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Little Miss Petty
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.
New friends rally around Havisham, a bar owner with a soft spot under her gruff exterior, and Salcedo, a college student with marketing savvy. There’s just one Getting revenge on the cheating soon-to-be ex-husband of her best-paying client is supposed to be easy. After all, he’s her neighbor. But something isn’t adding up. Malone is not only intriguingly handsome. He’s also a good listener, sympathetic, and adores kittens. He may look like the ex, but he isn’t acting like him. And how can Stella, a woman on the rebound, be even remotely tempted by the pizza-with-benefits relationship he suggests? That would be so bad for business.
There’s so much 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.
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.
New friends rally around Havisham, a bar owner with a soft spot under her gruff exterior, and Salcedo, a college student with marketing savvy. There’s just one Getting revenge on the cheating soon-to-be ex-husband of her best-paying client is supposed to be easy. After all, he’s her neighbor. But something isn’t adding up. Malone is not only intriguingly handsome. He’s also a good listener, sympathetic, and adores kittens. He may look like the ex, but he isn’t acting like him. And how can Stella, a woman on the rebound, be even remotely tempted by the pizza-with-benefits relationship he suggests? That would be so bad for business.
There’s so much 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.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 24, 2026
About the author
Sally Kilpatrick
17 books413 followersSally 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
March 26, 2026
This was FUN. Like actually fun. And I don’t say that lightly.
I love a starting over story and this one hits that reset button hard. Stella gets knocked all the way down and instead of spiraling, she builds something completely unexpected out of it. The whole “petty revenge as a business” concept? So different. So entertaining. It felt fresh, which is rare.
The plot leans into that idea in the best way. Watching her take these messy, emotional situations and turn them into calculated, karmic payback for other women was honestly so satisfying. It walks that line between ridiculous and genius and somehow makes it work.
The friendships were one of my favorite parts. They felt real, supportive, a little chaotic in the best way. That found-family energy carried a lot of the story for me.
The romance… I could’ve taken it or left it. It wasn’t bad, it just didn’t have the same spark as everything else going on. I was way more invested in Stella figuring herself out and building her thing than I was in who she ended up with.
But the humor? That’s what made this. It’s witty, a little unhinged, and just genuinely entertaining without trying too hard.
Original concept, strong main character, great friendships. This one stood out.
I love a starting over story and this one hits that reset button hard. Stella gets knocked all the way down and instead of spiraling, she builds something completely unexpected out of it. The whole “petty revenge as a business” concept? So different. So entertaining. It felt fresh, which is rare.
The plot leans into that idea in the best way. Watching her take these messy, emotional situations and turn them into calculated, karmic payback for other women was honestly so satisfying. It walks that line between ridiculous and genius and somehow makes it work.
The friendships were one of my favorite parts. They felt real, supportive, a little chaotic in the best way. That found-family energy carried a lot of the story for me.
The romance… I could’ve taken it or left it. It wasn’t bad, it just didn’t have the same spark as everything else going on. I was way more invested in Stella figuring herself out and building her thing than I was in who she ended up with.
But the humor? That’s what made this. It’s witty, a little unhinged, and just genuinely entertaining without trying too hard.
Original concept, strong main character, great friendships. This one stood out.
Read
February 28, 2026Oh, 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.
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.
March 14, 2026
*Audiobook
“You’re never too young or too old to be petty.”
“You run on spite, I like that.”
“You’re the pettiest woman I’ve ever known.” “You must not know many women.”
“Pettiness isn’t something you put on a résumé, but it IS a skill.”
“What is it with women and pockets?!”
“I am little Miss Petty. I do mean things to people.”
“Anyone who doesn’t see you as a goddess doesn’t deserve to have you.”
Thanks to the publisher for my gifted copy of this one.
The best way to describe it is if you take Southern Charm (not the show) + Dexter + 50 Cent but make it female…it has more cozy than vengeful vibes. It’s like a cozy karmatic romance novel.
I don’t typically like the Instalove trope but I really liked how the trope was done in this one.
For all the swifties out there, there are tons of Taylor Swift Puns for you to enjoy.
Only drawback is I kinda wanted more pettiness ha ha ha.
Overall it was an enjoyable read and really focused on women of a certain age, never giving up on your dreams and the value of good female friendships, even in unexpected places.
“You’re never too young or too old to be petty.”
“You run on spite, I like that.”
“You’re the pettiest woman I’ve ever known.” “You must not know many women.”
“Pettiness isn’t something you put on a résumé, but it IS a skill.”
“What is it with women and pockets?!”
“I am little Miss Petty. I do mean things to people.”
“Anyone who doesn’t see you as a goddess doesn’t deserve to have you.”
