Being the new leader of the light fae really puts a dent in your post-grad plans.
Aurora, once a snarky business major, struggles to adjust to fae life—and the diet of human energy that comes with it. A change made worse by the overwhelming ability to feel the emotions of everyone around her, especially when she can barely manage her own.
Agreeing to work with her dark fae counterpart, Tristan, in an attempt to bring peace between their people is a painful reminder of how strong they are together. Even still, Aurora fights the urge to keep her distance. She needs to be sure what she feels for him is real, and not a result of the former light fae leader’s manipulation as a part of his plan to eliminate Tristan.
Aurora thought she’d encountered the worst thing since early morning lectures when she stumbled into the world of the fae. She’s about to find out that they may not be the most twisted creatures out there.
Holy crap!!! I don’t even know where to start with this review. Which is a lot like how Aurora feels at the start of this book.
Before I say anything else, this review has spoilers for Twisted Fate (Book 1), but I am aiming to keep it as spoiler free for Twisted Gift itself.
Still here? Great. Let’s begin.
Interview with the Author (Jessi Elliott)
What was the best part about continuing on in the same Twisted Fate universe?
It was like hanging out with an old group of friends. It was familiar and I really enjoyed that. I knew who I was dealing with, which made writing the story easier.
Was there any difficulty in maintaining continuity from one book to another?
I don’t think so. Because I wrote them so close together, I didn’t have too many difficulties.
How much of Twisted Gift was planned when you were still writing Twisted Fate?
Not a lot. I jotted down a few things here and there that I knew I wanted to include in the second book, but I outlined most of Twisted Gift after Twisted Fate was drafted.
Did your planning of Twisted Gift change any of the events in Twisted Fate?
No, only because I didn’t seriously start thinking about the sequel until after the first book was mostly done.
Who is your favorite character making their debut in Twisted Gift? Why are they your favorite?
Nikolai Sterling. Technically, he popped up in Twisted Fate for a hot second, but he really makes his mark in this book. I love how easygoing and snarky he is. He’s full of himself, but he’s also incredibly caring, and I think that really comes through in his interactions with Aurora.
Was there any singular instance where you made a near 180º turn in events? Can you describe what almost happened?
Hmm . . . I don’t think so, actually. Well, maybe the ending. It wasn’t in the outline. I had no idea how it would end—until it happened.
Was there anything cut from Twisted Fate that instead made it into Twisted Gift?
Yes! One of my favorite lines in Twisted Gift I had initially wanted in the first book, but it just didn’t fit. I’m glad I was able to use it this time! It’s a sneaky little Fifty Shades joke between Tristan and Aurora, and I love it.
What was your favorite part of writing Twisted Gift?
Getting to see Aurora in new, different positions and watching her character grow as she worked through them. I put that poor girl through some tough shit, haha.
How do you think readers will react to this sequel? Is there something you’re specifically hoping for?
I hope they enjoy the direction I took with the story, and I hope it surprises them as much as it did me.
My Review
As if being kidnapped by the leader of the fae wasn’t enough to turn Aurora Marshall’s life upside down. Through a lot of manipulation by the villain of Book 1, Aurora now finds herself the reluctant leader of the Light Fae—a job she doesn’t want and many her followers don’t want her to have.
And while Tristan has been offering her support, it’s a little hard for her to pull a star-crossed lovers thing when another external danger arises. One that’s intent on hurting everyone they love.
So, what did I love about Twisted Gift? Well, let me summarize it for you in a list:
- Aurora and Tristan
- Skye and Nik
- Max
- The Plot!!!
And for me to put such an amazing plot 4th on the list means a lot. Jessi Elliott writes amazing stories with grounded characters that make you believe the fantastical events on the page could really happen. You empathize with the characters: feel their happiness and pain… and a lot of anxiety as they scramble to save each other from an unknown villain. To me, it’s the relationships that make a world believable more than anything. Yes, the societal rules of the Fae are well-thought out and explored in both Twisted Fate and even more in Twisted Gift, but it’s Aurora and Tristan’s friends (new and old) who make me absolutely love Jessi Elliott’s writing.
I really can’t say more without spoiling Twisted Gift, so I’ll wrap up with: it’s an amazing story, finishes the Twisted Duology very well, and is an absolute page-turner just like Twisted Fate.
Jessi Elliott is a law clerk and author of both young adult and new adult romantic fiction. Her love of writing was born after many years of reading and reviewing books on her blog.
She lives in Southwestern Ontario with her adorable cat, Phoebe. Yes, named after the Friends character.
When she’s not plotting her next writing project, she likes to spend her time hanging with friends and family, getting lost in a steamy romance novel, watching Friends, and drinking coffee.
You can find Jessi at www.jessielliott.com, on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can join her newsletter to stay up to date on book news and upcoming releases.
Join her Facebook reader group, Jessi Elliott’s Twisted Sweethearts, for exclusive news, promos, review opportunities, and giveaways!
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Review & Blog Tour for #TwistedGift by @AuthorJElliott #amreading #paranormalromance #nalit #5stars
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