Haunting Adeline

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!

❗️Important❗️ •Read the trigger warnings because this book is dark, gory, involves r*pe/ass*ult, blood, etc. •The 🌶️ scenes get crazy like next level freaky, some were hard to read because it gets disturbing. •A lot goes on in this book with characters & information so it’s easy to get lost or confused. •This has a ton of mixed reviews, understandably why, I can see how this isn’t for everyone but I do think it’s worth the read whether you’re already into dark romance or trying to get into it. I finished this book in less than 2 weeks. This is my first ever dark romance/big book (600 pages) that I bought & it’s a very interesting yet hooking read. This has a mixture of action, thriller, horror, goriness, spice etc while keeping the characters limited & the overall plot organized. As someone who hasn’t read a big book like this before, towards the last 10ish chapters I was feeling a book slump forming because all of the pages are intimidating after awhile you feel as if you’ll never finish it, but I’m glad I finished it & now I’m excited to read the next one. I do recommend this book, different but catchy :)

I COULD SCREAM I skipped sleeping hours, workout sessions and even a shower to read this book people. SPOILERS I think the author did an awesome job in tackling this sensitive topic (having a stalker), and making it thirlling, sexy, and... relatable? Just like Adeline, as much as I was squealing while reading, a voice in my head (moral compass) kept saying "this is so wrong", it would be so wrong if it were happening in real life. So. I can't quite pinpoint what would've made this story even better for me, but it was well enough written to be convincing and not put me off. I loved the constant feeling of DANGER while reading the book, whether it was because of Zade himself, the Society sick people, or Gigi's murder case. The atmosphere was excellently built! I FELT the darkness, storms, rain, adrenaline, terror. Ugh I guess the only thing that disappointed me was that the stalking started out of the blue; it was some kind of "obsession at first sight" and Zade just decides to stalk Adeline after watching her for a while when she was at a book event. Apparently, considering the way she's described, she's both hot and charming in a natural way so. That's that; no "real" reasond behind it. But well, this wasn't terrible enough so as to prevent me from enjoying the book! Zade's still a psycho if you ask me, but he's more focused on protecting Adeline (so that no one else has her lol?) than hurting her (can't deny he's hurt her, forced her to do sexual stuff, and even threatens to end her with his belt if she bit his c0ck), he kills "bad guys" and saves vulnerable children/women, and he's attractive, sexy, intense, beastly, committed, devoted, and wants to be a daddy (in every sense of the word lol). So these are the traits that end up convincing you as a reader, I guess, making you believe that "it's not that bad". I LOVED Zade as a character! He's so masculine and intense... the way he speaks! And kisses, and touches lol I'm just so grateful that he didn’t turn all vanilla at some point. It's so refreshing, in a sick way, how he takes whatever he wants from Adeline and owns his fantasies when he's with her (he tells her what to do or even say sometimes). Sorry I'm just tired of all these men (characters) asking for permission lol. So yes; I appreciate that the author truly shows us that Zade is "bad", and that feeling lasts till... the end of the novel. I also love that there's no traumatic story behind him lol and that he never regrets nor apologizes for stalking Adeline; he totally owns it. And Adeline... Even though not that relevant to the story, I loved that she's a writer and socially anxious! I enjoyed reading her! I loved that, at least, she's aware of how "stupid" she's been for "allowing" certain situations with her stalker (not that she could've stopped him, really), and that little by little she just accepts that she likes it all; the thrill, danger, horror, being forced. Of course, she ends up LOVING it and practically begging for more. But her inner conflict, her mixed feelings were very well developed, to the point of her experience being relatable. Something I loved regarding their whole dynamic, apart from the cat and mouse chase, and the fire and juices between them, was how... the deeper they went physically, the more they developed their connection. I just loved reading that! Without making it sappy. They found each other in sex, and that helped with their connection outside of sex. (Oh and I LOVED the built up tension and all the sex scenes!!!!). It was refreshing reading how wanted Adeline was by this beast of a man. Okay so, in case it wasn't clear I LOOOOOOVED this book! It's definitely one of my favorites now! On the downside, I was so gripped by it and obsessed with what was going to happen with them, that Zade's point of view (when he was out doing "humanitarian" work) and Gigi's diary pages felt more like a hazard than something that I was interested in reading and enjoy. Finally, though this is a romance and I AM here for it, a part of me had the crazy idea that by the end of the book, Adeline was so freaked out about the "being a mommy" coment that she had decided to run away! (And that's why the title of the second book is "Hunting" Adeline). I cannot deny I felt disappointed when that wasn't the case lol. Still an awesome book that I totally recommend!

