October 25, 2022

Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton

 

Blurb:   

The Manipulator

I can manipulate the emotions of anyone who lets me.

I will make you hurt, make you cry, make you laugh and sigh.

But my words don't affect him. Especially not when I plead for him to leave.

He's always there, watching and waiting.

And I can never look away.

Not when I want him to come closer.

The Shadow

I didn't mean to fall in love.

But now that I have, I can't stay away.

I'm mesmerized by her smile, by her eyes, and the way she moves.

The way she undresses...

I'll keep watching and waiting. Until I can make her mine.

And once she is, I'll never let her go.

Not even when she begs me to.

“… And in time, my redemption will become your salvation.”

My Thoughts

This book is dark and deep. I usually don’t mention TWs, but for this one, I will. Review them before determining if this is a good read for you. If you’re like me and do not get triggered, RUN for this book! 

It took me a while to start this one. Stalker romances weren’t really my thing, but I put that feeling aside and dove in head first. To say this book held me captivated is an understatement. 

After the passing of Adeline’s grandmother, she moved into Parson’s Manor. The older home was filled with memories from her childhood and of course a few ghosts. After a horrible attempt at a one-night stand, Adeline finds a safe with journals that will start to consume her life. 

The name Z (short for Zade) was well known throughout the states, especially in Seattle. His mission in life - rescue women and children from trafficking rings. While walking by a bookstore, his eyes fell on a gorgeous photo of an author who was signing books inside. He decided to see her beauty in person, and everything in his life changed. The woman became his obsession and he would do anything in his power to not only own her but win her heart. When Zade wasn’t killing those who kidnapped women/children, he spent his nights outside Parson’s Manner, watching her. 

The story continues with Adeline trying to focus on the journals and find out the truth about what happened to her great-grandmother. All while being very aware that she now had a sexy stalker who induced fear, as well as desire, in her. 

There were a lot of plot twists in this book as well as many pieces to the overall puzzle. I enjoyed the suspense of trying to figure out what truths the journals held as well as what would become of Zade and Adeline. Zade didn’t go the normal route of showing off to the girl of his dreams, no, he decided to make it his mission to have her fall in love with all the darkest parts of him. His ideal relationship was based on truths, and he wanted her to see him for what he truly was. 

As soon as I finished this book, I instantly started the next one, needing more of these two characters in my life. As dark as some of the scenes were, I feel like they were needed to show the depths of the character’s souls. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

Grab your book here!