Twisted Road

by Christine Feehan

There’s no escaping the pull of desire in this novel in #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan’s Torpedo Ink motorcycle club series.

When Czar shut down Lazar “Keys” Alexeev’s undercover mission, that should have been the end of the story. Instead, Keys is back in the middle of a nowhere town where a petite redhead with a pouty mouth and a ready smile drives him to distraction. He’s not sure why he’s breaking all of Torpedo Ink’s rules to spend more time around a woman who’s not even his type. He can’t get her out of his head—and now he’s facing the consequences.

Lyric Johansen doesn’t like to look anyone in the eyes, but Keys’s gaze is the one thing keeping her from a full-on panic attack. Her instinct to charge into the fray and help the biker fend off a group of vicious thugs has led to the most insane situation she’s ever been trapped in a coffin with a man she barely knows, minutes away from a painful death.  

Survival means staying focused. But when Keys kisses Lyric to snap her out of losing it, he’s the one who ends up falling apart. He’ll need to unleash hell to get them out alive.

If only to get another taste….

Genres: Paranormal Romance, Romance, Romantic Suspense

432 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication July 7, 2026

About the author

Christine Feehan is a #1 New York Times bestselling author multiple times over with her portfolio including over 100 published novels, including five series; Dark Series, GhostWalker Series, Leopard Series, Drake Sisters Series, the Sisters of the Heart Series, Shadow Riders, Torpedo Ink and her Romantic Suspense novels. All of her series have hit the #1 spot on the New York Times bestselling list as well. Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature (PEARL) in 1999. Since then she has been published by various publishing houses including Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and currently is writing for Berkley/Jove. She also has earned 7 more PEARL awards since Dark Prince.
Her series include:
The Dark Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/darkb...
The GhostWalker series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/ghost...
The Leopard Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/leopa...
The Shadow Series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/shado...
Torpedo Ink series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/torpe...




IN HER WORDS:
I've been a writer all of my life -- it is who I am. I write for myself and always have. The ability to create pictures and emotions with words is such a miracle to me. I read everything; I mean everything! All kinds of books, even encyclopedias. I am fascinated by the written word and I love storytellers. It is a great privilege to be counted one myself. (www.christinefeehan.com)

Reviews

[Kathleen Kolling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lazar “Keys” wakes up to find himself locked inside a coffin, after getting beaten and knocked unconscious. Only, he's not alone! Laying underneath him is Lyric, the woman he's been watching and getting to know over the last few months. With his enemies about ready to open the coffin and unleash hell on them, Lazar has to figure out how to get them out of this mess and get word back to his club who will protect him at any cost. But are these enemies his or Lyric's?

Another great book by Christine Feehan. I love reading Keys' story and seeing another club member find HEA after the horrors of their childhood. I also liked Feehan's inclusion of Lyric being a neurodivergent character with autism, though I preferred Rikki's neurodivergent story better, Water Bound. Lyric's case seemed very mild and I wasn't sure the label of autism was necessary. Lazar and Lyric have a cute relationship, quite spicy at times, but I love how they support each other. I always enjoy catching up with the other Torpedo Ink members and seeing them find love and happiness. The additional plot of Lyric having been rejected by her parents and brother seemed a bit random and needed to be better flushed out.

Christine Feehan is one of my favorite authors and every new release is an automatic purchase for me. I love the Torpedo Ink club members and all of their stories. I was a bit disappointed to hear that they're enveloping other motorcycle clubs from around them. I would've been content with just reading the stories for the 18 surviving club members. Now the newest club members open it up for Feehan to publish dozens more books, similar to the Dark series that's gone on and on and on.

I felt blessed to get an ARC from one of my favorites!!

*** I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. ***

[LizReads.Late · Rating 3 out of 5]

