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karly_rose_reads's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Have you read the Cat & Mouse duet by H.D. Carlton? If not, I highly recommend reading it before this novella for the best reading experience. Already read it or don't want to? Well, let's get into my FEEELLINNNGSSSSS 🖤🖤🖤
But first, I'd like to set the stage of this chaotic review with a fav quote:
But first, I'd like to set the stage of this chaotic review with a fav quote:
"She escaped me once, and I let her. I won't allow it a second time."
When I heard H.D. Carlton was releasing a spin-off novella to tell Molly's story, I could not contain my excitement. Her small but impactful "role" in the Cat & Mouse duet as the writer of the journal that practically saved Adeline left me wanting more. If you're expecting heavy overlap with the Cat & Mouse duet, please don't—there's little to none besides the extended epilogue. This novella is most similar to the vibe of Satan's Affair (Sibby's novella): a fast-paced, spicy, dark novella.
Given the shirtless male on the cover (HeLlO MMC) and style of teaser posts H.D. Carlton put out leading up to this release, I expected this novella to be relatively romance heavy but dark nonetheless (I was right 😌). I was very concerned this would have graphic SA scenes given Hunting Adeline, but, after reading the content warnings I was relieved to know that wasn't the case.
Where's Molly reveals missing details of Molly Devereaux from the Cat & Mouse duet—
- What led her to the same room as Adeline
- What kept her alive during her time there
- Where she is now
- But, more importantly, who she is now
It is told in 1st person, dual POV and contains a past and present timeline. Molly was dealt a sh*t hand in life, to be frank, but has a fire to her that has helped her to survive monstrous hardships. She is trying to live a quiet off-grid life...but someone from her past has other plans.
The MMC in this novella is, in short, yummy: protective, possessive, and obsessive. If you're not into that, you may want to skip out on this novella. However, you may fall in love with his mom (so you may want to stick around). I will admit, I couldn't give this a true 5/5 because of some of the spice scenes that felt consensually grey (similar to the Cat & Mouse duet). I know it will make other readers uncomfortable.
For a novella, this was a great story with a satisfying ending. As always, please read content warnings before going into a dark romance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death, Blood, and Murder
Minor: Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Trafficking, Addiction, Child abuse, Death of parent, Incest, Pedophilia, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Torture, Child death, Drug abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, Kidnapping, Confinement, and Drug use
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