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The Layover That Changed Everything : Love at 30,000 Feet

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Two years after walking away from an eight-year relationship that left her shattered and uncertain of her worth, Delilah is finally ready to start over .



With no ties left in Texas and a heart still healing, she sets out on a soul-searching journey across the country—one one-way ticket at a time—in search of something she’s never truly a place that feels like home.



Flight after flight, city after city, she convinces herself she’s chasing freedom. But deep down, she’s running—from the ghosts of her past, from the ache of loneliness, and from the fear that home might not exist for someone like her.



Then, during a routine layover in Raleigh, North Carolina, everything changes.



High above the clouds, on a nearly empty flight, Delilah meets Jon—a quiet, magnetic stranger with his own baggage and his own reasons for running.



What begins as a casual conversation stretches into hours. Stories are shared. Secrets unfold. And somewhere between turbulence and touchdown, Delilah finds herself opening up in ways she hasn’t in years.



Drawn to his kindness and intrigued by his silence, she begins to

What if home isn’t a place at all?

What if it’s a feeling—unexpected, consuming, and impossibly timed?



And what if this unplanned detour is exactly where her story was always meant to begin?



A heartfelt winter romance about second chances, the power of serendipity, and falling in love when—and where—you least expect it.

267 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 15, 2025

9 people are currently reading
70 people want to read

About the author

Persis Lassiter

5 books58 followers

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5 stars
30 (40%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
Profile Image for Hannah Maree.
10 reviews
June 24, 2025
“Home wasn’t a place. It was a person. And mine had brown eyes, Ariat boots, and the kind of love that rewrote everything that came before.”

ARC read

Cute cute CUTE! Ultimate warm fuzzy book. And then finding out that the book is inspired by Persis and her husband’s real life meet cute 🥹 STOOOPP!
This book had me smiling and laughing out loud and then absolutely bawling my eyes out at the end. Full of romance, road trips, hotel experiences, southern charm and draaaammaa (Patricia.. 👀 that woman needs a slap upside the face)
Being from Australia, I loved the feeling like I was travelling through America with Delilah and Jon, experiencing all the food along the way, and the regular mention sweet tea, what is sweet tea? I really want to try some!

Anyway, loved this book and the cute vibes it gave. Can’t wait to read Persis’ next book!
Profile Image for Stephanie.
193 reviews14 followers
July 15, 2025
I really wanted to like this book. I have never DNFd a book (because I tell myself I’m not a quitter) but I wanted to DNF this more than once. But I was sent the arc for review and I felt the need to finish it and give my honest review.

The plot was there. But the delivery fell flat. I know that this is based on the authors real meet cute with her husband- which is amazing and such a great story. However, this book didn’t do it for me. I did not like the instalove with the characters. I need yearning and tension in romance books.

Some of the things said in this book rubbed me the wrong way. I didn’t like how the main characters were kind of making fun of his ex wife being heavier now as to when he met her. I also didn’t like how she described a characters hair as a lesbian hair cut—twice. Once was too much.

The writing was confusing to me when there were conversations happening, I would question who said what a lot with the way it was written. I also felt like the story was kinda all over the place.
Profile Image for Yvette Boer.
139 reviews8 followers
September 6, 2025
The Layover That Changed Everything by Persis Lassiter was an okay read for me. It had some sweet and cozy moments, but overall it didn’t fully capture me. The premise was promising: Delilah, still healing from a long-term heartbreak, meets Jon on a flight, and their connection feels like the start of something new. I liked the idea of that chance encounter in the air and the way it opened the door for second chances.

However, there were parts that really put me off. There’s fat-shaming directed at Jonathan’s ex-wife that felt unnecessary and even a bit cruel, which made me disconnect from the story. On top of that, a comment about a “lesbian hairstyle” came across as stereotypical and awkward. It felt outdated and out of place. The romance itself moved way too fast for me: it leaned heavily into instalove, and that’s just not a trope I enjoy. I prefer a slower buildup where I can actually believe in the connection between the characters.

