H. D. Carlton Books in Order (Ultimate Reading Guide)

Hello, book lovers! I’m Olivia Frost, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably fallen down the H. D. Carlton rabbit hole and wondered, “Wait… what’s the right order to read all these books?”
Don’t worry; I’ve got you. I made this really easy, spoiler-free guide after reading all of her dark, emotional, and twisty stories for years. If you’re new to her world or rereading it with fresh eyes, this will help you start in the right place and enjoy every page to the fullest.

Who Is H. D. Carlton?

H. D. Carlton is the first name that comes to mind when people ask me about dark romance books. All at once, her stories are crazy, sad, scary, and beautiful. She is an American writer who writes about love, pain, and how brave you have to be to get through tough times. A lot of her books take place in a gothic world with old houses, secrets, storms, and hearts that still hope even after they break.
The Cat & Mouse Duet, which consists of two books called Haunting Adeline and Hunting Adeline, is her most famous work. These stories made her famous because they aren’t just love stories; they’re also very emotional. I remember the first time I read Haunting Adeline.
I told myself I would only read one chapter… Three hours later, I was still flipping through the pages with my heart in my throat.

Interesting Fact: Haunting Adeline went viral on TikTok in 2022. People cried, screamed, and told everyone they knew to read it. That’s how H. D. Carlton went from being “that indie author” to a dark romance legend.

She doesn’t talk about her personal life very much, and to be honest, I like that. It keeps the focus on her books, which is where all of her truth is. You can tell she writes from a deep, real place if you’ve ever read one of her stories.

Why Reading Order Matters-

Everything Connects
The Emotions Grow
Avoid Spoilers
See Her Growth

The Complete H. D. Carlton Book List + Recommended Reading Order

📅	📚 Title	🏷️ Type	💬 Reading Notes
2022	Satan’s Affair	Prequel	Sets the tone and mood of Carlton’s dark world.
2021	Haunting Adeline	Book 1	The beginning of the Cat & Mouse story.
2021	Hunting Adeline	Book 2	Continuation — survival and strength.
4	Where’s Molly	Spin-off	A softer story of closure and connection.
5	Does It Hurt?	Standalone	Separate world, but emotionally similar.
6	Shallow River	Standalone	Slower pace, deeper healing themes.
7	Phantom	Standalone	Perfect final read — emotional and poetic.

The Cat & Mouse Duet (Core of the Universe)

If you’ve seen Haunting Adeline or Hunting Adeline on TikTok or heard people whisper “Cat & Mouse Duet” in dark-romance groups… Yes, this is it. This duet is where H. D. Carlton’s world really starts.
It is dark, It hurts, You can’t forget it.
And if you start here, you’ll see why people call her books “beautiful nightmares.”

1. Book 1: Haunting Adeline (2021)

Adeline Reilly is a writer who moves into her grandmother’s old gothic house. There are letters, old photos, and maybe even eyes watching from the dark in the house. Then she meets Zade. He isn’t the hero she thought he was. He’s something much more dangerous, but she can’t stop looking at him.

Summary- Adeline Reilly, a writer living in her grandmother’s old mansion, finds strange letters that pull her into a web of obsession and mystery.
When a man named Zade begins watching her, the line between fear and fascination starts to blur.
This book is gothic, emotional, and completely addictive — a story about being seen, even when it’s terrifying.

It’s the book that made me fall in love with Carlton’s world — dark, eerie, but impossible to put down.

What makes it special: The book creates a spooky, slow, and addictive mood. The story will pull you in like fog covering a garden.
My experience: I started it on a quiet night, telling myself I would only read “one chapter.” I was still awake when the sun came up, my heart racing as I whispered “one more page.”

Fun Fact: When Haunting Adeline became popular on BookTok, people started filming their reactions as they read it.
Afterward, some people laughed, some screamed, and some just stared at the wall. It turned into a dark romance rite of passage.

