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Twist
A Romantic Suspense full of twists and turns.... When a steamy incident in the back seat of a borrowed car plunges sixteen-year-old Beatrice Malcolm smack in the middle of a global manhunt, she discovers that the search for her fugitive father has more to do with her than she could ever imagine. With her mother gone, Bea's life is unraveling in the worst possible way as she's thrust into a world of government conspiracy, insanity, and mind-altering experimentation that forces her to make a life or death decision on who to believe—the FBI or her father. In Twist, Roni Teson has crafted a suspenseful tale of love, betrayal and intrigue with a cast of characters who will leap off the pages and stay in your heart long after the last page has been turned.
- GenresYoung AdultSuspense
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 17, 2014
1 person is currently reading
824 people want to read
About the author
Roni Teson
3 books5 followersRoni Teson’s dream to become an author was realized after she was diagnosed with stage IV cancer. She spent the better part of her treatment developing and fine-tuning her first novel, Heaven or Hell, which received an award at the 2013 Reader’s Favorite International Book Awards and the 2012-2013 Los Angeles Book Festival.
A consummate believer in the declaration that all things happen for a reason, when Roni went into complete remission her passion to write intensified along with her imagination. Her writing that was once a part of her recovery became an integral part of her daily life.
In Twist, Roni Teson’s most recent novel, she has crafted a suspenseful tale of love, betrayal and intrigue with a cast of characters who will leap off the pages and stay in your heart long after the last page has been turned.
Today, Roni lives in Southern California where she writes, reads, enjoys living by the ocean and gives back by raising money for cancer research and prevention.
A consummate believer in the declaration that all things happen for a reason, when Roni went into complete remission her passion to write intensified along with her imagination. Her writing that was once a part of her recovery became an integral part of her daily life.
In Twist, Roni Teson’s most recent novel, she has crafted a suspenseful tale of love, betrayal and intrigue with a cast of characters who will leap off the pages and stay in your heart long after the last page has been turned.
Today, Roni lives in Southern California where she writes, reads, enjoys living by the ocean and gives back by raising money for cancer research and prevention.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 16, 2014
Actual Review - 3.5
If you are looking for an interesting fast read with twists and turns on almost every page then this is definitely the book for you!
I really enjoyed this book and read it in a matter of days as I wanted to eagerly find out what happens next. Roni Tesson does an amazing job at keeping the reader at a suspense, whether its through the dialogue between the characters, the events that occur or by what the main characters are thinking - and trust me, their "minds" and "perspectives" change drastically within the chapters.
I also did like (for most of the part) how the author kept the descriptions of places&people as well as the interactions between them fairly simply. She didn't make unnecessary moments too long or keep a long list of describing how one particular place looked like as that would have destructed from the actual story since it was so riveting & fast paced! But at certain points I did feel that it needed to have more descriptions in terms of how and why Beatrice (the main character) knew how to answer to so many questions posed by the FBI. Then again I found this part interesting and it showed the characters strength, knowledge and how mature she seemed when it came to dealing with the problems she faced between her father and the 'police'.
One aspect of the book that I didn't particularly like and which kept me from giving it above a 3.5/4 was the lack of character personality and development. I couldn't connect with the main character. She went through a lot just from the first chapter but I just couldn't find it to care as much as I did when I read the last three or four chapters. In my opinion (and I'm sure there will be those that agree but disagree also) I would have liked to see more of a connection and understanding or being able to relate to how the characters felt. This aspect of the book was redeemed by the end of the story when the biggest twist of the plot occurs!
I loved the ending . It was definitely unexpected but because of all the plot turns that already happened within the story before the last few chapters, I was glad that it ended the way it did. That is not to say that I wasn't sad about the ending because I was, though i can see how it can be a a great cliffhanger for the next book - which i cannot wait to read as I want to know what happens next in Beatrice's life.
Overall,
I really liked the story,
Loved reading about what will happen next,
Though I only wished there was more of a character//reader connection,
Loved the ending,
Can't wait to read the second book & I'm glad there is one!
Hope you liked the review! I kept it fairly simple I didn't want to give away any spoilers and would like to give you the opportunity to decide how you like the book yourself :)
If you are looking for an interesting fast read with twists and turns on almost every page then this is definitely the book for you!
I really enjoyed this book and read it in a matter of days as I wanted to eagerly find out what happens next. Roni Tesson does an amazing job at keeping the reader at a suspense, whether its through the dialogue between the characters, the events that occur or by what the main characters are thinking - and trust me, their "minds" and "perspectives" change drastically within the chapters.
I also did like (for most of the part) how the author kept the descriptions of places&people as well as the interactions between them fairly simply. She didn't make unnecessary moments too long or keep a long list of describing how one particular place looked like as that would have destructed from the actual story since it was so riveting & fast paced! But at certain points I did feel that it needed to have more descriptions in terms of how and why Beatrice (the main character) knew how to answer to so many questions posed by the FBI. Then again I found this part interesting and it showed the characters strength, knowledge and how mature she seemed when it came to dealing with the problems she faced between her father and the 'police'.
