“I placed two layers of duct tape over Layla’s mouth before I came downstairs, but I can still hear her muffled screams as the detective takes a seat at the table.”

The very first sentence in Layla had me instantly covered in goosebumps, fully invested in the story. I knew Colleen Hoover had a darker side after reading her phenomenal thriller Verity, and was all too happy to be sucked into her vortex of romantic suspense once again — this time with a paranormal spin.

I fell in love with Leeds and Layla’s romance just as quickly as they fall for each other. When they meet at a bed and breakfast, there is a tangible sizzle between them and an infectious bubble of joy. Hoover is fantastic at setting the tone, and it’s such a stark contrast to the strained and creepy atmosphere that envelops Leeds and Layla when they return months later. Add in another character, Willow, and things only get more strange.

I found myself questioning my sense of right and wrong more than once. While Leeds is someone I immediately connected with, as the story goes on I vacillated between admiring him, loathing him, and feeling sympathetic towards him. I felt fiercely protective of Layla and desperately wanted to relieve her anxiety.

I’m pretty good at solving puzzles, but this mystery kept me guessing. Layla is a gripping paranormal thriller that left me dizzy with plot twists and torn loyalties. More dark Hoover, please.

This book was the perfect mix of paranormal thriller and romance. I don’t typically find myself choosing books with a paranormal element, but this one did it in such a way that had me hooked.

After a traumatic event that leaves Layla emotionally and mentally scarred, she and her boyfriend Leeds return to the bed and breakfast where they met months earlier in an attempt to re-ignite their relationship. After a series of strange, unexplainable events and behavioural changes with Layla, Leeds soon finds comfort with Willow - another guest of the bed and breakfast. As their concerns for Layla’s well-being grow, so does their connection. Leeds will ultimately need make a choice, and if he chooses wrong, it could be detrimental to all of them.

This was my first Colleen Hoover book, and it did not disappoint! I devoured this novel in less than 24 hours - to the point where I was prying my eyes open so I could stay awake to find out what happened next. With a book like this, I don’t want to go too much into the plot for fear of giving too much away, but I will say that there are definitely clues that were dropped early on that I picked up on, but didn’t quite know how they were going to play out. But even knowing those things didn’t take away from the surprises later on. It had such a good balance of thriller with the plot twists and unexpected reveals, and romance, with the love story that evolved as the book went on. I really enjoyed this one!

Before reading Layla I didn't look at the synopsis or any reviews. I do this for many books but it’s an especially good idea to go in with a blank slate when reading Layla. Just know it is nothing at all like what CoHo has previously written and leads me to believe that no genre or idea is off the table for her to write.

It has been a long time since a first sentence has pulled me in like Layla did. It perfectly set the tone of what was to come and what a wild ride it was! Just when I was starting to wrap my head around things, CoHo blew my mind. I’m still processing what I read. I won’t say anything more because I don’t want to accidentally give anything away. You’ll just have to read it for yourself.

Layla was unlike any other book I’ve ever read. I didn’t love it but I didn’t hate it. It just threw me for the biggest loop. I rated it 3 stars because it was captivating and flowed well, but I felt like the characters lacked a lot of emotional depth.

Leeds and Layla had a whirlwind, instant-love type romance and it totally worked for them... until tragedy struck and everything changed. I sympathized with Layla’s character and what she was dealing with both physically and emotionally. I also felt for Leeds who was trying to figure out a way to make it better and help Layla.

Willow’s appearance in the story was fascinating. Her presence wasn’t necessarily unwanted or feared but I did feel like she was quite closed off and unwilling to give too much detail about herself no matter how much Leeds pressed for answers. I thoroughly enjoyed the direction the story was going until Leeds started to develop feelings for Willow and selfishly put Layla in danger. Once that breaking point happened, I was beyond annoyed. Cheating is a big no go for me in romance books, so I started to resent the characters from that point on. Leeds for being so self absorbed and dishonest, Willow for encouraging the behavior and being complicit and Layla for basically giving up and never questioning enough.

