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Five Families #2

Twisted Queen

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When I’m ripped from safety, catapulted into consciousness, and thrown into a nightmare, I come face-to-face with the cruel plot twist fate threw me.

My fight-or-flight instinct kicks in, and when every road leads to chaos, there’s only one option.

In my darkest moments, I promised myself I’d take what I want, and that includes them. My dark avengers.

Protective. Possessive. Mine.

8 pages, Audible Audio

First published October 14, 2021

1172 people are currently reading
4159 people want to read

About the author

Penelope Black

64 books1,944 followers
Penelope Black lives in the Midwest with her husband and two tiny humans. When she's not writing, she enjoys over-the-top action movies, iced chai lattes, and soaking up the sun in her backyard with a good book.

Keep up with Penelope on all platforms:
Newsletter—>bit.ly/PensNL
Facebook—> facebook.com/author.penelope.black
Facebook group—> facebook.com/groups/penelopeblack
Instagram—> instagram.com/authorpenelopeblack/

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5 stars
1,819 (30%)
4 stars
1,897 (31%)
3 stars
1,642 (27%)
2 stars
493 (8%)
1 star
128 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 335 reviews
Profile Image for Melanie (mells_view).
1,929 reviews395 followers
December 24, 2021
“I’m not the hero, baby girl.” “Good thing I don’t want a hero then,”

3.5*

These books are stressing me out. I think the mafia subplot is a little vague at times, but I’m sort of invested. Do I wish the romance and the plot progressed a bit more and bit quicker, yes. Am I going to read book three when it comes out, probably because where is my baby L!? 😅😅😭
Profile Image for Cee.
3,237 reviews165 followers
May 15, 2022
DNF @ 36%

Oh I'm so bummed. I remember really liking Brotherhood, but this series just didn't grip me. Or maybe I'm more picky??? Maddie is just a bit TSTL--- no that's mean, she's just naive. She's an 18 getting mixed up with organized crime and while she thinks she is changing, she isn't. She honestly thinks she was different a month previously and yet still isn't thinking ahead or being wary of others.
Then there are weird little mistakes. Leo said he was a twin, but it is Matteo and Aries who are twins UNLESS there is another brother out there. Blaire is the mayor's ex-daughter? Yet she dated Dale, the mayor's actual son? I'm so confused. And annoyed frankly because I'm seeing no evidence of badassery from the guys.

The first book was so slow and a set up, I accepted it, but I'm over a third into this one and nothing has happened except retelling the same stuff 3 times.

So, I'm bummed. I really was excited to read this series, but I'm not feeling it anymore :(
Profile Image for Rhianna.
82 reviews1 follower
Read
July 16, 2023
I won’t be held accountable for what I read on Kindle Unlimited 🫣
Profile Image for Renée.
862 reviews134 followers
November 8, 2021
Twisted Queen is a Five Families novel by Penelope Black, and the second in the series which follows Maddie and her men - Matteo , Dante, Leo and Aries aka Rafe.

The story follows the after event of Matteo being shot and Maddie being kidnapped.

I also like Maddie’s moment of realising that meeting all of the guys was fate.

This story is definitely a slow burn, but I personally enjoyed that as the story is then filled with key events whilst the relationships are building.
Profile Image for DoubtFire.
439 reviews17 followers
April 24, 2022
Nothing happened

How did I read all that and nothing happened?

Maddie... doesn't escape but gets upkidnapped. Mafia plot doesn't develop at all. Relationships don't develop at all. Steam only ramps up a little. It ends on a cliffhanger but because so little happened with relationships/ character development, it didn't really hit the way cliffhangers are meant to.

In generally, it feels like Maddie is a different character. I remember leaving Book 1 wondering what her personality was. Well Book 2 suddenly introduced the idea of her being a dancer. Sure, I guess, but it was random and not woven into the rest of the story. Leo also feels boring. Honestly all of the guys are boring? Kinda samey in that broody-but-goes-soft-for-the-girl way.

idk even the villains are boring? Like, I'm told repeatedly that the guys' dad is some terrible person, but we don't see it. There's no back up. Maybe I'm a little biased because I read actually dark stuff, but this is so light compared to other mafia stuff.

Honestly, the best part of the whole book was the streamy bit on the staircase but again... nothing! happens! just some making out and male posturing.

