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The Layover
For readers who love forced-proximity, enemies-to-lovers, and grumpy/sunshine romances that also pack an emotional punch.
Fans of books by Sophie Kinsella and Sally Thorne.
Gemma is the maid of honor, but her intentions are anything but honorable. After years of watching the bride get everything she worked for, losing her promotion on the eve of the wedding is the last straw. Armed with an incriminating video from the hen party, Gemma's plan to finally get even is in she's going to stop this wedding.
Leon thinks his sister is making a huge mistake getting married. Colossal. The groom is rude and uptight, and he's turned his sister into someone unrecognizable. If he could just get her alone for one quick, honest conversation, he's sure he could save her from making the biggest mistake of her life. He has to stop this wedding.
Francesca and the groom have been close for years and once shared a perfect night together—until he met the bride-to-be. But she's convinced he still loves her; that he's the “one that got away.” This is her last chance to finally confess her love for him, or risk losing him forever. She must stop this wedding.
When bad weather grounds their flight, the trio meet. Faced with a ten-hour layover and nothing to do but get to know one another, it’s not long before their plans are revealed. Ten hours should be more than enough time to figure out how to get what they all want, or to change their minds—and their lives—completely.
Fans of books by Sophie Kinsella and Sally Thorne.
Gemma is the maid of honor, but her intentions are anything but honorable. After years of watching the bride get everything she worked for, losing her promotion on the eve of the wedding is the last straw. Armed with an incriminating video from the hen party, Gemma's plan to finally get even is in she's going to stop this wedding.
Leon thinks his sister is making a huge mistake getting married. Colossal. The groom is rude and uptight, and he's turned his sister into someone unrecognizable. If he could just get her alone for one quick, honest conversation, he's sure he could save her from making the biggest mistake of her life. He has to stop this wedding.
Francesca and the groom have been close for years and once shared a perfect night together—until he met the bride-to-be. But she's convinced he still loves her; that he's the “one that got away.” This is her last chance to finally confess her love for him, or risk losing him forever. She must stop this wedding.
When bad weather grounds their flight, the trio meet. Faced with a ten-hour layover and nothing to do but get to know one another, it’s not long before their plans are revealed. Ten hours should be more than enough time to figure out how to get what they all want, or to change their minds—and their lives—completely.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 26, 2025
45 people are currently reading
6583 people want to read
About the author
Beth Reekles
27 books2,030 followersBeth Reekles is an author and creator best known for her series The Kissing Booth, which was adapted into a series of hit Netflix movies. She began her writing career by self-publishing The Kissing Booth on story-sharing platform Wattpad at fifteen years old, and earned a three-book deal with Penguin Random House at seventeen. Love, Locked Down is her tenth published book. After obtaining a Physics degree and working a day job in IT, she is now a full-time author and self-confessed nerd who loves to review movies on Instagram @authorbethreekles.
Her published works include:
The Kissing Booth
The Beach House
The Kissing Booth 2: Going the Distance
The Kissing Booth: Road Trip!
The Kissing Booth 3: One Last Time
Rolling Dice
Out of Tune
Cwtch Me If You Can
It Won't Be Christmas Without You
Love, Locked Down/Lockdown on London Lane
Her published works include:
The Kissing Booth
The Beach House
The Kissing Booth 2: Going the Distance
The Kissing Booth: Road Trip!
The Kissing Booth 3: One Last Time
Rolling Dice
Out of Tune
Cwtch Me If You Can
It Won't Be Christmas Without You
Love, Locked Down/Lockdown on London Lane
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
August 30, 2025
It's short, fun, and really sweet. Unfortunately, I think that this book being marketed as a rom-com does not do it justice.
It is about more than romance. It felt more like a light but touching story about accepting oneself and others, in all the good and bad ways, about love, friendship and family.
The characters are interesting and have great chemistry, and I really liked the setting and the writing.
I had a great time and finished the book almost in one sitting.
Thank you Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group for this ARC.
It is about more than romance. It felt more like a light but touching story about accepting oneself and others, in all the good and bad ways, about love, friendship and family.
The characters are interesting and have great chemistry, and I really liked the setting and the writing.
I had a great time and finished the book almost in one sitting.
Thank you Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group for this ARC.
August 3, 2025
what an annoying bunch
February 12, 2025
3.75☆
This was a quick, and fun read!
I really enjoyed the plot, as well as most of the characters (not you, Kayleigh).
This book is centred around three characters, Francesca, Gemma, and Leon. They all want to stop or ruin the same wedding. When their flight is delayed, they spend ten hours plotting, getting to know each other, and understanding that maybe their revenge won’t feel so sweet.
I enjoyed the characterisation of Gemma, Francesca, and Leon. They all had layers to their personalities, and valid reasons to want to stop the wedding.
Gemma. She is a very confident and blunt woman. She seeks revenge because Kayleigh has taken her wedding idea, her flat, and now her promotion that she set up. Kayleigh has been a terrible friend, and Gemma has an incriminating video of her. She is also torn because Kayleigh is the only friend who has stuck around, and Gemma doesn’t want to be lonely.
Leon, the poor thing, is Kayleigh’s brother, and is trying to break up the wedding because their family thinks Marcus (the groom) is a bad fit for Kayleigh. He’s torn between holding on to the hope that his sister actually is a good person and doing as his Nana told him, and then figuring out that maybe there is a reason Kayleigh has been blowing off the family, and has suddenly turned into a mean person.
And Francesca. I understand her the least. I honestly thought she was delusional, and a pushover. She believes Marcus is the love of her life, and wants to confess to him, thinking he’ll choose her over his bride. Honestly, I didn’t care much for her character and at times she was annoying with how she was constantly defending Marcus, even when given other peoples’ perspectives of him.
Honestly, I was not satisfied with the ending. I wish we could’ve seen the aftermath of everything, and the effects of Kayleigh being a mean person. I would’ve enjoyed seeing her get what she deserves, and see her struggle as a consequence of her own actions.
Also, this book mentioned Nesta and ACOTAR multiple times, and given I hate that series and the author is a Zionist, I did not like that.
Overall, this was a fun read (some parts felt slow in terms of pace) and there’s a funny plot twist at the end which I laughed at.
