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2.88 AVERAGE
2.88 AVERAGE
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
This was a sweet book - a fun ghost story about authors trapped in a Scottish castle on a writing retreat with some very spicy scenes!
I thought the author had some really interesting plot points and bigger social conversations. The ghosts were also a fun addition. It wasn’t my favorite thing I’ve ever read, but I still will be picking up other books by this author.
funny
lighthearted
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:
Yes
At first, even though I'm not usually into romance, I thought “If I Stopped Haunting You” would align with my interests in horror and dark fiction, but be light and fun enough to be a palate cleanser between heavier novels. There was the promise of a moody setting at a Scottish castle, after all - what wasn't to like?
Turns out, more than I anticipated. I almost sprained an optic nerve I rolled my eyes so much while reading this book. You could tell the author toyed with the idea of substance (tackling the topic of indigenous authors and horror representation, among other things), but it's more often than not overshadowed by the light hearted tone of the plot.
AGAIN, probably not the ideal reader for this novel as I typically go for full-fledged horror, but I also particularly like horror that handles social issues so this seemed like it would tick multiple boxes for me, even if it did tackle them lightly. It did not, however, tick ANY boxes.
The novel got off to a good start in the enemies portion of the enemies-to-lovers. There were challenging dynamics for the characters to deal with and unique situations were presented that frequently upped the ante. But the main characters were so obviously attracted to each other that the animosity the characters aimed at each other lacked that satisfying barb I wanted. Being that attracted to someone while simultaneously hating them can work, but it just felt off with these characters.
The lovers portion of enemies-to-lovers was worse though. It was like once the characters got together finally, there was very anticipation little left in the plot and the author filled it up with sex scenes instead. Not that I have anything against sex scenes, and these weren't poorly written… it was just they came at the most ridiculous moments. Plot getting good? Sex. Plot getting slow? Sex. Tired of the main characters having sex? Get ready for ghost sex. I was so fed up trying to get some sustenance out of this book that I almost didn't finish.
The scary parts would better be described as cozy-scary. There are a few gory descriptions, but nothing to make you lose your lunch or give you nightmares. In the end, not enough to sell an avid horror reader. But if you like your romance with a little something going bump in the night, this is the book for you.
I wouldn't knock this book for the right reader, because I can see how someone more familiar with romance would enjoy this story, but I just couldn't get invested personally.
Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin for advancing me a digital copy for review.
If I Stopped Haunting You- ok so… woman who has major self doubt issues and can’t take criticism feels bad about “not being Native enough” berates another author and physically assaults him for being better at selling books and being “too Native” he also ends up with self doubt and writers block after previous aforementioned assault. They end up at the same writers retreat where he can’t keep his fingers out of his hair, and they both hate each other but not enough to share… bedroom activities… and oh the place is haunted and they don’t tell anyone?
Controversy around the author aside which makes this book more despicable, this was just a bad book. The writing was subpar at best, the characters were unlikable. In the 75 pages I managed to eke out I fell asleep 4 times. Not my bag.
Controversy around the author aside which makes this book more despicable, this was just a bad book. The writing was subpar at best, the characters were unlikable. In the 75 pages I managed to eke out I fell asleep 4 times. Not my bag.
dark
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Penelope Skinner makes it no secret she thinks Neil Storm, indigenous horror author extraordinaire is a sellout. There was a time when she loved his writing and considered him her hero. With the publication of his latest bestseller, however, Penelope’s hero worship evaporates. Penelope is so upset with Neil, she throws a book at him during a publishing event, effectively putting the nails in the coffin holding her career.
Two months later, Penelope and Neil are attending the same writer’s retreat with two of their mutual friends and fellow writers. Two combative horror writers staying in a haunted castle in Scotland, that’s not ironic or unsafe at all.
Fanny, the caretaker, warns them about going into the West Wing and sightings of the lady in the black dress. Being a writer and a curious sort, Penelope of course drifts into the West Wing just to have a looksee. Nothing creepy at all about the eyes in the portrait on the wall that seem to be following her.
Being virtually cut-off from civilization with spotty cell service initially seemed like the ideal situation for Penelope and Neil to get out of their writing slumps. At least the situation was ideal before all the bumps in the night and running for their lives came into play. Soon, Neil witnesses the same phenomenon as Penelope and amidst the eminent danger, the enemies soon become friends and then lovers.
Though the ghost appearances got repetitive at points, this was a solid read with colorful characters and a scary chills and spills. I enjoyed the banter and chemistry between Penelope and Neil and I appreciated their insider’s view of the publishing industry as regards marginalized, but especially indigenous authors.
This was a fun story I would recommend to fans of enemies to lovers, forced proximity and steamy paranormal romance.
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Thoroughly enjoyed reading my first smut book, some points I cringed at but I nevertheless had a good time….. might def keep reading this sorta book
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
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:
Yes
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This book was whiplash from start to finish and I found the characters annoying from page one.
Nothing against the book itself, I just couldn't get into it personally.
Pretending to be native American is just disgusting and the weird thing is this book could have been about two authors and it would have been fine so I don't understand why would you go out of your way to pretend to be something that you are not. Also, another 1 star to the narrator for pronouncing Edinburgh like that!! For crying out loud, you can just google that and see how to say it properly.