Layla

By: Colleen Hoover

Narrated by: Brian Pallino

Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©2020 Colleen Hoover (P)2020 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“The audiobook is narrated by the late Brian Pallino, who provided distinct voices and powerfully reflected the emotions of the characters.” (Library Journal)

“Surprising and emotionally tense, this paranormal romance is sure to entertain.” (Publishers Weekly)

“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)

Surprisingly intriguing story; excellent narration

I had no idea what to expect with this audible book...And I was quite surprised. This storyline is incredibly unique, interesting, well-thought-out, and thought-provoking. I become extremely frustrated by authors who write the same stories over and over again, using different character names. This book was unlike anything I've listened to or read. The characters had depth, the storyline was rich, and the narrator (who will be sadly missed) was phenomenal. I think this is my first book by Colleen Hoover, but it certainly won't be my last if this is how well most of her material presents.

Not Horror, But the Ending Makes This One Worth It

This book is NOT horror at all. That's the one of the things that I find strange about the genre-placement of this novel. Yes, there is paranormal and spooky moments, but it was never scary. So, for those wondering if this book is actually scary or horror, it is a resounding NO!!! [NEW PARAGRAPH]

Next, I knew that I was going to finish this book when I got into it, but I have to admit that I was going to give it 2 or 3 stars until that ending. If you're having issues with it, please give the whole book a chance, because it ended in one of the most fascinating ways I've ever encountered in any book I've read in a while. [NEW PARAGRAPH]

The book goes back and forth between Leeds and Layla meeting and "The Interview," which is being conducted by someone referred to as "the man." All we know at the beginning is that something strange has happened to the couple a while back and it's come to a head at this point. The story of Layla and Leeds meeting is awesome and their characters are likable, even though Leeds seems like a bit of a brat in the beginning. You want them to be happy as a reader and having that much interest in characters are what makes books great. Ms. Hoover really got to me with this one. [NEW PARAGRAPH]

I'm going to reiterate that I don't think this was horror, because there was never a frightening moment. Even giving it the term thriller is an overreach. Paranormal Mystery is the closest thing I can come up to describe this book [NEW PARAGRAPH]

When I was 80% through this book, I HATED Leeds; that may seem as though I'm contradicting my last paragraph, but I am just saying that, as a couple, they are very likable early-on. Later, I thought he was garbage and was an awful person and I really think that most would feel this way. He is a fascinating character and, although he does the dumbest things, the reader can tell he's conflicted and filled with remorse. The reason why I bring up that I hated him is because I thought I was going to hate the ending. I thought I was going to give this book the worse review ever, but it became one of my favorites of the year. I read through MANY reviews and this book has gotten quite a few positive reviews and a few negative (mostly well-received). I know why now. I thought I was going to be one of the few that was going to write a scathing review about how things felt pointless, but I think Ms. Hoover did this on purpose. I'm VERY excited to read her other novels, because this is the first one. I look forward to comparing her work and HOPEFULLY see that she's a talent to be followed for future books!

I'm going to give the book a solid A; it was a little torturous at times, but it was worth going through all of that to find out the truth. I'm excited to read "Verity," because that's the other book that readers seem to have thought was very well-written and crafted. Brian Pallino was probably ONE of the best men to narrate this book. His voice, although I don't know quite how, did have a 'musician when he's talking' feel to it. Although I thought he did a great job, I didn't think he was as good as the book. I just think that there might've been someone who would've done better. I still am going to give him an A-, because it fit in many ways.

Love love this book!!!

This book is nothing like Colleen Hoover's other books that I’ve ever read it’s so different and so surprising and just an amazing book. I really really enjoyed it… I just finished it right now.

Not sure about this one...

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5

Talk about a very different kind of love story. I decided to listen to Layla on Audible after seeing this one all over #bookstagram. I almost did not finish this book, but I am glad that I did.

I loved that Colleen Hoover blends genres with Layla. I do not want to give too much away, but this was not your average love story. I really enjoyed that the story followed the view of the male lead character, which is not always typical.

While I liked the overall thought put into Layla, I simply could not get onboard with the characters. The relationship between Leeds and Layla at the start of the story was short lived before a tragic incident that I felt like I couldn’t connect well with them. As the story progressed I disliked Leeds more and more.

The twist towards the end of the book did justice to the story. Overall Colleen Hoover did a great job of stepping outside the box with her mix of genres with this book; however this book did not wow me like some of her others.

paranormal romance

Layla
By Colleen Hoover
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Colleen Hoover is one of my favorite authors. And her writing style has taken a deliciously wicked turn lately and I am here for it. Verity was both infuriating and jarring and full of twists and sometimes hard to read turns.

When she posted: Me two months ago: “I’m gonna write a romantic comedy!”
Me two months in: “Oh. Oh, no. I guess when I said comedy, I meant tragedy...” I knew I had to read Layla. And I did. In one sitting.

I will admit that after Verity. I was expecting something different. I was looking for the tragic twist that would fly me into a rage and make me scream... but that didn't happen. There was a twist but in the best sort of way. It had an ending that left me satisfied and not one that left me needing more answers. I'm a sucker for love stories and I'm a sucker for anything paranormal. And I'm a sucker for Colleen Hoover so giving this 5 stars was a no brainer.

She does it again!

Great unique storyline!! I was shocked!! I have not read a paranormal romance before. So happy that I did! All of Colleen Hoover's books are amazing!!

BRILLIANT!!!!

From the beginning to the end! Amazing! Hoover ALWAYS takes me on an unexpected ride. She is never predictable, ever! More please! I can’t get enough!

Unreal

I wasn’t so sure about this book in the early chapters. This was so like Colleen Hoover, yet so unlike Colleen Hoover. Since I am such a fan I decided to give it the “ol’ college try.”Such an intriguing story, so unlike anything she’s ever done before. I’ve called her a heifer before for leaving me in limbo in her stories, but I was REALLY calling her names this time! Lol! Go read Layla...you’ll be glad you did.

Whoa

I didn’t know what to expect. I went in completely blind which is something I never do. I love spoilers. But I promised my daughter I wouldn’t spoil this book for myself.
I didn’t see any of those plot twists coming. I loved every single thing about this story. Colleen proves time and time again that she can write any genre. She is so talented. Please read Layla. Yes, it’s paranormal but it’s written by Colleen Hoover and is an amazing book.

romance twists

the author thrills us again! this romance takes some interesting twists and turns..i enjoyed it