Rating: ★★★★☆
Genre: Dark Romance, Psychological Thriller, Mystery Romance
Entering the world of Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton is like stepping into a dark, twisted fairy tale that grips you from the first page and refuses to let go. The novel’s blend of chilling suspense and forbidden romance creates a compelling backdrop that tantalises and terrifies in equal measure. All that being said, I feel very conflicted about this book, and more specifically about how much I liked this book. It’s the first book in the Cat and Mouse Duology, the second instalment being Hunting Adeline.
Drawn in by my penchant for dark romances and psychological thrillers, I found myself thoroughly ensnared by its intricate plot and the hauntingly gothic atmosphere that permeates every page. The sense of foreboding grows with each chapter, making it a truly memorable read. I love a good mystery romance, and Carlton delivers an exquisite blend of heart-pounding moments and dark intrigue that keeps the adrenaline pumping long after the last page is turned.
And to address the obvious elephant in the room, this one is SPICY. Whether it’s the kind of spicy you enjoy, find weirdly twisted but in a good way, or think is outright gross, will be entirely down to your preference. One thing I will say right off the bat; if spicy novels make you uncomfortable in any way, if you found Fifty Shades of Grey uncomfortable, if you’re really not into Dark Romance but kinda curious…this book is A LOT.
Personally, I loved it. I found it to be too much in the best possible way. But I can well see it being way over the line for a lot of people. In all honestly, there was one element of it that was way over the line for me, yet I enjoyed the book anyway. And therein lies my confliction, because cerebrally I know I shouldn’t like this novel, but viscerally, it was the most compelling book I’ve read for years.
This is the kind of book that if your significant other picks it up to get a glimpse into your fantasy life, you’re either going to wind up very single very quickly, or in an extremely awkward situation as they try and act it out to meet your deepest desires and wind up getting arrested.
Leaving this book out on your coffee table? Be prepared to raise eyebrows or even scare off some guests.
This isn’t to deter you from reading it, or from enjoying whatever you prefer—after all, others’ opinions on your reading choices shouldn’t matter. But consider it a gentle warning.
There are books that unsettle people when they discover you enjoy them, often because they assume these narratives reflect your real-life desires, which can lead to misunderstandings or feelings of inadequacy. I recently watched an episode of Dusty Thunder reading a story from Reddit about a man who found his wife’s romance novels and was deeply unnerved by the content. Honestly I’d never considered the need to explain what I read before I watched this; we can all read whatever we like, right? But it did give me food for thought.
Read whatever you like and feel no shame. However, if you have someone in your life who might be sensitive or likely to misinterpret your interests, it might be worth clarifying to them what these stories represent to you if it comes up in conversation. For most of us, including myself, there’s zero interest in these scenarios playing out in real life, but they’re a thrill to read about. Clarifying this before someone gets the wrong idea is advisable if you care about their perceptions.
But anyway, onto the book…
The Unravelling of Haunting Adeline
Adeline, a successful writer, inherits her grandmother’s Gothic mansion—a place shrouded in secrets and draped in a dark history. As she begins to settle into her eerie new home, she finds herself relentlessly pursued by the enigmatic and dangerous Zade. His dark obsession with Adeline blurs the line between love and madness, weaving a thick tapestry of suspense and fear throughout their interactions.
The narrative delves deeply into Adeline’s psyche, exploring her tumultuous battle between knowing she should be afraid of the mysterious Zade and want nothing to do with him, and finding herself inexorably drawn to and attracted to him. The story is told through alternating perspectives, offering a dual view into their motivations and emotions, which significantly enriches the complexity of the plot. This narrative technique not only heightens the tension but also provides a multi-dimensional view of their dark and tangled relationship. I’m not often a fan of duel POV as I usually find the male half of it rather redundant, but in this case Zade is a fully fleshed out and genuinely interested (if entirely fucked up!) character.
Adeline emerges as a formidable protagonist—her initial vulnerability morphs into a resilient strength that is both harrowing and empowering. On the other hand, Zade, with his dark and possessive nature, is a compelling anti-hero. He oscillates between moments of chilling cruelty and unexpected tenderness, making him a paradoxical figure that readers will find both repulsive and intriguing. Together, they ignite an electric chemistry that adds profound depth to the story, making their dark liaison as captivating as it is unsettling.
