Marginally Yours

by Layla Nox

Devon's predictable life holds one secret becoming an author. That dream comes alive when he meets Callie, the captivating new bookseller whose recommendations come with a twist. The mysterious annotations in the margins awaken his long-dormant creativity, and he can't stop coming back for more - more books and more time with her. As the lines between inspiration and devotion blur, Devon uncovers Callie's impossible truth, a secret that defies logic and threatens to tear them apart. To keep the woman who reignited his soul, he must challenge ancient forces and risk everything they both hold dear, including each other.

158 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2025

About the author

Layla Nox is an author of urban fantasy and dark romance from Ohio. She loves to explore worlds filled with magic and morally gray characters, drawing inspiration from her love for all things dark and spooky. When she's not writing, she can be found reading, playing video games, or working on a new craft project. Her debut novel, Marginally Yours, is set to release this year.

Reviews

[Lise · Rating 5 out of 5]

A kick your feet giggling good time, a self conscious main character you want to root for (although he does curse a lot,) and a Greek pantheon full of drama. What more could you ask for?
Also, the author is an absolute gem of a human being.

I received a complimentary copy of this book.

[bookreader_nix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for providing a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Devon, a security guard by night, “author” by day, lives in a small town and frequents the only used bookstore in town daily. He reads quicker than the speed of light basically and one day he walks into the bookstore and sees a new employee there…and she’s a girl. A beautiful girl. Callie. When he finally has the balls to talk to her, she recommends some books for him to read during his night job; but while he’s reading these books, he notices weird notations on the sides of the pages written in purple ink, which spark inspiration in him to work on his own book. It’s mere coincidence that this spark of inspiration comes after meeting Callie. It isn’t long before romance buds and Devon begins to notice that Callie has a secret.

I. Love. Devon. Where are the Devons of the world?! I don’t think I’ve ever related so much to a character in all of the books I’ve ever read. Neurodivergent people to the rescue! The characters, the romance, the magic, the ode to Greek mythology…all of it was just so good. I need more! Also, the amount of giggling I was doing while at work, my coworkers must think I really love my job.

[Angela Beedle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok let me just say… this book was NOTHING like I expected it to be and honestly? I loved that for me 😈 Layla Nox dropped her debut novel and came swinging with a concept that feels both familiar and fresh. Think grumpy x sunshine ☀️🖤, forced proximity 👀, and the kind of forbidden love that makes your chest ache in the best possible way.

“I won’t let you suffer to save me,” she whispers. 🥀

Now picture this: small-town bookstore vibes 📚, a shy/stoic XL security guard who secretly melts for books 🤓, and a quirky muse with a bold streak that sneaks up on you…but don’t get too comfortable, because there’s WAY more to her than you’re ready for.

“The fingers she has wrapped around my forearm hook deeper in… Don’t worry, troublemaker. I’m not going anywhere.” 🔥

At only 150 Kindle pages, this story moves FAST…sometimes TOO fast (I was screaming for more Devon + Callie character depth, give me the details 😩). But the final third of the book? Pure chaos and magic. I devoured that part in one sitting, heart pounding, jaw on the floor 😳 . And that ending?? You will NOT see it coming.

If you’re craving a quick supernatural romance with lovable characters, secret identity drama, sweet-meets-spicy energy 🌶️, and a debut author who is definitely one to watch… Marginally Yours is absolutely worth the read. Layla Nox has me perched for whatever deliciousness she dreams up next 👏✨

🌶️🌶️ /5
3.25 ⭐️/5

[Jennifer Miner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arc Review

This was a very fast paced book and a short read. The beginning was fantastic start of a romance and I couldn’t love Devon more. He is a great character. Callie gives off sweet innocent girl vibes until she shows Devon her secret sexy side! These two together were great! Then the book takes a twist I didn’t see coming but it was different and refreshing. Haven’t read a book with Greek mythology like this before and it was really good. I really wished it was longer though. It needed more room for character development, relationship development and more time spent on the climax of the story. The climax definitely needed to be expanded way more and it felt rushed and unfinished leaving too many questions by the time the book ends. The spicy scenes were excellent but I just wanted more from the plot. Overall a good book.

[Corrina Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐ARC Review⭐

What a cute lil read, Callie and Devon are absolutely adorable together and their story is just as cute. This book had a fun story and a few spicy moments but they didn't overpower the whole book, which I appreciate and found fitting for this story. If you're looking for a cute book with some sass from the FMC and a ball of anxiety MMC, then I have no doubt you'll enjoy this too.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! Pulled me in from the beginning and kept me hooked the entire time. Did NOT expect the plot twist that came….if you like fantasy reads, this book is for you! Can’t wait to read more from this author!

[Emily Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute read! I really enjoyed this!💜🖤 I absolutely fell in love with the MMC!

