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The Layover #1
The Layover
Listening Length: 3 hours and 54 minutes
Eight years ago, Ondro Smrek fled Slovakia and the bigotry that drove his first lover to take his own life. The demons proved impossible to outrun, though, and now, desperate for somewhere to belong, Ondro is returning to start over. During a layover in Basel, Switzerland, he meets Jamie, an American living in Scotland who is as brilliant as he is beautiful.
Jaded Ondro never would have guessed he could fall in love during a brief layover—until now. When he is put in a position to offer Jamie comfort without hope of recompense, Ondro doesn’t hesitate. Soon, he catches a glimpse of the home he longs for. But with their separation looming, confessing his feelings would only lead to pain and humiliation. Life has taught Ondro not to hope, but then, he never believed in love at first sight either....
Eight years ago, Ondro Smrek fled Slovakia and the bigotry that drove his first lover to take his own life. The demons proved impossible to outrun, though, and now, desperate for somewhere to belong, Ondro is returning to start over. During a layover in Basel, Switzerland, he meets Jamie, an American living in Scotland who is as brilliant as he is beautiful.
Jaded Ondro never would have guessed he could fall in love during a brief layover—until now. When he is put in a position to offer Jamie comfort without hope of recompense, Ondro doesn’t hesitate. Soon, he catches a glimpse of the home he longs for. But with their separation looming, confessing his feelings would only lead to pain and humiliation. Life has taught Ondro not to hope, but then, he never believed in love at first sight either....
4 pages, Audible Audio
First published July 19, 2017
46 people are currently reading
1463 people want to read
About the author
Roe Horvat
63 books1,755 followersQueer fiction author Roe Horvat was born in the former Czechoslovakia. Equipped with a dark sense of sarcasm and a penchant for Czech beer, Roe traveled Europe and finally settled in Sweden. He came out as transgender in 2017 and has been fabulous since. He loves Jane Austen, Douglas Adams, bad action movies, stand-up comedy, pale ale, and daiquiri, with equal passion. When not hiding in the studio doing graphics, he can be found trolling cafés in Gothenburg, writing, and people-watching.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 390 reviews
January 6, 2019
When my parents packed up their lives and immigrated to the States from Poland in the 80s, they did so for religious and political reasons. They had no way of knowing that my little brother, then barely a toddler, was gay.
We are not idealists; we do not romanticize America. But despite living in a very conservative state, we know that my brother had a better chance at being his true self here than he would have in Poland. Poland's constitution is one of only seven in the EU to ban gay marriage. Slovakia's is another.
This book spoke to me on so many levels. I could feel Ondro's despair: the way he simultaneously yearned for and was repelled by his homeland, the way his loneliness had become a breathing thing threatening to choke him.
Despite his intense stare and lack of social niceties, Ondro is a good man. And when he meets the beautiful American expat Jamie at the airport, he can't walk away.
The Layover is not a long story, but it doesn't need to be.
Ondro's voice, much like Horvat's writing, is authentic and real. We see his internal struggle, his need for human connection. The scene when Ondro sees his mother after years apart was a powerful depiction of a stubborn, proud woman who would rather embrace shame and live as a martyr than accept her son.
How many boys have to end up like Peter for people to wake the fuck up and love their sons and daughters more than a god who hates and hurts?
I shed many tears while reading this book. How could I not? But this story isn't about hate; it's about taking a chance, believing in fate, and leaping in head first. Love can break open a cynical heart, one fissure at a time.
We are not idealists; we do not romanticize America. But despite living in a very conservative state, we know that my brother had a better chance at being his true self here than he would have in Poland. Poland's constitution is one of only seven in the EU to ban gay marriage. Slovakia's is another.
This book spoke to me on so many levels. I could feel Ondro's despair: the way he simultaneously yearned for and was repelled by his homeland, the way his loneliness had become a breathing thing threatening to choke him.
Despite his intense stare and lack of social niceties, Ondro is a good man. And when he meets the beautiful American expat Jamie at the airport, he can't walk away.
The Layover is not a long story, but it doesn't need to be.
Ondro's voice, much like Horvat's writing, is authentic and real. We see his internal struggle, his need for human connection. The scene when Ondro sees his mother after years apart was a powerful depiction of a stubborn, proud woman who would rather embrace shame and live as a martyr than accept her son.
How many boys have to end up like Peter for people to wake the fuck up and love their sons and daughters more than a god who hates and hurts?
I shed many tears while reading this book. How could I not? But this story isn't about hate; it's about taking a chance, believing in fate, and leaping in head first. Love can break open a cynical heart, one fissure at a time.
"You want to try?" I repeated dumbly.
"Yeah," he whispered.
My first instinct was to reassure him, to protect him. To give him whatever he wanted ... Could I say yes? I had to ... There was no choice. I'd go anywhere he asked.
July 28, 2017
This beautifully-written, short, 100+ page read is about many different things, all of which I'm happy to say that I thoroughly enjoyed.
It's about a once-hopeful, young student, who fled from his homeland, because it refused to allow him to be who he truly was or love whom he wanted to love.
It's about that same man, now a jaded, 30 y.o. flight attendant, deciding that he was sick of running and heartsick for a home.
It's about discovering that home is not necessarily a place, especially a place whose people can't accept you as you are. That home can also be a person. Someone that, no matter where you are, as long as you're together, you're exactly where you want to be. Where you need to be.
It's about learning to trust yourself and knowing what will make you happy, as soon as you let go of your past demons and say goodbye to the things holding you back, while clinging to the things that help build you up.
And lastly, it's about taking a chance, no matter how crazy it seems, to reach for that one thing that could make you happier than you've ever been.
One aspect of this story that I truly loved was how, although the majority of the book takes place over only 6 days, it never really felt like insta-love to me.
Sure, Ondro and Jamie fall into bed on day one, but for the following five days, sex is the very last thing that their time together is about.
I loved how Ondro swooped in, without even a second thought, to take care of Jamie when he fell ill. Jamie needed him, so Ondro was there, full stop.
And it's during Jamie's convalescence that they fall into an easy companionship, and in that isolated bubble where their relationship sprouts and begins to grow roots.
Ondro has a lot of mental baggage from his past, but I was thrilled to see him working through that, one freak out at a time, then actually putting himself out there, taking a chance to find his own version of happy, finally, after 8 years of simply existing.
The story is not overly steamy, with only a couple of those scenes, as Jamie is fighting walking pneumonia for most of the book, but I really didn't miss it, since it forced them to focus on getting to know one another while getting Jamie well again.
I especially loved the epilogue, from 4 months later, as Ondro confronts his past head-on, with Jamie by his side. I was cheering for them every step of the way, adoring the way they demonstrated that they'd actually become a supportive, loving couple.
It was really strange, but as I read the very last line of the story, the song "At Last" by Etta James popped into my head, which totally captured the feeling of where Ondro and Jamie's journey had taken them.
At last, they were together. At last, they were happy. At last, they were free.
("At Last" video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Q2rZ...)
There really wasn't much at all that I would've changed about this story, so I'm rating it at 4.5 stars and would definitely recommend it. : )
* NOTE: The free prequel for "The Layover", from Jamie's POV, is also available at Horvat's website:
http://roehorvat.com/the-swiss-experi...
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My ARC copy of the book was provided by the publisher in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
See All My Latest Reads (Review Quick-Links)
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July 27, 2017
4.5 Stars.
Beautiful writing...