One aspect of the book that I didn't particularly like and which kept me from giving it above a 3.5/4 was the lack of character personality and development. I couldn't connect with the main character. She went through a lot just from the first chapter but I just couldn't find it to care as much as I did when I read the last three or four chapters. In my opinion (and I'm sure there will be those that agree but disagree also) I would have liked to see more of a connection and understanding or being able to relate to how the characters felt. This aspect of the book was redeemed by the end of the story when the biggest twist of the plot occurs!
I loved the ending . It was definitely unexpected but because of all the plot turns that already happened within the story before the last few chapters, I was glad that it ended the way it did. That is not to say that I wasn't sad about the ending because I was, though i can see how it can be a a great cliffhanger for the next book - which i cannot wait to read as I want to know what happens next in Beatrice's life.
Overall,
I really liked the story,
Loved reading about what will happen next,
Though I only wished there was more of a character//reader connection,
Loved the ending,
Can't wait to read the second book & I'm glad there is one!
Hope you liked the review! I kept it fairly simple I didn't want to give away any spoilers and would like to give you the opportunity to decide how you like the book yourself :)
April 8, 2014
Toni Teson's TWIST is a romantic thriller with a sci-fi spin. Sixteen-year-old Bea Malcolm is living a complicated life - her mom has died of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (a rare prion disorder), and her father, a medical researcher for a pharmaceutical company, has disappeared and is now on the FBI's Most Wanted List, suspected of treason. Bea has moved from Seattle to California to live with her aunt and uncle when she meets gorgeous, brilliant surfer dude Luke Drake. It's love at first sight for the two of them, and within hours of their meeting they're getting it on the backseat of Luke's car. But then the unthinkable happens - first, Bea's missing father shows up, warning her to stay away from Luke, and then Luke is savagely beaten, leaving him in a coma with brain damage. The FBI thinks Bea's father was Luke's attacker, but he insists that he's innocent. And Bea finds herself frantically trying to figure out who she can trust and what's really going on in her life.
In the beginning, at least, TWIST reads like a YA romance novel, especially the relationship between Bea and Luke. If so-called "insta-love" is your thing, this book has it in spades. Just minutes after meeting Luke, Bea says, "when he touched my shoulder, I left a thousand magical chords resonate through my body. My cheeks turned to fire, and I thought my hair would melt off my head." It gets more intense the next day, when the two ditch school for a little beach-side nookie. This happens way too fast, and without any real character development. Later, as the story gets into brain implants, drug research, and shady government conspiracies, I wondered if some sort of freaky mind control thing was going on . . . but no, these are just two kids crazy in love.
If you can get past the insta-love, the story itself is interesting. Bea's father is trying desperately to juggle his responsibilities to his family and the demands of a secret government agency. He's working on a drug that might be able to cure brain disease, but the government wants to use that same drug as a mind-enhancing weapon. And there are plenty of secrets he's keeping from Bea, and from her aunt and uncle. This is an exciting and compelling story that moves quickly and keeps the reader engaged.
And the ending is definitely both intriguing and unexpected. I'm often bothered by novels - especially thrillers - that either cop out and end by tying things up in a neat little bow, or leave the reader hanging, waiting for a sequel. Teson may or may not have a sequel in mind for TWIST, but it ends in a way that is both thought-provoking and ultimately satisfying. No, Teson does not tie up all the loose ends, but she presents a scenario for Bea and Luke that might ultimately take them beyond "insta-love." And if she does have a sequel in mind, I wouldn't mind picking it up! And since I'm not a fan of serialized fiction (which is all the rage these days), that says a lot.
My biggest problem with TWIST (aside from the "insta-love" thing) is whether it's a YA novel or not. Since the story is told from the perspective of two teenagers (the POV shifts back and forth, from Bea's to Luke's), it definitely reads like YA. And Teson makes a real effort to steer clear of profanity (she uses euphemisms instead of the real thing). But there is more sex in this novel than in most YA fiction these days, and it's sex that happens very quickly, with little thought (and without protection). There's also a lot of drugs and drinking in the novel, including a rather harrowing encounter with Ecstasy. These are problematic elements that make me think twice about recommending TWIST to younger teens. I have no doubt most teens have had more experience with sex, drugs, and alcohol these days than I did back in the `60s, so these things probably won't raise any eyebrows. But parents should be aware.
Bottom line, I enjoyed TWIST in spite of the insta-love - and in spite of the fact that I'm decades older than the target audience. The novel is well-written, professionally edited, and carefully plotted. And it has a lot to say about medical research, government manipulation, and the unique value of the human mind. TWIST is an intelligent and original thriller that has kept me thinking long after I finished reading. And that's a very good thing.
[Please note: I was provided a copy of this novel for review; the opinions expressed here are my own.]
In the beginning, at least, TWIST reads like a YA romance novel, especially the relationship between Bea and Luke. If so-called "insta-love" is your thing, this book has it in spades. Just minutes after meeting Luke, Bea says, "when he touched my shoulder, I left a thousand magical chords resonate through my body. My cheeks turned to fire, and I thought my hair would melt off my head." It gets more intense the next day, when the two ditch school for a little beach-side nookie. This happens way too fast, and without any real character development. Later, as the story gets into brain implants, drug research, and shady government conspiracies, I wondered if some sort of freaky mind control thing was going on . . . but no, these are just two kids crazy in love.
