H. D. Carlton

Where's Molly

i really liked molly and her backstory, and i loved her being able to take agency of her sex life after all the abuse she went through and getting to choose to have sex with cage BUT cage made me roll my eyes 80% of the time. regardless i finished this in one day so! i did enjoy it, just had to take half a star off for how rushed and forced these two felt and not enough build up to make the intense-ness feel warranted, more so on his side (though i guess the whiplash toxicity makes sense with their respective traumas?)

graves

this was so boring oh my god. i thought hearing molly's story would be really cool but it focused almost completely on the sex. smut is good and all, but i don't enjoy it when there's barely any plot. this book had essentially zero plot once cage came back into her life. not to mention how he was basically just zade. there was barely a difference between them. (also, who the fuck looks at the word cage and thinks that would be a good name?) 

kaii

jenna

Over all I loved this book. I read it so fast and it was great at getting me out of my reading slump. The pacing was great until the end. The end felt very rushed. I would’ve rated it five stars if the pacing was a little more balanced. I will say though, this is definitely a dark romance. You need to read all of the trigger warnings before picking the book up. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a true dark romance with a toxic relationship at the center and suspense throughout with a balanced portion of spice

Amanda Autumn Berrey

Sarah 

I loved being back in this world. I think if I reread Cat and Mouse and Satan’s Affair and Where’s Molly I think I would love it even more. I just couldn’t wait. It was so good and wish it was longer. The epilogue I loved and the extended epilogue was something I wasn’t anticipating at the end but loved it as well. Honestly the fluffiest book I’ve read by H.D. if you take out the pigs. Which was something else I didn’t expect. I can’t wait to read more from this world that H.D. Carlton has created because I love it so much!

Priscilla Stanfield

Soo… I really liked this one. I know that as with basically each and every H.D. Carlton novel there is some controversy around it but so what, I really did enjoy reading this book. It took me barely more than 1 sitting to binge through this and that actually surprised me because with the setting in the same literary universe as the two Adeline novels it could have been a lot different (I did like those, too, but I guess everyone can agree that these books took some will to get through).

We meet Molly, the infamous author of the diary that Addie found in her captivity and which served as a lifeline to the former protagonist. We get flashbacks into Mollys time there, but none as graphically detailed as HA was, so if that was something you struggled with, you might just fare better with this instalment, as it stays a little bit more on the shallow side. This applies to the main character as well, as we don’t really get to know her or the love interest but for some reason I didn’t even mind. This was a good, short novel to me and I really liked Cage with his massive ego and c… Charme, I meant to say Charme.

I’ve got to be honest, this book reads like a prequel and if that would be the case (which I’m almost sure it is, if the epilogue anything to go by) I’d be a happy camper. It lacks depth, especially plotwise at times, but honestly for some reason that didn’t bother me, probably also due to the book not trying to be anything else than, in terms of page count and chapter length. It didn’t drag, was a super fast and fast paced read and I’m curious to hear more about the characters in the future.

The main critique some readers voiced so far was nothing of concern for me personally so why should I not rate this book purely based on enjoyment levels for once; a solid four outta five. Gimme more, please!

Leonie

Soo… I really liked this one. I know that as with basically each and every H.D. Carlton novel there is some controversy around it but so what, I really did enjoy reading this book. It took me barely more than 1 sitting to binge through this and that actually surprised me because with the setting in the same literary universe as the two Adeline novels it could have been a lot different (I did like those, too, but I guess everyone can agree that these books took some will to get through).

We meet Molly, the infamous author of the diary that Addie found in her captivity and which served as a lifeline to the former protagonist. We get flashbacks into Mollys time there, but none as graphically detailed as HA was, so if that was something you struggled with, you might just fare better with this instalment, as it stays a little bit more on the shallow side. This applies to the main character as well, as we don’t really get to know her or the love interest but for some reason I didn’t even mind. This was a good, short novel to me and I really liked Cage with his massive ego and c… Charme, I meant to say Charme.

I’ve got to be honest, this book reads like a prequel and if that would be the case (which I’m almost sure it is, if the epilogue anything to go by) I’d be a happy camper. It lacks depth, especially plotwise at times, but honestly for some reason that didn’t bother me, probably also due to the book not trying to be anything else than, in terms of page count and chapter length. It didn’t drag, was a super fast and fast paced read and I’m curious to hear more about the characters in the future.

