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Petty in Pink
Return to the bestselling world of The Devil Wears Black in this Valentine’s Day spin-off where longtime friends with benefits unwittingly find themselves in a serious predicament.
In New York Times bestselling author L.J. Shen’s valentine-themed novella, a surprise pregnancy shakes up expectations between a romance-phobe and her longtime hookup who’s always wanted more.
Layla Schmidt has artfully dodged Cupid’s arrows for six years now, keeping things casual with her standing booty call—no romance, no strings.
As far as Layla’s concerned, it’s the perfect setup. For both of them. With her painful track record, the lively teacher wants nothing to do with commitment, and Grant Gerwig, dedicated oncologist, is too busy for it. Truthfully, Grant wants to make the time, but he knows better than to push where Layla won’t budge.
Their emotional standstill can’t last forever, though.
When a coworker’s wedding brings a blast from Layla’s past, it blows a hole through her future too. Swirling emotions lead to impulsive decisions, and after an adrenaline-fueled night, she finds herself pregnant.
Layla and Grant have a lot to talk about…and a lot to prepare for. Falling in love was never supposed to be part of their equation, but even the best-laid plans unfold with some surprises along the way.
In New York Times bestselling author L.J. Shen’s valentine-themed novella, a surprise pregnancy shakes up expectations between a romance-phobe and her longtime hookup who’s always wanted more.
Layla Schmidt has artfully dodged Cupid’s arrows for six years now, keeping things casual with her standing booty call—no romance, no strings.
As far as Layla’s concerned, it’s the perfect setup. For both of them. With her painful track record, the lively teacher wants nothing to do with commitment, and Grant Gerwig, dedicated oncologist, is too busy for it. Truthfully, Grant wants to make the time, but he knows better than to push where Layla won’t budge.
Their emotional standstill can’t last forever, though.
When a coworker’s wedding brings a blast from Layla’s past, it blows a hole through her future too. Swirling emotions lead to impulsive decisions, and after an adrenaline-fueled night, she finds herself pregnant.
Layla and Grant have a lot to talk about…and a lot to prepare for. Falling in love was never supposed to be part of their equation, but even the best-laid plans unfold with some surprises along the way.
150 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 3, 2026
1405 people are currently reading
12606 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Shen
100 books57.4k followersL.J. Shen is a New York Times, USA Today, WSJ, Washington Post and #1 Amazon Kindle Store bestselling author of contemporary romance books.
She writes angsty books, unredeemable anti-heroes who are in Bill Gates's tax bracket, and sassy heroines who bring them to their knees (for more reasons than one).
Keep up with L.J. on all platforms:
Newsletter Sign up ➜ https://bit.ly/3LhsIrb
Instagram➜ shorturl.at/cDJRZ
TikTok ➜ shorturl.at/frw59
Facebook➜ https://goo.gl/fKCSo4
Website ➜ www.authorljshen.com
She writes angsty books, unredeemable anti-heroes who are in Bill Gates's tax bracket, and sassy heroines who bring them to their knees (for more reasons than one).
Keep up with L.J. on all platforms:
Newsletter Sign up ➜ https://bit.ly/3LhsIrb
Instagram➜ shorturl.at/cDJRZ
TikTok ➜ shorturl.at/frw59
Facebook➜ https://goo.gl/fKCSo4
Website ➜ www.authorljshen.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 706 reviews
February 3, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR In this you'll meet Layla and Grant. This quick novella is a spinoff of (The devil wears black), but it’s not necessary to read that to understand or enjoy this one.
As soon as this hit my kindle today, I pretty much dived in, and before I knew it I’d inhaled it..
What to expect:
- holiday novella
- friends with benefits
- accidental pregnancy
These two had been tiptoeing around each other for many years, both declaring they didn’t want to be in a relationship, he was too busy with work, and she was scared of falling down the commitment trap again and getting hurt, or losing part of herself.
But time and time again, they came back to the other. From what one would term friends with benefits, they were so much more than that, Grant was a walking, talking green flag, nothing screamed anything else. Layla thought she was broken but he ensured her she was perfect just the way she was.
