anastashamarie's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
🛥️ A lighthouse ghost story romance with mental health themes, identity theft, and a murder mystery? Honestly, that sounds like a lot when I type it out that way, but I am starting to think that HD Carlton can make anything work...
⚠️ Please read trigger warnings at the beginning of the book. Involves graphic violence, graphic sexual content and mentions of SA/assault/abuse.
🦈 What I Liked: Carlton's atmospheric writing and classic horror/gothic elements are always A+++ for me--I would really love to read a regular old ghost story by her, romance be damned. I also love how she writes relationships as messy and sexy and at times scary/confusing. Both of those shine in this book. The characters are also highly enjoyable, from the leads to even the side characters (I'd love to be friends with Simon!), as were the settings. I could picture the scenes described clearly, almost as if watching a movie in my mind.
🌊 What Could Be Improved: Honestly, and this is a surprise to even me, I think the smut got in its own way with this book. It's definitely hot and fun, but I found myself wanting more of the thriller/horror aspects of this book, and I kind of felt like they were glossed over. The "twists" felt too foreshadowed at times; not sure that I was really surprised by any of the big reveals.
🪱 Overall, would recommend for dark romance lovers who like a bit of horror/mystery with their spicy stories. Definitely distinct vibes from Haunting Adeline, but the themes and atmosphere appeal in the same way.
⚠️ Please read trigger warnings at the beginning of the book. Involves graphic violence, graphic sexual content and mentions of SA/assault/abuse.
🦈 What I Liked: Carlton's atmospheric writing and classic horror/gothic elements are always A+++ for me--I would really love to read a regular old ghost story by her, romance be damned. I also love how she writes relationships as messy and sexy and at times scary/confusing. Both of those shine in this book. The characters are also highly enjoyable, from the leads to even the side characters (I'd love to be friends with Simon!), as were the settings. I could picture the scenes described clearly, almost as if watching a movie in my mind.
🌊 What Could Be Improved: Honestly, and this is a surprise to even me, I think the smut got in its own way with this book. It's definitely hot and fun, but I found myself wanting more of the thriller/horror aspects of this book, and I kind of felt like they were glossed over. The "twists" felt too foreshadowed at times; not sure that I was really surprised by any of the big reveals.
🪱 Overall, would recommend for dark romance lovers who like a bit of horror/mystery with their spicy stories. Definitely distinct vibes from Haunting Adeline, but the themes and atmosphere appeal in the same way.
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, Violence, Blood, Child abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Alcohol, Cursing, Incest, Kidnapping, Murder, Sexual content, and Gore
Moderate: Deportation, Rape, Gun violence, Abandonment, and Incest
Minor: Cancer, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
Near-drowning and dubious consent occur multiple times throughout the book. There is also a detailed shipwreck scene. Please read trigger warnings at the beginning of the book.
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