Synopsis:
To all who know him, Keys is a womanizer with no intentions of settling down. However, when he wakes up trapped in a coffin with Lyric—the woman he has been secretly stalking for weeks—he begins to realize she might be the one to change his ways. Lyric has been running from her past, and it seems it has finally caught up with her. While fighting for their lives, Keys must convince her to stop running and start fighting for a future together.
Review:
As a long-time fan of this author, I was eager to dive into this latest installment. This series is known for its "burn-down-the-world" possessive male leads and interconnected plots. While these are standalone romances, the cameos from previous characters are a highlight, and I would highly recommend reading the series in order to fully appreciate the world-building.
The author excels at jumping straight into the action. The story is fast-paced, and I appreciated that the main characters already had a foundation of friendship. The narrative effectively sprinkles in details of their history without needing to dedicate the entire beginning of the book to it. However, I struggled more with the male lead in this book than in previous novels. While the "morally gray" archetype is a staple of the series, some of the character dynamics felt more abrasive than romantic.
What I Liked:
- Pacing and Structure: The story starts in the middle of the relationship’s development, which keeps the momentum high from the first page.
- Character Cameos: Seeing previous leads was the highlight of the book for me and made me nostalgic for their specific stories. Probably going to re-read my favorites.
- Emotional Conflict: The moments of betrayal and heartache—specifically when other characters were testing Lyric’s fit for Keys—were highly effective and emotionally resonant.
- Neurodivergent Representation: The FMC’s neurodivergent traits were a notable and appreciated addition to the character dynamic.
What I Didn't Like:
- Character Behavior: I found it difficult to connect with Keys. The constant emphasis on his history as a womanizer felt heavy-handed and unrealistic for the setting. Additionally, his tendency to blame poor behavior on a "monster" persona felt like a way to avoid accountability.
- Consent and Tone: There were moments where the language leaned closer to abusive behavior than romantic tension. I would have liked to see more explicit signals of consent earlier in the book.
- Contradictions: There were several inconsistencies in Keys' characterization regarding his past and his preferences that made his growth feel less cohesive and abrupt.
- Lack of Context: I expected a deeper exploration of his specific trauma to help justify his distrustful and occasionally misogynistic worldview, but this wasn't fully delivered, making him harder to sympathize with.
Final Verdict:
For dedicated fans of the series, this book offers the usual high-stakes possessiveness and familiar faces that we’ve come to appreciate. While the spice levels are consistent with previous books and the kinks are more mainstream than in the most recent installments, the lead character’s behavior may be polarizing.
I would not recommend this as a starting point for those new to the series. However, if you already love this author’s world, it is worth the read for the cameos and the fast-paced plot. I would suggest newcomers start with the earlier books for a more balanced introduction to these types of heroes.

***I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.***

[Hollollolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Twisted Road is a dub con paranormal motorcycle club story. It carries themes of found family and is not quite fated mates, but does seem to have elements of it. Though I found the story repetitive, and book over book repetitive, I did enjoy the neurodivergent diversity. Sections become skimmable if you’re reading through the series because there is so much recap. Twisted Road reads like every other Christine Feehan book. If you like those, you will like this.

We jump right in the action and are playing catch up with the characters right off the bat. MMC Keys and FMC Lyric are short term friends to lovers and I wish we had gotten to see part of the friendship instead of being thrown right into him convincing us they belong together. I wasn’t really rooting for them yet because I didn’t know anything about them.

I also struggled to connect with Keys. He’s misogynistic as only a white motorcycle club man can be. He doesn’t want to commit but doesn’t want her to do her own thing, Lyric doesn’t even want him, yet he keeps pushing the issue. Said he wouldn’t force a marriage proposal and then forced her to do everything but legally marry him. Demanding lots of sex and loyalty when she already said nah. Less dark romance vibes more misogynist romance. Requires a specific type of femininity. IE do as I say, I want full control, rules like no swearing and punishments to match. All elements of submissive/master relationship but none of the consent. The spicy scenes seemed a little vanilla for the FMC to be so immediately dickmatized, even with her being a virgin…until he starts blowing past boundaries and the orgies hit. He kinda took advantage of her with some dub-con, but he’s a psychic in an MC so what would you expect. Thanks to NetGalley I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Spoilers! Below are the tags I included in my personal tracking that other readers may find relevant: anal, California, contemporary, dark, fmc-lyric, friends to lovers, interseries, mental health, mmc-keys, motorcycle club, paranormal, sexual assault, spanking, toys, virgin

Fiction, contemporary, crime, romance, dark, emotional, fast paced
Plot or Character Driven: character
Strong character development: no
Lovable characters: no
Diverse cast of characters: somewhat
Flaws of characters a main focus: yes
Prior reading required: A lot of the book is recapping the other characters stories, so you don’t necessarily need to have read the prior books, but it will help a lot. This is book ten and the series is a spinoff of a spinoff series. I have read a handful of prior books in this series and was able to follow along, but if you’ve read only this it might be too deep in the series to follow fully.

[Nancy Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Some spoilers below:

Twisted Road is a moody, character-driven entry in the Torpedo Ink series that leans heavily into emotional and physical trauma, healing, and the complicated bonds of found family. Christine Feehan delivers exactly what her longtime readers expect—intense romance layered with danger and graphic sex scenes.

The story centres on Lazar "Keys" Alexeev and Lyric Johansen, two deeply scarred individuals whose connection unfolds quickly and with volatility. Feehan starts the novel with a brutal kidnapping, murders for revenge and the relationship builds improbably from there.

