A cocktail of Love, Death and Devastation that is shaken, stirred and poured to perfection...
I first came across Maria Macdonald earlier this year when I reviewed Dazed. I loved her writing style and her storytelling, however I have to admit that going into Twisted Truth I was expecting one thing and I got got something completely different and unexpected. Firstly, I need to say a little something— the blurb for this book does not give anything away.. well, not the things that make your eyes pop and keep your arse glued to the edge of your seat and your heart in your stomach and your teeth biting your lip... Basically, I was so freaking (pleasantly) surprised by this book. Secondly, is this book where all the hot British guys are at? Holy freaking cow, if Isaac wasn't deadly hot enough, you also have Noah and Toby... oh, and Uncle Dane—by the way, Maria, you and I are so going to have words over that one! Twisted Truth is just that—a hot, deadly, tearful and exquisite trail of twisted truths. Did I say tearful? Because at times there was some ugly girl crying going on. There was also some serious swoonage.
Plot wise, this book is the gift that keeps on giving. I don't want to go into detail because in my opinion every person going into this book deserves to experience all the twists and surprises that it possesses for themselves. One thing that I will point out, probably what threw mw at first, is the first cousin relationship thing. This is a British romance (woop woop) and in the UK said relationships are legal. Is it still a taboo subject—absolutely. However, what I will say is that this is something that you get used to pretty quickly and in all honesty, although I was apprehensive about it at first, Maria Macdonald carried this out tastefully and earnestly. Even if you are someone that struggles with reading this type of relationship in a romance, in my opinion you will still love this book. On the development front, this book is pretty much flawless. It read beautifully with no room for confusion or misunderstanding, even though the plot is complex and sophisticated. This is a story that's been ingeniously mapped out and executed.
There are a some rather sensitive topics broached within this story. Again, I don't want to say what they are as it will take away from the mystery of the plot. I also don't particularly think that they are necessarily on a trigger level. What I mean is that they have been approached rather sensitively and although they are big emotional pressure cookers within the plot, the detail isn't there to shock and bewilder the reader. If that makes sense? Don't get me wrong, you can't help but be affected by it, but it's all very tactful. These are VERY poignant parts of the story and as such you will feel the impact they have on the characters, but it won't be too much. This story is definitely a journey you go on not just with Olivia and Isaac, but also with their supporting cast. I loved Toby and Helena, I thought they were just fabulous secondary characters that although were a great part of the story never took the spotlight from its leads. Also, Shelly and Noah... they may not have shared the as much page space as Toby and Hel, but I just so freaking loved them. Don't get me wrong there were times where I may have yelled Ludacris' Move Bi*ch at them, but actually in the end I really wanted to know them on a lead characters basis. Basically, what I'm saying is that Maria should most definitely write their stories... well, I already know that Shelly and Tobias are going to get their stories told... buuuuuuut, Helena is a cool chick and Noah is hot geek god...
Anywho, Isaac and Olivia. Boy oh boy, there is chemistry and then there's IsaacOlivia chemistry. It zings and hums and it's so palpable that at times it feels like your heart is being squeezed right in your chest. Their connection is so strong and wired that every single emotion you experience through them... with them is heightened. There were times when it felt like my blood ran so cold it was freezing in my veins, others where my heart stuttered and felt like it would jump right out of my chest, then there were times where it was ripped right out and completely torn apart. These two have this pull that is hypnotic and beguiling. It hooks you and draws you in. I just found myself completely enamoured with them. Olivia is strong and feisty, but despite that she has this softness and vulnerability that allows you to completely empathise with her. She is a direct contrast to Isaac and his smoke and mirrors. He is such an enigma for the most part of this story, just when you think you've got him figured out, that he has it all figured out for himself another thing hits and it's like BAM! There was never a point where I thought they were too needy or whiney, stupid and blind—YES, but overall they are a reader's dream.
I have to say that Maria Macdonald completely outdone herself with Twisted Truth. Her plot was solid and grounded, her characters were completely empathiseable and likeable, oh... and she brought the heat! This wasn't a sex fest, but every intimate interaction was reverend and scorching and packed with emotion and feeling. Do you know what? This book is not far off perfection. Even with the Portuguese/ Spanish language mix up. I can see myself reading it again and again and again and loving it every. Single. Time! I can only hope that book two isn't an excruciatingly long wait away!