The main critique some readers voiced so far was nothing of concern for me personally so why should I not rate this book purely based on enjoyment levels for once; a solid four outta five. Gimme more, please!

well this was one of my anticipated reads of '24 and damm i just love how hd does this universe bc feels like a remeet with a mix of introduction to the other books that will come, bc the end of the epilogue got me gasped, and the extended episode holy fuck

molly just was one of those characters in hunting that i was really curious since she escaped, and she truly deserves the best in the world, molly is so strong i admire that in her; omg and cage agh i was feral for him the whole time agh he was so cute AND the way hes obsessed with her even before he met her agh i was truly feral at the point of barking. 

________________________________________________

- "She's older but doesn't look much different, only more mature. However, the light brown freckles that are smattered across her cheeks and the button nose soften her features. Nine years ago, I told myself I'd 

count them, but I never got the chance to finish. I intend to remedy that."

- "You think just because I feed my pigs humans, I'm into cannibalism?"

- "And like a true gentleman, he lets me eat all the half-popped kernels. Then, he grabs my legs and, resting them over his lap, massages my feet, all the while quoting lines from the film. The act is so thoughtless, so genuine, that tears rush to my eyes. Never have I had anyone bring me flowers, set up a movie, and rub my feet. It's not something I even imagined for myself.

"Why did you come?" I ask softly after about an hour into the movie. My head is swimming a little, but I gaze at him with perfect clarity.

He glances at me. "I wanted to spend time with you. I missed you." It's a simple answer, yet my heart is climbing into my throat.

He leans down and places a soft kiss on the top of my foot, then turns his focus back to the movie."

- "At 9:02 PM, she waved goodbye to the man behind the counter, walked out of shot toward the back door, and that was the last the world saw of Molly. It was riveting, and I was fascinated But this obsession that I feel now is still not the same. No-it's exactly what I felt when I met her. Had her. The girl with haunted eyes and a perpetual frown, who carried a sadness so deep that it permanently altered the shape of her lips. I spent the night tracing my tongue along her Cupid's bow until I remolded her mouth to fit against mine. Because as long as I was inside her, her sadness would be powerless to my obsession. And there would be no part of her that wasn't made precisely for me."

Because staring into her eyes is the only thing I needed, to convince myself she's everything I'll ever want for as long as oxygen invades my lungs. I knew it deep in my bones the day I met her. Even back then, my soul immediately recognized hers as its other half.

"Because I'd tell you anything," "There's not a single thing I'd be able to keep from you. Especially when you look so goddamn beautiful."

- "You are the most important person I've ever met, Molly," I whisper. "And while I will always be devastated that my sister didn't survive, I'm so fucking happy that you did."

- My eyes flick to where she holds her phone up, "Sunglasses at Night" playing from the speakers.

"Shh," she hushes, laying her hand over mine. "Don't be rude. Olivia might be trying to listen, too."

A fire explodes in my chest, burning a path down to our entwined hands.

I want the flames to melt our hands together so she can never let go.

If she wanted me to fall in love with her, she only needed to tell me. Now, she has no choice in the matter.

Turning my head, I stare at her until she meets my eyes. "I will chase away all your nightmares until they grow wary of returning. They will fear me, my little ghost. But you never will.""

- "I will never know peace for as long as Molly Devereaux is sad

"I don't want to fix you, Molly. There's nothing to mend when you've already done that yourself. The only thing I will do is ensure there isn't a single part of you that is empty. Your life, your heart, and your sweet pussy."

Renata

well this was one of my anticipated reads of '24 and damm i just love how hd does this universe bc feels like a remeet with a mix of introduction to the other books that will come, bc the end of the epilogue got me gasped, and the extended episode holy fuck

molly just was one of those characters in hunting that i was really curious since she escaped, and she truly deserves the best in the world, molly is so strong i admire that in her; omg and cage agh i was feral for him the whole time agh he was so cute AND the way hes obsessed with her even before he met her agh i was truly feral at the point of barking. 