2. Book 2 — Hunting Adeline (2021)

This one picks up exactly where the first book ends. If Haunting Adeline was obsession, Hunting Adeline is survival. It’s darker, rawer, and at times hard to read — but that’s the point. Adeline fights to take back her life. Zade faces what he’s done.
It’s about pain, recovery, and the strange, stubborn kind of love that grows in the ruins.
What you’ll feel: Fear, anger, sadness… and hope. It’s heavy, but it’s also healing.

Summary – The second part of the Cat & Mouse Duet picks up right where the first left off. Adeline must rebuild herself piece by piece, while Zade faces the consequences of everything he’s done. It’s heavier, more emotional, and painfully real — a story of survival, forgiveness, and learning to breathe again.

This book hurt in the best way — raw, human, and unforgettable.

My experience: I cried more than once. There were moments when I had to close the book, take a breath, and remind myself: this is fiction — but it feels real.

💬 Reading tip: Don’t rush this one. Take breaks. Let the story sink in.

3. Prequel — Satan’s Affair (2022)

Before Adeline and Zade, there was this nightmare. Satan’s Affair is the prequel to the Cat & Mouse Duet. It’s violent, bloody, and not for everyone — but it shows how deep Carlton’s world really goes.
The story follows Sibby, a carnival worker with a secret so dark it feels like a horror movie.
If you’ve read the duet, you’ll spot familiar threads hiding in the chaos.
When to read it: You can start with it if you’re brave… but most readers (including me!) prefer reading it after finishing the duet. That way, you already understand the tone and emotional limits.

Summary – Before the Cat & Mouse Duet came Satan’s Affair — a prequel set in a traveling carnival filled with chaos, glitter, and death. It follows Sibby, a character who kills monsters wearing painted smiles, hiding her own trauma behind laughter. This story isn’t for the faint of heart — it’s gory, shocking, and strangely poetic.

It’s the wildest book I’ve ever read — part horror, part heartbreak, all H. D. Carlton.

My experience: This book shook me. It’s twisted, wild, and somehow still poetic. Carlton doesn’t hold back — and that’s why it works.

Suggested Reading Order for This Series

📖 Order	🕮 Title	📅 Year	📂 Type	💬 Notes
1	Haunting Adeline	2021	Book 1	Start here — main story begins
2	Hunting Adeline	2021	Book 2	Continues right after Book 1
3	Satan’s Affair	2022	Prequel	Optional — read after or before the duet

💬 Reader Tip:
If you’re new to dark romance, Haunting Adeline might feel intense at first — and that’s okay. Take your time. Read during the day if the mood gets too heavy. Once you finish both books, Satan’s Affair will feel like uncovering the shadows behind everything you just lived through.

Standalone Novels

Not all of H. D. Carlton’s stories are part of a series. Some are completely separate from each other; they have different worlds and characters, but they all have that same punch-to-the-heart feeling. These standalones are like lightning bolts, while the Cat & Mouse Duet was like an emotional storm. In its own way, each one hits hard.

1. Does it hurt? (2022)

This book is like a storm you can’t get away from. There’s cold water, a loud wind, and two people who should hate each other but can’t stay away from each other. It begins with a lie, escalates into a fight, and ends up being something raw and unforgettable. Does It Hurt? is set in an isolated lighthouse and is full of secrets, tension, and the kind of chemistry that only H. D. Carlton can write.
Summary- When two liars end up stranded in a lighthouse during a storm, they’re forced to face both the ocean outside and the secrets inside themselves. It’s a twisted enemies-to-lovers story that feels like a thunderstorm — loud, reckless, and strangely romantic. The chemistry is electric, the emotion raw, and the setting unforgettable.

I read it during a rainy afternoon — thunder outside, thunder inside the story. I couldn’t look away.

Themes: survival, lies, enemies who become lovers, and redemption.
My experience: I remember reading this on a rainy day when there was thunder outside and thunder in the story. It seemed like the perfect fit. It’s a mess, full of feelings, and somehow beautiful in its chaos.
Fun Fact: The book’s title comes from a line that is repeated a lot in the story: “Does it hurt?” By the end, you’ll really feel that question in your heart.
Best for people who like stories that are suspenseful, set in stormy places, and feel like movies.