This is one of the reasons I love this site.If I hadn't read a friend's review of this I probably wouldn't have either stumbled across it or considered it and I would have missed out on a pretty unique read.This Author definitely has a way with words and making a story special.
Ondro left Slovakia years ago,disillusioned with his life as a young gay man there.Somewhere,deep inside,he knows he left for the wrong reasons and decides to leave the life he's made for himself and return 'home'.This time he wants to leave for the right reasons.
He meets Jamie,a young American man who has made a life for himself in Edinburgh,in Basel Airport when due to an Airline strike they find themselves in the same hotel overnight.
After the initial one night stand I had no idea which direction the story would take.The story is told only from Ondro's pov and his thoughts are beautiful....haunting and poignant,yet full of hope and longing.
Don't go into this one expecting an abundance of sex scenes because there are only a few and I think that's what made this story feel real.Yes,there's a deep sexual attraction between them but the connection the two men made over a few days is the main focus of the story.
It's most definitely a love story and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.
Beautiful writing...
This is one of the reasons I love this site.If I hadn't read a friend's review of this I probably wouldn't have either stumbled across it or considered it and I would have missed out on a pretty unique read.This Author definitely has a way with words and making a story special.
Ondro left Slovakia years ago,disillusioned with his life as a young gay man there.Somewhere,deep inside,he knows he left for the wrong reasons and decides to leave the life he's made for himself and return 'home'.This time he wants to leave for the right reasons.
He meets Jamie,a young American man who has made a life for himself in Edinburgh,in Basel Airport when due to an Airline strike they find themselves in the same hotel overnight.
After the initial one night stand I had no idea which direction the story would take.The story is told only from Ondro's pov and his thoughts are beautiful....haunting and poignant,yet full of hope and longing.
Don't go into this one expecting an abundance of sex scenes because there are only a few and I think that's what made this story feel real.Yes,there's a deep sexual attraction between them but the connection the two men made over a few days is the main focus of the story.
It's most definitely a love story and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.
March 15, 2018
4 Stars
Ondro wants a fresh start, quietly in a corner. He’s gay and the place he wants to start his new beginning is a suffocating and scary place for someone like him. When he was coming back to Slovakia (after eight years) he had a layover and at the airport, he met the smart, beautiful, kind and amazing Jamie who made him feel human again, made him be himself again, made him happy and brave!
This book was my second read by this author and like the other one was really enjoyable! The author’s writing is great, she writes in such a way that you can feel characters' sorrow and your heart aches for them. She’s a talented one and she writes beautifully! This book is a novella but I liked the characters development. Told in single POV, 1st person and I didn’t need to read the other character’s POV. It’s a stand-alone novella and so well-written. Looking forward to reading my third read by her. Overall, I really enjoyed it and hope you like it as well!
Ondro wants a fresh start, quietly in a corner. He’s gay and the place he wants to start his new beginning is a suffocating and scary place for someone like him. When he was coming back to Slovakia (after eight years) he had a layover and at the airport, he met the smart, beautiful, kind and amazing Jamie who made him feel human again, made him be himself again, made him happy and brave!
This book was my second read by this author and like the other one was really enjoyable! The author’s writing is great, she writes in such a way that you can feel characters' sorrow and your heart aches for them. She’s a talented one and she writes beautifully! This book is a novella but I liked the characters development. Told in single POV, 1st person and I didn’t need to read the other character’s POV. It’s a stand-alone novella and so well-written. Looking forward to reading my third read by her. Overall, I really enjoyed it and hope you like it as well!
September 11, 2017
I usually pass over books from new-to-me authors, and I originally passed by this one.
I was actually pretty surprised to see such glowing reviews from my trusted friends, considering I'd never heard of this author, but I decided to take a chance and jump right in. And it was SO worth it.
Roe Horvat is a lovely writer, and the story flows in a beautiful, almost poetic way. It isn't the harsher, more frank contemporary style I'm accustomed to seeing, and the language works beautifully without seeming flowery. It's just... lovely.
The story itself if short but impactful. There is a deep sense of connection, which is hard to do in a novella format, and though I could have used a little more time with these two as a couple, I was moved by the story.
I also don't know much (okay, anything) about LGBTQ politics and attitudes in most of the world, so I was interested to read more about it, honestly. We only get little snippets, but I felt slightly more educated.
I would read another book by this author in a heartbeat, and I'm looking forward to seeing what Roe Horvat comes up with next.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
I was actually pretty surprised to see such glowing reviews from my trusted friends, considering I'd never heard of this author, but I decided to take a chance and jump right in. And it was SO worth it.
Roe Horvat is a lovely writer, and the story flows in a beautiful, almost poetic way. It isn't the harsher, more frank contemporary style I'm accustomed to seeing, and the language works beautifully without seeming flowery. It's just... lovely.
The story itself if short but impactful. There is a deep sense of connection, which is hard to do in a novella format, and though I could have used a little more time with these two as a couple, I was moved by the story.
I also don't know much (okay, anything) about LGBTQ politics and attitudes in most of the world, so I was interested to read more about it, honestly. We only get little snippets, but I felt slightly more educated.
I would read another book by this author in a heartbeat, and I'm looking forward to seeing what Roe Horvat comes up with next.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
March 10, 2019
**** 4 Stars ****
Surprisingly good for a short read. Full of feelings, nothing shallow.
Everything happened very fast. Weirdly enough it didn't feel like insta-love. Kudos to the author!
Loved the way the MC's were brought together, the banter between them and the way their relationship developed. The insight about Slovakia took me by surprise, not to say a tad bit shocking.
Sometimes I think of myself as a well-informed person, but the truth is I know nothing. It's terribly sad to think that a simple gesture as holding hands can cause so much hatred.
Surprisingly good for a short read. Full of feelings, nothing shallow.
Everything happened very fast. Weirdly enough it didn't feel like insta-love. Kudos to the author!
Loved the way the MC's were brought together, the banter between them and the way their relationship developed. The insight about Slovakia took me by surprise, not to say a tad bit shocking.
Sometimes I think of myself as a well-informed person, but the truth is I know nothing. It's terribly sad to think that a simple gesture as holding hands can cause so much hatred.
August 14, 2017
***5 Stars***
Every single word in this 117 page story owned me this morning. Silly me thought I'd start a nice book, read for an hour, and then finish it up later tonight. WRONG! The only thing that would have gotten me to stop reading was if the house started burning down around me. I couldn't put this down.
The writing? Simply exquisite.
The characters? Fully developed. Endearing, vulnerable, honest...unforgettable!
The plot? Engaging. Sad, hopeful, realistic, romantic...
This is one of my favorite reads of the year. Simply unforgettable!
"I met a guy six days ago, and now I'd follow him anywhere."
And within 117 pages and a couple of hours, I feel the same way about Roe Horvat. A fantastic debut novella!
July 4, 2018
4 Stars!
I’m pretty sure there’s not much I can add to the accolades regarding this novella.
Understated but no less powerful, this is all about whether one should take a chance at something that is so highly desired but so out of reach.
A fortuitous layover at the airport brings Ondro the opportunity to perhaps make a connection with the beguiling Jaime who’s caught his eye. What proceeds is Ondro slowly waking up from his self imposed isolation and actually wanting more for himself than just going through the motions. Surely, a few days is not enough for either Ondro or Jaime to fall that hard, right?
Here, both MC’s are endearing in their own way. Gruff giant Ondro who’s kinda lost the will to fight for a life he deserves. Shy smart Jamie, a bit jaded and wary. Neither wants to wear their heart on their sleeve but neither can deny that there’s more than just base attraction and lust between them.