One of the novel’s strongest elements is its exploration of trauma. Keys is a serial womanizer who never sleeps with the same woman twice. Lyric is neurodivergent and feels uneasy about her social skills. As a result she is a runner, who doesn't ever stay in one place for long. With her many quirks she never feels like she belongs. Both of them carry significant psychological wounds, and Feehan doesn’t gloss over the impact—sometimes to a fault. There is a focus on past abuse and recovery which can get repetitive. Still, there’s a sincerity in how healing is portrayed: messy, nonlinear, and deeply dependent on connection with others.

The Torpedo Ink brotherhood's loyalty and protectiveness add tension and warmth, though readers new to the series may want to read some of the other books in the series which set out the established dynamics. I was surprised that Keys doesn't play music once during the book, although that's kind of what he's known for. The suspense plot takes a backseat to the emotional arcs, which may disappoint those expecting a more balanced thriller-romance blend.

Overall, Twisted Road will resonate most with readers who appreciate intense, trauma-focused romance and are already invested in the Torpedo Ink world, though newcomers should be prepared for fairly graphic and kinky sex scenes.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ This was a decent book, and I enjoyed it for the most part. While it technically could be read as a stand alone, it would be best having read the prior books in the Torpedo Ink series. Christine’s books are a bit fantastical at times, where her characters are untouchable when it comes to skills and abilities. These books also have a small paranormal aspect to them, that I wish the author leaned more into, or just didn’t include at all. Those abilities only come out in bits and pieces, and seem to be used to give the characters a major advantage. I’ve come to accept that and just go with it.

Keys is a member of the Torpedo Ink motorcycle club and has been interested in Lyric, a hairdresser he met while on an undercover operation for the MC. The book opens with a threat to Keys and Lyric’s lives, and they must work together to get themselves safe. I liked that Keys realized he needed to change his views on relationships and accept that he couldn’t keep sleeping around if he wanted to be with Lyric. Lyric being neurodivergent was an interesting add, and I loved that Keys understood her and how her brain worked differently.

There were elements of their love life that I didn’t really like and were of dubious consent. While the FMC always ended up being ok with things, I don’t love when someone doesn’t stop something when asked to.

The book was a lot of talking about their relationship and not much action. Things felt repetitive at times, and the plot didn’t move forward very much. There is an overarching storyline going through these last few books and little progress was made with that. I plan on still reading the rest of the books in this series as it comes out. I want to thank the Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the free copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to leave a review.

No third act breakup

5/5 on the Spicy Scale

M/F

Dub-con

Paranormal Romance

[Brea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christine Feehan’s Twisted Road continues the long-running Torpedo Ink with Keys and Lyric’s story—one that drops readers straight into danger and never really slows down.
The novel opens with a striking, high-stakes scene: Keys and Lyric waking up trapped together in a coffin being transported into the mountains. It���s an immediate adrenaline rush that sets the tone for the suspense and tension that follows. The pacing stays tight throughout, with the kind of danger, action, and emotional intensity readers expect from Christine Feehan.
Because the story begins in the middle of an already-established friendship, the romance takes a little longer to settle in. The characters have known each other for several months when the book begins, but most of that early connection happens off-page. As a result, the emotional investment in their relationship builds more gradually. Once their dynamic finds its footing, though, the story leans into the fierce loyalty and devotion that defines the Torpedo Ink world—when these characters fall, they fall hard.
The book blends dark romantic tension with the series’ signature elements: found-family bonds, gritty suspense, and the paranormal threads that run quietly through the club’s world. Lyric’s neurodivergence adds another layer to the story, and watching her slowly become part of the Torpedo Ink family adds emotional weight alongside the action.
Twisted Road ultimately delivers exactly what longtime readers of the series expect—intensity, heat, danger, and a fiercely loyal MC family at the center of it all. A solid addition to the series for fans who enjoy dark, emotional romance with plenty of suspense.
Thank you to Christine Feehan, Berkley Publishing Group, and NetGalley for the advance copy. All opinions are my own

[Read All About It · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wildfire!

This story is packed with suspense from start to finish. This series keeps evolving and some of the subject matter will not be for everyone.

Lyric Johansen is a runner. She never stays in one place for long. With her many quirks she never feels like she belongs anywhere. She is one tough lady. She won’t stay in the background but jumps right in the thick of things. A combination of insecurity and strength she is unique.

For someone normal, it wouldn’t be a big deal, but she was a mimic. She fit in by watching others and doing what they did.

Keys is obsessed with Lyric. He will protect her with his life. The Playboy has finally found his one but the road to HEA is never that simple. Both of these characters have many secrets.

He recognized that Lyric. He’d woken the little dragon, and she was getting ready to breathe fire on him. He could work with that.

As a diehard Feehan fan I will always look forward to anything this author writes.

