Book Review Wednesday: Layla by Colleen Hoover

After reading Verity last January, I awaited another thriller by Colleen Hoover that I could sink my teeth into. My prayers were answered in the form of Layla. I was so thrilled that I was approved to read an early copy of this through Netgalley and I devoured it within two days. 

I was unsure of where this novel was going at first and I grew so irritated with all the characters and the entire plot, until the climax hit and I understood what journey Hoover was taking us on. It was intense and beautiful.

Publisher's Summary

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.

My Thoughts

This book was super weird, in the best way possible. Leeds isn't the most likable guy and Layla seems like the typical heroine; sultry, desirable, full of wanderlust -- no wonder Leeds falls in love with her. I did feel like the relationship moved very fast but I think that was on purpose, for the point of the novel. 

After Layla is hurt and she is completely different, you almost start to dislike Leeds even more; it's not necessarily his fault that Layla ended up in the hospital but the way he is acting, it's typical douchebag. It was so irritating. Because Layla was broken, it seemed like he didn't want her anymore and as a woman, I felt personally attacked by that notion. 

Then, he meets Willow and without giving too much away, she is the worst and their 'relationship' is the worst. It was all so creepy, weird, and off putting. It made me feel icky, and not in a good way. However, that all changes once you realize what exactly is going on. 

One important thing to note in the novel, that you discover rather quickly, is that Leeds is keeping Layla locked up in a house and you're not sure why. The chapters switch between present and past tense, until they meet in the middle and you are finally aware of what exactly is happening at the B&B where Leeds & Layla are staying, where Leeds meets Willow.

When the twist occurs, when you finally meet in the middle and get a full picture, it is shocking. I had to re-read the paragraphs a few times because I couldn't believe what the novel was actually about! It was such a beautiful revelation and when everything is revealed, everything makes so much more sense.

I can't talk about the rest of the book without giving away spoilers but Colleen Hoover truly knocked it out of the park with "Layla." It was a gripping novel that really kept your attention, even when it annoyed you. The writing was spectacular and perfect, and the story pace was pretty good -- not too slow nor too fast. 

This wasn't a thriller nor was it a mystery, but somewhere in the middle. It was romantic, sad, creepy, and strange but in really wonderful ways. I know at the beginning of this post I said that Leeds & Willow annoyed me, but that doesn't mean I didn't adore the book! 

Layla is a book that everyone needs to read and I think most people would really enjoy it!

xoxo

B