2. Shallow River (2023)

Does It Hurt? is a thunderstorm, and Shallow River is a light rain. It’s slower, deeper, and full of feelings that come out of nowhere. In the story, things aren’t as calm as they seem in a small town. It’s about identity, control, and breaking free—not from a person, but from fear itself. H. D. Carlton is shown to be more caring in this book.
Yes, it’s still dark, but it’s the kind of dark that makes you learn something about yourself when you get out.

Summary- In a quiet town that hides dark truths, a woman fights for her voice in a world that wants to silence her. This book is about trauma, control, and choosing yourself even when the world doesn’t. It’s slower than Carlton’s usual pace, but every page feels heavy with meaning.

It didn’t shout — it whispered. And that whisper stayed with me long after I finished.

My experience: Shallow River stayed with me longer than I thought it would. It’s not dark and scary; it’s dark and quiet. The kind that talks softly instead of yelling.
Readers who like stories that take a long time to develop, small-town drama, and deep emotional growth will like this book.

3. Phantom (2024)

H. D. Carlton wrote Phantom as a love letter to gothic romance. It’s full of drama, emotion, and tragedy—like Phantom of the Opera but with a Carlton twist. It’s not directly related to the Cat & Mouse world, but fans will know her signature sound: hauntingly romantic with just the right amount of danger to keep your heart racing.

Summary – A gothic retelling full of passion, tragedy, and music that lingers like a ghost. Phantom follows a love story born in shadows, where beauty and heartbreak intertwine. It’s haunting, elegant, and proof that Carlton’s writing has become more mature, emotional, and cinematic than ever.

I cried when it ended — not because it was sad, but because it was beautiful.

What makes it special: It shows how she has grown as a writer. Her stories sound better now, and the emotional parts hit harder than they ever have before.

My experience: I read Phantom in one weekend. It made me cry in the best way, not because it was sad, but because it reminded me that love and pain are often the same thing.

Fun Fact: Fans called Phantom “the softest punch in the gut” when it came out, and that’s the best way to describe it.

Readers who like gothic settings, emotional writing, and tragic love stories that stay with them forever.

Tip for Readers: If you’re new to dark romance and want to try it out, start with Shallow River. It makes you feel something, but not too much. If you’re already a fan of Carlton and want something that will really get to you, Does It Hurt? or Phantom will do the trick (in a good way).

Spin-Offs & Connected Stories

The books by H. D. Carlton don’t just end; they keep going. She brings back characters in new and surprising ways, even when you think the story is over. That’s what makes her world feel real: every story leaves a little door open to the next one. Here are some of those stories that are related to the Cat & Mouse universe and other places.

1. Where’s Molly (2024)

If Haunting Adeline made you cry, Where’s Molly might help you feel better, but not without a few tears first.
This book is a direct link to the Cat & Mouse Duet. It follows a side character whose story needed to be told: someone who used to be in the shadows but is now in the light. Where’s Molly gives voice to pain and survival in a way that only H. D. Carlton can do. It’s not as brutal as the duet, but it’s just as strong.

Summary – A spin-off born from the ashes of the Cat & Mouse Duet. It follows a character whose pain was once a background whisper — now front and center, with a chance to heal. This book is about recovery, friendship, and the slow process of finding peace after the storm.

It’s the kind of story that makes you close the book, smile softly, and whisper, “finally.”

My experience: I read this after I finished Hunting Adeline, and it felt like the healing chapter I didn’t know I needed. It made the world seem bigger and more like people.

Fun Fact: Fans started using the hashtag #FindMolly to share theories and emotional reactions even before the book came out.

Best for people who have read the Cat & Mouse Duet and want to see closure, connection, and hope.

Untainted / Saving Adeline / Sibby’s Book (Teased Works)

H. D. Carlton loves to mess with her readers, and she’s hinted at a few new stories that might make her world even bigger. Names like Untainted, Sibby’s Book, and Saving Adeline have been going around in fan spaces, and each one has caused a lot of excitement (and chaos) in the fandom. People think that these stories will have characters we’ve already met—side characters from her other books who have bigger stories to tell.