I liked these two, especially Grant, he was everything we all seek off the pages of a book. He bent over backwards to make her happy, from little things to life changing things, always doing whatever he could..
As soon as this hit my kindle today, I pretty much dived in, and before I knew it I’d inhaled it..
What to expect:
- holiday novella
- friends with benefits
- accidental pregnancy
These two had been tiptoeing around each other for many years, both declaring they didn’t want to be in a relationship, he was too busy with work, and she was scared of falling down the commitment trap again and getting hurt, or losing part of herself.
But time and time again, they came back to the other. From what one would term friends with benefits, they were so much more than that, Grant was a walking, talking green flag, nothing screamed anything else. Layla thought she was broken but he ensured her she was perfect just the way she was.
I liked these two, especially Grant, he was everything we all seek off the pages of a book. He bent over backwards to make her happy, from little things to life changing things, always doing whatever he could..
February 18, 2026
Grant and Layla are everything!! 😭 this was such a beautiful Valentine’s themed The Devil Wears Black spin off novella
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February 19, 2026
"You're making it impossible not to fall for you."
"Then fall." He gave me a dimpled, shaky smile, his eyes brightening. "I promise I'll catch you."
But it wasn't that simple.
Sigh.
No, it wasn't that simple, even though it could have been. However, nothing is simple with Layla, except sex.
I like the idea of the main characters having casual sex for years before finally falling in love. I don't like using a surprise pregnancy as the catalyst. I also don't like unnecessary complications and drama when the couple could just be happy.
Shen should have ended the book after they both confessed their feelings for each other at the 60% mark. But no. After already having proved about ninety-seven times that he's the perfect man, friend, lover, baby daddy, and partner, the pitiful doctor still has to show that he's nothing like the FMC's horrible ex in the second half of the book. Seriously, you might adore his patience... or tell him to grow a pair and look for a girl who deserves him. Unfortunately, he's desperately in love with Layla.
I'd choose five minutes in Layla's company than immortality with anyone else.
2.5
BTW: I hate it when books spread false information. This heroine gets pregnant even though she's on the pill because "I drank quite a bit that night, so it must’ve messed up my birth control." No! No, no, no! Alcohol does not reducen the effectiveness of the pill (except indirectly, if you vomit or something–which didn't happen here). Well… at least the misinformation isn't happening the other way around.
"Then fall." He gave me a dimpled, shaky smile, his eyes brightening. "I promise I'll catch you."
But it wasn't that simple.
Sigh.
No, it wasn't that simple, even though it could have been. However, nothing is simple with Layla, except sex.
I like the idea of the main characters having casual sex for years before finally falling in love. I don't like using a surprise pregnancy as the catalyst. I also don't like unnecessary complications and drama when the couple could just be happy.
Shen should have ended the book after they both confessed their feelings for each other at the 60% mark. But no. After already having proved about ninety-seven times that he's the perfect man, friend, lover, baby daddy, and partner, the pitiful doctor still has to show that he's nothing like the FMC's horrible ex in the second half of the book. Seriously, you might adore his patience... or tell him to grow a pair and look for a girl who deserves him. Unfortunately, he's desperately in love with Layla.
I'd choose five minutes in Layla's company than immortality with anyone else.
2.5
BTW: I hate it when books spread false information. This heroine gets pregnant even though she's on the pill because "I drank quite a bit that night, so it must’ve messed up my birth control." No! No, no, no! Alcohol does not reducen the effectiveness of the pill (except indirectly, if you vomit or something–which didn't happen here). Well… at least the misinformation isn't happening the other way around.
February 15, 2026
3.75⭐ Rounding up
This is a novella but it is longer in length (>100pgs) which I enjoyed- this allows for a full story in less time. Better yet it serves as a spin-off to The Devil Wears Black (my favorite Shen book), featuring appearances from characters like Chase and Maddie.
Petty in Pink is a Valentine-themed contemporary romance novella set in The Devil Wears Black universe. It follows Layla, a commitment-phobic elementary school teacher, and Grant, a top ranked oncologist, whose six-year "friends with benefits" arrangement is upended by an unexpected pregnancy and blossoming emotions. In true Shen fashion, she writes amazing MMC. Grant in this case is a green flag from day one.
