This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Published by Montlake
Released on December 8, 2020
Pages: 299
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
The Delight
Seeing a favorite author try yet again a different genre and do it justice is delight enough for me with this one. People think of Hoover as a romance writer and I don’t think that’s necessarily true. Oh, there’s generally a romance of sorts, but there’s usually way more to the story than that. I’ve been lucky to read most of her work.
Review
When Leed’s band plays at a wedding far away from home, he meets Layla and pretty much falls for her almost immediately. Of course, when the weekend is over, she leaves with him instead of her family. The couple settles in and are very happy. This is when someone from Leed’s past decides to meddle with their relationship. In a big way. Months later they go to the bed and breakfast from the wedding for a vacation alone. The house is vacant and for sale. Weird occurrences start happening almost immediately. And because of spoilers, I think I will stop here with the storyline.
This was definitely not your typical paranormal book. I have read way more than my share of paranormal/speculative fiction and I have to say, Hoover really changed things up in the genre for me. The book’s plot was unexpected, by me anyway, but features top notch writing. As if Hoover could write any other way. Part of the way in, I was really doubting her though. I wasn’t fine with some of Leed’s actions, okay, more than some. I really wanted to like him but felt that he might never redeem himself and I just wanted to say “Enough already” so so many times during the read. I even put it down a time or two or three. It took me eight days to read and I generally do a book or most of a book in a day. I felt like I knew what was going to happen and I didn’t like that. I definitely needed to give the author the benefit of the doubt. Had I not remembered how good of an author Hoover is, I may have stopped. I didn’t and in the end I’m very glad I didn’t. Probably about 60-65 percent in, it really got good.
The characters weren’t my favorite and I was wishing to be out of Leed’s head and into Layla’s at times. Having said that, I probably wouldn’t have gotten so gripped into the story as I finally did. Layla admitted to mixed up disjointed thoughts so leaving that out is probably a good thing. As you can probably tell, I’m a little all over the place with this review. It bothered me at times, I wanted to kick someone’s rear end for some actions, and at other times, I enjoyed it.
I know this isn’t a long and involved review, but due to the circumstances of this read it’s important to not know much about the story or ending. In some ways, I really wish there had been more to the ending, but really in the end, what else is there to tell? I’d recommend this to adult paranormal romance readers or anyone(like me) that loves Hoover’s work.
About the Book
Layla by Colleen Hoover
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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I’m not sure if Leed would be my cuppa. It’s been a minute since I’ve read Colleen Hoover and, while this one sounds amazing, I’m not sure if I would be able to deal with Leed.
Well in Leeds defense he did have reasons for some of the actions I didn’t understand. There are a few twists.
Well you have definitely intrigued me 🙂 thanks
It was very intriguing I must admit! Really different.
I’ve heard lots of good things about this author! 🙂
Greg she really is a wonderful author and always way deeper than you get from a lot of authors. The stories stick with you.
I’ve enjoyed this author. Fascinating to have her try another genre.
It’s so different from the norm as far as paranormal romances go. I think you might like it!
I’m interested – I didn’t know she was branching out of her typical genre, but everything I’ve read by her I’ve enjoyed. A bit of paranormal definitely has me intrigued, as does your mixed reaction!
It’s certainly different that’s for sure and I would recommend it especially if you like her writing.
I always love it when an authors adds a new spin into the genre that we don’t expect to see. This book is definitely tempting me to pick up this author.
Lovely review hun!
It was unexpected especially since I used to review only paranormal books. It doesn’t really fit a mold. You should try her, she’s a favorite of mine.
I love all the books I tried by the author and I’m curious about this one as well
I loved most of her books as well. She’s such a good writer. You might really like this one as it’s so different.
Great review Lorna. I am listening now.
I’m waiting to read your Awakening one until I read it. I keep having authors publish books I want to read more and I’m not looking forward to holding a big book to read. I’m so spoiled. Ha!
I’m glad her first paranormal turned out so well for you even if it took forever for the book to grab you.
Yes, it did take awhile because it was so very different especially with this author.
Teasing me over here! I want to know more!!
It was good! And even free on KU if you have that.
Great review, Lorna! I had some moments with this one that I was thinking that I was not going to like how things would work out. I must say that the twist was perfect but I wasn’t sure for a bit.
I know exactly what you mean! It was touch and go for me at times.
I wouldn’t have guessed anything paranormal from that cover! Some books are iffy at first, but if you push through, they do get better and make it all worth it. Glad to hear that was the case here!
Exactly! And I knew that this author would never let me down. So I ended up happy with the read. And it’s definitely paranormal.