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| Categories | Genre Fiction |
| Author | Colleen Hoover |
| Publisher | Montlake (December 8, 2020) |
| Language | English |
| Paperback | 303 pages |
| Item Weight | 6.4 ounces |
| Dimensions | 5.5 x 1 x 8.25 inches |
I. Book introduction
“Layla,” is a masterpiece that effortlessly combines love, loss, suspense, and psychological intrigue.
A Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller.
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover comes a novel that explores life after tragedy and the enduring spirit of love.
When Leeds meets Layla, he’s convinced he’ll spend the rest of his life with her—until an unexpected attack leaves Layla fighting for her life. After weeks in the hospital, Layla recovers physically, but the emotional and mental scarring has altered the woman Leeds fell in love with. In order to put their relationship back on track, Leeds whisks Layla away to the bed-and-breakfast where they first met. Once they arrive, Layla’s behavior takes a bizarre turn. And that’s just one of many inexplicable occurrences.
Feeling distant from Layla, Leeds soon finds solace in Willow—another guest of the B&B with whom he forms a connection through their shared concerns. As his curiosity for Willow grows, his decision to help her find answers puts him in direct conflict with Layla’s well-being. Leeds soon realizes he has to make a choice because he can’t help both of them. But if he makes the wrong choice, it could be detrimental for all of them.
Editorial Reviews
- “Surprising and emotionally tense, this paranormal romance is sure to entertain.” —Publishers Weekly
- “[Hoover’s] first foray into paranormal romance does not disappoint. Peppered with elements of mystery, psychological thriller, and contemporary romance, the novel explores questions about how quickly true love can develop, as well as the conflicts that can imperil even the strongest connections…fast-paced and engaging…A unique story of transcendent love.” —Kirkus Reviews
- “The love between Leeds and Willow has a very appealing, slow build, while the many plot turns will keep readers guessing through to the shocking resolution.” —Booklist
- “Hoover blends thrills, fantasy, and romance into one captivating story.” —Bookish
- “Feel free to send Hoover your increased electric bill because you’re going to be keeping the lights on late to stay up and read this one.” —E! Online
- “[A] beautiful spine-chilling novel.” —Her Campus
- “[A] thrilling paranormal romance.” —Buzzfeed
- “You should read this book if you like: Romance with paranormal echoes, gentle thriller-type elements, mysteries, dubious B&B vacations, plot twists, big reveals, true love…” —Goodreads
- “Hoover brings her trademark poignancy and addictive prose to the novel, and the bulk of the plot is based in real tragedies and emotions enough that even the more fantastical elements feel real.” —BookReporter
About the Author
Colleen Hoover (born Margaret Colleen Fennell on December 11, 1979) is an American author of young adult fiction and romance novels. Many of her works have been self-published before being picked up by a publishing house.
Colleen Hoover is the #1 New York Times and International bestselling author of multiple novels and novellas. She lives in Texas with her husband and their three boys. She is the founder of The Bookworm Box, a non-profit book subscription service and bookstore in Sulphur Springs, Texas.
Hoover was born on December 11, 1979, in Sulphur Springs, Texas, to Vannoy Fite and Eddie Fennell. She grew up in Saltillo, Texas, and graduated from Saltillo High School in 1998. In 2000, she married Heath Hoover, with whom she has three sons. Hoover graduated from Texas A&M-Commerce with a degree in social work. She worked various social work and teaching jobs until starting her writing career.
In November 2011, Hoover began her first novel, Slammed, with no intention of getting published. She was inspired by a lyric, “decide what to be and go be it”, from an Avett Brothers song, “Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise.” Because of this, she incorporated Avett Brothers lyrics throughout the story. Slammed was published in January 2011. After a few months, the novel was reviewed and given 5 stars by book blogger Maryse Black, after which sales rapidly took off for Hoover’s first two books.
In December 2012, Hoover published Hopeless, which rose to the top of the New York Times best seller list
In 2021, Hoover experienced a surge in popularity due to her heart wrenching stories and characters and the attention from the #BookTok community on TikTok. In January 2022, her 2016 novel It Ends with Us was #1 on The New York Times best sellers list.
For more information and for a schedule of events, please visit colleenhoover.com.
To contact Colleen and her team (Her team’s name is Stephanie), please email hooverink@outlook.com
II. Reviewer: Layla by Colleen Hoover
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1. GABBY reviews for Layla
4.5 stars
All I could think after finishing this book is what the fuck did I just read? but like in a good way I think? This is unlike anything I’ve ever read before and it’s pretty bizarre and strange and I don’t think I’d necessarily recommend this to everyone… but I was very highly entertained by this. And my mind was blown many times. I know this book will probably get a lot of comparison to Verity, but this book is nothing like Verity, it’s a completely different monster. This is Colleen’s first paranormal romance, and I didn’t realize just how paranormal and creepy this book would get – I was kind of obsessed with it 😅
I would recommend going into this book knowing as little as possible because it’s quite the journey.
