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2.88 AVERAGE
2.88 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This book wasn't exactly what I was expecting from the blurb but, you know what, I loved it even more for it.
The first chapter immediately hooks you, sets your characters - and they are very strong characters - and off you go. Not a second wasted.
The A plot of Pen and Neil is just as dynamic as the B plot of Georgina and Archie. I'm a history nerd so I would have liked to see more of the Georgina and Archie plot being discovered through old letters or objects around the castle but that's a personal preference.
And my very favourite thing: the plot didn't stop when the spice started.
This was my first book by Colby Wilkens and I'll definitely be checking out more.
The first chapter immediately hooks you, sets your characters - and they are very strong characters - and off you go. Not a second wasted.
The A plot of Pen and Neil is just as dynamic as the B plot of Georgina and Archie. I'm a history nerd so I would have liked to see more of the Georgina and Archie plot being discovered through old letters or objects around the castle but that's a personal preference.
And my very favourite thing: the plot didn't stop when the spice started.
This was my first book by Colby Wilkens and I'll definitely be checking out more.
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
First-Nation horror writers on retreat in a haunted Scottish castle, plus romance? That's a fresh take on the romance genre that I can get behind! Represent!
After publicly assaulting Neil Storm, a successful Indigenous horror writer at a panel, struggling writer Pen (who is mixed Anglo and Native) is ready to give up on her already-stalled career. But a friend organizes a writer's retreat in Scotland, where, to only Pen's surprise, the cutie-patootie horror writer is also attending. Along with another Indigenous writer, a woman with whom Pen had a fling some years previous.
Once installed in the castle, Pen and Neil are thrown together by the ghost of the castle. Sparks ensue.
Fans of romance will welcome the enemies-to-lovers trope—and the spice. Both Neil and Pen must overcome self-doubt, and their inner dialogues pepper the narrative, which may or may not appeal.
The genre often requires the willing suspension of acceptable social conventions (assault is NOT acceptable behavior in a mate IRL, as far as I'm concerned), as well as a certain glossing over of details (how many times did Neil hit his head? Why did they reenact the ghosts' haunting in the west-wing bedroom for their fellow writers?), but it's all part of the romance game.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for the eARC in exchange for my unfettered opinion.
After publicly assaulting Neil Storm, a successful Indigenous horror writer at a panel, struggling writer Pen (who is mixed Anglo and Native) is ready to give up on her already-stalled career. But a friend organizes a writer's retreat in Scotland, where, to only Pen's surprise, the cutie-patootie horror writer is also attending. Along with another Indigenous writer, a woman with whom Pen had a fling some years previous.
Once installed in the castle, Pen and Neil are thrown together by the ghost of the castle. Sparks ensue.
Fans of romance will welcome the enemies-to-lovers trope—and the spice. Both Neil and Pen must overcome self-doubt, and their inner dialogues pepper the narrative, which may or may not appeal.
The genre often requires the willing suspension of acceptable social conventions (assault is NOT acceptable behavior in a mate IRL, as far as I'm concerned), as well as a certain glossing over of details (how many times did Neil hit his head? Why did they reenact the ghosts' haunting in the west-wing bedroom for their fellow writers?), but it's all part of the romance game.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for the eARC in exchange for my unfettered opinion.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was almost a DNF. I really wanted to like it but the pacing for almost every different aspect or sub plot was so off to
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
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!
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes