Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet)

There's a reason I don't read incomplete duets or series because then I'm sad when I can't read the next book. I went against my better judgment with this book and I have no regrets (okay I have some because I hated waiting for book two) because I loved this story. The great news is the second book is out now, so you don't have to wait if you're reading this review! I've never read anything remotely similar to this book and I don't know that I ever will. This was my first time reading something truly as dark as this. I've read other books with heavy triggers, but this book was different. I read Satan's Affair beforehand (highly recommend reading that first) and I wasn't entirely sure what this book was going to be about. I knew a past murder, stalking, and love were involved, but that was it. If you had told me one of my top reads from 2021 would've been a stalker romance, I would've laughed in your face. Not only is the romance good, and the spice is off the charts hot, but the overarching story is just so good. Adeline is an author who moves into her grandmother's old home after she passes away. Adeline was close to her grandmother and felt a pull to come back to the home that always fascinated her. While living in the house, she discovers family secrets that have been buried for a long time, secrets involving her great grandmother. Her great grandmother was stalked, but here's the kicker? Her great grandmother had a spicy affair with her stalker! Adeline's great grandmother was murdered and she works with her best friend to figure out who did it. While trying to solve this mystery, Adeline finds herself in the same place as her great grandmother did with a hot stalker. Zade is a leader of a vigilante group that's only mission is to bring down trafficking rings and the horrible people that run them. And not just any type of trafficking rings. Rings that are linked to very powerful people in the country and the world. Zade is determined to get as many women and children to safety as he can. He puts himself in the line of fire to save the lives of the innocent people taken by these rings. He sounds like an ideal guy right? Well, did I mention he's also Adeline's stalker? Zade stumbles across Adeline by accident and it's a wrap for him. He wants to make her his and there's nothing that's going to stop him. Now I'm not saying he's still not an ideal guy (I do love him), but let's just say these are two VERY opposite qualities. On one hand, you have this man trying to save women and child, but on the other hand he's stalking a woman. Many would argue he can't be both a good and terrible guy at the same time, but I think this book begs to differ. I personally loved Adeline and thought she was a dynamic heroine. She was sassy, fun, and radiated fierceness. She does stand up for herself throughout the book, even to Zade, although standing up to him doesn't do much. I liked that we get her inner thoughts on Zade as their relationship plays out. I like watching her slowly open up to him and trust that he'll protect her, which seems like the opposite thing a stalker would do. One of my favorite things was when Adeline told her friend about one of her spicy encounters with Zade and that he "took her soul". I couldn't be more jealous of her, trust me. Based on the cliffhanger, book two isn't going to be an easy ride for Adeline, but I know she's going to be okay. Someone as fierce as her work her way through any situation, even if it takes some time. I cannot explain how much I love Zade. I know, I know, he's a stalker. Here's the thing: I just don't care. He really had me contemplating if getting stalked is that bad (it is, but let's ignore that). I loved how he was written to be so multilayered. H.D. Carlton knew what she was doing when she wrote him this way. He's meant to challenge everything you know and make you wonder if he's really all that bad. His qualities are so opposite of each other that he left me spinning so much throughout this book. I would take pauses while reading and say out loud, "Am I actually into this man?" or "I'm in love with this unhinged man. Am I good?" I laughed way too many times when doing this because I just know how people would react in my life if I told them how much I love Zade. The mouth on Zade is UNMATCHED. God, that man says the wildest stuff, but it's so unbelievably hot. And the things he does with his hands to Adeline? Where do I sign up??? I love his love for Adeline and I can't wait to see what he does in book two knowing how this book ended. The writing in this book is beautiful and so good. H.D. Carlton is talented and it shows in this book. I enjoyed the different storylines taking place and how they all connected to one another. I thought it was interesting to see Adeline live a similar life to her great grandmother. I think getting to read her great grandmother's thoughts on her own personal stalked helped Adeline in her own way. This book is just so so so good! I cannot recommend it enough. I do STRONGLY encourage everyone consider the triggers before reading. I look forward to book two!

This was recommended to me by a friend. It is one of those reads that will either pull you in completely or make you want to set it down. The writing itself is easy to understand and read fast. The pacing and the storyline keep you hooked. The characters are layered and complicated with many feelings. The story made me feel a little unsettled at times. It is definitely on the darker end of the romance spectrum. If you are someone who enjoys morally gray characters and a story that constantly pushes boundaries, you will probably find it impossible to put down. On the other hand, if you are sensitive, this might not be the right book for you. I like how the author was able to balance suspense with the emotional pull between the characters. The tension never really lets up, which makes it a very bingeable read. It is not a lighthearted romance, but instead it is twisted, intense, and very unique.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS BOOK! H.D. CARLTON HAS A FAN IN ME 💌 this book was beyond amazing from start to finish ! I can’t wait to read the second one!