Too much time in Maddie's head. Too little happens. Too cutesy. There's just no story. What a let down after Book 1...
Profile Image for madie dragoo.
682 reviews121 followers
March 9, 2023
dnf @ page 107 (41%)

i enjoyed book one enough, but this book just isn’t it for me. the writing is cringy and maddie is annoying me so much. we haven’t gotten literally any action at all and i feel like the relationships between maddie and the boys are all jokes because there is literally no chemistry or connection between then. not the vibe right now
Profile Image for Megan Cockerill.
103 reviews
December 21, 2023
I’m sorry but these books just ain’t it. I need to stop reading things that are recommended on TikTok 🤦🏼‍♀️
Profile Image for Belle .
607 reviews47 followers
October 23, 2021
Really enjoyed this book! It definitely feel like it took a bigger step in differentiating Maddie from Lainey, who I felt she was a tad too similar to in book 1. She has definitely come into her own now.

Her guys are hot. I loveeee them. Aries may just be favorite though! He’s mysterious and possessive and ugh, everything. Dante, Leo and Matteo aren’t far behind though.

The plot moves forward a bit more, but steam wise it is still a slow burn. I can’t wait for the tension to break some more, there were a few lighter hot scenes in this one that I loved!

I can’t wait for book 3!
Profile Image for Vivi .
56 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2023
This series is just not for me 🤷🏻‍♀️

I will not be continuing this series.

Not much had happened since the first book which is saying a lot… pretty predictable

I really wanted to love this series but I unfortunately don’t. Good characters but not much of a story or smut happening…..

And for that reason… I’m out ✌🏻
Profile Image for Karin.
2,178 reviews
January 11, 2022
The suspense just kicked it up another notch for this one and I’m all about it. Maddie are her men just can’t really catch a break and Im wondering what will happen next
Profile Image for Enni (on hiatus) ✨.
398 reviews35 followers
September 1, 2023
”How did you know I was here?”
“I’ll always find you, Raven. In this life and the next.”


Aries is revealed as Matteo's twin brother and after he finds her at Blaire's due to her disappearing after yet another kidnapping (I seriously hope she will not be kidnapped for the third time in as many books in Vicious Reign), Aries' identity is also revealed to Maddie.

Maddie ended up spilling the beans on almost everything to Blaire and after Angelo appears at the hospital Matteo's at after beeing shot just a short time after Blaire, I cannot help but feel there might be some kind of connection at play here. Especially when considering that Blaire used to date Dale, the son of senator Hardin. With Dale having used to frequent the strip club the Five Families hold their meetings in and Senator Hardin being behind the hit that led Maddie to being kidnapped (again), I feel this is foreshadowing for what's to come.

”You smell like me.”
“But she tastes like me, ain’t that right, doll?”
“Is that right, Maddie? Does this p*ssy taste like him?”
“I don’t know. Maybe you should find out for yourself.”


I have to say that for a RH, this book seriously lacks action. There was slightly more spice than in Gilded Prince but Maddie has yet to make it to the third base with any of the guys and we're already two books in. I seriously hope this will be extremely well redeemed in the third book.

If Twisted Queen lacked spice, it did definitely not lack plot. Even though I am beginning to be tired of all the foreplay and no proper action, I was actually really not that bored reading this book because the plot kept me in its hold. There are so many things at being hinted at but not fully revealed which makes me assume the plot will only thicken in Vicious Reign.
Profile Image for Hollianne Jackson.
148 reviews22 followers
October 14, 2021
This is book 2 in the Five Familes series. It is Mafia/Why choose romance.

Wow! Where to even start!? From the first page I was hooked! So much action, drama and angst makes for a very interesting read. I love how strong Maddie is becoming- every page you see her growth and her willingness to fight for what she wants. Leo, Aries, Dante, and Matteo (swoon). Maddie and her men have chemistry that is combustible. I have so many questions that I hope are answered in book three because that cliffhanger was KILLER! 5/5 would recommend. Penelope Black did it again🖤🔥


Also- amazing playlist🖤
Profile Image for Emma (emjbookshelf).
976 reviews22 followers
October 13, 2021
This book was well written. In some scenes and chapters Pen's descriptions were absolutely on point. You could picture the scene, feel what the characters were feeling. Maddie was starting to realise what she wants and what she wants is all four of these men. Pen's writing style is more of a slow burn, we get the steamy scenes but you're always left wanting more so it keeps you hooked and wanting the next book.
Profile Image for Saana.
69 reviews
November 8, 2023
can we just get to the point? they've been moving between houses for 2 books and the only interesting part was at the end
Profile Image for Abstract ♥ Books.
1,281 reviews1,765 followers
October 19, 2021



ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS

line

Star Rating : 4/5 Stars

POV : Multiple

Cliffhanger : Yes

Hero : Multiple

Heroine : Maddie

Pace of the story : Moderate

Angst Rating : 5/10

Heat Rating : 6/10

Triggers Involved : past Trauma , Kidnapping

Review :
I have been waiting for this book ever since that cliffhanger of book one! It drove me crazy and I wanted to know what actually happened lmao. The characters of this book drove me crazy. This trilogy is a bit like the other series by this author but i Can’t help but love it!

