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challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Pedophilia, Sexual content, Violence, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Stalking
Moderate: Body horror, Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Blood, Murder
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
ahh this was so good! daddy zade 4 life
definitely dark but could have been way worse, check tw
kind of predictable but amazing writing non the less. it made my skin crawl a few times both in good and bad ways š«£
definitely dark but could have been way worse, check tw
kind of predictable but amazing writing non the less. it made my skin crawl a few times both in good and bad ways š«£
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Death, Gore, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Stalking, Murder, Gaslighting, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
This book is very dark and has many trigger warnings that you should be aware of. If this is your first time reading this genre then I suggest you do not read this book. Details are very graphic and can make you uncomfortable so be warned.
I think this book should be categorized as a thriller than a romance so the themes wouldn't mislead others and think that the actions made by the protagonist are acceptable. The thing is that there are so many moments that place doubts on the main character's beliefs where over time she makes an effort to accept her situation which is not fine at all.
I hate that there were moments that should be taken seriously but instead, they romanticize them.
It makes the readers think that the action that was made by the predator is fine which makes them ignore the other red flags that were present throughout the whole book. I also didn't like that there was little discussion about Adeline's situation and it was disregarded at times or brushed off by her.
If the predator himself should be considered a savior for the reason he saves sex-trafficked girls and women from men who abused them then sure he can be called a savior but if he does save women and children and have this particular liking towards this one woman and tries to stalk her and force her in a relationship then how can he be a good guy if what he does is save people then does this traumatizing stuff to this one woman.
I'm fine with him killing other people and stuff but her not giving consent and him forcing himself on her is not acceptable but he still continues to do throughout the whole book. I researched topics and themes that this book has so I am aware of some of the things that this book talks about but still questionable stuff.
In some way, the stalking part traumatize me a bit since I also experienced it recently and it made me remember the times when it happened to me...
I think this book should be categorized as a thriller than a romance so the themes wouldn't mislead others and think that the actions made by the protagonist are acceptable. The thing is that there are so many moments that place doubts on the main character's beliefs where over time she makes an effort to accept her situation which is not fine at all.
I hate that there were moments that should be taken seriously but instead, they romanticize them.
It makes the readers think that the action that was made by the predator is fine which makes them ignore the other red flags that were present throughout the whole book. I also didn't like that there was little discussion about Adeline's situation and it was disregarded at times or brushed off by her.
If the predator himself should be considered a savior for the reason he saves sex-trafficked girls and women from men who abused them then sure he can be called a savior but if he does save women and children and have this particular liking towards this one woman and tries to stalk her and force her in a relationship then how can he be a good guy if what he does is save people then does this traumatizing stuff to this one woman.
I'm fine with him killing other people and stuff but her not giving consent and him forcing himself on her is not acceptable but he still continues to do throughout the whole book. I researched topics and themes that this book has so I am aware of some of the things that this book talks about but still questionable stuff.
In some way, the stalking part traumatize me a bit since I also experienced it recently and it made me remember the times when it happened to me...
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gun violence, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Cannibalism, Stalking, Murder, Gaslighting, Sexual harassment
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Pedophilia, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Stalking, Murder, Alcohol, Sexual harassment
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Car accident
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
we all make mistakes,
like reading this book.
tbh falling in love with the guy that raped you twice and stalked you for more than three months is disgusting. yeah yeah, dark romance and all that bs but thereās nothing romantic about this. 42 chapters of all bla bla bla, some fucking here and there, and thatās about it. Iāve wasted 2 days to finish whatever the fuck this is and honestly I wouldāve wasted my time in something more productive that killing my poor little neurons by reading this book.
like reading this book.
tbh falling in love with the guy that raped you twice and stalked you for more than three months is disgusting. yeah yeah, dark romance and all that bs but thereās nothing romantic about this. 42 chapters of all bla bla bla, some fucking here and there, and thatās about it. Iāve wasted 2 days to finish whatever the fuck this is and honestly I wouldāve wasted my time in something more productive that killing my poor little neurons by reading this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Stalking, Murder, Gaslighting, Alcohol
Moderate: Child death, Infidelity, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Car accident, Pregnancy, Injury/Injury detail
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Stalking, Car accident, Murder, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Sexual harassment
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Body shaming, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Gun violence, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Torture, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Stalking, Car accident, Death of parent
Minor: Addiction, Child abuse, Child death, Domestic abuse, Car accident, Death of parent
Do check for Trigger warnings at the start of the book which is very briefly mentioned by the author.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Blood, Stalking, Murder, Sexual harassment
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a wild read for sure.
The stalker, murder mystery, and crime investigation/vigilante storyline was kind of chaotic but somehow it worked.
There were some aspects to this dark romance that almost had me dnf-ing.
