Haunted Hearts and Hallowed Halls
In the misty hills of Scotland, where ancient stones whisper secrets and shadows linger in forgotten corners, Colby Wilkens sets the stage for a tale of literary rivalry, spectral encounters, and unexpected romance. “If I Stopped Haunting You” is an ambitious debut that seeks to blend the spine-tingling thrills of a ghost story with the heated passion of enemies-to-lovers romance. While the novel shows flashes of promise, particularly in its atmospheric setting and exploration of Indigenous representation in publishing, it ultimately struggles to fully integrate its disparate elements into a cohesive whole.
A Castle of Conflict and Desire
The Setup
Penelope Skinner and Neil Storm, two Native American horror authors with a tumultuous history, find themselves unwittingly thrown together at a writer’s retreat in a supposedly haunted Scottish castle. Pen, still reeling from the career-damaging aftermath of publicly confronting Neil about his problematic portrayal of Indigenous characters, hopes to reignite her stalled creativity. Neil, wrestling with self-doubt after Pen’s criticisms, seeks inspiration for a more authentic story. Neither expects to confront not only the ghosts of the castle but also the unresolved tension between them.
Atmosphere and Setting
Wilkens excels in crafting an evocative backdrop for her tale. The castle, with its cramped passageways, forbidden wings, and centuries of secrets, becomes a character in its own right. The author’s descriptions of mist-shrouded grounds, flickering candles, and inexplicable sounds in the night effectively build a sense of unease that permeates the narrative. Readers will find themselves drawn into the gothic ambiance, anticipating specters around every corner.
Characters at a Crossroads
Penelope Skinner
Pen emerges as the novel’s more compelling protagonist. Her struggle to reconcile her passion for storytelling with her desire to challenge harmful stereotypes in literature feels authentic and timely. Wilkens imbues Pen with a fierce determination and sharp wit that make her an engaging presence on the page. However, the character’s journey from righteous anger to romantic interest in Neil occasionally feels rushed, lacking the nuanced exploration such a significant shift deserves.
Neil Storm
Neil’s character arc proves more problematic. While his inner conflict over compromising his artistic vision for commercial success is interesting in theory, his development often comes across as inconsistent. The revelation of his admiration for Pen’s work feels at odds with their earlier antagonism, and his quick transition from adversary to potential love interest strains credibility. More time devoted to unpacking Neil’s motivations and gradual change of heart would have strengthened this crucial relationship.
Romance: From Animosity to Attraction
The enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Pen and Neil forms the core of the novel’s romantic plotline. Wilkens captures the initial tension between them well, with sharp verbal sparring and lingering resentments creating palpable friction. As they’re forced into close proximity by the confines of the castle and the mounting supernatural occurrences, their gradual thaw and realization of mutual attraction has its moments of charm.
However, the pacing of their romantic development feels uneven. The shift from hostility to physical desire happens rather abruptly, with some of their intimate encounters feeling more driven by plot necessity than organic character growth. While there are undeniably steamy scenes that will appeal to romance readers, the emotional foundation of Pen and Neil’s relationship could have benefited from more careful cultivation.
Paranormal Pursuits
Ghostly Encounters
The supernatural elements of “If I Stopped Haunting You” are where the novel struggles most to find its footing. The initial build-up of spectral activity is promising, with subtle occurrences and glimpses of apparitions creating an effective sense of dread. However, as the ghostly encounters escalate, they begin to feel more like interruptions to the central romance rather than an integral part of the story.
The Mystery Unravels
Wilkens attempts to weave a historical mystery into the haunting, centering on the tragic love story of the castle’s former inhabitants. While this subplot has potential, its resolution feels rushed and somewhat disconnected from the main characters’ journeys. The ghosts’ motivations and the rules governing their manifestations remain frustratingly vague, diminishing the impact of the paranormal threat.
Themes and Representation
Indigenous Voices in Publishing
One of the novel’s strengths lies in its exploration of the challenges faced by Indigenous authors in the publishing industry. Through Pen and Neil’s conflicting approaches to storytelling, Wilkens raises important questions about authenticity, cultural responsibility, and the pressures of market demands. These discussions add depth to the narrative and provide a welcome layer of social commentary amidst the romance and supernatural elements.
Artistic Integrity vs. Commercial Success
The tension between staying true to one’s artistic vision and meeting the expectations of publishers and readers is a recurring theme throughout the book. Both Pen and Neil grapple with this dilemma in different ways, offering readers a glimpse into the complex realities of the publishing world. While these insights are valuable, they sometimes feel overshadowed by the romantic and paranormal aspects of the plot.
Writing Style and Pacing
Wilkens demonstrates a flair for descriptive prose, particularly when it comes to setting the mood and describing the castle’s eerie atmosphere. Her dialogue can be sharp and witty, especially in the earlier interactions between Pen and Neil. However, the pacing of the novel is inconsistent, with some sections dragging while others feel rushed, particularly in the final act.
The balance between the romantic, paranormal, and mystery elements is not always successful, leading to a sense of narrative whiplash as the focus shifts abruptly between these different aspects of the story. Tighter integration of these plot threads would have resulted in a more cohesive reading experience.
Comparison to Genre Contemporaries
“If I Stopped Haunting You” invites comparison to other works blending romance with supernatural elements, such as Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s “Mexican Gothic” or Simone St. James’s “The Sun Down Motel”. While Wilkens’s debut shows promise in its atmospheric setting and exploration of Indigenous representation, it doesn’t quite reach the seamless genre fusion achieved by these more established authors.
Final Thoughts: A Promising but Uneven Debut
Strengths:
- Evocative Scottish castle setting
- Engaging exploration of Indigenous representation in publishing
- Moments of genuine chemistry between the main characters
- Potential for a unique blend of romance and supernatural suspense
Areas for Improvement:
- Uneven pacing and integration of plot elements
- Underdeveloped supernatural aspects
- Rushed character development, particularly for Neil
- Inconsistent balance between romance and paranormal elements
Verdict: A Haunting with Heart
“If I Stopped Haunting You” is a debut that showcases Colby Wilkens’s potential as a voice in paranormal romance. While the novel doesn’t fully capitalize on its intriguing premise, readers will find value in its atmospheric setting, discussions of Indigenous representation in literature, and moments of genuine romantic tension. Those who enjoy their love stories with a spectral twist may find enough here to satisfy, but readers seeking a more cohesive blend of romance and supernatural suspense may be left wanting.
Wilkens has laid a foundation with interesting characters and themes. With more refined pacing and a deeper integration of its various elements, future works could see her emerge as a compelling new voice in the genre. “If I Stopped Haunting You” may not fully exorcise all its narrative demons, but it offers glimpses of a promising authorial spirit that may yet find its full manifestation in tales to come.