If you can get past the insta-love, the story itself is interesting. Bea's father is trying desperately to juggle his responsibilities to his family and the demands of a secret government agency. He's working on a drug that might be able to cure brain disease, but the government wants to use that same drug as a mind-enhancing weapon. And there are plenty of secrets he's keeping from Bea, and from her aunt and uncle. This is an exciting and compelling story that moves quickly and keeps the reader engaged.
And the ending is definitely both intriguing and unexpected. I'm often bothered by novels - especially thrillers - that either cop out and end by tying things up in a neat little bow, or leave the reader hanging, waiting for a sequel. Teson may or may not have a sequel in mind for TWIST, but it ends in a way that is both thought-provoking and ultimately satisfying. No, Teson does not tie up all the loose ends, but she presents a scenario for Bea and Luke that might ultimately take them beyond "insta-love." And if she does have a sequel in mind, I wouldn't mind picking it up! And since I'm not a fan of serialized fiction (which is all the rage these days), that says a lot.
My biggest problem with TWIST (aside from the "insta-love" thing) is whether it's a YA novel or not. Since the story is told from the perspective of two teenagers (the POV shifts back and forth, from Bea's to Luke's), it definitely reads like YA. And Teson makes a real effort to steer clear of profanity (she uses euphemisms instead of the real thing). But there is more sex in this novel than in most YA fiction these days, and it's sex that happens very quickly, with little thought (and without protection). There's also a lot of drugs and drinking in the novel, including a rather harrowing encounter with Ecstasy. These are problematic elements that make me think twice about recommending TWIST to younger teens. I have no doubt most teens have had more experience with sex, drugs, and alcohol these days than I did back in the `60s, so these things probably won't raise any eyebrows. But parents should be aware.
Bottom line, I enjoyed TWIST in spite of the insta-love - and in spite of the fact that I'm decades older than the target audience. The novel is well-written, professionally edited, and carefully plotted. And it has a lot to say about medical research, government manipulation, and the unique value of the human mind. TWIST is an intelligent and original thriller that has kept me thinking long after I finished reading. And that's a very good thing.
[Please note: I was provided a copy of this novel for review; the opinions expressed here are my own.]
September 3, 2016
This has been the worst year of Beatrice Malcolm’s life. Her dad, a government agent, now finds himself on the FBI’s most wanted list and her mother has died from a horrible disease. So she’s gone to live with her aunt Charlotte and Uncle George. But then not only does Bea get caught making out with a boy in the back of a car, and it’s caught on film and finds its way onto social media.
Too bad that wasn’t the worst of it. The FBI tells her one thing and her dad tells her another. She has to make a choice to believe one or the other. And her life depends on it.
Twist was a very twisted tale reality and unreality. It was a mesmerizing story that had you unsure who to believe. The characters were well-developed. I was invested in the main character Bea and I really felt for her and the terrible situation she was in. I rejoiced with her when she received the good news she wasn’t expecting and surprised when I found out it wasn’t true. I can’t imagine how devastated she must have been.
While Twist is written with young adults in mind, I think the sexual content of the book is quite adult-oriented, so readers should keep that in mind if they are choosing this book as a gift for someone else. There is also some profanity in this book that readers looking for clean reads should be aware of.
Twist is a book that you can read more than once so that you can catch all the details that you missed the first time. It is a great read that leaves you with much to think about at the end. I think the best twist of the book is the twist the author leaves you with at the end of the novel.
I gave Twist 4 stars out of 5. It was a brilliant suspense novel that readers of suspense of any age will surely enjoy.
Thank you to the publishers who provided a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
This review was posted on my blog Shelf Full of Books http://kathrynsshelffullofbooks.blogs...
Too bad that wasn’t the worst of it. The FBI tells her one thing and her dad tells her another. She has to make a choice to believe one or the other. And her life depends on it.
Twist was a very twisted tale reality and unreality. It was a mesmerizing story that had you unsure who to believe. The characters were well-developed. I was invested in the main character Bea and I really felt for her and the terrible situation she was in. I rejoiced with her when she received the good news she wasn’t expecting and surprised when I found out it wasn’t true. I can’t imagine how devastated she must have been.
While Twist is written with young adults in mind, I think the sexual content of the book is quite adult-oriented, so readers should keep that in mind if they are choosing this book as a gift for someone else. There is also some profanity in this book that readers looking for clean reads should be aware of.
Twist is a book that you can read more than once so that you can catch all the details that you missed the first time. It is a great read that leaves you with much to think about at the end. I think the best twist of the book is the twist the author leaves you with at the end of the novel.
I gave Twist 4 stars out of 5. It was a brilliant suspense novel that readers of suspense of any age will surely enjoy.
Thank you to the publishers who provided a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
This review was posted on my blog Shelf Full of Books http://kathrynsshelffullofbooks.blogs...
