🕯️ Book Review: Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton
A dark, twisted, and highly controversial romantic thriller that blends gothic horror, psychological suspense, and taboo obsession.
Book 1 in the Cat and Mouse Duet, Haunting Adeline has become a viral sensation in the dark romance community, known for its intense themes, morally gray characters, and boundary-pushing narrative. With a Goodreads rating of 4.12/5 from over 100,000 readers, the novel has sparked both passionate praise and strong criticism for its depiction of obsession, trauma, and unconventional love.
🧠 Plot Overview
Adeline Reilly, a successful author, inherits her grandmother’s eerie gothic mansion—complete with a tragic history. As she settles in, she discovers her great-grandmother was murdered in the house, and the killer was never caught. Adeline begins reading her ancestor’s journals and realizes disturbing parallels between their lives, especially the presence of a stalker.
Enter Zade Meadows, a vigilante hacker who rescues victims of human trafficking by night—and stalks Adeline by day. He’s obsessed with her, watching her every move, leaving cryptic notes, and eventually confronting her in ways that blur the line between danger and desire. Their relationship is anything but conventional, and the story explores themes of control, submission, and psychological manipulation.
⚠️ Content Warnings
This book contains graphic sexual content, non-consensual scenes, stalking, violence, and psychological trauma. It is recommended for mature audiences only, and readers are strongly advised to review trigger warnings before diving in.
💬 Reader Reactions
- “The chemistry between Adeline and Zade is off the charts, but it’s not for the faint of heart.”
- “A haunting, addictive read that left me disturbed and intrigued.”
- “Zade is a walking contradiction—he rescues trafficking victims but stalks Adeline obsessively. It’s hard to reconcile.”
Some readers praised the book’s boldness and emotional intensity, while others criticized its romanticization of toxic behavior and lack of nuance in handling trauma.
🏁 Final Verdict
Haunting Adeline is a polarizing dark romance that pushes genre boundaries and explores obsession in its rawest form. If you’re drawn to morally complex characters, gothic settings, and taboo themes—and you’re prepared for a deeply unsettling ride—this book might captivate you. But if you prefer traditional romance or need emotional safety in your reads, this one may not be for you.
