54 pages 1-hour read

Colleen Hoover

Layla

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020

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Character List

Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.

Major Characters

Leeds is a financially secure but unmotivated musician playing bass in a band he actively dislikes. His life gains direction when he meets and falls deeply in love with Layla at a wedding. Following a tragic shooting, he takes on the role of Layla's primary caregiver, struggling with guilt, their changing relationship dynamics, and a growing fascination with the supernatural occurrences at their rental house.

Key Relationships

Romantic partner of Layla

Former partner of Sable

Confidant of Willow

Acquaintance of Aspen Kyle

Acquaintance of Chad Kyle

Correspondent of UndercoverInc

Bandmate of Garrett

Prospective buyer from Wallace Billings

Layla is a vibrant, deeply empathetic young woman from Chicago who initially possesses an infectious energy and sense of humor. Her bright personality is severely altered after she survives a traumatic shooting. During her difficult recovery at a secluded bed-and-breakfast, she struggles with severe depression, anxiety, memory loss, and a diminished appetite.

Key Relationships

Romantic partner of Leeds Gabriel

Younger sister of Aspen Kyle

Sister-in-law of Chad Kyle

Target of Sable

Sable is the former president of a Leeds Gabriel fan club who briefly dated him before their relationship ended. She suffers from significant mental health issues, including depression and disordered eating. Unable to accept the breakup, she engages in severe stalking behavior that escalates violently when she discovers Leeds has moved on.

Key Relationships

Obsessive ex-girlfriend of Leeds Gabriel

Attacker of Layla

Willow is an entity haunting the bed-and-breakfast where Leeds and Layla take their vacation. She lacks any memory of who she is or how she arrived at the house. She learns to communicate with Leeds through a laptop keyboard and develops a complex bond with him through their late-night interactions.

Key Relationships

Confidant of Leeds Gabriel

Occupant of Layla

Subject of investigation by UndercoverInc

Haunter of Wallace Billings

Supporting Characters

Aspen is Layla's older sister, working professionally as a nurse. She possesses a practical, no-nonsense demeanor that contrasts with her sister's early exuberance. Using her medical background, she remains fiercely protective of Layla during her difficult recovery process.

Key Relationships

Older sister of Layla

Wife of Chad Kyle

Acquaintance of Leeds Gabriel

Chad is Aspen's husband, whose behavior often includes heavy drinking and crass commentary. He booked Leeds's band for his wedding, inadvertently causing the meeting between Leeds and Layla. He serves as a sharp contrast to the deeper emotional connections valued by other characters.

Key Relationships

Husband of Aspen Kyle

Brother-in-law of Layla

Acquaintance of Leeds Gabriel

UndercoverInc is the online username of an individual active on paranormal message boards. He presents himself as highly knowledgeable about spirits, memory, and supernatural phenomena. He travels to the bed-and-breakfast to assist Leeds in understanding the unusual events occurring in the house.

Key Relationships

Correspondent of Leeds Gabriel

Investigator of Willow

Garrett is a musician who plays in the same band as Leeds. He travels with the group to various gigs, including a music festival in Miami.

Key Relationships

Bandmate of Leeds Gabriel

Wallace Billings is the proprietor of the isolated bed-and-breakfast where Leeds and Layla meet. He eventually puts the property up for sale after experiencing unusual disturbances.

Key Relationships

Seller to Leeds Gabriel

Haunted by Willow