June 22, 2014
Starring at the cover, you would think that this was an Adult novel but it is in fact a Teen Book and just like the title assumes this book is filled with lots of twists and that isn't exaggerating either. This novel starts off relatively normal with Bea living with her aunty and uncle after what we can assume was a tragedy that happened forcing her to try and move on with her life with her Aunt and Uncle. Then we learn that Bea's father is currently wanted by the FBI and it has something to do with her mother's death. Bea then starts school and meets Lucas Davenport, these two are drawn together and have a romantic fling though it is short-lived with Lucas ends up half-dead and lying in a hospital bed and somehow it seems that this might be due to Bea's father and the case the FBI are putting together. Bea then flies down to stay with her best friend in Seattle and for a brief moment sees her Dad and he tells her not to "trust anyone". Then the story starts to get weird as Lucas has amnesia and hates the name Lucas and wants to be called Louie, then it is discovered that maybe Bea's mum is still alive and that the funeral was faked and that her father really isn't in trouble but is trying to save her life as she has the disease just like her mother does or at least did . About 3/4 the way through the novel, Twist does get really confusing and as I say alot of twists and turns start developing and readers, you will have to sort out for your own as to which is reality and which is fantasy and reading the book and from my own experiences with it, I am guessing that this is one of those books that everyone will have a different outcome in the end to which was real and what was fake.
Twist was a mixture between a Teen Fiction with Edgy Content meets Mystery Suspense with a weird element of not exactly Sci-Fi but that feel of something not adding up and government involvement - think Men In Black films.
Anyway, Twist is one of those books readers, that you will either love or hate.
Twist was a mixture between a Teen Fiction with Edgy Content meets Mystery Suspense with a weird element of not exactly Sci-Fi but that feel of something not adding up and government involvement - think Men In Black films.
Anyway, Twist is one of those books readers, that you will either love or hate.
October 1, 2015
Beatrice Malcom is just a normal sixteen-year-old girl living a normal life. Or so she’s always thought, anyway. Lately, though, her life has turned upside-down. After her mother’s death from Cruetzfeldt-Jakob disease, her father was declared a traitor by the U.S. Government; he’s on the run, and Bea has moved in with her aunt and uncle in a different city, far from her friends. And then she meets Luke Drake. When their relationship progresses too far too fast, Bea doesn’t realize how far the consequences might reach. And she certainly never intended for Luke to get drawn into the drama swirling around her. Suddenly, Bea is in the middle of the FBI’s manhunt for her father, and she doesn’t know who she can trust. The FBI, who talk so reasonably about just how dangerous her father is? Or her dad, who claims that conspiracies surround them at every turn? And how might Bea’s own forgotten past come into play?
Roni Teson has written an intriguing and engaging novel with Twist. What starts out as a predictable and potentially shallow teen romance novel quickly morphs into something else, something with violent twists and crazy turns that will keep readers on their toes. Bea is an everyday-kind-of girl, but her life is anything but ordinary. While many aspects of this story are rather unrealistic, and the love story between Bea and Luke is rather sudden and hard to believe (although still sweet and fun to read about), the whole of Twist makes for a suspenseful story that you will want to see through to the end. This is a well-written novel with a fascinating plot that is guaranteed to make readers think.
Originally written for San Francisco Book Review.
Roni Teson has written an intriguing and engaging novel with Twist. What starts out as a predictable and potentially shallow teen romance novel quickly morphs into something else, something with violent twists and crazy turns that will keep readers on their toes. Bea is an everyday-kind-of girl, but her life is anything but ordinary. While many aspects of this story are rather unrealistic, and the love story between Bea and Luke is rather sudden and hard to believe (although still sweet and fun to read about), the whole of Twist makes for a suspenseful story that you will want to see through to the end. This is a well-written novel with a fascinating plot that is guaranteed to make readers think.
Originally written for San Francisco Book Review.
December 13, 2015
Sometimes I read a book and at the end I find myself envying the author’s imagination, because I have been so engrossed in the story they have created. This is one of those books.
The story opens with Luke meeting Beatrice for the first time. Beatrice has recently moved in with her Aunt and Uncle, and Luke’s father is Uncle George’s best friend. It’s love at first sight for our two teenagers, but after one spur of the moment afternoon together, circumstances will keep them apart for months. Beatrice’s mother has died and her father is on the run from the FBI. Understandably, Beatrice is confused by the situation and no one will tell her what her father has done or when she will see him again. Suddenly, her father reappears and Luke ends up beaten nearly to death, while Beatrice is forced to return to Seattle. Will these two ever have a chance to be together again? Will Luke regain his memory? Will Beatrice ever learn the truth about herself and her father?
This book lives up to its name as the story twists and turns from beginning to end. I couldn’t help but root for Beatrice and Luke as these kids navigate the challenges thrown at them. The author’s style is very approachable and easy to read. While this book is about teenagers, and would be a great read for that age group, as an adult I enjoyed it tremendously. There was plenty of intrigue and the romance part was not overdone or frivolous. I particularly appreciated the author’s description of Luke’s recovery, which seemed very realistic and true to life. I am highly recommending this book and hope it will get the attention and readership it deserves.
Happy Reading!
The story opens with Luke meeting Beatrice for the first time. Beatrice has recently moved in with her Aunt and Uncle, and Luke’s father is Uncle George’s best friend. It’s love at first sight for our two teenagers, but after one spur of the moment afternoon together, circumstances will keep them apart for months. Beatrice’s mother has died and her father is on the run from the FBI. Understandably, Beatrice is confused by the situation and no one will tell her what her father has done or when she will see him again. Suddenly, her father reappears and Luke ends up beaten nearly to death, while Beatrice is forced to return to Seattle. Will these two ever have a chance to be together again? Will Luke regain his memory? Will Beatrice ever learn the truth about herself and her father?
