another was so powerful and just so perfect.

The found family in this book was so amazing. I freaking died laughing every time Noah spoke and hell, he took the name puck bunny to a whole nother level. I felt for him on so many levels and I loved that Mark and him became friends even when Mark was hurtful.

Also, I loved the other characters from Jamie to Bri to Sawyer, and to the other characters you meet. Such an amazing book and I was so sad to see it end!

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

I was so impressed with Sophie Quinn after reading her debut novel Splintered Hearts and was super excited to read the follow up. Every hope I had for Hunter and Mark was not only met but exceeded in Twisted Minds! I loved getting the backstory on how they came together – blackmail and messes included.

Hunter is everything I hoped he would be! I loved him in the prior book but was left wondering what made him tick. Watching his story unfold gave him such nuance that I was honestly not expecting. His protectiveness over Mark and everyone else in his life was touching and endeared him to me so much.

Mark was a bit of an enigma to me and I loved getting to know him better! Watching him struggle with so much while trying to do the right thing was difficult to read but I love how things unfold. He is a good man caught in a hard place and having all that come full circle was worth waiting for.

This is another wonderful addition by Sophie Quinn and I highly recommend it!

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mark and Hunter's story is an emotional one. Their first meeting, they had great chemistry. I understood why Mark held things back but I wish he would have said something to Hunter earlier. Their love was easy and fun, until Hunter was hurt by Mark. Noah and his hockey wife era was so much fun.

[ljreads_13 · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who fell head over heels for Jamie and Noah in Splintered Hearts, I was more than excited to dive into the next book in the Splinterverse—and Twisted Minds did not disappoint. 🥰🥰

This story is emotional, raw, and full of heart. Sophie Quinn somehow manages to balance angst, humor, tenderness, and downright adorable moments in a way that kept me hooked from page one.

Mark and Hunter are such beautifully messy characters, and watching their relationship evolve from a manipulation to something genuine and powerful was deeply satisfying. I was laughing one moment, tearing up the next, and yes—kicking my feet and giggling over just how cute they were together.

One of my favorite things about this book was how perfectly the little flashbacks to Splintered Hearts were woven in. Seeing glimpses of Jamie and Noah before they were “Jamie and Noah” made me want to reread book one all over again.❤️

Also, I was absolutely delighted to see our little fox Noah in full chaotic gremlin mode and thriving in his “hockey wife” era—it added the perfect comedic relief and reminded me why I love these characters so much.

And let’s not forget the spice: it was sweet, tender, romantic, and very passionate. 😏

Watching Mark and Hunter navigate their first times together was both emotional and incredibly satisfying.

Thank you, Sophie Quinn, for the advanced reader copy—I’ll read anything you write, and you know that. I’m so grateful to be along for the ride.❤️❤️

[Jurnee Mccarty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really good. I absolutely loved the build up and suspense. Noah was such a freaking sweetheart. I adored him. Him and mark were truly so amazing together. Derrick was just an asshole. I was on the edge of my freaking seat. Yelling at my kindle wanting to fight Derrick. I was like geez calm down miss ma’am. But like truly no one messes with my baby Noah. Just not happening. I loved them.

[Max Dudley · Rating 3 out of 5]

i was iffy about this one bc i really didn’t like hunter and mark in the first book. i liked seeing their relationship in this though. and i can understand what happens in the first book a bit more now.

HOWEVER! like i did with the first book, i felt like noah’s trauma and shit was ignored. he felt like comedic relief but there was some serious shit happening with him during this book and the first one. we never really saw anyone be there for him and talk it through with him. yes, mark stopped the bad thing from happening, but are we not gonna address that it happened after that? it wasn’t clear if noah was drugged or too drunk? with derrick’s past, i felt like noah would have been drugged. it was his fucking birthday party!

no one deserves noah. i know that he has his faults. but everything he does seems like a cry for help and it just hurt my heart seeing him go through this. especially when i know what he goes through with jamie in the first book. this book made me even more pissed that mark brought up derrick to noah. like… seriously? i don’t think noah is as appreciated as he should be. and the fact that his dad beats him is just accepted knowledge?? be so for real…

i hope that the third one has more positive interactions with noah and jamie. i would really like to see someone appreciate noah to the fullest. and never make him feel like he’s too much.

[Amanda Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisted Minds is such a fun, emotional, and chaotic little gem of a prequel—I couldn’t put it down! We already knew Mark and Hunter were solid from Splintered Hearts, but seeing how they got there? So good. Their instant connection, the tension, the miscommunication (ugh, Mark, just talk), and the absolute sweetness of Hunter? I was hooked.

