Where's Molly Paperback – February 16, 2024

This was not nearly as dark as the first 3 of the series of books. This was probably the lightest of all of H.D. Carltons books. I loved the notebook spin off from hunting Adeline. I like the little connections. I was sad that the ending seemed cut off. Like where is part two, like is there part two. Also surprised at a handful of grammar mistakes which is not like H.D.

I loved the backstory on Molly and getting to know her story, with this being the last book in the series I enjoyed how everything was tied together in the extended prologue (this was not in the book but I read along to audible, just a little added bonus). If you haven’t already make sure you go back to the bonus section of Zade and Addie.

I have read hundreds of books along similar lines as this, including the three previous in this series. And I have Never felt the need to tap those stars that pop up before. I just go onto the next one on my TBR immediately. But this book, it hit me Hard. I can count the number of books that have made me cry on one hand. But the others were all tinged with sadness. This is the first time I cried because my heart was bursting with happiness for the FMC Molly. And Cage is one of my new favorite MMC’s. I know I wouldn’t have had this response had I not read the three previous books in the series though. It was the knowing what Molly went through from her parents in this story, and because Adeline’s story told us exactly what happened to her during her captivity put together. Plus H.D. Carlton has a way of immersing you into the story so well that you just can’t help but feel what the characters are feeling. Amazing writing. And the 🌶spicy🌶 content, perfection. I am definitely going to make sure I read every story they write!

I ate this up. I read it in a few hours. I cried, I laughed, I sighed. I wanted more. I’m so happy I know what happened to Molly. I really wanted her happily ever after and now we have it.

SPOILER WARNINGI have never followed a publication release from an author so closely before. I was so excited to read this book, I invited friends over so we all could sit and read it front to back.Now that it's read... I am severely underwhelmed. My thoughts are still reeling over that extended epilogue scene so bare with these bullet points lolThere was so much potential with Molly her story. It could have gone SO much better. I feel like I would have enjoyed her story more if there was more evidence of her the horrors she experienced and how it affected her present day. I liked her job, I liked her work with Legion, and I liked her being able to find love. I would have preferred a full novel over a novella for her, however.Main reactions:1. Cage was made into a wannabe Zade (and not in a good way). There was so much personality crossover - I was literally waiting for him to start leaving Molly roses like Zade did with Addy. I am all for an obsessed MMC, but with the lack of character development, it was more psychotic obsession than a hot obsession.2. I would not consider this a dark romance. Her job was gruesome and her history was dark, but the actual on page content was not, in my opinion. It felt more of a true crime story with a hint of dark romance in the smut. (The smut did have BDSM and degradation in it).3. I am obsessed with Winifred. I wish we got more time with her!!! She was freaking hilarious, and I think her and Gigi would have hit it off!4. I liked the reason Cage got into his business and his prior history with his sister. That chapter I think was one of best chapters in the book because it felt actually real and not superficial like most of the others.5. Still a Rio stan.6. Molly's background was so sad, and I did almost cry when she was explaining the bite marks on her body.7. BITE MARK SCARS! OUCH! But Cage biting over them????? ICK. I understand wanting to take back the narrative and turning them into as good as memories as he could for her... but instant ick. It reminded me of Verity by CoHo and the headboard sex scene. The same exact ideology was done with Zade and Addie with the knife, and that was executed perfectly. I did not enjoy it in Molly's story because it came so far out of left field. There was no character development or trust organically built between the characters for it to make sense and not be perceived as anything other than gross.8. With someone with Molly's background, I feel like she trusted and was opening up with Cage so easily. It felt like Stockholm syndrome.9. What the heck happened to Mario?10. WHO IS LEGION???? WHO IS THE WOMAN OF MANY NAMES?????11. I hope her and her sister reconnect! It was sad to see that subplot have an open ending, but again, reminding myself it is just a novella.Maybe I am still not over the cat and mouse duet, but I feel like the extended epilogue made the book worth reading. The writing and story felt rushed and just generally did not feel like H.D. Carlton's writing. The story came very unexpectedly, so I felt like Hailey could have taken more time and executed the story better (even with keeping it a novella). Mind you, I am a complete H.D. Stan, but if this was my first exposure to her, I would not continue to read more of her works.

I was skeptical about reading this one, because I wasn’t sure how it was going to all tie into Haunting Adeline. After reading this book, I’m mad that I even had that thought in the first place. So so good. It’s a quick read, but it gives you everything you wanted to know without retelling the entire traumatic experiences from Hunting Adeline. Molly’s back story, her present, and what I can only imagine is going to be her future with another book. Sorry to cut this review short, but now I have to go and find out what my Crazy Sibby is up to.I hope this author never stops writing. This sexy, dark, tragic, banter filled books are captivating. You truly fall in love with the characters.

4.5 stars: Read the cat and mouse duet before reading to fully understand why Molly’s letters are important. We find out who Molly is and what she went through that lead her to writing letters

This is definitely up there with My Favorites. I can’t even say that I have a favorite by HD Carlton even though my heart belongs to haunting and hunting Adaline. This was almost just as good. HD Carlton is so talented and I look forward to reading her books and can never put them down.. she is so incredibly talented and probably the most talented author I’ve ever read from