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Layla Paperback – December 8, 2020


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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.


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Editorial Reviews

Review

An Amazon Best Book of the Month: Romance

“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 is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of several novels, including the bestselling women’s fiction novel It Ends with Us and the bestselling psychological thriller Verity. She has won the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Romance three years in a row―for Confess (2015), It Ends with Us (2016), and Without Merit (2017). Confess was adapted into a seven-episode online series. In 2015, Hoover and her family founded the Bookworm Box, a bookstore and monthly subscription service that offers signed novels donated by authors. All profits go to various charities each month to help those in need. Hoover lives in Texas with her husband and their three boys. Visit www.colleenhoover.com.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Montlake (December 8, 2020)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 303 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1542000173
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1542000178
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:

About the author

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Colleen Hoover
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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.

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

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
4.2 out of 5
107,316 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book offers food for thought and insight into love. They also say it keeps them interested the whole time and is well-written. Readers say the book makes them experience many emotions. They describe the characters as great and the plot as interesting with twists and turns on every page. Opinions are mixed on the reading pace and comprehensibility, with some finding it fast-paced and gripping, while others say it's slow going at first.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

1,317 customers mention "Plot"1,025 positive292 negative

Customers find the plot interesting, with lots of twists and excitement. They also say it's a great love story with a supernatural twist that gives life to soul. Overall, customers describe the book as an interesting take on the paranormal realm.

"...The whole book is set up with so much love and excitement and unknown. The ending had me reading faster than I ever have to know what happened...." Read more

"...It was different from her usual genre, but a good different that was suspenseful and kept you wondering the whole way through up until the very end...." Read more

"...In conclusion, "Layla" is a must-read for fans of romance, suspense, and paranormal fiction alike...." Read more

"...Paranormal Romance, spooky vibes, psycho stalker, soul mates, unexpected twist. Leeds and Layla ❤️ There was spice but not a lot...." Read more

333 customers mention "Readability"309 positive24 negative

Customers find the book well-written, easy to read, and believable. They also say the author has an amazing imagination and the details make sense in the end.

"...It’s a quick easy read, one you won’t want to put down, and one that will stick with you...." Read more

"...You know a book is well written when it brings out emotions you weren’t expecting and has twist that weren’t expected...." Read more

"...The writing style of this author was good and flowing. A quick read, thus I'm thankful it was free on Kindle Unlimited...." Read more

"...Wow, 5 stars are too little for this book...wow, amazingly well written.Please write another like this!😁..." Read more

153 customers mention "Emotional resonance"142 positive11 negative

Customers find the book to be an intense and interesting novel. They say it's a mix of fear, anticipation, anxiety, and fun. They also appreciate the added bonus of no ugly cries. Readers also mention that the book has love, tragedy, and a happy ending.

"...most about "Layla" is Hoover's ability to evoke such raw and powerful emotions in her readers...." Read more

"...All of that to say this book was exciting, packed with psychological twists and turns and kept me completely on my toes. Read this book...." Read more

"...bonkers but it was a great listen to and from work with the added bonus of no ugly cries like usual with Coho books." Read more

"...Provocative and thought inducing. It would make a great read for a Book Club." Read more

121 customers mention "Characters"90 positive31 negative

Customers like the characters in the book. They say they are great and amazing.

"...The characters feel incredibly real, their pain and heartache palpable with every word...." Read more

"Fast paced, solid characters, read in two days. Highly recommend! Colleen Hoover doesn’t disappoint with this one. Great read all the way around" Read more

"...… I like the premise, and twists and turns… but the male main character was such a misogynistic, goober I could hardly stand it...." Read more

"...It's made of interesting characters experiencing usual things from unusual viewpoints...." Read more

109 customers mention "Content"88 positive21 negative

Customers find the book offers much food for thought and some good insight into love. They also say it's engrossing, powerful, and refreshing. Readers also mention that the book is a little more experimental, but still a good read. They say the story is weird, confusing, and deeply intriguing.

"...genre, but a good different that was suspenseful and kept you wondering the whole way through up until the very end...." Read more

"A little crazy, but good read. Easy ready, lotsa twists, not a typical CH book. I would recommend if you like paranormal plots." Read more

"...It definitely offers much food for thought, and some good insight into love. I suspect this would make a great movie." Read more

"...Amazing stuff Colleen Hoover!! Well done!! I was a skeptic, but not anymore." Read more

93 customers mention "Engagement"93 positive0 negative

Customers find the book interesting and keeps them on their toes. They also mention that it makes them think about what's going on.

