29k reviews for:

Haunting Adeline

H.D. Carlton

3.73 AVERAGE


2.75 ⭐️
dark mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
dark emotional tense

🚮

This book has me questioning a lot of things about myself, so I’ll leave it at that. There’s only one thing left to say. ZADE. MF. MEDOWS. I’ll now go read the second book.
dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Just bad. Story is all over the place. I don’t think we need like three subplots. Poorly written. The spicy scenes aren’t all that. Cheap cliffhanger trying to get you to read the second book since the first book has almost no resolution. Not falling for it.

If I was the DNF kind, this would have been DNF’d for sure.

Ayoooo this book is twisted as hell…
For those of you who romanticise this book, you need therapy man. I’m too vanilla for this
dark emotional funny tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

**Book Review: *Haunting Adeline* by H.D. Carlton**

*Haunting Adeline*, the first book in the *Cat and Mouse Duet* by H.D. Carlton, is an intoxicating blend of dark romance, suspense, and psychological thriller that captivates readers with its raw, gritty narrative. At the center of this haunting tale is Zade, a morally ambiguous anti-hero, and Adeline, the object of his dangerous obsession. Their relationship is steeped in intense sexual tension, teetering on the edge of obsession, lust, and fear.

Zade Meadows is a character who defies the conventions of typical romantic heroes. He is dangerous, mysterious, and unapologetically ruthless, operating in a morally gray zone where the line between love and obsession blurs. Zade’s dark personality is the driving force of the novel, dominating every interaction with a sinister charisma. He works as a vigilante hacker, exposing child trafficking rings, yet his methods are far from conventional. His obsession with Adeline begins when he stumbles upon her through surveillance, stalking her in a way that is both disturbing and electrifying. His possessiveness, while toxic in many ways, is portrayed with a complexity that makes readers question their feelings towards him. Zade is not a hero, but he is not wholly a villain either—his paradoxical nature keeps readers enthralled, intrigued, and slightly unsettled.

The intense sexual tension between Zade and Adeline is central to the novel's dark allure. From the moment Zade sets his eyes on her, their connection is charged with a dangerous energy. Zade's predatory behavior is equal parts terrifying and seductive, creating a psychological power play between the two. Adeline, an independent and stubborn woman, is initially repulsed by Zade’s stalking, yet she cannot deny the pull he has on her. Their relationship is fraught with fear, curiosity, and undeniable sexual chemistry. H.D. Carlton crafts this tension masterfully, weaving a tale where boundaries are pushed, and the dynamics of consent are tested.

What sets *Haunting Adeline* apart from other dark romances is the emotional depth beneath the explicit scenes. While Zade’s obsession with Adeline is raw and at times brutal, there is an underlying vulnerability to both characters. Adeline finds herself torn between fear and desire, grappling with her attraction to someone who should terrify her. Zade, for all his dominance, reveals moments of softness and protectiveness, creating a complex emotional landscape that keeps readers invested in their twisted romance.

The novel doesn't shy away from exploring the darker aspects of human desire and psychological manipulation. The power struggle between Zade and Adeline is not just physical but mental, as they play a dangerous game of cat and mouse, each testing the other's limits. The push-and-pull dynamic between them keeps the tension taut throughout the story, making the moments when they finally give in to their desires all the more explosive.

In conclusion, *Haunting Adeline* is a gripping, darkly seductive tale that pushes boundaries and challenges readers to confront the darker sides of love, obsession, and power. Zade's morally complex character and the intense, all-consuming sexual tension between him and Adeline make for an unforgettable reading experience. However, it is important to note that this book is not for the faint of heart—it delves deep into themes of dominance, control, and nontraditional power dynamics. For fans of dark romance who are drawn to the exploration of morally gray characters and intense psychological tension, *Haunting Adeline* is a thrilling and provocative read.