Thanks to the publisher for my gifted copy of this one.
The best way to describe it is if you take Southern Charm (not the show) + Dexter + 50 Cent but make it female…it has more cozy than vengeful vibes. It’s like a cozy karmatic romance novel.
I don’t typically like the Instalove trope but I really liked how the trope was done in this one.
For all the swifties out there, there are tons of Taylor Swift Puns for you to enjoy.
Only drawback is I kinda wanted more pettiness ha ha ha.
Overall it was an enjoyable read and really focused on women of a certain age, never giving up on your dreams and the value of good female friendships, even in unexpected places.
December 9, 2025
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!
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!
April 6, 2026
Review to follow
February 24, 2026
After finally serving divorce papers to a particularly elusive client, Stella Stark heads home ready to celebrate—with champagne and some well-earned, adults-only time with her professional and romantic partner.
Instead, she finds the celebration already underway. Her partner has upgraded to a younger model, who’s taken Stella’s place in both his heart and their bed.
Reeling from the implosion of her personal and professional life, Stella leans on a new circle of fiercely supportive friends who encourage her to channel her rage into something productive. Enter a side hustle with a sharp edge: ensuring karma bites back—legally, of course.
With a hastily built website and the unforgettable name Little Miss Petty, Stella soon finds herself masterminding clever, entirely lawful schemes designed to deliver just deserts to those who’ve earned them.
One new client should be a piece of cake—he lives right across the hall from Stella’s new apartment. But there’s more to the man next door than meets the eye, and Stella can’t ignore the spark of attraction simmering between them… even if she absolutely should. The neighbor she’s been tasked with targeting doesn’t quite match the description her friend provided, raising questions Stella can’t shake.
Following Stella’s journey is just one of the pleasures of Little Miss Petty. With her no-nonsense attitude and investigative instincts, she feels like a spiritual heir to Sue Grafton’s Kinsey Millhone. But Stella is more than her sharp edges and her commitment to delivering well-earned comeuppance. The novel thoughtfully explores the experiences that shaped the woman we meet—and quickly grow to love and root for.
Stella is a delight, as are the eclectic characters who populate Little Miss Petty. I, for one, wouldn’t mind spending more time with them in a future installment—should Kilpatrick be so inclined.
A delightful blend of mystery and romantic comedy, Little Miss Petty also offers a couple of clever Easter eggs for fans of a certain series about exploring the final frontier. It’s another winning story from Kilpatrick, who continues to level up her characters and storytelling with each new release.
With a memorable narrator and a vibrant supporting cast, Little Miss Petty is thoroughly entertaining from start to finish.
Highly recommended.
I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Instead, she finds the celebration already underway. Her partner has upgraded to a younger model, who’s taken Stella’s place in both his heart and their bed.
Reeling from the implosion of her personal and professional life, Stella leans on a new circle of fiercely supportive friends who encourage her to channel her rage into something productive. Enter a side hustle with a sharp edge: ensuring karma bites back—legally, of course.
With a hastily built website and the unforgettable name Little Miss Petty, Stella soon finds herself masterminding clever, entirely lawful schemes designed to deliver just deserts to those who’ve earned them.
One new client should be a piece of cake—he lives right across the hall from Stella’s new apartment. But there’s more to the man next door than meets the eye, and Stella can’t ignore the spark of attraction simmering between them… even if she absolutely should. The neighbor she’s been tasked with targeting doesn’t quite match the description her friend provided, raising questions Stella can’t shake.
Following Stella’s journey is just one of the pleasures of Little Miss Petty. With her no-nonsense attitude and investigative instincts, she feels like a spiritual heir to Sue Grafton’s Kinsey Millhone. But Stella is more than her sharp edges and her commitment to delivering well-earned comeuppance. The novel thoughtfully explores the experiences that shaped the woman we meet—and quickly grow to love and root for.
Stella is a delight, as are the eclectic characters who populate Little Miss Petty. I, for one, wouldn’t mind spending more time with them in a future installment—should Kilpatrick be so inclined.
A delightful blend of mystery and romantic comedy, Little Miss Petty also offers a couple of clever Easter eggs for fans of a certain series about exploring the final frontier. It’s another winning story from Kilpatrick, who continues to level up her characters and storytelling with each new release.
With a memorable narrator and a vibrant supporting cast, Little Miss Petty is thoroughly entertaining from start to finish.
Highly recommended.
I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 24, 2026
If you're searching for a book full of humor, big feelings, and "I can't believe she just said that" energy, this is the book for you!!
Stella Stark starts a business as a "petty revenge" consultant after her own heartbreak, helping wronged women get even while navigating a new romance with a neighbor who complicates her plans.
