I buddy read this last month with the Bookish Ladies Club and have been sitting on my thoughts. I love Colleen Hoover's writing so much - I have read all of her books and she is a standout in women's fiction. Verity remains to be the creepiest book I've ever read. One of her strengths is her ability to develop characters so well and the connections you feel for her characters. You get so invested and her books usually pack in so many emotional moments. Unfortunately, I didn't have this connection with the characters in Layla and missed some of the strong backstory she usually has. This is still a binge worthy read, but I was hoping for a little bit more overall. Recommend for fans of paranormal romance. ⁣

4.5 stars--LAYLA by Colleen Hoover is a contemporary, adult, paranormal romance story line focusing on musician Leeds Gabriel, and the woman he loves, Layla.

Told from first person perspective (Leeds Gabriel) using present day and memories from the past LAYLA follows the building romance and relationship between musician Leeds Gabriel, and the woman he loves, Layla. Leeds Gabriel was struggling with his music career, standing in the shadows of the man in charge but meeting Layla, a bit of a free spirit, gave Leeds a hope for the future. Months together would end with an attack on their lives, an attack that changed everything moving forward. With Layla’s mental, physical and emotional health in the balance, Leeds would meet another free spirit named Willow, a young woman who stirred something deep within our story line hero. As Layla’s health continued to deteriorate, Leeds would call in help from an unlikely source.

LAYLA is a story of what-ifs: what if the person you loved no longer was the person with whom you fell in love? From a one-night stand to a promise of forever, destroyed by jealousy and revenge, resulting in dual pathway of questions and confusing answers. Colleen Hoover pulls the reader into a familiar but suspenseful, imaginative and fantastic story of mystery and the supernatural set against a backdrop of friendship and love.



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For the first time in a long time, I stayed up late reading to finish a book. I HAD to know how the book would end as I was so captivated by Leeds and Layla’s story.

Told from Leeds’ POV, the entire story is a mix of love, hope and a paranormal twist of fate. You will have anxiety as you read and you’ll likely get mad at Leeds a time or two but I promise it’s all worth it in the end.

Colleen has woven her magical sense of humor into what is otherwise a serious and very emotional book. Despite an instalove beginning, the relationship growth is excellent as are the individual characters.

If you’re not into paranormal/ghost stories, I’d still urge you to give this a try and I promise Colleen as a delivered a happily ever after that will make you sigh.

Colleen Hoover is an author who has been on my TBR list forever. I’ve been interested in reading her work, just never quiet got there - when the opportunity to read Layla came up, I jumped on it. BEST DECISION EVER!

Layla is one of those books where I wish “trust me, read the book” worked as a review. I’m not even sure where to start in telling why you should read this story, but you need to! I don’t want to risk spoilers, so I will touch on just a couple of things.

Leeds and Layla - our main characters. There were times when I didn’t necessarily like these two, but I was captivated by them. Our story is told from Leeds’ point of view and it was interesting to see the devolution of their situation and how he chose to handle things.

Storyline- this is unique and something that I haven’t seen before. I was pulled in and intrigued by what Leeds was experiencing. Before I knew it, I didn’t want to put the kindle down and I ended up reading the whole book in an afternoon/evening.

The twist/resolution- this came out of no where (as it should) and it made a lot of the angsty frustration earlier in the story worth it. I was kept on my toes up until the very last minute.

When I reached the end of Layla, I was pleased with how things worked out, but I wasn’t 100% ready to let Leeds and Layla go. Part of me wants to know where they are 5, 10, 20 years down the road. Those Colleen Hoover books on the TBR.... well, they will be moving up the list. I need to see if they are as good as Layla!

Layla got me going "WTF just happened"! I have a complicated relationship with CoHo's books. Layla was no exception.

First, it must be noted that Hoover is a MASTER at her craft of writing. The language, the flow...it all works flawlessly. She has a way with words that have made her a best selling author and she continues that tradition with Layla. Hoover also has the best way with plot twists. Fan of Verity will enjoy Layla for sure! The story is strangely normal early on-just a sweet, head of heels in love meet cute. Hoover lets you bask in that just long enough then BAM!

Personally, I didn't really feel this fits best in the romance category. It's more of a paranormal/supernatural story that happens to have 2 characters in a relationship. While the events occur because of this relationship, it is not the focus. So, many romance readers won't really see this as a romance. But, there are plenty of romantic elements-the crazy ex, the "rockstar". However, you are getting the romance part in flashbacks.