💗Friends-to-lovers
💗NYC and Minnesota
💗surprise pregnancy
💗witty banter
💗overcoming emotional walls
💗fast-paced and emotional read
💗witty banter
💗HEA
💗open door spice scenes
Trigger warning- discussion only of past domestic abuse (emotional form-no physical) and cheating (by same person).
This book is available on Kindle unlimited with audio.
This is a novella but it is longer in length (>100pgs) which I enjoyed- this allows for a full story in less time. Better yet it serves as a spin-off to The Devil Wears Black (my favorite Shen book), featuring appearances from characters like Chase and Maddie.
Petty in Pink is a Valentine-themed contemporary romance novella set in The Devil Wears Black universe. It follows Layla, a commitment-phobic elementary school teacher, and Grant, a top ranked oncologist, whose six-year "friends with benefits" arrangement is upended by an unexpected pregnancy and blossoming emotions. In true Shen fashion, she writes amazing MMC. Grant in this case is a green flag from day one.
💗Friends-to-lovers
💗NYC and Minnesota
💗surprise pregnancy
💗witty banter
💗overcoming emotional walls
💗fast-paced and emotional read
💗witty banter
💗HEA
💗open door spice scenes
Trigger warning- discussion only of past domestic abuse (emotional form-no physical) and cheating (by same person).
This book is available on Kindle unlimited with audio.
February 6, 2026
“Grant: Do I look like a cheap date?
Layla: I’m not sure what you look like. Your features are a bit hazy in my mind. Every time we’re together I sit on your face.
Grant: drop me your location I’m on the way.”
Fun zippy Valentine novella!! 💘 Layla and Grant are friends w benefits and after objecting at her abusive exes wedding they meet up for Valentine’s day and end up with a surprise. 😳 he’s on oncologist headed to Mayo Clinic to work on Car-T cell therapy and she’s a childcare worker who has been burnt and is a bit gunshy. They have great chemistry and fun banter and Grant is such a cinnamon roll for her. (He literally door dashes Cinnabon to her house amongst other delights)
Cute stuff.
Mild Spoilers Ahead 💝
💖Cute HEA
💖Novella Length
💖Surprise Baby
💖Medium Spice
💖Mild OW Drama
💖Fun Banter
💖Fuck buddies to lovers
💖Valentine’s Date
💖Triggers for past miscarriage and abuse
Layla: I’m not sure what you look like. Your features are a bit hazy in my mind. Every time we’re together I sit on your face.
Grant: drop me your location I’m on the way.”
Fun zippy Valentine novella!! 💘 Layla and Grant are friends w benefits and after objecting at her abusive exes wedding they meet up for Valentine’s day and end up with a surprise. 😳 he’s on oncologist headed to Mayo Clinic to work on Car-T cell therapy and she’s a childcare worker who has been burnt and is a bit gunshy. They have great chemistry and fun banter and Grant is such a cinnamon roll for her. (He literally door dashes Cinnabon to her house amongst other delights)
Cute stuff.
Mild Spoilers Ahead 💝
💖Cute HEA
💖Novella Length
💖Surprise Baby
💖Medium Spice
💖Mild OW Drama
💖Fun Banter
💖Fuck buddies to lovers
💖Valentine’s Date
💖Triggers for past miscarriage and abuse
February 14, 2026
it was almost unbearable with how many “gen z” terms were thrown in here. the book was 150 pages and every page was a fucking struggle.
March 5, 2026
A Pink Dress, a Bad Ex, and a Better Future
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💜💚❤️
Heat/Steam: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 😋😀😛😘
🎧 Book Review: Petty in Pink
Author: L.J. Shen
Genre: Contemporary romance
👫🏻 Character Information and Plot Dynamics
Layla arrives at a Valentine’s Day wedding already in a sour mood. The bride is her preschool teaching assistant and a newer friend, and Layla feels obligated to show up even though the couple insisted that every guest wear pink. Her plan is simple. Make an appearance, offer congratulations, and slip out before the night drags on. Sitting near the back, she reflects on her own complicated relationship with love. She hates being single, but being in a relationship has always felt worse. Therapy is helping, but she is still sorting through the wreckage of her past.