Thank you to NetGalley, and Little Brown UK for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was a quick, and fun read!
I really enjoyed the plot, as well as most of the characters (not you, Kayleigh).
This book is centred around three characters, Francesca, Gemma, and Leon. They all want to stop or ruin the same wedding. When their flight is delayed, they spend ten hours plotting, getting to know each other, and understanding that maybe their revenge won’t feel so sweet.
I enjoyed the characterisation of Gemma, Francesca, and Leon. They all had layers to their personalities, and valid reasons to want to stop the wedding.
Gemma. She is a very confident and blunt woman. She seeks revenge because Kayleigh has taken her wedding idea, her flat, and now her promotion that she set up. Kayleigh has been a terrible friend, and Gemma has an incriminating video of her. She is also torn because Kayleigh is the only friend who has stuck around, and Gemma doesn’t want to be lonely.
Leon, the poor thing, is Kayleigh’s brother, and is trying to break up the wedding because their family thinks Marcus (the groom) is a bad fit for Kayleigh. He’s torn between holding on to the hope that his sister actually is a good person and doing as his Nana told him, and then figuring out that maybe there is a reason Kayleigh has been blowing off the family, and has suddenly turned into a mean person.
And Francesca. I understand her the least. I honestly thought she was delusional, and a pushover. She believes Marcus is the love of her life, and wants to confess to him, thinking he’ll choose her over his bride. Honestly, I didn’t care much for her character and at times she was annoying with how she was constantly defending Marcus, even when given other peoples’ perspectives of him.
Honestly, I was not satisfied with the ending. I wish we could’ve seen the aftermath of everything, and the effects of Kayleigh being a mean person. I would’ve enjoyed seeing her get what she deserves, and see her struggle as a consequence of her own actions.
Also, this book mentioned Nesta and ACOTAR multiple times, and given I hate that series and the author is a Zionist, I did not like that.
Overall, this was a fun read (some parts felt slow in terms of pace) and there’s a funny plot twist at the end which I laughed at.
Thank you to NetGalley, and Little Brown UK for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
October 10, 2025
4.25 ✨
0.25 🌶️
Thank you to Beth Reekles, Wattpad Webtoon Book Group, and NetGalley for the eARC!
✨ ARC Review
📅 Publish Date: December 2, 2025
⁀➴ Overall: This book focuses more on romance in general than telling a particular couple’s love story. I thought the setting and premise were unique, fun, and well done! I also really liked having 3 POVs and watching the characters grow.
⋆⟢ Tropes + Vibes:
✈️ forced proximity
🩵 strangers to friends
✈️ grumpy x sunshine
🩵 loving yourself first
✈️ stuck in an airport
🩵 self-worth journeys
⁀➴ Bookish Thoughts:
⋆⟢ Plot:
Kayleigh and Marcus are having a destination wedding. Our three narrators—Gemma, Leon, and Francesca—are all on their way to the wedding when their plane gets rerouted and they get stuck in Orly Airport… for 12 hours. All three narrators are hoping to “sabotage” the wedding in some way, and while they’re in the airport waiting, they learn all about each other and themselves.
While this book is romance-related, I would not say that this is heavy on individual romance stories. It focuses more on all of the different types of relationships someone could have–friends, acquaintances, family, and romantic love–and how those start, carry on, and end.
⋆⟢ Characters:
✿ Gemma is an overworked, hyper-independent, eldest daughter-vibes, maid of honor for Kayleigh and Marcus’ fancy destination wedding.
✿ Leon is Kayleigh’s grumpy brother, who’s stressed, a bit burnt out, and dreading both attending this wedding and his brother-in-law to be.
✿ Francesca is Marcus’ “work wife”, shy, a bit insecure, and tends to make herself small or blend in so she can remain close to Marcus.
✿ Kayleigh, Marcus, and all of the other side characters from Gemma’s “friend group” are all pretty awful, to be quite honest. They’re actually the worst of people, and I found myself really thankful that they were true side characters and we didn’t have to see or hear from them much.
⋆⟢ Writing Style:
It’s so cool and unique to have the 3 POVs and see how everyone sees each situation. I feel like I’m watching a movie and the camera pans to each person and I get an omniscient narrator telling me how everyone feels while they have a conversation. It also gives a lot of opportunity to showcase each narrator’s specific personality traits and how they respond to stressors.
I thought that the book had a lot of cute moments in it, many heartwarming realizations, and enough silliness to keep the reading light even while handling heavier topics. That said, I did think that it could have been a couple of chapters shorter potentially in the middle. I also would have liked a bit more information and closure at the end, personally.
⋆⟢ Wrapping it up:
I would definitely recommend this book if you’re looking for a sweet, heartwarming, uniquely set and written book that discusses topics like romantic love, realizing your self worth, and learning to let go of things that no longer serve you.
0.25 🌶️
Thank you to Beth Reekles, Wattpad Webtoon Book Group, and NetGalley for the eARC!
✨ ARC Review
📅 Publish Date: December 2, 2025
⁀➴ Overall: This book focuses more on romance in general than telling a particular couple’s love story. I thought the setting and premise were unique, fun, and well done! I also really liked having 3 POVs and watching the characters grow.
⋆⟢ Tropes + Vibes:
✈️ forced proximity
🩵 strangers to friends
✈️ grumpy x sunshine
🩵 loving yourself first
✈️ stuck in an airport
🩵 self-worth journeys
⁀➴ Bookish Thoughts:
⋆⟢ Plot:
Kayleigh and Marcus are having a destination wedding. Our three narrators—Gemma, Leon, and Francesca—are all on their way to the wedding when their plane gets rerouted and they get stuck in Orly Airport… for 12 hours. All three narrators are hoping to “sabotage” the wedding in some way, and while they’re in the airport waiting, they learn all about each other and themselves.
While this book is romance-related, I would not say that this is heavy on individual romance stories. It focuses more on all of the different types of relationships someone could have–friends, acquaintances, family, and romantic love–and how those start, carry on, and end.
⋆⟢ Characters:
✿ Gemma is an overworked, hyper-independent, eldest daughter-vibes, maid of honor for Kayleigh and Marcus’ fancy destination wedding.
