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jamielong 's review for:
Haunting Adeline
by H.D. Carlton
challenging
dark
tense
slow-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 my first stalker romance, so my thoughts are a little all over the place.
A lot of reviews mention the lack of consent, and I appreciate that the author addresses it head on through the characters’ thoughts. The Shadow acknowledges right away that he crossed the line the first time, admitting he didn’t wait for her yes. It comes up more than once, and he’s aware of what he did wrong. Later, even the manipulator points out how the scene wasn’t consensual, before it shifts into something that is.
The dynamic here feels like consensual non-consent, even if it’s not explicitly labeled as such. Both characters show interest: Adeline pushes boundaries, teases, and toys with Zade more than she probably should. Even her friend Daya points out that Adeline feeds into it, making it easier for Zade to assume she wanted more.
At the end of the day, this is fiction, and it needs to be read as such. I didn’t agree with every scene, and my rating doesn’t reflect me wanting this in real life, but as a story, it worked.
And beyond that, the plot is surprisingly strong. Zade is out here hunting predators and rescuing women and children from trafficking, while Adeline is digging into the mystery of her great grandmother’s murder. Solid storylines with a stalker woven in.
Overall, I really enjoyed it. But seriously, HOW DARE they leave it on that cliffhanger?!
A lot of reviews mention the lack of consent, and I appreciate that the author addresses it head on through the characters’ thoughts. The Shadow acknowledges right away that he crossed the line the first time, admitting he didn’t wait for her yes. It comes up more than once, and he’s aware of what he did wrong. Later, even the manipulator points out how the scene wasn’t consensual, before it shifts into something that is.
The dynamic here feels like consensual non-consent, even if it’s not explicitly labeled as such. Both characters show interest: Adeline pushes boundaries, teases, and toys with Zade more than she probably should. Even her friend Daya points out that Adeline feeds into it, making it easier for Zade to assume she wanted more.
At the end of the day, this is fiction, and it needs to be read as such. I didn’t agree with every scene, and my rating doesn’t reflect me wanting this in real life, but as a story, it worked.
And beyond that, the plot is surprisingly strong. Zade is out here hunting predators and rescuing women and children from trafficking, while Adeline is digging into the mystery of her great grandmother’s murder. Solid storylines with a stalker woven in.
Overall, I really enjoyed it. But seriously, HOW DARE they leave it on that cliffhanger?!