January 21, 2026
„Petty in Pink” by L.J. Shen
BLURB
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.
MY OPINION
„Petty in Pink” is a short novella written by L.J. Shen and a Valentine’s Day spin-off to „The Devil Wears Black”. So if you’ve already read Maddie and Chase’s story, you’ll be happy to meet them again here.
Layla and Grant are friends who occasionally sleep together. Neither of them ever thought they could be more than that. Grant is an oncologist who’s too busy for a relationship, and Layla is a kindergarten teacher who adores kids but knows that having one of her own is still a long way off.
Then one night changes everything.
Now Layla and Grant have to figure out what to do with this surprise. They need to try living together — at least give it a chance. Nothing is simple, especially since Grant still puts his career first.
But love has a way of changing everything. Even a workaholic who never imagined himself as a father or a partner before being a doctor.
„Petty in Pink” was a really good read. I loved coming back to „The Devil Wears Black” world, because Maddie and Chase’s story was captivating and amazing. I also enjoyed Layla and Grant’s story — my only complaint is how short it is. They had so much potential, and we only got about 150 pages with them.
In the end, „Petty in Pink” is a funny, cozy, soft story about two people who truly deserve their happy ending. This book feels like honey on the heart. Or like a Band-Aid on a wound — it makes everything feel better and lighter.
And Grant Gerwig? A walking green flag. One of the greenest.
Super satisfying — even if it’s way too short. I still highly recommend this novella.