Mark definitely tested my patience with how much he internalised, but I still loved him—he was scared, not malicious, and you could feel how much he cared. And Hunter? Total Puck Daddy energy in the best way. Supportive, swoony, and exactly what Mark needed.

The real MVP though? Noah. I laughed every single time he was on page. His puck bunny era, the hoodie collecting, the chaos he brings to every scene—it’s iconic. My heart broke for him too, but knowing his HEA is already out there helped soften the blow.

Bonus shoutout to Sawyer and the rest of the found family. Their dynamic is so wholesome and fun and makes me want to dive headfirst into everything Sophie Quinn writes. And that sneak peek of Bo & Cam? I’m not ready!!

If you love nerd/jock, locker room steam, messy college hockey boys, and found family vibes with a side of blackmail drama—Twisted Minds delivers. Loved this!

[Riley Harper Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This prequel to Splintered Hearts follows Mark and Hunter’s story, and honestly, I couldn’t put it down. It starts with Mark and Noah being friends with benefits, but everything shifts when Mark helps a mysterious guy one night, only to find himself blackmailed into hurting the hockey team captain… who just happens to be Hunter, the same guy he helped.
The instant connection between Mark and Hunter was everything. Their chemistry, their sweet moments, and the way they slowly fall for each other completely stole my heart. Hunter’s loyalty and protectiveness made me love him even more, and I adored watching Mark’s growth as he opened up and found real friendship and love.
Noah absolutely stole the show with his hilarious puck bunny moments, I laughed out loud so many times thanks to his wild one-liners. It was also so much fun to see how Mark and Noah became best friends before Splintered Hearts kicks off.
Even though they face some tough choices, Mark and Hunter’s story wraps up with a beautiful HEA that left me smiling. Can’t wait to see what Sophie Quinn gives us next in this series!

[Janet Jaramillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I tell you I fucking loved this book!

Thai gem is a prequel to splintered hearts and it opens with Noah and Mark hooking up.

Then Mark meets Hunter who we also met on Splintered hearts! This book is Marks and Puck Daddy aka Hunters love story and it was amazing!

Mark and Hunter have instant love and it’s so sweet. Unfortunately they have to deal with some fucked up blackmail that threatens their love.

Side note- you guys will be cracking up at Noah I was howling!

This is a 10/10 mush read!

AND NOAH IS IN HIS PUCK BUNNY ERA- you’ll die LOL

Prequel to Splintered Hearts
The start of Noah and Mark's friendship
Some new faces - Sawyer I love him!!!!
College hockey
blackmail and messy mistakes
Nerd/Jock
First times both tops and one must bottom
Kissing in the rain a Locker room spice

[T · Rating 4 out of 5]

We first meet Mark and Hunter in Splintered Hearts when they were already together so Twisted Minds is the prequel to the first book and the story of how they actually met. I really liked how Hunter’s and Mark’s story was written. The idea of their book being a prequel was really cool.

I loved Hunter and Mark together. Hunter was so sweet the whole time he was with Mark and I felt so bad for Mark and the situation he was in. Their moments together was adorable and intimate and Hunter made me swoon the way he was with Mark. And I loved how we got to see how Mark and Noah became close as well. Noah may be a lot but he’s hilarious and a really good friend to Mark and I really love their friendship.

Overall, I really enjoyed Hunter’s and Mark’s book and I am really enjoying this whole series. Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC to read and review.

[Wilmalys · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the prequel to Splintered Hearts, but it's best to read in order of publication.

This started out with a bang!! with Noah and Mark...🤭

Even though this is Mark and Hunter's story, Noah was a big part, I freaking love Noah, he's hilarious and has absolutely no filter.

Now, Mark and Hunter... Hunter is just so perfect, I absolutely loved him even more in this one. He's a good friend and just such a good guy. Mark was still his annoying self, but better. We get insight into how their relationship came to be, and Mark sure had a rough time, he was put in an awful position and had to make some questionable choices but it all works out and he ends up with Hunter, the best thing to ever happen to him.

I had a great time reading this book, I laughed so much with all their shenanigans, and their banter was top-notch. But it was also emotional and intense at times.

Overall, it was a great read, I highly recommend it. Im looking forward to the next book already 🥰

[b00ks_in_nature · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic follow-up to Splintered Hearts. While it's a prequel, it's best read after SH to avoid spoilers. After SH, I was really torn on Mark. Thankfully, he was redeemed for me with this book. His relationship with Noah also makes so much more sense. While there was one character in this book who I wanted to punch, it wasn't Mark. It's relatively low angst, but I felt the angst due to worrying about when a certain situation would come to a head. I kept predicting things in my head and worrying for the guys! Thankfully, it ends with a wonderful HEA. I am SO excited to read Bo and Cam's book next!

