Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet Book 1)

There's a reason I don't read incomplete duets or series because then I'm sad when I can't read the next book. I went against my better judgment with this book and I have no regrets (okay I have some because I hated waiting for book two) because I loved this story. The great news is the second book is out now, so you don't have to wait if you're reading this review!

I've never read anything remotely similar to this book and I don't know that I ever will. This was my first time reading something truly as dark as this. I've read other books with heavy triggers, but this book was different. I read Satan's Affair beforehand (highly recommend reading that first) and I wasn't entirely sure what this book was going to be about. I knew a past murder, stalking, and love were involved, but that was it. If you had told me one of my top reads from 2021 would've been a stalker romance, I would've laughed in your face. Not only is the romance good, and the spice is off the charts hot, but the overarching story is just so good.

Adeline is an author who moves into her grandmother's old home after she passes away. Adeline was close to her grandmother and felt a pull to come back to the home that always fascinated her. While living in the house, she discovers family secrets that have been buried for a long time, secrets involving her great grandmother. Her great grandmother was stalked, but here's the kicker? Her great grandmother had a spicy affair with her stalker! Adeline's great grandmother was murdered and she works with her best friend to figure out who did it. While trying to solve this mystery, Adeline finds herself in the same place as her great grandmother did with a hot stalker.

Zade is a leader of a vigilante group that's only mission is to bring down trafficking rings and the horrible people that run them. And not just any type of trafficking rings. Rings that are linked to very powerful people in the country and the world. Zade is determined to get as many women and children to safety as he can. He puts himself in the line of fire to save the lives of the innocent people taken by these rings. He sounds like an ideal guy right? Well, did I mention he's also Adeline's stalker? Zade stumbles across Adeline by accident and it's a wrap for him. He wants to make her his and there's nothing that's going to stop him. Now I'm not saying he's still not an ideal guy (I do love him), but let's just say these are two VERY opposite qualities. On one hand, you have this man trying to save women and child, but on the other hand he's stalking a woman. Many would argue he can't be both a good and terrible guy at the same time, but I think this book begs to differ.

I personally loved Adeline and thought she was a dynamic heroine. She was sassy, fun, and radiated fierceness. She does stand up for herself throughout the book, even to Zade, although standing up to him doesn't do much. I liked that we get her inner thoughts on Zade as their relationship plays out. I like watching her slowly open up to him and trust that he'll protect her, which seems like the opposite thing a stalker would do. One of my favorite things was when Adeline told her friend about one of her spicy encounters with Zade and that he "took her soul". I couldn't be more jealous of her, trust me. Based on the cliffhanger, book two isn't going to be an easy ride for Adeline, but I know she's going to be okay. Someone as fierce as her work her way through any situation, even if it takes some time.

I cannot explain how much I love Zade. I know, I know, he's a stalker. Here's the thing: I just don't care. He really had me contemplating if getting stalked is that bad (it is, but let's ignore that). I loved how he was written to be so multilayered. H.D. Carlton knew what she was doing when she wrote him this way. He's meant to challenge everything you know and make you wonder if he's really all that bad. His qualities are so opposite of each other that he left me spinning so much throughout this book. I would take pauses while reading and say out loud, "Am I actually into this man?" or "I'm in love with this unhinged man. Am I good?" I laughed way too many times when doing this because I just know how people would react in my life if I told them how much I love Zade. The mouth on Zade is UNMATCHED. God, that man says the wildest stuff, but it's so unbelievably hot. And the things he does with his hands to Adeline? Where do I sign up??? I love his love for Adeline and I can't wait to see what he does in book two knowing how this book ended.

The writing in this book is beautiful and so good. H.D. Carlton is talented and it shows in this book. I enjoyed the different storylines taking place and how they all connected to one another. I thought it was interesting to see Adeline live a similar life to her great grandmother. I think getting to read her great grandmother's thoughts on her own personal stalked helped Adeline in her own way. This book is just so so so good! I cannot recommend it enough. I do STRONGLY encourage everyone consider the triggers before reading. I look forward to book two!