2. JESSICA reviews for Layla
UPDATE: holy crap you guys. i just got an email from the publishers letting me know i will be getting a new ARC with an epilogue! i dont want to say im the reason for it, but i definitely feel like my wishes manifested it into the world. and its so, so good. so y’all are welcome. lol.
________________________
i am so here for CoHo branching out beyond her traditional contemporary romance stories. it just proves she can write human emotions so aptly, no matter the situation.
this story is a roller coaster of a journey. i am always amazed at how much CoHos writing can make me feel. whilst reading this, i was constantly contemplating how well two people can really know each other, how fast and genuine love can develop, how much effort is enough to show someone how things used to be and the best way to act when certain feelings have changed. i love that there are no boundaries to this story. its thought-provoking and emotionally compelling. even with the paranormal aspect!
my only minor critique would be the lack of epilogue. the ending is quite abrupt and it leaves a nagging feeling like the story is incomplete. i would love more than anything to see what the characters are doing sometime after the events in the novel, just to have more complete closure.
but regardless, this is another satisfyingly wonderful CoHo story and i would never expect anything less from the queen herself.
my eternal gratitude to montlake for the ARC! <3
↠ 4.5 stars
3. ALI GOODWIN reviews for Layla
4.5 stars!! SO many twists and turns that I didn’t see coming at the end. And such a unique plot. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book quite like this one. Romance Thrillers are quickly becoming one of my favorite two genres paired together. Another great CoHo book!!
4. NZLISAM reviews for Layla
WTF did I just read?
Hmmm… now that I’ve finished, I’m not even sure what genre to categorise Layla as? I would’ve said psychological thriller until the last 20%. And, Leeds made me too uncomfortable to view him as any type of romantic leading man, so not a romance either? And saying he made me uncomfortable isn’t a spoiler as the first sentence will likely make you feel the same way. And if that’s not enough to convince you that Leeds is a creep and a weirdo then the fact that he was utterly consumed with Layla from the moment he laid eyes on her in chapter one, and that he freely admitted he had nothing in his life pre-Layla should’ve sent Layla running for the hills.
Leeds way of loving wasn’t cute, it wasn’t sweet – it was smothering and all kinds of wrong. He wanted a relationship where life was perfect, and his partner was happy and upbeat 24/7. But as we all know, life is not like that, and neither are relationships, people are complicated, therefore it wasn’t long before things fell apart, and quickly spiraled out of control… and, naturally, I relished every bat-shit, crazy twist. Yep, you guessed it, I loved it.
Since Leeds was the sole POV, we were privy to his innermost thoughts (most of which made me want to gag), and Colleen Hoover impressed me no end with the way she had his character justify and dismiss his obsessiveness and unhealthy behaviour. I was on the edge of my seat wondering how he was going to act and react, and just how nuthouse the plot was going to get. The answer – insanity times infinity.
There was a supernatural aspect to the story as well, which upped the bizarreness, and I was blown away by how clever and uniquely executed it was and how seamlessly it gelled with the plot without being too out there. The isolated setting also increased everyone’s paranoia, and my nail-biting. In my eyes, Layla has superseded Verity. Honestly, I’ve never read anything quite like it. How does CoHo come up with this stuff? I raise my glass to this incredibly versatile author.
5. CARRIE HALL reviews for Layla
This is my first ever calling Hoover book. I have never really gravitated towards her stuff because contemporary romances are not my thing. I know a lot of people consider her stuff “dark and disturbing“ because some of her books have themes of abuse in them. No offense, but that is not what I consider dark and disturbing. It’s just too mild in comparison to what I normally read. Basic romance books are so boring to me unless there is some exciting or mysterious plot surrounding it.
The only reason I gravitated towards this book was because it was labeled as a romantic suspense and paranormal romance. That sounded a little more intriguing to me. So I figured I’d give it a go and I’m glad I did because I loved this book.
I honestly wish that she would dabble more into the genre of paranormal romance or thrillers, because this was done very well. It was a very engaging book, and I think that she could appeal to a whole separate group of readers if she would lean more in this direction from time to time.
There are only two other books from her that I would consider reading, which are Verity, and Too Late. And again, it’s because they are the only other books by her that I could find that were labeled as psychological thrillers or suspense.
Anyway, I really enjoyed this book. It had me hooked from the beginning to the end, and I read it while tandem listening to the audio, and the audio was done great as well.
I highly recommend this book. Especially for people who consider most of Colleen Hoover’s stuff to be to fluffy, boring, and mild.
