A review by graciemac10
If I Stopped Haunting You by Colby Wilkens

dark funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

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.