Kylie’s Book Nook

Layla by Colleen Hoover

I became an instant CoHo fan when I read Verity last year so when I heard this was the same type of book from her, I had to read it immediately! As much as I loved Verity, Layla quickly surpassed it as one of my new favorites. This book was so unique, unlike any other books I have read which is such a rare find. It has romance, suspense and lots of paranormal, creepy fun that will leave your head spinning.

Quick 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."

I listened to this on audiobook and it was impossible to stop. I loved the narration and being inside his head as all the craziness is happening. I loved how flawed each character was and how realistic their relationship struggles were in the middle of this supernatural story. Hoover also delivered twist after twist, just when I thought I had it all figured out, BOOM another shocking revelation.

I cannot wait to read more from Colleen Hoover with both Verity and Layla in my favorites.

The Drowning Kind by Jennifer McMahon

The Drowning Kind by Jennifer McMahon was another spooky ride! This was my first by McMahon and I went in not knowing what to expect, but I was blown away! I love a good ghost story as much as I love a good twisty thriller and this book nails everything.

"In 1929, thirty-seven-year-old newlywed Ethel Monroe hopes desperately for a baby. In an effort to distract her, her husband whisks her away on a trip to Vermont, where a natural spring is showcased by the newest and most modern hotel in the Northeast. Once there, Ethel learns that the water is rumored to grant wishes, never suspecting that the spring takes in equal measure to what it gives.”

Jump to the future, Jax goes back home after a freak accident. Her sister, the amazing swimmer, is dead from drowning in their family home’s pool. As she tries to unravel what happened to her sister, who always struggled with mental illness, she uncovers way more than she expected about their family’s dark history.

The ominous atmosphere grows throughout this story as we alternate timelines from the early 1900s to present day. I absolutely loved the two interwoven storylines that kept me guessing after each section.

There were multiple twists I didn’t expect and actual moments I got goosebumps because I was so spooked. The end is bananas. McMahon knows how to make you feel like you’re right there inside a nightmarish situation with the characters. Haunting, terrifying, emotional and you will not want to put it down until you have answers!

I’m so glad I listened to this one on audiobook, the narration is excellent and adds to the creepy vibe.