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The Sharpest Edges
Ava learned long ago that she's safest with her heart locked up. As a nurse in a small town prison, she's never been tempted to break the rules. Never, ever get involved with the prisoners. Until the guards drag a new inmate into her infirmary, scarred and wounded and wary of her touch.
Trust doesn't come easy for Ava, she has already been hurt in more ways than one, but Dean's gentleness draws her in, and his trauma is familiar. How crazy is it that the only man she's felt safe with, the only one to spark a rare flame of desire, is a convicted felon? Falling for him could get her fired, and letting him into her life could stir up long-buried ghosts of her past.
She must decide if it's worth the risk to nurture this forbidden romance both inside and outside the prison walls.
Trust doesn't come easy for Ava, she has already been hurt in more ways than one, but Dean's gentleness draws her in, and his trauma is familiar. How crazy is it that the only man she's felt safe with, the only one to spark a rare flame of desire, is a convicted felon? Falling for him could get her fired, and letting him into her life could stir up long-buried ghosts of her past.
She must decide if it's worth the risk to nurture this forbidden romance both inside and outside the prison walls.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2024
71 people are currently reading
848 people want to read
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February 23, 2025
Some books just feel different, the kind that linger in your heart long after you turn the last page. This was one of them.
Ava (late 30?), a prison nurse for two years, and Dean (41), a newly incarcerated man, are two people who have been broken by life yet remain beautifully, almost innocently, open to love. They find an unexpected connection in a place that offers little hope.
A car she should have hated, the lavender flowers outside the prison, and even the emojis he eventually sends her, quiet moments that weave them together. And, of course, there’s a sweet cat to melt your heart.
This story begins as a slow burn prison romance but becomes so much more when Dean is released. The second half is a hesitant, deeply emotional journey of two people learning to trust, love, and believe in happiness again. There’s no unnecessary drama, no third-act breakup, no love triangles, just a raw, genuine relationship between two adults who deserve love and finally find it.
The romance itself is breathtaking, a perfect mix of vulnerability, intimacy, and connection. It’s mature, deeply felt, and full of heart. My only wish? An epilogue. I wanted more of their happiness, more of their hard-won peace.
Despite that, this book was everything I hoped for and more. Beautifully written, full of emotion, and truly unforgettable.
TW: Physical abuse (both H/h), former SA (h), death of a child (before the story begins).
Ava (late 30?), a prison nurse for two years, and Dean (41), a newly incarcerated man, are two people who have been broken by life yet remain beautifully, almost innocently, open to love. They find an unexpected connection in a place that offers little hope.
A car she should have hated, the lavender flowers outside the prison, and even the emojis he eventually sends her, quiet moments that weave them together. And, of course, there’s a sweet cat to melt your heart.
This story begins as a slow burn prison romance but becomes so much more when Dean is released. The second half is a hesitant, deeply emotional journey of two people learning to trust, love, and believe in happiness again. There’s no unnecessary drama, no third-act breakup, no love triangles, just a raw, genuine relationship between two adults who deserve love and finally find it.
“I’m not going anywhere. I’m in this one hundred percent. Ain’t got a clue what I’m doing. I’m flying blind, but I’m tryin’ and I’ll keep tryin’ as long as you’ll have me.”
The romance itself is breathtaking, a perfect mix of vulnerability, intimacy, and connection. It’s mature, deeply felt, and full of heart. My only wish? An epilogue. I wanted more of their happiness, more of their hard-won peace.
Despite that, this book was everything I hoped for and more. Beautifully written, full of emotion, and truly unforgettable.
TW: Physical abuse (both H/h), former SA (h), death of a child (before the story begins).
July 1, 2024
- inmate x nurse
- forbidden romance
- healing journey
- slow burn
** tw abuse
so happy i got the arc of this🫶 not a trope i would ever usually go for, but it actually really surprised me how much i liked it! they were both so sweet and understanding with each other, and it was actually a pretty heart warming read
- forbidden romance
- healing journey
- slow burn
** tw abuse
so happy i got the arc of this🫶 not a trope i would ever usually go for, but it actually really surprised me how much i liked it! they were both so sweet and understanding with each other, and it was actually a pretty heart warming read
April 19, 2025
“We’re makin’ up the rules as we go.” She eyes him a second too long, shaking her head softly, her hair fluttering in the breeze. “Yeah, we are, aren’t we?
THE SHARPEST EDGES was a sweet little gem of a book that was low angst between two mature adults who knew how to communicate. How refreshing! Ava, a nurse working in a prison and Dean who is a new inmate have an instant connection that I felt right from their first encounter. These two were painfully lonely and both dealing with traumas from their pasts but found in each other a home they both desperately wanted. I loved the quite buildup of this love story and how genuine it was. I believed in these two and was cheering them on every step of the way. Sometimes you don't need the drama in a romance but just two people falling in love and knowing they have found their "one".
Memorable Quotes
"How do you wanna spend your first day out?” “With you. Wanna spend it with you,” he replies, blushing crimson, unable to keep from ducking his head a fraction. “I mean, food sounds good, too. I could eat.”
It is easier to be vulnerable than he thought it could be when his motivation is to meet her in the middle so they can traverse this uncertainty together.
There is no pity on her face like he feared, only recognition of two ruined souls seeking solace in each other.
He is tragically attached to her and how she makes him feel. Wanted. Safe. Enough.
So this is what it feels like. Songs are written about it and movies are made around it, this coveted thing that everyone goes on and on about but Ava always thought was a lie. Love. Such a precious gift she assumed skipped her over until now.
“Was worth it,” he says into the darkness of the room, his voice cracked and raw. “The prison, the broken ribs, all of it. Would do it all again just to meet you.”
THE SHARPEST EDGES was a sweet little gem of a book that was low angst between two mature adults who knew how to communicate. How refreshing! Ava, a nurse working in a prison and Dean who is a new inmate have an instant connection that I felt right from their first encounter. These two were painfully lonely and both dealing with traumas from their pasts but found in each other a home they both desperately wanted. I loved the quite buildup of this love story and how genuine it was. I believed in these two and was cheering them on every step of the way. Sometimes you don't need the drama in a romance but just two people falling in love and knowing they have found their "one".
Memorable Quotes
"How do you wanna spend your first day out?” “With you. Wanna spend it with you,” he replies, blushing crimson, unable to keep from ducking his head a fraction. “I mean, food sounds good, too. I could eat.”
It is easier to be vulnerable than he thought it could be when his motivation is to meet her in the middle so they can traverse this uncertainty together.
There is no pity on her face like he feared, only recognition of two ruined souls seeking solace in each other.
He is tragically attached to her and how she makes him feel. Wanted. Safe. Enough.
So this is what it feels like. Songs are written about it and movies are made around it, this coveted thing that everyone goes on and on about but Ava always thought was a lie. Love. Such a precious gift she assumed skipped her over until now.
“Was worth it,” he says into the darkness of the room, his voice cracked and raw. “The prison, the broken ribs, all of it. Would do it all again just to meet you.”
January 1, 2025
𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡˚♡ — 𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
4.5 ⭐️
- Inmate x nurse
- healing journey
- domestic violence, SA (not from the MMC)
- child abuse
- loss of a child
- spice
- slow burn
- happy ending
I didn't think I would be so in love with the too inmate x nurse, but I am. I beyond loved this read. from start to finish (even if I have some negative points about the ending).
It’s an incredible discovery.
And I'm so happy that I asked to read this ARC and even more so that I was given the chance to read it.
Dean enters the prison and meets Ava, the nurse.
