Author Spotlight Saturday!

Welcome back, book lovers! Every Saturday, I highlight an author whose stories deserve the spotlight, and this week we’re diving into the chilling, hauntingly beautiful, and utterly unforgettable world of H.D. Carlton. Known for her dark romances that blend obsession, danger, and raw passion, Carlton isn’t afraid to take readers to the edge—and then shove them right over it.

https://hdcarlton.com/about/

H.D. Carlton is a master of weaving stories that live in the shadows. Her writing combines psychological depth, unflinching darkness, and addictive romance that keeps readers flipping pages long into the night. If you’ve ever craved a book that’s equal parts thrilling and devastatingly romantic, her work will hook you immediately.

Her Books

The Cat and Mouse Duet

• Haunting Adeline — The book that blew up on BookTok for its dark, obsessive romance. It introduces us to Adeline, a writer who inherits her grandmother’s house, only to discover she’s being stalked by Zade Meadows, a man who is equal parts terrifying and magnetic. This one is all about psychological tension, obsession, and the fine line between fear and desire.

• Hunting Adeline — The explosive sequel that takes everything from Haunting Adeline and cranks it up to a hundred. It’s darker, more brutal, and forces both characters to face impossible choices in love and survival. Readers call it devastating, addictive, and completely unforgettable.

Standalones

• Does It Hurt? — A stormy, high-stakes romance that literally throws its characters into the ocean. A thrilling mix of survival, obsession, and passion on the high seas, this book is a ride from start to finish. It’s for readers who love danger and steam in equal measure.

• Satan’s Affair — A short, chilling standalone set in a haunted house attraction where the scares aren’t just fake. Equal parts terrifying and tantalizing, this one’s perfect for when you want something quick, dark, and twisted.

What’s Next

Carlton is known for keeping fans guessing. She often hints at upcoming projects, leaving her readers (and the entire BookTok world) buzzing with excitement. If her past books are any indication, whatever comes next will be equally dark, addictive, and impossible to put down.

Why I Love Her Books

Carlton doesn’t just tell stories—she crafts experiences. Her books aren’t light or fluffy, but that’s what makes them so powerful. She explores themes of obsession, survival, power dynamics, and the messy, complicated nature of love. Her characters often blur the lines between villain and hero, forcing readers to question their own limits. I love how her books make me feel everything—fear, rage, heartbreak, and yes… swoony romance too. They stick with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

Final Thoughts

H.D. Carlton isn’t just an author — she’s an experience. Her books grab you by the throat (sometimes literally, in the case of her characters) and don’t let go until the very last page. She pushes boundaries in ways that make you uncomfortable but also keep you endlessly intrigued. That’s part of her magic: she doesn’t shy away from the dark, the messy, or the morally gray. Instead, she leans into it and asks readers to do the same.

What I love most is that her stories aren’t just about the romance — they’re about survival, power, obsession, and what it means to truly surrender to someone else, even when it terrifies you. Her characters are layered, complicated, and unforgettable. You don’t just read about Adeline and Zade or the characters in Does It Hurt? — you feel their intensity, their passion, their fear, and their love in a way that lingers long after the book is over.

H.D. Carlton writes for readers who crave something different — something that doesn’t follow the rules of “safe” romance but instead carves its own path. Her books are not for the faint of heart, but if you’re brave enough to dive in, you’ll find stories that challenge, shock, and stay with you. And honestly? That’s what makes her one of the most exciting voices in dark romance right now.