The 4-Book Feral Cat and Mouse Duet Series Order

I still remember the exact moment. It was 3 AM, the world was dead quiet, and the only light was the glow of my Kindle. That balcony scene at 3 AM had my heart pounding, yelling at my Kindle, utterly conflicted but desperate for him to ruin me. My hands were actually shaking. That’s the power of H.D. Carlton’s Cat and Mouse duet.

It’s not just a story; it’s a visceral, gut-wrenching experience that grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go. If you’re here, it’s because you’ve heard the whispers, seen the warnings, and felt the pull of something dangerously alluring. You’re ready to step into the shadows with Adeline and Zade. Trust me, you need a guide for this journey to navigate the definitive cat and mouse duet series order. Let’s dive in.

The Ultimate Reading Order for the Cat and Mouse Duet Series

H.D. Carlton’s Cat and Mouse Duet isn’t just a series; it’s a goddamn obsession that rewires your brain with its raw emotional stakes, characters who feel dangerously real, and suspense that leaves you gasping.

To fully immerse yourself in this gripping story, it’s crucial to follow the correct reading order. This isn’t just about chronology; it’s about experiencing the escalating tension and emotional devastation exactly as the author intended. If you are looking for the core H.D. Carlton books in order, this guide focuses on the essential Adeline and Zade timeline.

Here’s the quick and dirty guide to the core series. No detours, no side quests—just the main event.

Haunting Adeline

⚡ ⭐ Top Rated | ⭐ 4.7 (50k) | 🌶️ 5/5 | 📚 Book 1 of 2

This book introduces readers to the Cat and Mouse duet main characters, Adeline and Zade, setting the stage for a dark, obsessive romance that will have you questioning your own sanity. Adeline Reilly is a writer who moves into her great-grandmother’s gothic manor, only to discover she’s not alone. She finds journals detailing her great-grandmother’s murder at the hands of a stalker, and soon realizes she has a stalker of her own.

Zade Meadows is the shadow in her house, the whisper in the dark, the man who watches her every move. He’s the head of a vigilante organization that hunts human traffickers, yet his methods are anything but heroic. The tension is unbearable, the obsession is feral, and the moral lines are so blurred they cease to exist. This is where the cat-and-mouse game begins, and you will question everything you thought you knew about love and desire.

Hunting Adeline

⚡ ⭐ Top Rated | ⭐ 4.8 (45k) | 🌶️ 5/5 | 📚 Book 2 of 2

The thrilling conclusion to Adeline and Zade’s story, this book dives deeper into themes of revenge and redemption. Don’t say I didn’t warn you: this book is brutal. Where Haunting Adeline was a psychological descent into obsession, Hunting Adeline is a physical and emotional war.

The roles of cat and mouse aren’t just reversed; they’re eviscerated, leaving you staring at the wreckage of what you thought this story was. Adeline is forced to endure unimaginable horrors, and Zade unleashes a righteous fury on the world to get her back.

This story is not for the faint of heart. It explores the darkest corners of humanity but also the unbreakable strength of the human spirit. It’s a story about surviving, healing, and the savage, all-consuming love that can be found even in the deepest pits of hell.

🔖 Reader Quote: “That balcony scene at 3 AM had my heart pounding, yelling at my Kindle, utterly conflicted but desperate for him to ruin me.”

Exploring the Spin-Offs: Satan’s Affair and Where’s Molly

While the “Cat and Mouse Duet” series is the heart of H.D. Carlton’s dark romance universe, its spin-offs add critical layers of depth and context to the main story. These aren’t just bonus content; they are puzzle pieces that complete the horrifying, beautiful picture of this world. Here’s how to navigate these additional works for the full, immersive experience.

Satan’s Affair

⚡ ⭐ Top Rated | ⭐ 4.5 | 🌶️ 4/5 | 📚 Prequel Novella

A chilling prequel that sets the stage for the events of “Haunting Adeline,” offering a deeper look into the dark world of Zade. This novella follows Sibby, a character you will meet in the duet who is unforgettable. To truly understand her chaotic energy and fierce loyalty, you need to read her origin story.

It’s a twisted tale set in a carnival, and it directly explains how she came to be involved with Zade and his mission. Many readers debate whether to read this first. My take? Read it before Haunting Adeline. It will make certain character introductions hit so much harder and give you a crucial glimpse into the violent world Zade operates in.

Where’s Molly

⚡ 🔥 Hot New Release | ⭐ 4.6 | 🌶️ 4/5 | 📚 Spinoff

A spinoff story that ties into the main series, exploring themes of loss and redemption. The question “Where’s Molly?” haunts the pages of the duet, and this book finally gives us the answer. If you are wondering when to read Where’s Molly, the answer is simple: save it for the end.

It’s a raw, emotional, and harrowing story about a character whose absence is a driving force in the main plot. This is not a light read; it’s a deep dive into trauma, survival, and the painstaking process of finding yourself after being lost. It creates a sense of closure and expands the universe, proving that even when the main story is over, the echoes of its events continue to shape the lives of those left behind.

🔗 For another author who builds an addictive, interconnected world, you should check out our guide to Ana Huang’s Addictive Books in Order.

