I'd like to say thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to review this ARC.

This was a very interesting set up from the get-go. When I started this story, I had a vague idea of what it was about (purposely) to just see where this storyline took me. And boy was I not expecting this one. This had some fun elements to, some serious and a whole case of spicy/angry/rivalry that kept the pages turning. I found both characters frustrating yet still understandable. Overall, I had a good time with this one and would recommend for anyone that likes a dash of history and mystery with touch of paranormal strangeness.

I'd read from this author again.

My Rating: 4 Stars

This author capitalized on Native heritage that has since been proven false, and used it to justify writing Native stories. Due to the research on the topic shared by the NYPost, I will not be reading or reviewing this author’s work.

Due to recent information that has surfaced about this author I will not be reading and reviewing any books by her.

DNFed very early on, it was not for me. I intended to give it another go but with everything that's come out about the author I will not be doing so.

I wanted to love this book so badly. Unfortunately, the writing style and characters were not for me. I found myself annoyed with everyone in a bad way that had me constantly putting the book down. I've now heard the next book from this author is pulled, which I'm bummed about since I was looking forward to an archeology story featuring Sapphic characters.

I wanted to enjoy this one but I just couldn’t get into it. Pretty much no part of it worked for me.

There are allegations surrounding this author and her claims of Native heritage, therefore I have decided to discontinue my reading of this novel and I’ll be declining to review at this time.

This author claimed to be a person of color (native descent) and is not. I do not recommend her work and am taking this off my shelf.

Colby Wilkens' "If I Stopped Haunting You" ambitiously delves into paranormal romance, exploring love, loss, and letting go.

Despite the intriguing premise, "If I Stopped Haunting You" struggles with execution, resulting in an uneven read. The narrative meanders through subplots, and pacing issues detract from the potential emotional impact, leaving some moments feeling rushed or without deeper substance.

Characterization poses a significant challenge, as the protagonist - who is supposed to be seen as sympathetic - lacks the depth needed for their emotional journey to resonate and instead just comes across as bratty, irrational, and entitled. Supporting characters are underdeveloped, making it difficult for readers to invest in the story's conflicts. Dialogue often feels forced and predictable, undermining the novel's emotional potential.

Although the supernatural elements create moments of intrigue, inconsistent worldbuilding diminishes readers' immersion in the story. Despite its flaws, the novel offers enjoyable moments and touching scenes that capture the bittersweet nature of love and loss. Some readers may find "If I Stopped Haunting You" to be an enjoyable read, but ultimately it falls short of delivering a fully realized emotional journey.

The author has lied about being Native, so I won't be reading and supporting her books. You can find more information here: https://tribalallianceagainstfrauds.org/colby-newbold-wilkens

I have chosen to delete my review upon revelations about the author’s behavior in falsely co-opting Native identity to write her book.

found out the day that I finally got around to reading this book that the author has been lying about being indigenous, which is an automatic one star for me. It helps that the writing was also pretty bad and the book itself was a forgiving three star read at best.

Dnf at 13%. Man the premise of this sounded so good and fun but it fell so shirt. The fmc assaulted the mmc like a child and just comedy across as super petulant. The cops should have been called.

The writing was also funky to me and weird. Not sure how to explain it. I did not see myself continuing or enjoying it so dnf it was.

An entertaining rom-com just in time for spooky season perfect for those who want a quick read and like the enemies to lovers plot line.

If I Stopped Haunting You had its fun and spooky moments, but overall, the romance wasn’t for me, and I really wasn’t a fan of how Penelope treated Neil for the first half of the book. The setting was immaculate - I love all things gothic - and the ghost element was something I was able to get behind even though I struggle to believe paranormal activities in certain books. While the romance between Pen and Neil was sweet by the end, it felt forced and rushed to me at the castle. I think Neil should’ve been angrier for physically being assaulted, but instead he’s so smitten to the point that it turns out that he had a tattoo for one of her books inked into his skin even though they had never been friends before their encounters at the castle. I think the conversations surrounding BIPOC authors in a white-centered publishing industry were very important though, and I like those deeper elements being added to romances and other contemporary novels. The author’s March 2025 release sounds super interesting though, so I might have to check it out.

Thanks so much to the publisher for the ARC.

I had high hopes for this title. The description is exciting and something I wanted to read. Penelope Skinner, author, has a problem with her colleague Neil Storm, who seems to have "sold out". When she plays out her anger in a major way, it has consequences to her career. Hoping to revive things at an author's retreat, she ends up in a haunted castle with .. you guessed it... Neil Storm.

I had mixed feelings about this title. I felt drawn to finishing it, yet there were parts that I skimmed over quickly. I did like the main characters in spite of their stereotypical roles. Pen is frustrated, unlikable and laser-focused on what she thinks is right. In contrast, Neil is friendly, successful and is learning about compromises he had to make for success. When they get to Scotland for the retreat, his feelings turn to something romantic when he is with Pen. I thought he was cute, especially since he falls hard and fast.

The accompanying ghost story was creepy and well-done. It was the best part of the story. There is an attempt to connect the ghost story with Pen and Neil, but I thought that had a lot of unrealized potential.

So overall, some hits, some misses with this story.

I don't know that I can in good faith give this the review it deserves. The author seems a bit problematic and at the beginning of the book there's an actual act of physical violence in the name of aggression. So this will be a pass for me

It’s come to my attention that this author has been misidentifying as Cherokee and Choctaw despite not having sufficient claims to those identities. And based on that I will not be reading or reviewing this book.

I so wanted to love this story but to be honest I struggled, Penelope is just too awful and I just wanted Neil to just run!!

Might be for you, just wasn't my thing

Dnf uh.....after 10 mins

Thank you libro.fm for the free audiobook.

That's crazy.
She, in a fit of anger, threw her book at his head and hit his temple.

What is attractive about having that as our MC? Someone incapable of controlling their anger?

Can you imagine if a man had gone through what she did and then threw a book at a woman's head and it hit her?
People would be up in arms about that.

Why are we allowing the abuse of men to be dismissed?