P.S. I'm With You: A Hel's Ink Novella

by D.J. Krimmer

For fifty years, I’ve built a quiet, peaceful life. But everything changes when a box arrives at my bakery, bearing a name I swore I’d buried forever. Along with that name comes a flood of memories—and the pain of a heart I left behind. Now, the doors I closed so long ago have been forced open, and the past is calling me back. Funny how it always seems to find a way, especially when love is involved.

Genres: Romance

44 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 30, 2025

About the author

International Best Selling Author

Crowned the Queen of Banter, DJ Krimmer is known through the community for her witty, smart mouthed characters.

In her books, representations of the imperfect sides of life are not hidden in the shadows, they're front and center, a reminder that everyone deserves to be a princess and have their happily ever after.

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baka is a bad ass!!
This is the story I have been waiting for. A very short read but packed with action and emotion.
I absolutely love that after all these years Nika finally got her happily ever after

[Gemma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can honestly say I have never favourited a novella book until this book.

I didn’t know how much I needed this book until I started reading it and I can confidently say I’m not the only one that needs more of Baka’s story!! My heart was pounding, my heart was breaking and my heart was happy. Duck me! It was a rollercoaster of a 75page read. There is more to her story and I’m still going to need more please!!

[Micronova · Rating 4 out of 5]

P.S. I’m With You, a Hel’s Ink Novella
By D.J. Krimmer
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
4 stars

As indicated on the cover of the novel, this is a novella related to D.J. Krimmer’s Hel’s Ink series. You will need to be familiar with the series prior to reading.

This is a quick little read that sheds light on the story of Baka, the cranky, take-no-shit, fear no one little old Croatian lady that runs the bakery near Hel’s Ink. Also known as Stevie’s grandmother. We see snippets of Baka throughout the Hel’s Ink series but most prominently in Stevie’s book. She’s got quite a mouth on her, says what she means and always has some off the wall stories and quips that you just aren’t sure if they’re truthful or if Baka is just bat shit crazy. Maybe both?

This was a great little (44 page,) novella. It was fun to learn how Baka landed in the U.S. owning a bakery near Hel’s Ink. I think I just may have been inspired to back and re-read the series.

Thank you to D.J. Krimmer for the digital review copy in exchange for my honest opinion!

[Kristen Link · Rating 5 out of 5]

The novella I didn’t know I needed so badly.

I loved Nika in all of Hels Ink and I found her to be a fun character who provided comedic value.

This little number packs a punch!!! Gives her so much depth and makes her so special. Dominick is perfect and I’m so happy for their love story.

[Baiba Loves Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stevies grandma’s backstory 🙌

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review 💜

Still have tears in my eyes written this, that ending was beautiful.

A wee cheeky novella, it's Nika
Baka has her own story, yessss 💪☺️

Might be a novella, but don't be fooled. It's jam-packed with action from start to finnish & some spicey spicey 💋


Fell in love with Nika when she was first introduced into the helsink series. Everyone begged for Baka's own story, including myself & and dj krimmer delivered thank-you 💜

Always new Nika was a bad ass,
Reading her story dam, Her wit, her sas such a character. Her love and strength for her family is amazing.

[Bex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi! Yea! Read the TW’s for this one before jumping in! Okay, now to some thoughts 😘

Wow was this novella so good! The ending !! Oh my ! Just so many twist and turns and so much love! Ugh! This was such a good read! I can’t recommend it enough! I’m honestly ready to do a re-read. That’s how good it was.

💜Forever Love
🖤1960’s
💜Crime Family
🖤Right Person, Wrong Time
💜Revenge
🖤Feminine Rage
💜Woman in Power
🖤It was always You

Storyline:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Song: Emergence -Sleep Token

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got the ARC copy of this and couldn't be happier. Anything that has DJ Krimmers name on it...I'll be reading!!!