[thatbeccagirl_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hunter and Mark's story was intense, emotional, and full of heart. I absolutely loved Hunter. He is patient, sweet, and exactly what Mark needed. And Mark, with all his awkward charm and chaos, completely grew on me.

Their connection was so genuine and their moments together had me smiling like an idiot. The banter made me laugh and the emotional scenes hit hard. Noah added the perfect touch of chaos and humor and I loved his friendship with Mark.

This one is book 2 but its also a prequel! Make sure to read in order. I am loving this series so much!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sukriti · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Splintered Hearts series by Sophie Quinn is an emotional and beautifully written romance collection. Each book follows characters dealing with heartbreak, healing, and second chances. The writing is clear, expressive, and easy to read, making the emotional moments feel real and powerful. The characters are well-developed, with believable struggles and chemistry that grows naturally throughout the stories. The series blends romance, personal growth, and a touch of drama in a satisfying way. Every book leaves you feeling connected to the characters and their journeys. This series is perfect for readers who enjoy emotional, character-driven romances with healing and hope.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75

Tropes:
Jock / Nerd
Blackmail
Gamer Boy / Hockey Captain
Kissing in the rain



Review: After seeing Mark and Hunter as a couple already in book one I'm glad we still got to read their story. Mark and Hunters story was so good. We really get to see how they both really care for each and how much they love each other. They do face some conflict with the whole blackmail situation and I think how that plays out was written so well. These two do of course get the HEA they deserve.

And I will say Noah is hands down my favorite of this friend group. He is completely hilarious.

[Shannon McBride · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark & Hunter

After reading splintered hearts I really wanted to know more about Mark & Hunter and now I have such a better understanding why they were the way they were in Jamie & Noah's story.
I now understand the mark and Noah dynamic and how jealousy didn't mess with their friendship.
And lastly I just love mark & Hunter and how amazing friends they are to everyone in their group

[Miruru Shouting · Rating 4 out of 5]

I forgot how annoying some of the characters are, and they're all very toxic together. The toxicity is mainly with Mark's various friendships, including the one with Noah (whom is the MC in Book 1).

Though if you've read book 1, you'll know Hunter and Mark are solid, and it also shows here that they have great chemistry and are the exceptions for each other. It's basically the only good parts in Mark's relationships with anyone. I loved seeing how they began and I'm so glad we got a book for them.

This is technically the prequel to the first book, since Hunter and Mark are already established there, but you can read either of these two in any order since they circle back to each other.

[Kaylee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This cover is slightly better than the 1st one LOL,it also made be realize Mark is this skinny thing and not as buff as Hunter..
I thought they were this buff couple this entire time .
BUT I enjoyed the premies of this one more. It was a lot angsty, though I can't say enjoyed reading about him having sex with Noah OR reading this with the knowledge that they almost break up again in Noahs book.
This one like the 1st book was still smut focused but with more of the blackmail coming through every now and then. I did dislike how it became more of a subplot half way through, like they've have this amazing month and then they'd throw in this casual reminder hes dating him to save his ass. LOL

[gabby wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mark and hunters love story was an emotional one. Mark wanted to do the right thing but he went about it wrong. He should have been open and honest but he was afraid. it was love at first sight between these two. They were ment to together. Their HEA was hard earned

[Ken Terp · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a mess! So many repetitive parts… The main conflict was stupid (didn’t make sense) and immature. Too instalovey… blah. Don’t think I’ll be continuing the series (unless I’m desperate for something to read).

[Amanda Quarles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisted Minds

Mark & Hunter

I love this series so much! I'm really glad the author wrote Mark and Hunter's story. I loved them in book one. Noah is still my favorite. I'm looking forward to book three.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A READ I WILL REMEMBER FOR A LONG TIME!

This was such a good read! Hunter and Mark are so passionate and electric. This author has such a way with words and creating such an intriguing story.

[Zane Kage · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Linda Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

book review

I enjoyed this one but my favorite is still Noah! lol I swear I love him. I loved mark and Hunter. The horrible situation that mark found himself in was just chaos

[Jennifer Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one but my favorite is still Noah! lol I swear I love him. I loved mark and Hunter. The horrible situation that mark found himself in was just chaos

[Abby Stogdill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part of me feels like this should have been book one. It would have made more sense, that’s just me 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Soli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Prequels are weird. I thought I would like mark and hunter more if I read this. I’m not a fan of any narrative based on a fake but not fake dating scenario. So I learned something today.