Review: Haunting Adeline
“His eyes are tracing my curves like they're scripture, and he's a sinner that is searching for proof of a God that he no longer can hear.”
Haunting Adeline.
By H.D. Carlton
“Haunting Adeline”- H.D. Carlton (Cat and Mouse Duet #1)
Spice: 5/5
Overall Rating: 4/5
Genre: Dark, Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Mystery, Thriller
Ok so WOW, here we go! Jumping into this blog hot with one of the darkest romance books I’ve ever read. DEFINITELY check the trigger warnings before beginning this book. (I will include them at the bottom of the page). I kind of knew what I was getting into with this book from booktok spoilers (i.e. the gun scene!) but from the beginning to the cliff-hanging end I was clutching my pearls while simultaneously finding myself willing to do just about anything to be in Adeline’s shoes.
The Characters
Okay, TBH I read "Haunting Adeline” for Zade and Zade alone. In so many romance/fantasy books that I’ve read, at some point in the story the male character, who is obsessed with our female MC, looses his edge and becomes a total push over for the woman he has fallen in love with. There are a few exceptions and Zade is one. He takes no shit, is dedicated to his ‘task’, and stays rough around the edges- finally! I was getting really tired of the ‘pussy-wipped’ trope that so many of my fav men have become a victim to (RIP Casteel, Rhysand, Xayden).
However, I am lukewarm on Adeline. Listen, I love a spooky girlie and I am totally here for her love of ghosts and wine- we would probably even be friends if she would let me visit her haunted house- but there is just something about her that feels - shallow, lacking depth. She’s our MC, is being stalked, lives in a haunted mansion, is a writer, as a badass female bff, likes sex and still, I was underwhelmed.
THE SEX!
What I will say for Addie is that she is a freak in the sheets! Several times in the book, I was rooting her on for following her dark fantasies/sexual desires- Get it girl! We love a sexually empowered female. Addie’s main kink seems to be her arousal when afraid. So, if that’s your thing, and it’s def mine, READ THIS BOOK!
Some of the things that Zade - i.e. Zaddy - whispers to Addie during these scenes will be forever burned in my mind and take up space in my spank bank. Here are a couple of my favs:
“That's right, baby. I am your fucking God,” he growls before I feel his teeth sink into my neck.”
“If my redemption resides somewhere within you, then I will spend the rest of my life searching for it inside of you.”
Conclusion
If you love dark romance, please read it. It, of course, is the first book in a two part series called “The Cat and Mouse Duet”.
Here are the links for:
I would love to read your comments below about your thoughts on “Haunting Adeline” or your suggestions on what I should write about in the future!
Thanks for reading, y’all. xoxoxo
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Trigger Warnings
Child sex trafficking, Rape, Sexual assault, Stalking, Murder, Torture, Kidnapping.
The book also deals with sensitive and potentially distressing topics such as child trafficking and human sacrifice. The book was previously banned on Amazon due to the trigger warning.
The book is recommended for ages 18+.