Simply put, this was a great contemporary romance showing how, when the circumstances are not convenient or plausible, a poignant coming together is all one needs to ask for something more. This was introspective and sexy and full of twisty insecurity all wrapped up in some very nice warm feels.
It only takes one small decision to set you on a different wonderful path. You only have to say yes.
I’m pretty sure there’s not much I can add to the accolades regarding this novella.
Understated but no less powerful, this is all about whether one should take a chance at something that is so highly desired but so out of reach.
A fortuitous layover at the airport brings Ondro the opportunity to perhaps make a connection with the beguiling Jaime who’s caught his eye. What proceeds is Ondro slowly waking up from his self imposed isolation and actually wanting more for himself than just going through the motions. Surely, a few days is not enough for either Ondro or Jaime to fall that hard, right?
Here, both MC’s are endearing in their own way. Gruff giant Ondro who’s kinda lost the will to fight for a life he deserves. Shy smart Jamie, a bit jaded and wary. Neither wants to wear their heart on their sleeve but neither can deny that there’s more than just base attraction and lust between them.
Simply put, this was a great contemporary romance showing how, when the circumstances are not convenient or plausible, a poignant coming together is all one needs to ask for something more. This was introspective and sexy and full of twisty insecurity all wrapped up in some very nice warm feels.
It only takes one small decision to set you on a different wonderful path. You only have to say yes.
May 11, 2025
Did...Roe Horvat....just write one of the most... utterly perfect romantic novellas I've ever read?? I am kind of in shock.
This little novella has my pragmatic, unromantic ass out here crying and believing in serendipity and true love.
Ondro, after fleeing bigotry and a culture of homophobia in Slovakia 8 years earlier, is finally returning in the wake of the news of his ex-boyfriends suicide. Whilst in Basel, Switzerland, his plane gets cancelled, leading him to crossing paths with Jamie, an American living and working in Scotland, and after circumstances put them in each other's orbit, Ondro suddenly finds himself confronted with the possibility of a true deep connection with a man who he's about to say goodbye to and never see again.
Don't mind me. I'm just gonna sit here and sob for a while and pull this novella out anytime the world feels too bleak.
This little novella has my pragmatic, unromantic ass out here crying and believing in serendipity and true love.
Ondro, after fleeing bigotry and a culture of homophobia in Slovakia 8 years earlier, is finally returning in the wake of the news of his ex-boyfriends suicide. Whilst in Basel, Switzerland, his plane gets cancelled, leading him to crossing paths with Jamie, an American living and working in Scotland, and after circumstances put them in each other's orbit, Ondro suddenly finds himself confronted with the possibility of a true deep connection with a man who he's about to say goodbye to and never see again.
Don't mind me. I'm just gonna sit here and sob for a while and pull this novella out anytime the world feels too bleak.
August 14, 2017
4.5 Stars!
This was a really good read. It didn't feel like a novella at all.
I really liked both main characters.
And who wouldn't love the idea of meeting "the one" on a layover???
This was a really good read. It didn't feel like a novella at all.
I really liked both main characters.
And who wouldn't love the idea of meeting "the one" on a layover???
July 28, 2017
4.5 Stars
The Layover has been all over my feed the past few days. I was unfamiliar with the author, but I decided to take a chance and read it for myself. The story, while short, was beautifully written and engaging and I'm wholeheartedly glad I gave this book a shot. Sometimes you've just got to take a chance, and as it turns out, that theme played heavily into the story that The Layover told, as well.
The Layover is about two men from two very different backgrounds and realities meeting by chance when they are both stranded in an airport. There are a lot of things this story could have turned into that it didn't. It could have turned into a sex-fest. It could've felt like insta-love. It could've felt trite. But it wasn't any of those things, at all. Instead, it was a story of two men getting to know each other and finding that they clicked beyond the physical. It was about taking chances. And it was the story of finding your way home.
Home. It's an interesting concept. It's both specific and vague. Home isn't always a place and sometimes a person can get so lost searching for it that they feel they'll never be able to find their way. But the lucky ones, whether by chance or sheer determination, do find home.
Ondro and Jamie are so different from one another. They have vastly different backgrounds and life experiences. Ondro comes from a country where bigotry and oppression was the normal. Ondro feels directionless and defeated. His family is religious and don't have much money. Jamie comes from an upper middle class family and has the education he wanted and has the privilege of living somewhere he not only loves, but that doesn't treat him as 'less than'. And I loved that Jamie recognised that privilege.
I loved their interactions from the start. I loved how Ondro was willing to try - without overstepping boundaries - to get Jamie's attention. And I loved that Jamie, ultimately, decided to take the chance. Sure it was supposed to be a one-night stand. A hookup. But when circumstances kept them together for longer than they originally planned for, Ondro was attentive and caring. And watching Jamie get so angry over the current events in Ondro's home country made me love him even more. When all was said and done, they both felt like there could be more, if only they were willing to take the chance.
The Layover was just so refreshing and unexpected and I just loved every bit of it. I'm truly impressed by this author and would definitely be willing to read more.
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ARC of The Layover was generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
The Layover has been all over my feed the past few days. I was unfamiliar with the author, but I decided to take a chance and read it for myself. The story, while short, was beautifully written and engaging and I'm wholeheartedly glad I gave this book a shot. Sometimes you've just got to take a chance, and as it turns out, that theme played heavily into the story that The Layover told, as well.
The Layover is about two men from two very different backgrounds and realities meeting by chance when they are both stranded in an airport. There are a lot of things this story could have turned into that it didn't. It could have turned into a sex-fest. It could've felt like insta-love. It could've felt trite. But it wasn't any of those things, at all. Instead, it was a story of two men getting to know each other and finding that they clicked beyond the physical. It was about taking chances. And it was the story of finding your way home.
Home. It's an interesting concept. It's both specific and vague. Home isn't always a place and sometimes a person can get so lost searching for it that they feel they'll never be able to find their way. But the lucky ones, whether by chance or sheer determination, do find home.
Ondro and Jamie are so different from one another. They have vastly different backgrounds and life experiences. Ondro comes from a country where bigotry and oppression was the normal. Ondro feels directionless and defeated. His family is religious and don't have much money. Jamie comes from an upper middle class family and has the education he wanted and has the privilege of living somewhere he not only loves, but that doesn't treat him as 'less than'. And I loved that Jamie recognised that privilege.
I loved their interactions from the start. I loved how Ondro was willing to try - without overstepping boundaries - to get Jamie's attention. And I loved that Jamie, ultimately, decided to take the chance. Sure it was supposed to be a one-night stand. A hookup. But when circumstances kept them together for longer than they originally planned for, Ondro was attentive and caring. And watching Jamie get so angry over the current events in Ondro's home country made me love him even more. When all was said and done, they both felt like there could be more, if only they were willing to take the chance.
The Layover was just so refreshing and unexpected and I just loved every bit of it. I'm truly impressed by this author and would definitely be willing to read more.
------------------
ARC of The Layover was generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
April 15, 2025
5 stars. Obviously. Because perfect writing, as usual.
Still, I'm not entirely happy with this book, but that's just me. And I think if I read it again at some point, I will perceive it better.
My problem was that I didn't like Ondro. He describes himself in a negative light at the beginning and somehow I formed an image of him that wasn't very helpful. As I said, I think this is down to my imagination and has nothing to do with the book, so it's a shame that I had such a skewed perception.
If you don't like the person telling a story at first, then the whole story is somehow overshadowed by that. Nevertheless, I love this story.