I’ve heard so much about this book from TikTok and how everyone is wishing for their own Zade. After reading the book I completely understand why I didn’t expect to love the book as much as I do. It has many spicy parts that will have your jaw dropping the mirror part as well as the car part (and I can’t forget the infamous gun part). The author did such amazing job with this book that I can’t get enough no matter how many times I reread this book. The story does have some graphic parts that may be difficult for some people to read. So it is important to READ THE TRIGGER WARNING. It does consist of sexual assault so if that’s something you struggle with reading this book may not be for you. The second book will definitely not be for many people since it’s way more graphic than the first book this series is not for the faint of heart. Some people will say that Zade rape Adeline I however say it’s consensual non-consensual sex (my point of view from understanding the fantasy). Zade does not go about his love in the correct way so the readers will assume he’s a bad guy for stalking and killing for Adeline but then you find out just how great of a guy he is. So it’s very much mixed feelings. Without going into too much spoilers the story consists of Adeline trying to solve a murder while Zade is trying to take down sex traffickers. Buy the book off audible while you’re reading it on kindle at the same time. I fall in love with this book not just because the storyline but because of how amazing both Teddy Hamilton and Michelle Sparks were in narrating the story.

6/5 ⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

“This isn’t a climb to heaven, It’s a fall from grace”

!!!!!!!CHECK THE TW’S!!!!!!!!

I didn’t read the blurb for this one so I wasn’t sure what I was going into, I might have assumed it was another cheesy romance with no plot but boy was I wrong.

This has been one of the most suspenseful, thrilling and wonderful reads I’ve read in a while. This author knows how to write stories that will pull you in. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the whole book while also managing to get a few kicking my feet and giggling moments

I freaking love Zade. I will never get over that man. He does some pretty messed up things when it comes to Adeline but honestly with what he does in his own time I don’t even care. He’s honestly a hero love him.

If you like dark romances and can handle a lot of dark themes I think you’d like this one as much as I did. Please please please check the tws though. There are quite a few major triggers in this book and it could really traumatize someone not knowing what they are going into.

Tropes Stalker/obsession Long read 600+ Dark Romance Mystery/Thriller

Adeline Reilly inherited Parsons Manor, a home she lived in with her Nana. Nana had a strange attachment to the house, one that Adeline will soon discover. Her mother never had the same attachment with the house staying away from it. … H.D. Carlton created a gothic chilling read of a house haunted by ghosts giving off an eerie vibe. This is my first time reading Ms. Carlton’s books and already I like her sense of humor. For a scary horror filled story it’s a welcome reprieve mixing humor with horror. The cover design is a show stopper, but the that’s only the beginning of its stunning beauty because inside these pages was a tale of stalkers, ghostly tales, and criminal activity. … Adeline is a unique character who embraces scary movies and haunted places it’s what makes this book so appealing. It’s a refreshing change from characters who run from fear instead of face it. The shadow stalker is a fascinating character with the way he protects Adeline. Their chemistry is intoxicating yet toxic in a surreal way. They have this hate/love, push/pull thing going on which is exhilarating. The banter between them and her defiance towards him is amusing. The foreplay and role playing goes beyond anything I’ve ever read before. … I think I’m just as crazy as H.D. Carlton because I enjoyed this story more than I should admit. I need to check my sanity before administering the medication. I admire any writer who goes against the grain to deliver a wickedly dark and delicious read. When I say this is a unique story I’m not kidding. This is pure comedic talent with a very serious topic woven within.

Wow, this book is amazing! You definitely should read and pay attention to the trigger warnings before diving into the series. There were a few moments in the story that were definitely difficult to read however, the story is so well written! I cannot wait to read the next book because this one ends in a major cliffhanger. Normally I don't like to read books with Cliffhangers however, I knew that's what it was going to be when I started the book and I'm still glad that I listened to it. The narrators did a phenomenal job with the characters and I will be starting the next book immediately! I cannot wait to see what happens next. This is not my normal genre however, this book is so well written that I have been hooked and want to know what happens next and how the book will end. Excellent excellent writing and narrators! I highly recommend this series!!