This book lives up to its name as the story twists and turns from beginning to end. I couldn’t help but root for Beatrice and Luke as these kids navigate the challenges thrown at them. The author’s style is very approachable and easy to read. While this book is about teenagers, and would be a great read for that age group, as an adult I enjoyed it tremendously. There was plenty of intrigue and the romance part was not overdone or frivolous. I particularly appreciated the author’s description of Luke’s recovery, which seemed very realistic and true to life. I am highly recommending this book and hope it will get the attention and readership it deserves.
Happy Reading!
November 11, 2017
Roni Teson has written a very enigmatic book in Twist, her second novel; it is part Young Adult fiction, part romance and part mystery. Petite, brunette, sixteen year old Beatrice ‘Bea’ Malcolm has a hypnotic effect on everyone she meets, particularly the males of the species, and her first sexual encounter - with local hotshot, Lucas Drake - is the conduit that sets in motion a chain of events that will change both of their lives irrevocably. Bea finds herself thrown in to the middle of a complex web of love, lust, kidnap, violence and government agency manhunts – but what is the link to her absent father and recently deceased mother; why do the FBI want to question Bea and what is it about her that seems to lead everyone to ‘twist’ to her every whim?
I enjoyed reading Twist, and I’m still not sure I’ve taken it all in! Roni Teson has written a very absorbing story and created two very compelling, if not exactly likeable, characters in its twin narrators, Bea and Lucas. I always enjoy a tale with multiple narrators and this was very effectively accomplished in this case. I was intrigued by the multi-layered story from its first page and Teson has a very easy, clear and readable style which draws you in and keeps you hooked throughout. It is very different to anything I’ve read before and has both an original premise and, aptly, many dizzying plots twists. I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys mysteries and something a little bit different! Reviewed by Julia for Readers' Favorite.
I enjoyed reading Twist, and I’m still not sure I’ve taken it all in! Roni Teson has written a very absorbing story and created two very compelling, if not exactly likeable, characters in its twin narrators, Bea and Lucas. I always enjoy a tale with multiple narrators and this was very effectively accomplished in this case. I was intrigued by the multi-layered story from its first page and Teson has a very easy, clear and readable style which draws you in and keeps you hooked throughout. It is very different to anything I’ve read before and has both an original premise and, aptly, many dizzying plots twists. I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys mysteries and something a little bit different! Reviewed by Julia for Readers' Favorite.
December 6, 2014
Twisted is a full length book that has a little bit of everything: Love, Drama, Suspense, Mystery. It’s more than just a novel for young adults. I think many people, adults included, will enjoy the story of Beatrice and Luke. Bea is a new student in a California, and when she meets a brilliant surfer named Luke, they fall in love, as teenagers tend to do. But this isn’t just a simple little love story for kids.
Beatrice has had a lot to deal with in her young life. Her mother has just passed away from a rare disease, and her father has been missing from her life for years, as a fugitive from the law. When her father comes for her, she realizes there is much more going on that what she had been told her entire life. Her father claims that the government had a cure for her mother, and forced him to leave. When the FBI intervenes with photo evidence that her father isn’t telling her the truth, she’s left wondering if anything she’s ever been told is true, and sending her reeling.
Teson is a wonderful and unique storyteller who will leave you eagerly wondering just what will happen next for her characters Bea and Luke, in this book I found very difficult to put down. This story is incredibly well crafted full of deeply emotional characters, shocking secrets, action and suspense. I look forward to reading more of Teson’s work in the years to come.
Beatrice has had a lot to deal with in her young life. Her mother has just passed away from a rare disease, and her father has been missing from her life for years, as a fugitive from the law. When her father comes for her, she realizes there is much more going on that what she had been told her entire life. Her father claims that the government had a cure for her mother, and forced him to leave. When the FBI intervenes with photo evidence that her father isn’t telling her the truth, she’s left wondering if anything she’s ever been told is true, and sending her reeling.
Teson is a wonderful and unique storyteller who will leave you eagerly wondering just what will happen next for her characters Bea and Luke, in this book I found very difficult to put down. This story is incredibly well crafted full of deeply emotional characters, shocking secrets, action and suspense. I look forward to reading more of Teson’s work in the years to come.
July 21, 2014
Roni Teson has brought together characters that will have readers on the edge of their seat in Twist. Beatrice Malcolm is thrust into the middle of a man hunt after her one night in the back seat of a car with a fellow student. Beatrice soon finds out that she may be a pawn in the search for her father who has been eluding capture. Beatrice must decipher who is telling the truth as well as whom she can trust, the FBI or her father. Will Beatrice finally learn the truth? Will she decide on whom to trust?
Lucas Drake meets Beatrice at school and the attraction begins. Unbeknownst to Lucas, spending time with Beatrice has placed him in the cross fire of a government investigation. After having a steamy night with Beatrice, Lucas’s life changes forever. Lucas is attacked and as a result has memory lost. Will Lucas get his memory back?
Twist was a suspenseful novel that had me frustrated, excited and entertained all at once. I felt sorry for Beatrice because I couldn’t decide who to trust either but this element also made the book even more exciting to read. This author has a unique writing style that I look forward to reading. I recommend Twist to others.