Maddie’s character progress had me in awe and I can’t wait for that woman to finally have her men and have the happy ending that should have been theirs right from the start. However it can be seen that they still have a huge way to go! I am so not patiently waiting for the next installment!

Definitely recommending this one book to all the dark mafia RH romance loving people out there!

My-Post-3 Website | Bookstagram | Facebook Page | Newsletter
Profile Image for annasbook nookk.
956 reviews75 followers
October 10, 2021
I devoured Twisted Queen in a day - A Dark Mafia Romance Masterpiece.
Penelope has done it again, following on from Gilded Princess, picking straight up from its ending.
I loved reading Maddie's character development.
Maddie's relationships grow and develop, and I loved her individual relationships with her men and their own personalities and what they bring to the book.
This was a fast-paced read with plenty of action and spice.
Ending on a crazy cliffhanger, I need the next one asap.

Profile Image for RomanceBookObsessedGirl.
129 reviews14 followers
October 19, 2021
Damn that ending! Uhh I need more!

I am loving this series so much. I love Maddie and her four hot me . The steam and drama in this book is amazing and I loved every minute of it. You will get sucked right into this book and think you’re in amongst all the drama that’s happening.

I can’t wait for book 3, after being dangled over that cliff yet again!

If you like a RH with hot men and loads of drama, you’ll love this book. You’ll need to read book 1 first.
Profile Image for lu.
23 reviews
November 26, 2023
THE SPICY SCENES AHHHHHHHH, okay honestly this book has so much going on it’s insane. i love the relationships maddie has with all the men but dawg she is a wild one. also maddie’s sister is a see you next tuesday…. i’m hoping we get more insight on her in the series bc her attitude is always horrible
Profile Image for Colleen.
274 reviews30 followers
April 24, 2022
I’m really liking the story and these characters.
Though some things are repetitive, some things were unnecessary and other missing but other than that, I’m enjoying the show. I’m always up for a RH mafia
Profile Image for Amber Greenbaum.
39 reviews
February 20, 2024
YOWZA

Another cliffhanger, I'm STRESSED. And I can't decide which man I like the most. Its steamy and edgy.

On to book 3!!!
Profile Image for Beatriz_1979.
232 reviews20 followers
July 20, 2025
Cuando me quise dar cuenta me habia terminado el libro entero
Profile Image for Bookstasies.
224 reviews35 followers
April 23, 2023
Maybe it's because this story gives me good old Wattpad vibes, but I am so damn addicted.
Profile Image for Lauren.readsx_.
701 reviews85 followers
November 6, 2021
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Love how much stronger Maddie has became, can’t wait to see them all come together as a relationship more. Mateo will always be my fave 🤤 We got to see more of them getting used to the dynamic this book, more action, so good!
That ending though 😳 cannot wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Christina Rybka.
1,129 reviews17 followers
February 27, 2022
The twists and turns keep coming

Maddie is getting deeper and deeper into the world of the men she wants. She’s been in danger on multiple occasions. She wants who she wants no choosing, will they agree. Great characters and storyline Highly recommended Amazing Book. Book 2 in the trilogy and the character development is fantastic and so much action.
Profile Image for Amanda (MrsEvilEwokReads).
159 reviews58 followers
March 20, 2023
Penelope!!! My heart! how could you end it like this?!? All I know is that as soon As I finish writing this then I'm reaching for Vicious Reign!

Twisted Queen is book 2 in the Five Families series! I can't even put into words how I am feeling after finishing this book!

This book was even better than the 1st in my own opinion for so many reasons! We get to see so much more of Maddie's character growth. The book also does a really good job at giving us that separation from Lainey and Maddie! Maddie is becoming stronger by the day and is able to tell her guys what she wants and when she wants it! She isn't shy and she is quick to put them in their place. THEY ALL NEED IT!

We get it all! The drama, the OMG plot twists, and the angst it is all top tier! Maddie has made it clear in this book that she wants what she wants, and she will not choose!

Matteo is Still the underboss who is a grumpy possessive ahole!

Leo quickly became my favorite, and he became even more so in this book! He is the rock that Maddie needs, he is funny and so loveable.

