If you’ve ever lost sleep over a story where love twists into obsession, villains steal your heart, and the line between hero and monster blurs into oblivion, then H.D. Carlton’s books are your next addiction. Picture this: a haunted manor, a stalker with a poet’s soul, and a heroine who fights back with fire in her veins. That’s the intoxicating world of H.D. Carlton, the queen of dark romance who’s taken BookTok by storm. With millions of readers devouring her tales of danger and desire, it’s no wonder Haunting Adeline has become a cultural phenomenon.
But with interconnected duets, spine-chilling standalones, and a growing universe of morally gray anti-heroes, diving into her bibliography can feel like stepping into one of her own shadowy plots. Fear not—we’ve got you covered. This guide breaks down H.D. Carlton’s books in order, from her early sci-fi roots to her latest pulse-pounding releases. Whether you’re a newbie craving that first hit or a die-hard fan piecing together cameos, we’ll help you read in the perfect sequence to maximize the chills, thrills, and those “oh no, she didn’t” gasps. Ready to stalk your next read? Let’s unravel the shadows.
Who Is H.D. Carlton? A Quick Dive into the Dark Queen of Romance
Before we hunt down the order, let’s shine a (dim) light on the author herself. H.D. Carlton hails from a sleepy small town in Ohio, where four seasons crash into one another like a plot twist you never saw coming. By day, she’s tackling “boring adult stuff,” but by night? She’s unleashing wicked worlds filled with the worst kind of villains—ones who whisper poetry while plotting revenge.
Carlton burst onto the scene with her self-published dark romance hits, blending raw emotion, psychological suspense, and spice levels that could set your e-reader ablaze. Her breakthrough? The Cat and Mouse Duet, a stalker romance that hooked readers with its unapologetic intensity. Fun fact: She started with sci-fi horror in her Zero Saga series, proving her range runs deeper than a villain’s grudge. Now a New York Times bestseller, Carlton’s stories aren’t for the faint of heart—they’re for those who crave the rush of surviving (and maybe loving) the darkness.
Pro tip: Her books often feature trigger warnings for intense themes like stalking, violence, and dub-con. If you’re new to dark romance, ease in with a content guide handy. Trust me, once you start, there’s no going back.
Why Read H.D. Carlton Books in Order? (Spoiler: Cameos and Chaos Await)
H.D. Carlton’s universe is a web of shadows—standalone novels that occasionally peek into the Cat and Mouse world, plus a core duet that’s best devoured back-to-back. Publication order is your safest bet: It mirrors how the stories unfold, letting cameos from favorites like Zade and Adeline hit like delicious Easter eggs. Skip around, and you might miss the full torment (in the best way).
Her catalog splits into two vibes: the interconnected dark romance empire and her earlier sci-fi standalones. We’ll list them chronologically, with quick synopses to tease without spoiling. As of October 2025, she’s penned nine books, with whispers of more brewing. (Fingers crossed for that Zade spin-off, right?)
H.D. Carlton Books in Order by Series
Below is a complete list of H.D. Carlton’s books, organized by series and in publication order within each series, as of October 2025. The table format includes the book title, series, publication date, and a brief description to guide your reading journey.
| Series | Book Title | Publication Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zero Saga | Hollow | August 2018 | A dystopian sci-fi horror where Zero Alvarado battles bloodthirsty Hollows in a ravaged world, blending survival and inner demons. |
| Zero Saga | Untainted | March 2019 | The gripping sequel to Hollow, following Ronan, a Hollow-turned-hero, in a desperate fight for humanity’s survival with darker twists. |
| Standalone | Shallow River | November 2020 | A psychological thriller standalone about River McAllister, a survivor facing abuse and secrets in a suspense-filled town. |
| Cat and Mouse Duet | Haunting Adeline | January 2021 | Adeline inherits a haunted manor and attracts Zade Meadows, a dangerous stalker, in a dark romance that ignited BookTok. |
| Cat and Mouse Duet | Hunting Adeline | March 2022 | The duet’s intense finale flips the chase, with Adeline hunting Zade amidst escalating stakes and emotional chaos. |
| Standalone (Cat and Mouse Universe) | Satan’s Affair | October 2022 | A standalone novella with duet ties, following Sibby, a vengeful siren luring killers in a carnival of horrors. |
| Standalone | Does It Hurt? | July 2023 | A fugitive and a brooding lighthouse keeper clash on a remote island, weaving fear, lust, and redemption in this standalone. |
| Standalone (Cat and Mouse Universe) | Where’s Molly | 2024 | A gritty novella spinning off Satan’s Affair, diving into Molly’s world of underground deals and raw intensity. |
| Cat and Mouse Duet (Prequel) | Phantom | April 2025 | A prequel exploring Zade’s origins, centered on a forbidden romance with a married woman, packed with dark allure. |
H.D. Carlton Books in Publication Order: From Zero to Phantom
Here’s the complete rundown. Grab your comfiest blanket (or your boldest nightlight) and let’s plot your reading marathon.
