Phantom by H. D. Carlton

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Categories	Genre Fiction
Author	H. D. Carlton
Publisher	H. D. Carlton (January 14, 2025)
Language	English
Paperback	367 pages
Item Weight	1.01 pounds
Dimensions	5.5 x 0.83 x 8.5 inches

I. Book introduction

“Phantom by H. D. Carlton” The married woman of the manor. The stranger outside. An intoxicating novel of dark temptation and dangerous desire by the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Cat and Mouse Duet.

November 12, 1944. This house holds on to souls for a lifetime. I thought I had given it to my husband when I vowed to love him until the end of time. I lied. Nothing could have prepared me for the day my phantom appeared outside my window. He was terrifying, yet hypnotizing, and I couldn’t deny my intrigue. I never intended to fall into a whirlwind romance with my stalker. Especially because he’s so much more than that. A criminal. A mobster. The man who offers me solace from the monster in Parsons Manor. There are many that haunt these halls, yet it’s only my husband I fear.

About the Author (H. D. Carlton)

H. D. Carlton is a New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author. She lives in Oregon with her husband, two dogs, cat, and Bigfoot. When she’s not bathing in the tears of her readers, she’s watching paranormal shows and wishing she was a mermaid. Her favorite characters are of the morally gray variety and believes that everyone should check their sanity at the door before diving into her stories.

II. Reviewer: Phantom by H. D. Carlton

Here is a summary of the book Review “Phantom by H. D. Carlton”. Helps you have the most overview of the book without searching through time. Please access “BookQuote.Net” regularly or save it to keep track and update the latest information.

1. RORY reviews for Phantom

★★★★★

“𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗮 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁?”
Genevieve Matilda Parsons, a woman obsessed with gothic architecture, red lipstick, and her journal, lived peacefully with her husband, John, and their daughter, Sera. Their tranquility shattered when John began gambling, losing their money and Genevieve’s trust. Each night, he’d return home drunk, full of false promises of luxury cars and a lavish life. Then, one night, he came home sober and made love to Genevieve, mistaking her for another woman. This betrayal was the final straw.
With her marriage crumbling, Gigi feels a profound emptiness. Then,The Phantom enters her life, offering a way to fill that void.”

“𝗜 𝗮𝗺 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗱𝗼𝘄𝘀, 𝗺𝗶𝗮 𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗮,” 𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗹𝘆. “𝗜 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗺.”
Ronaldo, a man with one eye and a heart that belonged to Genevieve, watching her from the trees bordering her husband’s estate make his love for the married woman grew with each stolen glimpse. He finally ventured to the manor. The door, it seemed, was waiting for him. A love affair began with the beautiful woman who had abandoned her marital duties with John, begging the stranger for a touch. She was always ready for him, but he always fled.
She pleased him but he warned her.
Now, she was the one trapped, unable to escape him, a betrayer herself .
𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗿:
Gigi and John were guests at a party hosted by a powerful mob family, the Salvatores. John, deeply in debt to them, had involved his wife in his dangerous dealings. To protect Gigi from harm, Ronaldo secretly paid off John’s debt. He then persuaded the boss, Angelo, to give John a job as an accountant.

𝗔𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗿 𝗮𝘀 𝗜’𝗺 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗱, 𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝘄𝗲𝘀 𝗺𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘄. 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗜 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁.
At that party, Gigi met Ronaldo, the man known as the consigliere of the mafia boss—and faced her fate 🥵.

𝗣.𝗦
While I believe in the sanctity of marriage, I find myself captivated by this narrative. Genevieve’s relationship with Ronaldo seems to awaken a part of her she’d long suppressed. The waterfall scene is particularly powerful; it’s there she rediscovers a sense of freedom and embraces new possibilities with him.

𝗠𝘆 𝗳𝗮𝘃 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 when Ronaldo called Gigi ℳ𝒾𝒶 𝓇ℴ𝓈𝒶
“𝗜 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝘆 𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝗜 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗻𝗼𝗻𝗲”

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀:
Stalker romance
Mafia romance
He falls first
Touch her and 🔪🔪🔪
Forbidden love 🤫
on-page rape and domestic violence (not between love interests)

2. BRITTANY FERRARO reviews for Phantom

THAT ZADE AND ADDIE BONUS CHAPTER OMG😭😭😭😭 I am fucking unwell guys…I WILL NEVER RECOVER

I literally read this book in one sitting and I have so many thoughts, I literally don’t know where to start.

The setting and the atmosphere in this book was so different, but I freaking loved it so much. The 1940s attire/ lingo / vibes were so much fun to read about. The way that she wrote Gigi, so ahead of her time I LOVED her downnnnn. Imagine telling a man to beg for it in the 1940s like yes girl!!! 👏���� she was such a spit fire. A woman trying to claw her way out of the box that society put her in. She was also such a dedicated mother, and it was so refreshing to read about older characters.