[Whispers From · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keys was on an undercover mission for his motorcycle club Torpedo Ink when his meets Lyric. After the President of the club shuts down the mission, Keys keeps going back to see Lyric, even though he never sleeps with the same woman twice. Lyric has a salon and is a hairdresser but she wears “masks”. She is neurodivergent and was abandoned by her family. Keys and Lyric wake up in a coffin together and Lyric is claustrophobic and starts freaking out. Keys calms her by kissing her and realizes he doesn’t want to stop. When they are finally rescued, Keys takes Lyric back to the compound with him. He doesn’t believe he can live without her and takes out anyone who has hurt her. But will Keys keep her too close and end up losing her?

Great story. I can totally relate to Lyric. I have some of her problems and some I never knew were problems. Keys is a protective biker with his own special abilities. Steamy. Paranormal. I voluntarily read and reviewed this for Netgalley.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book and am sharing my honest thoughts

There’s nothing like a reminder of why your favorite author became your favorite in the first place. I was hooked immediately from the first page when keys and lyric find themselves tangled up in a coffin!

One aspect that didn’t work for me was the dynamic between the main characters. The female lead is written in a way that sometimes suggests she’s struggling emotionally, and the male lead often comes across as very controlling. At several points he essentially declares that she belongs to him without giving her much agency or choice in whether she wants to be in the relationship.

Because of that, the romance didn’t feel healthy or convincing to me. I personally prefer relationship arcs where both characters actively choose each other and where consent and communication are clearer. The imbalance in this relationship made it difficult for me to connect with the romance, even though other readers who enjoy more possessive or dominant dynamics might feel differently.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Christine Feehan, Berkley and Netgalley for the ARC.
Keys lady may be small but she is mighty and a perfect match despite Torpedo Ink members thinking otherwise at first.
Her old enemies are involved with the Ghosts and after kidnapping Key and Lyric never expect Torpedo Ink.
Lyric is neurodivergent. Her childhood and Key's are different but same enough at the same time for them to understand and support each other.
This book has all the action, adventure, and ever after the reader has come to expect from the author.

[Lisa Serrano-Arnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfectly classic Christine Feehan.

She keeps building the Torpedo Ink world to perfection.
The characters are so flawed that you just want them to succeed.
The paranormal is weaved in so seamlessly that it all makes sense.

The story is contagious; you want more and more of all the characters.
You can't help but keep rooting for Keys and Lyric to be happy.

(even though it is part of the Torpedo Ink series you can read it as a stand-alone and not be lost)

[Mel T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christine Feehan's Twisted Road is another scorching hit! Keys and Lyric's story is an adrenaline-fueled journey, literally. Trapped in a coffin, their unexpected chemistry ignites amidst intense danger. Keys's protective nature and Lyric's surprising courage make for an unputdownable romance. This book delivers all the thrills, heat, and undeniable pull of desire you expect from Feehan! A fantastic addition to the Torpedo Ink series.

[Rebecca Goss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lyric is hiding from a past that threatens her. Keys is a member of Torpedo Ink motorcycle club. He is intrigued by her in a while he has never been drawn to anyone before. They find themselves in danger and have to work together to survive. Actually, she thinks she is helping and he thinks he could have handled it all. Keys does not lack ego. He does occasionally lack insight into her neurodivergence. This is a passionate, exciting story filled with danger and a sense of community!

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This was a refreshing return to the Torpedo Ink series, after a disappointing few installments. I would have liked more of a glimpse of Keys & Lyrics' backstory, however, to enrich their current relationship. I also found some of the narrative and inner monologue repetitive and/or contradictory. It was reminiscent of the first few books in the series, which I enjoyed much more, though, so that was nice.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC - all opinions are my own.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keys is a womanizing cad whose motto is one and done. He uses women to feel something/anything so he isn’t so hollow. Lyric had no one to teach her social mores so she’s become something of a mimic. The only person who has seen through her mask is a guy with a mask of his own. Danger, lust and love will have you pulling for Keys and Lyric.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this addition to the unputdownable Torpedo Ink series. Fantastic storytelling with a captivating mix of romance, fast-paced action and plenty of twists to keep you on your toes. Beautifully blends heart, thrills, and sizzle. A highly addictive page-turner that doesn’t disappoint! Recommend to anyone who is a fan of this genre and talented writing.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keys is undercover and has met Lyric who he likes as a person. But he's broken club rules to see her and it just might get them killed.

Read their story in this book.

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Karen Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have found a new series to binge! This book is scorching hot. The members of Torpedo Ink each have unusual.gifts. I enjoyed reading the methods of operations. Such a creative and enjoyable read.

[Debbie Ballard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading the mesmerizing and engaging story. When Keys is attacked, Lyric comes to help, both of them end up kidnapped, tied up, and thrown in a coffin. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written full of suspense and intrigue, and a must read riveting romance story by the awesome author, Christine Feehan.

[Lynette Mcdaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was unable to put it down. The author does not disappoint.