This is a novella to tell "Baka's" story. She is the grandmother of Stevie in the Hel's Ink series. She always jokes about her backstory of the people she has taken down but let me tell ya...she's a true bad ass!!
I absolutely recommend you read the whole series. You'll fall in love with her through every story.

Loved seeing her back story. And her happy ending with Dominik!!! Left me wanting so much more of her.

[angelictaleslibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to get this arc as I’m obsessed with the whole Hel’s Ink series & DJ Krimmer’s work..

Omg 🥰 this was incredible!
For a short novella this was jam packed with emotion & gripping suspense, I was on the edge of my seat 🫶🏻
Baka’s story was such an emotional rollercoaster..

"Fifty years and you still manage to take my breath away." "Dominik." 🫠my heart was so happy 💕

This is the story of Baka/Nika/kasapin
The crazy grandmother of Stevie, I loved her character from the moment we met her in Hel’s Ink, she badass.


"You'll regret all of this. You just wait."
"Oh, baby." I pout out my bottom lip.
"Don't go threatening me with a good time.

[Shabby -BookBistroBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!😱
I'd been waiting on Baca's story all this time. Thescream I scrumpt was loudest when this landed on my kindle. Sadly It was too short, Baca deserved more!!.
But I get it. All the nefarious stories we had been hearing from this hardass baker with ninja skills in kitchen and outside were ALL. TRUE
She's terrorized big alpha men and brought them to their knees with her scathing tongue, but she's also bolstered the women in Hel's ink parlour.
And now I got to see the back story that made her so. It's was EVERYTHING.

"To Dominik, I’m not just Kasapin, the ruthless killer and drug lord. No, to Dominik Kovac, I am Nika Galic, the poor girl who helped him when he fell and hit his head at eight years old. "

Oh my Dominick!!😭😭 crying was not on my bingo card yet here we are. Just hope they live extended full lives with their Iris- Zora and Stepha.
5 stars Be still my weeping heart
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[Read With Momma Shark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baka really is just as amazing as we Hel's Ink readers knew she had to be with the way she'd been in all the times we'd encountered her. This novella is short, but it sure does pack a punch in the window of time where Krimmer takes us back to the 60's and long before she was scaring people in her bakery with her intimidating presence, threatening cleaver, and rants. Baka was Nika and a crime boss that kept count of her kills while protecting her daughter from the very real threats if she were known. Nika loved a man named Dominik, but being with him was impossible in their world. This novella covers a short time of their time together. A time that shaped and led to her living her life as a grandmother running a bakery. Will the readers love this? Yes. Will the readers be left wanting more? Yes. Will Baka finally get a HEA? Yes.

Thank you DJ Krimmer for the ARC to this novella. Discovering the Hel's Ink series last year was one of my favorite surprises as a reader. These characters are so rich and the stories that you tell through them just keep drawing me in further. I'm always wanting to know more about them.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a short novella but it sure packed plenty of emotional furor. After reading Stevie's story I had become enamored by Baka so I was beyond delighted to see her get her own story. This one did not disappoint and I am amazed by how much was packed into this story.

I loved the setting in the 60's and getting Nika's origin story. She had such a rich history and so many layers to the woman she became. It was also fun getting to see Stevie again and getting to know a little more about Zora. I adored the bond between Zora and Nika and that they stayed close all this time.

You could almost feel the passion Dominik had for Nika pouring off the pages. Their connection was undeniable. I liked that he took such good care of Nika and was undeniably devoted to her.

For a short story it really hit deep. The emotional upheaval was enough to make me cry because I am so attached to these characters. DJ Krimmer has a special way about her writing that makes you feel everything. It paints a beautiful picture of the story so it's easy to connect with the characters. I would highly recommend P.S. I'm With You!!

