This wasn’t inherently good, and I believe with the premise it had the opportunity to be but the execution lacked. This romance follows four writers, more specifically two enemy authors, experiencing writers block through a writers retreat in a haunted castle. The “horror” aspect wasn’t really horror more as just haunting ghosts, and there wasn’t quite a balance between the haunting and the romance.

What I did like about the book was the overall representation of Indigenous writers (the main characters) and the struggles and discriminations they face. Other than that, the characters were a bit flat and the romance was not well fleshed out. The spicy scenes did not blend how I would have expected either. The supporting characters seemed unnecessary as they did not quite “support” the story in a meaningful way, which I think the book would’ve improved if they served better roles. The MMC was boring but tolerable, the FMC was abusive and manipulative. I was hoping that this enemies-to-lovers trope would wrap up with the FMC, Penelope, growing and apologizing for her past behaviors but instead it was just doubled down. Abuse, whether physical or emotional, is never excused or ok. She never explained or articulated her anger towards the MMC and the publishers in a way I would have hoped.

Lack of character depth aside, another thing I could not understand about the writing was the need for Penelope Skinner and Neil Storm’s names to be used in full, multiple times. Throughout the book, written in third-person dual POV, randomly we go from addressing the characters by their first names, their last names and their full names, it’s a bit of an oddity.

Thank you St Martins Press and NetGalley for the ARC to read and review.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC of If I Stopped Haunting You in exchange for my honest review.

I thought this was going to be right up my alley, a spooky romance in Scotland?? Sign me up! But…this definitely did not deliver in either category: spooky or romance. There was no believable connection between the two main characters, especially after that opening scene. I genuinely think I’d have stopped after it if this hadn’t been an ARC I wanted to give a chance to. One of the worst FMCs I’ve read in a long time which is so unfortunate.

I’m usually not into paranormal books, but this paranormal romance has a gothic atmosphere and a chemistry between the main characters that is fiery. It’s a quick and entertaining escape. Many laugh out loud moments. Would recommend to others to read!

If I Stopped Haunting You – Colby Wilkens

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for a copy of this ARC!

If you’re looking for a book that is a blend of both romance and haunted-castle horror, then this might be the one for you. In this we follow two writers who unknowingly end up going to the same writers retreat to recover from their severe case of writer’s block. When they arrive, they realize that this is the least of their worries now because one, they absolutely hate each other, and two, they are forced to stay in a creepy haunted castle in the middle of nowhere, together.

My Review: 👻👻/5

For me I was drawn in by the cover and premise. Anybody who knows me knows that I love any story that involves ghosts, and I was sold. However, this book did not work for me. I hate leaving negative reviews, but I could not stand the main character. And I know that wasn’t the intention to create such an unlikeable, unprofessional, short-tempered, self-centered MC or at least I hope it wasn’t. Regardless it didn’t work. The only thing that kept me from dnfing the book was the fact that this was an ARC otherwise I would have stopped during the prologue or so when the main character literally assaulted the love interest during a live book panel for no good reason at all.

So, because of this, the romance and story fell flat. I did however enjoy the spooky setting and hidden corridors but wished everything else held up.

Hotheaded Penelope can’t stand that Neil gets so much attention as a Native American author because he’s writing stereotypes instead of helping break them. At a writing conference, she blows up at him. Unfortunately, her anger backfires and she gets into her head and stops writing. When a friend urges her to attend a private writing retreat in a haunted castle, she agrees. However, she’s surprised to find that Neil shows up to round out their small group. How is she supposed to be with him after what she did to him? What he did to their people? They try to work out their differences and break the creative dry spell each of them find themselves in.

As if being penned up with your enemy wasn’t enough, they find that the castle is haunted and they're trapped. The threat is real and compelling. How can the group stay safe and get their writing mojo back? Sometimes you gotta add heat. Penelope and Neil are drawn to each other in this enemies-to-lovers romance.