Presently in the story, what is happening is NOT normal! I was flabbergasted. Of course, the story unfolds and you begin to recognize the paranormal aspects, but each event that happens is just one more shocking addition. Even as you learn each shocking detail, you still wait for the next bomb to drop. This story was just so unexpected. Kudos to Hoover for keeping me on my toes with a story I never expected or imagined. 100% unique; original.

I adored these two characters! I couldn't put it down! I loved it! it kept me on the edge of my seat!

What did I just read? This book was so bizarre in the best way! I have been looking for something different to read and this delivered!

I've read and loved several CoHo books over the years. I think she is brilliant when it comes to writing contemporary romance. Paranormal romance isn't my jam, but I figured it was Colleen Hoover... why not? Well, Layla was a bit of a disappointment.

Layla is a twisted, twisted story between Layla and Leeds, his obsessive ex and a ghost. I had a hard time connecting with Leeds from the start. Then he completely lost me once he and Layla go back to the B&B and Willow gets involved. It just wasn't working for me. He was trying to reconnect with Layla, but he's falling for this ghost?

This story was interesting and twisted, and once the big reveal is made, things kind of click into place. But even then, I just didn't like Leeds and his actions. That said... the conclusion is quite captivating, and I think the epilogue was my favorite part of the story. The book is well-written and CoHo does a great job with telling Leeds and Layla's story.... it just wasn't my jam. I took a chance and ultimately, I didn't love it.

I received an advanced copy from Montlake via NetGalley and voluntarily left a review.

Author Colleen Hoover is one of those authors where I will get everything she releases and when I saw she had released a new one Layla, I automatically wanted to read it. I wasn't 100% sure what to expect as I know it was out of her normal comfort zone of writing and so I was curious. The book starts with a bang with Leeds Gabriel in the bedroom with his girlfriend Layla tied up. At first, I was like WTF is going on and then also with a guy interviewing him downstairs while she is locked upstairs. I was like has he gone weird? Has he kidnapped her and now she is supposedly missing but not? The story then jumps back to Layla and Leeds's first meeting where he played in the band at her sister Aspen's wedding. The pair become inseparable and spend an amazing time together and end up in a whirlwind relationship. Things are short-lived though as tragedy strikes in the form of Leeds ex-girlfriend Sable. The book then jumps to a few months later where Leeds and Layla are on a trip to try and recapture some happy memories as their relationship has been strained. While on holiday, strange things start happening and it's like the house is haunted. This is where we meet our friendly ghost, Willow. Throughout the novel, Leeds will communicate with Willow and soon we find him falling for Willow and out of love with Layla. Who will Leeds choose and will he get Layla the help she needs when things start going crazy? Layla is filled with lots of twists and turns and at the ending has an OMG twist that slowly made complete sense. Overall, after reading it and thinking about the book a couple of hours later - the story of Layla reminded me of Season 4 of the TV show Ghost Whisperer that starred Jennifer Love Hewitt and one of my favorite TV Shows. I am now looking forward to reading Heart Bones as that's one of the last I need to read and then I am all caught up with her works to date.

4⭐️
I loved the unique story of this one. It’s been a while since I have read a paranormal romance, but I enjoyed this one! I was not expecting the twist. I’m happy for the twist, because I was not happy at Leeds when he was tying up Layla! Overall, a good read. I loved the unique story, and will read anything Colleen Hoover!

Colleen Hoover is an author that I have read and enjoyed in the past. Layla is her first book into the paranormal world, and I could not wait to get my copy and dive right into the story.

Layla is the story of two people who meet, fall in love, and then disaster hits. Leeds takes Layla back to the place where they first met and fell in love with hopes that it will strengthen their relationship and help Layla heal. I love how attentive and protective Leed is. No matter what was happening and who wants to help, Leed’s first thought was always on what was best for Layla. He wants her to get better, he wants her to be more of her old self, and he wants to be the one to help her get there.

The twist of Willow, the ghost, living in the same place that they fell in love was interesting. I kept reading the story in hopes that I could figure out Willow’s past and what Leed would need to do to help her be at peace. I never guessed at where the story would go.

The twists, the turns, the ups, and the downs were amazing. Colleen Hoovers first attempt at paranormal is a winner in my opinion. I recommend picking up your own copy, meet Layla, Leed, and Willow, and enjoy their story.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars
M/F Paranormal Romance

Leeds doesn't love his life. Instead, he's drifting – making do with what he has. Despite not needing to work in the band he's currently in, Leeds can't help but be part of something. When he meets Layla for the first time, she makes quite the impression.