The ground shaking plot twist turned my mood around instantly and helped me become reinvested in the story. It felt like after that point, everything started to fall into place. It finally all made sense as to how this novel was classified as a paranormal romance.

The ending of Layla was pretty much the most ridiculous thing ever but I liked it. I enjoyed the absurdity of it. I appreciated the out of the box thinking of the characters. The epilogue gave the perfect amount of closure for the characters and the story.

This book was certainly bizarre. A risk by the author that she executed quite well. How Colleen’s brain works will always blow me away. I didn’t think any of her books could be as insane and shocking as Verity but Layla went and did it!

Of course this book had me intrigued from the moment it was announced. Colleen Hoover and a romance story with ghosts!? Sure! I read and loved the 'Never Never' series that she wrote with Tarryn Fisher a few years ago which I found to be very entertaining.

While 'Layla' is not my favorite book of hers, it certainly kept me hooked in right from the very beginning. The alternating chapters built to a very surprising conclusion, and never fear, this is most definitely a romance. I will say that this book tells the story of Leeds, a musician who falls passionately in love with Layla. He fully intends to spend the rest of his life with her, because he is convinced they are soulmates. Other than that, it is best to go in blind

This book kept me on my toes as to where the plot was going. I had lots of guesses. I wasn't totally invested, however, in the relationship between Leeds and Layla and would have enjoyed more background on both of these characters. Die-hard Colleen Hoover fans will definitely enjoy this one though, as it does have some VERY twisty turns that will certainly keep you guessing. The combination of romance and suspense/mystery is something I'd like to see more of from this author in the future. Overall an entertaining and very spooky story with a beautiful romance at its core.

This book was one hell of a wild ride. I did not see that ending coming. I left that book feeling warm, shocked, loved, and did I say shocked?? An absolute beautiful story for those thriller lovers like myself.

Once again Colleen Hoover proves that she can write in any genre. This was a different read for me, I will freely admit. There are tones of creepiness. It hits you right in the feels and keeps you in it for the romantic times in the story. It is a fast paste read with superb character development that only Colleen can do. Leeds and Layla are instant and sometimes that gets to me when it is so quick to those love feelings.
There is really no way to get in depth with a review , I am afraid I might spoil it for you and I DO NOT want that!
Take the journey with Leeds and Layla and

Layla by Colleen Hoover
I give this book 4 stars
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.Leeds whisks Layla away to the bed-and-breakfast but soon finds solace in Willow—another guest 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.

This book is slightly different (l won’t say how 😊) but was right up my street! It's my first Colleen Hoover read and l really enjoyed the plot and characters,very well written with twists and turns l just didn't see coming.l found it an intriguing,engrossing and for me a touch emotional, loved the ending!
Highly recommended romance read
Thanks to Netgalley, the Author and the Publisher for my chance to read and review this book

I have heard such AMAZING things about Colleen Hoover so I was super excited to receive an early release copy of Layla. The story was creepy and got right into the action from the beginning. I just felt like I didn't know enough about the characters to really care about them and what was going on. (This story is also told from a male perspective.) I can't wait to read other CoHo books and I know that others have loved this one!

Layla is Colleen Hoover’s first foray into the paranormal genre, and, in my opinion, it can be summed up with one word: success! This just goes to prove that she can write the heck out of anything and still stay true to her style and ability of creating unique characters and storylines. It still screamed one hundred percent Colleen Hoover, but with an eerie paranormal story and a generous side order of creep factor.

I loved every minute that I spent wrapped up in these characters’ lives. Right from the first page, my curiosity was piqued. I wasn’t sure where she was going to take me with this book, but I was certainly up for anything her imagination could conjure up.

Layla is a paranormal romance, a thriller, and an all-consuming, twisted, thought-provoking read. It is original, chilling, romantic, unnerving, and utterly riveting. With every turn of the page I was more and more immersed in Layla’s and Leed’s story and relationship. I had so many questions churning around in my mind. I was surmising so many different scenarios that could be played out, but if I’m being completely honest, I didn’t have a sweet clue. Despite my best efforts, the author continued to shock and surprise me with some jaw droppings twists. I should’ve known better than to think I could have it all figured out.