Writing Style and Themes of Haunting Adeline
H.D. Carlton’s evocative writing style brings Haunting Adeline vividly to life, painting a starkly vivid picture of the gothic mansion and the eerie atmosphere that envelops the narrative. The suspense is palpable, meticulously crafted to build steadily and keep readers perpetually on edge. This masterful tension plays a pivotal role in drawing readers deeper into the dark and mysterious world Carlton has created.
The novel explores intense themes of obsession, control, and the blurred lines between love and possession. It raises thought-provoking questions about morality and desire, challenging readers to consider the complexities of the human psyche and the moral dilemmas that arise from our deepest, often darkest desires.
Together, the rich writing and the deep thematic exploration make Haunting Adeline not just a story, but a profound exploration of the darker side of affection and the human condition, making readers ponder long after the last page is turned.
Haunting Adeline deftly incorporates elements of psychological thrillers and murder mysteries, making it a gripping read that delves deep into the complexities of human psychology and the darker aspects of human behaviour. The plot intricately weaves together suspense, fear, and the unknown, capturing the essence of what makes psychological thrillers so captivating. At its core, the novel explores the psychological torment of the protagonist, Adeline. The isolation and eerie surroundings of the mansion she inherits serve as a perfect backdrop for the psychological exploration that defines this genre. Adeline’s stalker, Zade, introduces a menacing presence that heightens the tension and suspense, as his motives and background slowly unravel, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. At the same time, Adeline discovers her great grandmother also had a stalker, creating a counterpoint that allows Adeline to examine her feelings for the situation she finds herself in with Zade.
Zade’s obsession and the psychological games he plays with Adeline are central to the thriller aspect of the story. His actions are not just physical but deeply psychological, involving manipulation and control that challenge Adeline’s sanity and grip on reality. This manipulation of psychological vulnerabilities is a hallmark of the genre, and Carlton handles it with a masterful touch.
Haunting Adeline’s Murder Mystery
The murder mystery element of the plot revolves around the historical murder of Adeline’s great grandmother in the very house she now inhabits. It’s intricately tied to the psychological exploration, adding another layer of complexity to the plot. The mansion itself, with its dark history, hints at hidden secrets and unresolved mysteries that Adeline must uncover. As she digs deeper into the mansion’s past and her great grandmother’s mysterious life, she uncovers hidden truths that intertwine her life with a legacy of deceit, betrayal, and murder.
The narrative structure, with its twists and turns, effectively employs classic murder mystery techniques—red herrings, cliffhangers, and surprising reveals—to keep the reader guessing. Each revelation about the mansion’s past and the true nature of its former inhabitants adds to the building suspense, making the unveiling of the murderer’s identity a climactic moment that ties together the psychological and thriller threads in a satisfying resolution.
There’s also an whole other level to this, which ties into the present day and Zade’s own personal crusade that is separate to his obsession with Adeline. I don’t want to get to into this as it will spoil it for those who haven’t read it, but I found these elements just as compelling as the romance. Weaving them all together creates a real treat.
Through Haunting Adeline, H.D. Carlton provides a dark, thrilling ride through the complexities of the human psyche and the shadows of past crimes, making it a standout addition to the genres of psychological thrillers and murder mysteries. The novel’s ability to maintain suspense while exploring deep psychological truths is a testament to Carlton’s skill as a storyteller.
Trigger Warnings For Haunting Adeline
As previously mentioned, it’s important to reiterate the need for trigger warnings when approaching Haunting Adeline. Like I said, I’m conflicted about this novel, for while I genuinely loved it, I also know that one central aspect of it is something that should not, under any circumstances, be romanticised.
And yet here it has been. And I still enjoyed it. Even though I know I shouldn’t.
Ironically this is precisely the dilemma Adeline faces in the novel herself. There’s no way to really talk about this without talking about it, so spoiler warning (thought I will try not to give too much away!).
Among the prominent elements that require caution are detailed depictions of stalking and intense psychological manipulation. These elements are pivotal to the plot but can be unsettling or triggering for some. Additionally, the novel contains scenes involving non-consensual situations that are graphic and may evoke strong emotional responses.
This book also delves into the psychological impacts of these interactions, examining how they affect the mental and emotional well-being of the characters involved. Such explorations can be profoundly disturbing, highlighting the blurred lines between control and autonomy within relationships.
Readers should be aware that Haunting Adeline does not shy away from these themes but instead uses them to challenge perceptions and invoke a deeper understanding of the dark sides of human desire and attachment. This makes it essential for potential readers to consider their comfort levels with such content before delving into the book.