Standalone Duets: Cat and Mouse by Jessica Joy

If you’re a fan of the “Cat and Mouse Duet,” you’ll love Jessica Joy’s standalone duet, which captures the same thrilling tension and emotional depth. Sometimes you need that same obsessive, high-stakes dynamic but in a completely new world. This is the perfect fix for that craving.

Cat and Mouse by Jessica Joy

⚡ ⭐ Top Rated | ⭐ 4.5 (8k) | 🌶️ 3/5 | 📚 Standalone Duet

Thrilling, enemies-to-lovers, and suspenseful, this duet is a perfect chaser for the H.D. Carlton series. A suspenseful enemies-to-lovers romance that delivers all the tension and passion you crave. The story follows Talia and Jackson, two people locked in a dangerous game of power and desire.

He’s the predator, she’s the prey, but those roles get twisted and blurred as their animosity ignites into a firestorm of passion. While not as graphically dark as Carlton’s work, it captures the psychological tension and the addictive push-and-pull that will absolutely ruin you in the best way possible.

🔗 If you’re constantly searching for your next dark and twisted love story, you need to explore our curated list of the Best Dark Romance Series.

Why We Love Dark Romance: The Allure of Cat-and-Mouse Tropes

There’s a reason we’re addicted to this kind of tension. The cat-and-mouse game is the dark, beating heart of it all—the engine that fuels the obsession, the conflict, and that consuming, toxic chemistry we crave. But why are we so drawn to this dangerous dance? Here’s why readers like us can’t get enough of this dynamic.

• Enemies-to-Lovers: This is the ultimate tension-builder. It’s not just about two people falling in love; it’s about two people fighting an undeniable connection that goes against all logic. The journey from hate to obsession to a feral, possessive love is one of the most satisfying character arcs in romance. The forbidden nature of it makes every stolen glance and heated argument feel like foreplay.

• Stalker Romance: Let’s be honest, this is a controversial yet utterly compelling trope. It’s not some clean, simple fantasy; it’s a goddamn minefield. In a world where we can feel invisible, the idea of being the absolute center of someone’s universe—their sole focus, their obsession—is a powerful and intoxicating concept. It taps into the primal thrill of being pursued by a predator who has chosen you above all others.

• Revenge Themes: This adds so much depth and emotional stakes to the story. When a character is driven by a need for vengeance, their actions become more complex and their motivations more desperate. It raises the stakes from a simple love story to an epic battle for justice, redemption, and survival, making the eventual romance feel earned and monumental.

🔖 Top 3 Tropes: Enemies-to-Lovers, Stalker Romance, Revenge Themes.

Safety First: Trigger Warnings and Spice Levels for the Cat and Mouse Duet

Dark romance isn’t for everyone. Let me be perfectly clear: this series is not for everyone. It is dark. It is graphic. It is designed to be unsettling. Here’s a breakdown including specific Haunting Adeline trigger warnings and spice levels to help you decide if this series is right for you. Please, read responsibly. Your mental health comes first.

This series explores extremely sensitive subjects. The “dub-con” (dubious consent) and non-consensual elements are explicit and central to the plot. If these are triggers for you, I strongly advise you to protect your peace and sit this one out.

Frequently Asked Questions

In what order should I read the Cat and Mouse Duet?

Start with Satan’s Affair for crucial backstory on a key character. Then, read Haunting Adeline, followed by its direct sequel, Hunting Adeline. This is the recommended reading order for the series to provide the maximum emotional impact and character understanding.

Do you need to read Satan’s Affair first?

It’s not technically mandatory to understand the main plot, but I highly recommend it. Reading it first provides invaluable context for Zade’s world and makes Sibby’s character arc in the main duet so much more meaningful.

Is Haunting Adeline a standalone?

Absolutely not. It is the first book in the “Cat and Mouse Duet” and ends on a massive cliffhanger. You must read Hunting Adeline to get the conclusion to Adeline and Zade’s story.

Who are the Cat and Mouse duet main characters?

The series primarily focuses on Adeline Reilly, an author who becomes the obsession of her stalker, and Zade Meadows, a morally grey vigilante. Their toxic, high-stakes dynamic is the driving force of the narrative, supported by key side characters like Sibby.

Is there a happy ending in the Cat and Mouse Duet?

Yes, despite the dark themes, trauma, and violence, the duet eventually leads to a Happy Ever After (HEA). However, the characters go through significant emotional and physical turmoil to reach it, so be prepared for a rocky journey.

Your Journey Into the Shadows Awaits

The Cat and Mouse Duet is more than just a series; it’s an emotional gauntlet. It’s a raw, unapologetic look at obsession and survival—and the kind of ferocious, f*cked-up love that claws its way out of the darkest places imaginable.

It will challenge you, thrill you, and probably break your heart a little before piecing it back together. Following the proper cat and mouse duet series order ensures you experience every twist exactly as it was meant to be felt.

If you’re ready for a story that will haunt you, that will become a permanent resident in the darkest corners of your mind, then it’s time to meet Adeline and Zade. Just be prepared for the ride. And when you’re done, come back and explore our other dark romance recommendations. We’ll be waiting for you.