Introduction
If you’re drawn to dark romance that pushes boundaries, Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton is a bold, addictive choice. Blending obsession, danger, and forbidden attraction, this novel delivers a psychological game of cat and mouse that captivates—and disturbs—in equal measure.
Available on Kindle Unlimited, it’s perfect for readers craving a dark, slow-burn romance with morally gray characters and intense emotional stakes.
👉 Read it now on Amazon Kindle.
Plot Summary
Adeline, a best-selling author, moves into her late grandmother’s gothic mansion, unknowingly stepping into a dangerous game of obsession and secrets. Her admirer isn’t content to remain in the shadows—he stalks, manipulates, and forces himself into her life, determined to make her his.
As the story unfolds, Adeline finds herself torn between fear and fascination. The line between victim and willing participant blurs as she becomes entangled with a man who refuses to let her go.
What follows is a dark romance where power, desire, and obsession collide.
Character Dynamics
The novel thrives on the electric, unsettling dynamic between Adeline and Zade. Adeline is headstrong but vulnerable—a heroine whose internal battle between revulsion and desire drives the story’s tension.
Zade is the ultimate morally gray anti-hero: intelligent, ruthless, and completely obsessed. His actions walk a razor-thin line between protectiveness and control, creating a romance that’s as disturbing as it is addictive.
Secondary characters—family, friends, and ghosts of the past—add depth to the psychological and emotional stakes.
Writing Style and Themes
H.D. Carlton’s prose is darkly poetic, perfectly capturing the eerie atmosphere and emotional intensity. She weaves together themes of:
- Obsession and control
- Consent, power, and blurred lines
- Trauma and emotional healing
- Gothic horror meets erotic romance
The pacing is slow-burn, allowing tension to build until it explodes in moments of shocking intimacy and raw vulnerability.
Memorable Moments
Several scenes stand out for their intense emotional and psychological impact:
- Adeline’s growing awareness of Zade’s presence
- Powerfully charged encounters that blur the line between fear and desire
- Shocking revelations about Zade’s past and motives
Carlton excels at writing moments that are equal parts terrifying and seductive, forcing readers to question their own boundaries.
Reader Reactions
Fans of Haunting Adeline praise its addictive, taboo storyline and unapologetic exploration of dark romance tropes. The book is often described as a “love it or hate it” experience—perfect for readers who enjoy walking the edge of moral comfort.
Common reactions:
- “Completely obsessed—couldn’t stop reading even when it made me uncomfortable.”
- “Zade is the most intense anti-hero I’ve ever read.”
- “Dark, twisted, and utterly unforgettable.”
Recommended For
Perfect for:
- Dark romance readers who enjoy stalker/obsession plots
- Fans of morally gray characters and slow-burn tension
- Readers seeking intense, explicit scenes paired with deep psychological exploration
- Kindle Unlimited subscribers looking for dark, edgy romance novels
If you enjoyed Twist Me by Anna Zaires or Tears of Tess by Pepper Winters, Haunting Adeline is a must-read.
Similar Reads You Might Enjoy
- Twist Me by Anna Zaires
- Tears of Tess by Pepper Winters
- Sick Fck* by Tillie Cole
- Ruthless Creatures by J.T. Geissinger
Gothic Atmosphere & World-Building
The mansion setting adds a chilling, gothic backdrop that enhances the novel’s dark themes. Shadows, secrets, and family history haunt every corner, creating a constant sense of foreboding.
Zade’s hidden world—ruthless, secretive, and violent—contrasts sharply with Adeline’s sheltered life, heightening the stakes as their worlds collide.
Romance and Emotional Complexity
The romance is dark, twisted, and deeply psychological. It forces readers—and Adeline—to confront uncomfortable truths about desire, control, and agency.
Despite Zade’s obsessive behavior, moments of genuine vulnerability and emotional connection surface, complicating the power dynamics and making the romance feel disturbingly real.
Pacing and Story Structure
The story’s slow-burn pacing is deliberate, allowing psychological tension to build relentlessly. Carlton uses dual points of view, giving readers intimate access to both Adeline’s fear and Zade’s obsession.
The final act delivers shocking twists and emotional punches, leaving readers desperate for the sequel.
Final Verdict
Haunting Adeline is a bold, unapologetic exploration of obsession, power, and dark desire. It’s not for the faint of heart—but for readers who crave intense psychological romance that pushes every boundary, it delivers in spades.
H.D. Carlton crafts a world where love and fear coexist, forcing readers to question where the line between them truly lies.
👉 Grab it now on Kindle Unlimited and dive into the darkness.
