Book Review: Haunting Adeline By H.D Carlton
Haunting Adeline By H.D Carlton
Haunting Adeline By H.D Carlton - Book 1 in the Cat and Mouse Duet
Tropes: Dark Romance, Stalker Romance, Fierce FMC, Touch Her & Die, Possessive MMC, He Falls First
Summary:
Haunting Adeline is a dark romance that delves into obsession, manipulation, and the fine line between fear and desire. The story follows Adeline, a skilled manipulator who can control the emotions of others—except for one man. Zade, the mysterious and dangerous figure watching her, is completely immune to her control. Despite her attempts to push him away, Adeline finds herself drawn to Zade’s relentless pursuit. Zade, on the other hand, is captivated by her beauty and spirit, and he's determined to claim her as his own, no matter the cost. His obsession grows with every secret glance, and he won’t stop until she belongs to him, even if she begs for her freedom.
The book ends on a cliffhanger, and readers are advised to read the novella Satan's Affair for extra context. Haunting Adeline promises an intense, suspenseful, and addictive start to a dark romance saga.
💚 LD -
Haunting Adeline was my gateway into the world of dark romance, and I have to say, it completely captivated me. I wasn’t sure what to expect from Zade at first—his character is intense and initially unsettling—but as the story unfolded, my cautious approach turned into pure adoration. There’s something about the tension and raw emotion in this book that kept pulling me in, making it impossible to put down. H.D. Carlton has created a complex, darkly fascinating world, and Zade, despite his many morally grey actions, became a character I couldn’t help but be obsessed with. If you’re new to dark romance, like I was, this is a brilliant read but it is also the definition of 'jumping in the deep end'. Be warned, it’s a rollercoaster of emotions, but absolutely worth every page.
“Baby, you rule the fucking kingdom, and I will gladly bow to you.”
🤍 AD -
Reading Haunting Adeline was an experience unlike any other, especially since we all dove into it together, consuming the entire book in one day. Going into the world of dark romance for the first time felt like stepping into unknown waters, and this book did not hold back. From the very first chapter, I was gripped, and what started as skepticism towards Zade quickly transformed into fascination. His character challenges your moral compass, and the entire time, you’re questioning your emotions. How did I go from hating Zade to being utterly mesmerized by him? It’s a testament to H.D. Carlton’s ability to weave complex, flawed characters with depth and magnetism. Just make sure to check the trigger warnings—this one isn't for the faint-hearted. It was an intense ride, but I loved every second of it.
“When you make someone fall in love with the darkest parts of you, there’s nothing you can do that will scare them away. They will be yours forever because they already love all the fucked up bits and pieces of you.”
💙 AG -
This book completely shattered my expectations! Being my first real dive into the dark romance genre, I wasn’t sure what I was getting into, but Haunting Adeline made me fall in love with this genre immediately. Zade and Adeline’s push-and-pull relationship had me glued to the pages, and the suspense built so beautifully throughout the story. I found myself wanting more with every chapter. The intensity, the emotional highs and lows, and the constant edge-of-your-seat feeling make this book so memorable. Dark, twisted, and thrilling, this is one book that has left a lasting impression on me, and I can’t wait to dive into the second part of the duet. It’s not just a romance—it’s a visceral, emotional experience that I recommend to anyone curious about dark romance.
“Let me know which stars you prefer. The ones above you, or the ones I make you see.”