Yes I have quite a knot in my head from it and had to think for two days about how to write this review because I didn't want it to be all negative here, but I hope the number of stars speaks for itself.
Anyway, my silly perception aside, and this is the big accomplishment, I was so emotional through this book. It has so much depth, so much uniqueness and meaning that only a wonderful author like Roe can pull off.
Ondro's past, his way of dealing with the difficulties and the homophobic events in this story are so heartbreaking. And unfortunately, these events are still so present even though the book is a few days old.
A very exhausting but rewarding story. I'll have to read the short story when I get a chance, but I can't at the moment.
Also, I have so many half sentences in my head, I would like to say more, but despite having thought about it for two days now, I can't.
Ondro's mother ... 💀💀💀💀💀
Kristina ... 🌸🌹🌸
Jamie ... 💞🐝💞🐝💞
Remember the pictures of dead pelicans on an oil-soaked beach? I was like one of those birds. Drowning in a black, sticky, toxic mess. 💔😭💔😭💔
I must never be alone like that. Please, let me never be alone like that. 💔😭💔😭💔
Still, I'm not entirely happy with this book, but that's just me. And I think if I read it again at some point, I will perceive it better.
My problem was that I didn't like Ondro. He describes himself in a negative light at the beginning and somehow I formed an image of him that wasn't very helpful. As I said, I think this is down to my imagination and has nothing to do with the book, so it's a shame that I had such a skewed perception.
If you don't like the person telling a story at first, then the whole story is somehow overshadowed by that. Nevertheless, I love this story.
Yes I have quite a knot in my head from it and had to think for two days about how to write this review because I didn't want it to be all negative here, but I hope the number of stars speaks for itself.
Anyway, my silly perception aside, and this is the big accomplishment, I was so emotional through this book. It has so much depth, so much uniqueness and meaning that only a wonderful author like Roe can pull off.
Ondro's past, his way of dealing with the difficulties and the homophobic events in this story are so heartbreaking. And unfortunately, these events are still so present even though the book is a few days old.
A very exhausting but rewarding story. I'll have to read the short story when I get a chance, but I can't at the moment.
Also, I have so many half sentences in my head, I would like to say more, but despite having thought about it for two days now, I can't.
Ondro's mother ... 💀💀💀💀💀
Kristina ... 🌸🌹🌸
Jamie ... 💞🐝💞🐝💞
Remember the pictures of dead pelicans on an oil-soaked beach? I was like one of those birds. Drowning in a black, sticky, toxic mess. 💔😭💔😭💔
I must never be alone like that. Please, let me never be alone like that. 💔😭💔😭💔
July 14, 2021
So... I read my own recommendation. And I loved it.
Beautiful writing.
Hopeful story.
"How deeply ingrained was the delusion of my self-sufficiency?
The tiny, crippled, exhausted creature that was kicking and screaming inside me now—he was thrashing so bad he bruised my insides. Was that the hopeful, rom-com-loving idealist?
I was certain I’d managed to smother him to death. Now he wanted out and he wanted me to hope."
Read this when you want to read about two different men going to a different destination, developing a connection in a few days.
This story is sweet, charming and has this tragic side for all who cannot be themselves in the place where they are born and have to hide or look for other places where they can breathe without looking over their shoulder.
I highly recommend it! ❤️🤗
Beautiful writing.
Hopeful story.
"How deeply ingrained was the delusion of my self-sufficiency?
The tiny, crippled, exhausted creature that was kicking and screaming inside me now—he was thrashing so bad he bruised my insides. Was that the hopeful, rom-com-loving idealist?
I was certain I’d managed to smother him to death. Now he wanted out and he wanted me to hope."
Read this when you want to read about two different men going to a different destination, developing a connection in a few days.
This story is sweet, charming and has this tragic side for all who cannot be themselves in the place where they are born and have to hide or look for other places where they can breathe without looking over their shoulder.
I highly recommend it! ❤️🤗
May 7, 2018
4,5 rounded up because I absolutely loved the writing!
I've seen so many reviews from my friends for this one, but it took me a while to get to it. Now I am sorry I've waited so long to read this author's books.
I've read Dirty Mind in the weekend and loved it. When I dived into this one I thought I was ready, but it sucker punched me. Homophobia is just as bad in Romania. We actually have the exact same problems, and I am already extremely sad and angry with everything that's happening here. Coalition for family does so much damage... So Ondro's story felt REAL, his inner struggles felt real. And it was super painful to read the scene with his mother. Ugh it frustrates me to no end when I read this kind of reaction. I cannot understand how a person can treat so coldly his own child.
This book was short but for 100+ pages it was amazing! So many feelings, so many sweet scenes. I usually don't enjoy sugary sweet books, but the writing made me LIVE this story.
I can't wait to read more from this author!
I've seen so many reviews from my friends for this one, but it took me a while to get to it. Now I am sorry I've waited so long to read this author's books.
I've read Dirty Mind in the weekend and loved it. When I dived into this one I thought I was ready, but it sucker punched me. Homophobia is just as bad in Romania. We actually have the exact same problems, and I am already extremely sad and angry with everything that's happening here. Coalition for family does so much damage... So Ondro's story felt REAL, his inner struggles felt real. And it was super painful to read the scene with his mother. Ugh it frustrates me to no end when I read this kind of reaction. I cannot understand how a person can treat so coldly his own child.
This book was short but for 100+ pages it was amazing! So many feelings, so many sweet scenes. I usually don't enjoy sugary sweet books, but the writing made me LIVE this story.
I can't wait to read more from this author!
April 17, 2025
How can something that is only 130 pages be so impactful?? Brilliant writing as always from Roe, oodles of chemistry and emotional depth, unique characters and storyline. Much less smut than usual, (although still a good, regular amount) and ALL the hurt/comfort.
Interesting look into life in Eastern Europe - it’s clear Roe knows his stuff here. Also I love that our main characters are not conventionally attractive people but the way they see each other is really, really lovely.
Interesting look into life in Eastern Europe - it’s clear Roe knows his stuff here. Also I love that our main characters are not conventionally attractive people but the way they see each other is really, really lovely.
November 15, 2024
Re-read Nov, 10. 2024
***** A must read ! 10+ Stars ! *****
Our Men are on layover in Basel, Switzerland. Their flights are cancelled.
* Ondro/Andrew, 30, Eastern European, Slovakian, a flight steward, left Slovakia 8 yrs. ago. It's a toxic place for LGBT folks.
* Jaime, long brown hair in a bun, huge blue eyes is going home to Edinburgh, is a scientist and teacher.
After meeting at the airport, they end up at the same hotel, talk and drink at the bar; ending up in each others arms.
But, there is SO MUCH MORE to this brilliant novella.
This is exquisitely written with lyrical language and descriptions. The flow is fluid and we are held in this story's grasp.
I don't have enough words to explain how terrific this novella is. Deep, timely, sexy, meaningful, pertinent, heartwarming, and intense.
Loved it ! I'll read this over and over. I hated to let go of our magnificent characters.
Thank you Roe Horvat.
Highly recommended ! ENJOY !
===============
***** A must read ! 10+ Stars ! *****
Our Men are on layover in Basel, Switzerland. Their flights are cancelled.
* Ondro/Andrew, 30, Eastern European, Slovakian, a flight steward, left Slovakia 8 yrs. ago. It's a toxic place for LGBT folks.
* Jaime, long brown hair in a bun, huge blue eyes is going home to Edinburgh, is a scientist and teacher.
