Haunting Adeline Book Review: When it comes to dark romance novels, I’ve never been the biggest fan. Even when reading fantasy, I tend to take stories literally, which I partially blame on my fondness for self-help books. I know fiction isn’t meant to be a blueprint for life, yet I often find it difficult to look past the moral and ethical choices characters make, especially when they contradict my own beliefs.
However, this year, I decided to broaden my reading horizons. I’ve realized that some books, especially those with flawed or morally ambiguous characters, can offer unique insights. I wanted to challenge myself by stepping out of my comfort zone and trying something new. And so, I chose Haunting Adeline, a popular dark romance novel that has garnered rave reviews on platforms like Goodreads, especially among the young adult crowd.
What did I think of it? Well, I found myself deeply disturbed. But I’m still questioning whether that’s because I’m too sensitive or if the book truly pushes boundaries in a way that some readers may find too intense.
A Quick Overview of Haunting Adeline
Haunting Adeline follows the story of Adeline, a writer who moves into a historic house that once belonged to her grandmother and great-grandmother. As she settles in, she discovers that she’s being stalked by a mysterious figure. Although terrified, she does little to protect herself beyond installing security cameras and making a few police calls.
Meanwhile, her stalker, who runs a dark underground network involved in human trafficking, becomes fixated on her for reasons unknown. The book weaves together Adeline’s complicated relationship with this stalker and the chilling investigation into her great-grandmother’s mysterious death—another case of a woman being stalked by the same man.
As the story unfolds, we dive into the psyche of the stalker, who is equally obsessed with finding a criminal organization that deals in horrific activities. What ensues is a strange, twisted bond between the two characters, as Adeline grapples with her growing feelings toward her stalker, all while unearthing her family’s disturbing past.
What Works in the Story
On the positive side, Haunting Adeline is undeniably gripping. From the moment I began reading, I couldn’t put the book down. I was intrigued by the mystery surrounding her great-grandmother’s death and the odd, yet complex, dynamic between Adeline and her stalker. The pacing was tight, with each chapter leaving me eager to discover what would happen next. The plot twists were unpredictable, keeping me hooked until the very end.
The characters are layered and intriguing, with believable motivations for their actions, even if those actions are troubling. Some of the dialogue and interactions between Adeline and the stalker were oddly captivating, and I found myself invested in their bizarre connection.
What Doesn’t Work
However, this book isn’t for the faint of heart. In fact, it gave me nightmares. The content is disturbing, with graphic scenes that delve into dark and uncomfortable territories. I knew going into a “dark romance” that I would encounter heavy themes, but Haunting Adeline pushed the limits of what I was prepared for.
While I can appreciate the genre’s intent, many of the so-called “romantic” scenes between Adeline and her stalker felt forced and non-consensual, verging on sexual assault (SA). Though Adeline later claims to have enjoyed these encounters, I couldn’t help but feel deeply unsettled. The portrayal of a woman being manipulated into accepting abuse as love is difficult to ignore, and while it’s fiction, I couldn’t shake the troubling implications these scenes might have in real life.
The feminist side of me felt repulsed by the way the “romantic” elements were presented. It seemed to glorify toxic, harmful behavior under the guise of love, which was hard to overlook. Some of the more explicit scenes, particularly involving violence and trauma, were so graphic that I had to put the book down for my own mental well-being.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Read?
Haunting Adeline was a mixed experience for me. On one hand, it was undeniably entertaining, and I appreciated the unexpected twists and the dark, brooding atmosphere. But on the other hand, the book’s disturbing themes, unsettling characters, and uncomfortable “romantic” elements made me question whether I should even be recommending it.
For those who are sensitive to graphic violence, abuse, or trigger-heavy content, I strongly advise against reading this book. While it might be labeled as “romance,” it’s far from what most readers would expect from that genre. The relationship between Adeline and her stalker is far more twisted than romantic, and it could be deeply triggering for some.
In conclusion, while I can acknowledge the book’s entertainment value and its ability to keep readers hooked, it’s important to note that Haunting Adeline comes with a long list of warnings for sensitive readers. It’s dark, disturbing, and not for everyone, so proceed with caution if you choose to pick it up.
