Little Miss Petty

by Sally Kilpatrick

An empowered PI parlays her talent for petty revenge into lucrative karmic justice in a sharp and funny novel full of surprises by a USA Today bestselling author.

When Stella Stark discovers that her boyfriend is cheating, she also discovers that thirty-nine isn’t too old for petty revenge. Can we say…glitter bomb? She’s lost both her job and her home—why not broaden her professional horizons as Little Miss Petty, helping wronged women achieve karmic justice? Frankly, the demand is too great to ignore.

With a new apartment comes fast bonds with new female friends like Havisham, a totally on-board bar owner, and clients like soon-to-be-divorced Trista Malone. There’s just one hiccup. Trista’s cad of a husband is also Stella’s intriguingly handsome new neighbor, Blake. What is Stella missing here? Blake is a good listener, sympathetic, and happy to share a pizza, and he adores kittens. How can he be a monster? And how can Stella, a woman on the rebound, give into temptation with a pizza-with-benefits relationship? This is so bad for business.

But there’s much more for Stella to learn—about karma, the charmer across the breezeway she’s falling for, and most importantly, herself. Love, revenge, and second chances—they all come with a little risk. And a twist.

317 pages, Paperback

Expected publication March 24, 2026

About the author

Sally Kilpatrick writes...stuff. She prefers fiction to biographies, but here we are. When not fretting over her biography, Sally writes southern fiction, mystery, and lots of to do lists. She lives with her dashing husband, two precocious kids, and two persnickety cats in Marietta, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta. Visit her author website at sallykilpatrick.com or follow her on BlueSky as @SuperWriterMom.

Reviews

[Sally Kilpatrick]

Oh, it is that time once again. Line edits have been completed so it's time to tell you a bit about Little Miss Petty.

Wow, this book.

I would like to award myself the Extreme Perseverance Against Annoying Odds Badge for finishing this book that was inspired by something that happened while I was writing Nobody's Perfect. Thank goodness, nothing seriously tragic happened while I was trying to write this book, but several scary and anxiety-inducing things did happen. For the most part, I was Captain Jack Sparrow in that "Complications arose, ensued, and were overcome."

Over the past few years, I'm sure that many of you, like me, have been frustrated by assorted events. All too often it feels as though too many people get away with doing horrible things and never face any consequences. One day I thought to myself, wouldn't it be nice to have a vigilante for poetic justice? Someone who can mete out punishments that are fitting for the crimes?

Me being me, I did my best to keep it light. As Havisham says in this book, "Logical consequences are always more satisfying than random revenge." As such, this book has a few of my favorite things: a hot nerd, a kitten, a wisecracking heroine, a sassy older lady with no effs to give, the Waffle House, female friendship, a wisp of a mystery, a more robust romance than usual, and a hero who's read Brené Brown.

Lord have mercy sometimes getting this book into the world reminded me of that time I was in labor for 42 hours straight. In both cases, the end did in fact justify the means. I hope you enjoy this story, but...please, kids, don't try any of Stella's acts of karma at home.

[Dozelina 666 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big tnx to NetGalley & Montlake for the ARC!

What got my attention? The title. Because yep... I’m petty. Very petty... aaand I love a good payback.

Now into the review. Our FMC, Stella, catches her boyfriend (who’s also her business partner...ouch) cheating on her. As she tries to rebuild her life, she makes some new friends who convince her to start a side hustle offering petty revenge services for other wronged women; basically supplementing her PI work while tackling her debt. Naturally, business is booming.

Now, about the pettiness... I have to admit, it didn’t wow me as much as I hoped (except for the puzzle part ... that was hilarious). But once the story shifted into more relationship-building and character development, everything really settled and it became a genuinely enjoyable read.

Did I want more revenge on the ex, especially for the table pics? Oh, hell YES.

Now, about our MMC ... he was such a solid, kind, kitten-loving man and for a second I panicked at the end thinking the HEA had left the chat. But nope! It came back stronger than ever.

Cute, fun and easy to binge at midnight. 4⭐ from me!

[Kaitlyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little Miss Petty - ARC from NetGalley
Thank you for allowing me to read your book Sally Kilpatrick!