[Erin Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨🔮🌞🌕🍄🌕🌞🔮✨

ARC REVIEW

P.S. I’m with you - DJ Krimmer

4.5/5⭐️

📚📚📚
That ending omg it made me tear up!! I wasn’t ready for that! This novella series had me hooked from page one until the end. Nika I absolutely loved her character and the way this dives deep, it made her steal my heart. She’s a top tier baddie FMC that is SO PROTECTIVE!! Dominick is a MMC I’ll never forget because absolutely he is perfection. So much sacrifice for the ones he loves. I’m just glad they got the ending they deserved 💗 totally recommend!

📚📚📚
If you like to read:
- Women in power
- Secrets
- Famine rage
- Right person, wrong time
- Revenge
- Crime family
- 1960s
… You should definitely check this out

📚📚📚

Thank you so much for sending me a copy for an honest review in my own words. #giftedcopy

✨do you have any book recs for women in power? Or who’s a woman in power you love?

#books #booklover #smut #booknerd #bookfriend #bookish #booklovers #bookishcommunity #bookloversunite #instabook #bookporn #bookphotography #reviews #igbooks #ilovereading #smutty #bookaddiction #bookhoader #hotnsexy #fortheloveofbooks #bookrecs #yummy #givemeallthebooks #readingthepainaway #booktok #arc

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

P.S. I’m With You is a novella that takes place in DJ Krimmer’s Hel’s Ink series. The main character, Baka, reappears in the series, so I recommend reading them first. I love this series, and I was very excited to see she was getting her own story!

As I mentioned, the book focuses on Baka, Stevie's no-nonsense, crap-talking, and sometimes cleaver-wielding grandmother who runs a bakery near the tattoo shop Hel’s Ink, where most of the main characters work. Throughout the series, Baka spouts these little pearls of wisdom and mysterious stories. No one takes her seriously, but they know better than to cross her. We finally learn some of her past and where these stories all stem.

I loved this fast-paced look into the history of one of our favorite side characters. It's a super quick read and completely worth it. DJ Krimmer is one of my auto-buy authors, and I can’t wait for the next book in the series to drop!

Thanks to DJ Krimmer for gifting me an eARC of P.S. I’m With You. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

~Arc Review~
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶.5

~P.S. I'm With You~A Hel's Ink Novella~D.J. Krimmer~

"To Dominik, I’m not just Kasapin, the ruthless killer and drug lord. No, to Dominik Kovac, I am Nika Galic, the poor girl who helped him when he fell and hit his head at eight years old."

~I'm so freaking happy that we got a story for Baka!! Baka was one of my favorite side characters in the Hel's Ink series & with the wild stories she told, we obviously needed to know what was true, right?? Baka or should I say Nika was definitely not all talk she will and did do everything she could to protect her family even if it meant she was going to suffer for it. Her story was raw, emotional, & I loved every second of it. The love that Nika & Dominik shared had me tearing up at multiple points in this story. This novella perfectly showed us the story behind the strong, & fearless grandmother we grew to love & gave her the present day happily ever that she deserved.~

~As Always Happy Reading~

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those who have read DJ's Hel’s Ink series, you’re already familiar with Baka, Stevie’s Croatian grandma who never hesitates to take a shot (verbal or literal) at anyone who steps out of line. She’s been a fan favorite throughout the series, and now, in P.S. I’m With You, we finally get her story.

This novella may be short (less than an hour to read), but DJ Krimmer packs it full of raw emotion, stunning storytelling, and a deeper look at the woman we’ve all come to love. As Kasapin, the head of a Croatian crime organization, Baka’s past is one of strength, loss, and resilience. Learning more about her journey makes her presence in Hel’s Ink even more powerful, and by the end, you’ll be holding your breath, clutching your chest, and reaching for a tissue (or two).

DJ, thank you for giving Baka such an incredible voice and for letting us experience the full weight of her story. I’ll be toasting her with a shot of Rakija - Živjeli!

[Fayplusfiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

P.S. I’m With You - DJ Krimmer ARC Review

Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice - 🌶️🌶️.5

This short, action packed, spicy novella is the backstory of Nika Kovac; or as we affectionately know her from the Hel’s Ink Series, Stevie’s grandmother “Baka”.