4.5 ⭐️’s I chose Haunting Adeline for my fall vibes spooky season TBR and while I thoroughly enjoyed this story, I strongly urge anyone with known triggers to check the author’s trigger warnings list on her website before diving in because this book and series are not for everyone. H.D. Carlton builds a story that is dark, twisted, and morally ambiguous. She places us in modern day Seattle inside a world where morality is blurred, stalking and obsession turn into devotion, and evil exists at the forefront of the story. The story follows Adeline, a successful writer who inherits her grandparents’ eerie estate and discovers unsettling clues about the unsolved murder of her great grandmother, Gigi. Curious and disturbed by what she learns, she becomes determined to uncover the truth with the help of her best friend, Daya. At the same time, she becomes the fixation of a man who makes no apology for his obsession with her. Zade is relentless, lethal, and morally unhinged when it comes to the things he is passionate about. Carlton writes him in a way that makes you cheer for him and question your own sanity for wanting him to win Adeline over. Somehow she manages to deliver a seamless blend of dark romance, psychological thriller, and heavy horror elements that creates a tense and addictive reading experience. Adeline and Zade’s relationship is built on obsession, defiance, and a constant battle for control. Adeline knows she should stay away from him, yet she finds herself drawn to the dark intensity he represents. Her internal struggle between fear and desire is a compelling part of the book. Zade, on the other hand, is unapologetically possessive and brutally honest about what he wants. He is dangerous, calculated, and morally black, yet he has his own twisted code of honor that makes him impossible to label as a true villain, especially once you understand who the real villains are in this story. The cat and mouse dynamic between them evolves into something much deeper and far more complicated. Their chemistry is feral, charged, and addictive, and the consent dynamic explores psychological territory that will either fascinate readers or push them far outside their comfort zone. The mystery behind Gigi’s murder works as a haunting subplot that adds steady suspense without ever distracting from the main storyline. It ties Adeline to something outside of her chaotic dynamic with Zade, giving her a purpose beyond their dangerous connection. The investigation is intriguing without feeling overly complex, and it unfolds at a pace that allows it to be resolved by the end of Haunting Adeline. Something I loved about this subplot is that it also highlights the bond between Adeline and her best friend, Daya. They tackle the mystery together, and their friendship is one of my favorite parts of this book. Daya is smart, funny, and ride or die in every way. Their connection brings balance to the otherwise dark tone of the story. Haunting Adeline pushes into very dark territory, and readers should be prepared for that. The violence, psychological manipulation, morally questionable choices, and criminal elements play a central role in the story. Carlton does not shy away from uncomfortable scenes or disturbing subject matter, and while some of it is difficult to read, it serves the world she has built. The content is heavy and at times emotionally brutal, but it always serves a purpose in the narrative. While Zade may be dangerous, he is far from the worst thing in this book. There are far darker forces moving in the background, and Adeline is caught in their path without even realizing it. The true threat comes from a corrupt organization operating behind the scenes. Their influence runs deep, and the depravity tied to them is the most unsettling part of Haunting Adeline. Their presence adds a sinister layer I was not expecting. This is not just a dark romance, it is a story about predation, corruption, and people who will do anything to maintain control. I listened to the audiobook and highly recommend that format if you enjoy audio. It is duet narration and Teddy Hamilton and Michelle Sparks do an incredible job with these characters. Haunting Adeline is also very spicy, and while sex is a major part of this book, it does not take away from the plot or character development. The story builds toward a shocking cliffhanger, and I was immediately ready for Hunting Adeline. If you are drawn to dark romance with psychological elements and do not shy away from morally complex characters and heavier subject matter, this is definitely a book to add to your TBR.

Brought it for my fiancée and she absolutely loved it, although the book looks abit damaged but all it’s good.

throughout the book the ink fades and words become unclear. There are many miss spells throughout, and at the end the chapters are just mixed up and reprinted, there are like 3 chapter 32 and each have different text. I dont even know if what I read at the beginning was right or if some chapters where not printed. Left me hanging at the end and I. Hate. It. I sent a request for refund and they contacted me to send a copy.

I cannot say enough good things about this book. It got me out of a reading slump and introduced me to a whole new genre of books. Now, this book isn't for everyone. It has a shopping list of TWs. But if you use TWs as a shopping list, then this book is for you! It's engaging, spicy, and I found myself laughing out loud while reading it.

Okay y’all hear me out.I didn’t knew why everyone one was talking about how hot this book is until I got it in my own hands.Chapter 29 (page 408) was the one that I heard everyone talking the most about.Another spicy chapter is chapter 16 (page 206) The gun scene that scene got me screaming.So for all of the girlies that love dark romance books.GET THIS BOOK IMMEDIATELY!

Muy buen libro