This book was such a fun romcom with a surprising amount of heartfelt emotions! Stella is a messy deeply relatable heroine. I especially related to her commitment to always being "fine" while masking her internal struggles. It was easy to root for her character growth as she stepped into her own power and explores her chemistry with one of her marks.
Sharp, witty, charming, and down right funny, this is a great new release worth adding to your TBR or Kindle Unlimited collection.
Stella Stark starts a business as a "petty revenge" consultant after her own heartbreak, helping wronged women get even while navigating a new romance with a neighbor who complicates her plans.
This book was such a fun romcom with a surprising amount of heartfelt emotions! Stella is a messy deeply relatable heroine. I especially related to her commitment to always being "fine" while masking her internal struggles. It was easy to root for her character growth as she stepped into her own power and explores her chemistry with one of her marks.
Sharp, witty, charming, and down right funny, this is a great new release worth adding to your TBR or Kindle Unlimited collection.
March 24, 2026
I was not expecting Little Miss Petty to take me out the way it did, but this book completely surprised me (in a really good way!)
The audiobook narrated by Amanda Stribling was fantastic and really brought Stella’s voice to life. Her internal dialogue is sharp, so funny, and just so real. As someone in her 30s, I felt like I was in her head the entire time... Laughing through a lot of it, but she was really relatable.
What starts as petty revenge (iconic) turns into something so much bigger. Stella rebuilding her life, finding her people, and leaning into her own power was really inspiring. I also loved the dynamic between the women in this story and the dialogue as a whole was awesome. The romance was cute and sweet and fun.
There’s a little bit of everything here-- humor, romance, and a touch of mystery. This was such a fun, empowering read that had a lot of heart and that I will not soon forget.
The audiobook narrated by Amanda Stribling was fantastic and really brought Stella’s voice to life. Her internal dialogue is sharp, so funny, and just so real. As someone in her 30s, I felt like I was in her head the entire time... Laughing through a lot of it, but she was really relatable.
What starts as petty revenge (iconic) turns into something so much bigger. Stella rebuilding her life, finding her people, and leaning into her own power was really inspiring. I also loved the dynamic between the women in this story and the dialogue as a whole was awesome. The romance was cute and sweet and fun.
There’s a little bit of everything here-- humor, romance, and a touch of mystery. This was such a fun, empowering read that had a lot of heart and that I will not soon forget.
April 22, 2026
3.5 rounded up to a 4
Sweet story, great narrator, loved the southern accents. The cats name made me giggle and Im hoping BB, the person not the cat, has listened to this story.
Listened as part of the UK program
Sweet story, great narrator, loved the southern accents. The cats name made me giggle and Im hoping BB, the person not the cat, has listened to this story.
Listened as part of the UK program
March 25, 2026
Little Miss Petty was a truly enjoyable story with a relatable FMC, but the writing at times felt pretty cringy, especially with the inclusion of TikTok meme references, which made the book feel a bit dated. I say this as a proud millennial, but it definitely leans into the kind of humor Gen Z labels “cringy millennial.”
That being said, I genuinely liked the story, the characters, and the romance. The plot of the book is so interesting with a PI who starts a side business doing petty things for cash to pay off her debts after being dumped, and along the way falls in love with someone she shouldn’t. I was genuinely entertained the entire time especially because I could relate heavily to the FMC.
I do wish we had seen more of the side characters outside of the main character’s perspective, because they seemed to only serve as companions that help the FMC find her way, and not their own fully fleshed out selves. I also would have liked a bit more buildup and tension before the romance fully took off because it felt like it went from 0-100.
Overall, it was still an enjoyable read and I would rate it 3.5 stars. I think it will really work for people who don’t mind (or might even enjoy) that style of “cringy millennial” humor.
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for providing me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
That being said, I genuinely liked the story, the characters, and the romance. The plot of the book is so interesting with a PI who starts a side business doing petty things for cash to pay off her debts after being dumped, and along the way falls in love with someone she shouldn’t. I was genuinely entertained the entire time especially because I could relate heavily to the FMC.
I do wish we had seen more of the side characters outside of the main character’s perspective, because they seemed to only serve as companions that help the FMC find her way, and not their own fully fleshed out selves. I also would have liked a bit more buildup and tension before the romance fully took off because it felt like it went from 0-100.
Overall, it was still an enjoyable read and I would rate it 3.5 stars. I think it will really work for people who don’t mind (or might even enjoy) that style of “cringy millennial” humor.
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for providing me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
March 25, 2026
I absolutely loved Little Miss Petty—it was so deliciously petty in the best possible way. There is something incredibly satisfying about watching a woman take control of her life, take up space, and fully embrace who she is without apology, and this book delivers that energy perfectly.
