Book Summary – Spoiler free
Haunting Adeline is a dark and twisted romance novel that delves into obsession, power dynamics, and the fine line between love and fear. This book is not for the faint of heart, as it explores themes of stalking, manipulation, and desire in a way that is both compelling and unsettling. The story captivates readers with its intense psychological depth, intricate characters, and hauntingly beautiful prose.
Adeline Reilly is an author who moves into her grandmother’s old estate, only to discover that she is not alone. As she begins unraveling the mystery surrounding the house, she realizes someone is watching her—someone who doesn’t intend to leave her alone.
The novel takes place in a Gothic-style mansion, adding to the eerie and suspenseful atmosphere. Adeline, a strong-willed and independent woman, soon finds herself tangled in a dangerous game with a man who claims to love her but operates in the shadows. This mysterious figure, known as Zade, is no ordinary man; he is both protector and predator, blurring the lines between morality and obsession.
All I want to do is break her. Shatter her into pieces. and then arrange those pieces to fit against my own. I don’t care if they don’t fit — f***ing make them.
H.D. Carlton
Analysis and Opinion
From the moment I held Haunting Adeline in my hands, I could feel the weight of it—literally and figuratively. The book itself is heavy, and it almost feels intentional, as if the sheer physicality of it is a warning for the darkness within its pages. The formatting is bold, the font large and commanding, making every word feel even more impactful. The publishing company truly leaned into the aesthetic of this novel, creating something that felt just as dark and haunting as the story itself.
I have never felt so conflicted while reading a romance. I hated how much I wanted Adeline and Zade to be together because at its core, their love story is built on something so fundamentally twisted. And yet, I couldn’t look away. The way H.D. Carlton writes their dynamic is intoxicating—dark, dangerous, but undeniably electric. I found myself completely enthralled by their connection, despite knowing how morally wrong it was. It’s rare for a book to make me question my own sense of right and wrong, but this one did it effortlessly.
The writing itself is gorgeous in a way that makes the darkness even more consuming. The prose is lyrical, almost poetic at times, drawing you in and making you feel complicit in the story. The tension is palpable, the pacing relentless, and the atmosphere is so vividly crafted that I felt like I was living in that eerie mansion alongside Adeline. I loved the way Carlton played with fear and desire, making them two sides of the same coin. I also found myself enjoying the layered storytelling with the notes/letter and how it went so well with the story.
This book is not without its challenges. The themes are incredibly heavy, and while I expected darkness, there were moments that genuinely unsettled me. I had to put the book down a few times just to process what I was reading. I mean the gun scene alone was wild, but then the hands…sheesh. I’ll leave it at that. I also struggled with the moral ambiguity of Zade—he is written as a man who commits terrible acts but is also portrayed as a savior. That contradiction made for an interesting but emotionally exhausting read. Zade will do anything for Adeline no matter the cost. Despite all of this, I can’t deny that I absolutely loved this book. It made me uncomfortable, made me think, and most of all, made me feel. It’s not often that a book can simultaneously make me question my own morals while also making me root for something I know I shouldn’t want. That’s the magic of Haunting Adeline—it forces you to embrace the darkness, even when you don’t want to.
What I hated to Love!
What I didn’t like as much
- Dark, gripping atmosphere – The book perfectly captures an eerie, obsessive, and seductive tone that keeps you hooked.
- Intense chemistry – The push-and-pull between Adeline and Zade is dangerously addictive, making their dynamic hard to look away from.
- Layered storytelling – The dual timelines and journal entries add depth, giving insight into the generational mystery.
- Well-developed anti-hero – Zade is written in a way that makes you hate how much you love him, despite his morally gray nature.
- Slow pacing in parts – While the tension is strong, some moments drag, especially in Adeline’s solo sections.
- Cliffhanger ending – If you don’t like unresolved conclusions, be prepared to dive into the second book immediately.
- Toxic Relationships: The book delves into a very intense and somewhat unhealthy relationship dynamic. Yeah, yeah I know dark romance, but it could be off putting for some not used to the genre.
Haunting Adeline
Title: Haunting Adeline
Author: H.D. Carlton
Genre: Dark Romance, Psychological Thriller
Year of Publication: 2021
An intense, dark romance with gripping psychological depth, but not for everyone.
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Final Thoughts
This book is perfect for readers who enjoy dark romance, psychological thrillers, and morally gray characters. Fans of The Ritual by Shantel Tessier or The Mindfck Series* by S.T. Abby will likely find Haunting Adeline intriguing.
However, if you prefer lighter romance or struggle with themes of obsession and control, this may not be the book for you. Due to its explicit content and intense themes, I would recommend it for mature audiences (18+).
Would I recommend it? Yes, but with caution—only for those who are prepared for a dark, twisted, and morally complex story.
Obsession or Devotion? – A Morality Quiz
Disclaimer: This quiz is purely for entertainment purposes and is meant to playfully explore the themes of dark romance found in Haunting Adeline. It is not intended to reflect real-life relationships or endorse unhealthy behaviors. In reality, personal boundaries, respect, and consent are essential in any relationship.