The story progresses in a way that made me interested in the characters and I really HAD to know what was going to happen in the end. And now Iām ready to read the sequel!
The stalker, murder mystery, and crime investigation/vigilante storyline was kind of chaotic but somehow it worked.
There were some aspects to this dark romance that almost had me dnf-ing.
The story progresses in a way that made me interested in the characters and I really HAD to know what was going to happen in the end. And now Iām ready to read the sequel!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Bullying, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Stalking, Murder
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
There were parts of this book I loved ā so much so that I had little fragments highlighted on every page. The backdrop of this story is stormy and volatile, in equal parts for the characters, the plot, and the setting. Anything having to do with a haunted house ā in any capacity ā immediately sucks me in. The ghosts in the corners, the gothic mansion, the rain and ledge of the cliff right outside, were all delectably spooky and set the mood for the darkness (and do I ever mean darkness) for the rest of the book. Oddly linked lineage of the women of the same family, all haunted and connected by different parts of the same thread, is one of my favorite tropes in fiction everywhere, and the story of Adeline Reilly and the women that preceded her was captivating from the get-go. Everything we uncovered about the cyclical act of both Gigi and Addie being inherently bound to the house and watched by men was tantalizing, toe-curling, and chilling, and with all of these moving parts, the story unfurled in such an exciting, thrilling way. The language in this book, especially in the way that Zade speaks, also crept inside me from the very beginning. Like the setting of the manor, it was pulsing and transcendent and played up the atmosphere of the heart-pounding haunt of Addie. The spicy scenes left me breathless, heart pounding, and the contrast between the absolute filth described and the way Adeline and Zade bantered was captivating ā so fully immersive I couldn't pull myself away. Between the imagery and the plot, HD Carlton wove together a story so deliciously terrifying that it left me reeling!
But there were other parts of the book I found equally as hard to reconcile as the ones I loved.
This book is dark. If you're looking for an erotic thriller that doesn't push boundaries or delve into truly horrible, terrifying things, the haunting of Adeline will leave you equally as haunted. I'm a hopeless romantic, and even dark romances keep me as enticed and happy as lighter ones, but the themes in this book ā and the overt, detail descriptions of things so horrific they made me sick ā are not for the faint of heart.
The biggest internal struggle I had with the plot wasn't the back-and-forth of Addie being terrified and turned on by Zade and his actions. I thought the spinning of her moral compass and internal monologue felt as realistic as possible for such an intense, fictionalized situation. But I couldn't reconcile Zade's driving force to obliterate and execute human traffickers, predators, and sex offenders, and then turning around and taking away Addie's consent (in general, but especially in the gun scene). It felt like such a jarring, complete disconnect from the man we saw in action as Z, and it was so brutal, that I had a very difficult time with navigating how I felt while I kept reading. I think that the author did a wonderful, subtle job with other aspects of the story, but this is such a major, demanding center of the plot and Addie and Zade's relationship, and it felt so contradictory to his inner monologue and the actions we see him involved in.
The aspect of Zade being Addie's stalker ā and a very bold determined one, too ā wasn't difficult for me to accept and lean into as the story progresses. I absolutely think there was something alluring to Addie about the way he watches her, dotes on her, and in his own twisted way, protects her, and even if it's something I wasn't into or attracted to, the focus on Addie's monologue was believable and convincing enough for me to be absorbed by it as the story continues. Dubious consent isn't typically my thing, either, but with how much of the book was focused on Addie's senses of fear and attraction coinhabiting her body and brain, it made narrative sense for this character to be reacting the way that she was. And I think the antagonistic nature of her character, and constantly toeing the line between being exhilarated and being terrified, also made narrative sense. She did make some seriously bad decisions, especially with calling the police and choosing what to tell Daya, but there's a lot I can't fault her for, and well-written flaws are what make characters seem real. But the glaring disconnect between how Zade ignored Adeline's boundaries and touched her (very forcibly) without a way she could even consent and how passionate he was about stopping sexual predators was a lot to grapple with, and I left feeling very bruised and indecisive about it. I think there was a way to toe the line between erotic and dangerous, but the specifics of the language he used ā "making her want it", "destroying her", etc. ā didn't read as sexy to me because of how brutal and terrifying he was in the middle of it.
I was intrigued enough to finish the book ā and with that cliffhanger, I'll very likely finish the duology ā but there was a LOT that was impossible for me to get over, even in suspending my disbelief (or disgust). Like Addie, I felt so indecisive and consumed, only for me, it wasn't my feelings for Zade, it was my opinions on the choices being made. And the gothic backdrop, kick-ass heroine, and stormy skies above were enticing enough to keep me moving through the story, but I don't think I'll ever be able to reread the whole thing.