[Diana Jasso · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review! 🫶
This was a different kind of read than I usually do, but one I thoroughly enjoyed. I connected with Devon from Chapter 1. I loved how the characters' relationships and the story developed. If you're a reader who loves fantasy and mythology, this book is for you!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

After seeing the tropes for this book on Layla's Instagram, I fully expected to love the story...what I didn't expect was to find myself within those pages and fall head over heels in love with this entire story from page 1 all the way to page 153. From the moment you first meet Devon, you can't help but fall madly in love with him. He's nerdy, handsome, an utter book worm and a cinnamon roll of a character, but this is nothing compared to how incredible he is as a partner.
I sat and cried when I read the line
"You're not a lot. You are who you are, and what you are, and that's the perfect amount. This situation might be a lot, but you're perfact. Anyone who thinks you're 'a lot' can go find less and fucking choke on it."
As someone who has always felt like they were "too much" and having been told it, this scene was so relatable and this line from Devon brought a feeling of validation and hope that someday I could find my own Devon.
Now let's get to Callie, our fun, bubbly female main character, who is the absolute perfect counterpart to Devon. She matches his energy so well and is such a joy of a character to read about and get to know, especially when the cows get mentioned. She is an utterly amazing character with so much personality and sass that makes her the perfect lead.
I personally loved how the story revolved around books, the bookstore and Devon's writing, while also beautifully tying in darker themes, Greek Mythology and of course, a TON of spice.
This was a fast read book, but there was so much jammed in to each page that it made it exciting and enjoyable from start to finish. I personally appreciated how there was no miscommunication tropes or any angst between the couple, but rather leaning on each other, finding acceptance and just growing together.
Layla Now created an absolute masterpiece with Marginally Yours and I cannot wait to see what else she had in store!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uggh this book! I haven’t been this surprised by a plot twist involving Greek gods since the first Dark Hunter books back in the early 2000’s!
.
I have absolutely fallen for Devon and Callie. These two have the best story. From the very beginning Devon was pulling my heart strings. I mean on the first page of reading I found myself highlighting the following:
“I'd get an idea, do all the research, plan and plot and outline, and then lose steam and move on to the next bright idea. There are fewer worse fates for a creative person than having either ideas or motivation, but not both.” - totally relatable as a creative person this just sucked me right in.
While this is a quick read, it feels like I’ve know these characters for a lifetime the way their love story is written to us to devour.
Trusting the fates isn’t for the weak.. could you pass the test?

[GiveMeBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was rather refreshing, as someone who is more into shifter love stories this was a good one. A story after my own heart really. As someone who would love to write but is continually under motivated it’s tough. The story was a whirlwind type of love, if that’s something your into be prepared to fall fast.

Devon was such a relatable character it made the pages fly by and his trauma/mental illness just grabs you right in you want to understand him more and see if or how he develops. Also the twist he encounters shows how much he has grown and the way his background plays into most of his decisions.

Of course I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t want more from the two characters. Callie makes you love her and I would love to see how she navigates her new role in life. However I do understand the ending and wasn’t disappointed or left feel that the story was unfinished.

[books.with.alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me kicking my feet and giggling the whole time. Getting a romance from Devon’s POV was amazing. You don’t get many romances from the man’s POV and it needs to happen more!

Devon is this nerdy/goofy teddy bear that falls for Callie very early on and honestly? I love that for him. He seems like he needs the love after everything he had been through in his life and Callie brings out the best in him (and not just because she’s a muse) but just because of who she is. Devon gave Callie the reassurance she needed many times throughout the story and I feel like that made her a strong enough person to take on Apollo the way she did.

I seriously loved this book and was hooked from the start! Will definitely be recommending this one!

[okaybookbestie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC! I really enjoyed the main character being male. His inner monologue was funny and relatable. The FMC was 100% the baddest of all baddies and her quick wit had me laughing out loud. I loved the pacing of the story and the sprinkle of spice. I wanted more! In a good way, this story is a short easy read with a nice plot twist I didn't notice coming. I think the author left me wanting more but not in a bad way at all, more so in a "I can't wait to see what you do next" kind of way! Devon's anxiety and Callie's self doubt were written in the most relatable way possible and I loved seeing them get together.

[Bridgett Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off thank you Layla Nox for the ARC read. As an ARC you get small blurbs that tell you what the book is about but never get a full picture. I have to say Layla knocked this one out of the park. From the moment I picked up the book and started readying you can very much relate to the characters.

You can easily find yourself caught up in the characters lives within the book. Which brings me to the ending omg what a plot twist! Hmmmm I was not expecting that ending. I definitely will be looking for more from this author and I will say pick this book up asap.

Thank you again Layla Nox it was such an honor to read your book.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cutesy (also a little dirty 🌶️) read that will leave you smiling. Devon is a small town “weirdo” that loves to lose himself in a fantasy world. Until Callie comes along.

I loved how relatable Devon was. It is to see anxiety, depression, and ADHD representation. You definitely end up rooting for him to find his happy place the whole time.

I fell in love with Callie from the jump. Her sunshine personality immediately drew me in. Wanting to know more.

It was cool to have Greek mythology fused into this book. Apollo.. When I see you Apollo, it’s on sight.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for something that will have you smiling the whole time.

[Samantha Musgraves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was an ARC reader for this book!

I just loved the plot of this story! It was fun and unique, and I was truly surprised with many of the plot twists.