In the end, the book had its charm and a cozy vibe, but those problematic elements and the rushed romance kept me from really loving it.
Profile Image for Lila Danisa.
819 reviews10 followers
dnf-nfn
July 12, 2025
The blurb picked my interest. But sadly I chose to DNF-ed this book. Not entirely DNF, but more like Not-For-Now/NFN. I was already 29% into the book but the pace and the writing style were not my cup of tea. For me, the lack of world building and background story from both of MCs were also the problems. I rarely complain about instalove in books, but the instalove in this book didn't resonate with me.
I believe there are many readers find this book their kind of book, but for now, this book isn't for me.

Nevertheless, thank you to Persis Lassiter and The Author Agency for the ARC.
Profile Image for Jenia.
Author 1 book46 followers
July 18, 2025
*Thank you to the publisher, The Author Agency and the author, Persis Lassier for E-ARC, in exchange for honest review *

4.5 ⭐️

This book broke my heart on several occasions, only to put it back together again

The Layover That Changed Everything affected me in many ways. I'm still thinking about the story, and I've already suggested it to a few friends. I was hooked on this book from the first page, and I know if it weren't for school, I'd finish it sooner. There were a few times when I read after midnight because I wanted to see which adventures Deliah and Jon were going to experience next. You will experience all types of emotions while reading The Layover That Changed Everything , including rage, grief, laughter, and astonishment. That was one of my favorite things about this novel; the amount of time that I found myself laughing I loved the author’s descriptions in the book; it made me feel like I was there with Jon and Deliah. An adventure I will never forget.

Of course, I couldn’t help but fall in love with Nacho; actually, I fell in love with all the animals. I loved how Nacho traveled with them. It reminded me of my dog, Lucy, when she was still alive; she had been everywhere with us. I adored the relationship between Delian and Jon and the special connection that the two of them shared right from the start, and how they took care of each other. I loved that it was based on a true story. It was unlike any romance story I’d read before. I’m very glad I got a chance to read Jon and Deliah’s story. I loved how each chapter had a playlist, and there were a couple songs I knew and loved.

There were so many things that I loved about this book, but I don’t want to give too much away. The Layover That Changed Everything is type of story that will stay with you; long after you turn the last page. I’m already excited about the next book. I would highly recommend this book to any romance fans.
Profile Image for Lydia Johnston.
172 reviews3 followers
July 16, 2025
Maybe more like 3.5 stars.
First off, I loved that this was based off the author’s own little meet-cute! I loved the personal touches of it! It was a very cute and very fun read! I enjoyed the Hallmark movie feel of the book! It was kind of cozy and just a cute read! Fun little story about someone’s life!
However, I did read an ARC, so some of these things probably were corrected for the released version. I felt like some things were missing from the storyline. Like chunks of time were missing between scenes. Some of the conversations between the characters were hard to differentiate between who was talking.
But overall, I loved the story and really enjoyed it! I can’t wait to see what else happens!
Profile Image for Ashlyn Boozenny.
85 reviews
June 22, 2025
This book was adorable! What makes it even cuter is that it is about how the author met her husband in real life 🥹
Profile Image for Yeli Muniz.
4 reviews
June 25, 2025
The Layover That Changed Everything completely stole my heart! From the very first page, I was all in. This book had me smiling, laughing out loud, and tearing up. Persis Lassiter blends romance, humor, and emotional depth in a way that feels effortless and addictive.

The connection between the characters was electric, and the emotional twists hit hard, in the best way. It felt like the perfect rom-com with just the right touch of drama. If you’re into love stories with charm, depth, and a little turbulence, don’t miss this one!
Profile Image for Janesse Garcia.
30 reviews5 followers
June 16, 2025
We’re do I start with this review. I have been on the Street Team for Persis for a couple months now. I’ve learned so much about her personal life and her as a person. She is straight forward and funny. I am always laughing at her comments and upbeat personality. Those things put aside, I loved this book.

The FMC whose name is Delilah, is based off of Persis personal life. In the book, she is a very independent person who is not scared of taking chances. She goes out into the world usingher heart to guide her next move, in hopes of a change. Luckly for her, her heart leads her in the right direction.

