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A review by xmurbef
Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
Truly stunned the word “creamy” is allowed to be used in a sexual context in The Year of Our Lord 2023. JAIL.
I went into this with incredibly low expectations, and maybe that’s why I sort of enjoyed it? I didn’t expect there to be a substantial plot, and I actually found myself struggling to put it down so I could find out what happens next. Thank god I have access to the sequel because ending in a cliffhanger like this also deserves jail. J A I L.
Plot aside, it should also be noted that this isn’t *just* a smutty romance novel. The list of trigger warnings I’d attach to this book are nearly as long as the book itself. Definitely not for everyone (or most, tbh). I’ll list a few here:
TW: sexual assault, human trafficking, sex trafficking, r*pe, murder, general violence, and generally non-consensual /dub consensual encounters of a wide variety
*To the author’s credit, these trigger warnings are all outlined on the first page of the book. So the reader is properly warned.
The mental gymnastics it requires to even remotely attempt to understand the thoughts and actions of the male main character is beyond my capabilities. And frankly, some of the shit is just corny. To be expected where smut is involved, I suppose. *sigh* I’ve heard book two is a million times more graphic, so I’m really not even sure I want to read it. We’ll see how it goes.
I went into this with incredibly low expectations, and maybe that’s why I sort of enjoyed it? I didn’t expect there to be a substantial plot, and I actually found myself struggling to put it down so I could find out what happens next. Thank god I have access to the sequel because ending in a cliffhanger like this also deserves jail. J A I L.
Plot aside, it should also be noted that this isn’t *just* a smutty romance novel. The list of trigger warnings I’d attach to this book are nearly as long as the book itself. Definitely not for everyone (or most, tbh). I’ll list a few here:
TW: sexual assault, human trafficking, sex trafficking, r*pe, murder, general violence, and generally non-consensual /dub consensual encounters of a wide variety
*To the author’s credit, these trigger warnings are all outlined on the first page of the book. So the reader is properly warned.
The mental gymnastics it requires to even remotely attempt to understand the thoughts and actions of the male main character is beyond my capabilities. And frankly, some of the shit is just corny. To be expected where smut is involved, I suppose. *sigh* I’ve heard book two is a million times more graphic, so I’m really not even sure I want to read it. We’ll see how it goes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Misogyny, Rape, Torture, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual assault, Violence, Child abuse, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual violence, Stalking, Toxic relationship, Blood, Death, Death of parent, Murder, Pedophilia, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, Slavery, and Trafficking