✿ Leon is Kayleigh’s grumpy brother, who’s stressed, a bit burnt out, and dreading both attending this wedding and his brother-in-law to be.
✿ Francesca is Marcus’ “work wife”, shy, a bit insecure, and tends to make herself small or blend in so she can remain close to Marcus.
✿ Kayleigh, Marcus, and all of the other side characters from Gemma’s “friend group” are all pretty awful, to be quite honest. They’re actually the worst of people, and I found myself really thankful that they were true side characters and we didn’t have to see or hear from them much.
⋆⟢ Writing Style:
It’s so cool and unique to have the 3 POVs and see how everyone sees each situation. I feel like I’m watching a movie and the camera pans to each person and I get an omniscient narrator telling me how everyone feels while they have a conversation. It also gives a lot of opportunity to showcase each narrator’s specific personality traits and how they respond to stressors.
I thought that the book had a lot of cute moments in it, many heartwarming realizations, and enough silliness to keep the reading light even while handling heavier topics. That said, I did think that it could have been a couple of chapters shorter potentially in the middle. I also would have liked a bit more information and closure at the end, personally.
⋆⟢ Wrapping it up:
I would definitely recommend this book if you’re looking for a sweet, heartwarming, uniquely set and written book that discusses topics like romantic love, realizing your self worth, and learning to let go of things that no longer serve you.
December 29, 2024
The Layover by Beth Reekles is a fun, layered take on a classic romcom trope. Gemma, Leon, and Francesca are three strangers with one thing in common: they all want to stop the same wedding. Gemma’s ready to take down the bride (and her rival) with an incriminating secret, Leon thinks his sister is marrying the wrong man, and Francesca is determined to win back the groom who was once her everything. When their flight is delayed, they have ten hours to plot, argue, and maybe discover that what they want isn’t as straightforward as it seems.
I really enjoyed this! What starts as a lighthearted forced-proximity romcom quickly reveals its emotional depth, touching on themes of self-worth, family, and moving on. The characters each have their own complex motivations, which made it easy to root for all three despite their chaotic plans.
There were times where the pacing felt a little bit slow so I didn’t get through it as quickly as I’d have liked, but the emotional payoff made up for this in the end.
Fans of The Road Trip by Beth O’Leary and Emily Henry’s books will love the mix of humour, heart, and tension.
Thank you to Little Brown Book Group and NetGalley for the eARC! This will make a great summer 2025 read.
I really enjoyed this! What starts as a lighthearted forced-proximity romcom quickly reveals its emotional depth, touching on themes of self-worth, family, and moving on. The characters each have their own complex motivations, which made it easy to root for all three despite their chaotic plans.
There were times where the pacing felt a little bit slow so I didn’t get through it as quickly as I’d have liked, but the emotional payoff made up for this in the end.
Fans of The Road Trip by Beth O’Leary and Emily Henry’s books will love the mix of humour, heart, and tension.
Thank you to Little Brown Book Group and NetGalley for the eARC! This will make a great summer 2025 read.
January 23, 2025
3.5? I'm torn on what I should rate it because, it's not really the kind of book I usually read, but it was very well written, and I enjoyed every bit of it, even if I'm not likely to re-read it.
"The perfect read for fans of The Spanish Love Deception, Icebreaker and Emily Henry"
I would say this is false advertising, while the writing style may be similar and plots points overlap, the meaning and content of the book, is totally different.
I have similar issues with:
"THE ULTIMATE ROMANTIC SUMMER FORCED-PROXIMITY, RIVALS TO LOVERS AND GRUMPY/SUNSHINE!"
Yes, there is forced proximity, but not in the context that trope is usually used in. There's definitely no rivals to lovers, and the grumpy/sunshine is because they were having a bad day, not because its who they are. So once again, false.
If you can get past my mini rant, and want to know about the actual book....
When you start the book you think all three main characters are shitty people, one is just more shitty than the others, and the wedding couple is the worst*, but we don't even have their pov. It's a very funny vibe. I don't like any of these people, but I couldn't stop reading either.
It's like the whole thing is based on people being nosey gossipy hags, and you're one too if you keep reading this book, but you have all this drama, you need to know what happens! As the reader you have bits and pieces the other characters don't, and the anticipation of them finding out or putting the pieces together yourself is quite fun.
Reading this was a ride! I was so focused on the drama in the present and could only breathe when the characters also started breathing and looking at the bigger picture.
You slowly realise they're not bad people, just people who made bad decisions because fear, love, or naïveté. It's defintely not a romance to me, and as mentioned above I'm frustrated it was marketed as such, but it does have a tiny romance subplot. It's completely clean.
Really, it's more a book about toxic relationships and being willing to see the truth and be yourself. Written in a very comedic way, and very fun to read.
*Side tangent:
One of the three MC is a raging bitch (but with a conscience) who's bff with the girl getting married who also a raging bitch (but without a conscience). And she basically starts acting as the fairy godmother to the two other MCs. Which is definitely an interesting vibe, though they all help each other out really.
Thank-you NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC.
"The perfect read for fans of The Spanish Love Deception, Icebreaker and Emily Henry"
I would say this is false advertising, while the writing style may be similar and plots points overlap, the meaning and content of the book, is totally different.
I have similar issues with:
"THE ULTIMATE ROMANTIC SUMMER FORCED-PROXIMITY, RIVALS TO LOVERS AND GRUMPY/SUNSHINE!"
Yes, there is forced proximity, but not in the context that trope is usually used in. There's definitely no rivals to lovers, and the grumpy/sunshine is because they were having a bad day, not because its who they are. So once again, false.
If you can get past my mini rant, and want to know about the actual book....
When you start the book you think all three main characters are shitty people, one is just more shitty than the others, and the wedding couple is the worst*, but we don't even have their pov. It's a very funny vibe. I don't like any of these people, but I couldn't stop reading either.
It's like the whole thing is based on people being nosey gossipy hags, and you're one too if you keep reading this book, but you have all this drama, you need to know what happens! As the reader you have bits and pieces the other characters don't, and the anticipation of them finding out or putting the pieces together yourself is quite fun.