Well done! 👍🏼
6. MORGAN RAE reviews for Layla
This book was like anything I’ve ever read! It was refreshing and captivating and so well written. There are some books you read that a situation goes one way, and it makes you feel as though it’
7. LILY HANKS reviews for Layla
Emotional Roller Coaster in the Best Way
Colleen Hoover has once again left me in awe with her latest novel, “Layla.” From the first page to the last, I was completely immersed in this captivating tale of love, loss, and second chances.
The story follows Leeds and Layla, a couple deeply in love whose lives are turned upside down by a tragic accident. As they struggle to come to terms with their new reality, they find themselves facing unexpected challenges that put their relationship to the test in ways they never could have imagined.
What I love most about “Layla” is Hoover’s ability to evoke such raw and powerful emotions in her readers. The characters feel incredibly real, their pain and heartache palpable with every word. I found myself laughing, crying, and cheering for Leeds and Layla as they navigated the complexities of their relationship and searched for a way to heal their broken hearts.
The supernatural element added an intriguing twist to the story, adding depth and mystery that kept me eagerly turning the pages. Hoover seamlessly weaves together elements of romance, suspense, and the supernatural, creating a story that is as unpredictable as it is unforgettable.
But what truly sets “Layla” apart is its message of hope and resilience. It’s a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is always a glimmer of light waiting to guide us through the darkness. It’s a story of redemption, forgiveness, and the transformative power of love.
In conclusion, “Layla” is a must-read for fans of romance, suspense, and paranormal fiction alike. Colleen Hoover has once again proven herself to be a master storyteller, delivering a novel that will stay with me long after I’ve turned the final page. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy – you won’t be disappointed!
8. SUSANNE reviews for Layla
Well that was Different! A Fresh, Wholly Intriguing Storyline unlike any that I’ve EVER Read!
Way to change it up CoHo! Thank you for continuing to push the envelope.
So what is this about? A musician named Leeds and a woman named “Layla” (no, not that Layla, though I can’t get the Eric Clapton song out of my head and I’m not sorry about it!).
All I can say is that this is NOT what you think it is.
Interesting, intriguing and well, strange, it kept my attention throughout. At times, admittedly, I was shaking my head and yet, I could not tear my eyes away, swiping the pages of my kindle as quickly as possible to get to the satisfying end. Colleen Hoover ventured into a new genre with this one and she did so with gusto.
Thank you to NetGalley, Montlake Romance and Colleen Hoover for the arc.
9. PURRFECT NOVELS reviews for Layla
4.75 ⭐️
-spoilers-
This was the first paranormal book that I have read and it left me with so many mixed emotions. I hated Leeds so much that I was scared this book make me want to stop reading ever again.
Until the 3/4 of the book I was going to write “A man will cheat on you even with a ghost” and give a 1 star and declare this book the least favorite of the year and never look back, but the last chapters of the book left me in shock. (That’s why I never DNF a book, ladies and gentlemen.)
I was trying to outsmart the book and anticipate all the possible outcomes of the paranormal situation they were in, but I guess I wasn’t that smart. I even thought that Willow was manipulating him at night while he was sleeping, playing with his thoughts, and making him fall in love with her but, NO! None of the results I had in mind were even close to what happened in the book.
Colleen Hoover has left me emotionally damaged once again!
“She’s a terrible dancer. It was the first thing I noticed about her… and it’s the absolute last thing I would ever want to change.” 🥹
10. CAMILLA reviews for Layla
This creeped me out. And then it proceeded to blow my mind.
This is nothing like Colleen Hoover’s previous works. And in such a good way, because it just shows how gifted this author is (trust me, I’ve read 19 of her books).
Layla is just this girl at her sister’s wedding, where Leeds’s band is playing. They meet and instantly fall in love. We know that from “The Interview” chapters, where Leeds is describing everything that happened between him and Layla to a mysterious man.
I went into this book blind, I only knew that it was paranormal. It really surprised me, especially since this book had a few horror elements that got me on the edge of my seat.
My only complaint is that this had a very limited scenario and cast of characters, so sometimes in the middle I lost a bit of the interest. But, guess what? The reveal is totally worth the wait.
Be sure to pick this one up in December: Colleen Hoover really knows what she’s doing!
(NetGalley ARC)
III. Layla Quotes by Colleen Hoover
The best book quotes from Layla by Colleen Hoover
“It’s been proven that people who read live longer. Are you trying to die young?”
“I keep running back to the starting line because I don’t want to be finished with you.”
“It’s better to be a selfless somebody than to be a selfish nobody.”
“Perhaps what we desire can sometimes be so strong it overpowers our fate.”