I would love to get into all of the details and discuss every delectable morsel of this addictive novel, but I certainly don’t want to accidentally give anything away. I’ve chosen to be as vague as possible and I am tiptoeing through this review with extreme caution. You don’t have to be a fan of paranormal fiction to read this book. If you enjoy well-written stories that pull you in and keep you intensely invested until the final page, then this is a book for you. A good story is a good story, and this one just so happens to be phenomenal!

*5 Stars

I truly had no idea what to expect from this book since I’ve never heard of a paranormal romance before. I’ve read a few of CoHo’s romance books as well as Verity so I knew this one was going to be good but it exceeded all of my expectations.

The book was written so well. I was creeped out at some parts and loving the romance at others. I think the paranormal aspects were intertwined in the story really well and the twists were really good! I also loved the ending of the book. Overall I absolutely loved this book and rated it 5 stars!

What can’t Colleen Hoover do?!

This one was absolutely insane. The twists. The turns. The heart racing. I will read anything she puts out!

Overall this book will keep you engaged and provides a nice relief from your average romance (since yes, ultimately this book read and felt like a romance, not a mystery). You will surely have to suspend your beliefs for this book and while Hoover tries to ultimately make you feel like the main character, Leeds, has normal reactions and reasonings involving this ghostly encounter - there are so many aspects of his decision making that are hard to believe.

There is a twist but depending on your level of book sleuth-ism, you might not be blown away by it's reveal. I finished this book with ease despite myself but for the most part was not invested in the storyline or the characters. It was a different type of book from what I normally read and while I did NOT going into this book expecting another Verity, I also was hoping for a little more fulfillment than what this book had to offer.

If you like ghost fiction - without a doubt, this book is a great pick. If you’re looking for a twisty, thriller - this one will leave you wanting more.

❝Don’t sleep, but I’m always tired. Don’t eat, but I’m always hungry. I can’t drink, but I’m always thirsty.❞
Once again, Hoover provides her readers with a peak into her wickedly crazy brain. Where on EARTH does she come up with this stuff? There are authors who I have thought I would love to spend a day inside their heads to see what it was like to have their imaginations. But not Hoover. I’d be afraid. I’d surely be tormented. I mean, how DOES SHE COME UP WITH THIS STUFF? Unique doesn’t begin to describe what I just read.

A Meet Cute? well, sure

Disturbing AF? for sure

Did I like it? absolutely!

The beginning of the book Leeds and Layla meet at her sisters wedding. Leeds couldn’t take his eyes off of her while he and the other band members played on stage. He was mesmerized by her carefree attitude and awful dancing. She was the complete opposite of him and he felt inexplicably drawn to her. She was honest to a fault and sassy. She called him on his crap and he couldn’t get enough. They shared a whirlwind romance, until disaster struck. The Layla before the attack and the one after the attack are the same, but different. Deciding the best recovery for Layla (and their relationship) is to take her back to the place they met, the B&B where their romance started. It is here he meets Willow. The more time he spends with Willow, the more he realizes he has been struggling to love the new Layla the same way he did the old one. There’s something not quite right about her, and with the help of Willow, he figures it out.

While I really enjoyed this story, I did struggle with Leeds’s character. Even though it was clear that the love he felt for Layla was extraordinary, his feelings did not justify his selfish actions.

While this was a love story, it was more paranormal than romance, but one that romance and paranormal lovers will enjoy. It was uniquely and strangely good!