I loved the little similarities to the cat and mouse duet, it was such a nice touch without making things too alike, this is a totally different story and I’m so happy for that.

Gigi and Ronaldo will forever hold a special place in my heart. I fell head over heels, in love with them, even though (if you’ve read the duet) we know where their story ends it didn’t stop me from loving the journey, and it was such a beautiful journey.

The way these two could not get enough of each other. I wasn’t sure how 1940s spice was gonna hit BUT IT HIT🥵🥵

I also felt really satisfied at the end of this book. I had this pit in my stomach, not knowing how she was gonna write the ending and I’m so happy with the way she left it because anything else would’ve just taken away from their beautiful love story(for me) and I don’t think I would’ve recovered from that devastation.

HD never misses for me. Another absolute favorite

3. ISY reviews for Phantom

Can’t even lie guys, I was not one of the people who was wanting/begging for Gigi & Ronaldo’s story. I really didn’t care about them, I knew how their story ended and therefore didn’t really WANT to care about them
And then Hailey wrote about them, and now… NOW I CARE ABOUT THEM TOO MUCH!!!

Oh my gosh this book was so good. I love it, I love them. They are my babies 🥹🥹🥹

They had such a soft romance in my opinion. It was sweet and gentle and getting to watch them both really grow to trust and love each other was so beautiful. I thought they were so cute. Gigi learning what actual love is. Ronaldo finding THE woman he wanted to fall in love with. Both of them experiencing their first REAL love together. GOSH they were adorable to me.

It was amazing to see Gigi discover who she was and come into herself while Ronaldo supported and helped her grow. THE LAST CHAPTER?? THE WATERFALLS AND TRAVELING THE WORLD?? OH BABES!! THEY GOT ME!! MY HEART KNOWING HOW THEIR STORY ENDS 💔
They really just wanted to be with each other and LIVE. My poor babies. The plans they had, the love they wanted to cherish and share. AHHH my heart

I feel like this book had it all. Angst, heartfelt moments, character growth, and of course SPICEEEE
Would it be an H.D. Carlton book without spice hotter than fire? NO it would not 🤣

I really did not think I was going to fall in love with them!! Now look at me! I was a MESS in that little bonus chapter of them just dancing together.
OH MY GOD IM TEARING UP FROM THEIR SWEETNESS JUST THINKING ABOUT IT!!

Hailey, you have done it once again!!

4. ESCAPETHROUGHABOOKALI reviews for Phantom

Emotional, and check TWs

What was I thinking going from one emotional book to another? Honestly it was not a well thought out plan. Did this book have me in my feelings?! Absolutely! Was it partially because I could relate to several things inside the book? Yeah, that really did not help the situation. But honestly I was still emotionally raw from the last book I read. Im over here like I will take a break from fantasy romance, and read the prequel to haunting adeline! Definitely gonna be okay. Well it wasnt! IT WASNT!!! Is the spice good?! Absolutely! Is the romance between them so amazing?! Uh yeah! But her martial struggles?! Uh yeah no. Break my heart. Then if you know what actually happens to Gigi because youve read haunting/hunting adeline! Yep no, you cry! THEN the bonus chapter is beautiful BUT it made me sob! I also enjoyed the audio book, along side reading. Which was fantastic, highly recommend that as well! Is this a great book? Yeah, its good. But it made me cry. So theres that.

This Dark Historical Romance is the Prequel to Haunting Adeline. This book does have darker themes, scenes, and topics so please check all trigger warnings before diving in. The romance in this book is a forbidden romance. The book is very spicy, and all the spicy scenes are very descriptive. The book moves at quick pace following Gigi as she falls for her stalker Ronaldo. She knows its wrong as Gigi is not only married, but also has a daughter. The war is raging, and her husband is coming home later, with actions becoming more volatile. As her life becomes more dark, Ronaldo becomes the only light. This steamy, angsty book is captivating, and addictive.

5. RAINE MARGOLINER reviews for Phantom

Blaze of Ardor

In “Phantom,” HD Carlton invites readers into the haunting, gothic allure of Parsons Manor, where the specters of passion and danger entwine in a tantalizing dance. Set in the 1940s, we meet Guinevere, a perfect housewife and mother who finds solace in the daily ritual of journaling by her bay window. Her meticulously designed manor, with its dark and gothic charm, sets the stage for a tale that is as captivating as it is terrifying.

Enter Ronaldo Capello, the enigmatic dark stranger who appears out of the misty shadows of Guinevere’s window. His presence is a masterstroke of danger and seduction; a Mob enforcer who exudes an aura of fearless allure. As he weaves himself into Guinevere’s life, the chemistry between them ignites with a fiery intensity that is nothing short of electrifying.