Everything shifts when she recognizes the groom. Connor is the ex who shattered her life and sent her into therapy in the first place. He is the reason she swore off marriage, children, and anything resembling long term commitment. Seeing him at the altar with her friend fills her with dread. She worries that he is about to ruin another woman’s life. Her concern grows when the woman beside her casually mentions that she dated Connor right before the bride. The woman on her other side dated him before that. Every relationship overlapped. Layla’s instincts kick in. When the officiant asks if anyone objects, she cannot stay silent.
After she shares the truth about Connor’s history, she walks out and texts Grant, the man she has been seeing casually once a month. Grant comes to pick her up, ready to spend the night with her. He adores Layla and finds her incredibly attractive. He wants more from her, but she has always kept him at arm’s length. For him, their time together is a bright spot in a demanding life. He is a respected New York City oncologist who has just received a job offer from the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, and he may be leaving soon.
🌟 Strengths
• When Layla reaches out to tell Grant she is pregnant, his first fear is that she is ending things with him. He has already planned to keep his New York apartment so he can continue seeing her even after moving to Minnesota. His reaction shows how deeply he cares for her.
• Grant does not need long to convince Layla that he is committed to her and not interested in anyone else. His steadiness helps her lower her guard and trust him.
💔 Limitations
• Grant is a genuinely good man who consistently chooses the right thing, and Layla knows this. It makes sense that a painful marriage could turn someone against relationships. I felt the same way after my own experience. Still, giving up on love entirely is a harsh stance when the chemistry between them is strong and she already knows he is trustworthy. Her resistance feels understandable but also frustrating.
💬 Final Assessment
This story blends humor, emotional baggage, and a slow shift toward trust. Layla’s fear of repeating past mistakes is believable, but Grant’s patience and sincerity give the romance its heart. Their dynamic works because he never pushes her beyond what she can handle, yet he never hides how much he wants a real future with her. The book delivers a satisfying mix of vulnerability and charm, and the relationship feels grounded in genuine growth rather than quick fixes.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💜💚❤️
Heat/Steam: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 😋😀😛😘
🎧 Book Review: Petty in Pink
Author: L.J. Shen
Genre: Contemporary romance
👫🏻 Character Information and Plot Dynamics
Layla arrives at a Valentine’s Day wedding already in a sour mood. The bride is her preschool teaching assistant and a newer friend, and Layla feels obligated to show up even though the couple insisted that every guest wear pink. Her plan is simple. Make an appearance, offer congratulations, and slip out before the night drags on. Sitting near the back, she reflects on her own complicated relationship with love. She hates being single, but being in a relationship has always felt worse. Therapy is helping, but she is still sorting through the wreckage of her past.
Everything shifts when she recognizes the groom. Connor is the ex who shattered her life and sent her into therapy in the first place. He is the reason she swore off marriage, children, and anything resembling long term commitment. Seeing him at the altar with her friend fills her with dread. She worries that he is about to ruin another woman’s life. Her concern grows when the woman beside her casually mentions that she dated Connor right before the bride. The woman on her other side dated him before that. Every relationship overlapped. Layla’s instincts kick in. When the officiant asks if anyone objects, she cannot stay silent.
After she shares the truth about Connor’s history, she walks out and texts Grant, the man she has been seeing casually once a month. Grant comes to pick her up, ready to spend the night with her. He adores Layla and finds her incredibly attractive. He wants more from her, but she has always kept him at arm’s length. For him, their time together is a bright spot in a demanding life. He is a respected New York City oncologist who has just received a job offer from the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, and he may be leaving soon.
🌟 Strengths
• When Layla reaches out to tell Grant she is pregnant, his first fear is that she is ending things with him. He has already planned to keep his New York apartment so he can continue seeing her even after moving to Minnesota. His reaction shows how deeply he cares for her.
