✨ Introduction
O, not an ordinary romance, Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton is a dark, inverted, 607-page thrill ride which left me spooked and fascinated. Published in August 2021 as the first part of the *Cat and Mouse Duet, this book explores a psychological romance that is disturbing as much as it is fascinating to read. I picked it up because I saw it blow up on X, and it is god, it is intense. It takes place in a spooky town of Washington and consists of the life of Adeline Reilly, a writer who stays in her grandmothers haunted manor and Zade Meadows, a malevolent hacker with an obsessive chilling interest. Their cat-and-mouse game is full of tension, spice and dark topics (have some trigger warnings of stalking and violence, so, first). The writing of Carlton is described as a fog forest; strange, submerging and inexplicable. Are you over with dark romance with heart-pounding stakes, then we should unravel the reasons why Haunting Adeline haunts in all the right ways.
📝 About H.D. Carlton
H.D. Carlton is a dark romance master who brings tales that border the line and linger like a shade. Residing in the U.S., she shot to fame with Haunting Adeline, that had gone viral, garnering more than 1 million Goodreads ratings by 2025. Through X posts, Carlton discloses the fact that she loves intricate morally grey characters and high-stakes plots that are usually a mixture of horror and romance. Having a background in creative writing she is reported to have been attracted to the psychology of obsession which comes out in this book. Her duet Cat and Mouse Duet has its own cult fanbase and people adore the rough and uncompromising approach she uses. The skill with which Carlton blends explicit content and emotional drama is the reason why she is a star, and Haunting Adeline is a tribute to her talent to create addictive, disturbing love stories
📖 Summary (Spoiler-Free)
Adeline Reilly is a young author trying to find her spark in Parsons Manor, her late grandmother’s creepy gothic estate in Washington. But the house isn’t her only problem—someone’s watching her, leaving notes and shadows in the night. Enter Zade Meadows, a hacker and vigilante with a dangerous edge, who’s fixated on Adeline in ways that blur the line between love and obsession. Their dynamic is a twisted game of predator and prey, with Zade’s intense pursuit clashing with Adeline’s fierce independence. Set against the manor’s haunted halls and a town hiding dark secrets, their story weaves steamy encounters with chilling suspense. Carlton keeps the stakes high, with Adeline’s past and Zade’s hidden motives adding layers of mystery. It’s a dark romance that’s equal parts thrilling and provocative, leaving you eager for the duet’s conclusion.
💀 Characters That Haunt
Adeline Reilly is a firebrand-bold, humorous and hot-bloodedly independent, she is not a damsel despite the wiles of a stalker. She is relatable, even when she is defiant, because of her power to deal with fear (and a creepy house). Zade Meadows is a multi-faceted antihero, he is appealing and frightening at the same time, his love affair with Adeline has a frightening and mesmerizing effect. His vigilantism makes him interesting, indicating that there is a moral code under his darkness. The supporting characters such as the friend of Adeline, Daya and the cast of haunting townsfolk provides color, and the manor itself is a kind of a character with its vibe of a ghost. They are carefully formed, therefore Carlton makes the strength of Adeline and the intensity of Zade jump out of the paper. Their chemistry: dark, twisted and steamy, keeps you glued, even when it makes you uncomfortable.
🖤 The Plot That Grips
Haunting Adeline is a finely-tuned dark and suspenseful romance, where psychological thrills and steamy tensions come together perfectly. It begins as Adeline moves into Parsons Manor and he hears some strange sounds and notes that there is a stalker. You can see that Zade adds to the threat, his mysterious letters and daring actions, such as breaking into her house, keep her (and you) in suspense. Carlton creates a dynamic with heart-pounding situations: a tense hunt in the wild, a fierce battle in the shadow. The storyline intertwines the personal development of Adeline and the dark conspiracy of Zade that is connected to something bigger, the secrets of the town. The rhythm is tireless, the explicit scenes are broken by shivering suspense, such as a ghostly subplot that yields goosebills. The ending, which is not spoiled, is a gut-punch, and this is the way of establishing the sequel. The prose of Carlton is harsh and involving and it makes this a book that you cannot put down.
💭 Themes That Linger
Haunted Adeline is a novel that plunges into the gloomy topics. Obsession is the key theme- Zade is obsessed with Adeline and his obsession with the woman examines the boundary between love and ownership which leaves you wondering his intentions. The story is motivated by power relations as Adeline takes agency in a horrifying scenario. It is interwoven with trauma and healing as Adeline is forced to address her past when she faces new fears. There is a shading of the issue of morality- the vigilante justice and the dark actions of Zade question the right or wrong. The presence of the supernatural, which is related to the history of the manor, gives it an additional sense of existential fear. These themes enable Carlton to uplift the romance and thus it becomes a psychological story more than a love story. It is emotional yet contemplative depicting how love can flourish in the shadowiest of places.
“You can’t hide from me, little mouse. I’ll always find you.” – Zade Meadows, *Haunting Adeline*
⭐ Pros & Cons
Pros
- Intense chemistry and complex characters
- Gripping blend of romance and suspense
- Atmospheric, haunting setting
Cons
- Heavy themes may be too intense for some
- Slow build in early chapters
🌟 My Personal Rating
(4.5/5)
*Haunting Adeline* is a chilling, addictive read with chemistry that burns and a story that haunts. It loses half a star for its slow start, but the intensity makes it unforgettable.
📚 Who Should Read This?
Dark romance fans (18+ for explicit content and triggers) who love psychological thrills, antiheroes, or cat-and-mouse dynamics will devour this. Check trigger warnings first!
🖤 Conclusion
*Haunting Adeline* is H.D. Carlton at her darkest—a thrilling, steamy romance that’s as unsettling as it is captivating. Adeline and Zade’s story will grip you. Grab it for a daring read!
✨ Final Thoughts
This book’s a shadowy, heart-pounding escape, perfect for late-night reading. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you love dark romance, it’ll haunt you in the best way.
Cat and Mouse & More
- Haunting AdelineA dark game of cat and mouse begins.
- Hunting AdelineThe thrilling conclusion to the duet.
- King of WrathA fiery marriage of convenience sparks love.
- King of PrideOpposites attract in a witty, steamy clash.
- The StrikerForbidden love ignites on the soccer pitch.
Eerie Quote
“Fear me, little mouse, because I’m already inside you.” – Zade Meadows
Fun Fact
Did you know? *Haunting Adeline* went viral on X, sparking a dark romance craze!
💬 Let’s Dish!
What’s your favorite moment from *Haunting Adeline*? Spill the tea in the comments! Submit Comment