After meeting at the airport, they end up at the same hotel, talk and drink at the bar; ending up in each others arms.
But, there is SO MUCH MORE to this brilliant novella.
This is exquisitely written with lyrical language and descriptions. The flow is fluid and we are held in this story's grasp.
I don't have enough words to explain how terrific this novella is. Deep, timely, sexy, meaningful, pertinent, heartwarming, and intense.
Loved it ! I'll read this over and over. I hated to let go of our magnificent characters.
Thank you Roe Horvat.
Highly recommended ! ENJOY !
===============
April 22, 2025
Reread 04/2025.
One of my favourite books, ever.
I love coming back to Onro and Jamie. Love watching them form a connection that seems so impossible at the beginning of tge book.
Roe Horvat's earlier books are the ones I love the most. Don't get me wrong, I love nearly all of his books, but the earlier ones are special.
--------------
Reread 05/2023
5 stars, all time favorite.
Ondro is so very special.
I wish I could hug him, reassure him and meke him believe in himself (but since Jamie is doing it, that's ok, too).
-----------
Reread 10/2022
Loved it even more the second time, upgrading it to 5 stars.
Love every aspect if it. So so beautiful.
--------------
05/2022
Aaahhh so sweet!
One of my favourite books, ever.
I love coming back to Onro and Jamie. Love watching them form a connection that seems so impossible at the beginning of tge book.
Roe Horvat's earlier books are the ones I love the most. Don't get me wrong, I love nearly all of his books, but the earlier ones are special.
--------------
Reread 05/2023
5 stars, all time favorite.
Ondro is so very special.
I wish I could hug him, reassure him and meke him believe in himself (but since Jamie is doing it, that's ok, too).
-----------
Reread 10/2022
Loved it even more the second time, upgrading it to 5 stars.
Love every aspect if it. So so beautiful.
--------------
05/2022
Aaahhh so sweet!
April 18, 2025
It feels like we all collectively decided it was finally time to pick up this novella after it sat on our TBRs for far too long - and wow, am I glad I did. This was absolutely gorgeous.
You can tell this was a personal story for Roe Horvat. So much of his experience clearly informs the emotional depth and internal reflections of both Ondro and Jamie. Their conversations about identity, queerness, and the expectations - both within and outside of the community - were layered, intelligent, and deeply human. I honestly feel like I learned something, not just about the characters, but about the world and myself.
Ondro’s character development especially floored me. He starts off as a nihilistic cynic you’re not quite sure you even like. But slowly, piece by piece, he reveals himself to be someone worth rooting for - a man who dares to want more, who’s brave enough to admit that maybe, just maybe, he deserves happiness too. Watching him grow into that realization was incredibly moving.
There’s so much depth and heart here. Inner turmoil, quiet moments of connection, and a soft, lingering sadness that never quite tips into despair, because at its core, this story is hopeful. It’s tender and melancholic and brimming with quiet beauty.
An absolutely stunning novella. I’ll be thinking about this one for a while.
Thank you to everyone who put this on my timeline again and again the last couple of days, you’re da best 🫶
You can tell this was a personal story for Roe Horvat. So much of his experience clearly informs the emotional depth and internal reflections of both Ondro and Jamie. Their conversations about identity, queerness, and the expectations - both within and outside of the community - were layered, intelligent, and deeply human. I honestly feel like I learned something, not just about the characters, but about the world and myself.
Ondro’s character development especially floored me. He starts off as a nihilistic cynic you’re not quite sure you even like. But slowly, piece by piece, he reveals himself to be someone worth rooting for - a man who dares to want more, who’s brave enough to admit that maybe, just maybe, he deserves happiness too. Watching him grow into that realization was incredibly moving.
There’s so much depth and heart here. Inner turmoil, quiet moments of connection, and a soft, lingering sadness that never quite tips into despair, because at its core, this story is hopeful. It’s tender and melancholic and brimming with quiet beauty.
An absolutely stunning novella. I’ll be thinking about this one for a while.
Thank you to everyone who put this on my timeline again and again the last couple of days, you’re da best 🫶
July 19, 2017
Unique...contemplative...real. Lay the red carpet for Roe Horvat!! Simply spellbinding.
July 27, 2017
Two words…Roe. Horvat.
Let’s say them together, “Roe. Horvat.”
Good. Do you need to write them down?
No. Okay, but remember them. They may be new to you, but they are important.
Why?
Because they are connected to great things. And I am positive we will see them again. Actually, I am going to keep an eye out for them but if you see them first, please do me the favor of letting me know. Thanks!
So here’s the deal…there are only a hundred pages but it felt like so much more. Allow me to give you the low down…two men cross paths in the airport and then a second time at a nearby hotel due to canceled flights. Time is short. Pages are limited. So every word counts. I finished the final sentence with a sense of hope and a rush of feelings. I couldn’t believe so much happened so quickly, but it did. Ondro is our storyteller here and his tale struck me straight through the heart. I don’t want to share too much because I believe its best to hear it from him. I’m going to try to keep things brief and vague and reign in my urge to gush and babble and share all the goodness that blew me away.
What's to like: I’ve never been to Europe before but I feel as though I’ve visited after reading Ondro’s story. Ondro has been a gypsy of the skies for nearly a decade. His position as a flight attendant gave him the freedom he desperately needed after his boyfriend broke his heart. I’m not going to say much about Peter. Because….well….Peter’s story broke my heart. But back to Ondro….he’s been flying high for quite some time but the shine has worn off and the face in the mirror is becoming blurry. He wants to make himself a home. He envisions the peace and comfort four walls and a roof will give him. He’s quit his job and is heading back to Slovakia. He has nothing waiting for him except his best friend. His country is in turmoil and his sexuality could literally be the death of him. His plan is to couch surf until he can find his footing and plant some roots because it’s his home and that’s where you settle yourself, right? But then…a stranger catches his eye. He wants him but once he’s allowed a taste, he discovers he wants to keep him and never let go. Ondro is jaded. He doesn’t believe in true love and he certainly doesn’t believe in love at first sight. But then this precious man in the obnoxious purple hat shatters every illusion he had and for the first time in Ondro’s life, he’s completely lost. This exploration suddenly becomes two-fold and Ondro begins a deeply personal self-discovery journey as well.
What's to love: Sometimes a destination isn’t a place. Home isn’t defined by a string of digits marking it on the map. They say, “Home is where the heart is” and this tale rings truth to those words. A home is where all walls of expectations disappear, chains of doubt are released and you are free to be you and know that you are still loved…unconditionally. Ondro and Jamie are given a moment in time and see the gift they are given. They take a chance, go big, and go after what they believe is worth it. And what is worth it? For Ondro it’s pushing himself to be the very best he can be…for his own sake and for Jamie’s. And I couldn’t be more grateful to join them on their adventure. I loved Ondro. I loved Jamie. And I absolutely loved them together. I imagine you will love them too. Be prepared for potent scenes and you might want to have the tissues handy.
It’s real, it’s raw, it’s remarkable.
Beware of: An abundance of feels. I was amazed at how deeply I felt for these men I just met and that can only be a result of the stellar writing Horvat delivers. Politics are part of their story but it was never oppressive or suffocating. Bedroom time is limited not by lack of want but due to their situation. Also, if you’ve lost someone as a result of their own hands, this may hit harsh triggers for you.
This book is for: New authors can be risky. Be brave. Take a chance like Ondro and Jamie and I promise you will be rewarded tremendously.