This book was provided by the author for review purposes only.
Teresa Beasley
A&RBC Reviews
4 Stars=Great Page Turner
Lucas Drake meets Beatrice at school and the attraction begins. Unbeknownst to Lucas, spending time with Beatrice has placed him in the cross fire of a government investigation. After having a steamy night with Beatrice, Lucas’s life changes forever. Lucas is attacked and as a result has memory lost. Will Lucas get his memory back?
Twist was a suspenseful novel that had me frustrated, excited and entertained all at once. I felt sorry for Beatrice because I couldn’t decide who to trust either but this element also made the book even more exciting to read. This author has a unique writing style that I look forward to reading. I recommend Twist to others.
This book was provided by the author for review purposes only.
Teresa Beasley
A&RBC Reviews
4 Stars=Great Page Turner
February 12, 2015
Synposis: Beatrice Malcolm is living with her aunt and uncle after the death of her mother's death from Cruetzfeldt-Jakob disease, her father was declared a traitor by the U.S. Government. She is trying to come to terms with her mother's death and the possibility of never seeing her father again when she meets Lucas Drake. She is inexplicably drawn to him and romance buds but is almost snuffed when he is drawn into the drama surrounding Beatrice's father. Beatrice is not sure who to trust and how to find the answers she desperately needs to fit back the pieces of her life.
Twist lives up to its name, being full of surprises and unexpected changes in the story line. I became hooked from the very beginning and I didn't find myself in the lulls at any point. I felt like Bea and her friend Amilee were basically unsupervised in the care of Amilee's mom, Jessica Gray. I also sensed that if Bea had been adequately advised of how delicate her condition was she may not have went so far with her celebration which caused a decline in her health. The ending was the ultimate twist that left me wondering what was real, hallucination or fantasy. Overall a good read and would only recommend for older teens to adults due to content.
Twist lives up to its name, being full of surprises and unexpected changes in the story line. I became hooked from the very beginning and I didn't find myself in the lulls at any point. I felt like Bea and her friend Amilee were basically unsupervised in the care of Amilee's mom, Jessica Gray. I also sensed that if Bea had been adequately advised of how delicate her condition was she may not have went so far with her celebration which caused a decline in her health. The ending was the ultimate twist that left me wondering what was real, hallucination or fantasy. Overall a good read and would only recommend for older teens to adults due to content.
May 9, 2015
Nothing in this book made sense. My WTF face was on the whole time I was reading. The idea was a good one, unfortunately it was not executed well. The dialogue was completely unrealistic and cheesy.
Everything moves at warp speed. Even for teenagers, many of whom fall in and out of "love" at the drop of a hat, things moved at warp speed. Hey, there's a cute guy! He kissed my hand and looks at me all dreamy-like! I think I'll have sex with him in a car in broad daylight hours after I meet him! That happens within the first few chapters, and then it's teenage angst interspersed with a biological weapon making dad on the run from the FBI and other secret government agencies.
There are five parts to the book, alternating between Luke and Bea's POV. Luke's chapters were nearly intolerable. He's beaten and left partially brain damaged, which turns him into a jerk and a super athlete. Um, ok. But when we get back to Bea, she's gone from wallflower to drinking, drugs and a sort-of orgy.
The further the book goes along, the sillier it gets, and I can only suspend my belief so much, even in fiction.
After rereading my review, I realize it doesn't make much sense, but neither does the book so...
Everything moves at warp speed. Even for teenagers, many of whom fall in and out of "love" at the drop of a hat, things moved at warp speed. Hey, there's a cute guy! He kissed my hand and looks at me all dreamy-like! I think I'll have sex with him in a car in broad daylight hours after I meet him! That happens within the first few chapters, and then it's teenage angst interspersed with a biological weapon making dad on the run from the FBI and other secret government agencies.
There are five parts to the book, alternating between Luke and Bea's POV. Luke's chapters were nearly intolerable. He's beaten and left partially brain damaged, which turns him into a jerk and a super athlete. Um, ok. But when we get back to Bea, she's gone from wallflower to drinking, drugs and a sort-of orgy.
The further the book goes along, the sillier it gets, and I can only suspend my belief so much, even in fiction.
After rereading my review, I realize it doesn't make much sense, but neither does the book so...
June 25, 2014
I won this book from a contest on Goodreads.
Since the loss of her Mother and the disappearance of her Father, Bea has gone to live with her Aunt Charlotte & Uncle George Hoffman. It was here that Bea first set eyes on Lucas Drake. The sparks were immediate between Lucas and Bea and before too long Bea gave up her virginity to Lucas in the backseat of his friends' car. Shortly thereafter, Bea had a mysterious encounter with her Father and what he told her left Bea even more confused than before. Much to the surprise and horror of what he told her, Bea & Lucas' indiscretion had also been secretly videoed and was put on the internet by the FBI! Bea's entire 16 years on earth was becoming more and more unraveled with each passing moment. Her Father's disappearance and the entire law enforcement agency in the country are hunting him down and the truth of the matter is Bea is smack dab in the middle of all this!! But why? And how? And to what end???
Incredible story that got me from beginning to end. Author Roni Teson did an amazing job and I am now her biggest fan!!!
