Hunting Adeline

Holy hell

I thought the first book was good, but this book exceeded my expectations. It turned the darkness scale and upped the color to darker than 13 midnights. I'm not going to lie, at times this was almost too much for me. I had to pause, make myself a cup of tea, surf the book of faces, or fall down the rabbit hole otherwise known as Tik Tok. I'd come to love these characters. So, to see the horrors that they went through stung a lot.

Addie... That girl. I'm in awe of her resilience and her growth. Her relationship with Zade was anything but normal and yet it worked. He might have started out as her stalker but he was anything but genuine when it came to his devotion to her. He truly was proof as to why loving the anti-hero is the show more way to go because he would definitely light the world on fire to avenge and defend his little mouse.

Great secondary characters, an intense storyline, chemistry/steamy time that could(and almost did) melt my kindle made this a fantastic duet that blew my mind. The trigger warnings are not to be ignored in this book. I'm in awe of the skill and mind that created this. Watch out Dark Romance authors, there is a new writer amongst your midst. Well done. Now, I need to go make an appointment with my therapist to see why this book didn't make me run for the hills. show less

Okaaayy so.... WHATTT?
I’m giving it a full 10 stars because it was everything I hoped for and more. This sequel is just as dark, intense, and addictive as the first book, and it kept me hooked from start to finish. The suspense ramps up big time, and the emotional rollercoaster had me all kinds of invested in the characters and their twisted, complicated world.
What I loved most was how the story dives deeper into the characters’ minds and their tangled relationships. The tension is still thick, the mystery still keeps you guessing, and the chemistry? Off the charts. It’s messy, raw, and perfectly imperfect, which made the whole read feel super real and intense, I did feel so bad for Adeline though and everything she went through..

Holy hell

I thought the first book was good, but this book exceeded my expectations. It turned the darkness scale and upped the color to darker than 13 midnights. I'm not going to lie, at times this was almost too much for me. I had to pause, make myself a cup of tea, surf the book of faces, or fall down the rabbit hole otherwise known as Tik Tok. I'd come to love these characters. So, to see the horrors that they went through stung a lot.

Addie... That girl. I'm in awe of her resilience and her growth. Her relationship with Zade was anything but normal and yet it worked. He might have started out as her stalker but he was anything but genuine when it came to his devotion to her. He truly was proof as to why loving the anti-hero is the show more way to go because he would definitely light the world on fire to avenge and defend his little mouse.

Great secondary characters, an intense storyline, chemistry/steamy time that could(and almost did) melt my kindle made this a fantastic duet that blew my mind. The trigger warnings are not to be ignored in this book. I'm in awe of the skill and mind that created this. Watch out Dark Romance authors, there is a new writer amongst your midst. Well done. Now, I need to go make an appointment with my therapist to see why this book didn't make me run for the hills. show less

“I’m nothing if I’m not the reason you breathe.”

I feel weird saying that I loved this book, perhaps even more than the first book, simply because the subject material and focus is so dark in this one. I had to take a lot of breaks while reading this one because at times it was just so intense. I think you really need to check your trigger warnings on this one. Addie's experience is terrifying and painful to read for the first part of the book. I think she showcases an amazing amount of resilence that is well written considering the situations she finds herself in. Zade is just even more intense and ready to eliminate everything in his path and he's also consumed by guilt which colors a lot of his actions. The second part of the show more book has a slightly different vibe, one that is still incredibly intense and even bloody. Addie has some severe PTSD and watching it unfold is heartbreaking. However, watching Zade try to offer her ways to reclaim her power was endearing. I think given the difficult subject matter covered in this one the book was beautifully written. It wasn't hard to feel for the characters or to understand their pain. I adored the way that Addie was written because she morphs herself into this person who is strong even if she's a bit broken and scarred by what happened to her. I think the revenge element was done beautifully. I also loved that we had characters that we absolutely hated, characters we loved and then characters who we weren't sure how to feel about. I just really loved how complex this book was. show less

"Hunting Adeline," the second book in the Cat and Mouse Duet, has earned a solid 4 out of 5 stars from me. This installment takes a much darker turn compared to the first, and I must say, it's a gripping experience.

I've never been more drawn into a story. Yes, it gets graphic, but it serves a purpose by making you realize that the intense themes depicted actually happen in our world and shouldn't be taken lightly. The novel's willingness to confront these harsh realities adds a layer of depth that I appreciate.

One of the standout elements is the character Zade and the profound love and determination portrayed in the story. Despite the dark undertones, Zade's unwavering commitment to Adeline is truly admirable. The evolution of their show more relationship, starting from a challenging beginning, brings out the beauty of someone wanting to love you so deeply and take your pain as their own.

Zade's character adds emotional depth to the narrative, making it a poignant and beautiful reading experience. Despite the intensity of the darkness portrayed, the novel skillfully addresses real-world issues within the realm of fiction. show less

"Hunting Adeline" by H.D. Carlton is a dark romance novel that delves into intense and triggering themes, exploring the boundaries of love, desire, and the human psyche. From the outset, it is important to note that this book contains graphic and disturbing scenes, including explicit depictions of rape, violence, torture, and various forms of abuse. Readers should exercise caution and approach this book with a full understanding of its content.

The story revolves around Adeline, a complex and resilient character who finds herself caught in a web of darkness and manipulation. The narrative explores the darker aspects of human relationships, delving into the depths of psychological trauma, power dynamics, and the limits of desire. show more Adeline's journey is not for the faint of heart, as she confronts the horrors of human trafficking, slave trade, and the consequences of severe PTSD.

H.D. Carlton has crafted a narrative that unapologetically dives into the darkest corners of the human experience. The author's writing style is raw and visceral, expertly capturing the emotional turmoil and the harrowing situations the characters find themselves in. The story's pacing is relentless, driving the reader forward with a sense of urgency and a constant feeling of unease.

The relationship between Adeline and Zade, the central characters, is complicated and filled with tension. The author navigates a fine line between exploring the complexities of power dynamics and consent while venturing into uncomfortable territory. The inclusion of explicit sexual situations, including particular kinks such as blood play, knife play, degradation, and somnophilia, adds an additional layer of darkness to the story. Readers should be prepared for these explicit scenes and be aware of their own personal boundaries.

While "Hunting Adeline" excels in its ability to evoke strong emotions and create a sense of suspense, it is not without its flaws. Some readers may find the graphic depictions of violence and abuse excessive and uncomfortable. Additionally, the exploration of these dark themes may overshadow the development of secondary characters and the broader narrative arc.

It is an unflinching exploration of trauma, power, and desire, and it demands a resilient and open-minded reader. If you are comfortable with explicit content and are intrigued by stories that delve into the depths of the human psyche, this book may provide a thought-provoking and intense reading experience. However, if you are sensitive to graphic and triggering material, it is advisable to approach this book with caution or consider alternative reading options. show less

I was completely blown away by this book. It surpassed my high expectations with its well-plotted story, impeccable writing, and incredible character development. It's darker than the first book, but the author embraces it and takes you on a thrilling ride. The relationship between Zade and Adeline is intense, traumatic, and heartbreakingly perfect. The author fearlessly explores triggering themes, making the healing process all the more rewarding. Just a word of caution: this book is not for the faint of heart. But if you're ready for an emotional roller coaster, dive in and prepare to be captivated.