Why fans are excited:
Carlton is good at showing you a whole new side of a character you thought you knew. Every spin-off is like running into an old friend you didn’t expect to see again.

My opinion: If these books do come out, I’ll be the first in line. Every time she adds to her world, it feels like going back to a place that still gives you chills.

Tip for Readers: After you finish the Cat & Mouse Duet, you should go straight to Where’s Molly. It connects the world in a beautiful way. Also, if you plan to read more books like Sibby’s Book in the future, keep this guide. We’ll update it as soon as new books come out.

📅	📚 Title	🏷️ Type	💬 Reading Notes
1	Haunting Adeline	Book 1 (Duet)	Start here — it’s where her legacy began.
2	Hunting Adeline	Book 2 (Duet)	Direct sequel — no time gap.
3	Satan’s Affair	Prequel (Optional)	Adds extra darkness and backstory.
4	Does It Hurt?	Standalone	Thriller-style romance with stormy vibes.
5	Shallow River	Standalone	Small-town mystery and emotional healing.
6	Where’s Molly	Spin-off	Continues threads from the Cat & Mouse world.
7	Phantom	Standalone	Gothic, tragic, and full of heart.

📅	📚 Title	🏷️ Type	💬 Reading Notes
1	Satan’s Affair	Prequel	Sets the tone and mood of Carlton’s dark world.
2	Haunting Adeline	Book 1	The beginning of the Cat & Mouse story.
3	Hunting Adeline	Book 2	Continuation — survival and strength.
4	Where’s Molly	Spin-off	A softer story of closure and connection.
5	Does It Hurt?	Standalone	Separate world, but emotionally similar.
6	Shallow River	Standalone	Slower pace, deeper healing themes.
7	Phantom	Standalone	Perfect final read — emotional and poetic.

Warnings for Readers and Trigger Warnings

I want to take a moment to talk about something important before you enter H. D. Carlton’s world. Her stories are lovely, but they also have a dark side. They deal with strong feelings, deep trauma, and scenes that might be too real or even uncomfortable for some readers. And that’s fine. You’re not the only one who has had to stop, breathe, or even walk away from one of her books. I’ve done that as well.

What You Need to Know Before You Read

Many people call H. D. Carlton’s writing “dark romance.”
That means that her stories often deal with the hard parts of being human, like fear, obsession, power, pain, and getting better.
These are some of the themes that show up in her books:

Violence and emotional trauma
Psychological manipulation
Stalking and captivity
Sexual assault and recovery
Healing from emotional abuse
Finding yourself after trauma

Not every book has all of these, but some do talk about sensitive subjects. That’s why it’s okay, and even necessary, to take care of yourself while you read.

From One Reader to Another:

I remember reading Hunting Adeline late one night and having to put it down halfway through. Not because it wasn’t good; it was too good. It seemed real. I took a break, drank some tea, and came back when I was ready. That’s something that every reader should be able to do.
There is no rule that says you have to get through hard scenes. Books should make you feel something, not hurt you. Stop if you ever feel too much. Get some fresh air. Read something fun.
When you’re ready, H. D. Carlton’s writing will still be there, and it will hit even harder when you come back stronger.

Why These Warnings Are Important

You may have seen questions like “Why was Haunting Adeline banned?” on the internet.
Not all stores stopped selling it, but some did for a short time because some scenes were too intense.
That doesn’t mean the book is bad; it just means it’s strong and not for everyone.
H. D. Carlton’s stories are made up, but they are based on real pain, and she writes them with brutal honesty.
That honesty deserves respect from both her readers and us.

Readers Tips: If you’re not sure which book to read first, start with Shallow River.
It makes you feel something, but it’s softer than her duet.
You can decide if you want to read more of her darker works once you know her tone.

