Layla by Colleen Hoover blends romance and supernatural elements, eliciting mixed reactions. Readers appreciate the gripping, emotional narrative and unique plot twists, highlighting Hoover's engaging writing style. However, some criticize the character development and find the supernatural aspects implausible and confusing. Overall, it's a polarizing but intriguing read.

Readers who enjoy emotional romantic thrillers like Verity by Colleen Hoover or The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen will be captivated by Layla. This book appeals to fans of intense, unpredictable love stories with supernatural elements and psychological twists.

In Layla by Colleen Hoover, musician Leeds Gabriel recounts his intense romance with Layla, which turns dark when his mentally unstable ex-girlfriend, Sable, shoots them both before dying. Layla's recovery process changes her, leading them to reconnect at the bed-and-breakfast where they met. There, they encounter supernatural elements, revealing that Layla's spirit was displaced. Leeds learns to communicate with the spirit, named Willow, who inhabits Layla’s body. They eventually devise a plan to restore Layla's spirit to her rightful body.

Emotional / Mysterious / Romantic / Suspenseful / Contemplative

- Layla was released in December 2020, marking Colleen Hoover's foray into the paranormal romance genre, a shift from her usual contemporary romance style.
- The novel combines elements of suspense and romance, offering a unique blend that showcases Hoover's versatility in writing across different genres.
- Colleen Hoover independently published Layla, which allowed her greater creative control over the book's content and marketing strategies.

**Leeds Gabriel**  
The protagonist and narrator, Leeds is a musician struggling with his career when he meets Layla, who inspires him to share his solo work.

**Layla**  
Leeds’s love interest, Layla is a lively young woman who connects deeply with Leeds from their first meeting at her sister's wedding.

**Aspen Kyle**  
Layla’s practical and caring older sister and a nurse, Aspen plays a supportive role in Layla's recovery.

**Chad Kyle**  
Aspen’s new husband, often depicted enjoying drinks and making lighthearted remarks, forming a contrast to Leeds’s deeper connection with Layla.

**Sable**  
A former obsessive fan and ex-girlfriend of Leeds, with a history of mental health and eating disorder struggles, who violently disrupts Leeds’s life.

**Willow**  
A spirit residing at the bed-and-breakfast who can communicate by typing on a computer and has no recollection of her previous identity.

**UndercoverInc**  
An online username of a knowledgeable person about supernatural phenomena who meets Leeds under mysterious circumstances to offer insights.

Colleen Hoover

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Layla and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Layla Summary and Study Guide

Background

Layla Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Interview 1 and Chapters 1-2

Layla Interview 1 and Chapters 1-2 Summary & Analysis

Interviews 2-3 and Chapters 3-6

Layla Interviews 2-3 and Chapters 3-6 Summary & Analysis

Interviews 4-5 and Chapters 7-9

Layla Interviews 4-5 and Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Interviews 6-7 and Chapters 10-12

Layla Interviews 6-7 and Chapters 10-12 Summary & Analysis

Interviews 8-9 and Chapters 13-18

Layla Interviews 8-9 and Chapters 13-18 Summary & Analysis

Interview 10 and Chapters 19-24

Layla Interview 10 and Chapters 19-24 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 25-27 and Epilogue

Layla Chapters 25-27 and Epilogue Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Layla Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Layla Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Layla Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Layla Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Layla Essay Topics

Layla

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Layla?

Reading Age

Book Details