• Grant does not need long to convince Layla that he is committed to her and not interested in anyone else. His steadiness helps her lower her guard and trust him.
💔 Limitations
• Grant is a genuinely good man who consistently chooses the right thing, and Layla knows this. It makes sense that a painful marriage could turn someone against relationships. I felt the same way after my own experience. Still, giving up on love entirely is a harsh stance when the chemistry between them is strong and she already knows he is trustworthy. Her resistance feels understandable but also frustrating.
💬 Final Assessment
This story blends humor, emotional baggage, and a slow shift toward trust. Layla’s fear of repeating past mistakes is believable, but Grant’s patience and sincerity give the romance its heart. Their dynamic works because he never pushes her beyond what she can handle, yet he never hides how much he wants a real future with her. The book delivers a satisfying mix of vulnerability and charm, and the relationship feels grounded in genuine growth rather than quick fixes.
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February 16, 2026
This is the most deeply I’ve ever related to a book
February 1, 2026
this was so cuteeee even though it has a trope i’m not really a big fan of. it is also a perfect novella just in time for valentine’s day. where does one find a man like grant in real life?!
February 9, 2026
5⭐️ 3🌶️
My first 5 star read of the year. I absolutely loved this novella SO much. There honestly wasn’t one bad thing about it. Grant was so swoony. Layla was the perfect amount of guarded, she never teetered on obnoxious which is hard to do. I loved the cameos of past book characters and the side characters in this book. I loved it!
My first 5 star read of the year. I absolutely loved this novella SO much. There honestly wasn’t one bad thing about it. Grant was so swoony. Layla was the perfect amount of guarded, she never teetered on obnoxious which is hard to do. I loved the cameos of past book characters and the side characters in this book. I loved it!
February 21, 2026
Petty in Pink – 5 ⭐
I’ve been LOVING a little novella moment lately, and this one absolutely delivered. Whenever I pick up something by L.J. Shen, I know I’m in for angst, chemistry, and characters I won’t forget — and Petty in Pink did not disappoint.
Yes, it’s fast-paced, but that’s to be expected with a novella. Honestly? I could have happily read a full-length book — or even a whole series — about these two. The tension, the banter, the sparks… it was all there.
It’s also left me seriously tempted to go back and reread some of my favorite MMCs from her backlist because she just writes those broody, swoony heroes so well. ❤️
Short, addictive, and totally satisfying — now I just want more!
I’ve been LOVING a little novella moment lately, and this one absolutely delivered. Whenever I pick up something by L.J. Shen, I know I’m in for angst, chemistry, and characters I won’t forget — and Petty in Pink did not disappoint.
Yes, it’s fast-paced, but that’s to be expected with a novella. Honestly? I could have happily read a full-length book — or even a whole series — about these two. The tension, the banter, the sparks… it was all there.
It’s also left me seriously tempted to go back and reread some of my favorite MMCs from her backlist because she just writes those broody, swoony heroes so well. ❤️
Short, addictive, and totally satisfying — now I just want more!
February 12, 2026
Super cute, and amazing 👏 🤩
February 4, 2026
I was so excited to see my favorite author released a novella for Valentine’s Day. 🥰💖❤️
This was such a great book. I read it in one sitting. Couldn’t put it down. 💖😍
Tropes:
Friends/benefits
Accidental pregnancy
Miscarriage
Trauma
This was such a great book. I read it in one sitting. Couldn’t put it down. 💖😍
Tropes:
Friends/benefits
Accidental pregnancy
Miscarriage
Trauma
February 10, 2026
Cute! I really love this couple. This was a great book to read leading up to Valentine's day. But now I have to go back and read Maddie and Chases story.
February 3, 2026
Pretty much the greenest flag that LJ Shen has ever written.
Long term friends with benefits who have insane chemistry, care about each other a lot but cannot commit. He's either too busy with work and she's scared to give her heart over and losing part of herself.
Grant was such a wonderful MMC. He truly bent over backwards to prove his love and loyalty to Layla. Their banter was amazing, the communication was honest and mature. I just loved them together so much.