"...exciting, packed with psychological twists and turns and kept me completely on my toes. Read this book. You won’t regret it!" Read more

"Loved this book! Very suspenseful and keeps you on your toes. Easy to follow the story. Love Colleen Hoover, amazing author" Read more

"...This one is definitely a great read and she did amazing at capturing my attention, provoking my imagination, and making me feel every emotion..." Read more

"This one kept me page turning! I couldnt wait to find out whats next. My mind was racing the entire time. The ending made my jaw drop!..." Read more

124 customers mention "Reading pace"56 positive68 negative

Customers are mixed about the reading pace. Some find the book fast paced and gripping, while others say it's slow going at first and predictable in parts. They also say the book drags a bit half way through and the flow of the book is up and down.

"I feel like it started out decent then just got repetitive and slow til 75% of the way through...." Read more

"...The writing style of this author was good and flowing. A quick read, thus I'm thankful it was free on Kindle Unlimited...." Read more

"...it to me because she loved it but I just didn’t like how it was very rushed." Read more

"Fast paced, solid characters, read in two days. Highly recommend! Colleen Hoover doesn’t disappoint with this one. Great read all the way around" Read more

63 customers mention "Comprehensibility"35 positive28 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the comprehensibility of the book. Some find the author does a great job getting them hooked, and the book is a quick read with a twist. They also enjoy the fast pace start, and find the characters and their instant connection sweet. However, others say the plot is hard to get into.

"...It's a good time filler if needed, but not a classical that has staying power like some of the greats I go back to often." Read more

"What a plot… it was definitely hard for me to get into it but once I started listening to the audio on long drives, it was really interesting." Read more

"Fast paced, solid characters, read in two days. Highly recommend! Colleen Hoover doesn’t disappoint with this one. Great read all the way around" Read more

"...It was hard for me to stay into because I started hating the main character, but I was determined to figure out what would happen. I’m so glad I did...." Read more

3.5 STARS
3 Stars
3.5 STARS
Leeds and Layla met at a Bed & Breakfast - she was a guest at her sister's wedding, he was in the band that played at the event - and they connected immediately. 😍She may be a hot-mess, full of energy and a little weird, but that's why she got his attention. He never met anyone like her and was sure he’ll spend the rest of his life with her. So from a hot weekend together, they started a serious relationship. Until the accident that changed everything.......... 💥💥💥📚 "𝐒𝐡𝐞'𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐰, 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐬𝐡𝐞'𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐭. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐥𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐰𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐞." 📚First of all, this book is not labeled as a thriller, but as a paranormal novel - however, in my opinion this is definitely a thriller. Despite that - this book is NOT "Verity", but those who loved it, will probably enjoy this book as well. 😍The story was interesting, creepy and weird at the same time (well, it still a paranormal romance 😂) - and starts with a big BANG that made me so curious - but the plot was too slow and there were moments I got bored... if I would have read and not heard the audio, I probably would have skipped a few parts - because as a thriller, it needed more suspense... and as a novel, it needed more romance... 😬📚 “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.” 📚Even so, when I got to the twist towards the end, I was left with my jaw on the floor!!! I had some ideas, but I certainly did not expect what happened there. 😱😱😱To sum up, this book was good (well dah, CoHo wrote it! 😂👑) But it wasn't amazing... I recommend it if you like suspense and paranormal romances.
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2024
When I started reading this book, I honestly had no clue it was about ghosts. I just love Colleen Hoover so simply clicked on a book to start reading. Once I got into the book and started to figure out what it was about, I was a little skeptical. But I pushed forward and I’m so happy I did. The whole book is set up with so much love and excitement and unknown. The ending had me reading faster than I ever have to know what happened. Absolutely 5 stars.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2024
Having read the majority of CoHo books, this was one of my faves! It was different from her usual genre, but a good different that was suspenseful and kept you wondering the whole way through up until the very end. It’s a quick easy read, one you won’t want to put down, and one that will stick with you. I recommend this not just to CoHo fans, but anybody with an interest in suspense/the supernatural/things that can’t be explained. Thumbs up!
6 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2024
I feel like it started out decent then just got repetitive and slow til 75% of the way through. The twist came (far fetched) and then it got semi interesting to the end. Not sure if I would recommend this one and I’ve really enjoyed all the other CH books I’ve read
Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2024
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!
9 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2024
I saw lots of posts saying this was a good creepy read for Halloween last year and I wish I had listened, cause they were right.