“Falling in love with her was weightless, like air was breezing through my bones. Falling out of love is fucking heavy, like my lungs are carved from iron.”
“I’d feel nothing if you punched me in the heart I’d feel even less if you stabbed me with a knife But I didn’t fall out of love with you I fell out of love with life”
“Layla is my soul mate in every realm of life.”
“The only thing Layla did wrong is fall in love with me.”
“It was like someone let all the air back into my life when I had no idea I was even suffocating.”
“The supernatural is the natural not yet understood. —Elbert Hubbard”
“I love you, Layla. That love doesn’t fluctuate with numbers on a scale.”
“Every single second with her felt like an awakening. Like I’d never really opened my eyes until she came along. I was blind but now I see.”
“I showed up rich while feeling poor I didn’t knock but they opened the door Throwing stones, they pierce my eye Leave tiny cracks all down my spine We were royalty without a throne Our castle didn’t feel like home Echoes of “I love you” in the halls Our words absorbed into the walls I checked us in so we couldn’t leave Thought maybe time would make me believe If I took us back to the starting line We’d never cross the finish line My hands may not be red But my heart, it feels the bleed If my soul had a neon sign It would read No Vacancy If my soul had a neon sign It would read No Vacancy”
“Minutes feel like they matter more when they’re spent with her.”
“I want her so much I’ll be the Romeo to her Juliet and take whatever the hell kind of poison she wants to put on my tongue right now.”
“I much prefer the idea of going all in. I’ve always wanted someone I could instantly click with and then just fucking drown in.”
“There’s no better feeling than being loved for who you are rather than for what you’re worth.”
“Sometimes, when I look at Layla, I wish she were Willow.”
“I can’t be the Band-Aid for her wounds. I need to be what helps them heal.”
“because no matter how beautiful she was, her insecurity was the loudest thing about her.”
“I think about the idiots in scary movies that never run when they should, but I empathize with them now. The need to disprove the thing that’s scary is greater than the need to run from the potential harm it might bring.”
“So much has happened since then. I’ve changed as a person in more ways than one. That happens when you’re forced to take another person’s life.”
“Is it fair to assume this continued because you started to develop feelings for Willow?” I can’t even say yes out loud. Instead, I just nod.”
“Layla carries herself with a confidence that would be attractive no matter what she looked like.”
“It’s interesting how much a person’s belief system can be changed by things in this world that can’t be explained. Hell, not just my belief system, but my morals.”
“I wonder what happened in my childhood that makes me take on so much guilt; even when I’m not responsible for whatever is wrong.”
“I look over at my laptop, which is sitting on top of the piano. It’s opening. My Word document pulls up. Letters are being typed into the Word document. W . . . i . . . l . . . l . . . o . . . w . . .”
“should we just pack up and leave before every line I’ve already crossed becomes a wall so high we can’t climb over?”
“I can’t help it when my eyes wander down her body—but it’s hard not to be enthralled by the fact that it’s not her body, yet she makes it her own somehow. Her strides are longer, her shoulders set farther back when she walks. She even holds her head differently.”
“I asked her what the anxiety felt like. She said, “It’s like a shiver running through my blood.”
“Like I’d never really opened my eyes until she came along. I was blind but now I see.”
“Is this even worth it? Are answers for me and for Willow worth what I’m putting Layla through?”
“I look forward to these moments with Willow more than I look forward to time with Layla. What does that say about me?”
“Think of it like this,” she says. “The womb is one existence. As a fetus, we didn’t remember life before the womb, and we had no idea if there would be life after the womb. All we knew was the womb. But then we were born, and we left the womb and came into our current realm of existence. And now we can’t remember being in the womb before this life, and we have no idea what comes after this life. And when our current life ends, we’ll be in a different realm altogether, where we might not remember this realm of existence, just like we don’t recall being in the womb. It’s just different realms. One after the other after the other. Some we know for a fact exist. Some we only believe exist. There could be realms of existence we’ve never even entertained the idea of. They could be endless. I don’t think we ever really die.”
“Did you know eleven in the morning is the deadliest time of day?”
“I ate a strand of Layla’s hair this morning.”
“I follow behind her and watch as she takes a knife out of the butcher block and spins around, waving it wildly at me. “Let. Me. Leave.” Her voice is low and threatening, but it’s also trembling. “Put the knife down,” I plead. “I’ll put it down when I’m in the car.” I shake my head. “I can’t let you leave, Layla.” “You can’t make me stay!” she screams. “Why are you trying to make me stay?” She covers her mouth with her hand to stifle a sob, but she keeps the knife up, pointed in my direction. “Something is happening to us, Leeds. You’re going crazy. Or maybe it’s me, I don’t know, but it’s this house and we need to get out. Please.”
Excerpted from Layla by Colleen Hoover
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