The MMC Jon, is retired military, who suffers from PTSD. He is trying to find his way in the crazy world we live in, when he is guided in the direction of romantic kindle, 30,000 feet high. Having split responsibilities with his ex’s and children he is getting ready for a roller coaster of a journey, that he is so patiently waiting on.

This book is filled with unexpected problems, like Patricia. Who by the way, can go kick rocks and need to go to therapy. Along with this drama queen, the book also has many road trips and crazy hotel experiences that make for a life long story. I would really recommend this book for all those travelers looking for romance in the wrong place.

1 review
June 22, 2025
Persis has a way of telling a story that will keep you entertained and excited to see what the next page reveals! Such a crazy story! Patricia needs therapy and a straight jacket! Especially her doormat boyfriend that enables her odd behavior. You can’t help but to laugh and enjoy the travel stories of the lovely couple, despite having crazy roommates they find ways to develop their connection and to plan a life of adventure!
Profile Image for Bianca Smith.
214 reviews22 followers
June 16, 2025
This is my 100% honest review & man do I wanna scream about it. First off, this book is based off Persis and her husband's real life meet cute! OMGAH, they're sooo swoon worthy. This was definitely full of all the feels and I absolutely loved all the southern charm thrown in (felt like a slice of home) Lemme tell yall the villian of the story, Patricia.. I'd love to throat punch her ass right about now. OMG, if you wanna see what I'm talking about you need to read this book asap! Girl is bat shit crazy! This book will have you laughing til you're crying happy tears! Definitely couldn't put it down and I can't wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Tiffany W.
469 reviews7 followers
July 25, 2025
The first 20% of this book was really cute and funny, but where it lost me was when Delilah had this monologue where she talked about how deep their connection was and how it felt different and it wasn’t really sexual and then like literally two pages later she was basically fixated on his d**k…and she kept mentioning it, so it felt very cringy and then once they finally met they went right into the spice. I just wish the spice wasn’t introduced so early and we had more of that connection that we got from the plane so for me angst and yearning..

But since I DNF at 25% I might pick this back up later, but I’m not sure
Profile Image for Lifeofaserielromancereader.
61 reviews
July 6, 2025
This is an ARC review.

I had to DNF this book after trying to read it for the past 6 days. It has put me into a reading slump.

I had such high hopes for it. The book looks cute and I loved that is was based off the authors real life meet of her husband, but what was suppose to be "spicy" scenes were more like 1 to 2 cringy paragraphs by 22%. And the insta love bothers me. Ill try and give it another shot down the road to read it because everyone else says it's funny and I want to know how big of a problem Patricia is but I make no promises.
July 15, 2025
I want to start off by thanking Persis Lancaster for this ARC and for choosing me to be amongst her street team!!
Secondly, I want to say that she DELIVERED!
This book promised cosy romance, unexpected love, found family, and sassy soulmates. Once again—DELIVERED!!

Delilah
I’m just going straight to the point with her…MARRY ME!!
I LOVE this woman so much!! Not only is she hilarious, sassy, and so sweet. She was also incredibly insightful. I learnt so much from her by reading this book. The moments she pieced together to create her own personal paradise with Jon, the willingness she had to trust in Jon as both a partner and a home…heart achingly beautiful!

Jon
A military veteran who still manages to be a golden retriever sunshine support system with Delilah. We KNOW this man has seen and been through shit, yet with her he’s not only at peace, he’s home.

Believe me when I say I ate this book up!! Their couple dynamic, their energy, their whimsical moments that really put the COM in rom-com!! I was hooked from start to finish!!