Nika is known for her wild stories from her time in Croatia, but little do her family know, there is truth behind them.

We all knew Nika was a massive badass and I couldn’t wait to hear her story!

This novella gives us a look in to her past, why she is so fearless and how she and her daughter came to live in America.

Nika’s story is full of chaos, love, violence and trauma but shows us how she came to be the woman she is today.

This novella doesn’t disappoint and is another incredible story from DJ!

I highly recommend reading the Hel’s Ink series before reading this novella ❤️

[Shere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nika/ Baka has been one of my favourite characters in the Hel’s Ink Series. I love her spirit, her take no shit and all around bad ass self. So when I saw she was getting her own story I was ecstatic to say the least.

I will say I wish it was longer only because well there is never too much of a DJ Krimmer book. The novella gave enough of a story/ back ground that you really get to know Nika and several things connect. Light bulb moments if you will.

If you’re a fan of the Hel’s Ink series this is a must read, even if this is where you start with Hel’s Ink, still pick up the book and read it.


Favourite quotes-

“you fear us. You fear a strong woman because a strong woman never forgets, never forgives, and never backs down.”

“ I kill my partners after mating. You know how it is, get what you need and get out. No need for the mess.”

[Bari (justbookedup) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baka's story is here! It's a quick read that gives us all the background on who Nika "Baka", grandmother to Stevie & owner of the bakery that fuels Hells' Ink, really is. And let's just say, all her stories are REAL! She had love that she had to give up to protect her daughter. It's action-packed, spicy, and still has heart. This is one of the shortest novellas I've read but I loved every moment of it. I can't get enough of DJ's writing & I'm not sure if this little taste is enough to keep me satisfied until her next full-length release but it'll do :) I'm counting down to when Phoenix, the next book of Hell's Ink, is released.

❤️‍🩹 1960's
❤️‍🩹 Crime Family
❤️‍🩹 Right Person, Wrong Time
❤️‍🩹 Revenge
❤️‍🩹 Feminine Rage
❤️‍🩹 Woman in Power
❤️‍🩹 Secrets

[Jomy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished reading "P.S. I'm With You" by DJ Krimmer, and it's a gem! 📚 This novella beautifully weaves romance and emotion, capturing the essence of connection and longing. The storytelling is rich and heartfelt, drawing you into a world where love transcends boundaries. If you're looking for a quick yet impactful read, this one is a must!

What truly stands out is the author’s ability to create vivid imagery and deep emotional resonance. 🌟 Each page is filled with warmth and sincerity, making it hard to put down. Whether you're a fan of romance or just in need of a captivating story, "P.S. I'm With You" is sure to leave a lasting impression. Have you read it yet? Let me know your thoughts!

[MAYRA ARMENTA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Novella - P.S. I’m With You by DJ Krimmer

I don’t even have the words for the emotions this novella brought out in me—but I’ll try. This is the backstory of Nika, aka “Baka,” Stevie’s grandmother from the Hel’s Ink series. A strong, fearless character who has always been a terrifying presence—fiercely protective and unyielding. This novella shows us why. It takes us back to her life in Croatia, where she endured unimaginable hardships just to survive. She did what she had to for her daughter unapologetically. Her story is raw, full of trauma, chaos, and a love that could never be. Dive into her fascinating story, you won’t regret it. An absolutely excellent read. 5/5 ⭐️

[Letty Garza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short novella is a deeply emotional journey of love, sacrifice, and resilience. Set in Croatia, it follows Baka, who endured unimaginable hardships at a young age, making every sacrifice to protect her daughter, Zora. I instantly connected with her and Dominik’s relationship, their love was both beautiful and heartbreaking. The sacrifices they made, both individually and together, showcased the depth of their devotion as parents. Their strength and determination to give Zora a better life made this story even more powerful. P.S. I’m With You is a stunning five-star read that will stay with me for a long time.