Since the loss of her Mother and the disappearance of her Father, Bea has gone to live with her Aunt Charlotte & Uncle George Hoffman. It was here that Bea first set eyes on Lucas Drake. The sparks were immediate between Lucas and Bea and before too long Bea gave up her virginity to Lucas in the backseat of his friends' car. Shortly thereafter, Bea had a mysterious encounter with her Father and what he told her left Bea even more confused than before. Much to the surprise and horror of what he told her, Bea & Lucas' indiscretion had also been secretly videoed and was put on the internet by the FBI! Bea's entire 16 years on earth was becoming more and more unraveled with each passing moment. Her Father's disappearance and the entire law enforcement agency in the country are hunting him down and the truth of the matter is Bea is smack dab in the middle of all this!! But why? And how? And to what end???
Incredible story that got me from beginning to end. Author Roni Teson did an amazing job and I am now her biggest fan!!!
December 7, 2014
This book was a change from the norm for me, I usually go for historical romances and such, but Twist was different. This book is essentially for young adults, and as much as I lament the bygone days I much prefer being an adult. Because I am an adult with pre teen kids, I have to keep current.
Twist would appeal to any teen it is full of drama and suspense. It has some very interesting twists to it, pun intended. The book is about a young girl Bea, whose life has been turned inside out by a set of unfortunate events that has impacted her in the worst possible way imaginable. (Events I am not at liberty to write about for fear of spoilers) I felt her angst; I even got mad a couple a times with the adults in this book. I wanted to shovel the entire lot of them and toss them in the nearest bin. They all fell short in protecting Bea, but then I reminded myself this is a story and my anxiety level went down. All in all this was a good read.
Twist would appeal to any teen it is full of drama and suspense. It has some very interesting twists to it, pun intended. The book is about a young girl Bea, whose life has been turned inside out by a set of unfortunate events that has impacted her in the worst possible way imaginable. (Events I am not at liberty to write about for fear of spoilers) I felt her angst; I even got mad a couple a times with the adults in this book. I wanted to shovel the entire lot of them and toss them in the nearest bin. They all fell short in protecting Bea, but then I reminded myself this is a story and my anxiety level went down. All in all this was a good read.
December 13, 2015
Twist was accurately named. When I got to the end of the book I was surprised by the ending. Beatrice Malcolm moves in with her aunt and uncle after her mom dies. Her father is running from the FBI for reasons Beatrice can’t understand. Then she meets Lucas, or Luke, and it is like love at first sight for them both.
Then it gets fast paced with Luke getting beat unto death. Beatrice has a secret meeting with her dad, and then starts a long relationship with the FBI as they use her to try finding her dad. Beatrice moved in with a friend whose mom is a nurse.
Beatrice foolishly tries an illegal drug that affects the brain disease she didn’t know that she had. After moving back to her aunt and uncle’s house, she finds out her dad developed a drug to save her. Plus, she finds her mom is still alive acting as a guinea pig to the drugs to find one that will save Beatrice. That is the highlights, not the ending.
Then it gets fast paced with Luke getting beat unto death. Beatrice has a secret meeting with her dad, and then starts a long relationship with the FBI as they use her to try finding her dad. Beatrice moved in with a friend whose mom is a nurse.
Beatrice foolishly tries an illegal drug that affects the brain disease she didn’t know that she had. After moving back to her aunt and uncle’s house, she finds out her dad developed a drug to save her. Plus, she finds her mom is still alive acting as a guinea pig to the drugs to find one that will save Beatrice. That is the highlights, not the ending.
March 26, 2014
Who would imagine that having sex in the back seat of a car at sixteen years of age could cause your boyfriend to almost be killed and a search by the FBI to locate your dad? Not to mention that the tape of you is now splattered across the Internet.
This book does not waste any time hooking you in and you won’t be able to put it down. Beatrice Malcolm is now living with her aunt and uncle since her mom passed away and her dad is being hunted down for being on the “America’s most wanted list’”
We are not sure if what we read is true, a secret or a lie and the only way to separate that is to keep reading and believe me you will want to not put this down. The one problem I had at the end of the book is trying to make out which are true and which are false.
Twist is a wonderful tale of love, lies, promises and surprises by everyone in the book. A must read.
This book does not waste any time hooking you in and you won’t be able to put it down. Beatrice Malcolm is now living with her aunt and uncle since her mom passed away and her dad is being hunted down for being on the “America’s most wanted list’”
We are not sure if what we read is true, a secret or a lie and the only way to separate that is to keep reading and believe me you will want to not put this down. The one problem I had at the end of the book is trying to make out which are true and which are false.
Twist is a wonderful tale of love, lies, promises and surprises by everyone in the book. A must read.
June 1, 2014
I am not even sure where to begin. During the start of this book and meeting each of the characters, I honestly did not think this book was going to be a hit for me. I thought that it was wordy and that there was a lot of unnecessary filler in there. About 1/4 of the way in, I was sucked into the story. The characters were pulling me in different directions, the plot thickened, and the suspense went off the charts. That being said, the author did a great job of making each person unique and then tying them all together in this little mystery. Now, the love story was quite timid, but the twists (pun intended) were phenomenal. It is not often that books will pull vocal emotions out of me, but I was left screaming at the end of this book because it was completely not what I was expecting. If you want a book that will totally mess with your mind, you have found it!