𝓣𝓸 𝓟𝓮𝓻𝓼𝓲𝓼 𝓛𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓪𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓻
Thank you so much for trusting me with this ARC and as a member of your street team!! Reading this book then talking to you in the group chat provided a deeper insight to me of you as a person and the worlds you create as an author. And the fact that this book is based on your very own meet cute with your husband?! My heart can’t handle how beautiful that is!! Thank you once again, and I can’t wait for release day!! 💖💖
Profile Image for Shelby Martin.
17 reviews3 followers
July 13, 2025
I finished this book a few days ago but haven’t had a moment to review until now. This book was quite a surprise and pleasantly so. The whole time I’m reading I kept thinking “Hmmm this is oddly specific” and then seeing the pictures at the end of the book the lightbulb moment happened. this was a very cute and cozy read with bits of drama thrown in but boy did it hit me in the feels because I too have been in a few of the situations mentioned in this book. Like messy ex living in another area situation and the online slander that comes with it. Or even the blending of different cultures and children that come as a package deal with the person you fell in love with. I love how the whole premise is that our main character is going through life and just taking it one day at a time as she figures herself out. I feel this is so relatable because so many of us are in that same boat where there’s expectations put on but by society and we don’t always feel like we fit in that category even though we’re expected to. What starts off as an intriguing conversation waiting for a flight turns into a whirlwind of a romance that you never know what’s coming at the next turn.
Profile Image for Shyann Bierach.
199 reviews1 follower
July 15, 2025
5/5 ⭐️




WHAT YOU’LL FIND IN THE BOOK ;
💕 Cozy Romance
💕 Love at 30,000 Feet
💕 Small mountain town romance
💕 Ex - Military
💕 Single Dad
💕 Crazy Roommate
💕 Strangers to Lovers
💕 Roadtrips
💕 Redneck MMC X Caribbean FMC





“Two years after walking away from an eight-year relationship that left her shattered and uncertain of her worth, Delilah is finally ready to start over.”









REVIEW ;
-This book stole my heart! I was all in from the very first page. The book made me laugh, smile, & had me tearing up. The author wrote this book so well! The blend of romance, humor, & emotion made this book so hard to put down. This was such a cute read for the summer. Highly recommend!


Profile Image for Janet .
159 reviews5 followers
July 16, 2025
Sweet rom-com based on a real life experience by the author, Persis. 🥹

I think it was more relatable since it’s based on real world issues that we can relate to. Delilah is the FMC and Jon the MMC and their meet cute at the airport. To not give too much away, it had all the feelings we needed and it kept you wanting to find more about them as the characters. It navigated through their loss, their chance to live again, and just get to live and love life with someone that’s truly worth.. you’re intrigued right away within the first chapter with her writing just flowing, it’s a sweet rom-com with some heartfelt moments.
Profile Image for Jordan Johnson.
201 reviews
July 15, 2025
The fact that this is based off Persis and spouses relationship was the absolute cuuuuuuuuutest!!! 🩷 I enjoyed getting to read about the different dynamics between the main characters as well as the main characters with others throughout the book. Delilah and Jon definitely went through a rollercoaster of emotions! Thankful I got to read this early! Thank you Persis and The Author Agency!

I did not enjoy Patricia 😂
30 reviews1 follower
July 15, 2025
Wow!! I got a sneak peak a couple of months ago, and I have been waiting for this! It isn't as spicy as my normal readings, but when I tell you I ate up the drama in this book all while wanting to have "Psycho" committed! This was such a great story, and such an inspiration. They persevered and let all of her antics roll off their backs. I don't know if I could do it ❤️ I can't wait til the next book, but I am genuinely worried about Blake!
Profile Image for bookthingswithsam.
25 reviews1 follower
July 8, 2025
ARC Review!

This book was super cute! The inner monologue was great. We follow Delilah and Jon's wild story of ups and downs. The only thing I think that was missing was a big turning point. I kept waiting for the shoe to drop and have there be some big trial that the couple had to go through. There were outside forces causing stress in the relationship, but I was anticipating something a little more.
Overall I enjoyed the book and would recommend it for any romance reader!
Profile Image for Lacey Fatura.
92 reviews
July 7, 2025
ARC REVIEW: just finished!

I don’t love rating stories that are based on a true story because how do you rate someone’s life. But I will tell you this was such a fun read! The commentary had me giggling OFTEN. The stories within the big story were memorable and this couple has gone through some things but learned to laugh and make it a memory in their adventure of love. I was not expecting the tears and the end, I won’t spoil it but oof 🥺

I look forward to more from this author!
Profile Image for Jazzy.
138 reviews
June 18, 2025
My ARC review

This book is inspired by the author’s real life meet cute with her husband, and it’s absolutely heartwarming! I laughed so hard I cried; it’s that funny and sweet. I flew through it and already can’t wait for the next one.