Just a little disclaimer: these are my personal thoughts of reading this book. Other’s have different reading experiences and triggers, which is okay and normal. We should be allowed to enjoy/love reading the book or not. It’s our opinion! These are fictional books that should stay in fiction, but that doesn’t mean we can’t love them.

I bought a lot of dark romance books in August 2023 (last year). The first book I’ve ever read was actually Satan’s Affair, not the Cat and Mouse Duet. I definitely suggest to read that book first before reading the duet, it’ll give you a better understanding of a character you’ll meet in the duet later on and it spoils the ending of Satan’s Affair…

My ratings: Book plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 Spicy: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

It did take me until the end of the year to finish the book (not because of the dark contents in the book, but only because I’m just a really slow reader). I personally find this book to be a worthy read, only if you are into DARK romance and can handle the trigger warnings included (always make sure with trigger warnings before reading).

Haunting Adeline, the first part, was dark but not as extreme as the second part of the duet. The first part gives a thriller, mystery vibe that I really enjoyed. There is an unexplained murder case with Adeline’s grandmother, Gigi, that gets touched upon many times throughout and eventually gets answered. The only reason it gets brought up is when Adeline ends up owning Gigi’s mansion older and is now living there where the ghost of Gigi is trying to tell her story. We also get an introduction of the infamous stalker: Zade Meadows. We see when, how, and why he meets Adeline. Things take a darker turn when Zade cause a bit more issues with a group that eventually targets Adeline, which brings me to the ending….the ending of this book was upsetting, but not surprising. It was a consequential situation and Adeline was unfortunately stuck in the crossfire.

Hunting Adeline is the second part of the duet. This one is more extreme, darker, and triggering/traumatic. Unfortunately in the world, sex trafficking does actually happen and it’s very disturbing of what goes on when someone is in that situation. I think you know where I’m going with this….Adeline sadly gets into this situation due to series of events that transpired from the first part and it continues of the torture she’ll endure.

Overall, I think the plot connected and my emotions went wild. It felt like I was on a rollercoaster with my emotions with this book. This book is definitely not meant for everyone and it’s not for the ones who are in the process or is healing. I personally didn’t mind this book and would recommend to those who can (again) handle the trigger warnings and love dark romance books. Do not read this book blind!

I love the story for what it is, a dark and spicy romance story that not everybody would like. There is definitely a list of trigger warnings that you should be aware of, and if you are typically a person that reads mild smut and not darker things than this is probably not the book for you. Definitely not a book I would expect to see someone under 16 or so reading. I believe that this should have a 3 1/2 star solely because the quality of the actual book that showed up. I am one of those people who has a trophy shelf for the books that I really like that I read in a format different than a physical book, so I bought a copy of this. When it showed up, the paper is bright white, the margins look like they’re too close to the edge, in the back of the book there is pictures of the different books by the author, and they are so small and in such dark black ink it’s hard to read some of the names. I honestly expected something of a better quality with how much this book is talked about.

It's a good book, I love the story line. It is dark and disturbing but then again that's kinda what keeps you engaged! I didn't give it a five star because of my own personal preference. For me it was too many sex scenes but some people probably like that so like I said preference. I like the way I could not decide if I hate or like Zade I wish he had a better back story as to why he's animalistic and carnal in his behavior but anyways, good book I'm about to read book 2!

I had no idea what I was getting my self into when I started reading this book. I had heard little bits here and there, so of course I had to see for myself. I can see why people wouldn’t like it, there are a lot of triggers in this book. So much of this is so so wrong and so hard to read. However…there are so many different elements to this book, it’s definitely a page turner. The romance portion of it…wow, it’s spicy. Definitely would recommended this to a friend.