Bestseller Hoover (Regretting You) explores the power of love in the face of tragedy in this engaging contemporary romance with a supernatural twist. Aspiring singer-songwriter Leeds Gabriel happens to meet Layla on the night of Layla's sister's wedding, and immediately knows that they're meant for each other. The pair embark on a whirlwind romance, but Leeds is left reeling when his obsessive ex-girlfriend, Sable, attacks and almost kills Layla. Layla recovers physically weeks later, but the incident leaves her emotionally and mentally scarred. Desperate to salvage their relationship, Leeds surprises Layla with a trip back to the bed and breakfast where they first met. But Layla's behavior takes an erratic shift once they arrive, followed by a string of strange events, including displaced objects and a piano that plays itself. Feeling disconnected from Layla, Leeds finds relief from his loneliness in the mysterious Willow, another guest at the B&B--but Willow is more than she appears and her connection with Leeds puts Layla at risk. Though the ending is slightly rushed, the unusual twist on a typical love triangle plot adds intrigue. Surprising and emotionally tense, this paranormal romance is sure to entertain. Agent: Jane Dystel, Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret. (Dec.)

Hoover's (Verity) novel is a compelling and emotional story of Leeds and Layla. The story is told from the perspective of Leeds, a secretly wealthy man who moonlights as a musician and meets Layla at her sister's wedding. Leeds and Layla have incredible chemistry; it's love at first sight. Tragedy strikes shortly after they connect, as Leed's unstable ex, Sable, almost murders Layla. Though Layla survives the attack, she has changed. In an effort to recapture their romance, the self-absorbed Leeds brings them back to where they first met, and here the story takes a turn towards the paranormal as strange things begin to occur. The audiobook is narrated by the late Brian Pallino, who provided distinct voices and powerfully reflected the emotions of the characters. The aspects of mystery, tragedy, and a love triangle add to a story of connections and conflict. The novel is somewhat slow-moving to start, but the final third of the story will reward the persistent listener. VERDICT Fans both of the author and of paranormal romances will relish this tale.--Denise Garofalo, Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, NY

In a departure for Hoover (Regretting You, 2019), Layla is part psychological thriller and part paranormal romance. Rising musician Leeds falls in love with Layla when they meet just before her sister's wedding. They grow close quickly, but things take a dire turn when Layla is nearly killed in an ambush by one of Leeds' ex-girlfriends. After months of recovery, Leeds takes Layla back to the bed-and-breakfast where they met to recuperate, and soon notices strange things. He realizes a spirit is living there, and he learns to communicate with her. He falls for the spirit, who calls herself Willow, and realizes that Layla is no longer the woman he loved. With the help of a paranormal expert, Leeds learns that Willow is tied to Layla and the violent events that harmed them, and if he does not find a way to help Willow, Leeds may be stuck with the wrong woman forever. 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.

An aimless young musician meets the girl of his dreams only to have his newfound happiness threatened by several inexplicable--and possibly supernatural--events. The story opens as Leeds Gabriel meets with a detective while his girlfriend, Layla, is restrained in a room one flight above them. Through the interview, readers learn that Leeds was wasting both his time and his musical talent playing backup for a small-town wedding troupe called Garrett's Band when he spied Layla dancing her heart out to their mediocre music at a wedding. When Leeds approaches Layla, their connection is both instant and intense. A blissful courtship follows, but then Leeds makes the mistake of posting a picture of himself with Layla on social media. A former girlfriend--turned-stalker wastes no time in finding and attacking Layla. Layla spends months recovering in a hospital, and it seems the girl Leeds fell for might be forever changed. Gone is her special spark, her quirkiness, and the connection that had entranced Leeds months before. In a last-ditch effort to save their relationship, he brings Layla back to the bed-and-breakfast where they first met. When they get there, though, Leeds meets Willow, another guest, and finds himself drawn to her in spite of himself. As events unfold, it becomes clear that Willow will either be the key to saving Leeds' relationship with Layla or the catalyst that finally extinguishes the last shreds of their epic romance. Told entirely from Leeds' point of view, the author's first foray into paranormal romance does not disappoint. Peppered with elements of mystery, psychological thriller, and contemporary romance, the novel explores questions about how quickly true love can develop, as well as the conflicts that can imperil even the strongest connections. Despite a limited cast of characters and very few setting changes, the narrative manages to remain both fast-paced and engaging. The conclusion leaves a few too many loose ends, but the chemistry between the characters and unexpected twists throughout make for a satisfying read. A unique story of transcendent love. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.