Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet) Paperback – 13 Aug. 2021

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟This is a very dark adult romance/thriller. You are forewarned that there is plenty of strong language, graphic sex scenes and some dub/con moments too. Going into this story with this in mind, as the author clearly sets out her warnings well in advance, I plunged in the dark, decadent, and dangerous world of The Shadow aka Zane. He is a rich, tech savvy vigilante of sorts who spends his time rescuing those who have fallen prey to criminal elements that are involved human trafficking. But don’t be fooled into thinking that Zane is a good man as his own personal tendencies of brutal violence against those who have “sinned” would not be morally ok. He also unfortunately fell in love with Adeline from afar. Even though their “relationship” starts with him stalking her, leaving gifts of flowers inside her home, and calling her anonymously to taunt her, Adeline quickly finds she can’t resist the deliciously dark and slightly sinister pull of Zane especially after she gets an eye full of what he looks like. I don’t blame her!Adeline also gets herself noticed by even more worrying men which leads to Zane keeping a tighter eye on her at home while monitoring her whereabouts when she leaves. The romance and dom/sub dynamic that these two create between them is not for the faint of heart. The story has many triggers, and I cannot stress that enough. Many of Zane’s ideas to “woo” Adeline could be considered cruel, unsafe, and manipulative but I couldn’t resist their palpable attraction and the sex scenes were beyond steamy.The romance storyline goes side by side with the vigilante one which adds tension, action and drama to an already heady erotic novel but in this case, it adds layers of intrigue and suspense to the narrative and the developing relationship between Zane and Adeline. I love my Morally Grey Characters but even I have to say that Zane is heading more into the Morally BLACK territory, but I fell for him anyway. Overall, this was a compellingly sexy and thrilling book 1 in a captivating duology!

Haunting Adeline is an electrifying experience that intertwines elements of murder mystery, dark romance, and chilling obsession, culminating in a narrative that's as haunting as its title suggests. H.D. Carlton skillfully crafts a tale that grips the reader from the very first page and doesn't let go until the last.Plot and Themes: At its core, Haunting Adeline dances between suspense and seduction. The story follows Adeline, a woman ensnared in a web of danger and desire as she grapples with a mysterious stalker whose intentions blur the lines between obsession and romance. The murder mystery aspect keeps you guessing; secrets unravel and bodies pile up, creating an atmosphere thick with tension. The author deftly explores themes of trauma, power, and the complexity of human relationships, which lends depth to what could easily have been a straightforward thriller.Characters: Adeline is a well-rounded protagonist, imbued with both strength and vulnerability. Her journey of self-discovery amidst chaos is compelling, and you can't help but root for her as she navigates the treacherous waters of her stalker’s intentions. The stalker himself is a beautifully twisted character—charming yet terrifying—who exemplifies the dark allure that characterizes so many figures in this genre. Their dynamic is fraught with tension, and the psychological games they play are both captivating and unsettling.Writing Style: Carlton's writing is sharp and evocative, painting vivid scenes that pull you into Adeline’s tumultuous world. The pacing of the story is expertly handled, balancing moments of slow-burning tension with rapid-fire twists that leave you breathless. The dialogue sparkles and feels authentic, enhancing the overall mood of the novel.Spice Factor: As for the “off the chart spicy” aspect, Carlton does not shy away from blending heat with darkness. The intimate encounters are as steamy as they are charged with underlying tension, making for some truly unforgettable scenes. The chemistry between Adeline and her stalker is palpable, traversing the line between passion and peril, leaving readers both exhilarated and on edge.Conclusion: Haunting Adeline is not for the faint of heart; it's a wild ride through the shadows of obsession and desire, expertly layered with a gripping murder mystery. H.D. Carlton has crafted a tale that’s both engrossing and unnerving, leaving readers to ponder the fine line between love and madness. If you’re a fan of dark romance with a side of suspense, this book is an absolute must-read. Brace yourself for an unforgettable journey into the depths of desire and danger.

Haunting Adeline is a dark romance novel. The first book of the Cat and Mouse duet series, with the second book awaiting publication.Adeline has moved into her great-grandmother Gigi’s home and home to her late grandmother Serafina. The family home is haunted by the unsolved murder of Adeline’s great-Grandmother Gigi, when renovating the family home Adeline comes to find Gigi’s hidden diary. The diary reveals that Gigi had a stalker whom she fell in love with. The answers to her murder maybe hidden in the pages of her diary. Adeline is desperate to find out what happened to Gigi all them years ago, and shockingly similar is that Adeline is plagued with her own stalker hiding in the shadows.Another character is Zade the ring leader of a vigilante group who are on a mission to bring down pedophile and human sex trafficking rings. Zade is no stranger to danger, risks his life to save children and young women from evil and help return them to safety. On his mission to rid the world of evil he stumbles across a bookshop hosting a meet and greet book signing, when Zade’s eyes fall on Adeline, he’s thrown by her beauty instantly and is determined to make her his own.This book has a lot of different elements to it and although it is very dark on times it was gripping from start to finish, and unlike anything I’ve read before.It’s a murder mystery, dark romance, haunted house and has a dark tone all in one. I loved this book, the writing style and Adeline and Zade were for me both very likeable characters. The story in my opinion was set out really well. I’d recommend reading Satans affair before reading this as there’s a great crossover.Also something to keep in mind if you are a person who does not like cliffhangers, I would hold off from reading this book until the second book is available.I just hope the wait for the second book isn’t to long!