And something is happening.
Something incredible.
Dean's visits to the infirmary are the element that ensures that their relationship develops little by little. It was just perfect.
The distrust, the nurturing of each other, the kindness, the sweet moments spent with each other. The fact that they brightened each other's day with little meals, jokes. It was amazing.
I really loved reading this.
I loved how patient they were both with each other. the way they got to know each other.
Whether it was Dean or Ava, I loved them. Both have experienced traumatic things and opening up to someone is not easy for them. But together they heal and heal together.
I wish we had more prison moments, because those moments were incredible. Dean's isolation period made it too fast for my liking.
So yes, it would have been cool if there had been more moments in prison.
Quick paragraph for Dean. because ✨Dean✨. The man was so mad in love??? and i LOVED him, the way he showed his desire to be with Ava, his love, even though he had never experienced that before.
We all deserve a Dean.
“𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞. 𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐞! 𝐈 𝐚𝐢𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐛 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐮𝐧, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐦𝐞?”
𝐢𝐟 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐡𝐞’𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧. 𝐓𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐧𝐞: 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐰𝐬𝐨𝐧.
𝐈𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐯𝐮𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫.
“𝐖𝐚𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐭,” 𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦, 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐚𝐰. “𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐬, 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐭. 𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐝𝐨 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮.”
I'd have loved that Dean's traumas were addressed a little more, same with about his relationship with his brother and i would habe loved that we had the opportunity to see them together.
On the rest, I loved discovering them outside of this prison. It was so sweet to see them get closer and be together. I loved the way Dean was patient with Ava, the way he reassured her about her traumas. And they were so cute together.
Regarding the ending I was a little disappointed. It was like everything was happening so soon. And above all there was no epilogue.
I was so surprised that I went to check if there were any missing pages...
It would have been so perfect if it had been longer and had an epilogue. Because with this ending, I had the impression of being cut off in the middle of reading, as if something was missing.
But in the end I still enjoyed reading this book.
So thank you, Anna Callaway, Love notes PR.
4.5 ⭐️
- Inmate x nurse
- healing journey
- domestic violence, SA (not from the MMC)
- child abuse
- loss of a child
- spice
- slow burn
- happy ending
I didn't think I would be so in love with the too inmate x nurse, but I am. I beyond loved this read. from start to finish (even if I have some negative points about the ending).
It’s an incredible discovery.
And I'm so happy that I asked to read this ARC and even more so that I was given the chance to read it.
Dean enters the prison and meets Ava, the nurse.
And something is happening.
Something incredible.
Dean's visits to the infirmary are the element that ensures that their relationship develops little by little. It was just perfect.
The distrust, the nurturing of each other, the kindness, the sweet moments spent with each other. The fact that they brightened each other's day with little meals, jokes. It was amazing.
I really loved reading this.
I loved how patient they were both with each other. the way they got to know each other.
Whether it was Dean or Ava, I loved them. Both have experienced traumatic things and opening up to someone is not easy for them. But together they heal and heal together.
I wish we had more prison moments, because those moments were incredible. Dean's isolation period made it too fast for my liking.
So yes, it would have been cool if there had been more moments in prison.
Quick paragraph for Dean. because ✨Dean✨. The man was so mad in love??? and i LOVED him, the way he showed his desire to be with Ava, his love, even though he had never experienced that before.
We all deserve a Dean.
“𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞. 𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐞! 𝐈 𝐚𝐢𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐛 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐮𝐧, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐦𝐞?”
𝐢𝐟 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐡𝐞’𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧. 𝐓𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐧𝐞: 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐰𝐬𝐨𝐧.
𝐈𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐯𝐮𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫.
“𝐖𝐚𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐭,” 𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦, 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐚𝐰. “𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐬, 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐭. 𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐝𝐨 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮.”
I'd have loved that Dean's traumas were addressed a little more, same with about his relationship with his brother and i would habe loved that we had the opportunity to see them together.
On the rest, I loved discovering them outside of this prison. It was so sweet to see them get closer and be together. I loved the way Dean was patient with Ava, the way he reassured her about her traumas. And they were so cute together.
Regarding the ending I was a little disappointed. It was like everything was happening so soon. And above all there was no epilogue.
I was so surprised that I went to check if there were any missing pages...
It would have been so perfect if it had been longer and had an epilogue. Because with this ending, I had the impression of being cut off in the middle of reading, as if something was missing.
But in the end I still enjoyed reading this book.
So thank you, Anna Callaway, Love notes PR.
June 1, 2024
4.75 ⭐ - ARC Review
I absolutely loved this book! Praise for Anna Callaway!! The chemistry and story between the two main characters was so real and the way they understood each others needs and brought out the best in each other was truly beautiful. I absolutely adored this book and am so thankful to Anna Callaway for giving me an ARC!! (Also Panda was the cutest thing ever!!)
I absolutely loved this book! Praise for Anna Callaway!! The chemistry and story between the two main characters was so real and the way they understood each others needs and brought out the best in each other was truly beautiful. I absolutely adored this book and am so thankful to Anna Callaway for giving me an ARC!! (Also Panda was the cutest thing ever!!)
June 6, 2024
"The Sharpest Edges" is Anna Callaway’s debut romance.
The story is set in a small town's prison where Ava, our protagonist, is a nurse. Ava had a really hard life, which is why she can’t trust anyone until the day she meets Dean, an inmate who treats her with kindness from the beginning.
Falling in love with him could get her fired, so Ava has to decide whether or not to take the risk.
I found this book really sweet, despite dealing with very delicate issues such as domestic violence and mourning.
Ava and Dean are both golden retrievers, two characters who have had very similar traumatic experiences and who can understand each other from the first moment. Both of them hide scars, some visible, others that mark them deep down, and it will be by opening themselves to each other that they will somehow be able to face their past and overcome it.
I especially loved the first part of the book set in prison. In fact, the "hurt/comfort" trope is one of my favourites, and there were many scenes in which Ava took care of Dean.
In my opinion the book is really well written, especially considering that it is the first work by the author. But I would have preferred the book to be narrated in the first person, and I would have loved a deeper exploration of the characters' mental health.
RECENSIONE IN ITALIANO:
"The Sharpest Edges" è il romance di debutto di Anna Callaway.
La storia è ambientata nella prigione di una piccola cittadina dove Ava, la nostra protagonista, fa l'infermiera. Ava ha avuto una vita davvero difficile, e per questo non riesce a fidarsi di nessuno, fino al giorno in cui non incontra Dean, un detenuto che la tratta con gentilezza dal primo istante.
Innamorarsi di lui però potrebbe farla licenziare e per questo Ava dovrà decidere se correre il rischio o meno.
Ho trovato questo libro davvero dolce, nonostante tratti temi molto delicati come la violenza domestica e il lutto.
Ava e Dean sono entrambi dei golden retriever, due personaggi che hanno vissuto esperienze traumatiche molto simili e che per questo riescono a comprendersi dal primo momento. Tutti e due nascondono delle cicatrici, alcune visibili, altre che li segnano nel profondo, e sarà proprio aprendosi l'un l'altro che riusciranno in qualche modo ad affrontare il loro passato e a superarlo.
Ho adorato soprattutto la prima parte di questo volume, ambientata in prigione, infatti il trope "hurt/confort" è uno dei miei preferiti, e le scene in cui Ava si è presa cura di Dean sono state tantissime.
Il libro secondo me è davvero ben scritto, soprattutto considerando che si tratta della prima opera dall'autrice, ma ammetto che avrei preferito fosse narrato in prima persona e poi non mi sarebbe dispiaciuto un maggior approfondimento sulla salute mentale dei personaggi.