[Denise Heatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC review* After meeting Nika "Baka" Kovac in the Hel's Ink series, I was hoping that we would get a peek into her story, and DJ Krimmer delivered in a quick 44 page novella! The novella packed a punch, taking me through the gambit of emotions and still giving me a HEA that I couldn't help but be happier with. While other books in the Hel's Ink series are interconnected standalones, I would recommend reading Stevie at the very least to get some idea of "present-day" Baka and how she carries herself, because in my opinion it will go a long way towards understanding this book that much more. Bravo, DJ, on giving the perfect little story and still leaving me feeling satisfied in the end!

[coffee.and.smut (Ash) · Rating 5 out of 5]

If DJ Krimmer writes it, I will read it! I am still working on her backlog, but I love each and every character she creates!

Baka was a character that stood-out in Stevie. I always love a crazy grandmother, and Baka was that. This book is basically like her origin story. It is short and sweet like I think Baka could have been if she would not have been in the industry that she was.

Baka is Stevie from Hel’s Ink’s grandmother. She is a strong, independent woman who can be super feisty!

Check those trigger warnings, but if you love a quick origin story, check this one out!

[Erin Sharkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freaking EPIC!! I wanted more!!!! Nika was a boss B***. I thought she was kick ass grandma in the hels ink series but knowing her story and knowing what she went through to protect her family she was total gangster. She gave no sh** she was gonna do whatever it took to protect her daughter. And to know she had a love of her life made my heart melt. I love their story. I would have never thought she would be one to kill anyone. DJ did not disappoint!!! Totally worth the read amazing novella I freak in loved it and want more :)

[Mrscaldwellreads Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dj just keeps em coming! Hit after hit! This was super fast paced and kept me intrigued from start to finish. I actually would give it a 4.5/5 ⭐️ if good reads had that option and the only reason I gave it that is because it wasn’t long enough 😆 I truly loved this story. It made me feel like I was listening to a Sophia petrillo story and I loved every bit of it. Picture it Sicily 1920 🥹🥹 listen I love golden girls ok! Any how be sure to check this book out on 04/01/25 I promise it’s a good one! Happy reading 💋

[Mandy Kessler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn, I’m sitting here with tears welling in my eyes.

This is a companion novella to DJ’s Hel’s Ink Series and features Nika “Baka” Kovac, the grandmother of Stevie.

In this novella we get a short little glimpse into Baka’s past and we learn why she’s such the badass she is in the Hel’s Ink series. And if I couldn’t love her anymore, this novella proved me wrong. I LOVE Baka. The only thing I didn’t like about this story was that it was too short! I wanted more but that’s only because I’m a huge fan of DJ’s and Baka.

I’m with you

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 ARC Review 📚

"To the fearless, the fierce and the fighters - this one's for you."

I must confess that I was immediately drawn to the Baka character from the glimpses we saw of her in Hels Ink, but this novella has thoroughly captivated me. She is indeed the true protector of life's precious entities. I fervently wish for a more detailed exploration of her story, as she undoubtedly deserves it.

DJ consistently demonstrates exceptional literary prowess, rendering her works an automatic addition to my reading list.

[Ashley Arca · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've read the Hel's Ink Series, you instantly loved Baka, Stevie's bad ass grandma.

P.S. I'm With You is Baka's story. We learn who she REALLY is and the sacrifices she made to take care of herself and her child.

I loved this novella and getting a glimpse into Badass Baka.. Because that's all she'll ever be to me....
A bad ass..

If you haven't yet - Read the Hel's Ink Series because it's one of my favorite series.

[Janelle Sequin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love DJ writing style and really enjoy reading her books. This one was a short sweet novella so it didn’t take too long to read.

I really enjoyed reading Nika & Dominik story very much they had get chemistry together and it had enough spicy in it and that made reading the book even better. If anyone is looking for a short novella I would definitely recommend this book.

Spicy 5 stars and writing 5 stars