Book UNfunk
Let’s say them together, “Roe. Horvat.”
Good. Do you need to write them down?
No. Okay, but remember them. They may be new to you, but they are important.
Why?
Because they are connected to great things. And I am positive we will see them again. Actually, I am going to keep an eye out for them but if you see them first, please do me the favor of letting me know. Thanks!
So here’s the deal…there are only a hundred pages but it felt like so much more. Allow me to give you the low down…two men cross paths in the airport and then a second time at a nearby hotel due to canceled flights. Time is short. Pages are limited. So every word counts. I finished the final sentence with a sense of hope and a rush of feelings. I couldn’t believe so much happened so quickly, but it did. Ondro is our storyteller here and his tale struck me straight through the heart. I don’t want to share too much because I believe its best to hear it from him. I’m going to try to keep things brief and vague and reign in my urge to gush and babble and share all the goodness that blew me away.
What's to like: I’ve never been to Europe before but I feel as though I’ve visited after reading Ondro’s story. Ondro has been a gypsy of the skies for nearly a decade. His position as a flight attendant gave him the freedom he desperately needed after his boyfriend broke his heart. I’m not going to say much about Peter. Because….well….Peter’s story broke my heart. But back to Ondro….he’s been flying high for quite some time but the shine has worn off and the face in the mirror is becoming blurry. He wants to make himself a home. He envisions the peace and comfort four walls and a roof will give him. He’s quit his job and is heading back to Slovakia. He has nothing waiting for him except his best friend. His country is in turmoil and his sexuality could literally be the death of him. His plan is to couch surf until he can find his footing and plant some roots because it’s his home and that’s where you settle yourself, right? But then…a stranger catches his eye. He wants him but once he’s allowed a taste, he discovers he wants to keep him and never let go. Ondro is jaded. He doesn’t believe in true love and he certainly doesn’t believe in love at first sight. But then this precious man in the obnoxious purple hat shatters every illusion he had and for the first time in Ondro’s life, he’s completely lost. This exploration suddenly becomes two-fold and Ondro begins a deeply personal self-discovery journey as well.
What's to love: Sometimes a destination isn’t a place. Home isn’t defined by a string of digits marking it on the map. They say, “Home is where the heart is” and this tale rings truth to those words. A home is where all walls of expectations disappear, chains of doubt are released and you are free to be you and know that you are still loved…unconditionally. Ondro and Jamie are given a moment in time and see the gift they are given. They take a chance, go big, and go after what they believe is worth it. And what is worth it? For Ondro it’s pushing himself to be the very best he can be…for his own sake and for Jamie’s. And I couldn’t be more grateful to join them on their adventure. I loved Ondro. I loved Jamie. And I absolutely loved them together. I imagine you will love them too. Be prepared for potent scenes and you might want to have the tissues handy.
It’s real, it’s raw, it’s remarkable.
Beware of: An abundance of feels. I was amazed at how deeply I felt for these men I just met and that can only be a result of the stellar writing Horvat delivers. Politics are part of their story but it was never oppressive or suffocating. Bedroom time is limited not by lack of want but due to their situation. Also, if you’ve lost someone as a result of their own hands, this may hit harsh triggers for you.
This book is for: New authors can be risky. Be brave. Take a chance like Ondro and Jamie and I promise you will be rewarded tremendously.
Book UNfunk
July 20, 2017
4.5 stars
As a reader, the most important thing when I read a story is the connection. Connection to the characters, to the storyline, to the writing style. Connection is what can elevate my reading experience into the next level – when I can feel emotional about fictional characters, or when a story stays with me long after I finish it.
I always have soft spot in my heart for stories featuring lonely people that meet during a trip or being stranded at places like the airport or even a city. I think it has huge potential for a level of intimacy that transcends instant-attraction. You can blame the movie “Before Sunrise” for that I guess.
And that’s why The Layover works for me perfectly. There is a sadness and loneliness in Ondro Smrek, a Slovak who leaves his bigot of a country eight years ago. Being a flight attendant, I feel that Ondro hasn’t yet find a place that he belongs to. A place he can call home.
Then Ondro finds out that his first lover has committed suicide, and Ondro decides that maybe, maybe, it’s time to return to Bratislava, even when Slovakia is not really conducive for people like him. But before he can get there, he is stranded in Basel, Switzerland where he meets Jamie, an American transplant from Scotland.
And that’s how their story starts. In the beginning it’s going to be a one night stand – although Jamie doesn’t make it easy, he’s not into one night stands at all – but then it stretched for a week when Jamie gets sick and Ondro decides to take care of him.
Gah, I loved it so much.
I loved how this story is basically just about the two of them – we have a couple of friends, one is Ondro’s and the other is Jamie’s, that gets to talk to them via telephone – but the core of it is them. Talking about lives and maybe regrets as Jamie is recuperating. Ondro cooks, Jamie rests, they watch movie or play game during the day, and cling to each other at night. It’s tender, it’s gentle, and most importantly, it’s about that human connection.
And all the while, Ondro is navigating the messy feelings that he starts to develop for Jamie. The hope, the need, the fear, and that vulnerable state of being. It touched me in such a real way I got all choked up a couple of times when I read this in the wee hours of the morning. That’s when I knew this one was a winner for me.
The only thing that I miss is probably Jamie’s perspective. Because everything about Jamie comes from Ondro, and I wonder if he sees Jamie in sort of rose-tinted glasses. I don’t feel like I knew Jamie enough. It’s a tiny fuss though. Even within the short time span that happens in this novella, I believe in Ondro and Jamie.
I love Roe Horvat’s writing style. It has a poetic touch that I adore so much.
As a new-to-me author, Roe Horvat delivered to my reading taste. I will most definitely keep my eyes on their next book.
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
As a reader, the most important thing when I read a story is the connection. Connection to the characters, to the storyline, to the writing style. Connection is what can elevate my reading experience into the next level – when I can feel emotional about fictional characters, or when a story stays with me long after I finish it.
I always have soft spot in my heart for stories featuring lonely people that meet during a trip or being stranded at places like the airport or even a city. I think it has huge potential for a level of intimacy that transcends instant-attraction. You can blame the movie “Before Sunrise” for that I guess.
And that’s why The Layover works for me perfectly. There is a sadness and loneliness in Ondro Smrek, a Slovak who leaves his bigot of a country eight years ago. Being a flight attendant, I feel that Ondro hasn’t yet find a place that he belongs to. A place he can call home.
I yearned for the clutter and personality of a real home.
Then Ondro finds out that his first lover has committed suicide, and Ondro decides that maybe, maybe, it’s time to return to Bratislava, even when Slovakia is not really conducive for people like him. But before he can get there, he is stranded in Basel, Switzerland where he meets Jamie, an American transplant from Scotland.
And that’s how their story starts. In the beginning it’s going to be a one night stand – although Jamie doesn’t make it easy, he’s not into one night stands at all – but then it stretched for a week when Jamie gets sick and Ondro decides to take care of him.
Gah, I loved it so much.
I loved how this story is basically just about the two of them – we have a couple of friends, one is Ondro’s and the other is Jamie’s, that gets to talk to them via telephone – but the core of it is them. Talking about lives and maybe regrets as Jamie is recuperating. Ondro cooks, Jamie rests, they watch movie or play game during the day, and cling to each other at night. It’s tender, it’s gentle, and most importantly, it’s about that human connection.
And all the while, Ondro is navigating the messy feelings that he starts to develop for Jamie. The hope, the need, the fear, and that vulnerable state of being. It touched me in such a real way I got all choked up a couple of times when I read this in the wee hours of the morning. That’s when I knew this one was a winner for me.
