What Is Haunting Adeline About?

If you’re wondering what Haunting Adeline is about, it’s a dark romance centred on obsession, fear, and the pull between the two.

Adeline moves into her grandmother’s isolated (haunted!) Gothic mansion and becomes the focus of Zade. A vigilante hacker whose fixation on her quickly crosses every conceivable boundary. What follows is a psychological push and pull between fear and attraction, layered with a darker mystery tied to her family and the house.

It’s very dark, indulgently spicy, graphically violent, and touches on multiple themes you probably shouldn’t enjoy reading about. It’s also compulsively readable.

My Haunting Adeline Review: AKA Why Do I Like This?

I’m genuinely conflicted writing this Haunting Adeline review, because on paper, I shouldn’t like this book at all.

And yet I did.

Adeline, a successful writer, inherits her grandmother’s Gothic mansion—a place shrouded in secrets and dark history. As she settles into her eerie new home, she finds herself relentlessly pursued by Zade, whose obsession with her blurs the line between love and madness.

What makes this work is the tension between Adeline knowing she should be afraid of him, and finding herself drawn to him anyway. That internal conflict runs through the entire novel and is what makes it so difficult to put down.

The dual POV plays a big part in that. I’m not usually a fan, as I often find the male perspective redundant, but here it actually works. Zade is a fully fleshed out and genuinely interesting character, even if he’s completely fucked up. Seeing inside his head adds to the tension rather than killing it.

Zade himself is a paradox. He swings between chilling cruelty and moments of unexpected tenderness, making him both repulsive and compelling at the same time. Adeline, meanwhile, grows from vulnerable to something much more resilient, and that shift is one of the more interesting parts of the story.

Their dynamic is what carries the book. It’s uncomfortable, messy, and at times outright disturbing, but it’s also undeniably gripping.

Beyond the relationship, there’s more going on than just the romance. The mystery surrounding her great grandmother and the history of the house adds another layer, and I actually found those elements just as compelling. There’s also a whole separate thread tied to Zade’s personal crusade that I won’t get into for spoiler reasons, but it adds depth and keeps the story moving.

Taken together, it becomes more than just a dark romance. It leans heavily into psychological thriller territory, with manipulation, control, and tension driving the plot forward.

So, is Haunting Adeline good?

Honestly… yes. But not in a clean, easy way.

This isn’t a book you read because it’s romantic or comforting. It’s a book you read because it pulls you in, makes you uncomfortable, and then refuses to let you go.

Should you read Haunting Adeline?

That depends entirely on your tolerance for dark themes.

If you’re going in expecting a typical romance, you’ll probably hate it. If you’re comfortable with something much darker, more twisted, and a bit morally unhinged, there’s a good chance you’ll find it as compelling as I did.

I shouldn’t have enjoyed this book as much as I did.

But I did.

How Dark is Haunting Adeline? (Trigger Warnings)

If you’re wondering how dark Haunting Adeline is, the short answer is: extremely.

This is not just a ‘dark romance’ in the aesthetic sense. It deals directly with themes that are graphic, uncomfortable, and, for many readers, genuinely disturbing.

Haunting Adeline Trigger Warnings & Content Warnings

In terms of trigger warnings, readers should be aware the book includes:

• Stalking and obsessive behaviour
• Psychological manipulation, coercive control, and emotional abuse
• Graphic non-consensual sexual content and sexual assault
• Violence, including torture, restraint, and physical abuse
• Kidnapping and captivity
• References to human trafficking and child trafficking
• Ritualistic violence, including human sacrifice and blood rituals

It’s important to reiterate the need for trigger warnings when approaching Haunting Adeline. 

Like I said, I’m conflicted about this novel. 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 (though I will try not to give too much away).

What Happens In Haunting Adeline: 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. 

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. 

With a gun.

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 by 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.

I will say that one I’d read Hunting Adeline, I was a lot less conflicted about this. The second book in the series does recontextualise a lot of Adaline’s inner monologue and make it clear that while she was on-page ‘thinking’ she didn’t want it, it’s very much a ‘I know I shouldn’t so I’m going to think that I don’t but deep down and very secretly I do’.

Which is semantics, but does change how you view it in retrospect.

Zade had no idea what she was thinking though. Or what she would think later and how that recolours it. He could only go on what she was saying and doing, and she was very clearly and unequivocally saying No!

Yes, Zade has some redeeming elements to his personality. In his own incredibly fucked up way loves Adeline. 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. On one level I found this book 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.

So, how dark is Haunting Adeline? 

Pitch. Black.

How Spicy Is Haunting Adeline?

Let’s be honest, the reputation of this novel precedes it. You’re probably not here because you’re wondering how spicy Haunting Adeline is. The odds are good you already know (it’s infamous for it!) But on the off chance you’re uncertain, let’s be very clear.

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. 

If you’re asking how explicit Haunting Adeline is, just know 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. 

The Haunting Adeline spice level is really quite relentless.

To the point I was verging on bored with it in places, but it really was just a lot. And some of it (particularly the dialogue) is genuinely cringe.

It may say more about me than the book admitting this, but there were times I was literally laughing out loud at how 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?

It didn’t help I was listening to it on Audible at that point and Teddy Hamilton really just has a way about him when he says cock.

Honestly, I laughed so hard at that line there were tears. 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 it so fucking funny!

Hint: it’s not. 

Clearly, I’m just weird.

Haunting Adeline Controversy: Why Was It Banned?

Haunting Adeline is definitely a book that stirred the pot. After it got yanked from Amazon, the buzz around it exploded. With themes like stalking, sexual assault, trafficking, and graphic violence, it’s clearly written for an adult audience and it doesn’t hold back. Controversy creates conversation, and this one has been everywhere on BookTok and Bookstagram.

