Petty in Pink

A Novella

By: L.J. Shen

Narrated by: Erin Mallon, Christian Fox

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.

©2026 by LJS Publishing Inc. (P)2025 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Loved It!

I cannot say enough about this novella!

Grant and Layla have a complicated background. They live in NYC. He’s a busy physician. She’s a preschool teacher. They have an on and off casual relationship. They enjoy one another, yet have no commitments until there is an unexpected pregnancy.

Christian Fix and Erin Mallon narrate the audio beautifully!

#unexpectedpregnancy
#shesafreespirit
#hesawalkinggreenflag
#liverhebanter

Quick & Cute

Cute Valentines Day novella
Christian Fox is dreamy as the friend whose been in love forever

The perfect valentines novella!

This was so freaking cute and sharp and sassy and fun. LJ never misses!! 5/5 on narration, 5/5 on plot, 🌶️🌶️ in spice. I loved it so much!

Aww loved

Ahh this one was a good one even if it was a novella it was well written like you have spice you have romance but most importantly you have a healthy way of a relationship that where one person has gone through something that have effected them I will say check your trigger warning there are some but I enjoyed it Grant is this book boyfriend or husband you would want he is caring understanding sweet and he is the definition of “if he wanted to he would” and Layla she went through something that would change your way of dating especially with that ex ugh but was able to find her happiness and was able to feel what a healthy relationship is with a person who is very in love with her

A Cute Story!

“Petty in Pink” is a delightful novella that transitions Ms. Shen from dark romance to a lighter tone. Ms. Shen skillfully crafts a heartwarming tale pop story about friends who become expecting parents. I thoroughly enjoyed Grant and Layla’s journey towards parenthood and becoming lifelong partners in love.

It was a captivating storyline, meticulously crafted and narrated by two exceptional voices, Erin Mallon and Christian Fox. Their exceptional portrayal of the characters brought the story to life, making it truly immersive for the listeners. I highly recommend listening to this touching novella; it offers a wealth of captivating content.

#imronigirl