Carlton’s writing is a spellbinding concoction of suspense and sensuality, skillfully pushing the boundaries of Guinevere’s experiences to the edge of a metaphorical cliff, where terror and pleasure coalesce in a thrilling free fall. The dynamic between the two protagonists is a thrilling exploration of forbidden desire and the exhilarating, albeit perilous, thrills it brings.

The spice level in “Phantom” is undeniably top tier, leaving readers breathless and eagerly turning pages in a feverish attempt to see what unfolds next. Carlton’s narrative prowess ensures that from the moment you pick up the book, putting it down becomes an impossible feat.

“Phantom” is a literary treat that serves a perfect blend of dark romance, high stakes, and sizzling chemistry. For those who dare to lose themselves in its pages, be prepared to emerge from this tale feeling both haunted and profoundly satisfied. It’s no wonder that I devoured this book in just two days, and wholeheartedly award it a stellar 5 stars

6. ROBYN SIMMONS reviews for Phantom

Dark, Gripping, and Unforgettable – A Must-Read!

Phantom by H.D. Carlton is an electrifying and intense thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. The story is dark, captivating, and filled with twists that you won’t see coming. It dives deep into psychological tension, complex characters, and a mysterious plot that hooks you right away.

The character development is incredible. The main character is deeply layered, and the emotions and conflicts they go through feel raw and authentic. Carlton skillfully explores themes of obsession, desire, and power dynamics, making the characters feel real, even in their most twisted moments.

What really stands out is the writing—H.D. Carlton has a way of pulling you into the story, and before you know it, you’re fully invested in what happens next. The pacing is perfect, with a nice mix of suspense and action, and the chemistry between the characters is intense and keeps you turning the pages.

This is a dark romance with heavy themes, so it’s not for the faint-hearted. But if you’re a fan of psychological thrillers with complex relationships and jaw-dropping twists, Phantom is an absolute must-read. It’s unforgettable and will leave you thinking long after you finish the last page.

7. JESSICA reviews for Phantom

Amazing!

Okay so I love H.D Carlton’s work. Her books are so amazing and captivating the second I pick up one of her books I am automatically sucked in until I finish it. Phantom was the same way for me. It was an amazing book and it shed light onto all the blanks that were left out of haunting Adelaine. The spice was 10/10. She did an amazing job at writing it. Now I know we all know what happened to GiGi because of Haunting Adelaine. But I can’t help but think there should be more. There is a whole lot more that we are missing out on. And I feel she could write another book continuing the story of GiGi and Ronaldo. As far as I can remember from Haunting Adelaine we don’t know what happened to Ronaldo. Like I said the book was amazingly done and written, but I feel like there should be more, there could be more! So hopefully she is already working on a part 2!!

8. BKISHREADER reviews for Phantom

What a love story!

I ended up reading this within a day. I enjoyed it that much.

Phantom is of course different from the Cat and Mouse Duet but it did have those little Easter Eggs a fan of that series would love. It’s hard not to fall for the relationship Gigi and Ronaldo create from the moment he sees her in the window writing, he cares for her. Gigi has this experience from being sheltered and inexperienced in relationships, you see her flourish and become confident in herself.

Before anything happens physically between them, they get to know each other (not in detail) but you sense it. Ronaldo is sweet with Gigi throughout and it turns into a nice love story between them that is forbidden. Gigi is married and John is not the best husband. As the story goes you see the things he does that can get him unalived.

Phantom does have that morally grey character that you fall for, yes vastly different from Zade, the FMC who comes into her own and the spice is just the little cherry on top of this love story. I loved all the other elements from the love of gothic things, supernatural spirits and the mafia tied it all in.

I was prepared for the ending, ready for my heart to crushed at Gigi and Ronaldo’s ending but I ended up tearing up for a complete different reason because they were happy, allowed to be free with their love. The bonus scene with Addie and Zade was just what it needed.

Check the TW. There is cheating, violence and more.

Highly recommend adding this to your TBR.

9. GLAVREADS reviews for Phantom

This was so unique – i went into it blind outside of my vague recollection of gigi and ronaldo from HA and i’m glad i did because what a ride!

This was a super angsty love story between a mafia consigliere and the object of his deep obsession, a woman trapped in a marriage to a man who’s now a target of the crime family due to the debt he’s racked up.

It’s an HD book so you know it’s hot as all get out. they were electric, truly, and gigi matched his energy tenfold. she was such a surprise minx and i loved it. their story is messy, difficult, and really real but it’s a really captivating story about a woman stuck between a union she wants no one part of anymore but can’t leave and a man who presents danger in other ways but makes her come alive.

I do wish the first chunk of it had been just gigi’s pov or had some element of mystery so we could see her unhappiness build outside of ronaldo’s appearances because at the start, it felt like i was dropped into a story that had already begun but i still thoroughly enjoyed it and couldn’t put it down.