Stella Stark, a 39yo PI, gets off work to what should have been a night of celebration, quickly turns into disappointment when she discovers her long-time, younger boyfriend Ken cheating. Having never been married, and everything listed in Ken’s name, she is left with nothing except debt.

As luck would have it, she finds new unexpected friends at the bar at which she visited for her last work assignment. When one friend plays a petty hilarious prank to cheer her up, a bar fight and a viral video later transpires into a business to help her overcome her debt and help women when karma doesn’t work fast enough!

When one new high rolling client wants karma for her cheating husband, Stella is game-on, until she realizes something isn’t lining up with the person she’s been attempting to play petty pranks on…

This rom-com/mystery romance book is unique, has an older FMC which is refreshing, and relatable plot topics!
While I didn’t get all the book/movie/show references in the book because some were before my time, there were still plenty recent references as well.

Overall, quick, easy read that took me less than 24hrs. Very wholesome in the fact that the pranks were in good nature and almost closed door spicy scenes (clearly you know what’s happening but it’s short not in depth and a few paragraphs, not chapters).

Rated 3.5 stars because while I did enjoy it and would recommend it, it’s not something that I saw myself reading more than once. I wish the romance didn’t happen so fast. My personal preference is always a low burn. And I felt like the twist or what could have been a shock-factor happened way too early.

[Mallory Moureau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, Montlake and Sally Kilpatrick for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5⭐️ This was a fun book and the title grabbed my attention. It was a quick read and while it did have some not so fun topics (cheating, embezzlement, etc) it made me laugh and was easy to binge.

I loved that the FMC was 39 and facing so much change and uncertainty after a nasty breakup with her longtime boyfriend and unofficial business partner. The messiness made the outcome that much sweeter.

The banter with the MMC and even her friends was pretty great. I’m obsessed with the fact that she stumbled upon two great friends of different generations and they were so impactful in a short amount of time.

Her new friends talk her into starting a business providing “petty” services to those who need it as a way of making quick money after her life blows up. I was very much looking forward to reading these petty acts, I think the puzzle was the best one and I’m still laughing about it. I do wish there was more done about the ex or at least some information on if he was audited, especially after the table pictures.

The MMC was such a treat and honestly I got such a kick out of him. This book has lots of flirty talk and discusses sex but isn’t full of on page sex so it still provided the spicy element I enjoy but wasn’t over the top in my opinion if that’s not your thing.

Overall, a fun book with feel good friendships. Probably not something I’ll read again but recommend for a twist on the typical romance.

[M Soh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for providing this book, with my honest review below.

Little Miss Petty was so much fun! We all have petty moments and surely time we wish we were pettier than we allow ourselves and being able to give in to those urges by vicariously living through Stella’s (and her friends) experiences was a great escape. Granted I think some of Stella’s actions are well deserved, with her long time boyfriend cheating on her and several women who have been wronged enlisting her help in similar situations, all resulting in a little extra earnings Stella desperately needs while she studies for her paralegal exams and pays off student loans and her car renewal.

The action really gets going when a generously paying client asks Stella to help her shake up her soon to be (truly terrible) ex husband who seems to match the description of her new, hot, totally opposite in behavior than described, neighbor Malone. While those events reach a peak relatively early in the story, there’s plenty that spins off from it for Stella, and it was equally interesting to see Stella’s character development as she finds a network of support and learns to trust those around her. I only wish some of Stella’s past was explained earlier in the story as it felt a bit hasty and tacked on (really, not as needed given her long time and only really serious boyfriend broke her trust so callously). But that aside I loved this tale of petty revenge and mystery!

[Tanisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of all the romance genres I have read, romantic suspense and romantic comedies are easily my top two. There is just something magical about a rom-com. They work like a perfect little life palate cleanser. They make you laugh, give you something sweet to root for, and leave you feeling happier than when you started. So the moment I read the description of this book, I knew I was in for a good time.

This story hooked me right from the first chapter. It has been a while since I connected with a character as quickly as I did with Stella. She is funny, chaotic in the most entertaining way, and impossible not to root for. The MMC was just as enjoyable, and I loved watching his layers peel back throughout the story. When the truth about who he really is came out, I felt myself smiling because it fit the tone of the book so well. And I have to say, most of the side characters had me either laughing or quietly shaking my head in the best way.

