Learn what happens in Colleen Hoover’s ghost story. This Layla by Colleen Hoover summary fully describes the plot of the bestselling paranormal romantic thriller that captivated her fans (especially as a great romance book to read in the Fall). You’ll get all your questions about one of the most unique Colleen Hoover books answered in this online book summary. Let’s get literary!
- Wall Street Journalbestseller
- USA Todaybestseller
Quick Details
The age rating for Layla is Mature Adults aged 17 and over as it is one of the most spicy of Hoover’s novels. (Read more about Layla content warnings.)
Layla is a paranormal ghost romance and thriller book by Colleen Hoover.
Leeds wants to spend his life with Layla, but he’s torn because she was left a different woman as the result of a violent attack.
When they retreat to a Bed and Breakfast, Layla’s behavior becomes downright bizarre, and that’s not the only odd thing happening in this place. Leeds meets a “guest” named Willow, and he starts falling for her, ultimately leading to him learning the truth about what happened to Layla and the strange occurrences.
Layla by Colleen Hoover: Summary
In Layla, Leeds is a band musician who meets a woman named Layla when she’s dancing at her sister’s Bed and Breakfast wedding where he’s playing. After this chance romantic encounter, they end up staying together during the weeks that follow.
They fall in love, and Leeds believes it’s “forever,” but his fans aren’t happy he’s in a relationship with Layla. A violent shooting leaves Layla in the hospital for weeks and, upon her discharge, she seems like a different woman.
In an attempt to restore their relationship, Leeds rents the abandoned Bed and Breakfast, which is now up for sale, bringing an engagement ring with him.
But when they get there, Layla’s behavior turns odd, particularly around food, and more strange things start happening, like a pot getting pushed off the stove.
So, Leeds sets up cameras, which show Layla putting a blanket on him, even though she said she didn’t. Then, the camera faces the wall on its own.
That’s when Leeds decides to learn to communicate with the ghost. He plays the piano and, indeed, the ghost plays back. Via Leeds’ laptop, the ghost further communicates that her name is Willow.
It turns out that Willow can take over Layla’s body to further communicate with Leeds. When she does this, Leeds starts falling for her.
At one point, when Willow leaves Layla’s body, Layla becomes alarmed and confused. Leeds wants to leave the house, but Willow seeks his help in figuring out what happened to her, and he agrees to stay. He’s a tired caretaker for Layla, and he has found sparks of happiness in Willow.
When Layla tries to leave, Leeds and Willow record a video explaining the situation to her, but Layla just thinks she’s being drugged.
Ending Explained
Warning: There are spoilers below.
Willow enters Layla’s body and Leeds ties her to the bed, seeking personal help from a man named Richard, whom he met in an online ghost forum.
(In the book, this storyline is weaved throughout alternating from past to present.)
The man, also a ghost, helps them determine that Willow is actually the soul of Layla. When Layla was shot by Leeds’ obsessive ex, Sable, Leeds shot and killed Sable in defense. At this time, Sable’s soul entered Layla’s body, and Layla’s soul went to the B&B.
This is why Layla seemed changed after the shooting, particularly around food (which was a struggle for Sable), and it is also why strange things happened at the B&B.
Leeds and Willow (Layla’s soul) ask Layla’s sister, a nurse named Aspen, to help get Sable’s soul out of Layla’s body and Layla’s soul (Willow) back into Layla’s body.
Leeds holds Layla’s body (with Sable’s soul) underwater as Willow (Layla’s soul) attempts to re-enter the body of Layla permanently. Layla (with Sable’s soul) dies, and Aspen resuscitates Layla (with Layla’s soul).
Leeds and Layla move to Montana to start over together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the summary of Layla?
Layla is a paranormal ghost romance and thriller book by Colleen Hoover. Leeds wants to spend his life with Layla, but he’s torn because she was left a different woman as the result of a violent attack. When they retreat to a Bed and Breakfast, Layla’s behavior becomes downright bizarre, and that’s not the only odd thing happening in this place. Leeds meets a “guest” named Willow, and he starts falling for her, ultimately leading to him learning the truth about what happened to Layla and the strange occurrences.
Is Layla a ghost story?
Yes. In Layla by Colleen Hoover, the male protagonist, Leeds, meets a ghost named Willow at the Bed and Breakfast where he and his injured girlfriend, Layla, are staying. He begins to fall for the ghost, which sets into motion a chain of thrilling events that reveal the truth about what happened to both Layla and Willow.
Is Layla a spicy book?
Yes. Layla by Colleen Hoover is one of her most spicy books with graphic sex scenes depicted.
What is the twist in Layla?
The twist in Layla by Colleen Hoover is that Willow is the soul of Layla. When Layla was shot by Leeds’ obsessive ex, Sable, Leeds shot and killed Sable in defense. At this time, Sable’s soul entered Layla’s body, and Layla’s soul went to the B&B.
Who shot Layla in the book?
In Layla by Colleen Hoover, Layla was shot by Leeds’ obsessive ex, Sable.
Conclusion
This Layla by Colleen Hoover summary described the bestselling author’s paranormal ghost romance and thriller book, in which Leeds must contend with a ghost if he is ever to restore his relationship with Layla, who was violently injured.
It’s a good book selection for Mature Adults ages 17 and over, as it has some triggering content (including violence) and graphic, “open-door” sexual content. It’s also a great book for fans of Verity and plot twists.
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Julianne Buonocore
I'm the founder and president of The Literary Lifestyle®, an authentic community that helps busy women relax, learn, and embrace a very cozy way of life.
I'm a reader of 100+ books per year, I studied English literature, and I've been onThe Today Show's Read with Jenna Book Club, Read with Jenna Book Club, Buzzfeed, The Atlantic, Esquire, Mashable, The Everygirl, Glamour, Parents, and more. My essay was published in the bookBut I'm a Gilmore!