Layla is a difficult character to get to know. She isn't all that talked about and there isn't much background to go on. Despite that, her character works in the story. She is headstrong, sensual, funny, and easy going. She likes Leeds right away – she sees a kindred spirit in him.

These two find a love that many search their entire lives for. It's what they do with that love – how they honor that love – that creates the great mystery in this book. It draws you in quickly and doesn't let go. While I was able to puzzle it out, it didn't take away from the story for me. You won't be disappointed in Hoover's new book – it'll keep you up to read it all in one sitting.

Triggers: Stalking behavior, alcoholic tendency

What are you willing to do for the love of your life?

Although this book almost lost me early on. I stuck out because of my love for Colleen Hoovers stories. Which, I am very glad that I did! Leeds is not the normal character that you fall in love with in this story. He is the one that you kind of hate throughout it. But realize that you're supposed to. He is that character that although you want to love him you just can't until the very last chapters. In other words this story is taking Leeds through hell and back from finding his true love and soul mate to loosing that person to only find them again. I loved it!! Layla in this one is more of a side character which is kind of weird. So although I did enjoy her I didn't feel like I really got to know her all that much. This is more Leeds story about this situation and event.

I fell in love with the paranormal aspect of this story as well. I think that Hoover can do anything she sets out to do. And I really hope that we get more from her in the future along this line. It was just so good.

If you are a paranormal fan like I am. You might feel a little bored during the first part of this story. But if you trust me and hold out the ending makes up for it in so many ways.

Overall, I couldn't put this one down and I can seriously say that I don't think I could have done what Leeds did.



Go Into This One Knowing: Redeemable Main Character, Light Paranormal, True Love

I thought that this was really good! This is only the second Colleen Hoover book that I have picked up. I loved Regretting You when I read it last year so I was really excited to read more of her work. I tend to really enjoy paranormal stories so I was especially drawn to this book. I found this to be a really fast read that I enjoyed.

Leeds and Layla seem like they are meant for each other from the moment they first see each other. They meet at a wedding where Leeds was playing the bass with the band and Layla is enjoying herself by dancing, badly. They clicked right away and the chemistry between them was amazing. Then there is an incident that leaves Layla fighting for her life and everything changes. Leeds hopes to help her heal so he takes to her to the home that they met at during the wedding. That is when everything gets really weird.

This book was different than anything I have ever read. I liked the way that the story is presented with some glimpses of things to come interspersed with Leeds and Layla's chronological story. I liked that we knew that things would get really weird from the start and I was eager to see just how it would happen. I will say that there were some points in this book that I wasn't sure that I was going to like where it was going. There were some twists that I did not see coming which made everything work out so much better than I could have hoped for.

I would recommend this book to others. Both the story and the characters intrigued me and kept me guessing until the end. I definitely plan to read more from this talented author.

I received a digital review copy of this book from Montlake Romance via NetGalley.

Layla is Colleen Hoover's first paranormal read. A young couple who meet during a wedding find themselves in a whirlwind romance that almost ends in tragedy. Desperate to find that all consuming sparl again Leeds takes Layla to the place it all began. Except things spiral even more out of control in odd, disturbing ways and Leeds finds himself drawn to a strange newcomer. Desperate to find answers he finds himself looking where he never thought he would in his wildest dreams find himself searching. Overall it's a great read if not a little slow in places. However that does not deter me from giving it five stars. Full pot for the author's foray into the unknown and unexplainable!

I really enjoyed the story and the twist blew my mind, but I spent the majority of the story loathing Leeds Gabriel, the narrator of the story. I couldn't see how this could end in a good way, let alone a happily ever after making it a true romance. If I hadn't been caught up in the story, and not noticed how far I'd gotten into it, I probably would have DNF'ed it. In the end, I'm glad I finished. The story is amazing, and Colleen Hoover takes you on a journey that will haunt you when you're finished.

Thank you to Montlake and Amazon Publishing for my copy of Layla in exchange for my honest opinion.

I went in blind on this book, solely choosing it based on the fact that is Colleen Hoover (duh!). And even going back and reading the full synopsis after I finished the book, I never would have expected this book to turn out like it did.

There were several moments of, 'What the heck am I reading?' and I just could not get in to it. Paranormal is just not for me, even with addinging the romance spin to it. The characters did have a good backstory and the details were layered well, but I did not find myself liking any of them and it was all just strange. It does have a very powerful beginning to it that draws the reader in very quickly, and concludes with an interesting twist too. Hopefully anyone else that reads it that is not into the creepy/spookier stuff with enjoy it more than I did.