At first, I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book during the first chapter, but Im glad I denied my skepticism and pushed through. I came to love Devon and relate to him! This other builds her characters so well, and I loved all her references to modern interests like fullmetal alchemist. Won me over so fast!

I've never been a mythology fan, but my gosh, this book is inspiring me to read more books with that theme.

The ending had a great meaning and honesty. I would love to see where Devon and Callie's relationship go now that she is immortal and their lives are tied forever.

Recommend to my romance and mythology lovers. And if you're alternative as well!

[Larisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the author did an amazing job with the characters and the story. From page one the characters are realistic and people you can relate too. You are immediately drawn into their world and caught up with their lives. I was giggling and kicking my feet the entire time. That plot twist??? The ending? Did not see it coming! But do not worry, in Layla Nox we trust 🫡

I feel so so lucky to have received an ARC of this book & can not wait to see what Layla gives us next!

[Elizabeth Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 from me for this one. It was a really quick read and I absolutely adored the characters. The MMC reminded me of so many people that I know in real life and the setting was so freaking sweet. I also really enjoyed the FMC and how she was represented. I did not expect to get through it Ila’s fast as I did and I also didn’t think I would like it as much as I did. My only complaint is I wished it was longer.

[Jessica Bradford · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is exactly why I love novella type books. It’s short sweet and to the point. Well maybe not sweet because baby let me tell you the spice in this one is HOT.
Devon definitely gives off wholesome boy next door vibes and while Callie is “sweet and innocent” in the beginning, she turns that boy OUT. I do mean completely out.
Devon wants to become an author and while he’s browsing for something to read Callie captivates his every fiber of his being, stopping him in his tracks. Callie is a bookseller and makes notes in the margins that takes Devon my surprise.
At just 158 pages this book does exactly what it set out to do and I love that Layla Nox didn’t over power the story with the spice. It had just enough to make you want to keep reading.

[Crissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC reader and I loved it!

When you get chosen to be an ARC reader, you don’t always know what you’re getting into but I was pleasantly surprised by this one. It’s a shorter read but the MMC is absolutely hilarious. His inner dialogue had me cracking up the entire book. Devon is a big ol’ cinnamon roll and you can’t help but love him!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️

[The DyslexiCat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marginally Yours has me absolutely smiling and giggling like it was a puppy love moment, with a few tears mixed in. Devon and Callie are the cutest set of “nerds” I have met. I was here enjoying my little romance read when strange things kinda popped up. My though was where are we going with this?! Then it was beautifully brought in and wrapped in a huge bow, or toga? UGHH I love a big man who is an understanding softy for her, but so protective too. This was wholesome, spicy, nerdy, and a wonderful read.. If you like a plot twist that doesn't make you want to die and just smile the whole read. 10/10 pick this up.


“before laying my palm back on her thigh. I’ve decided it lives there permanently now. I’ll file the change of address tomorrow.”

This was a solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice was really good too id say 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, on gosh lived this book. Small town feel with him falling first. I loved the fact that this book also was about a couple falling in love and having a passion with reading. Callie and Devon had some spicy scenes as well. This book was a breath of fresh air for me. This is a short book I’ve about 150 page but it was packed with good content. A must read for sure.
(ARC book read)

[Manic D0ll · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good! The characters, the story, the SPICE! Everything comes together to give you a truly unique and unforgettable story. I loved Devon in all his awkward, neurospicy glory. And Callie was a perfect FMC. I also loved the hard of hearing representation that was included. I don't want to say too much and give away any surprises, so I'll just say this: you need to read this book!

[Tiffany Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this book! It had a twist that I did NOT see coming and it made me love it all the more. For a debut this was pretty freaking phenomenal! I’m definitely excited to see future releases from Layla Nox.

[Summer Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute, quick read. If you like sassy FMC’s and an anxious golden retriever MMC, with a Greek mythology twist. This is the book for you. It’s not as spicy as I typically read but I can still appreciate the story.

Great debut book!! I look forward to reading more!

[Journey with Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute, giggly good time. This is a cozy romance with sprinklings of magical realism that left me smiling from ear to ear. Lately there's been so many broody MMCs in romances, it was so refreshing to see a golden retriever MMC who values consent and boundaries and who would move the world for the woman he loves. The spice also got me hot and bothered!

As a writer, I was also inspired by the MMCs journey of creativity and growing motivation. It made me want to write, too!

100% worth your time.

[Beth Tate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that this story is coming from a MMC. Callie and Devon were so cute together! Fast paced book. When Apollo broke Callie's neck I thought that was going to be the end of the story. But they got their happily ever after!

[Michelle Shamy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devon and Callie made for the greatest couple in this short and sweet novella. They were hot and spicy, and connected so quickly. the banter was great. i got a giggle and some cold shower moments. so that was a win lol.
I honestly just wish that this one was a little bit longer. I really didn't want it to end. it was cute, sweet, spicy, and a great read.

[Jakila · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC review* loved this story. It was cute and fun read. I enjoyed reading it. Can’t wait to read more by this author.

[Kathleen White · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute book and how come one could really have an effect on u and help you and be a good thing in the long run of it loved the Callie and Devon love them can’t exist for more of them highly recommend