Reading this was a ride! I was so focused on the drama in the present and could only breathe when the characters also started breathing and looking at the bigger picture.
You slowly realise they're not bad people, just people who made bad decisions because fear, love, or naïveté. It's defintely not a romance to me, and as mentioned above I'm frustrated it was marketed as such, but it does have a tiny romance subplot. It's completely clean.
Really, it's more a book about toxic relationships and being willing to see the truth and be yourself. Written in a very comedic way, and very fun to read.
*Side tangent:
One of the three MC is a raging bitch (but with a conscience) who's bff with the girl getting married who also a raging bitch (but without a conscience). And she basically starts acting as the fairy godmother to the two other MCs. Which is definitely an interesting vibe, though they all help each other out really.
Thank-you NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC.
February 20, 2025
i received this book as an arc!
brief summary:
francesca, gemma and leon are all on the way to barcelona for a wedding and they are all unhappy about it. when their flight has to emergency land in france due to the weather, they are forced to spend the night in the airport together until their flight out to barcelona. in this time they share their reasons for not wanting the wedding to go ahead and get to know eachother.
this book is promoted as a romance but it honestly is secondary in most of the story and doesn't start until late into the book. i REALLY enjoyed it! i loved that we were in all 3 perspectives and that there were so many back stories and connections between them. i would 100% recommend.
brief summary:
francesca, gemma and leon are all on the way to barcelona for a wedding and they are all unhappy about it. when their flight has to emergency land in france due to the weather, they are forced to spend the night in the airport together until their flight out to barcelona. in this time they share their reasons for not wanting the wedding to go ahead and get to know eachother.
this book is promoted as a romance but it honestly is secondary in most of the story and doesn't start until late into the book. i REALLY enjoyed it! i loved that we were in all 3 perspectives and that there were so many back stories and connections between them. i would 100% recommend.
September 30, 2025
thank you to netgalley and the publishers for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
this was a quick and fun read, but also, the characters had their quirks that kind of annoyed me too, lol.
the book is centered around three different characters with the same goal, to somehow cancel/ruin the wedding before they get there - their flight is delayed where they have time to go over different schemes and also realize maybe revenge isn't always the sweetest sometimes.
also, i don't know. the ending didn't feel like an ending?? like it did... but i don't know, i kind of wish we got more from it.
this was a quick and fun read, but also, the characters had their quirks that kind of annoyed me too, lol.
the book is centered around three different characters with the same goal, to somehow cancel/ruin the wedding before they get there - their flight is delayed where they have time to go over different schemes and also realize maybe revenge isn't always the sweetest sometimes.
also, i don't know. the ending didn't feel like an ending?? like it did... but i don't know, i kind of wish we got more from it.
November 18, 2025
Three people heading to a destination wedding, each with a plan to stop or seriously mess with the event, who are then stuck overnight at an airport during a storm? Yes, please and thank you.
I enjoyed this tremendously. Came for the premise, stayed for the character growth and relationship development. Watching the characters move from indifference, fear, disgust, and delusion to respect and understanding was a treat. Maybe the friends we make along the way are the true treasure after all.
I enjoyed this tremendously. Came for the premise, stayed for the character growth and relationship development. Watching the characters move from indifference, fear, disgust, and delusion to respect and understanding was a treat. Maybe the friends we make along the way are the true treasure after all.
June 26, 2025
4.5⭐️
I received a review copy and these are my thoughts:
Three wedding guest. One delayed flight. 24 hours to go before the bride and groom say “I do”. Will Gemma (the maid of honour), Leon (the bride’s brother) and Francesca (the groom’s “work wife”) make it in time to - stop the wedding?
This is my first book by Reekles and I have to say this was so much fun! It was thoroughly entertaining. I was invested in these three characters and what was “beneath the surface” with each of them.
A resentful maid of honour; a worried bride’s brother and, a “work wife” on a mission. I loved how they all bonded and helped each other through their individual conflicts. The airport shenanigans and and background characters added chaos and fun, in between the deeper issues being unraveled between the three characters.
The bride was insufferable and the groom a “douche”.
This was the sort of story that had you thinking of different scenarios as the story unfolded. The ending could have gone a number of ways and I LOVED what Reekles pulled at the last minute!
This will make a great summer read and especially if you have a long trip/flight. This book was entertaining and fun but at the same time, touched on deeper issues and insecurities that are relatable. I recommend this book!
[Spice: no spice]
I received a review copy and these are my thoughts:
Three wedding guest. One delayed flight. 24 hours to go before the bride and groom say “I do”. Will Gemma (the maid of honour), Leon (the bride’s brother) and Francesca (the groom’s “work wife”) make it in time to - stop the wedding?
This is my first book by Reekles and I have to say this was so much fun! It was thoroughly entertaining. I was invested in these three characters and what was “beneath the surface” with each of them.
A resentful maid of honour; a worried bride’s brother and, a “work wife” on a mission. I loved how they all bonded and helped each other through their individual conflicts. The airport shenanigans and and background characters added chaos and fun, in between the deeper issues being unraveled between the three characters.
The bride was insufferable and the groom a “douche”.
This was the sort of story that had you thinking of different scenarios as the story unfolded. The ending could have gone a number of ways and I LOVED what Reekles pulled at the last minute!
This will make a great summer read and especially if you have a long trip/flight. This book was entertaining and fun but at the same time, touched on deeper issues and insecurities that are relatable. I recommend this book!