10. JENNIE DAMRON reviews for Phantom

4.75

H.D. Carlton has become an auto buy author for me. I don’t know what she laces her books with, but I eat it up every damn time. I loved Gigi and Ronaldo’s story. It was beautiful, heartbreaking, and so damn spicy. This was one of my most anticipated reads, and I am so glad it didn’t disappoint.

III. Phantom Quotes by H. D. Carlton

The best book quotes from Phantom by H. D. Carlton

“If Genevieve is my end, then I open the door to death with no hesitation.”

“I call you my rose because for you, I would take all your pain so you would suffer none,” I tell her softly. “I would go through hell for you. Die for you. Do anything you asked. I love you, mia rosa. More than you will ever know.”

“There isn’t a life where I wouldn’t be your phantom, or a death where I wouldn’t be your reaper.”

“Do you have any idea how hard it is to only love you in the dark when you deserve to be loved in the light?”

“My mother told me a story about the time my father asked her out on their first date. He was in love with her and chased after her wherever she went. She said he’d asked her on dates a thousand times before, and every time she would ask him why. He would give these shallow reasons, like her beauty or her smile and so on. So, she said no. Then, one day, he came to her with a single rose in his hands, the thorns plucked from the stem. He handed it to her and asked her on a date. When she asked why, he admitted that he was dirt poor and stole that rose from his neighbor’s garden. The owner caught him and shot at him for trespassing. Clearly, he got away unscathed except for his bleeding hand. The thorns had pricked him, and he couldn’t fathom giving my mother a rose when it could hurt her. So, he sheared them from the stem and ran straight to her. He told her that despite his nearly dying, he’d do it again. That he’d put himself through hell just to see her smile. That he would take all her pain so she would suffer none.”

“The only waterfall I’m interested in is the one I’ll be drinking from between your thighs. Now face forward and bend over the railing, mia rosa. I won’t ask you again.”

“Come sit on my lap, pretty girl. Let me take care of you.”

“I’m a bad man, but I won’t be her monster. No. I want to be her savior.”

“Let the ghosts judge. Unlike them, I have a life to live,”

“if I wasn’t already in love with her before, I’m utterly powerless to her now.”

“I lean closer to her ear. “No, mia rosa, not even God can have you,” I growl. “You’re mine, and you will only pray to me.”

“There will never be another, nor will I live a life without you. Death awaits us all, Genevieve. Even still, it will not keep me from you.”

“I would follow you anywhere, Genevieve. If you were standing at the edge of the earth and wanted to fall, I would only stop you long enough to take hold of your hand so I could go with you. There isn’t a life where I wouldn’t be your phantom, or a death where I wouldn’t be your reaper.”

“How dare he not even care! “Men,”

“There is little in life I’m deserving of—little that I allow myself to indulge in. Yet you are the crux of all my selfish desires. I would cease to breathe if I could not share air with you, Genevieve. If I can’t live with you, I refuse to at all.”

“I will bleed for you, mia rosa, but I must require you to bleed for me, too,” he warns.”

“That”—I breathe shakily—“is a dangerous weapon.” He grins cheekily. “If only it could win the war.” “It won me,” I confess. “Is that enough?”

“Nothing could compare to the likes of you, my love. You are the most beautiful flower and the rarest gem, more breathtaking than any of earth’s wonders.”

“Letting a man into my home, and kissing him. A man who isn’t my husband. A man who stood outside my window for weeks, watching me from afar. There is something wrong with him. Clearly there is something wrong with me, too.”

“What’s your name?” I ask again breathlessly. “Ronaldo.” “Do you want to hurt me, Ronaldo?” “Never,” he answers. “I only want to cherish you, Genevieve.” “How do you know my name?” “I know everything about you. Just as I know you will love me, too.”

“I’m not only riveted by her. I’m possessed by a need to have her. And she must be mine.”

“butterflies in my stomach and I are old friends,”

“That’s my good girl,” he croons. “You’re so good at being my whore, aren’t you? So fucking eager to please me. So desperate for my cock.”

“Such a perfect fucking cunt,” he bites out through gritted teeth. “This pussy was made for me. To fuck and fill with my cum as much as I goddamn please.”

“I beg you to suffocate me, mia rosa. I’ll die a happy man.”

“Then maybe you should spread these legs so you can show me how pretty you look when you come for me.”

“This is true desperation, mia rosa,” I bite out through clenched teeth. “This is what I feel when you are near. So completely taken by you that I can’t fucking breathe.”

“Fuck, baby, you look so goddamn pretty when you’re desperate. My needy little slut.”

“Look how desperate your cunt is for me,” I snarl. “But I don’t think you know what true desperation is like, do you?”

“If you want to know how good I make your pussy feel, then I expect you to fucking taste it, too.”

Excerpted from Phantom by H. D. Carlton

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