Genre: Dark Romance, Thriller, Horror
Subgenres: Erotic Thriller, Gothic Romance
Series: Yes, this is the first book in the "Cat and Mouse Duet" series
If You Like Your Romance Dark and a Little Unhinged, This One’s For You
Ever wondered what happens when a gothic romance takes a dark detour into obsession and full-blown psychological chaos? Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton doesn’t just flirt with taboo – it dives headfirst into the deep end. Set in a haunted mansion with enough creepy vibes to give you goosebumps, this isn’t your typical love story. But hey, if morally grey characters and a good old-fashioned stalker romance sound like your cup of tea, you’re in for a wild ride.
A Quick Look at the Plot (No Spoilers, I Promise)
Adeline Reilly is a novelist who thrives on the creepy and unusual, so when she inherits her gran’s eerie old mansion, she figures it’s just another cool chapter in her life. But this house isn’t just full of family secrets and squeaky floorboards – there’s someone lurking in the shadows. Enter Zade, a mysterious, dangerous bloke who decides Adeline’s his next obsession. Is he there to protect her… or destroy her? Either way, Adeline can’t seem to stay away. And honestly, would we even want her to?
Tropes & Themes
Tropes: Stalker romance, morally grey hero, obsession, gothic mansion, forbidden attraction
Themes: Power struggles, trauma (with a side of healing), manipulation, and family secrets that should probably stay buried
The Overall Vibe
Imagine this – you’re sitting alone in a dark room, and you swear you just heard someone breathe behind you. That’s the vibe Haunting Adeline delivers. Carlton pulls you in and keeps you trapped under the weight of shadows, heavy air, and the constant feeling that you’re being watched. It’s tense. It’s unsettling. And yeah, there’s a lot of spice, but not the kind that makes you feel warm and fuzzy – this is more like ‘should I lock my doors?’ kinda spice.
Heads-Up: Here’s What You’re In For
Look, I won’t sugar-coat it – this book gets intense. It doesn’t shy away from some pretty dark stuff – stalking, torture, non-consensual encounters (or at the very least, iffy consent), sexual violence, and human trafficking. If you’re sensitive to these topics, it’s probably best to sit this one out. Carlton goes all in, and she doesn’t pull any punches.
Why This Book Slaps (And Sometimes Stings)
One thing Carlton nails is atmosphere. The mansion isn’t just a spooky backdrop – it feels alive, feeding off Adeline’s fears and mental state. Every shadow feels like it’s got a secret to spill, and honestly, I kind of loved how claustrophobic it made me feel. Zade? He’s uncomfortably captivating. He’s dangerous, but Carlton layers him enough that he’s not just a cardboard-cutout villain. Adeline’s fascination (and let’s be honest, ours) with him is addictive – even if we know he’s bad news. That said, the pacing’s a bit all over the place. Some scenes drag on longer than necessary, while major conflicts get wrapped up too quickly. Still, even when the pace dips, the sheer intensity of the story keeps you hooked.
Personal Take (aka My Brain is Still Processing)
This book left me feeling… conflicted. One minute I was tearing through the pages like my life depended on it, and the next I was sitting there like, “Wait… am I meant to be enjoying this?” Carlton’s got a talent for pulling readers out of their comfort zones while keeping them completely hooked. I can’t say this was a ‘fun’ read, but it was gripping in a way that sticks with you. It’s messy, morally complex, and a little bit addictive – just like Zade.
Writing Style & Pacing
Carlton’s writing is rich and cinematic. You feel every creaky floorboard and flicker of candlelight. She leans into descriptions hard, which really amps up the tension. The downside? Sometimes the pacing feels uneven. You might get stuck in Adeline’s head for pages, but then a major twist flies by so fast you barely catch it. Some readers will love the slow-burn build-up – others might get a little impatient.
The Characters
Adeline’s a solid lead – gutsy, curious, and just reckless enough to keep things interesting. She’s not some damsel sitting around waiting to be rescued, which makes her descent into obsession all the more gripping. Zade? He’s… complicated. He’s that guy you know you shouldn’t like, but Carlton makes him charismatic enough to keep you guessing. Side characters? Meh. They pop in and out but don’t get much development. This is Adeline and Zade’s show – everyone else is just background noise.
The Setting is a Whole Mood
That mansion, though. Carlton writes the setting like it’s a character in its own right – haunted, decaying, and full of secrets. It traps Adeline, isolates her, and feeds the tension. The world outside barely matters because everything important happens within those creaky walls. If you’re into moody, gothic settings, you’re gonna love this.
If You Liked…
- You by Caroline Kepnes
- Captive in the Dark by C.J. Roberts
- Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier (for those who like their gothic vibes a little less… intense)
You’ll probably vibe with Haunting Adeline. It’s like the darker, messier cousin of these books – still addictive, just way more twisted.
Who Should Read This?
- Fans of dark romance with heavy psychological twists
- Readers who enjoy obsessive, morally questionable characters
- Anyone who lives for gothic settings and taboo relationships
- People who aren’t put off by graphic content and darker themes
If you're after a sweet, feel-good love story—this isn’t the book for you. It’s dark, twisted, and unapologetically bold.
Wrapping It Up
Haunting Adeline is bold, twisted, and not for everyone – but if you’re into dark romance that leans hard into psychological thrills, this one will haunt you (pun absolutely intended). It’s the kind of book that messes with your head and lingers long after you turn the last page.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5) – Dark, messy, and addictive. Not your average love story – but if you like your books spicy and disturbing, you’ll be hooked.