[Spice: no spice]
December 10, 2025
The Layover by Beth Reekles is a story about three people going to a destination wedding and getting stuck on a nine hour layover in France they all have reasons for wanting to put a stop to the wedding but in the end other things will come to an end and it all makes for an awesome read! Gemma is a bridesmaid and best friend to bride Kayla, Leon is her older brother and Francesca is Kayla‘s husband to be Marcus‘s work wife. Gemma and Leon have known each other for years because she’s been friends with Kayla since secondary school they both have preconceived notions about Francesca because of what Kayla has told them Francesca decides it’s now or never and she is going to be the main character in her own story and tell Marcus how much she absolutely loves him and has ever since the one night they stay together at her apartment. Gemma is contemplating showing a video that has the potential to ruin the whole wedding and Leon wants to beg Kayla to reconsider marrying Marcus because he is a pompus jackass in a narcissist, not to mention Kayla hasn’t been herself since being with him. everything starts awkwardly but after a few starts and stops they really catch a vibe and it makes reading this book not only a pleasure but a laugh out loud entertaining time spent. Just a personal note having been stuck on an overnight layover at the Dallas Fort Worth airport where they have a train that you could ride for free around the airport into the Hyatt hotel… I think it went there… It’s been years or at least you could back then I was 19 and me and my friends rode the train all night around this empty humongous airport and it was so much fun and that’s definitely what this book reminded me of I laughed out loud at the obstacle course and so much more I did think an epilogue would’ve been nice I still get it and love the implications of the ending. I have read other reviews and don’t get why they’re so snarky about the author mentioning namebrand things like Brooklyn Nine-Nine nine, Dua Lipa etc I mean why does it bother anybody I don’t get that if someone could explain it to me I’d really appreciate it. But that’s the review as far as the book goes this is a definite recommend you will read this book all in one go it is so good and if you do put it down you’ll be thinking about it while off doing your errands I absolutely loved it. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #BethReekles, #TheLayover,
June 26, 2025
I received this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! All opinions are my own.
Three people going to the same wedding get stuck in the airport because of bad weather. So they stay together and start a friendship against all odds. The bride's brother who hates the groom, the bride's best friend who is also the maid of honor and has a toxic friendship with the bride and the groom's best friend from work who is totally in love with him and she plans on telling him before the wedding. During this layover they start with a plan. Will they get to the wedding in time? Will they go through with their different plans?
I read and loved the Kissing Booth trilogy so I knew I wanted to read more by the author. Sadly I didn't love this one.
I enjoyed the drama of the story, it was so funny at times. The airport adventures were great.
I liked the characters, I felt for them and I wanted them to be friends from the beginning.
Unfortunately, I found the story a bit slow and too long. Almost the whole book is set in the airport with the main characters getting to know each other and trying to decide what to do when they get to their destination and I had the urge to tell the weather to clear up so they could get on with the story.
Also it's so much more fun to read a fiction story about someone almost not making it to a wedding rather than actually living it and getting there with just an hour to spare, trust me. Even though they had a totally different situation.
I laughed so much near the end with the twist, I can't really say much more.
I liked the ending, it was nice and it felt right after all that had happened.
Three people going to the same wedding get stuck in the airport because of bad weather. So they stay together and start a friendship against all odds. The bride's brother who hates the groom, the bride's best friend who is also the maid of honor and has a toxic friendship with the bride and the groom's best friend from work who is totally in love with him and she plans on telling him before the wedding. During this layover they start with a plan. Will they get to the wedding in time? Will they go through with their different plans?
I read and loved the Kissing Booth trilogy so I knew I wanted to read more by the author. Sadly I didn't love this one.
I enjoyed the drama of the story, it was so funny at times. The airport adventures were great.
I liked the characters, I felt for them and I wanted them to be friends from the beginning.
Unfortunately, I found the story a bit slow and too long. Almost the whole book is set in the airport with the main characters getting to know each other and trying to decide what to do when they get to their destination and I had the urge to tell the weather to clear up so they could get on with the story.
Also it's so much more fun to read a fiction story about someone almost not making it to a wedding rather than actually living it and getting there with just an hour to spare, trust me. Even though they had a totally different situation.
I laughed so much near the end with the twist, I can't really say much more.
I liked the ending, it was nice and it felt right after all that had happened.
March 13, 2025
I thought the premise of this sounded really fun, but although I enjoyed part of this book - it ultimately just didn’t work for me.
I liked the airport setting, and I liked how we kind of got snippets of each of the three main characters and their plans to sabotage the wedding - I think it was paced well and I was definitely intrigued to see how it all panned out. There were some really fun parts of their layover at the airport that had me giggling: the picnic, the obstacle course especially.
My main issue with the story was that there was no action taken for the bride and groom in the end? I just felt like there was so much build up about how terrible they were and then they just…lived happily ever after I guess? Bit anticlimactic?
I also felt like there story ended at a weird point, it would’ve been nice to have an epilogue showing where all the characters ended up.
The pop culture references really gave me the ick too, there was SO MANY (Brooklyn 99, Taylor Swift, TikTok, Vines, ACOTAR, Harry Potter, Dua Lipa).
This was an entertaining read overall, and I did devour it pretty quickly.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Little Brown Book Group for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
I liked the airport setting, and I liked how we kind of got snippets of each of the three main characters and their plans to sabotage the wedding - I think it was paced well and I was definitely intrigued to see how it all panned out. There were some really fun parts of their layover at the airport that had me giggling: the picnic, the obstacle course especially.
My main issue with the story was that there was no action taken for the bride and groom in the end? I just felt like there was so much build up about how terrible they were and then they just…lived happily ever after I guess? Bit anticlimactic?
I also felt like there story ended at a weird point, it would’ve been nice to have an epilogue showing where all the characters ended up.
The pop culture references really gave me the ick too, there was SO MANY (Brooklyn 99, Taylor Swift, TikTok, Vines, ACOTAR, Harry Potter, Dua Lipa).
This was an entertaining read overall, and I did devour it pretty quickly.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Little Brown Book Group for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
June 23, 2025
Arc Review
This is a refreshing take on the romance genre by weaving together the perspectives of three distinct characters: Leon, Francesca, and Gemma. Each character brings a unique voice and set of experiences to the narrative, creating a well-rounded and engaging story. Reekles skillfully explores their individual journeys of self-discovery, personal growth, and the complexities of relationships.
This is a refreshing take on the romance genre by weaving together the perspectives of three distinct characters: Leon, Francesca, and Gemma. Each character brings a unique voice and set of experiences to the narrative, creating a well-rounded and engaging story. Reekles skillfully explores their individual journeys of self-discovery, personal growth, and the complexities of relationships.
August 10, 2025
I found this just okay 🤷♀️ I got entised by the cover and after reading the blurb I thought it had good rom com potential. But it was just a bit lacking for me and wasn’t very invested in anyone’s povs
October 9, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
The ‘Layover’ was kindly provided to me by NetGalley as an arc and I loved it!!