________________
I thank Love Notes for sending me an eArc.
The story is set in a small town's prison where Ava, our protagonist, is a nurse. Ava had a really hard life, which is why she can’t trust anyone until the day she meets Dean, an inmate who treats her with kindness from the beginning.
Falling in love with him could get her fired, so Ava has to decide whether or not to take the risk.
I found this book really sweet, despite dealing with very delicate issues such as domestic violence and mourning.
Ava and Dean are both golden retrievers, two characters who have had very similar traumatic experiences and who can understand each other from the first moment. Both of them hide scars, some visible, others that mark them deep down, and it will be by opening themselves to each other that they will somehow be able to face their past and overcome it.
I especially loved the first part of the book set in prison. In fact, the "hurt/comfort" trope is one of my favourites, and there were many scenes in which Ava took care of Dean.
In my opinion the book is really well written, especially considering that it is the first work by the author. But I would have preferred the book to be narrated in the first person, and I would have loved a deeper exploration of the characters' mental health.
RECENSIONE IN ITALIANO:
"The Sharpest Edges" è il romance di debutto di Anna Callaway.
La storia è ambientata nella prigione di una piccola cittadina dove Ava, la nostra protagonista, fa l'infermiera. Ava ha avuto una vita davvero difficile, e per questo non riesce a fidarsi di nessuno, fino al giorno in cui non incontra Dean, un detenuto che la tratta con gentilezza dal primo istante.
Innamorarsi di lui però potrebbe farla licenziare e per questo Ava dovrà decidere se correre il rischio o meno.
Ho trovato questo libro davvero dolce, nonostante tratti temi molto delicati come la violenza domestica e il lutto.
Ava e Dean sono entrambi dei golden retriever, due personaggi che hanno vissuto esperienze traumatiche molto simili e che per questo riescono a comprendersi dal primo momento. Tutti e due nascondono delle cicatrici, alcune visibili, altre che li segnano nel profondo, e sarà proprio aprendosi l'un l'altro che riusciranno in qualche modo ad affrontare il loro passato e a superarlo.
Ho adorato soprattutto la prima parte di questo volume, ambientata in prigione, infatti il trope "hurt/confort" è uno dei miei preferiti, e le scene in cui Ava si è presa cura di Dean sono state tantissime.
Il libro secondo me è davvero ben scritto, soprattutto considerando che si tratta della prima opera dall'autrice, ma ammetto che avrei preferito fosse narrato in prima persona e poi non mi sarebbe dispiaciuto un maggior approfondimento sulla salute mentale dei personaggi.
________________
I thank Love Notes for sending me an eArc.
June 5, 2024
#Review: *The Sharpest Edges* -ARC- Anna Callaway [18+]
4.7/5✨
3/5🌶️
I wasn't to sure about this book, but I'm so glad I've decided to give it a go 🩵. Many thanks to Anna Callaway and Love Notes Pr for offering me this e-copy.
The main reason for my indecision was about the fact that the story is unfolded in a prison. I was afraid of all those details but they were ok for me after all. At this prison we find Ava, where she works as a nurse.
One day, Dean Dawson comes to her to receive treatment after he was beaten by other inmates. From the first moment she sees him, Ava can tell that he has something different about him. They are starting to bond during his scheduled check ups and they begin to trust eachother more with each meet.
I felt so sad for everything that happened to Dean in the period he stayed locked up, because he was really a good man and had no business being there in the first place. I also felt bad for Ava too, because she just gone through a huge loss and she almost lost her life during a normal day at work. 🥺
This book made my feelings swell of sadness and also joy, because of how love can be found in the most unexpected place and completely change your life and the way you've been seeing it until then.
I truly recommend it to the ones who want to read a sensitive story, about life struggles and unexpected situations.
✨Tropes✨
#CloseProximity;
#SecretRomance;
#ForbiddenRomance;
#LoveAtFirstSight;
#Medical;
#StartingOver;
#TragicPast.
**She has no doubt that he will. He's already succeeded in protecting her body and her heart in so many ways, softening all her sharpest edges. "I know," she says, her voice soft and her hand heavy in his. "You always do."**
4.7/5✨
3/5🌶️
I wasn't to sure about this book, but I'm so glad I've decided to give it a go 🩵. Many thanks to Anna Callaway and Love Notes Pr for offering me this e-copy.
The main reason for my indecision was about the fact that the story is unfolded in a prison. I was afraid of all those details but they were ok for me after all. At this prison we find Ava, where she works as a nurse.
One day, Dean Dawson comes to her to receive treatment after he was beaten by other inmates. From the first moment she sees him, Ava can tell that he has something different about him. They are starting to bond during his scheduled check ups and they begin to trust eachother more with each meet.
I felt so sad for everything that happened to Dean in the period he stayed locked up, because he was really a good man and had no business being there in the first place. I also felt bad for Ava too, because she just gone through a huge loss and she almost lost her life during a normal day at work. 🥺
This book made my feelings swell of sadness and also joy, because of how love can be found in the most unexpected place and completely change your life and the way you've been seeing it until then.
I truly recommend it to the ones who want to read a sensitive story, about life struggles and unexpected situations.
✨Tropes✨
#CloseProximity;
#SecretRomance;
#ForbiddenRomance;
#LoveAtFirstSight;
#Medical;
#StartingOver;
#TragicPast.
**She has no doubt that he will. He's already succeeded in protecting her body and her heart in so many ways, softening all her sharpest edges. "I know," she says, her voice soft and her hand heavy in his. "You always do."**
May 31, 2024
I have never read a storyline like this one and I don’t think I ever will.
So unique, so different, in the BEST way. I loved the raw fullness. the pain. the beautiful relationship that blossomed between the characters.
Usually, im not a fan of third person POV but this book did it so wonderfully that I didn’t mind at all. This author is now one I will continue to look for!
Thank you to Love Notes PR for the arc!
So unique, so different, in the BEST way. I loved the raw fullness. the pain. the beautiful relationship that blossomed between the characters.
Usually, im not a fan of third person POV but this book did it so wonderfully that I didn’t mind at all. This author is now one I will continue to look for!
Thank you to Love Notes PR for the arc!
March 4, 2025
Ava and Dean were the sweetest in this nurse meets inmate romance.
While this was a slow burn I did appreciate that we had so many scenes with the MCs together. The progression of their relationship was nice, it seemed so natural.
Ava (37)is such a sweetheart. After losing her daughter and husband she’s kind of been going through the motions. I was worried about the dead spouse trope for a minute but then was happy to hear Ava wasn’t missing her husband one bit. I wasn’t so happy to hear how badly he treated her but I’m glad she’s not mourning him. I do wish we would have seen her think and talk about her daughter more though. It’s only been two years since she died and in my opinion she wasn’t brought up enough. She thought more about her abusive husband and the things he did to her.
Dean is also the biggest sweetheart. Sitting in a jail cell for something he didn’t do. I was glad he was only in there for 6 months and the second half of the book is them outside of prison. My favorite part about Dean was how innocent he was. Not just of the crime but he’s 41 years old and he’s only had sex twice!! Both times soo long ago. I love that Ava was a lot of his firsts as well. Ava has only ever been with her husband and now Dean so they got to learn how to be a couple together.
This story did feel a little undercooked though. I needed more info on Deans situation with his brother and his dad. Like where is his dad now? Ava talks about her parents but I’m not sure if they’re alive or not. The book felt kind of left open, I had so many more questions. It’s also a little on the boring side. It mainly focuses on their relationship so there’s not too much outside noise going on. I was bummed we didn’t get an epilogue. I want to know what happens with them. Do they get married? Decide to have kids?! We got nothing.