________________________________________________

fav quotes (spoilers)

- "She's older but doesn't look much different, only more mature. However, the light brown freckles that are smattered across her cheeks and the button nose soften her features. Nine years ago, I told myself I'd 

count them, but I never got the chance to finish. I intend to remedy that."

- "You think just because I feed my pigs humans, I'm into cannibalism?"

"I'm into whatever you're into."

- "And like a true gentleman, he lets me eat all the half-popped kernels. Then, he grabs my legs and, resting them over his lap, massages my feet, all the while quoting lines from the film. The act is so thoughtless, so genuine, that tears rush to my eyes. Never have I had anyone bring me flowers, set up a movie, and rub my feet. It's not something I even imagined for myself.

"Why did you come?" I ask softly after about an hour into the movie. My head is swimming a little, but I gaze at him with perfect clarity.

He glances at me. "I wanted to spend time with you. I missed you." It's a simple answer, yet my heart is climbing into my throat.

"Thank you," I whisper.

He leans down and places a soft kiss on the top of my foot, then turns his focus back to the movie."

- "At 9:02 PM, she waved goodbye to the man behind the counter, walked out of shot toward the back door, and that was the last the world saw of Molly. It was riveting, and I was fascinated But this obsession that I feel now is still not the same. No-it's exactly what I felt when I met her. Had her. The girl with haunted eyes and a perpetual frown, who carried a sadness so deep that it permanently altered the shape of her lips. I spent the night tracing my tongue along her Cupid's bow until I remolded her mouth to fit against mine. Because as long as I was inside her, her sadness would be powerless to my obsession. And there would be no part of her that wasn't made precisely for me."

- "You're breathtaking," 

"W-what? Why would you say that?"

Because staring into her eyes is the only thing I needed, to convince myself she's everything I'll ever want for as long as oxygen invades my lungs. I knew it deep in my bones the day I met her. Even back then, my soul immediately recognized hers as its other half.

"Because I'd tell you anything," "There's not a single thing I'd be able to keep from you. Especially when you look so goddamn beautiful."

- "You are the most important person I've ever met, Molly," I whisper. "And while I will always be devastated that my sister didn't survive, I'm so fucking happy that you did."

- My eyes flick to where she holds her phone up, "Sunglasses at Night" playing from the speakers.

"Mol"

"Shh," she hushes, laying her hand over mine. "Don't be rude. Olivia might be trying to listen, too."

I can't breathe.

A fire explodes in my chest, burning a path down to our entwined hands.

I hope to God that it burns her, too.

I want the flames to melt our hands together so she can never let go.

If she wanted me to fall in love with her, she only needed to tell me. Now, she has no choice in the matter.

Though, I suppose she never really did.

Turning my head, I stare at her until she meets my eyes. "I will chase away all your nightmares until they grow wary of returning. They will fear me, my little ghost. But you never will.""

- "I will never know peace for as long as Molly Devereaux is sad

"You can't fix me," she finishes.

"I don't want to fix you, Molly. There's nothing to mend when you've already done that yourself. The only thing I will do is ensure there isn't a single part of you that is empty. Your life, your heart, and your sweet pussy."

This was all I hoped it would be: A quick escapism in the form of H. D. Carlton and into one of my favorite book series. 

Was it perfect? No. There were at least two issues I have, when it comes to the plausibility of the plot. Do I care? Also no, because I was entertained. Molly grew on me pretty fast and considering the length of this book I’m actually impressed. For me it was a perfect balance between smut (good smut!), seriousness and plot progress. And even though I’m sad it was over so soon, it was at the same time the right length for this sequel. 

As with all Carlton books: read the triggers and take them serious, your mental health matters 🫶🏼

Stephanie 

This was all I hoped it would be: A quick escapism in the form of H. D. Carlton and into one of my favorite book series. 

Was it perfect? No. There were at least two issues I have, when it comes to the plausibility of the plot. Do I care? Also no, because I was entertained. Molly grew on me pretty fast and considering the length of this book I’m actually impressed. For me it was a perfect balance between smut (good smut!), seriousness and plot progress. And even though I’m sad it was over so soon, it was at the same time the right length for this sequel. 

As with all Carlton books: read the triggers and take them serious, your mental health matters 🫶🏼