Colleen Hoover has done it for me again. Paranormal Romance, spooky vibes, psycho stalker, soul mates, unexpected twist. Leeds and Layla ❤️ There was spice but not a lot. I liked the suspense and mystery of it all. If you need a spooky read for spooky season pick this one up. I don't feel like I can say too much about the actual story without giving things away. But if you liked the suspense and creepy vibes from "Verity" then I think you will like this book too. 🙌🏻
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2024
Was caught off guard towards the end. The way the story intertwined everyone was great. Good weekend or rainy day read.
2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2024
I loved this book. The emotions it brought out. At one point I was so angry- I won’t ruin any surprises. It ended up coming together and ending way better than I was expecting!! You know a book is well written when it brings out emotions you weren’t expecting and has twist that weren’t expected. Colleen Hoover seems to bring out all the emotions, twist and turns with all her books. I can usually predict what’s about to happen expect with Colleen Hoover!!! I hope she’s writing more because I’m almost done reading all of her books
Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2024
That ending was from left field, and so good! I could predict most of the storyline up until about the end where it all was like "What the .... no way!!!" The writing style of this author was good and flowing. A quick read, thus I'm thankful it was free on Kindle Unlimited. While I like the book, it's not one I'd keep and reread years from now. It's a good time filler if needed, but not a classical that has staying power like some of the greats I go back to often.
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Top reviews from other countries

Hpervez
5.0 out of 5 stars A different kind of red
Reviewed in Canada on April 27, 2024
A very different kind of story. Spooky, eery, romatic, suspenseful all at the same time. Left me on edge until the last sentence. Great read..
LUCIA GAMBOA LARA
5.0 out of 5 stars Muy bueno
Reviewed in Mexico on April 22, 2024
Excelente libro
Amy Harrison
5.0 out of 5 stars great book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 3, 2024
I’m a huge Colleen Hoover fan and this book did not disappoint. Great story. Very imaginative. One of those books you wish you could read again fr the first time
akshita Rastogi
5.0 out of 5 stars Because a bad dancer needs a good writer
Reviewed in India on November 2, 2023
It was an amazing book with lots and lots of twist and turns. Colleen Hoover knows her audience and after verity this is one of the best thriller and suspense novel which she has written.
Tami - Meu Epílogo
5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente, como tudo o que Colleen escreve!
Reviewed in Brazil on March 17, 2021
Assim como sempre faço, a leitura de Layla foi feita logo que o livro foi lançado nas gringas. E também como sempre faço, cozinhei esta resenha o tanto quanto pude, pois sempre acho que nunca vou conseguir discorrer sobre as histórias de Colleen Hoover. Agora, com o iminente lançamento da versão BR do livro, chegou a hora de falar sobre ele.

Antes de mais nada, gostaria de dizer que haverá massivas omissões nesta resenha. Como eu sempre digo, é melhor pecar pela omissão do que pelo excesso. Layla é um livro muito difícil de ser resenhado e sugiro que vocês fujam de resenhas deste livro que se permitam ir muito além daquilo que a sinopse entrega. Acreditem em mim, o plot twist deste livro pode ser arruinado com apenas uma palavra. Então, àqueles que não gostam de spoilers: tomem cuidado.

Colleen Hoover tem se empenhado em mostrar sua versatilidade e vem conseguindo. Após o estrondoso sucesso de Verity, seu primeiro thriller, a autora se arriscou mais uma vez e escreveu o seu primeiro romance paranormal. E como era de se esperar, Colleen conseguiu criar uma história instigante e única; história esta que o leitor lê e fala: isso só poderia ter saído da cabeça de Colleen Hoover.

Layla é um livro com poucos personagens e cenários, o que acho essencial quando se trata do gênero. Deixar os personagens lidando sozinhos com acontecimentos inexplicáveis torna a leitura muito mais eletrizante, pois nos coloca na mesma perspectiva. E ao limitar o mundo que os personagens tinham ao seu redor, Colleen explorou um artifício muito utilizado no gênero que é o de transmitir uma sensação de impotência e claustrofobia. Para onde correr quando a situação fica insustentável se não há para onde ir?