All in all, this was such a fun and satisfying read. It had humor, heart, and characters I genuinely wanted to spend more time with. I am a little sad that I am finished, which is always a good sign. Sally Kilpatrick has officially been added to my “must read” list, and I cannot wait to see what else she has written.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

[Sandy ❦✶⁺⋆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book positively took me by surprise. I think a lot of books with 'cliché' premises of a woman past her prime experiencing heartbreak get prejudiced and labelled as being exlusive for a small audience but this was a genuinely charming and humorous read. The book follows Stella who is unexpectedly betrayed by her partner of 20 years, following which she must re-build an independent life. With money being one of her main concerns, an idea for a 'side hustle' is formed - performing 'petty' revenge in the name of justice as a service for other women who have equally disappointing partners.

I really enjoyed Kilpatrick's writing style - you can tell she is incredibly articulate and well-spoken, and yet it is equally down to earth (no patronising use of over-complex vocabulary, this is a slice of life novel after all, but craftly use of certain phrases added flourish to the text). As for the characters, they were genuinely compelling. Stella is a realistic portrayl of the balance we struggle to maintain between aspiring for good and not always taking the moral high ground. The side characters were equally compelling - I patriculalry enjoyed the exchanges between Betty and the 'off-stage' Joe which is a classic but well executed comedy effect in this book. I genuinely chuckled in a few of their interactions.

[Katie Lavoie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was delightful - lighthearted, entertaining, and surprisingly wholesome in spite of the title.

My favorite thing about the book was Stella’s personality and growth m. While she claims to be cynical and petty (and at times that proves to be true), she also goes out of her way to help people (e.g., how she becomes friends with Daisy, with her neighbors). I love how her actions help bring to life the underlying message of the power within strong female friendships and ‘women supporting women’.

I also enjoyed the banter and jokes within the book. Overall, I found the writing style easy to get wrapped up in, making this a quick read I was excited to work through.

That said, some of the pacing felt off to me, especially in how some of the backstory for Stella’s life came to be. We learn a lot at the end that felt out of place (or unnecessary since I already bought into her characters motives) and ultimately it had me questioning other parts of the story, e.g., like why she trusted her two besties so easily.

Thanks to Sally Kilpatrick, Montlake, and NetGalley l for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Julie Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so deliciously addictive for a romance. I think that Sally Kilpatrick will become a fast favorite writer for fans of Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich.

Stella Stark is so adorably same-same but slightly different. There's the same grit and gumption, the same funny PI job with all its quirks. But she's also a bit more quietly emotional and into self-discovery. She has a new layer of depth that made me fall in love with her from her very first heartbreak.

The best thing about this book - and story - are all the super lovable sidekicks on Stella's journey down the romance rabbit hole. I had moments when I seriously wanted to leap inside this book's fictitious world and have a drink in that bar.

It's cute and fun, but also intoxicating with its fast pace and unraveling plot. A superb entertainment read!

Thank you to Netgalley and Montlake for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

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[Kelly Luinstra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Miss Petty is a charming and heartfelt rom-com that surprised me with its emotional depth beneath all the humor and sprinkles. Lila is not your typical rom-com heroine—she’s flawed, reactive, and delightfully petty at times, which made her journey feel refreshingly real.

What I loved:
• A perfectly imperfect protagonist whose personal growth feels earned
• A slow-burn romance with genuine chemistry
• Sharp humor balanced with tender, meaningful moments
• Themes of forgiveness and second chances, both in relationships and in how we view ourselves

Kilpatrick excels at blending laugh-out-loud moments with grounded emotional insight. I found myself rooting for Lila not just to find love, but to find a healthier, happier version of herself.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, funny, sweet romcom!

Stella Stark is 39, has an ex who cheated on her and realizes after being confronted by him, she has a gift for being petty. For-armed with this knowledge, she sets up a new business (“Little Miss Petty”) offering to be get karmic retribution for women who have been “wronged.” Her friends Things go along ok until she’s asked by her neighbor’s ex to perform the service for him. Stella’s neighbor is a hunk and doesn’t act like the ex says he does. Something isn’t adding up. You have to read the book to find what happens. It’s worth it too.

