If I Stopped Haunting You
"If you're in the mood for a steamy enemies-to-lovers romance but also a chilling haunted-house horror, GET YOU A BOOK THAT CAN DO BOTH! I blazed through this book in one sitting because I just couldn't wait to find out what would happen next!" - Alicia Thompson, USA Today bestselling author of With Love, from Cold World
An enemies to lovers romance where two feuding writers end up on a writers retreat together at a haunted castle in Scotland...
It's been months since horror author Penelope Skinner threw a book at Neil Storm. But he was so infuriating, with his sparkling green eyes and his bestselling horror novels that claimed to break Native stereotypes. And now she’s a publishing pariah and hasn’t been able to write a word since. So when her friend invites her on a too-good-to-be-true writers retreat in a supposedly haunted Scottish castle, she seizes the opportunity. Of course, some things really are too good to be true.
Neil wants nothing less than to be trapped in a castle with the frustratingly adorable woman who threw a book at him. She drew blood! Worse still, she unleashed a serious case of self-doubt! Neil is terrified to write another bestselling “book without a soul,” as Pen called it. All Neil wants is to find inspiration, while completely avoiding her.
But as the retreat begins, Pen and Neil are stunned to find themselves trapped in a real-life ghost story. Even more horrifying, they’re stuck together and a truly shocking (extremely hot) almost-kiss has left them rethinking their feelings, and… maybe they shouldn’t have been enemies at all? But if they can’t stop the ghosts pursuing them, they may never have the chance to find out.
Full of spooky chills and even more sexy thrills, If I Stopped Haunting You by Colby Wilkens is the funny, fast-paced romp romance readers have been waiting for!
"I didn't realize I needed a romance book married to cozy horror but now I'm wondering where this particular mashup has been all my life. Can't wait to read the next!" - Jessica Clare, New York Times bestselling author
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Community Reviews
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?
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press this review copy!
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?
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press this review copy!
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