Hey !

First of all, HAPPY NEW YEAR! I get to say that in February, because I haven't wished you this yet, okay? And I know January was five years long for many of us, but I still believe we get to have a joyful, beautiful year, and that's the energy I'm sending your way!

In personal news, I finally said goodbye to my day job in December. I am officially a full time author and I couldn't be happier! I'll finally have time to work out and say goodbye to that pesky back pain so many authors suffer from.

In book news, my first audiobook EVER just came out this January! It's Devil's Deal, narrated by the amazing Victoria Connolly (who did an AMAZING job with the Polish pronunciations!) and produced by a superb team at Podium! The audiobook is on Audible, and I believe it costs one credit.

It's a single POV for this part of the trilogy, and Victoria did a smashing job reading Woland's dialogue. Idk about you, but it made me blush 😅 Check it out on Audible 🖤

To follow up on this, we're getting closer and closer to the release of Devil's Doom on the spring equinox. I'm still writing it, which is the reason for my mailing silence recently. When I dive into a book, it's difficult to emerge back into the real world.

I believe the full list of trigger warnings will be available on my website at the beginning of March, but for now, I can tell you about two major ones.

Devil's Doom TWs below

Devil's Doom TWs below

Devil's Doom TWs below

One very major trigger warning is for cheating. Devil's Deal already had some of that, but this time, it's a major theme happening on page. The other massive TW is for sexual assault - not between the MCs.

End of TWs

The second book will contain original art, just like the first one, and I'm sitting on some pretty hot pieces that I'm dying to share, but we'll have to wait for the book to go live! For now, let me treat you to some beautiful art of Jaga and Woland 🖤

And since we're on the topic of art, I got a beautiful piece commissioned for Guarded by the Phantom! The artist is TheAutumnFox, who previously did a fanart for this book - you can see it here! And here is the art I commissioned - you are the first to see it, by the way, since I haven't posted it anywhere yet!

Copyright - TheAutumnFox

If you haven't read Guarded by the Phantom yet, and you're drawn to this pink girl / bad boy vibe, definitely grab it now! This book is fun, romantic, spicy, and everything in between, and it's one of my favorites!

Layla's Reading Corner

The best book I've read recently was definitely Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas. (By the way, I just went to Amazon to grab the link and it costs like $1??? If you're into historical romances with the opposites attract trope, now is the time to get it. This book is a GEM!)

Historical romance is my comfort genre, and I adore everything by Lisa Kleypas. I do believe she surpassed herself in this book! Lord Sebastian is a true rake, and Evie, the FMC, is a stuttering, abused, shy girl with a spine of steel. I think their banter is my favorite part. They are both aware that Sebastian is a real Bad Guy and joke a lot about his loose morals and it's just - chef's kiss!

A note: this book hits best if you read the previous one in The Wallflowers series, where Sebastian is established as a character. I enjoyed all books in this series.

And since Valentine's Day is approaching, I have something special prepared to read this February! Shot Through the Heart by Kate McDarris is a spicy MM romcom featuring a down-on-his luck cupid and an arrogant, successful television personality MMC. It's a short, fun novel that I can't wait to sink my teeth into! If you're looking for the perfect Valentine's read and enjoy MM romance, definitely grab this one! It's available in Kindle Unlimited.

In Other News

My books are going international! Most importantly, Ghosts of Halloween will be released this year in Polish and German, and the Jaga and the Devil trilogy will come out in German, as well. I'm really happy about this, because all these releases will go through traditional publishing houses which I know will do a great job!

As for audiobooks, Ghosts of Halloween is coming to audio in March, and the preorder is on Audible. I know many people are waiting for this one, and I CANNOT wait to finally hear it! I already know I won't be able to keep a straight face while listening to all the smut 😂

Devil's Doom Teaser

I know this email is already super long and packed with images, links, and stuff, but I LOVE sharing teasers for my works in progress. If you're waiting for this book, hopefully the teaser will scratch that itch!

“Conjuring is one of the most advanced spells,” Woland murmurs. “You seem quite efficient. Are you close to running out?”

I shake my head and focus on my upper body, imagining a woolen sweater. On a whim and because I really want to impress him, I add a bit of embroidery—a bunch of poppies against the cream wool over my chest. The sweater appears on top of my dress, snug and warm. My breathing grows faster from exertion, Woland’s magic almost spent, though I’m still good for a spell or two.

“I think you discovered a new way to arouse a man,” he murmurs, coming to stand behind me. “It usually works the other way round, but you got me horny putting clothes on. My powerful witch.”

He presses the proof of his desire to my back. I watch us in the mirror. I’m tall for a woman, yet still so much shorter than him. He towers over me, and we clash in so many ways. I’m dressed in warm layers, he’s naked; my skin is fair and freckled, his dark gray; I’m slender, he’s muscular, his shoulders broad and manly. And yet, we share something, too. Both of us sport uncanny eyes.

“Woland?” I ask softly.

“Hm?”

“You said Perun will kill me if he can’t have me. But what will you do? When whatever you’re plotting right now inevitably fails?”

His lips curve in a smile, but his eyes remain serious as he pulls some of my hair away from my face, his claw teasing the side of my neck.

“If I have to choose between you and victory, I’ll choose victory. I’ve fought for centuries, and it’s what I want the most,” he says quietly, and I shiver, sensing the sincerity in his voice.

“But unlike Perun, I will be sorry to kill you.”

You can preorder the ebook here unless you're on my ARC Team or want to wait for the physical edition. Like with the first book, both ebook and paperback will have art, but the paperback will include more pieces.

And just a reminder: Jaga and the Devil is a TRILOGY. The final book will come out this year.

Whew, that was a lot! Thank you so much for reading, and I'll talk to you the next time I emerge from my writing cave!

Lots of love,

~Layla