This book was such a simple, cozy, heartwarming and easy read. I loved the connection and friendship between the three main characters and the character progression was admirable! Even though the plot basically took place in one setting, the airport, I was not once bored. I was constantly reaching to read this and when I did I couldn’t put it down. The ending had me laughing but also squealing (whilst kicking my feet finally) and it was just such a mature and perfect ending.
The only reason why this wasn’t a 5 star was just because it did feel a little repetitive but that was all.
Thank you NetGalley once again for allowing me to read this arc, I am so happy I did and I will definitely be buying the physical copy when it’s out!
The ‘Layover’ was kindly provided to me by NetGalley as an arc and I loved it!!
This book was such a simple, cozy, heartwarming and easy read. I loved the connection and friendship between the three main characters and the character progression was admirable! Even though the plot basically took place in one setting, the airport, I was not once bored. I was constantly reaching to read this and when I did I couldn’t put it down. The ending had me laughing but also squealing (whilst kicking my feet finally) and it was just such a mature and perfect ending.
The only reason why this wasn’t a 5 star was just because it did feel a little repetitive but that was all.
Thank you NetGalley once again for allowing me to read this arc, I am so happy I did and I will definitely be buying the physical copy when it’s out!
August 23, 2025
2.5 - All I have to say is meh. Didn’t love any of the characters or feel any spark between the love interests. It all felt very forced.
January 15, 2025
This was so much fun!!! I loved how each character feels so full as you see them from another perspective. Watching them be who others see and more!
This book is such a bottle neck and I love!! Stick a bunch of people in an airport and give them a common goal!
I loved the little twist at the end to!
This book is such a bottle neck and I love!! Stick a bunch of people in an airport and give them a common goal!
I loved the little twist at the end to!
Read
May 19, 2025Thank you to Little Brown Book Group for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
Gemma is the maid of honour, but her intentions are anything but honourable. After years of being second best, stuck watching the bride get everything she worked for, losing her promotion on the eve of the wedding is the last straw. Armed with an incriminating video from the hen party, Gemma's plan to finally get even is in she's going to stop this wedding. Leon thinks his sister is making a huge mistake getting married. Colossal. The groom is rude and uptight, and he's turned his sister into someone unrecognisable to their family. If he could just get her alone for one quick, honest conversation, he's sure he could save his sister from making the biggest mistake of her life. He has to stop this wedding. Francesca and the groom have been close for years and once shared a perfect night together - until he met the bride-to-be. But she's convinced he still loves her; that he's her One That Got Away. This is her last chance to finally confess her love for him, or risk losing him forever. She must stop this wedding. When bad weather grounds their flight, the trio meet. Faced with a ten-hour layover and nothing but time to get to know one another, it doesn't take long before the claws come out and their plans are revealed. After all, ten hours is plenty of time to come up with a plan to get what they all want - isn't it?
This book is a DNF at 25% for me. I really struggled to get into the story which is such the same as the idea really drew me in. Having three different POVs isn’t an issue, but it feels like a lot when the chapters are very short and we keep switching from person to person. Add in how whiny they are, I couldn’t read any further. These characters are all adults but they really come across as petulant teenagers. If I’m going to read a book that is compared to Icebreaker and The Spanish Love Deception (both of which I loved!) then it needs to be good. And this really wasn’t for me. In fact, I think it would be wrong to compare this book to those titles because they really don’t feel on the same level.
Overall, The Layover is a book with a great synopsis but the story just doesn’t hold up.
Thank you again to Little Brown Book Group for an advanced copy of this book.
Gemma is the maid of honour, but her intentions are anything but honourable. After years of being second best, stuck watching the bride get everything she worked for, losing her promotion on the eve of the wedding is the last straw. Armed with an incriminating video from the hen party, Gemma's plan to finally get even is in she's going to stop this wedding. Leon thinks his sister is making a huge mistake getting married. Colossal. The groom is rude and uptight, and he's turned his sister into someone unrecognisable to their family. If he could just get her alone for one quick, honest conversation, he's sure he could save his sister from making the biggest mistake of her life. He has to stop this wedding. Francesca and the groom have been close for years and once shared a perfect night together - until he met the bride-to-be. But she's convinced he still loves her; that he's her One That Got Away. This is her last chance to finally confess her love for him, or risk losing him forever. She must stop this wedding. When bad weather grounds their flight, the trio meet. Faced with a ten-hour layover and nothing but time to get to know one another, it doesn't take long before the claws come out and their plans are revealed. After all, ten hours is plenty of time to come up with a plan to get what they all want - isn't it?
This book is a DNF at 25% for me. I really struggled to get into the story which is such the same as the idea really drew me in. Having three different POVs isn’t an issue, but it feels like a lot when the chapters are very short and we keep switching from person to person. Add in how whiny they are, I couldn’t read any further. These characters are all adults but they really come across as petulant teenagers. If I’m going to read a book that is compared to Icebreaker and The Spanish Love Deception (both of which I loved!) then it needs to be good. And this really wasn’t for me. In fact, I think it would be wrong to compare this book to those titles because they really don’t feel on the same level.
Overall, The Layover is a book with a great synopsis but the story just doesn’t hold up.
Thank you again to Little Brown Book Group for an advanced copy of this book.
February 23, 2025
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Little, Brown Book Group and Beth Reekles for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
‘The Layover’ is a well paced, light hearted read that I had a great time reading. I really enjoyed the unique setting, which is what initially drew me to the book. We all have such a love/hate relationship with airports, and it was a great place to produce a twist on the forced proximity trope, and to nurture the relationships between our three main characters.
Gemma, Leon and Francesca all happen to be travelling to Barcelona for a wedding that they want to stop for different reasons. Unfortunately, they get stuck at Orly airport in France due to bad weather conditions.
The reader is able to experience this page turner through their three POV’s, as events tick steadily on in a countdown to the ceremony time. We are here to find out more about why all three of them want to stop this wedding - and during this process we learn more about the lives of each character in relation to the bride, Kayleigh.