I missed the description of “steamy hot” to describe the romance, so be prepared for graphic descriptions of the sensual moments. Maybe it was my surprise; maybe it was the younger age, but those interactions were way more explicit than I expected, so it was off-putting for me. Once I adjusted my expectations, I was able to get back into the story. I do think a more gradual romance buildup would've worked better for more readers. However, if you are comfortable with that level of heat early in the relationship, then you should be good.

As for the elements, the horror was interesting. It was also great to have some insight into a Native American author’s experience. I’m glad to see representation.

Overall, this combination is original. The mashup didn't quite work for me. However, I'm sure it might for others.

Thanks for the advanced reader copy for review, @NetGalley! @ColbyWilkens
#IfIStoppedHauntingYou #EnemiestoLovers #NetGalley #romance #romantasy #paranormalromance #ghostfiction #stmartinspress #spookybooks #romcom #SpicyRomance #Scotland #SnowedIn

If I Stopped Haunting You by Colby Wilkens expertly blends elements of suspense, challenging dialogues, and passionate moments to provide readers with a gratifying debut novel and a thoroughly deserved Happily Ever After. From the very first page, I found myself captivated and unable to put the book down.

This was a good first story. I wish I could say that I loved it but I didn't. What I can say is that I see potential in colby Wilkins writing and will check out future work when available!

Penelope Skinner needs a getaway after an explosive encounter with fellow horror author Neil Storm. After throwing a book at him, she feels like a pariah. So, when her friend invites her to a writing retreat in Scotland, she jumps at the chance. However, her peace is shattered when Neil also arrives. The two must navigate their rivalry and the ghosts haunting the castle they’re staying in.

The Scottish castle setting and spooky romance were intriguing, with excellent representation of Native American authors. The dual POVs and excerpts from the characters’ books added depth. However, the ghost subplot was underwhelming, and the romance developed too quickly, lacking substantial conversation. Despite these issues, it's an interesting read that many romance fans will enjoy.

This gave me all the Romantic comedy vibes I laughed so much and I don’t think I ever stopped smiling when I read this it was that good. I’m pretty sure my cheeks still hurt from smiling so much.

This title failed as a horror and a romance. The horror story was truly pointless. Two ghosts wandering around and one forgets what happened to her? Also, I don't know how many times we need to read about the character knowing they shouldn't run to danger, but doing it anyway. So dumb. The romance was better than the horror, but barely. I just saw a ghost, let's make out. This one was a hard pass.

Pretty sure if a "hero" assaulted his girl in the prologue and then gaslighted her into believing it wasn't a big deal, we wouldn't be calling it a romance novel. The gender swap doesn't make it any better. She literally gets into a throwing stance and chucks a book right at his head, making him bleed. Excuse me? This was a miss for me from the first few pages, and things didn't improve much beyond that. I wasn't a fan of the writing style and I definitely wasn't a fan of the female lead, so it was an easy DNF for me.

If I Stopped Haunting You🏚️📝
Pub Date: 10/15
3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Thank you so much to Netgalley and St. Martins for a digital ARC of this book. I don’t normally love paranormal stuff but this seemed like a fun romance so I thought I’d give it a try. For the first 70%, I loved it!! The enemies to lovers was incredible. I loved the tension and banter. I was mostly focused on the romance and didn’t care so much about the ghosts. Being stuck in a haunted castle was a fun setting but the ghosts haunting them got old. I didn’t care about their story and just wanted to focus on the romance. TBH I wish there was a little more romance, things didn’t pick up until about 50% but it was still a fun Rom-Com! This would be a perfect read for Halloween time so make sure to pick it up. or Summerween as i’ve been seeing a lot😂🎃

Read if you like:
🏚️Enemies to lovers
🏚️Forced proximity
🏚️Rivals
🏚️Spooky castles

Where do I start? Well, it’s a romcom set in a haunted castle in Scotland, so that had my attention. We’ve got Penelope Skinner, a horror author with a penchant for throwing books (and shade), and Neil Storm, the walking, talking embodiment of “I’m too sexy for my own good” with a side of bestselling author angst. They hate each other, they’re stuck together, and the only thing scarier than the ghosts is the tension. 