Anyway still a nice read. Triggers below
NO CHEATING
NO OP DRAMA
NO THIRD ACT BREAK UP
THIRD PERSON DUAL POV
PAST CHILDHOOD ABUSE (MMC)
LOSS OF A CHILD (in the past off page)
TALK OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
HFN (living together)
While this was a slow burn I did appreciate that we had so many scenes with the MCs together. The progression of their relationship was nice, it seemed so natural.
Ava (37)is such a sweetheart. After losing her daughter and husband she’s kind of been going through the motions. I was worried about the dead spouse trope for a minute but then was happy to hear Ava wasn’t missing her husband one bit. I wasn’t so happy to hear how badly he treated her but I’m glad she’s not mourning him. I do wish we would have seen her think and talk about her daughter more though. It’s only been two years since she died and in my opinion she wasn’t brought up enough. She thought more about her abusive husband and the things he did to her.
Dean is also the biggest sweetheart. Sitting in a jail cell for something he didn’t do. I was glad he was only in there for 6 months and the second half of the book is them outside of prison. My favorite part about Dean was how innocent he was. Not just of the crime but he’s 41 years old and he’s only had sex twice!! Both times soo long ago. I love that Ava was a lot of his firsts as well. Ava has only ever been with her husband and now Dean so they got to learn how to be a couple together.
This story did feel a little undercooked though. I needed more info on Deans situation with his brother and his dad. Like where is his dad now? Ava talks about her parents but I’m not sure if they’re alive or not. The book felt kind of left open, I had so many more questions. It’s also a little on the boring side. It mainly focuses on their relationship so there’s not too much outside noise going on. I was bummed we didn’t get an epilogue. I want to know what happens with them. Do they get married? Decide to have kids?! We got nothing.
Anyway still a nice read. Triggers below
NO CHEATING
NO OP DRAMA
NO THIRD ACT BREAK UP
THIRD PERSON DUAL POV
PAST CHILDHOOD ABUSE (MMC)
LOSS OF A CHILD (in the past off page)
TALK OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
HFN (living together)
June 7, 2024
2.75⭐️
I really was so excited about the premise of this book! However, because of its description, I full anticipated the majority of the book to take place in prison, whereas the prison part felt like it flew by and the second half of the book (if not 2/3) was focusing on their life outside of prison. Which was enjoyable at parts, however it felt like a ton of smut scenes all out of nowhere. However, this could partially be my own personal bias because I don’t like an overbearing amount of smut. It also felt like an extended epilogue once the were together outside of the prison. I did still really feel connected to the characters despite it being written in third person, which is just a testament to the authors writing ability! I usually struggle with books written in third person, but this one I didn’t run into that problem. The half of the book that was in the prison itself was soooo delicious. The tension was everything, and the worry of them getting caught had me on the edge of my seat. It almost feels like two different books between prison to post-prison. Overall, I really wanted to love this book; the writing was very enjoyable and captivating, and the characters were so fun, however I don’t think it was for me personally.
Thank you so much to Love Notes PR and Anna Callaway for an ARC copy for an honest review!
I really was so excited about the premise of this book! However, because of its description, I full anticipated the majority of the book to take place in prison, whereas the prison part felt like it flew by and the second half of the book (if not 2/3) was focusing on their life outside of prison. Which was enjoyable at parts, however it felt like a ton of smut scenes all out of nowhere. However, this could partially be my own personal bias because I don’t like an overbearing amount of smut. It also felt like an extended epilogue once the were together outside of the prison. I did still really feel connected to the characters despite it being written in third person, which is just a testament to the authors writing ability! I usually struggle with books written in third person, but this one I didn’t run into that problem. The half of the book that was in the prison itself was soooo delicious. The tension was everything, and the worry of them getting caught had me on the edge of my seat. It almost feels like two different books between prison to post-prison. Overall, I really wanted to love this book; the writing was very enjoyable and captivating, and the characters were so fun, however I don’t think it was for me personally.
Thank you so much to Love Notes PR and Anna Callaway for an ARC copy for an honest review!
June 13, 2024
This book was a hard one for me. I was hesitant with the premise of a prison infirmary nurse falling for an inmate and was pleasantly surprised that half of the book takes place with Dean out of prison.
What I had a hard time getting through was how prison was depicted, it was not at all realistic. Guards do NOT allow inmates to go days without being fed, they are always watching the inmates on kitchen duty and would notice if one was not getting food. Guards do NOT allow inmates to do headcount, that would allow for way too much to go wrong so there is no way that Dean could have been stuck in the bathroom for TWO DAYS and no one noticed. It’s mentioned that the guard that took Dean to the infirmary for his check ups asked “what are you doing here?” AFTER the two days. Headcounts are done every couple hours and before meals and when the numbers don’t add up the prison goes on lock down until the missing inmates are found. This is another reason that inmates would NEVER be given the job of doing headcount, not to mention that everyone is in their cells during that time.
I get that this is a story and not real but come one, put some realism into it. Prisoners cannot walk into another inmate’s cell during the night because that would involve having a guard let them out of their own and into another one. While it’s possible to have guards in the ‘pocket’ of the real problem inmates, it is not likely that all the guards would be involved and just look the other way.
Another thing is Dean wouldn’t have been in prison to begin with. His sentence was 6 months. People aren’t sent to prison unless their sentence is a 1+ years. 6 months is jail time and while it is possible for people with prison time to serve in jails due to space issues, it is not normal to send someone like Dean to a prison, especially in the same wing as those serving life sentences for murder.
It just seemed like there wasn’t any research done into how prison works and it made it very difficult to get through because there wasn’t any realism behind it.
The romance outside of the prison was cute, though incredibly rushed and it felt like both of them got over their trauma incredibly quickly for plot’s sake and as someone who has experienced sexual trauma it came across as something that was merely a blip to get over.
Despite the issues I had I did think that the author knows how to write, just needed more research into some things.
Thanks to Love Notes PR and Anna Callaway for the Advanced Copy
What I had a hard time getting through was how prison was depicted, it was not at all realistic. Guards do NOT allow inmates to go days without being fed, they are always watching the inmates on kitchen duty and would notice if one was not getting food. Guards do NOT allow inmates to do headcount, that would allow for way too much to go wrong so there is no way that Dean could have been stuck in the bathroom for TWO DAYS and no one noticed. It’s mentioned that the guard that took Dean to the infirmary for his check ups asked “what are you doing here?” AFTER the two days. Headcounts are done every couple hours and before meals and when the numbers don’t add up the prison goes on lock down until the missing inmates are found. This is another reason that inmates would NEVER be given the job of doing headcount, not to mention that everyone is in their cells during that time.
I get that this is a story and not real but come one, put some realism into it. Prisoners cannot walk into another inmate’s cell during the night because that would involve having a guard let them out of their own and into another one. While it’s possible to have guards in the ‘pocket’ of the real problem inmates, it is not likely that all the guards would be involved and just look the other way.
Another thing is Dean wouldn’t have been in prison to begin with. His sentence was 6 months. People aren’t sent to prison unless their sentence is a 1+ years. 6 months is jail time and while it is possible for people with prison time to serve in jails due to space issues, it is not normal to send someone like Dean to a prison, especially in the same wing as those serving life sentences for murder.
It just seemed like there wasn’t any research done into how prison works and it made it very difficult to get through because there wasn’t any realism behind it.