📅 Upcoming & Teased Projects (2025 and Beyond)

H. D. Carlton has been hinting at a few new projects on her social media, and fans (me included!) are watching every move like detectives.
Here’s what we know so far:

1. Untainted (Upcoming 2025)

This one has been teased as a possible new dark romance — potentially set in a fresh universe, but still with that signature Carlton edge. No confirmed synopsis yet, but fans suspect it will explore themes of innocence, revenge, and rebirth.

I’m already nervous and excited — that’s how I know it’s a real H. D. Carlton story.

2. Sibby’s Book (In Development)

If you’ve read Satan’s Affair, you already know who Sibby is — the chaos and carnage wrapped in glitter.
Well, she’s coming back. Carlton has mentioned that Sibby’s story might get its own standalone novel, diving deeper into her past and the carnival of madness she calls home.

Fan Theory: Readers think Sibby’s Book could connect the darker corners of the Cat & Mouse world to the rumored Untainted storyline — forming one big expanded universe.

3. Saving Adeline (Rumored)

This title has appeared in whispers on TikTok and fan groups, sparking theories that Carlton might revisit Adeline’s world.
Whether it’s a novella, bonus epilogue, or alternate POV — no one knows yet, but the excitement is real.

If this ever releases, I know I’ll drop everything and read it the same day.

Where to Find Official Updates

H. D. Carlton shares her news directly with fans, so make sure you’re following her official pages — not just reposts or fan edits.

Stay Connected Here:

Website: hdcarlton.com — shop, signed editions, and announcements.
Instagram: @hdcarlton — main updates, cover reveals, and release dates.
Goodreads: H. D. Carlton Author Page — official listings and reader reviews.

Tip:
If you love collecting special editions, subscribe to her website newsletter.
Her limited-run signed copies always sell out in minutes.

FAQs (For Curious Readers)

I get a lot of the same questions from readers who are just discovering H. D. Carlton, so here are a few quick answers — simple, spoiler-free, and straight from experience.

Q 1: How many Haunting Adeline books are there?

There are two — Haunting Adeline and Hunting Adeline.
Together, they make the Cat & Mouse Duet, the heart of H. D. Carlton’s world.

Q 2: What’s the prequel to the Haunting Adeline series?

That would be Satan’s Affair.
It takes place before Adeline’s story and gives you a peek into the darker carnival world that shaped it all.

**Q 3: Is Does It Hurt? connected to the duet?**

Nope — it’s a standalone.
But it carries the same haunting themes of pain, truth, and redemption that Carlton is known for.

**Q 4: Will Haunting Adeline ever become a movie?**

Not yet — but fans (including me!) have been begging for one.
With its atmosphere and emotional intensity, it would make an incredible dark-romance film.

**Q 5: When did Phantom come out?**

Phantom released in 2024 and is now available in paperback, Kindle, and limited special-edition hardcovers.

Reader Tip: Bookmark this article or save it to Pinterest — I’ll update this guide whenever H. D. Carlton announces new releases or bonus chapters.

CONCLUSION — A Little Note from Me to You

If you’ve made it here, thank you — truly.
You’ve just walked through one of the most intense, emotional worlds in modern dark romance.

I’ve been reading since I was eight years old, and few authors have ever made me feel as deeply as H. D. Carlton.
Her stories remind us that love isn’t always pretty — sometimes it’s sharp, messy, and full of shadows — but it still heals.

So whether you’re just starting Haunting Adeline or finishing Phantom, take it slow.
Let the words hit you. Cry if you need to. Smile when you can.

Because that’s what makes these stories powerful — they don’t just live on the page; they live inside us for a while.

Your Turn!

Which H. D. Carlton book shook you the most?
Was it Zade and Adeline’s chaos? Or the heartbreak of Phantom?
Tell me in the comments below — I love hearing how different readers connect with her stories.

And if this guide helped you, please share it with your fellow book lovers.
Stories this dark — and this beautiful — aren’t meant to be read alone.

📚 Related Reading Guides:

[Throne of Glass Series in Order]

Written by Olivia Frost
From Alaska 📍 | Reader since age 8 | Living proof that books can both break and mend your heart.