Some embodiments herein are directed to a thermoplastic composite structure having at least one structural layer of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin and at least one toughening layer adjacent to a surface of the structural layer. The toughening layer is configured to create an interlaminar region in a composite laminate and may take the form of a polymer film, a woven or non-woven fibrous material free particles, a polymer layer or non-woven veil with toughening particles dispersed therein, metal mesh or toll.