The romance outside of the prison was cute, though incredibly rushed and it felt like both of them got over their trauma incredibly quickly for plot’s sake and as someone who has experienced sexual trauma it came across as something that was merely a blip to get over.
Despite the issues I had I did think that the author knows how to write, just needed more research into some things.
Thanks to Love Notes PR and Anna Callaway for the Advanced Copy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2024
"𝗶𝘁'𝘀 𝘂𝗻𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗶𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗱𝗼 𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻. 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗲𝗹𝘁 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱. 𝗶𝘁'𝘀 𝗮 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗿𝗲. 𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗱𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴, 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗱, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘀𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝗽 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝘀 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝗸𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱."
4/5 ⭐
add to your tbr if you love:
💌 slow burn.
💌 forbidden romance.
💌 angst.
💌 spice.
ava has lead a long and troubled life. losing people she loved. giving herself to people that didn't deserve her. staying in a relationship for too long because she was abused emotionally and physically. after facing one of her worse nightmares, her life takes a turn for the worse. she no longer has a job and the only one available is working in prison as a nurse.
these conditions are obviously taking a toll on her, this woman has handled way more than necessary and sometimes it felt as if she wouldn't be strong enough but she kept persisting and moving forward.
dean dawson is no different. he has faced so much abuse and was not loved by the people that were supposed to show him support the most. which is the very reason why he was sent to jail. unfortunately due to trusting a family member, he was now facing some time.
not long after he is sent to this hell of a place, people are quick to gang up on him. with him being the new inmate and all.
ava and dean are quick to find comfort in each other, although it is not spoken, it is shown. and their actions speak louder than words.
with these two people finding comfort in each other, their slow burn starts to bloom. instead of not looking forward for the better, they are able to support each other in ways they had never previously found in their life; which allows them to understand that though life has been rough, it had led them to that very moment. it gives them a sense of both understanding, and honestly, love.
4/5 ⭐
add to your tbr if you love:
💌 slow burn.
💌 forbidden romance.
💌 angst.
💌 spice.
ava has lead a long and troubled life. losing people she loved. giving herself to people that didn't deserve her. staying in a relationship for too long because she was abused emotionally and physically. after facing one of her worse nightmares, her life takes a turn for the worse. she no longer has a job and the only one available is working in prison as a nurse.
these conditions are obviously taking a toll on her, this woman has handled way more than necessary and sometimes it felt as if she wouldn't be strong enough but she kept persisting and moving forward.
dean dawson is no different. he has faced so much abuse and was not loved by the people that were supposed to show him support the most. which is the very reason why he was sent to jail. unfortunately due to trusting a family member, he was now facing some time.
not long after he is sent to this hell of a place, people are quick to gang up on him. with him being the new inmate and all.
ava and dean are quick to find comfort in each other, although it is not spoken, it is shown. and their actions speak louder than words.
with these two people finding comfort in each other, their slow burn starts to bloom. instead of not looking forward for the better, they are able to support each other in ways they had never previously found in their life; which allows them to understand that though life has been rough, it had led them to that very moment. it gives them a sense of both understanding, and honestly, love.
June 12, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
This was such a wholesome romance, Dean had me swooning 🥹🪻
Tropes:
🌸inmate / nurse
🌸healing journey
🌸cinnamon roll MMC
🌸hurt/comfort
🌸wholesome romance
🌸traumatic pasts
Wow I have been reading some great ARCs recently and this is just another in the list! This was a wholesome romance between an inmate who really didn’t deserve to be there and the nurse who heals him. Dean had my WHOLE HEART, he was so sweet and thoughtful and the chemistry between him and Ava was tangible.
“I know how it is to think you got past something and then it’s back again. Nothing wrong with you ‘cause of that. Not a damn thing.”
I really love how the author handled the tragic pasts of both MCs and love how we got to see them grow and heal together. Overall a touching and wholesome read 🌸
Thank you to @lovenotes.pr and @annacallawayauthor for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
This was such a wholesome romance, Dean had me swooning 🥹🪻
Tropes:
🌸inmate / nurse
🌸healing journey
🌸cinnamon roll MMC
🌸hurt/comfort
🌸wholesome romance
🌸traumatic pasts
Wow I have been reading some great ARCs recently and this is just another in the list! This was a wholesome romance between an inmate who really didn’t deserve to be there and the nurse who heals him. Dean had my WHOLE HEART, he was so sweet and thoughtful and the chemistry between him and Ava was tangible.
“I know how it is to think you got past something and then it’s back again. Nothing wrong with you ‘cause of that. Not a damn thing.”
I really love how the author handled the tragic pasts of both MCs and love how we got to see them grow and heal together. Overall a touching and wholesome read 🌸
Thank you to @lovenotes.pr and @annacallawayauthor for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 6, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
𝐈𝐧𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐱 𝐍𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞
𝐕𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞
𝐀𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐞
𝐒𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐧
Such a sweet romance that I didn’t expect to love. MMC mets the FMC in prison and starts off a slow burn romance. An emotional rollercoaster, yes the romance is great but the story and the writing is captivating which makes the romance, the Cherry on top.
𝐈𝐧𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐱 𝐍𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞
𝐕𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞
𝐀𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐞
𝐒𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐧
Such a sweet romance that I didn’t expect to love. MMC mets the FMC in prison and starts off a slow burn romance. An emotional rollercoaster, yes the romance is great but the story and the writing is captivating which makes the romance, the Cherry on top.
June 13, 2024
I really did enjoy this book.
He’s in prison for something he didn’t do & she’s the prison nurse.
I love how the main characters (Dean & Ava) have similar traumatic backgrounds and a kind of silent understanding. They fit so well together. Dean is just the sweetest!
There is a nice amount of spice that fits perfectly with this kind of romance.
It’s a 4.5 for me.
I was gifted a copy in return for an honest review from love notes PR.
He’s in prison for something he didn’t do & she’s the prison nurse.
I love how the main characters (Dean & Ava) have similar traumatic backgrounds and a kind of silent understanding. They fit so well together. Dean is just the sweetest!
There is a nice amount of spice that fits perfectly with this kind of romance.
It’s a 4.5 for me.
I was gifted a copy in return for an honest review from love notes PR.
June 30, 2024
• forbidden romance
• spice
• nurse + inmate
• healing journey
• trauma
SUCH a cute book! I really enjoyed this one. I didn’t know what to expect but it really exceeded my expectations.
The beginning was giving Prison Break vibes so I was HOOKED! I do wish there was more tension between them at first but overall it was a great read and I love them together. I loved reading both of their POV and how they were healing together.
I wasn’t expecting spice in this book so I was caught by surprised!! I love me a good spicy romance 🌶️
• spice
• nurse + inmate
• healing journey
• trauma
SUCH a cute book! I really enjoyed this one. I didn’t know what to expect but it really exceeded my expectations.
The beginning was giving Prison Break vibes so I was HOOKED! I do wish there was more tension between them at first but overall it was a great read and I love them together. I loved reading both of their POV and how they were healing together.
I wasn’t expecting spice in this book so I was caught by surprised!! I love me a good spicy romance 🌶️
June 12, 2024
I was so excited about the premise of this book, it gave forbidden love, prison break vibes but it focused more on the time that was spent outside of the prison which I couldn’t really vibe with and half way through I was so bored.
Although the characters seemed so fun and cute, I just could not connect - third person just does nothing for me and a lot of the topics focused on past trauma and I just had no empathy towards either character.
It was definitely cute at times and there was an element of spice (sometimes a bit random).
I was really hoping for a bad boy and Dean could not be more fluffy if he tried.
