What better setting could there be for a group of horror and paranormal writers than a haunted castle deep in the snowy wilds of Scotland?

The weeklong writer’s retreat may have sounded perfect to author Penelope Skinner, but things go wrong from the start. Only a few months earlier, she sparred with her literary arch nemesis Neil Storm at Book Con. The acrimonious panel of Native horror writers ended with Pen throwing a book at Neil’s head and etching a black mark next to her name in the publishing world. Pen hasn’t written a word since; unfortunately, neither has Neil. The lingering writer’s block casts a formidable shadow on both of their burgeoning careers.

While Pen and Neil lock horns and glare daggers at one another, a ghost lures Pen toward a forbidden wing of the castle and haunts the hallways with a rotten stench of decay and ominous glowing eyes. Is the ghost seeking to kill? Hoping to reveal long-kept secrets?

As the mystery deepens, Pen and Neil are the only ones who seem to notice any paranormal activity. Drawn together to figure out what’s happening, they are forced to face the truth underneath their feelings. With a new-found understanding, respect, and relationship secured, the only question remaining is, will they survive the week?

IF I STOPPED HAUNTING YOU is spooky, sweet, and steamy. My black heart wished for Pen to be the target of more imminent danger rather than Neil, but that is little more than plotline preference. There is much to like in this debut from Colby Wilkens, and I look forward to reading more from her.

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher St. Martin’s Griffin for the advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest thoughts and review.