4 Stars ☆
“At one point in our lives, we don’t know our soulmates at all. But that doesn’t make them any less of one. Sometimes… sometimes you just know.”
I swear that I will read anything that HD Carlton writes, and she has delivered yet again with this short story. If you've been curious about what happened to Molly like I had, then this is what you need. It is a spin-off of the Cat and Mouse Duet and written in dual past and present timelines. It was dark but not as dark as I would have liked.
Fifteen years ago, Molly Devereaux vanished without a trace. Now, she works for Legion and owns a farm with pigs who are named after seasonings. Her job is to help rid the world of the bad people who are caught, and you guessed it feed them to her pigs. It has been nine years since she has seen the man who helped her get to safety and disappear. One night, while working none other than that very man, Cage brings her the next delivery.
Molly Devereaux is so strong given everything that she's been through. Though I don't think she has fully healed from all of the trauma that she has endured for most of her life. I loved the love that she had for her sister and everything she did to protect and keep her safe. I loved her so much, and my heart hurt for her at the same time.
"I don't want to die, but I don't want to exist. And I wish with every ounce of my soul that I was never born."
Cage Everhart is a bit undhinged with his actions, and he's obsessed with Molly. If I'm being honest, I loved it. He also has a sweet side, which surprised me. Doing things like buying tiger lilies for his mom, whom I loved. That woman had me cracking up.
“I will chase away all your nightmares until they grow wary of returning. They will fear me, my little ghost. But you never will.”
The ending was everything that I was expecting and more. I loved seeing Molly get her happy ending and, further more, wasn't expecting the tears to flow, but they did. Do not forget to read the extended epilogue because you don't want to miss the appearance of daddy Zade and Addie. I'm hoping to see more of Rio and can't wait for Sibby's books!
Favorite quotes and moments
“I want to be the only man on this entire fucking planet that knows what you feel like. And if I’m sharing this knowledge with a single soul still walking this earth, then I will be removing them from it.”
“You saved her life, Molly. Remember that. Always remember that.”
“If a man ever calls you something you don’t like, I’ll fucking kill him. I’ll always respect your boundaries.”
“I hear you’re good at making people disappear.”
“Who is this?”
“Most know me by Z. But you can call me Zade.”
“That journal saved my life, Molly. You saved my life, in a way.”
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Pre-review: It's time to finally meet Molly, I'm so excited 😭
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Molly, the girl from the diary? A spinoff from the duet, yes! Oh, I can't wait and am here for it 🤭