Vi que muitas pessoas estão esperando por esse livro e estão questionando se ele será um novo Verity. Não, ele não será. Não cabe comparação e, apesar de eu ter gostado muito da história, considero que Verity encontra-se em um patamar acima.

O envolvimento de Leeds e Layla é muito intenso desde o início. O famoso instalove com o qual todos nós, leitores, estamos acostumados. Há aqueles que compramos e aqueles que não compramos, e eu comprei o de Leeds e Layla. Bom, até certo ponto. Sempre envoltos em conversas profundas sobre o ser e o existir, os protagonistas convencem o leitor de que há muito mais coisas envolvidas no relacionamento do que uma mera atração.

Livre, divertida e espirituosa, esta é Layla. A personagem é muito leve, quase etérea, e nos conquista desde o primeiro momento. Com seus questionamentos sobre os mistérios da vida, Layla nos leva a fazer o mesmo, o que é bacana. Ela é uma personagem tão boa que causa até mesmo certa perda no leitor quando muda da água para o vinho.

Já Leeds, bom... lembram que mais acima eu disse que comprava o relacionamento até certo ponto? Eu disse isso porque certas atitudes, mesmo sob a justificativa do zelo e do amor, não são aceitáveis. Estas atitudes já seriam questionáveis se ele soubesse o que estava acontecendo ao tomá-las; tomá-las sem conhecimento torna tudo ainda pior, ainda que, no final, haja uma justificativa que transcende o lugar comum. Além disso, não há nenhum brilho no personagem. Ele é acomodado e desinteressante, e foi ele o grande responsável por este livro não ter entrado nos meus favoritos.

E então temos Willow, a mulher que faz Leeds questionar tudo aquilo que sente por Layla. Willow é misteriosa, triste e solitária, o total oposto de Layla. É uma personagem complexa em diversos sentidos, mas não cabe a mim esmiuçá-los. Tanto Leeds quanto Willow chegam na pousada em busca de algo. Este algo eles encontram um no outro, mas e Layla?

Quando os acontecimentos inexplicáveis começam a acontecer, há ainda mais incredulidade no que diz respeito ao comportamento de Leeds. Inicialmente, ele quer nos (e se) convencer de que não envolve Layla por conta de seu estado frágil, mas há o momento onde ele cruza a linha tênue entre a curiosidade e a obsessão. Willow não o julga, e esta compreensão desmedida faz com que ele coloque até mesmo o bem-estar de Layla em jogo.

Enfim, gente, não posso falar sobre a parte paranormal da história, mas tenham em mente que não é nada no estilo Poltergeist e nem nada que vai fazer o leitor morrer de medo, inclusive arrisco dizer que em Verity há momentos muito mais tensos. Todavia, enquanto em Verity as atitudes dos personagens têm origens psicológicas, em Layla elas são inexplicáveis. Isto é, claro, até o momento onde as explicações começam a aparecer.

Como eu disse no início das minhas considerações, esta é uma história que só poderia ter saído da cabeça de CoHo. É uma viagem super louca, mas que, no fim das contas, vai fazer sentido. E você não precisa ser crédulo para embarcar nesta história, Colleen não quer te convencer de nada. Apenas embarque na leitura esperando o inesperado.

Os personagens, como também já mencionei, são enxutos, mas ainda temos Aspen e Chad, irmã e cunhado de Layla, Sable, ex-namorada de Leeds, e Randall Richard, um misterioso homem que se propõe a ajudar Leeds quando as coisas saem de seu controle. Aliás, já rolou dreamcast de Layla aqui no blog, se você não viu é só clicar AQUI.

O eBook de Layla está disponível gratuitamente no Kindle Unlimited no idioma original, e foi esta edição que eu li. A história é narrada integralmente por Leeds, o que não foi algo ruim apesar das minhas questões com o personagem, apenas senti falta de um POV de Layla e Willow. São vinte e sete capítulos e um epílogo, além disso, há ainda transcrições de uma entrevista onde Leeds narra os acontecimentos da pousada.

A edição brasileira de Layla tem lançamento previsto para o dia 15 de abril. Fico aqui na torcida para que, mais uma vez, Colleen conquiste vocês com o que ela sabe fazer como ninguém: contar histórias.
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