Penelope, our delightfully irate protagonist, decides to flee her self-imposed writing exile by attending a too-good-to-be-true writers' retreat. Little does she know, the “too-good-to-be-true” part includes being in the same vicinity as Neil Storm. Yes, Neil, the man who probably cries into his pillow because Pen called his book soulless. Honestly, the drama between these two is so thick it’s palpable (ifykyk). 

And let's talk about Neil, shall we? The poor man is still nursing a wound – both emotional and physical – from Pen’s last book assault. He's hoping to find inspiration to break through his writer’s block, but the universe has other plans. Cue spooky shenanigans and an almost-kiss that leaves both of them even more confused. It’s all very Casper meets Pride and Prejudice.

Now, the ghosts. Yes, there are actual ghosts. And they’re not just lurking around for ambiance. No, they’re actively meddling in Pen and Neil’s love-hate relationship, which is equal parts hilarious and ridiculous. The supernatural element adds a nice twist, keeping the bickering duo on their toes – and sometimes in each other’s arms, because what's a ghost story without a little forced proximity?

The dialogue is snappy, the sexual tension is palpable, and the setting is so atmospheric you can almost hear the castle's eerie whispers. But let’s be honest, folks: this book is the literary equivalent of a rom-com where you know exactly how it’s going to end, but you’re here for the ride anyway. And what a ride it is. 

Would I recommend it? Sure, if you’re in the mood for some light-hearted spooky romance with characters who are as stubborn as they are endearing. It’s not going to haunt you long after you’ve put it down, but it’s a fun romp while it lasts. Just keep an eye out for flying books – they seem to be Penelope’s weapon of choice. 

Three stars, because while it’s a bit predictable, it’s got enough ghostly giggles and heated glances to keep you entertained. And hey, who doesn’t love a good enemies-to-lovers story with a supernatural twist?

The description really had me thinking I'd love this one - horror writers on a retreat at a haunted castle, enemies to loves, spooky sexy times? Sign me up!

But something just didn't sit right with me. The way the characters speak to each other alternately feels unrealistic and like we're in the middle of a conversation we don't understand because it wasn't set up in the best way. Sometimes the author forgets characters are present and it gets confusing for the reader (literally had me wondering what the background characters were doing because they just pop in and out like fairy godmothers or something).

Then we're given a fun location and it's a big part of the story, yet it's not given much foundation. A lot of this is missing foundation imo like some of the middle could've been given to more background on the castle. I don't know, it felt very shoe-horned at the end and I was left annoyed by that because I wanted to know more and learn more. There's also the fact the two leads refuse to tell their two BFFs about the ghosts, the ghost apparently cuts out the internet whenever the leads are awake, conveniently, but like the other two couldn't be asked to just, I don't know, google some info about the castle? The haunted castle mystery was about the level of a Boxcar Children's book and obvious from the start, but the author has to play the MCs as dumb to make the solve believable. It's a lot of frustration. The two leads don't feel believable together either, which I can't explain why. Maybe Neil would be into Pen but I have a hard time believing the reverse, even after reading the book.

I'm just on the fence with this one. I want to like it more than I did, I guess.

Took quite a long time to read this book (3 months at least). Initially when i read the description i was quite intrigued by it. However, as i started reading, i couldn’t bring myself to continue reading the book each time. Additionally, the headers for each chapters i thought it was going to be dual pov but it wasn’t, i was kind of confused at it. However, despite all i did managed to complete reading the book and i did get hooked abit at the later part where all the action kind of happen.

3.5⭐. This book was an exciting paranormal romance set in Scotland. I'm no writer, but I want to visit a haunted castle in Scotland now and help bring peace to a couple of ghosts. At first, I wasn't sure how I felt about Pen. I wasn't a fan of her problematic behaviors at first, yet at the same time she is just human. I love a good growth story and of course, an enemies to lovers trope. Neil and Pen's growth in the literary world was endearing and I loved seeing how they each navigated as BIPOC authors and the struggles they endured. Although it's hot as hell in July, this cute and spooky book is making me wish for fall and Halloween!