Review along with blog tour and the giveaway will be available on *Milky Way of Books*

I seriously did not expect CoHo to dive into the paranormal genre! And that was a very nice surprise! It is not a flashy type of using elements of the genre but there were parts of the book that made me gasp and the surprises kept coming revealing themselves as Leeds tries to uncover the mystery of Layla.

The book goes back and forth narrated by Leeds, the "present" is the part named THE INTERVIEW where Leeds slowly narrates what happens in the 8 months he met Layla and how it came to be in this....very awkward and mysterious disposition.

Trust me I can't reveal more as this is quite a surprise and I never spoiler you my dears!. Even if you were used to Colleen Hoover as a contemporary author you will definitely enjoy this one too!

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.

That’s pretty much how Leeds and Layla began with an instant click. When Leeds and Layla meet, it’s instant attraction.

Leeds plays guitar in a band where he’s just going through the motions and trying to figure out what he wants in his life. He’s singer and songwriter but for now he’s comfortable in the background. When his band plays at a wedding at a bed and breakfast he meets Layla, the bride’s sister, who seems to march to the beat of her drum and instantly understands him.

Together less than a year, a tragic incident affects them both and Layla isn’t the same person. In an attempt to get them back to where they once were Leeds takes them back to the bed and breakfast where they first met, but the inn is not the same as it was when they were last there and Layla doesn’t seem as enchanted by it anymore. When things don’t improve, Leeds becomes increasingly more concerned for Layla’s mental health. She seems to be moving further and further away from him. When Willow unexpectedly shows up at the inn, Leeds finds her intriguing, like Layla she’s a lost soul trying to get back to who she used to be. Leeds finds himself wanting to spend more and more time with Willow. Willow reminds him of the Layla he once knew and soon Willow is becoming more of a priority for him than Layla. Leeds then learns that Willow isn’t who he thought she was and wonders if she is the friend she claims to be or someone who wants to harm Layla.

So typically, there’s a whole process for me to read a Colleen Hoover book. It consists of me preparing myself for a massive emotional rollercoaster, and then ending with me in a fetal position wondering why such a nice lady would treat me like that.

To prevent spoilers, I can’t go too deep into details of the storyline, but “Layla” is a departure from Colleen’s typical story. She kind of took a walk on the wild side with this one, and it worked. It wasn’t until a certain part in the book when I realized the story was going in a direction that she’d never taken me in before. At one point I was wondering if I’d get my HEA (I can neither confirm or, deny if an HEA was indeed achieved). What I can confirm is that I really enjoyed this book. The characters all had their good and bad sides and were written in a way that constantly had me at odds. When I felt one way about them, I found myself questioning if I should actually feel that way about them. I wondered if I would like Layla because she seemed so flighty but that was a part of her charm. After her event her personality took a shift and I found myself not really liking her but then feeling guilty for not giving her a pass because of everything she’d been through I liked Willow immediately but felt bad about it because I felt like I should have loyalty to Layla, but I could definitely see why Leeds was so taken by her.

Leeds was the character I struggled the most with. His life becomes increasingly complicated as he learns that not just Layla, but also Willow needs saving, but to save one he may lose the other. I swayed back and forth with Leeds. I sympathized with him because he loved Layla so much and he wanted the “old” Layla back. It made me question his commitment to her; was he there only when things were good? Just when I was getting annoyed with him, he gets me back in his corner for confirming what I felt about him and the whole situation.

Sometimes I wonder, if I would have met her today…how she now…would I have fallen in love with her as easily as I fell in love with her in the beginning? I don’t know. Part of me thinks maybe I wouldn’t be able to fall in love with this version of her at all. And when I have those thoughts…it makes me feel like shit. Because I’m the reason she is the way she is. I’m the reason she’s so unhappy now. Because I failed to protect her.”

As I mentioned before, Colleen’s books typically have me in the fetal position at the end. This book did not do that, instead they mystery in this book kept me on edge the entire time.

Wow wow wow, I don’t even know how to start this review. I’m a huge Colleen Hoover fan. But I definitely wouldn’t consider myself a fantasy lover. Somehow, CoHo made it work! I did have a tiny bit of a hard time “buying it” at first but her writing hooked me pretty quick and my mind was BLOWN by the end of this book. I love that she’s trying new genres and I will never doubt her again! What an amazing rollercoaster of a ride this book was.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

**I will post on Instagram / Amazon closer to publication date as well as re-post on goodreads. I will update the links once done.**