The story is full of unexpected chaos (looking at you, Patricia; she seriously needs therapy), hilarious road trip moments, and wild hotel adventures that make it unforgettable. If you love travel themed romances with drama, humor, and heart, this one’s a must read!
Profile Image for Bianca Damhuis.
134 reviews4 followers
July 13, 2025
This was a very cute and fun read. Normally don’t really like to read romance. But this book sparked interessed. And im very happy i was able to read it.
Profile Image for Kareena Teaney.
33 reviews
July 6, 2025
Absolutely loved the vibes and the feels in this book. Delilah & Jon are a whole vibe and I loved watching their story unfold. The ups & the downs from everything going on just pulled me in immediately. One of my favorite moments was when Delilah was with Jon’s daughter and described her “She was a category five hurricane in glitter sneakers.”

Also can we talk about Flabby Patty Crazy Pants? (that made me LOL) I could not BELIEVE the lengths she went to alienate Blake from everyone else!

All in all, this book left me wanting more!
Profile Image for Shivani Singh.
173 reviews4 followers
July 12, 2025
This is a story about love found unexpectedly—especially when no one is looking for it. Delilah is trying to start fresh and keeps traveling. During one such unexpected layover at the airport, she meets Jon, and they start talking—or rather, Jon starts the conversation.
They discover they're headed to the same destination and are even seated in the same row on the plane. Before parting ways, they exchange numbers and promise to meet again soon.
A few weeks later, Delilah travels to Idaho Falls, where Jon lives, to figure out what this connection could mean. From there, the story becomes a rollercoaster of drama, thanks to Patricia, and a string of spontaneous travel plans that are both fun and exciting.
Throughout it all, Delilah and Jon keep falling deeper in love. But their journey to a happily ever after includes a few run-ins with some truly wild characters.
A good, fun read!

Profile Image for leslie mayorga.
246 reviews4 followers
June 25, 2025
4/5 stars ⭐️
Contemporary Romance

***ARC REVIEW***

Synopsis:

Two years after walking away from an eight-year relationship that left her shattered and uncertain of her worth, Delilah is finally ready to start over. With no ties left in Texas and a heart still healing, she sets out on a soul-searching journey across the country-one one-way ticket at a time-in search of something she's never truly a place that feels like home. Flight after flight, city after city, she convinces herself she's chasing freedom.
But deep down, she's running-from the ghosts of her past, from the ache of loneliness, and from the fear that home might not exist for someone like her. Then, during a routine layover in Raleigh, North Carolina, everything changes. High above the clouds, on a nearly empty flight, Delilah meets Jon-a quiet, magnetic stranger with his own baggage and his own reasons for running.
What begins as a casual conversation stretches into hours. Stories are shared. Secrets unfold. And somewhere between turbulence and touchdown, Delilah finds herself opening up in ways she hasn't in years.
Drawn to his kindness and intrigued by his silence, she begins to What if home isn't a place at all? What if it's a feeling-unexpected, consuming, and impossibly timed?
And what if this unplanned detour is exactly where her story was always meant to begin? A heartfelt winter romance about second chances, the power of serendipity, and falling in love when-and where-you least expect it.

Would I recommend?
Yes
Profile Image for Jessica Aranda.
168 reviews28 followers
July 1, 2025
✈️This was a cute sweet rom-com book. What makes it even more sweeter is this is how the Author met her husband. It just goes to show you that you never know when you’ll end up meeting the love of your life.
✈️My favorite quote from the book is “Home wasn’t a place, it was a person”.
Profile Image for Ana.
502 reviews5 followers
July 6, 2025
Absolutely IN LOVE. I loved this two since the moment they came up on the page. Literally there was no fancy meet-cute, no love at first site look. No they literally meet at layover and the rest? Was history. What a beautiful way of 2 stranger who started it all risking it to make it work. Two people who wanted something magical to happy and did it all to make it true, to make it real. The story, the characters, little Nacho, I absolutely loved it and did not want it to end♥︎ 100% recommended ♡
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