This was the perfect wee novella and I highly recommend.
Read if you like:
- holiday novella
- friends with benefits
- accidental pregnancy
Thank you to LJ Shen for the arc!
Long term friends with benefits who have insane chemistry, care about each other a lot but cannot commit. He's either too busy with work and she's scared to give her heart over and losing part of herself.
Grant was such a wonderful MMC. He truly bent over backwards to prove his love and loyalty to Layla. Their banter was amazing, the communication was honest and mature. I just loved them together so much.
This was the perfect wee novella and I highly recommend.
Read if you like:
- holiday novella
- friends with benefits
- accidental pregnancy
Thank you to LJ Shen for the arc!
February 3, 2026
okay, i usually don’t like this trope, but this was cute. i’ll admit i almost dnf’d it, but i’m glad i didn’t. the backstory really helped. i will say there were a lot of gen z words that had me like, ehhh okay? 😬🫣🥲😅 but overall, it was a cute book! 💕💗💖💞💓☺️☺️
February 5, 2026
A funny, quick, sweet read with a Green Flag MMC. If you enjoyed The Devil Wears Black definitely pick this novella up. Christian Fox and Erin Mallon were great on the audio.
February 5, 2026
If someone ever did for me what Grant did for Layla, I’d never let them go.
And to guys like Connor...FUCK OFF!!
pre-read~ L.J Shen never does me wrong with her books. I love all the swoony stuff she writes. So, an early Valentine's celebration begins here.
And this cover is so Valentine's coded🩷✨
And to guys like Connor...FUCK OFF!!
pre-read~ L.J Shen never does me wrong with her books. I love all the swoony stuff she writes. So, an early Valentine's celebration begins here.
And this cover is so Valentine's coded🩷✨
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love this crazy, romantic romance.
Unfortunately, it's very short, but Gosh!
I loved every second of this exciting, beautiful story.
The narrators are phenomenal.
You're listening to them, and you're feeling every emotion, every feeling, and the huge chemistry.
They're amazing.
Not only are the narrators great, but the characters from this book are also amazing with each other and, in general, as human beings.
I would love to have friends like them, kind of great.
They're just the perfect couple with an emotional mountain of dramas and held back emotions.
Have I already said that I love this story?
This book is such an incredibly authentic and beautiful love story.
Yes, a Valentine's Day love story, too.
Oh, and it's on Kindle Unlimited, including the audiobook version, for all romance fans.
Unfortunately, it's very short, but Gosh!
I loved every second of this exciting, beautiful story.
The narrators are phenomenal.
You're listening to them, and you're feeling every emotion, every feeling, and the huge chemistry.
They're amazing.
Not only are the narrators great, but the characters from this book are also amazing with each other and, in general, as human beings.
I would love to have friends like them, kind of great.
They're just the perfect couple with an emotional mountain of dramas and held back emotions.
Have I already said that I love this story?
This book is such an incredibly authentic and beautiful love story.
Yes, a Valentine's Day love story, too.
Oh, and it's on Kindle Unlimited, including the audiobook version, for all romance fans.
February 6, 2026
This was soo cute and heartwarming 🥰
February 11, 2026
this was so fun😩😩😩 love grant
February 10, 2026
Cute quick short story! Grant is not the typical hero I’m used to reading from LJ Shen. He is sweet and patient. Treats the heroine with kindness and love. Even though this is a short story you still can feel the emotions. Nothing felt rushed. A cute book to read on Valentine’s Day!
February 16, 2026
Cute story! Was a quick valentines read.
February 10, 2026
This was a fun Valentine’s Novella! Two friends with past heartbreak have an agreement with hookups. Chemistry is undeniable with Layla and Grant, but she's not going to risk being hurt he wants more and doesn't want to scare her away! When they have a surprise to deal with 💝
January 22, 2026
4.5 stars!!
This narration by Erin Mallon & Christian Fox was so good. I loved these two together.