1. Hollow (Zero Saga #1) – August 2018
Carlton’s debut kicks off her sci-fi horror roots in a dystopian nightmare where “Hollows” rise as bloodthirsty soldiers, turning the world into a haunted wasteland. Enter Zero Alvarado, a survivor fighting not just monsters, but the one inside. If you love apocalyptic edge with emotional gut-punches, this is your gateway drug to Carlton’s style. (Psst: It’s standalone-ish, but pairs perfectly with its sequel for the full unraveling.)
2. Untainted (Zero Saga #2) – March 2019
Picking up the Zero Saga’s bloody thread, this sequel amps the stakes as Ronan—a Hollow turned reluctant hero—battles for humanity’s remnants. Carlton poured her soul into this one, evolving from her “Hollow” days with tighter pacing and deeper lore. Fans rave about the twists that leave you questioning who’s really the monster. Read after Hollow for maximum impact.
3. Shallow River – November 2020
Shift gears to psychological thriller territory with this standalone gem. River McAllister is a survivor haunted by her abuser’s shadow, navigating a town that drowns in secrets. It’s a slow-burn revenge tale laced with ocean-deep dread—perfect if sharks and suspense make your heart race. No prior reading required; just brace for the emotional whirlpool.
4. Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet #1) – January 2021
Buckle up—this is the book that launched a thousand BookTok obsessions. Adeline inherits a creepy manor and awakens something sinister: Zade Meadows, a masked stalker with a diamond blade and a twisted sense of justice. Their game of cat and mouse? Pure, unfiltered fire. If dark romance is your jam, start your Carlton binge here. (But snag Satan’s Affair first for a sneaky cameo boost.)
5. Hunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet #2) – March 2022
The duet’s explosive finale flips the chase: Now Adeline’s the hunter, but Zade’s shadows run deeper than she imagined. Packed with cameos from Satan’s Affair and escalating stakes, this one’s a rollercoaster of possession, power, and passion. Devour it right after Haunting Adeline—the cliffhanger recovery is worth every sleepless night.
6. Satan’s Affair – October 2022
A wicked standalone (with Cat and Mouse ties) that’s equal parts carnival horror and bloody romance. Meet Sibby, a siren of vengeance who lures killers to their doom in a traveling house of horrors. It’s short, savage, and sings with dark lullabies—ideal for a quick, twisted palate cleanser. Pro reading hack: Slip it between the duet books for those juicy character crossovers.
7. Does It Hurt? – July 2023
Dive into underwater obsession with this sultry standalone. A fugitive hides on a remote island, only to clash with a brooding lighthouse keeper who sees through her lies. Carlton’s signature blend of fear, lust, and redemption shines here, with ocean waves crashing like forbidden desires. Standalone bliss—no order needed, but it’ll hook you for the rest.
8. Where’s Molly – Title Reveal/Pre-Order Phase, Full Release 2024
A fresh novella spinning off from Satan’s Affair, this one’s a quick, gritty dive into Molly’s world of underground dealings and unexpected heat. It’s got that raw, unfiltered Carlton edge—think high-stakes heists with heart. Read after Satan’s Affair to catch the vibes.
9. Phantom (Cat and Mouse Duet Prequel) – April 2025
The latest drop? A prequel that’s already haunting bestseller lists. It peels back Zade’s origins in a tale of forbidden temptation: a married woman of the manor and the dangerous stranger lurking beyond. Dark, intoxicating, and full of those “aha!” moments for duet fans. Slot it in after the main series for backstory bliss—or start here if you crave origins.
Beyond the List: Tips for Your H.D. Carlton Reading Binge
- Start Here If You’re New: Haunting Adeline for instant addiction, then loop back to standalones like Satan’s Affair.
- Full Universe Order: Hollow → Untainted → Shallow River → Satan’s Affair → Haunting Adeline → Hunting Adeline → Does It Hurt? → Where’s Molly → Phantom.
- Audiobook Lovers: Narrators bring Zade’s gravelly threats to life—perfect for commutes that feel like stakeouts.
- Community Buzz: Join BookTok challenges or Reddit threads for fan theories. (Spoiler: Everyone ships the villains.)
H.D. Carlton doesn’t just write books; she crafts obsessions that linger like a ghost in the walls. Whether you’re team Zade or sibby-stanning, her stories remind us that the darkest hearts beat the loudest. What’s your first read going to be? Drop a comment below—let’s stalk these plots together. Happy (haunted) reading!
Looking for signed copies or merch? Check out H.D. Carlton’s official store. And if this guide saved your TBR, share it with a fellow thrill-seeker!