December 23, 2015
This book is probably pitched at the young adult market, with its hunky handsome hero, Lucas, and feisty heroine, Beatrice, both being high-school kids. The book opens with a very steamy encounter between these two in the back of a car, and you feel that the tone is being set for yet another coming-of-age, Grease–esque high–school story. However, we are soon plunged into action involving a manhunt for Bea’s father, during the course of which Lucas is beaten up and suffers brain-damage. As the narration switches between Bea and Lucas you feel that you are being twisted this way and that and are never quite sure what is real and what is playing out in the imaginations of the two main characters. There is so much intrigue that, although I am too old to be the target market for this book, I was swept along with the action, eager to have my questions answered.
September 8, 2014
Well I was lucky to get this to read as part of a blog tour that is coming up.
I say lucky, because I would have missed this great book otherwise.
Roni Teson the author has done a great job on this. I don't read an awful lot of YA just the odd one recommended to me in and out. I would certainly recommend this one, no matter what age you are.
Who would think one act in the car would cause so much distress. But it did.
Luke I thought was a bit of a player to start with, but I warmed to him as time went on.
Twist, is an apt title for this book as it did have a Twist in it, which kept me wanting to get to the bottom of what in the hell was going on with her Dad.
The ending was unexpected though! Nice one!
I say lucky, because I would have missed this great book otherwise.
Roni Teson the author has done a great job on this. I don't read an awful lot of YA just the odd one recommended to me in and out. I would certainly recommend this one, no matter what age you are.
Who would think one act in the car would cause so much distress. But it did.
Luke I thought was a bit of a player to start with, but I warmed to him as time went on.
Twist, is an apt title for this book as it did have a Twist in it, which kept me wanting to get to the bottom of what in the hell was going on with her Dad.
The ending was unexpected though! Nice one!
December 23, 2015
Twist is an apt title for this thought-provoking book. The narration is split between Beatrice and Lucas and we jump back and forth throughout the book. They are both teenagers; Lucas is being assessed by college scouts so I imagine he must be in his last year of high school, and I would say that the book is aimed towards young adults.
We twist and turn, with a complicated and convoluted plot that can only leave us guessing as to what is true and what is the result of a brain-damaging accident (in the case of Lucas) or mind-altering drugs (in the case of Beatrice). Is Bea’s father hero or villain? Is her mother alive or dead? We are sufficiently interested in the characters to want to know these answers, and to keep turning the pages until we find out (or do we?)
We twist and turn, with a complicated and convoluted plot that can only leave us guessing as to what is true and what is the result of a brain-damaging accident (in the case of Lucas) or mind-altering drugs (in the case of Beatrice). Is Bea’s father hero or villain? Is her mother alive or dead? We are sufficiently interested in the characters to want to know these answers, and to keep turning the pages until we find out (or do we?)
April 4, 2015
Too much of some things, not enough of others
This book jumps between two points of view, and in the end the reader doesn't know what's really happening. The love at first sight is really more like uncontrolled passion at first sight. The main characters never actually get to know each other but are "in love." There's a brain disease, cure's that might be a biological weapon, and in the end, very few real answers. Three meaningless, spur of the moment sexual encounters and the drug Ecstasy make this too mature for teens. Silly plot made it too immature for young adults. I think it had potential but never really went anywhere.
This book jumps between two points of view, and in the end the reader doesn't know what's really happening. The love at first sight is really more like uncontrolled passion at first sight. The main characters never actually get to know each other but are "in love." There's a brain disease, cure's that might be a biological weapon, and in the end, very few real answers. Three meaningless, spur of the moment sexual encounters and the drug Ecstasy make this too mature for teens. Silly plot made it too immature for young adults. I think it had potential but never really went anywhere.
May 19, 2015
This was one confusing hot mess.
Everyone was losing their memory all the time with no real explanations. The narration randomly swapped for the middle third of the book. Both narrators had brain problems which made them /both/ unreliable and I'm left not really knowing if any of the plot points actually happened.
The actual plot was convoluted and made no sense. There was a lot of "science" as written by an English major. All hugely unbelievable and random.
No.
Everyone was losing their memory all the time with no real explanations. The narration randomly swapped for the middle third of the book. Both narrators had brain problems which made them /both/ unreliable and I'm left not really knowing if any of the plot points actually happened.
The actual plot was convoluted and made no sense. There was a lot of "science" as written by an English major. All hugely unbelievable and random.
No.
April 12, 2015
Twist
Mental illness is real and seeking to explain the unexplainable is thought provoking. The story of Beatrice and Luke is surreal. The storyline keeps you engaged and provides several moments of complexity. Just when you think you got it something else takes place. I am still scratching my head to understand it all, which means the essence of the book was fulfilling.
Mental illness is real and seeking to explain the unexplainable is thought provoking. The story of Beatrice and Luke is surreal. The storyline keeps you engaged and provides several moments of complexity. Just when you think you got it something else takes place. I am still scratching my head to understand it all, which means the essence of the book was fulfilling.
May 22, 2017
This book started out really great and continued to hold my interest for a while. However it got really weird near the end and I didn't like the ending.
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