This was a fun little Valentine’s Day Spin Off!! I loved glimpses of Layla & Grant in the devil wears black and I’m so glad we got their story! This one was a quick and cute one!! I don’t always love accidental pregnancy, but I adored this one & was rooting for them!! Grant is such a green flag book boyfriend & a top tier MMC. This one had me laughing and just over all loving these two!!
If you’re looking for a fun, banter filled, friends(with benefits) to lovers, surprise pregnancy vibe that is a quick & easy listen. This is the perfect little novella.
Thank you NetGalley & brilliance publishing for this early listening copy!
This narration by Erin Mallon & Christian Fox was so good. I loved these two together.
This was a fun little Valentine’s Day Spin Off!! I loved glimpses of Layla & Grant in the devil wears black and I’m so glad we got their story! This one was a quick and cute one!! I don’t always love accidental pregnancy, but I adored this one & was rooting for them!! Grant is such a green flag book boyfriend & a top tier MMC. This one had me laughing and just over all loving these two!!
If you’re looking for a fun, banter filled, friends(with benefits) to lovers, surprise pregnancy vibe that is a quick & easy listen. This is the perfect little novella.
Thank you NetGalley & brilliance publishing for this early listening copy!
February 8, 2026
5 Stars
KU + Whispersync
Novella
I started this book as an insomnia read, and boy am I pleasantly surprised and so happy I picked it up. This novella was funny in the best way — not a gut‑grab belly laugh, but the kind of banter and self‑deprecating internal monologue that keeps you smiling. And even with the humor, it touches on deeper issues like domestic abuse and the long‑term turmoil it can cause, especially when it comes to opening up and trusting again.
There is a miscommunication trope here — which normally falls to the bottom of my list — but I actually enjoyed the way it was crafted in Pretty in Pink. It built tension instead of frustration and somehow made the MMC, Grant, even more endearing.
And speaking of Grant… this MMC has my whole heart. He’s handsome but not in an unapproachable way, hard‑working, funny, dedicated, and the way this man loves? My goodness. He is SO in love with Layla and is literally willing to give himself to her in any way she’ll have him. Was he a bit of a pushover? Yeah, maybe. But honestly, it didn’t matter. He went to no end to show this woman he loved and cared about her, and it made my Grinchy heart swell three sizes too big.
For such a short book, the pacing felt surprisingly natural and complete.
This is exactly what I want novellas to be.
Walking green flag.
"If she was a shattered vase - which she wasn't - I still had the patience to pick up the minuscule pieces and glue them back together using tweezers, no matter how long it'd take."
"I never think about life in terms of what could've been. I like to think about what's possible. It's both more exciting and more pragmatic."
KU + Whispersync
Novella
I started this book as an insomnia read, and boy am I pleasantly surprised and so happy I picked it up. This novella was funny in the best way — not a gut‑grab belly laugh, but the kind of banter and self‑deprecating internal monologue that keeps you smiling. And even with the humor, it touches on deeper issues like domestic abuse and the long‑term turmoil it can cause, especially when it comes to opening up and trusting again.
There is a miscommunication trope here — which normally falls to the bottom of my list — but I actually enjoyed the way it was crafted in Pretty in Pink. It built tension instead of frustration and somehow made the MMC, Grant, even more endearing.
And speaking of Grant… this MMC has my whole heart. He’s handsome but not in an unapproachable way, hard‑working, funny, dedicated, and the way this man loves? My goodness. He is SO in love with Layla and is literally willing to give himself to her in any way she’ll have him. Was he a bit of a pushover? Yeah, maybe. But honestly, it didn’t matter. He went to no end to show this woman he loved and cared about her, and it made my Grinchy heart swell three sizes too big.
For such a short book, the pacing felt surprisingly natural and complete.
This is exactly what I want novellas to be.
Walking green flag.
"If she was a shattered vase - which she wasn't - I still had the patience to pick up the minuscule pieces and glue them back together using tweezers, no matter how long it'd take."
"I never think about life in terms of what could've been. I like to think about what's possible. It's both more exciting and more pragmatic."