There were elements I really enjoyed, especially the slow burn inside the prison, inmate x nurse trope. It was risky and exciting and for the first 1/3 I was hooked.
For Callaway’s first novel, there is definitely potential. I would be interested to see future work as The Sharpest Edges was fast paced and inviting but it just did not live up to expectations.
Although the characters seemed so fun and cute, I just could not connect - third person just does nothing for me and a lot of the topics focused on past trauma and I just had no empathy towards either character.
It was definitely cute at times and there was an element of spice (sometimes a bit random).
I was really hoping for a bad boy and Dean could not be more fluffy if he tried.
There were elements I really enjoyed, especially the slow burn inside the prison, inmate x nurse trope. It was risky and exciting and for the first 1/3 I was hooked.
For Callaway’s first novel, there is definitely potential. I would be interested to see future work as The Sharpest Edges was fast paced and inviting but it just did not live up to expectations.
June 5, 2024
She’s a nurse, he’s an inmate, they shouldn’t be attracted to each other.
Ava and Dean’s story grabbed me by the heart, two broken people drawn to each other when they absolutely should not be.
This was my first time reading this sort of plot and I was enthralled from the beginning.
My biggest complaint is I felt like it wasn’t long enough, there could have been more fleshed out and explored to make it longer and I wouldn’t have complained one bit
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️/5
Ava and Dean’s story grabbed me by the heart, two broken people drawn to each other when they absolutely should not be.
This was my first time reading this sort of plot and I was enthralled from the beginning.
My biggest complaint is I felt like it wasn’t long enough, there could have been more fleshed out and explored to make it longer and I wouldn’t have complained one bit
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️/5
June 5, 2024
Wow! The Sharpest Edges by Anna Calloway was an emotional rollercoaster that filled me with immense joy and left an unforgettable mark on my heart. This story was lovely, weaving together the lives of Ava, a dedicated prison nurse, and Dean, the intriguing new inmate. The stark differences between Ava's freedom and Dean's incarceration made their deep, compelling connection all the more powerful and heartfelt.
I need to be careful not to give too much away. Still, diving into my first romance set in a prison, I wondered how this story could be told and how it would all play out, but right from the start, the narrative gripped me with its portrayal of characters who had both faced profound hardships. Ava's life had been scarred by loss and pain, while Dean's troubled childhood and family struggles had led him to prison. This shared history of suffering forged an unexpected and beautiful bond in the most unlikely place.
I love a slow-burn romance, and the evolution of Ava and Dean's relationship was beautifully written. I was constantly on edge, wondering how their love could blossom given Dean's circumstances. Yet, their chemistry felt so natural and sweet, evolving into a deep, simmering desire that was impossible to ignore. Each small physical contact, from holding hands to their first kiss, was imbued with meaning and tenderness. Dean, who wasn't naturally affectionate but extremely patient, yearned for Ava's touch and presence like never before, making their connection even more poignant. Although this book is pretty spicy, it isn’t as crazy as some of the others I have read recently. I still rate it about level 3 spicy.
This story offered a refreshingly unique take on romance. The idea of a prison nurse falling for an inmate was uncharted territory, but the seamless storytelling had me fully invested in Ava and Dean's journey. While it might seem unrealistic in real life, within the world of the story, I was there on the sidelines, cheering for them every step of the way. The slow-burn was perfectly paced, an their natural chemistry and the palpable sparks between them were utterly captivating.
Adding sweetness to the story was the adorable kitten that Ava swore she wouldn’t get, yet Dean knew better. This little furball brought light and laughter into Ava’s life, symbolising their blossoming relationship's gentle, nurturing side. Despite Ava’s initial reluctance, Dean’s quiet confidence in her need for companionship was heartwarming. The kitten’s playful antics and the tender moments shared between them added warmth and charm to the narrative, making Ava and Dean’s journey even more delightful.
Without too many spoilers, the added angst from their backstories was heart-wrenching but essential, allowing Ava and Dean to understand each other's pain and loss profoundly. Despite their difficult pasts, they found happiness in each other, and their journey to a happy ending was incredibly satisfying. I was especially thrilled that there wasn't a third-act breakup, which can sometimes feel unrealistic in romances, making their love story even more genuine and fulfilling.
Overall, this was a wonderful read, and I will read it again. I won’t lie and say that I didn’t wish that Dean and Ava had more time together navigating their relationship while Dean was in prison. I highly recommend this short yet deeply enjoyable read that tugs at your heartstrings and leaves you feeling all the feels.
I need to be careful not to give too much away. Still, diving into my first romance set in a prison, I wondered how this story could be told and how it would all play out, but right from the start, the narrative gripped me with its portrayal of characters who had both faced profound hardships. Ava's life had been scarred by loss and pain, while Dean's troubled childhood and family struggles had led him to prison. This shared history of suffering forged an unexpected and beautiful bond in the most unlikely place.
I love a slow-burn romance, and the evolution of Ava and Dean's relationship was beautifully written. I was constantly on edge, wondering how their love could blossom given Dean's circumstances. Yet, their chemistry felt so natural and sweet, evolving into a deep, simmering desire that was impossible to ignore. Each small physical contact, from holding hands to their first kiss, was imbued with meaning and tenderness. Dean, who wasn't naturally affectionate but extremely patient, yearned for Ava's touch and presence like never before, making their connection even more poignant. Although this book is pretty spicy, it isn’t as crazy as some of the others I have read recently. I still rate it about level 3 spicy.
This story offered a refreshingly unique take on romance. The idea of a prison nurse falling for an inmate was uncharted territory, but the seamless storytelling had me fully invested in Ava and Dean's journey. While it might seem unrealistic in real life, within the world of the story, I was there on the sidelines, cheering for them every step of the way. The slow-burn was perfectly paced, an their natural chemistry and the palpable sparks between them were utterly captivating.
Adding sweetness to the story was the adorable kitten that Ava swore she wouldn’t get, yet Dean knew better. This little furball brought light and laughter into Ava’s life, symbolising their blossoming relationship's gentle, nurturing side. Despite Ava’s initial reluctance, Dean’s quiet confidence in her need for companionship was heartwarming. The kitten’s playful antics and the tender moments shared between them added warmth and charm to the narrative, making Ava and Dean’s journey even more delightful.
Without too many spoilers, the added angst from their backstories was heart-wrenching but essential, allowing Ava and Dean to understand each other's pain and loss profoundly. Despite their difficult pasts, they found happiness in each other, and their journey to a happy ending was incredibly satisfying. I was especially thrilled that there wasn't a third-act breakup, which can sometimes feel unrealistic in romances, making their love story even more genuine and fulfilling.
Overall, this was a wonderful read, and I will read it again. I won’t lie and say that I didn’t wish that Dean and Ava had more time together navigating their relationship while Dean was in prison. I highly recommend this short yet deeply enjoyable read that tugs at your heartstrings and leaves you feeling all the feels.
June 9, 2024
GIRLIES.... this book...... chefs kiss.
First of all, let me say thank you to Love Notes PR and Anna Callaway for sending me this ARC in excahnge for my honest review <3
To be honest, I kind of went into this book blind, and I ATE IT UP.
TROPES
♥ Nurse x Inmate
♥ forbidden love
♥ trauma and SA (not from MMC)
♥ slow burn
♥ found family
♥ happy ending
Having said all that, when you first start reading this book, and you get the vibes, you think ok this is going to be your run of the mill dark romance.
WHEN I TELL YOU THIS BOOK..... the most wholesome, heartwarming, romantic book you'll ever read.