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.

I overall liked the series. BUT the smut was a bit much and a bit repetitive. Overall, it was good. It was just heavy, I often put it down and took awhile to pick back up

Wowwwwww, what a great book. The tension and nail biting was on 10. It was dark, mysterious and eye opening. I can’t wait to read Hunting Adeline and Where’s Molly. Satans Affair(the first book novella)was so bizarre but it was the beginning of an all too real story that happens every day. The author does a great job of putting it together and making you listen to every word written. I highly recommend reading this series and I can’t wait to read the last two in the series.

The reason why I'm giving 4 stars is b/c I bought a brand new copy due to my original copy had a few pages coming out which I was sad to see and also I had learned that audible had a graphic update and the book was updated as well. So I got both and just now finished, everything is fine besides at the end of chpt. 42 it ends where it says "the police will be here soon" but there should of been more for that chapter listening along with the audible. I had my book also show the last entry from gigi, but other than that it was fine so might wanna look into that. Otherwise I still enjoy the book and the series

Wow. I was not expecting myself to love this book. But I did, and here we are. First off, it is non-con for about half of the book. If this is something you are not okay with, I do not recommend reading this book. I understand. We all have our limits. Just stop reading this review and find another book to read. I shall carry on in the meantime. H.D. Carlton’s Writing Carlton’s writing was addicting. The way she was able to build scenes is a craft. If anything, she’s the manipulator. In some of the more intense scenes between Addie and Zade, she built up suspense to it. She created enough suspense so I could feel Addie’s fear. I could visualize the scene in my head through her eyes. There were scenes I played over and over again in my head. I haven’t been able to do that with other authors in a while. I found myself highlighting on my Kindle lines that I thought were so well written. Carlton made Addie funny without being cringey, and the humor she used wasn’t overdone. I loved the use of the journal entries throughout the book, it added another layer of suspense and build up towards the plot. Ugh. I just loved her writing. Addie There were some questionable moments I had with Addie. But, she was self-aware about herself and how she was feeling about Zade. Heck, she even admitted that she gets off on being scared. She was brave, strong, and was funny. She definitely had a morals battle with herself over the course of the book, but like Zade said, she didn’t really have a chance (if you read the book you’ll get what I mean). I do think she made her own choice about starting to have feelings for Zade (ones other than fear). Zade Okay, I have to say what everyone else is saying. The conflict of Zade’s profession while he stalks and *youknowwhats* Addie. I think it’s actually passively brought up in the book at one point. Haunting Addie is a dark romance novel, so this is something you have to accept. But yeah, it’s not a good look. He is very intense with Addie, even when he professes his feelings and plans for their future with her. I’m not sure if the author made him be a vigilante to placate readers feelings, or even her own feelings, about how there is some good in Zade, to make him likable in some way. Or take for example when he k-worded Arch. Arch just happened to be a bad guy. It certainly would’ve made Zade an evil guy if he had k-worded an innocent guy. I feel like these things are to kind of justify that we still like Zade even though he does stalk and *youknowwhats* Addie. Whatever makes us feel better at the end of the day, yanno? I still enjoyed his character and his obsessed with Addie. The roses were a sweet detail. The Plot(s) *spoiler* I thought the plot was crafted extremely well. To me, I thought there were 3 plots/storylines (whatever you call it). 1) Addie and Zade’s relationship 2) the investigation of Gigi’s k-word and 3) Zade’s own investigation into the videos. They all intertwined smoothly and all felt relevant. They kept the story flowing nicely and I didn’t feel like there were any parts of the book that felt stalled. This book does end on a cliff-hanger, which I am actually okay with just because the sequel is coming out in the end of January lol. I am very interested to see what direction Carlton has taken the story in.