I was pleasantly surprised to read a nice mix of laughable, sad and relatable moments in this book. It flowed very nicely from start to finish and although I was personally a tad disappointed at the conclusion of the ‘event that we were waiting for’, it was a somewhat satisfying conclusion. Gemma, Leon and Francesca are characters which are multilayered and ‘real’. What I mean by this is that there are moments where you don’t like them, and over time you change your mind. It makes for a very ‘human’ story, which made it all the more enjoyable.
If you like character development, pop culture references, a sprinkle of romance and an all-round fun journey then this is the book for you! Definitely recommend.
Just a little positive note about the ARC cover too, which I adore! The little references to each character on it are wonderful!
‘The Layover’ is a well paced, light hearted read that I had a great time reading. I really enjoyed the unique setting, which is what initially drew me to the book. We all have such a love/hate relationship with airports, and it was a great place to produce a twist on the forced proximity trope, and to nurture the relationships between our three main characters.
Gemma, Leon and Francesca all happen to be travelling to Barcelona for a wedding that they want to stop for different reasons. Unfortunately, they get stuck at Orly airport in France due to bad weather conditions.
The reader is able to experience this page turner through their three POV’s, as events tick steadily on in a countdown to the ceremony time. We are here to find out more about why all three of them want to stop this wedding - and during this process we learn more about the lives of each character in relation to the bride, Kayleigh.
I was pleasantly surprised to read a nice mix of laughable, sad and relatable moments in this book. It flowed very nicely from start to finish and although I was personally a tad disappointed at the conclusion of the ‘event that we were waiting for’, it was a somewhat satisfying conclusion. Gemma, Leon and Francesca are characters which are multilayered and ‘real’. What I mean by this is that there are moments where you don’t like them, and over time you change your mind. It makes for a very ‘human’ story, which made it all the more enjoyable.
If you like character development, pop culture references, a sprinkle of romance and an all-round fun journey then this is the book for you! Definitely recommend.
Just a little positive note about the ARC cover too, which I adore! The little references to each character on it are wonderful!
November 21, 2025
Thank you NetGalley, Beth Reekles, and Wattpad Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I was instantly sold at the cover as I am a travel addict and then seeing that it was a romance over a layover? Immediately hooked. This book I will say is much less of a romance than I expected and way more of finding yourself. I was expecting a rom com type vibe but this really was such a more emotional journey. I absolutely loved it as it is fun, quick, and emotional in a way that I think we can all relate to one of the main characters.
This is about essentially 3 strangers who are all headed to the same wedding when the flight gets severely delayed. Leon is the brother of the bride (Kayleigh you can go to hell), Gemma is the maid of honor (Kayleigh go to hell again), and Francesca is the groom's best friend (Marcus you can also go to hell). They all realize they are going to the same wedding and they start bonding as they are stranded at this airport for 12+ hours together.
They all have hidden reasons as to why they do not want this wedding to happen and you really start seeing how all of them are not having self worth in some way, shape, or form. It leads to such a beautiful friendship that I just devoured. I loved the sense of found family and truly learning how to set boundaries for yourself.
The ending made me so happy and I just really do not think categorizing this as a romance is doing it justice. This is about finding yourself, respecting yourself, and going after what you deserve. A strong 4 stars for me.
I was instantly sold at the cover as I am a travel addict and then seeing that it was a romance over a layover? Immediately hooked. This book I will say is much less of a romance than I expected and way more of finding yourself. I was expecting a rom com type vibe but this really was such a more emotional journey. I absolutely loved it as it is fun, quick, and emotional in a way that I think we can all relate to one of the main characters.
This is about essentially 3 strangers who are all headed to the same wedding when the flight gets severely delayed. Leon is the brother of the bride (Kayleigh you can go to hell), Gemma is the maid of honor (Kayleigh go to hell again), and Francesca is the groom's best friend (Marcus you can also go to hell). They all realize they are going to the same wedding and they start bonding as they are stranded at this airport for 12+ hours together.
They all have hidden reasons as to why they do not want this wedding to happen and you really start seeing how all of them are not having self worth in some way, shape, or form. It leads to such a beautiful friendship that I just devoured. I loved the sense of found family and truly learning how to set boundaries for yourself.
The ending made me so happy and I just really do not think categorizing this as a romance is doing it justice. This is about finding yourself, respecting yourself, and going after what you deserve. A strong 4 stars for me.
August 26, 2025
Three people, with seemingly not much in common at first, all get stuck enduring a layover at the same airport together as they each plan to break up the same wedding.
Firstly, I liked being back into Beth Reekles' writing. It's been a hot minute since I've read something from her and I've always quite enjoyed her style so it was a joy to read another book by her.
To be quite honest, I found every character in this book extremely insufferable. None of these people are particularly likeable. They all have deep flaws for different reasons and they're all trying to get revenge against people for different reasons. It made it fun to read at times, but at other times it was a struggle. It was hard to empathize at all.
Also if you're looking for romance in this book, you won't get much of that at all. There's a minor subplot with it but it doesn't really take root until the end of the story and the build is very subtle. It's more of an in depth character study.
Overall, I didn't hate this book by any means, but it wasn't everything I hoped it would be in the end and like I said before it was a bit of a struggle at times because of how much I disliked the characters.
Thank you very much to Wattpad Webtoon Book Group and NetGalley for the ARC to review.
Firstly, I liked being back into Beth Reekles' writing. It's been a hot minute since I've read something from her and I've always quite enjoyed her style so it was a joy to read another book by her.
To be quite honest, I found every character in this book extremely insufferable. None of these people are particularly likeable. They all have deep flaws for different reasons and they're all trying to get revenge against people for different reasons. It made it fun to read at times, but at other times it was a struggle. It was hard to empathize at all.
Also if you're looking for romance in this book, you won't get much of that at all. There's a minor subplot with it but it doesn't really take root until the end of the story and the build is very subtle. It's more of an in depth character study.
Overall, I didn't hate this book by any means, but it wasn't everything I hoped it would be in the end and like I said before it was a bit of a struggle at times because of how much I disliked the characters.
Thank you very much to Wattpad Webtoon Book Group and NetGalley for the ARC to review.