February 6, 2026
This was a quick, messy, surprisingly emotional read. I liked the longtime friends-with-benefits setup between Layla and Grant and how their “no strings” arrangement had clearly never been as simple as Layla pretended it was. Grant wanting more for years while respecting her boundaries added a lot of quiet tension that worked really well.
The surprise pregnancy pushes everything to the surface…Layla’s fear of commitment, her past hurt, and Grant’s steady, patient presence. For a novella, it packed in a lot…vulnerability, tough conversations, and that slow realization that love has been there all along.
I didn’t love every impulsive choice Layla made, and at times I wanted her to confront her feelings sooner, but overall this was heartfelt and satisfying. A solid 4-star read and a nice return to this world.
The surprise pregnancy pushes everything to the surface…Layla’s fear of commitment, her past hurt, and Grant’s steady, patient presence. For a novella, it packed in a lot…vulnerability, tough conversations, and that slow realization that love has been there all along.
I didn’t love every impulsive choice Layla made, and at times I wanted her to confront her feelings sooner, but overall this was heartfelt and satisfying. A solid 4-star read and a nice return to this world.
February 25, 2026
I've been using the wrong title...
... I've been calling this book "Pretty" not "Petty". I need to slow my roll when I get excited for a new book.
KU Read
150 Pages
Valentine's theme-ish
Hook-ups to Lovers
He Falls First
Pining
Surprise Pregnancy
Black Cat x Golden Retriever
Grant has been smitten with Layla for years, to the point he drops anything when she calls for one of their "hook-ups" they have every few weeks. Layla is oblivious to this, being the one with commitment issues she has never really considered dating and only ever sleeps with Grant to avoid men in general. so when she falls pregnant there is no confusion over the baby-daddy issue.
Grant is thrilled and seizes the moment to finally try to get Layla to fall for him. When he finds out all about her ex he knows how to show her the love she deserves and finally get their happily ever after.
... I've been calling this book "Pretty" not "Petty". I need to slow my roll when I get excited for a new book.
KU Read
150 Pages
Valentine's theme-ish
Hook-ups to Lovers
He Falls First
Pining
Surprise Pregnancy
Black Cat x Golden Retriever
Grant has been smitten with Layla for years, to the point he drops anything when she calls for one of their "hook-ups" they have every few weeks. Layla is oblivious to this, being the one with commitment issues she has never really considered dating and only ever sleeps with Grant to avoid men in general. so when she falls pregnant there is no confusion over the baby-daddy issue.
Grant is thrilled and seizes the moment to finally try to get Layla to fall for him. When he finds out all about her ex he knows how to show her the love she deserves and finally get their happily ever after.
February 5, 2026
Longterm friends with benefits (10ish years) and accidental pregnancy.
Layla is still not fully healed after surviving an abusive relationship years ago, so when it comes to Grant she finds it less vulnerable to share her body than her “weaknesses”. With a baby on the way, Grant takes this opportunity to show Layla that they can work and she can trust him. Is it ideal? Depends on how you see it.
A sweet romance that’s tied to Devil Wears Black novel. Layla is Maddie’s bestie who’s now married to Chase who is Grant’s bestie (both make appearances).
Also we get a surprise appearance of Ambrose Casablanca from Truly Madly Deeply novel.
Layla is still not fully healed after surviving an abusive relationship years ago, so when it comes to Grant she finds it less vulnerable to share her body than her “weaknesses”. With a baby on the way, Grant takes this opportunity to show Layla that they can work and she can trust him. Is it ideal? Depends on how you see it.
A sweet romance that’s tied to Devil Wears Black novel. Layla is Maddie’s bestie who’s now married to Chase who is Grant’s bestie (both make appearances).
Also we get a surprise appearance of Ambrose Casablanca from Truly Madly Deeply novel.
February 14, 2026
4.5 Stars ⭐️ Layla and Grant have been friends with benefits who were secretly in love with each other. After Layla tried to break up a wedding, Grant was there and they hooked up that night. Weeks later, Layla found out that she was pregnant. I really like Grant! He is such a great hero! He loved Layla beyond words, and he was all in with the pregnancy. Petty in Pink felt like a full length novel with all the conflict and fun within the length of a novella.
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