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A review by bookishdaylight
Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
4.0
This book is very dark and has many trigger warnings that you should be aware of. If this is your first time reading this genre then I suggest you do not read this book. Details are very graphic and can make you uncomfortable so be warned.
I think this book should be categorized as a thriller than a romance so the themes wouldn't mislead others and think that the actions made by the protagonist are acceptable. The thing is that there are so many moments that place doubts on the main character's beliefs where over time she makes an effort to accept her situation which is not fine at all.
I hate that there were moments that should be taken seriously but instead, they romanticize them.
It makes the readers think that the action that was made by the predator is fine which makes them ignore the other red flags that were present throughout the whole book. I also didn't like that there was little discussion about Adeline's situation and it was disregarded at times or brushed off by her.
If the predator himself should be considered a savior for the reason he saves sex-trafficked girls and women from men who abused them then sure he can be called a savior but if he does save women and children and have this particular liking towards this one woman and tries to stalk her and force her in a relationship then how can he be a good guy if what he does is save people then does this traumatizing stuff to this one woman.
I'm fine with him killing other people and stuff but her not giving consent and him forcing himself on her is not acceptable but he still continues to do throughout the whole book. I researched topics and themes that this book has so I am aware of some of the things that this book talks about but still questionable stuff.
In some way, the stalking part traumatize me a bit since I also experienced it recently and it made me remember the times when it happened to me...
I think this book should be categorized as a thriller than a romance so the themes wouldn't mislead others and think that the actions made by the protagonist are acceptable. The thing is that there are so many moments that place doubts on the main character's beliefs where over time she makes an effort to accept her situation which is not fine at all.
I hate that there were moments that should be taken seriously but instead, they romanticize them.
It makes the readers think that the action that was made by the predator is fine which makes them ignore the other red flags that were present throughout the whole book. I also didn't like that there was little discussion about Adeline's situation and it was disregarded at times or brushed off by her.
If the predator himself should be considered a savior for the reason he saves sex-trafficked girls and women from men who abused them then sure he can be called a savior but if he does save women and children and have this particular liking towards this one woman and tries to stalk her and force her in a relationship then how can he be a good guy if what he does is save people then does this traumatizing stuff to this one woman.
I'm fine with him killing other people and stuff but her not giving consent and him forcing himself on her is not acceptable but he still continues to do throughout the whole book. I researched topics and themes that this book has so I am aware of some of the things that this book talks about but still questionable stuff.
In some way, the stalking part traumatize me a bit since I also experienced it recently and it made me remember the times when it happened to me...
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gun violence, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Cannibalism, Stalking, Murder, Gaslighting, and Sexual harassment