And Here’s The Un-Sugar-Coated Version
After a chance encounter at a book signing, Zade becomes completely obsessed with Adeline and begins stalking her. From the outset, Adeline is both alarmed and undeniably intrigued by this. It’s important to note that she is, prior to the novel, well aware that she’s extremely turned on by things that frighten her. Fear is intoxicating to Adeline, so when something freaks her out, she’s immediately wet and horny. I do feel this is an important element of her character, as it makes her feelings for Zade more plausible, while also separating her experience from the average reader.
Unless you also happen to have that quirk, you’re very unlikely to respond to what Zade does to Adeline in the same way. And what Zade does is rape her, plain and simple. There’s no grey area here. There’s no arguing that he did but only because she asked him to. That does actually happen at one point, but prior to that she is very clearly saying no, and physically, verbally, and mentally unwilling.
He does it anyway.
The fact she ends up enjoying it is a quirk of the fact she’s so turned on my fear and violence. While their relationship does progress as they get to know each other and turns into something more, there’s really no avoiding this part of the story. There’s no forgetting it. There’s no getting around the fact Zade is a despicable human being for treating Adeline the way he does. Yes, he has some redeeming elements to his personality, and in his own incredibly fucked up way loves her. But that doesn’t make what he does in any way okay.
The fact Adeline wrestles with this and fairly quickly realises that, no, she shouldn’t be into it but, actually, she really is, doesn’t change it either. And I’m still really unsure how I feel about it, because on one level I found this disturbing, disgusting, and flat out wrong. And on the other hand, I really enjoyed reading it.
Worse, I was rooting for her to fall for him.
Clearly, if this happened in real life I’d feel very differently about the situation. But in the context of the novel and the characters, it was such a compelling read.
It’s rare to find a novel that so unflinchingly explores the more sinister aspects of love and obsession.
Unpacking the Haunting Adeline Furore
Haunting Adeline is definitely a book that stirred the pot! After it got yanked from Amazon, the buzz around this novel just exploded. The book’s deep dive into some pretty dark themes—stalking, sexual assault, even child trafficking, graphic violence, make it heavy stuff. It is very clearly crafted for an adult audience, and it’s not shy about it either. Controversy creates conversation, and this is certainly one that has become hugely hyped on Bookstagram and Booktok.
The ban was a real lightning rod for debate. On one side, you’ve got folks who think pulling it from shelves was a smart move to protect readers from potentially traumatic content. On the other, there are plenty who cry foul, seeing it as a blow to creative freedom. It’s the classic art versus ethics debate—how much is too much when it comes to storytelling?
The response to Haunting Adeline has been all over the map. Once word got out about the ban, curiosity piqued, and suddenly, everyone had to read it and form their own opinion. Discussions popped up everywhere, dissecting everything from its narrative merit to its impact on readers.
Critics argue that the book might push the envelope too far, suggesting it could desensitise people to real-world violence or trigger those with similar traumatic experiences. Meanwhile, its defenders argue that fiction should be a space where you can explore dark themes without sugarcoating reality.
All that being said, I really enjoyed this book, and I’m unashamed to say it. There are levels of escapism in reading that surpass any other form of entertainment. A great book lets you get lost in another world. The reason so many people love Fantasy novels is precisely because they give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a world that is a complete break from reality. We do not have dragons and war colleges to attend in real life, but we love the escape provided by Fourth Wing. Similarly, most of us will (fortunately!) never experience anything like Haunting Adeline in real life and, even if we did, most readers are savvy enough to understand Adeline’s unique psychological quirks mean we definitely would not react the way she does. We’re not turned on by the thought of being stalked in real life. We’re turned on by the thought of being completely consumed by a man who loves us so obsessively, and can physically make us feel all the things Adeline feels when she’s with Zade.
The controversy surrounding the novel has also perhaps overshadowed the other positive elements of it; it’s a compelling mystery, and an intriguing thriller.
How Spicy is the Novel?
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (5/5)
Haunting Adeline ramps up the heat with its explicit scenes, significantly intensifying the dynamic between Adeline and Zade. There may be a kinkier more explicit novel out there but if there is I haven’t read it yet. This book pulls no punches. It is highly graphic, explicit, and delves into sex a lot. The novel’s high spice level is not just a facet of its allure but a crucial element that enriches the dark and provocative atmosphere. These scenes are crafted not only to tantalise but also to deepen the complex, often tumultuous relationship at the heart of the story. The explicit content serves to underscore the themes of obsession and control, weaving a passionate yet challenging tapestry that defines the book’s tone. Readers looking for a dark romance with a serious kick will find this book both stirring and impactful, making it a standout in the genre for those who can handle the heat.