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐞/𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐳𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐠𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲. ⁣
⁣
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

This is not your average Colleen Hoover book friends. She went over to the paranormal side and I love it!!⁣
⁣
“𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘳. 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳.” ⁣
This doesn’t sound very romantic but it really is!⁣
⁣
Leeds is playing bass for a semi popular modern country band that he couldn’t stand. They are playing at a wedding when he spots this incredibly beautiful woman that dances so ungraceful, moving like she’s listening to something completely different than everyone else. She does it with no inhibition and Leeds is awestruck with admiration. It was love at first sight. Layla is just what Leeds needs to bring him out of his in limbo existence. So just like that they are inseparable from the time they met and all seemed perfect. Until a horrible tragedy struck. Trying to get back on track and heal from their wounds Leeds books the abandoned bed and breakfast where they first met at Layla’s sisters wedding. You would think it would be the perfect romantic getaway. But they weren’t factoring in on Willow, an unannounced occupant. So there’s that and Layla’s mood changes since the accident seemed to be even more enhanced at the house. And their romantic vacation that was supposed to bring them back together seems to be tearing them further apart instead.⁣
Leeds is starting to piece together that he knows how to fix what’s going on with Layla and himself and help Willow, the other occupant ⁣
at the same time. If he puts his plan into action he could fix everything going wrong between them but if things go wrong he could lose her for good and take Willow down as well. ⁣
⁣
I was hooked from word one! Colleen Hoover is an excellent author that sucks you into what ever she writes and Layla is no different. The genre is not the norm of what she usually writes but she did an excellent job and I never would have known otherwise. And to be honest I didn’t catch on to exactly what was going on until much later into the book, which speaks volumes because I tend to get a vibe right away and kind of figure things out early on. ⁣
⁣
There was a point where I got a bit annoyed with Layla’s antics towards the end. I thought that could have went a little smoother but that is literally the only problem I have with the book.⁣
It was fresh, interesting and I was rooting for Leeds all the way!

Not sure what to make of this book. I love the idea of this book if that makes sense. I love that the author is dipping her toes in another genre, and the idea of this plot is just this side of crazy. Crazy in a good way though, it works. I’m a huge paranormal fan, so for me, this plot works, and works well.
The story is well written and has a total creepy vibe throughout the whole story. At the first you think Layla is just a flighty airhead with a major case of ADHD, but I assure you there is much more to her. Leeds is the perfect match for her. He does give off creepy vibes, but this whole book does, so it fits. If you love creepy and paranormal, this is the book for you.

This was SO GOOD. I love when Colleen taps into the more wild side of her writing. I mean I love her contemporary romances. But books like this, and Too Late, Verity...ones that take a different path....I feel like her light shines even more in them.

Layla and Leeds are in love, but both recovering from being attacked, and they are on a getaway in hopes it will bring them back to normal. But the place they're staying is only bringing them apart. In fact, at times, this feels like a love triangle. A kind of spooky one. There's a creepy vibe, and that whole sense of something being wrong or off right until the very very end.

I loved it.

Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh! What did I just read? I have never been so conflicted over a storyline. It’s not a love triangle, but it is. I absolutely loved wannabe rockstar Leeds, even when I didn’t like him very much (and to be fair, the times I didn’t like him, Leeds also didn’t like himself very much either). I could feel his every emotion, his every thought. A testament to the author’s powerful writing. I was riveted, needing to know the whys, the hows and the whats. I wanted to know all their stories. I wanted that happy ever after for them all, but I wasn’t sure how that could happen. There were so many twists and turns. Leeds tried his best to do the right thing in exceptional circumstances. Add in the intrigue, and let’s not forget it’s a ghost story, so there’s a little suspense. I absolutely loved this, Colleen Hoover’s first foray into the paranormal, I do so hope she writes more. I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest review.

Literally every time Colleen Hoover does something new with her books, she does it amazingly well, so it's no surprise that her first paranormal romance is really good. This was a puzzle that finally made perfect sense when the last piece was put into place. Once you read the startling prologue in this, you're not going to want to put it down, so clear your schedule for this one.

Wow, I don’t know where to start with this. This book is not what you expect! Be open-minded from page 1!
There will be a point in this book where you want to shut it closed and swear to everyone around you! Not believing what’s going on but then it all comes together and it all starts making sense!

Leeds & Layla are soulmates from the first day they meet. An instant attraction like no other, one that carries on into another realm.

Full of suspense and the love between Layla and Leeds comes through each page. Be prepared for a story like no other.