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC copy!

Title: If I Stopped Haunting You by Colby Wilkens
Genre: Romance/Cozy Horror
Pub Date: October 15, 2024

Enemies to Lovers
Haunted House Horror
Native Representation
Dual POV

I'm sorry to say this one wasn't for me. The book literally began with the FMC assaulting the MMC (threw a book at his head and made him bleed) because she didn't like something he said 🚩 The FMC continues to blame her inability to write on him well after the event.

The house they're staying at being haunted was mildly amusing, but it didn't make the toxic relationship between MCs palatable. I tried because the idea seemed like it would make for a cute and cozy fantasy, but ultimately I couldn't get into it.

Penelope’s public meltdown at BookCon marked a thrilling start to her journey which took her to a haunted castle in Scotland. The clash with best-selling author Neil Storm, accused of selling out Native people with stereotypical portrayals, led to her self-imposed writing exile plagued by guilt.

I found Penelope’s character development challenging. Despite her evident passion for the Native cause, her volatile and judgmental attitudes towards Neil often left me frustrated. Her tendency to hurl accusations before fleeing the scene struck me as counterproductive, hindering her progress as a character.

On the other hand, Neil’s patient and reserved demeanor, though initially uninteresting, offered a stark contrast to Penelope’s fiery temper. His admiration for her work and dedication to the Native cause hint at depths waiting to be explored. I found myself eagerly awaiting his development, yearning for him to assert himself in the face of Penelope’s confrontations.

The realistic portrayal of Native horror writers and their struggles within the industry was a commendable aspect of the story. However, the rapid transition from enemies to lovers between Penelope and Neil felt rushed. Years of animosity diffusing within a day seemed improbable, although the entertaining banter and sexual tension between them were captivating.

The supernatural elements, including spooky encounters and the presence of ghosts, provided an added layer of intrigue. Certain scenes sent shivers down my spine, but the resolution of the ghost story left me wanting more. The lack of explanation of the ghost’s connection to Penelope felt like a missed opportunity and could have added depth to the plot.

If you are looking for a quick read with supernatural elements and spicy romance, give this book a try.

Thank you to Ms. Wilkens for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

I really wanted to like this book especially since I am a lover of both romance and thriller/horror but, sadly, this fell so flat on both genres. There are some authors who can do the genre hybrid really well but, in this case, the romance was "meh" and the thriller wasn't all that thrilling. I find that some authors just need to stick to one genre and really get that honed to them jump into other ones. I kept wanting more sizzle between the two of them (not necessarily explicit scenes... just more connection) and I just never got it. And the horror side of things was so lackluster.

Penelope, in general, was so annoying. I know I don't always have to love a FMC but she was not likable in the slightest and her playing the victim was thrown in our face so much that it was hard to not cringe after awhile.

I will say that the writing wasn't poor but the plot was predictable (too predictable) and not well thought out enough for me to give this a higher rating.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

dnf @ 71%

I wanted to keep going off principle, but the more I thought about returning to this book, the more I dreaded it.

There's so much to like from the concept of this enemies to lovers, horror-romance mashup about two Native authors, but here's my gripe about this recent uptick in genre blends: there's not enough of either, and the inception of them feels like a desperate attempt to grasp the waning attention spans of the TikTok generation. In If I Stopped Haunting You, there wasn't enough emotional character development to sell the romance--where it was already lacking, because Penelope and Neil went from all-out hate to lust within, like, 100 pages--and the horror was thrown in like the flavor of a La Croix, a whisper of something you won't catch unless you're really searching for it. Don't get me started one scene in particular, where Penelope and Neil supposedly see this grotesque, skin-rotted ghost and aren't rattled enough by it to prevent them from having sex by the end of the chapter.

Genre gripes aside...Penelope was also not a very likable character--the victim complex is STRONG with this one--and the side characters (whose names I don't even remember) were thrown in as set pieces, not as actual characters.

I wanted to like this SO BAD. Truly. But the annoyance I felt reading it only built, and built...

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.