The only thing that I miss is probably Jamie’s perspective. Because everything about Jamie comes from Ondro, and I wonder if he sees Jamie in sort of rose-tinted glasses. I don’t feel like I knew Jamie enough. It’s a tiny fuss though. Even within the short time span that happens in this novella, I believe in Ondro and Jamie.
I love Roe Horvat’s writing style. It has a poetic touch that I adore so much.
He ate very little but clung to his coffee mug like it was his lifeline. He looked out the window, and I couldn’t help but watch his profile, letting the desolation flood me. In the cold morning light, his skin was almost completely white. He’d tied his hair into a little bun again. The whisper-soft strands that curled around his ears made my fingers tingle with the need to touch him.
As a new-to-me author, Roe Horvat delivered to my reading taste. I will most definitely keep my eyes on their next book.
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
July 20, 2017
Me ha parecido una historia maravillosa muy bien contada. Jamie y Ondro se conocen en un aeropuerto, un encuentro que va a definir sus vidas, y aunque pueda parecer en un principio insta, la autora lo escribe de forma que puedas entender en todo momento los sentimientos de los personajes, cómo surgen y el por qué. Es un libro nada superficial, que se siente muy real, con muchos puntos que te hacen pensar en los personajes, en nosotros mismos y en la vida. Muy romántico, me ha dejado con un nudito en la garganta al pensar en ellos.
Sin duda, de lo mejor que he leído en el género. Muy muy recomendable. Y con el punto adicional de situarse en zonas de Europa muy poco o nada exploradas por otros autores.
Aquí estoy, varias horas después de terminarlo, pensando en el amor entre Ondro y Jamie, los riesgos que hay que tomar o se pueden tomar en la vida y el sentimiento de soledad y desesperación de aquellos que no pueden ser quiénes son porque tienen una sexualidad distinta a la de la mayoría.
Sin duda, de lo mejor que he leído en el género. Muy muy recomendable. Y con el punto adicional de situarse en zonas de Europa muy poco o nada exploradas por otros autores.
Aquí estoy, varias horas después de terminarlo, pensando en el amor entre Ondro y Jamie, los riesgos que hay que tomar o se pueden tomar en la vida y el sentimiento de soledad y desesperación de aquellos que no pueden ser quiénes son porque tienen una sexualidad distinta a la de la mayoría.
November 17, 2017
This book was soooo sweet and adorable, it brought tears to my eyes, smiles to my face, and it downright melted my heart.
Jamie was so sweet, and it was definitely a bonus that I read the prequel with his POV before I started the story. His strength and determination made me feel proud of him and determined myself to go do something brave.
I loved Ondro. It was amazing experiencing his emotional journey like that. I wanted to just read about him and Jamie for long and long and long. The way he just fell for Jamie at first sight, couldn’t understand himself what it was that was happening and why but still was unable to stop himself from sticking close to him, it was simply beautiful to read.
I am loving this author’s works. I’m definitely going to keep an eye on their works...
Jamie was so sweet, and it was definitely a bonus that I read the prequel with his POV before I started the story. His strength and determination made me feel proud of him and determined myself to go do something brave.
I loved Ondro. It was amazing experiencing his emotional journey like that. I wanted to just read about him and Jamie for long and long and long. The way he just fell for Jamie at first sight, couldn’t understand himself what it was that was happening and why but still was unable to stop himself from sticking close to him, it was simply beautiful to read.
I am loving this author’s works. I’m definitely going to keep an eye on their works...
March 28, 2018
4 stars!
I've been meaning to read this book since many of my Goodreads friends have been singing it praises. I am so glad I did, because this was such a sweet and heartwarming book that I enjoyed so much! Sweet isn't normally my thing, but in this case it really worked. Roe Horvat is a new author to look out for and I want to see more from her in the future!
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I've been meaning to read this book since many of my Goodreads friends have been singing it praises. I am so glad I did, because this was such a sweet and heartwarming book that I enjoyed so much! Sweet isn't normally my thing, but in this case it really worked. Roe Horvat is a new author to look out for and I want to see more from her in the future!
Follow me on ♥ Facebook ♥ Blog ♥ Instagram ♥ Twitter ♥
April 17, 2025
Ahhhhh what an absolutely lovely novella this was 🥹 It melted my heart and made me feel all the big, squishy feels I was desperately in need of after a spree of angsty books. A big thank you to Evie for reminding me that I needed to read this after having it on my tbr for far too long 💙
Sometimes, amidst all the books filled with kink and slick, I forget that Roe Horvat can write some of the most breathtakingly beautiful romances you'll ever read in your life. Roe can make you feel so much in such a simple way. Nothing was overdone here. Everything had a purpose and a place and packed just the perfect amount of feeling. I'm not actually sure how I felt so deeply for Jamie and Ondro in so few pages, but I did. I wanted to spend more time with them, but at the same time felt that the story was perfect the way it was. If it were longer, it wouldn't have been the same. The brevity of it made it all the more special, an all-time favorite for sure 🥰
Sometimes, amidst all the books filled with kink and slick, I forget that Roe Horvat can write some of the most breathtakingly beautiful romances you'll ever read in your life. Roe can make you feel so much in such a simple way. Nothing was overdone here. Everything had a purpose and a place and packed just the perfect amount of feeling. I'm not actually sure how I felt so deeply for Jamie and Ondro in so few pages, but I did. I wanted to spend more time with them, but at the same time felt that the story was perfect the way it was. If it were longer, it wouldn't have been the same. The brevity of it made it all the more special, an all-time favorite for sure 🥰
July 1, 2020
Rating: Very Good
Genre: LGBTQ + Contemporary Romance
Two stranger men fall in love during a brief layover. Ondro is a gay guy from Slovakia who learns from this layover that home might not be the right destination after all. His destination becomes this cute fragile guy Jamie. The story is told from Ondro's perspective and it is narrated for the first five days. We see how these two strangers are cautious about each other at first and how when Jamie becomes sick Ondro takes care of him. Things develop more between the two and comfort finds its place between the two men. Love becomes clear in the air.
The story is very well written. Despite it being a novella, I feel this book has a lot to say, just don't be fooled by its length. So many life lessons to be learned from. I liked the characters' development in this story. There is a clear sense of fear and suspicion at first, at least from Jamie's side but soon that completely changes and becomes something different. This was a very positive read for me.
Genre: LGBTQ + Contemporary Romance
Two stranger men fall in love during a brief layover. Ondro is a gay guy from Slovakia who learns from this layover that home might not be the right destination after all. His destination becomes this cute fragile guy Jamie. The story is told from Ondro's perspective and it is narrated for the first five days. We see how these two strangers are cautious about each other at first and how when Jamie becomes sick Ondro takes care of him. Things develop more between the two and comfort finds its place between the two men. Love becomes clear in the air.
The story is very well written. Despite it being a novella, I feel this book has a lot to say, just don't be fooled by its length. So many life lessons to be learned from. I liked the characters' development in this story. There is a clear sense of fear and suspicion at first, at least from Jamie's side but soon that completely changes and becomes something different. This was a very positive read for me.
May 12, 2025
5.0 ⭐️ Re-read 05/2025 (audiobook) ♥️
*******************
All the stars!
This book is a hidden treasure and deserves a place at my favorites shelf.
The story is very emotional, deeply moving, a bit melancholic too. Roe Horvat is a very talented author. He writes believable, multi-layered characters and creates an amazing connection between them, even in short stories. Roe, please write more books like this one!
