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 … 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….
more
Usually the stories are steamy or sweet and romantic but this author somehow manages to have both. Unlikely happy ending that is still very real and close to heart. Recommended…
Roe Horvat recently revised The Layover, so if you haven’t had a chance to read it yet, now’s the time! I also recommend reading The Swiss Experiment if you can. It’s interesting to learn more about Jamie and get a glimpse inside his head. It’s available on Horvat’s website: The Swiss Experiment.
For the past eight years Ondro has stayed one step ahead of his ghosts, but his regrets have finally caught up with him and he’s ready to put things right. He gets waylaid when he meets Jamie on a layover. These two click straight away, and Ondro gets a glimpse of what taking a different track might look like.
Putting his plans on hold when Jamie gets sick, Ondro chooses to nurse him through his illness. This gives him time to work through the things that are troubling him, and gain some perspective on what things he truly values.
Watching Ondro process everything from the time he meets Jamie, and the impact caring for Jamie has on him really tugged on my heartstrings. Roe Horvat always writes a moving story and The Layover is one of my favorites.
Very Romantic
I’m still a relative newcomer to Roe Horvat’s work but every one of them that I’ve read I have loved, including The Layover.
This book is a bit different from some of his others that I’ve read in that it’s not really a steamy book. There is one very steamy scene early on where Jamie and Ondro have what is supposed to be a one-night stand. After that it becomes a much more romantic story. Jamie falls ill and Ondro takes care of him; their relationship progresses from there.
Of course, the story is much more complex that what I’ve said above. Ondro has been running from demons that we learn about bit-by-bit until all is eventually revealed. Jamie is pretty much what you see is what you get: a really sweet man who doesn’t do hook ups but he was unable to resist Ondro. Both of them are afraid of the feelings they quickly develop for each other but they decide to take a chance and see what happens.
This book is a fairly quick read but it has the feeling of depth that you get in a much longer one. I happen to love novella length stories, especially when they are as well written as The Layover. I’m happy that I discovered Roe Horvat’s writing and will certainly be reading more of his work.
A copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
5 Overwhelming stars
Woww that.was.one.great.impressive.read. Categorized : mustread
Amazing story, refreshing way of writing, accents to details in a way I just found absolute extraordinary.
Self reflection and reflections of surroundings so sensitive and clear I couldn’t get enough of it.
In some way highly romantic but not in a shallow way….there are so many strong observations put down I was utterly impressed
“I wanted to be enough for him to say goodbye tomorrow with just a little bit of regret. That damned ego of mine.”
Told by Ondro his awesome mind. When he sees Jamie from behind it’s just great what we get to see because he was somewhat irritated by his appearance….but when he finally can see his face he is struck. Not only he but I as reader was so impressed by this view of Jamie.
They miss their flight and end up together at the same hotel.
Read the blurb and read read read it yourself!!
Ondro’s inner being and struggles are sometimes heartbreaking and the/his sanctuary he finds with Jamie is….overwhelming….
I just can’t get into details but believe me it’s highly impressive what follows al the way through….it is such a touching story with a lot of depth you don’t want to miss.
A full intense journey with humor, sweetness, wounds, love, openness and honesty it just floored me.
Great slow burn romance beautifully written and heartbreaking in its realistic portrayal of a political climate dangerous for LGBTQ+ people.
This story kept me enthralled from the first page. Ondro and Jamie fell in love with each other, while I fell in love with each of them. The story was told from Ondro’s point of view, but I never questioned Jamie’s feelings. The characters were real to me, and there were several times I just wanted to hug them. I also wanted to shake Ondro several times, to try and make him believe that he deserved happiness and love. Their journey to love was brief but eventful. I’m so glad I read this story, which managed to bring me to tears and also make me smile. The author did an amazing job, and I will be happy to read more from them in the future.