Domination power game smut. That is all this is. If you are here for that, go right along. If you are looking for an actual story you probably want to look elsewhere. ( )

Red flags, red flags everywhere when it comes to Zane, but do I care? Maybe. I had already had a slight glimpse of him during Satan's Affair, so I was already expecting his unending stalking, breaking into her home to leave a rose, or banging on her door when she had male guests over even going as far to kill them for daring to touch her. If this had been real life, I would have probably been appalled by the blatant disrespect he has shown to her, but this is a book, not real but I know that there are people out there that may have gone through something similar. All the more reasons to avoid this book altogether.

Addie is a writer who can weave a tale to captivate an audience. Just recently, her grandmother left her a beautiful home but it also holds a mystery - a mystery that led to the death of her great-grandmother, Gigi. During her renovations, she comes across Gigi's journal and sets out to solve the mystery, but Addie has a stalker that has started showing up. A dark figure broke into her home and left her a single rose without a single thorn.

Zade is the owner of Z, an organization a bit similar to Anonymous that sets out to find human trafficking victims and reunites them with their families or save them from an abusive situation. It is during one afternoon when he comes across Addie signing her books that his obsession begins with her.

I noticed that with many dark romances, this trope seems to be the favorite - an obsessive alpha male and a Stockholm female lead. Most female leads start off as badass and can literally make themselves less dependent on the male, but that seems to change when the alpha male appears and suddenly the female becomes the sudden damsel in distress. It always feels that the female character goes backward in evolution instead of growth. This is what I felt like with Addie. I wanted to see her grow but she doesn't. She continues to encourage the stalking.

I have had this book on my TBR. There had been many praises for this book on BookTok and I had seen it praised elsewhere but other book community influencers. Although I did enjoy this book, I am on the fence with the characters. Zane has so many red flags but don't all males have these in the dark romance genre? ( )

Loved it ( )

Okay guys... This isn't my usual cuppa. However, the story did win me over. I may, or may not, be a bit salty about that fact. Then again, TikTok made me do it.

NOTE: This is NOT fantasy.

What's really weird for me is that I didn't feel a connection with either MC. Normally, if I'm going to enjoy a book, I need to be able to empathize with at least one. That being said, the more I read, the more this author drew me into their dark world.

There was so much to hate. However, what they say about love and hate being a fine line is totally true with this book. On one hand, I want to give it a one-star rating, but on the other I want to give it five glowing stars. I can't really say why without spoiling the feeling.

This story (which I'm totally frustrated with the cliffhanger for) gave me the same feeling as [b:Gone Girl|19288043|Gone Girl|Gillian Flynn|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1554086139l/19288043._SY75_.jpg|13306276]. I'm so angry with the characters, but there is really no other way the story could work out... so far.

Overall, there are some writing hiccups, so I struggle to give it that fifth star. I alternated between listening and reading. The listening experience was honestly far superior.

One important thing I have to say! There is a romance that's essential to this story, so if book 2 doesn't work out with a HEA, I'm coming back to this review and dropping my rating to 1*. ( )

"Haunting Adeline" by H.D. Carlton is a dark and intense thriller that explores themes of suspense, obsession, and the disturbing depths of human nature. From the very first page, readers are immersed in a gripping murder mystery that delves into the realms of creepy suspense and chilling obsession.

Trigger warnings: It is important to note that "Haunting Adeline" contains explicit content and addresses sensitive and potentially distressing topics. These include graphic violence, human trafficking, child trafficking, child sacrifice, mentions of child death, and elements of BDSM. Readers who are sensitive to these themes should approach the book with caution.

The story revolves around the character of Adeline, who becomes the target of a relentless stalker. As the narrative unfolds, the author skillfully weaves a web of mystery, leaving readers on edge as they uncover the stalker's identity and unravel the twisted motivations behind his actions. The atmospheric setting and meticulous attention to detail enhance the chilling ambiance, drawing readers deeper into the story's dark underbelly.

One of the standout elements of "Haunting Adeline" is the exploration of all-consuming obsessive love and passion. The author examines the boundaries of relationships and pushes the limits of human desire, presenting a complex portrayal of infatuation and its consequences. The characters are flawed, driven by their deepest desires and haunted by their darkest secrets, adding complexity and intrigue to the plot.

While the book embraces its dark romance and suspenseful elements, it is essential to note that "Haunting Adeline" ventures into territories of non-consensual and dubiously consensual encounters. This aspect may not be suitable for all readers and should be approached with caution.

H.D. Carlton's writing style is engaging and atmospheric, creating a palpable sense of unease throughout the narrative. The pacing is well-executed, with carefully timed reveals and twists that keep readers guessing until the final pages. The author's ability to delve into the psyche of both the victim and the stalker adds psychological depth to the story, making it a chilling and thought-provoking read.

This book is a haunting and suspenseful thriller that explores the dark corners of obsession, love, and the human psyche. It delves into disturbing themes with graphic violence and explicit content, making it a book that should be approached cautiously and only by readers comfortable with the darker side of literature. If you are intrigued by dark romances and atmospheric thrillers that push boundaries, "Haunting Adeline" may be an unsettling but captivating choice for you. ( )