*******************
All the stars!
This book is a hidden treasure and deserves a place at my favorites shelf.
The story is very emotional, deeply moving, a bit melancholic too. Roe Horvat is a very talented author. He writes believable, multi-layered characters and creates an amazing connection between them, even in short stories. Roe, please write more books like this one!
September 23, 2023
✰ 3.5 stars ✰
“I pressed a quick kiss into his hair when we reached the elevator. He didn’t protest.
It was stupid of me. But if you could have your most foolish dream fulfilled only for a few days, would you fight it, or would you make the most of it?”
Even though The Layover is Roe Horvat's debut novel, it delivers in all the right ways that make his writing so very enjoyable. Beautifully written with believable characters in a helpless situation with a hopeful ending, built upon a soft sensual romance that left the heart with a memorable read. Roe's words get under your skin - they sway you with the conviction of what he's trying to capture in whatever unique setting he brings his characters together in. A one night hook up that promise so much more than either of them would have realized. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
“I met a guy six days ago, and now I'd follow him anywhere.”
It reads so much like it could potentially be an insta-love set-up, but it wasn't; it was the simple yet beautiful way Ondro Smrek became enraptured with Jamie - not even for lust - not desire of want, but the sudden urge to feel a connection - to stave away this state of sadness for 'a difference between lonesome and lonely, and that I no longer knew which one applied to me' - with this man who sparked a forgotten yearning in his heart. 🤍🤍
“If I make an idiot of myself, I won’t get into your pants.”
He didn’t seem nervous anymore. He cocked his head, narrowed his eyes, and made a show of assessing me.
“Maybe I don’t mind having sex with idiots,” he said, a sly smile tugging at the corners of his mouth at last.”
It was that lovely way in which they met at a bar - bared their innermost thoughts and confessed their own fears of not belonging anywhere. And even as hypnotic and mind-blowing their one night together was, it was the comforting compassion that Ondro gave Jamie after - that really was so very sweet, even with all the angsty drama they had to find a way out of. 🥺🥺 Ondro's thoughts are plagued with the fear of rejection that after all the kindness he has bestowed upon Jamie - he may still leave him, after all is said and done. And for me, it's not the gentle acceptance that Jamie gives him and kind understanding of the loneliness Ondro is feeling without having a place to call his own.
It's also the soft irony in the title - that 'I was in just another hotel here in Basel, Switzerland. Just another layover in just another city. Still, it felt so different that it terrified me to my core' - which reminds you that home doesn't have to be a specific place. Home is where the heart is and if these two wayfarer of souls found it in one random unplanned moment in time - who would stop them from seizing the opportunity for whence it came?
“Sweet, soft, and gentle. The simplest song but full of tenderness, about waking up your lover with a kiss in the morning and thinking about moments that may never end.”
This was such a heart-warming and accurate way of describing how this simple story of tender care was of a gentle love between two people - both seeking something more in a place where they did not know where to look for, until they found what they were searching for with each other. 🥹
“I pressed a quick kiss into his hair when we reached the elevator. He didn’t protest.
It was stupid of me. But if you could have your most foolish dream fulfilled only for a few days, would you fight it, or would you make the most of it?”
Even though The Layover is Roe Horvat's debut novel, it delivers in all the right ways that make his writing so very enjoyable. Beautifully written with believable characters in a helpless situation with a hopeful ending, built upon a soft sensual romance that left the heart with a memorable read. Roe's words get under your skin - they sway you with the conviction of what he's trying to capture in whatever unique setting he brings his characters together in. A one night hook up that promise so much more than either of them would have realized. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
“I met a guy six days ago, and now I'd follow him anywhere.”
It reads so much like it could potentially be an insta-love set-up, but it wasn't; it was the simple yet beautiful way Ondro Smrek became enraptured with Jamie - not even for lust - not desire of want, but the sudden urge to feel a connection - to stave away this state of sadness for 'a difference between lonesome and lonely, and that I no longer knew which one applied to me' - with this man who sparked a forgotten yearning in his heart. 🤍🤍
“If I make an idiot of myself, I won’t get into your pants.”
He didn’t seem nervous anymore. He cocked his head, narrowed his eyes, and made a show of assessing me.
“Maybe I don’t mind having sex with idiots,” he said, a sly smile tugging at the corners of his mouth at last.”
It was that lovely way in which they met at a bar - bared their innermost thoughts and confessed their own fears of not belonging anywhere. And even as hypnotic and mind-blowing their one night together was, it was the comforting compassion that Ondro gave Jamie after - that really was so very sweet, even with all the angsty drama they had to find a way out of. 🥺🥺 Ondro's thoughts are plagued with the fear of rejection that after all the kindness he has bestowed upon Jamie - he may still leave him, after all is said and done. And for me, it's not the gentle acceptance that Jamie gives him and kind understanding of the loneliness Ondro is feeling without having a place to call his own.
It's also the soft irony in the title - that 'I was in just another hotel here in Basel, Switzerland. Just another layover in just another city. Still, it felt so different that it terrified me to my core' - which reminds you that home doesn't have to be a specific place. Home is where the heart is and if these two wayfarer of souls found it in one random unplanned moment in time - who would stop them from seizing the opportunity for whence it came?
“Sweet, soft, and gentle. The simplest song but full of tenderness, about waking up your lover with a kiss in the morning and thinking about moments that may never end.”
This was such a heart-warming and accurate way of describing how this simple story of tender care was of a gentle love between two people - both seeking something more in a place where they did not know where to look for, until they found what they were searching for with each other. 🥹
October 27, 2021
[4.5] i came in fully expecting Roe Horvat’s glorious smut and got an emotionally packed punch to the gut instead that i didn’t see coming at all BUT I’M NOT COMPLAINING, THIS WAS BRILLIANT 🥊 😭
might be my hormones talking but the way feelings of emptiness that comes from a life half-lived and of hopelessness in the face of baseless hate was portrayed gave me a teary eyed moment here and there. although i wished Ondro had taken a more proactive approach, the time skip showed me the fruits of his character development so i’m a happy camper. thank you for the hope-filled conclusion!!
on another note, around 45% in Ondro goes, ”You’d be amazed by how much you can learn about a person when you’re browsing their Kindle app.” and uhhhh *me panicking with all my half-naked men groping each other on book covers* i guarantee i’d simply disintegrate into oblivion on the spot if some new acquaintance even glanced at them, probably think i’m mad thirsty or smth 🤣🤣
might be my hormones talking but the way feelings of emptiness that comes from a life half-lived and of hopelessness in the face of baseless hate was portrayed gave me a teary eyed moment here and there. although i wished Ondro had taken a more proactive approach, the time skip showed me the fruits of his character development so i’m a happy camper. thank you for the hope-filled conclusion!!
on another note, around 45% in Ondro goes, ”You’d be amazed by how much you can learn about a person when you’re browsing their Kindle app.” and uhhhh *me panicking with all my half-naked men groping each other on book covers* i guarantee i’d simply disintegrate into oblivion on the spot if some new acquaintance even glanced at them, probably think i’m mad thirsty or smth 🤣🤣
July 12, 2021
4.5.
oh, this was lovely. sad but sweet, heavy but hopeful. Roe Horvat is a tremendous writer. this was a short read, but man, it packed a punch.
oh, this was lovely. sad but sweet, heavy but hopeful. Roe Horvat is a tremendous writer. this was a short read, but man, it packed a punch.
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