It had me sitting there smiling at my kindle like a FOOL
brb.. gonna go cry now
Girlie Pops, the way that these characters heal each other was so perfect. Like....
They are literal perfection.
I hate the typical miscommunication, 3rd act breakup etc. This book, just was the perfect amount of slow burn and spice and emotions to literally have me crying.
If you are in need of a cute love story that feels real, like the things they go through could happen to you or me, then look no further. I promise you, you'll eat it up just like i did.
First of all, let me say thank you to Love Notes PR and Anna Callaway for sending me this ARC in excahnge for my honest review <3
To be honest, I kind of went into this book blind, and I ATE IT UP.
TROPES
♥ Nurse x Inmate
♥ forbidden love
♥ trauma and SA (not from MMC)
♥ slow burn
♥ found family
♥ happy ending
Having said all that, when you first start reading this book, and you get the vibes, you think ok this is going to be your run of the mill dark romance.
WHEN I TELL YOU THIS BOOK..... the most wholesome, heartwarming, romantic book you'll ever read.
It had me sitting there smiling at my kindle like a FOOL
'Nothing wrong with you 'cause of that. Not a damn thing. Some days it rains and others it doesn't.'
brb.. gonna go cry now
Girlie Pops, the way that these characters heal each other was so perfect. Like....
'He is different, she reminds herself. She feels safe with him. He would be gentle with her, she's certain of that.'
They are literal perfection.
I hate the typical miscommunication, 3rd act breakup etc. This book, just was the perfect amount of slow burn and spice and emotions to literally have me crying.
If you are in need of a cute love story that feels real, like the things they go through could happen to you or me, then look no further. I promise you, you'll eat it up just like i did.
''Was worth it.'' He sats into the darkness of the room, his voice cracked and raw. ''The prison, the broken ribs, all of it. Would do it all again just to meet you.''
June 4, 2024
3.5 stars ✨
The Sharpest Edges is a transformative and hearty romance story about two people a reader would not usually read about.
Ava is a prison nurse, and Dean is an inmate for the next six months. Their relationship grows as one day Dean ends up severely injured and would need to be inspected by Ava in the infirmary frequently. This grows into something beautiful and deep, something that neither of them expected it to be.
In regard to their relationship, it’s very patient, very kind. It’s unlike most relationships I’ve read about and I appreciate how nurturing both of their personalities are. This stems from their traumatic experiences which they both open up about as their trust grows and grows.
I think that it’s important to note that while their trauma was laid in front of the reader, it was Dean’s trauma that I would’ve liked to be discussed more seeing as something feels off now that I completed the book.
The writing is pretty good, it’s really engaging and descriptive which I love!
It is easier to be vulnerable than he thought it could be when his motivation is to meet her in the middle so they can traverse this uncertainty together.
CW: domestic abuse, sexual assault, loss of a child.
Release Date: June 6th, 2024.
Lastly, thank you to LoveNotes PR & Anna Callaway for sending me ARC. ✨
The Sharpest Edges is a transformative and hearty romance story about two people a reader would not usually read about.
Ava is a prison nurse, and Dean is an inmate for the next six months. Their relationship grows as one day Dean ends up severely injured and would need to be inspected by Ava in the infirmary frequently. This grows into something beautiful and deep, something that neither of them expected it to be.
In regard to their relationship, it’s very patient, very kind. It’s unlike most relationships I’ve read about and I appreciate how nurturing both of their personalities are. This stems from their traumatic experiences which they both open up about as their trust grows and grows.
I think that it’s important to note that while their trauma was laid in front of the reader, it was Dean’s trauma that I would’ve liked to be discussed more seeing as something feels off now that I completed the book.
The writing is pretty good, it’s really engaging and descriptive which I love!
It is easier to be vulnerable than he thought it could be when his motivation is to meet her in the middle so they can traverse this uncertainty together.
CW: domestic abuse, sexual assault, loss of a child.
Release Date: June 6th, 2024.
Lastly, thank you to LoveNotes PR & Anna Callaway for sending me ARC. ✨
June 7, 2024
Thank you Anna callaway and LovenotesPR for the ARC. I LOVED this book so much. This is the first I read with this kind of setting. The prison inmate and nurse trope was the only thing that had me intrigued and applying for the ARC.
At first the book had a slow start, but 10% into the book and I just couldn't put it down after that. Two characters with traumatic past , bonding and helping each other with the healing process... It was so heart warming !!
It was sweet and adorable to see them together and grow closer. They make a really cute couple. They both learned to trust each other and develop a relationship. The tension between them in prison was so amazing, but seeing them build their life outside was incredible. Dean was always patient and made sure Ava was always comfortable with him. I absolutely loved them. Adding more cuteness to the story is the kitten that Ava adopted. I loved seeing how this little kitten, Panda , brought joy and laughter in Ava's life and then wrapped Dean around it's finger.
Being the debut novel this book was really well written and the plot was just as amazing. The book is written in 3rd POV , I'm not a fan of those but still it was good, and I didn't mind it at all. The pace of the book was also believable. I just wished we could have gotten an epilogue, felt like something was missing. The book left me wanting more of their story, but still I loved it.
At first the book had a slow start, but 10% into the book and I just couldn't put it down after that. Two characters with traumatic past , bonding and helping each other with the healing process... It was so heart warming !!
It was sweet and adorable to see them together and grow closer. They make a really cute couple. They both learned to trust each other and develop a relationship. The tension between them in prison was so amazing, but seeing them build their life outside was incredible. Dean was always patient and made sure Ava was always comfortable with him. I absolutely loved them. Adding more cuteness to the story is the kitten that Ava adopted. I loved seeing how this little kitten, Panda , brought joy and laughter in Ava's life and then wrapped Dean around it's finger.
Being the debut novel this book was really well written and the plot was just as amazing. The book is written in 3rd POV , I'm not a fan of those but still it was good, and I didn't mind it at all. The pace of the book was also believable. I just wished we could have gotten an epilogue, felt like something was missing. The book left me wanting more of their story, but still I loved it.
July 23, 2025
First half good, second half was a bit of a snoozefest. I've read two Calloway books back-to-back, and I gotta say I'm disappointed because the characters are the same. Two damaged people with abuse in their history, a hot 6ft+ guy that strangely has almost zero history with women (which was hard to believe this unicorn), and then there's the cat. Which begs the question: Are all her books like this?
Dean was sweet, but too beta for my personal taste. I probably would have liked him more if his backstory was more fleshed out. He was kind of a mystery. He's 41, but he was like this vague caricature of a man. No hobbies, no friends, no pets...what did he do (aside from work) before he met Ava? It was hard to connect with him because he felt like a semi-stranger. And the bland secondary characters did nothing to humanize him either. I had similar feelings for Ava, too, although we do get a little more backstory with her than we do with Dean.
Dean was sweet, but too beta for my personal taste. I probably would have liked him more if his backstory was more fleshed out. He was kind of a mystery. He's 41, but he was like this vague caricature of a man. No hobbies, no friends, no pets...what did he do (aside from work) before he met Ava? It was hard to connect with him because he felt like a semi-stranger. And the bland secondary characters did nothing to humanize him either. I had similar feelings for Ava, too, although we do get a little more backstory with her than we do with Dean.
June 13, 2024
Thank you so much to Anna and love notes PR for gifting me a arc copy of this book it was truly appreciated 📚
This book was giving me
•slow burn
•budding forbidden romance
• nurse and inmate
•Healing journey
•Trauma
•A cheeky sprinkle of spice 🌶️
This book gave me winter cosy reading vibes, with the slow burn, honesty if I didn’t already know the tropes I could have easily said it might have been a mystery/crime for the first 1/4 of the book.