Dante quickly became my second favorite! He is silent and always watching! He cares for Maddie pretty deeply and he makes it known in this book.

Aries... our mysterious man..is no longer a mystery and I WAS SHOOK! To say that I had NO IDEA would be an understatement! I won't tell you his connection to the guys, but I will tell you that his name is Rafe and not Aries. Maddie's reaction to who he is, is pretty great I literally LOL'D. Rafe is protective and silent, always watching and always listening.

We get some major OMG moments. I really enjoyed watching the character development with the guys and Maddie. I loved that nothing was what I expected it to be. This is a Slow burn Why choose with guys that will unalive anyone that looks at or threatens their girl without giving crap what the consequences are. I will ask this again. WHAT WAS THAT CLIFFHANGER AND HOW COULD YOU HURT ME LIKE THAT?!

If you haven't started this series yet then you're missing out! Now don't mind me as I rush to book 3!

5/5 for the story as a whole
3/5 for the spice (Only because it's a slow burn)

I always try to keep my reviews as spoiler free as possible!

PLEASE do your due diligence and check the TW because there are a few throughout the book!
Profile Image for Lee.
616 reviews58 followers
January 4, 2022
I am struggling with how to rate this story. Despite the rocky start in the first book, I had somewhat higher hopes for this book. I thought that once we covered everything that had already happened in the first trilogy we would get a faster paced story, but having just finished it my thoughts can pretty much be summed up in a shrug.

There was some development of characters and relationships here, but overall it felt like an interim. I think all of this and the first book could have been condensed together and it wouldn't have changed much. I enjoy character driven stories, but I don't feel like there was enough growth here to justify the amount of time spent in Maddie's head. Nothing plot heavy really happened until that last 5% to set up the cliffhanger, and even that is a bit lackluster to me because I still just don't like/care about Leo. And I'm 98% sure that plot armor means he'll be fine, so it's hard to say that the cliff-hanger was effective. I'm almost glad for that though, since the next book isn't out yet.

The spice ramped up a bit from the first book, but it's still all going exceedingly slow as they figure out their dynamic. The tension and slow burn are decent, but not anything phenomenal. I feel like the author recycled the parts of her previous trilogy that worked for her and has just changed some details. It's a shame, because I loved the previous trilogy, but this is not holding up so far. I'm still invested enough to finish the series though, so that says something at least.
Profile Image for Katelyn.
228 reviews6 followers
October 11, 2021
5/ 5 ⭐
3.5 /5
ARC Review
Release Date: October 14th
⭐️
This book is: slow burn, RH, mafia
OMG I don’t even know where to begin with this review! This is book 2 in the Five Families series by Penelope Black and I absolutely loved this book from beginning to end. This book definitely builds off of the suspense from the first in the series and I LOVE that Maddie takes charge and decides what she wants. She is so strong refuses to back off or bow down. The dynamics between the characters are fantastic and builds so much angst. I love that Maddie knows she wants them all but is also understanding of how hard it is for some of the guys to share. Speaking of the guys, they are all hot as sin alphaholes but they are absolutely infatuated with Maddie and I am HERE FOR IT. She’s definitely got her hands full **wink wink**
I also like that some of the chapters are from the guys perspectives so we get to see how they are feeling and what they are thinking. Penelope literally made me yell out loud and almost throw my kindle with that last chapter! As always she leaves you excited for the next book and anxiously wanting more.
Profile Image for thenerdybookworm_.
1,641 reviews67 followers
October 18, 2021
Gah!! Penelope Black is a freaking genius! I absolutely love everything she writes and Twisted Queen is soo good!

We pick up right where book one left off—you’ll have to read Gilded Princess to find out. This one has all the slow burn, angst, and suspense you could want. Maddie and the guys continue to figure out their relationship dynamics, especially when sharing is hard for some people. Maddie handles everything that’s thrown at her like a QUEEN.

Penelope Black hands you this cliffhanger, that has you begging for more. If you haven’t started the Five Families, you’re definitely missing out.
Profile Image for Lauren.
93 reviews
March 11, 2025
I anticipated this book so much! After Gilded Princess left me on such a cliffhanger Penelope Black DID NOT DISAPPOINT! Maddie’s character developed so much more in the story and I just love how she blossoming. She definitely brought some heat with it to her harem and is learning to navigate those men. Just as the title promises Penelope is a Twisted Queen and leaves us on another cliffhanger. This has become a top series for me that I highly anticipate each and every book coming out!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 335 reviews

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