All that said, and it may say more about me than the book admitting this, there were times I was laughing out load at the way certain things were done or phrased. I’m quite sure this wasn’t the intended response. But when you have Zade running around saying things like “The only way I’ll be sending you to heaven is with my cock.” in response to Adeline (quite reasonably!) worrying the man who just broke into her house and threatened her with a gun intends to kill her, really how is a girl supposed to keep a straight face?
Honestly, I laughed so hard at that line there were tears and I had to immediately message my bookish WhatsApp group and ask if anyone else had read this, and if it was normal for me to find its so fucking funny!
Hint: it’s not. Clearly I’m just weird.
What Romance Tropes Are In Haunting Adeline?
Trope Count: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Haunting Adeline weaves a complex narrative using various romance tropes, each adding depth and emotional resonance to the story. Here’s a closer look at each of these tropes:
Obsession
The obsession trope is central to the plot, with Zade’s intense and often troubling fixation on Adeline driving much of the suspense and tension. His obsession not only dictates his actions but also frames the psychological landscape of the narrative, showing how deep emotional entanglements can lead to perilous consequences.
Dark Protector
Zade embodies the dark protector trope, serving as both a guardian and a threat to Adeline. This duality adds complexity to his character and their relationship, creating a dynamic where the line between protection and danger is continuously blurred.
Forbidden Love
The relationship between Adeline and Zade is a textbook case of forbidden love, challenging societal norms and moral boundaries. This trope explores the allure and consequences of engaging in a relationship that defies conventional ethical standards, enhancing the novel’s tension and appeal.
Gothic Setting
The Gothic mansion setting amplifies the novel’s dark romance atmosphere, providing a backdrop filled with mystery and a hint of danger. This setting is pivotal in creating the mood and tone that define Gothic literature, imbuing the story with a sense of historical depth and decay.
Anti-Hero
Zade is portrayed as an anti-hero, a character whose actions and motives challenge the traditional hero archetype. His morally ambiguous nature and complex personal journey make him a compelling but contentious figure, often eliciting both sympathy and revulsion from readers. This is one of the elements about this novel I find so conflicting, because if not for his personal crusade and pretty face, there is no way anyone would like him as a character. And I’m not convinced the good he does outweighs the bad. Particularly given the methods he employs to do that good, and the fact he uses those same methods on Adeline.
I love a good anti-hero, but Zade is walking a very fine line between anti-hero and disgusting villain. Were it not for the presence of so many characters in the novel who are far worse than Zade, I don’t think he’d be close to the anti-hero line at all. And I find that very interesting (if a little disturbing).
Captive Romance
This trope involves a dynamic where elements of captivity and romantic involvement are intertwined, often exploring the themes of power, control, and consent. In Haunting Adeline, this trope is explored through the nuanced interactions between Adeline and Zade, where Adeline finds herself caught between desire and desperation. She’s isn’t his literal captive in the sense of being locked away in a basement, but from the second he starts stalking her he’s aware of where she is, what she’s doing, and how she’s feeling. He essentially turns her house into that basement, and she willing chooses to remain captive in it.
Love-Hate Relationship
The push and pull between Adeline and Zade exemplify the love-hate relationship trope, marked by intense emotional conflicts and passionate reconciliations. This turbulent dynamic fuels the narrative’s dramatic core, making their relationship both volatile and intriguing. It verges on enemies to lovers, but really doesn’t feel like that since Zade is besotted with Adeline from the second he lays eyes on her, and Adeline never seems to be fully invested in hating her stalker, even before she see his oh-so-beautiful face.
Each of these tropes contributes to the rich fabric of Haunting Adeline, creating a multi-layered narrative that engages readers with its intricate portrayal of dark themes and complex relationships.
The Verdict On Haunting Adeline
Haunting Adeline is a dark, thrilling ride that will captivate fans of the Dark Romance, Psychological Thrillers and Mystery Romance. With its intense plot, complex characters, and evocative writing, it’s a book that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. If you enjoy stories that push boundaries and explore the darker aspects of human emotions, this book is a must-read. Just proceed with caution.