But the backlash isn’t just about it being dark.

A lot of it comes down to how those themes are handled. Many readers argue the book crosses the line from dark romance into outright non-consent while still framing it as romantic. Zade is another sticking point. He’s written as someone who hunts abusers, yet behaves like one, which for some readers feels less ‘morally grey’ and more contradictory.

Then there’s the conspiracy angle. Readers have pointed out similarities between the book’s trafficking plot and real-world conspiracy narratives, including QAnon and antisemitic tropes. The author later added a note stating these similarities were unintentional, but the comparisons haven’t gone away.

The ban itself only added fuel. Some see it as necessary given the content, others see it as censorship. Either way, it pushed more people to read it.

All that being said, I really enjoyed this book, and I’m unashamed to say it.

Reading is escapism. Just like we don’t expect dragons to be real, most readers aren’t looking at this and thinking it reflects real-world relationships. It’s about intensity, fantasy, and stepping into something extreme that you’d never want in reality.

And honestly, the controversy has probably overshadowed the fact that underneath it all, it’s a compelling mystery and a genuinely addictive read.

Tropes In Haunting Adeline

Trope Count: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Haunting Adeline weaves a complex narrative using various romance tropes, each adding depth and emotional resonance to the story.

Obsession

Zade’s intense and often troubling fixation on Adeline drives 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.

Stalker

This isn’t a cute “Aw, he’s always watching out for her!” situation. Nope. Zade is quite literally stalking Adeline, and doing it to extreme degrees. He watches her, tracks her, violates her space, inserts himself into every aspect of her life, and violently reacts to other people who have the audacity to be near her. It’s not a side detail. Zade’s stalking is the foundation of their entire dynamic, and this is probably the most extreme stalker book I’ve read to date. The stalking is also where a lot of the tension comes from, because the line between fear and attraction is the driving force behind everything. 

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, enhancing the novel’s tension and appeal.

Gothic Romance

The Gothic elements of the novel amplify its dark romance atmosphere, with Adeline’s isolation, the sense of unease, and the lingering presence of the past all feeding into the tension between fear and attraction.

Haunted House

Adeline’s mansion is more than just a backdrop. Its dark history, hidden secrets, and connection to her great grandmother’s murder make it an active part of the story, shaping both the mystery and the psychological tension throughout.

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 is explored through the nuanced interactions between Adeline and Zade, where Adeline finds herself caught between desire and desperation. She 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 willingly 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. 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 sees 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.

So, Should You Read Haunting Adeline?

Honest answer? Probably not. Haunting Adeline is one of those books I feel like everyone would benefit from reading purely for the perspective it brings. BUT it’s also a book I can categorically say the majority of people I know would hate. Worse, it would be actively damaging to some of them.

But you’ve landed on this post, and you’ve read all the way down to the bottom, which tells me you’re curious.

And you probably already like dark romance.

Or, at the very least, you’re intrigued by dark romance. Perhaps you’ve been specifically intrigued by the controversy and online hype surrounding Haunting Adeline specifically. And if that’s the case?

Same.

That’s exactly why I read it.

Now I’m completely hooked on dark romance, can’t stop reading it, and actually started writing one of my own.

The next book in my Cheshire Set series (written immediately after I read Haunting and Hunting Adeline) was That Boy. And it ended up going a lot darker than anything I’d written before. I’m not sure you can truly call it dark romance, but it’s certainly edging in that direction. And it dragged the rest of the series that way too.

So, should you read Haunting Adeline? If you’re curious or already know you love a good dark romance novel, yes, absolutely. Check your trigger warnings, and go into it knowing it’s a lot. But in a good way.

And please don’t be mad at me if you don’t like it.

You were warned.

Got Questions About Haunting Adeline?

You’re not alone. We all come away from this book with questions. Many, many questions. I’ll do my best to answer some of them.

Is Haunting Adeline book 1?

Yes. Haunting Adeline is Book 1 of the Cat and Mouse Duet. The reason this is so confusing is because Book 2 is called Hunting Adeline, and the titles are so similar it’s easy to get them mixed up.

Do I need to read any of H.D. Carlton’s other books first?

Short answer, no. You don’t need to read any other books before Haunting Adeline. I didn’t, and I’m no worse off for it!

Should I read Haunting Adeline or Phantom first?

You should definitely read the duet first. If you read Phantom first, you already know, going in, and you’ll completely ruin it!

Who wrote Haunting Adeline?

Haunting Adeline is by H.D. Carlton, a highly controversial yet beloved author in the dark romance sphere, who has a string of great books under her belt.

Is Hunting Adeline the sequel?

Yes. And I strongly suggest you buy both books before you start reading because once you get to the end of Haunting Adeline, you will need the sequel immediately!

Do you need to read Haunting Adeline first?

Yes, quite definitely! For one, you’ll absolutely ruin the entire plot if you read them backwards. For another, you’ll just be completely confused. More than that, I found that Hunting Adeline completely recontextualised Haunting Adeline in a way I really wasn’t expecting. Haunting made me think, and actually kind of tie myself in knots trying to reconcile how I felt about the non-con elements of the book. Hunting allowed me to understand and reconcile those feelings into something a lot more comfortable. I’m not sure you’d get the same effect if you read them out of order!

Is Haunting Adeline a dark romance?

Yep. And one of the darkest dark romances I’ve read. It was actually my entry point into dark romance and man was that throwing myself in at the deep end! There are some books that you can read and think “Hmm but is this really dark romance?” Haunting Adeline is not one of those books. If you want that, check out Navessa Allen’s Into Darkness series. If you want pitch black, unforgivable, confusing because it’s so good yet so bad dark romance, the Cat and Mouse Duet is for you.