I liked Stella. She’s spunky and really not that petty but she has integrity so . . . The book offers a lot for a cozy winter or fun beach read. Great book to relax with.

My thanks to NetGalley and Montlake Publishing for giving me access to this ARC.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝘽𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙞𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚’𝙨 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙙𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚, 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙜—𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙤𝙤 𝙤𝙡𝙙—𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙥𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙮.

FMC Stella catches her longterm boyfriend and business partner cheating on her. She then makes friends that talk her into starting a side business for women wanting to get petty revenge where she can supplement her private investigator work and get back on her feet financially. She’s hired to play petty pranks on Blake Malone, and ends up utilizing her PI skills while in the midst of a family investigation.

This was such a fun read with many interesting turns along the way! I was very interested in how the family drama would play out, and I enjoyed the interactions with the love interest Ty! I also felt like Stella had great character growth and I was cheering for her to find her happiness all the way. I’ll definitely have to check out more books by this author!

Thank you so much to NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book - it was such a great one!!

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun, feel-good read! Little Miss Petty takes the sting of heartbreak and turns it into something sharp, witty, and surprisingly empowering. Stella Stark might be down on her luck—cheating boyfriend, lost job, no home—but instead of wallowing, she leans into her talent for petty revenge and reinvents herself. Honestly, who wouldn’t cheer for glitter bombs and karmic justice?

The story has such warmth at its core. Stella’s new friends, Havisham and Salcedo, bring heart and humor, and Malone across the breezeway adds just the right amount of temptation (and kittens!) to keep things interesting. Beneath the laughs and clever schemes, there’s a lovely thread about resilience, friendship, and rediscovering joy when life feels messy.

Kilpatrick’s writing sparkles—it’s funny, charming, and full of heart. This is the kind of book that makes you smile while reminding you that second chances can come in the most unexpected ways.

With thanks to Sally Kilpatrick, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Amy Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

 Stella Stark is a savage and someone I want on my squad! She is a 39-year-old recently separated from her longtime boyfriend when she meets Malone. Let me just say butterflies and heart eyes were repeating emojis I saw in my head! Throw in some girl power and of course pettiness and you have a great read!

I couldn’t put the book down because I wanted to know what Stella was going to think up next! She made me laugh out loud, feel angry at her ex and miss my own girlfriends!

In an effort to supply some constructive feedback…I wish Stella was more open about what she wants. No time like the present to take what you need or desire but alas her past has damaged her. I understand the need for this in the storyline but she is such a bad ass otherwise that I was cheering her on the whole time! Run! Run to the bookstore and get your copy!

[Renu S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received an ARC via NetGalley.

In this story, Stella is blindsided when she catches her long-term boyfriend and business partner cheating on her. With the encouragement of some new friends, she launches a side business helping women get petty revenge, which doubles as a way to boost her income and meet her love interest.

I found this book to be a really enjoyable read, full of unexpected twists that kept me hooked. The family drama had me curious throughout, and I loved the chemistry between Stella and her love interest. Stella's character development felt authentic, and I found myself rooting for her as she worked toward finding her own happiness.

[KDRBCK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little Miss Petty by Sally Kilpatrick published by Montlake came into my life at the right time. I needed a pick me up and this book did it perfectly.
A sassy heroine about to turn 40, Stella Hood, Sister Tuck, Maid Marian and the Sheriff of Nottingham have nothing on the characters in this story.
I loved the story, the exquisite writing, overall the joy it spreads.
I loved the previous book, but this is an even better one. Characters that speak to me, a whole all around favorite read of mine that deserves all the stars.

[Stephanie Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

The chemistry between Stella and Malone was cute and funny! Originally, based on the synopsis, I was not sure what the twist would be at the end for the HEA, but I think the author did a good job. Some of the parts of the story were a little obvious, but it was an easy, lighthearted read. Little Miss Petty business gave it a little more quirk and the scenarios where revenge (or karma) was enacted were pretty ingenious.

If you like a happy ever after, with some laughs, you will enjoy this book. Thank you NetGalley, publisher, and Sally Kilpatrick for the eARC of this book!

[Clairelettersandmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little Miss Petty hit me in that place where frustration and empowerment collide. I related to Stella more than I expected that messy mix of anger, heartbreak, and wanting just a little justice for once. Watching her refuse to stay knocked down felt weirdly validating.

I also loved how the book let her be both petty and tender. Her chemistry with Blake made things complicated in the best way because life never gives you clean lines. The friendships, the small-town chaos, the quiet moments where she starts finding herself again… it all felt real.

It’s funny, fast, and a little cathartic and it made me root for Stella not just to get revenge, but to get her life back.

[Treena · Rating 5 out of 5]

An uplifting, feel-good story packed with found family, light-hearted vigilante justice, and midlife reinvention. Little Miss Petty celebrates the strength women discover when everything seems to be falling apart, with loveable characters who add warmth and depth throughout. Sally Kilpatrick’s heartfelt, witty style draws you in and leaves you smiling. A joyful, empowering read I absolutely loved.

⭐️Thank you to Sally Kilpatrick, Montlake, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review. All opinions are my own⭐️

[Jessica Milliner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about Stella, who is petty enough to do something. She found out that her boyfriend was cheating on her. In addition, she lost her two jobs and her home. Later on, Stella had a new apartment and some new friends. She even came across a guy who’s a good listener. Reading this book showed that there’s something more than just a petty person. Also, throughout love, revenge, and everything else, including a second chance.

[Paige J Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC book, I was definitely drawn to this one for the book cover, it’s so pretty.
It took me quite a few chapters to get into this one but by about a third of the way through I was invested in the two romantic leads.
The pettiness storyline felt a bit forced and pushed forward, but once it got into the relationship I was much more engaged. Wasn’t overly invested in the friendship storyline, but certainly didn’t hate it.
Overall I enjoyed the book, but didn’t quite reach the 4 star mark for me, would give 3.5 stars if I could.

[Cee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Miss Petty was such an entertaining and fast read ... Stella's character and her career as a PI (as well as the supporting female cast of characters + the MMC) would make for a fun series of books. The storyline also had the perfect amount of twists and romance to it.

Thanks to NetGalley and Montlakr for this ARC edition read!

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

This was a very fun, light read! If you want a F/M romance with a side of private investigator/paralegal plot and an awesome group of women banding together to enact karmic justice, this is the book for you.

Spoilers ahead!

I have a love/hate relationship with romance, in that I very much enjoy a romantic plotline but I have quibbles with some of the common romance genre tropes (I tend to want to grab a character by the shoulders and shake them gently while yelling, "Just tell him how you feel!")—so with that in mind: if you love it when the F lead is dead certain her M love interest is uninterested, can’t commit, unwilling to offer while he is sending every “Catch Me NOW I want you AND I don’t want you to feel pressured” signal possible—if you love when she cannot expose herself, cannot be the one to admit to feelings first—read on with joy!

The joke’s on me, of course: the very text itself makes fun of my “Just talk to him!” attitude. In an earnest conversation between 3 women, a similar suggestion gets laughed at, and not without reason! It gave me a bit of a kick, in a good way, because I have had that same conversation and you know what, I get it. People don’t just say that shit (usually).

[Fabs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and so much fun. The banter between the main characters is hilarious, and the side characters are just as entertaining—they totally steal the show. It’s a light, feel-good romance that kept me smiling the whole time. Perfect if you just want something fun and flirty.

[Ameena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book quite a bit. It made me laugh and groan out loud. Stella is a flawed almost 40 year old but is trying her best to get better. I enjoyed the petty acts within the book making me wish I was that creative.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this as an ARC from NetGalley, and I’m so glad I did! If you’re a fan of Lucy Score’s Riley Thorne series, I think you’ll love this! This was my first book by Sally Kilpatrick and now I need to read more.

[Blessing Okwuofu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Miss Petty by Sally Kilpatrick mixes romance with self-discovery and a lot of pettiness. I liked the storyline and characters. Such a fun read
I got the ARC from Montlake via Netgalley. This is my honest review

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review – Little Miss Petty by Sally Kilpatrick
coming soon!

[Corina Blas · Rating 4 out of 5]

thank you netgalley for this earc.
this book was so cute and fun love how view this so good. They to look at the life differently.

[Holly Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!