Member Reviews

Penelope and Neil get stuck in a haunted castle together and turn from enemies to lovers. Neil had writers block until he got to the castle and then faced with death could see what a genius Penelope was and how beautifully she could describe each room with words.

I liked how they worked together to solve the mystery of the ghosts in the castle. How they could work it to their advantage and write a book out of the situation.

It was a slow burn, a few steamy scenes but overall entertaining.

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I love that this takes place in Scotland. I don’t know why habit it adds to a “spooky” vibe for the book. Besides the location, I loved the development of the characters throughout the book. It was slow but I found myself immersed in the story so it didn’t matter. I love, love, love the bickering between the two characters. I think it added the perfect amount of tension. I felt like sometimes the timing of them hooking up was weird but all in all, a quick and enjoyable read. Perfect for fall.

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Colby Wilkens' If I Stopped Haunting You is a delightful enemies-to-lovers romance with a spooky twist that will keep readers hooked from start to finish. Set against the backdrop of a haunted castle in Scotland, this novel delivers a perfect blend of humor, mystery, and steamy romance.

The chemistry between Penelope Skinner and Neil Storm crackles with tension from the moment they meet. Penelope, a struggling horror author, and Neil, a bestselling writer with his fair share of critics, are thrust together on a writers retreat neither of them expected to attend. Their animosity towards each other is palpable, yet underneath the surface, there's an undeniable attraction waiting to be explored.

Wilkens expertly navigates the dynamics of Penelope and Neil's relationship, building anticipation with every encounter. Their banter is sharp and witty, keeping readers engaged as they navigate the challenges of the haunted castle and the ghosts that seem intent on keeping them apart. As the stakes rise, so too does the tension between them, leading to moments of intense longing and desire.

What sets If I Stopped Haunting You apart is its perfect balance of romance and suspense. The haunted castle provides a chilling backdrop for Penelope and Neil's burgeoning relationship, adding an extra layer of intrigue to their story. Wilkens skillfully combines spine-tingling moments with heartwarming scenes of intimacy, creating a narrative that keeps readers guessing until the very end.

But beyond the ghostly encounters and steamy romance, this novel also touches on deeper themes of self-discovery and redemption. Both Penelope and Neil are forced to confront their own insecurities and fears, ultimately finding solace and strength in each other's arms. It's a journey of growth and acceptance that adds depth to their characters and makes their love story all the more compelling.

In If I Stopped Haunting You, Colby Wilkens has crafted a truly unforgettable romance that will leave readers breathless. With its engaging characters, atmospheric setting, and irresistible blend of humor and suspense, this novel is a must-read for fans of enemies-to-lovers romances and paranormal fiction alike. Prepare to be enchanted from the very first page.

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Super cute spooky rom com. Haunted house for a writers retreat in Scotland. What else is needed? Two enemies trying to keep peace for a week. And a haunted house with a story needing to be told. I read this in one sitting. Love how easy to read and happy the book made me feel. Loved the constant bickering between the FMC and MMC was and the two other friends/authors that kept betting on what would happen next.

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This is a quick, and relatively enjoyable read!
The book starts off on a bang and really pulls you in. It allowed me to instantly get into it. And the trigger warnings are always a plus!

Also, I appreciate that the will they, won't they issues start very quickly in the plot. It has the right amount of scary without being a full on horror book. It felt more like a funny adventure scary story then a horror story…. With spice mixed in! .

My negatives:
The character development was slow. I didn't really feel a connection to the characters throughout the story because of it. Chapters were written from characters point of views but were hard to differentiate, without being told. They go from hate to interested so quickly, with not enough build up to truly feel why.

I will say, lines tend to repeat themselves and it tended to pull me out of the story. I'd have to take a second to reread and question myself on if I read it right the first time. There would be information given to the reader followed by the characters saying the exact same thing in conversation. Frustrating and overall confusing.

Overall the story was just fun. The “scary aspects” of the book are often followed by characters joking or hooking up. It tones everything down and makes every thing more playful. I would recommend it to someone looking for a quick, fun read.

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