March 27, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
This was a fun read. I enjoyed the triple POV and while I found all three characters slightly irritating at times, I was generally rooting for them. Kayleigh is an absolute piece of work, and Marcus made my skin crawl, so I’m a bit gutted that more didn’t go wrong for them in the end.
The writing style was good and, although at points I felt the pacing was a bit slow and some dialogue was a bit stilted, I found this easy to read.
My main issue was that the romance felt a little rushed at the end, it was built up well but Fran’s seemed to get over Marcus quite abruptly in the end.
I also would have liked an epilogue to see how the three characters ended up a few months to a year after the wedding.
Thanks to Little Brown Book Group and Netgalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a fun read. I enjoyed the triple POV and while I found all three characters slightly irritating at times, I was generally rooting for them. Kayleigh is an absolute piece of work, and Marcus made my skin crawl, so I’m a bit gutted that more didn’t go wrong for them in the end.
The writing style was good and, although at points I felt the pacing was a bit slow and some dialogue was a bit stilted, I found this easy to read.
My main issue was that the romance felt a little rushed at the end, it was built up well but Fran’s seemed to get over Marcus quite abruptly in the end.
I also would have liked an epilogue to see how the three characters ended up a few months to a year after the wedding.
Thanks to Little Brown Book Group and Netgalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2025
Thank you to Beth Reekles, Little, Brown Book Group UK and NetGalley for giving me early access to this book.
Drama? Oh, it’s here. And it’s SCRUMPTIOUS.
Escalated crushes, friendship fallouts, broken families—this book is a full-blown mess in the juiciest way… and yet, somehow, still didn’t hit quite right for me.
I spent about 60% of this story in pure frustration. Like, can we please stop being so annoying for one second? Kayleigh—off page? Absolute nightmare. There, I said it. The drama is addictive, but getting to the meat of the story took a whole lot of eye-rolling.
That wedding? Yeah, I’m glad they torched it—figuratively. Total chaos.
I usually love Beth Reekles’ writing, so it hurts to say this… but this one? It just wasn’t it for me. The potential was there, but the execution felt off. Sorry, love.
Drama? Oh, it’s here. And it’s SCRUMPTIOUS.
Escalated crushes, friendship fallouts, broken families—this book is a full-blown mess in the juiciest way… and yet, somehow, still didn’t hit quite right for me.
I spent about 60% of this story in pure frustration. Like, can we please stop being so annoying for one second? Kayleigh—off page? Absolute nightmare. There, I said it. The drama is addictive, but getting to the meat of the story took a whole lot of eye-rolling.
That wedding? Yeah, I’m glad they torched it—figuratively. Total chaos.
I usually love Beth Reekles’ writing, so it hurts to say this… but this one? It just wasn’t it for me. The potential was there, but the execution felt off. Sorry, love.
January 14, 2025
4 🌟
ARC review
This was going to be a 3.5 starbut by the end it bumped up to 4!
This had all the makings of a fun rom-com: the brother of the bride, maid of honour and the grooms work wife get delayed on the way to the wedding, all with plans to stop or ruin the wedding. At first they don’t get along, but being trapped in Orly airport for 12 hours they start to form a special bond, each reflecting on what they want in life.
I did not expect this to take the deep, emotional turn it did; but it really took this book to the next level. It was funny, heartwarming and at times, enraging but a thoroughly enjoyable read!
Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book UK for the ARC!
ARC review
This was going to be a 3.5 starbut by the end it bumped up to 4!
This had all the makings of a fun rom-com: the brother of the bride, maid of honour and the grooms work wife get delayed on the way to the wedding, all with plans to stop or ruin the wedding. At first they don’t get along, but being trapped in Orly airport for 12 hours they start to form a special bond, each reflecting on what they want in life.
I did not expect this to take the deep, emotional turn it did; but it really took this book to the next level. It was funny, heartwarming and at times, enraging but a thoroughly enjoyable read!
Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book UK for the ARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2025
I enjoyed this so much I’m giving this four stars.
Yes, it could have been a bit shorter, as there was a lot of extraneous detail such as the Disney Dads, and really it was a book about toxic relationships, romantic ones and friendships. And people finding themselves, but not in a silly way.
Yes, it could have been a bit shorter, as there was a lot of extraneous detail such as the Disney Dads, and really it was a book about toxic relationships, romantic ones and friendships. And people finding themselves, but not in a silly way.
October 24, 2025
This book wasn't exactly for me. The idea of a cute love story, personal growth story based in an airport sounded intriguing to me, I thought it was just a bit of a slower pace than I had hoped for. I struggled to stay engaged. I truly enjoyed Gemma she was the star in my eyes but I couldn't connect with the rest of the characters. I also did not realize it was 3 pov which isn't something I found enjoyable
That being said I do think other people will enjoy this read! if you like slower paced romance I think you'll enjoy this book. Even though it wasn't for me I appreciate the opportunity to read and review this arc
Thank you to net galley and Beth Reekles for this arc!
That being said I do think other people will enjoy this read! if you like slower paced romance I think you'll enjoy this book. Even though it wasn't for me I appreciate the opportunity to read and review this arc
Thank you to net galley and Beth Reekles for this arc!
March 7, 2025
This was such an entertaining read.
We have three different characters, all with their flaws who come together in the most unexpected way to form a friendship that makes them realize what the meaning of a true friendship is!
Very funny, very relatable. A slightly entertaining way to talk about heavy topics such as toxic people and toxic relations.
The characters are raw and realistic and the plot is intricate in the best way possible.
We have three different characters, all with their flaws who come together in the most unexpected way to form a friendship that makes them realize what the meaning of a true friendship is!
Very funny, very relatable. A slightly entertaining way to talk about heavy topics such as toxic people and toxic relations.
The characters are raw and realistic and the plot is intricate in the best way possible.
September 5, 2025
Unfortunately there was no character depth, making it hard to understand or even like the characters, and the storyline was unrealistic and lacking. Way too many pop culture references for my personal liking too.
September 23, 2025
Cute and very quick read but too quick for my tastes. I wanted more out of it. The characters, the setting, the plot - everything! It felt too rushed and like we got from point A to C with nothing in between. Thanks to NetGalley for the arc!
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