While there are plenty (PLENTY) of reviews that leave the broader concepts of content warnings, there's a few for this book in particular that I believe need to be said. Obviously, the obvious: dubious consent, consensual non-consent, murder, rough (and violent) sex, pedophilia, gore, etc., but there was also a very alarming number of instances where eyes got injured, ranging from a blade coming close to a comlete gouging. I can stomach a lot gore-wise, but eyes are where I draw the line. If you're easily disgusted or triggered by eye trauma, I HIIIIIIIIIGHLY SUGGEST NOT READING THIS BOOK OR SKIPPING OVER THE GORY SCENES! If I had known the extent of them going into it, I very likely would have stopped reading or skimming over all of the bloody, gory scenes. And while most of the smut was extremely detailed and heart-pounding, there were multiple usages of the word "juices", which I had to skip over to stay engaged.
I know I'll be thinking about Addie for days after finishing, and likely warring in my head about the things I loved and the things I hated. I hope this book doesn't haunt you ā or that it does!
But there were other parts of the book I found equally as hard to reconcile as the ones I loved.
This book is dark. If you're looking for an erotic thriller that doesn't push boundaries or delve into truly horrible, terrifying things, the haunting of Adeline will leave you equally as haunted. I'm a hopeless romantic, and even dark romances keep me as enticed and happy as lighter ones, but the themes in this book ā and the overt, detail descriptions of things so horrific they made me sick ā are not for the faint of heart.
The biggest internal struggle I had with the plot wasn't the back-and-forth of Addie being terrified and turned on by Zade and his actions. I thought the spinning of her moral compass and internal monologue felt as realistic as possible for such an intense, fictionalized situation. But I couldn't reconcile Zade's driving force to obliterate and execute human traffickers, predators, and sex offenders, and then turning around and taking away Addie's consent (in general, but especially in the gun scene). It felt like such a jarring, complete disconnect from the man we saw in action as Z, and it was so brutal, that I had a very difficult time with navigating how I felt while I kept reading. I think that the author did a wonderful, subtle job with other aspects of the story, but this is such a major, demanding center of the plot and Addie and Zade's relationship, and it felt so contradictory to his inner monologue and the actions we see him involved in.
The aspect of Zade being Addie's stalker ā and a very bold determined one, too ā wasn't difficult for me to accept and lean into as the story progresses. I absolutely think there was something alluring to Addie about the way he watches her, dotes on her, and in his own twisted way, protects her, and even if it's something I wasn't into or attracted to, the focus on Addie's monologue was believable and convincing enough for me to be absorbed by it as the story continues. Dubious consent isn't typically my thing, either, but with how much of the book was focused on Addie's senses of fear and attraction coinhabiting her body and brain, it made narrative sense for this character to be reacting the way that she was. And I think the antagonistic nature of her character, and constantly toeing the line between being exhilarated and being terrified, also made narrative sense. She did make some seriously bad decisions, especially with calling the police and choosing what to tell Daya, but there's a lot I can't fault her for, and well-written flaws are what make characters seem real. But the glaring disconnect between how Zade ignored Adeline's boundaries and touched her (very forcibly) without a way she could even consent and how passionate he was about stopping sexual predators was a lot to grapple with, and I left feeling very bruised and indecisive about it. I think there was a way to toe the line between erotic and dangerous, but the specifics of the language he used ā "making her want it", "destroying her", etc. ā didn't read as sexy to me because of how brutal and terrifying he was in the middle of it.
I was intrigued enough to finish the book ā and with that cliffhanger, I'll very likely finish the duology ā but there was a LOT that was impossible for me to get over, even in suspending my disbelief (or disgust). Like Addie, I felt so indecisive and consumed, only for me, it wasn't my feelings for Zade, it was my opinions on the choices being made. And the gothic backdrop, kick-ass heroine, and stormy skies above were enticing enough to keep me moving through the story, but I don't think I'll ever be able to reread the whole thing.
While there are plenty (PLENTY) of reviews that leave the broader concepts of content warnings, there's a few for this book in particular that I believe need to be said. Obviously, the obvious: dubious consent, consensual non-consent, murder, rough (and violent) sex, pedophilia, gore, etc., but there was also a very alarming number of instances where eyes got injured, ranging from a blade coming close to a comlete gouging. I can stomach a lot gore-wise, but eyes are where I draw the line. If you're easily disgusted or triggered by eye trauma, I HIIIIIIIIIGHLY SUGGEST NOT READING THIS BOOK OR SKIPPING OVER THE GORY SCENES! If I had known the extent of them going into it, I very likely would have stopped reading or skimming over all of the bloody, gory scenes. And while most of the smut was extremely detailed and heart-pounding, there were multiple usages of the word "juices", which I had to skip over to stay engaged.
I know I'll be thinking about Addie for days after finishing, and likely warring in my head about the things I loved and the things I hated. I hope this book doesn't haunt you ā or that it does!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Stalking, Murder, Injury/Injury detail