Both MCs have had a fair level of trauma in their life and this although unfortunate way of events bought them together and they start the slow journey of healing together in such a wholesome way that it just make your heart smile.
Ava and the chapter was the cats is honestly so sad, a lot of what Ava has had to endure is just heartbreaking ❤️🩹
A solid 5 star wholesome read
This book was giving me
•slow burn
•budding forbidden romance
• nurse and inmate
•Healing journey
•Trauma
•A cheeky sprinkle of spice 🌶️
This book gave me winter cosy reading vibes, with the slow burn, honesty if I didn’t already know the tropes I could have easily said it might have been a mystery/crime for the first 1/4 of the book.
Both MCs have had a fair level of trauma in their life and this although unfortunate way of events bought them together and they start the slow journey of healing together in such a wholesome way that it just make your heart smile.
Ava and the chapter was the cats is honestly so sad, a lot of what Ava has had to endure is just heartbreaking ❤️🩹
A solid 5 star wholesome read
June 9, 2024
ARC review
Thank you Love Notes PR for the ARC copy of The Sharpest Edge by Anna Callaway for exchange of an honest review.
This book is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, that takes you on a journey of love, healing, and redemption.
The story revolves around the relationship between Ava, a nurse working in a small-town prison, and a quiet, no trouble inmate, Dean. Despite her efforts to keep her heart locked away, Ava finds herself drawn to Dean, and their connection threatens to unravel the carefully constructed walls she's built around herself.
Truthfully, while I was curious to see how Ava and Dean’s story would play out, I wondered how their romance would proceed, especially since Dean was in prison but I was pleasantly surprised with how everything came together.
As the story unfolded, you can see the chemistry between Ava and Dean grow into something deep and something they both need but think they don’t deserve. Their relationship is a reminder that sometimes, love can blossom in the most unexpected places.
What I really liked was how both Ava and Dean were trying to work on finding their self-worth and happiness amidst years of difficult experiences growing up. This story and their working through their own messes can remind us that even when life throws us curveballs, there's always hope for a better tomorrow and that everyone is worthy of love.
Note, book includes:
Spicy scenes
Past physical abuse mention
Prison aggression and inmate brutality
Thank you Love Notes PR for the ARC copy of The Sharpest Edge by Anna Callaway for exchange of an honest review.
This book is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, that takes you on a journey of love, healing, and redemption.
The story revolves around the relationship between Ava, a nurse working in a small-town prison, and a quiet, no trouble inmate, Dean. Despite her efforts to keep her heart locked away, Ava finds herself drawn to Dean, and their connection threatens to unravel the carefully constructed walls she's built around herself.
Truthfully, while I was curious to see how Ava and Dean’s story would play out, I wondered how their romance would proceed, especially since Dean was in prison but I was pleasantly surprised with how everything came together.
As the story unfolded, you can see the chemistry between Ava and Dean grow into something deep and something they both need but think they don’t deserve. Their relationship is a reminder that sometimes, love can blossom in the most unexpected places.
What I really liked was how both Ava and Dean were trying to work on finding their self-worth and happiness amidst years of difficult experiences growing up. This story and their working through their own messes can remind us that even when life throws us curveballs, there's always hope for a better tomorrow and that everyone is worthy of love.
Note, book includes:
Spicy scenes
Past physical abuse mention
Prison aggression and inmate brutality
June 9, 2024
This was my first book with prison nurse x inmate trope and I really enjoyed it. The writing was amazing and the characters were adorable.
Reading about Dean and Eva’s past made me tear up but the sweet moments they shared made me smile too. It is a story of two broken people finding each other.
With a slow burn romance, I didn’t feel like their relationship was rushed. The characters took their time to build a friendship - a connection. I could feel the tension between them and how they realised they were doing something wrong but still could not help themselves.
I loved how understanding Dean was and how comfortable Ava was with him. Also, the spice was great! I would recommend this book if you like slow burn, forbidden romance.
Thank you so much Anna Callaway and Love Notes PR for this ARC copy!
Reading about Dean and Eva’s past made me tear up but the sweet moments they shared made me smile too. It is a story of two broken people finding each other.
With a slow burn romance, I didn’t feel like their relationship was rushed. The characters took their time to build a friendship - a connection. I could feel the tension between them and how they realised they were doing something wrong but still could not help themselves.
I loved how understanding Dean was and how comfortable Ava was with him. Also, the spice was great! I would recommend this book if you like slow burn, forbidden romance.
Thank you so much Anna Callaway and Love Notes PR for this ARC copy!
June 11, 2024
I though the concept of this sounded really interesting and I was kinda disappointed. The first half of the book took place with Ava working as an Infirmary nurse at the same jail Dean was thrown into for a 6-month sentence. I loved the tension and couldn’t get enough of the “forbidden lovers” trope!
Once it got to the second half of the book though, I feel like the characters changed completely. Dean had a completely different voice and I was thrown off.
The pacing also felt off towards the second half of the book as well. Don’t get me wrong, I love a spicy scene in my books but 3? 3 in the second half?? I felt that was two much and wasn’t authentic to their characters.
Thank you to Love Notes PR for sending me an ARC of this book to read and review.
Once it got to the second half of the book though, I feel like the characters changed completely. Dean had a completely different voice and I was thrown off.
The pacing also felt off towards the second half of the book as well. Don’t get me wrong, I love a spicy scene in my books but 3? 3 in the second half?? I felt that was two much and wasn’t authentic to their characters.
Thank you to Love Notes PR for sending me an ARC of this book to read and review.
June 7, 2024
Received as an ARC.
🩷 Small town
🩷 Slow burn
🩷 Forbidden
🩷 Healing from trauma
🩷 Prison Nurse x Inmate
🩷 Grumpy cinnamon roll MMC
🩷 The cat 🐈⬛
I love Panda!! That is all. That cat needs his own book 😂
Dean and Ava were such well written characters, each had their own trauma that affected them in different ways but ended up with them both being equally reserved and hesitant to open up and trust another person. The patience they had with each other though…..especially Dean with Ava, it was beautiful. The slow burning was definitely slow in this one but oh so very worth it in the end.
I wish there was an epilogue, I love seeing how things pan out for the characters I get emotionally invested in several months or years down the line. I feel that would have nicely rounded this story off for me.
🩷 Small town
🩷 Slow burn
🩷 Forbidden
🩷 Healing from trauma
🩷 Prison Nurse x Inmate
🩷 Grumpy cinnamon roll MMC
🩷 The cat 🐈⬛
I love Panda!! That is all. That cat needs his own book 😂
Dean and Ava were such well written characters, each had their own trauma that affected them in different ways but ended up with them both being equally reserved and hesitant to open up and trust another person. The patience they had with each other though…..especially Dean with Ava, it was beautiful. The slow burning was definitely slow in this one but oh so very worth it in the end.
I wish there was an epilogue, I love seeing how things pan out for the characters I get emotionally invested in several months or years down the line. I feel that would have nicely rounded this story off for me.
August 10, 2024
This book was a quick read for me, I enjoyed the romance between the characters and the storyline as it’s something different to what I’ve read before but it just felt slightly rushed for me and the storyline lacked depth, it touched on their personal struggles which made you realise why they were like they were but I felt like the romance was just rushed and when the book was finished, I felt like I needed more. The writing was easy to get through which is always nice but I just feel like it was missing something for me, overall it was a good read but I just expected a bit more.
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