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2.88 AVERAGE
2.88 AVERAGE
The chemistry felt super forced, the insta-love was a major turn off and it simply just bored me
Did NOT realise who the author was or what they had done before reading. I just saw it was available to borrow from the library and read it.
Through chapter 9, I’m finding myself a little bored and disengaged with the story. I’m 30% in & I’m going to DNF. I don’t want to put myself in a slump haha and I’m *trying* to DNF more if I’m not vibing. I think it feels more insta-love/lust than enemies to lovers and I just don’t understand their attraction or their beef. The jealousy and bickering all feel juvenile to me and like small potatoes. If that makes sense. I was hoping the Scottish castle and ghosts would bring in some fun dynamics, but so far that is also coming in flat for me.
And aren’t we supposed to be on a writing retreat? I feel like we haven’t really gotten any of that.
And aren’t we supposed to be on a writing retreat? I feel like we haven’t really gotten any of that.
dark
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Update Nov 12 2024 It seems the author was actually not actually Native American, and had been pretending so I don't feel comfortable keeping my previous rating.
Thank you to Netgalley, and St. Martin's Press for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review
Four months ago Penelope Skinner threw a book at her fellow author Neil Storm's head during a panel at a book festival. She was totally justified in her actions as he is a bestselling horror author who is a sell out when it comes to writing authentic Indigenous Fiction. Her actions left her place vulnerable in publishing and she hasn't been able to write since.
Lucky for her, her friend invites her on a writing retreat at a castle in picturesque Scotland. Of course it is too good to be true, she is now forced to interact with Neil. Neil has also been struggling with his writing since Penelope filled his with self doubt but calling his writing soulless.
The writing retreat quickly turns into their worst nightmares, not only are they stuck with each other they end up dealing with real ghosts who seem to only be haunting them. They even find themselves in a situation where they almost kiss and it leaves them both rethinking everything they knew about each other and their feelings.
I love that were are finally starting to get more indigenous authors and stories in the romance genre. This has a nice balance of romance and paranormal elements. I also loved seeing so much discussion about indigenous identity and representation. It was a fun story and the chemistry was there but some of the ghost storyline didn't fully sell me. Overall it was a great debut from the author.
Thank you to Netgalley, and St. Martin's Press for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review
Four months ago Penelope Skinner threw a book at her fellow author Neil Storm's head during a panel at a book festival. She was totally justified in her actions as he is a bestselling horror author who is a sell out when it comes to writing authentic Indigenous Fiction. Her actions left her place vulnerable in publishing and she hasn't been able to write since.
Lucky for her, her friend invites her on a writing retreat at a castle in picturesque Scotland. Of course it is too good to be true, she is now forced to interact with Neil. Neil has also been struggling with his writing since Penelope filled his with self doubt but calling his writing soulless.
The writing retreat quickly turns into their worst nightmares, not only are they stuck with each other they end up dealing with real ghosts who seem to only be haunting them. They even find themselves in a situation where they almost kiss and it leaves them both rethinking everything they knew about each other and their feelings.
I love that were are finally starting to get more indigenous authors and stories in the romance genre. This has a nice balance of romance and paranormal elements. I also loved seeing so much discussion about indigenous identity and representation. It was a fun story and the chemistry was there but some of the ghost storyline didn't fully sell me. Overall it was a great debut from the author.
This book felt like it didn't know what it wanted to be: horror? romance? mystery?
One minute we're terrified of the ghostly happenings, the next were indescribably horny. So much whiplash.
Disclaimer: I became aware of the issues with the author shortly before I started reading. I tried to go in with an open mind, but the particular issues and the prominence of similar situations in the plot was too ironic to miss.
One minute we're terrified of the ghostly happenings, the next were indescribably horny. So much whiplash.
Disclaimer: I became aware of the issues with the author shortly before I started reading. I tried to go in with an open mind, but the particular issues and the prominence of similar situations in the plot was too ironic to miss.
4.5⭐️
This book was an absolutely perfect fall read! I loved the setting of Skinner Castle, it created both a creepy yet still romantic atmosphere. I thought the horror writing retreat was such a clever idea to bring all the characters together! Pen and Neil's chemistry was off the charts and they made such a fun couple! I loved reading about them going from rivals to lovers while simultaneously trying to solve the mystery of Skinner Castle and come up with their next book ideas. I thought all of the main characters being writers created such a fun dynamic throughout the book! The scenes with the ghosts were so spine chilling and the banter was so fun! The book explores more serious topics, such as identity within indigenous communities. Colby does a beautiful job of balancing the romance and thrills while leaving room to explore this important topic. I am so excited for her next book, "If I Dig You" to come out next year!
This book was an absolutely perfect fall read! I loved the setting of Skinner Castle, it created both a creepy yet still romantic atmosphere. I thought the horror writing retreat was such a clever idea to bring all the characters together! Pen and Neil's chemistry was off the charts and they made such a fun couple! I loved reading about them going from rivals to lovers while simultaneously trying to solve the mystery of Skinner Castle and come up with their next book ideas. I thought all of the main characters being writers created such a fun dynamic throughout the book! The scenes with the ghosts were so spine chilling and the banter was so fun! The book explores more serious topics, such as identity within indigenous communities. Colby does a beautiful job of balancing the romance and thrills while leaving room to explore this important topic. I am so excited for her next book, "If I Dig You" to come out next year!
I tried, I tried so hard. I got to 10% and had to DNF, with full intentions to try again at a later date. Every single time I picked it back up, I still hated it and DNF'd it again. I made it a total of 16% and nothing changed. There was absolutely nothing I could find that I enjoyed in what I read, so I am officially calling it and not wasting any more time trying to read what I don't enjoy.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Griffin for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Griffin for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
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:
No