What stood out most to me was how strong the FMC remained in the face of betrayal. Instead of crumbling or spiraling, she chooses herself. She walks away with her head held high, refusing to let anyone diminish her worth, and that kind of quiet strength felt both refreshing and empowering.
I also adored the “girls’ girl” theme woven throughout the story. Seeing women support each other, have each other’s backs, and uplift one another added such a meaningful layer to the book. It wasn’t just about personal growth—it was about community, loyalty, and choosing to stand together.
And let’s talk about the romance—absolutely delicious. It added just the right amount of tension and sweetness, making the story even more engaging without overshadowing the FMC’s journey.
Overall, Little Miss Petty was a fun, empowering, and thoroughly entertaining read that kept me hooked from start to finish. If you love stories about strong women, a little bit of revenge, and a whole lot of self-worth, this one is definitely worth picking up.
#arc #netgalley #littlemisspetty
What stood out most to me was how strong the FMC remained in the face of betrayal. Instead of crumbling or spiraling, she chooses herself. She walks away with her head held high, refusing to let anyone diminish her worth, and that kind of quiet strength felt both refreshing and empowering.
I also adored the “girls’ girl” theme woven throughout the story. Seeing women support each other, have each other’s backs, and uplift one another added such a meaningful layer to the book. It wasn’t just about personal growth—it was about community, loyalty, and choosing to stand together.
And let’s talk about the romance—absolutely delicious. It added just the right amount of tension and sweetness, making the story even more engaging without overshadowing the FMC’s journey.
Overall, Little Miss Petty was a fun, empowering, and thoroughly entertaining read that kept me hooked from start to finish. If you love stories about strong women, a little bit of revenge, and a whole lot of self-worth, this one is definitely worth picking up.
#arc #netgalley #littlemisspetty
March 12, 2026
Little Miss Petty is such a light and fun read! I absolutely loved all of the local Atlanta references as well as all the Gen X and Millennial humor! Throw in the homages to Brene Brown and Taylor Swift… sold!
While this is a lighter read, Kilpatrick packs a heavy punch with insecurities and big life questions that make ALL readers feel seen. I found myself smiling incessantly while reading this book and in 2026, who doesn’t need a mood lift?
Another highlight in this little gem is the multigenerational friendships Kilpatrick displays via nightly petty planning sessions at Waffle House. I fell in love with Havisham, Salcedo, and even Betty & Jasper!
Big thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advanced copy which has not affected my review.
This book made me happy! In honor of Little Miss Petty, I may have to anonymously gift it to all the sour apples I know! 🍏
While this is a lighter read, Kilpatrick packs a heavy punch with insecurities and big life questions that make ALL readers feel seen. I found myself smiling incessantly while reading this book and in 2026, who doesn’t need a mood lift?
Another highlight in this little gem is the multigenerational friendships Kilpatrick displays via nightly petty planning sessions at Waffle House. I fell in love with Havisham, Salcedo, and even Betty & Jasper!
Big thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advanced copy which has not affected my review.
This book made me happy! In honor of Little Miss Petty, I may have to anonymously gift it to all the sour apples I know! 🍏
March 27, 2026
Okay, this was pretty stinking cute. While there IS, of course, a bit of fun pettiness along the way (as the title would suggest), what I enjoyed most about Little Miss Petty was Stella’s journey as she starts over in life, love, and work. I especially appreciated how real the story felt—and that our FMC is a little older. Life isn’t over after your 20s, after all. I loved her friends, the touch of Practical Magic–style silliness, and the way things worked out between her and Malone.
Such a fun, quick rom-com!
Thanks to Kaye Publicity for the gifted copy.
Website | Bookstagram | BookTok
Such a fun, quick rom-com!
Thanks to Kaye Publicity for the gifted copy.
Website | Bookstagram | BookTok
April 19, 2026
Starting over is hard. Maybe a little instant karma will help Stella get over her ex and the crappy way he ended things. Maybe it will also lead to a new career and new best friends. Who knew pettiness was in such demand?
LITTLE MISS PETTY was a fun read! Even the heavier moments were wrapped in the lightness of hope with a sprinkle of humor.
The romance had a lust-to-love kind of vibe, and I enjoyed the buildup. But my favorite part was the way the three women of different ages and backgrounds grew to be close, relying on each other and finding themselves in the process.
*Thanks to Kaye Publicity for the free copy!*
LITTLE MISS PETTY was a fun read! Even the heavier moments were wrapped in the lightness of hope with a sprinkle of humor.
The romance had a lust-to-love kind of vibe, and I enjoyed the buildup. But my favorite part was the way the three women of different ages and backgrounds grew to be close, relying on each other and finding themselves in the process.
*Thanks to Kaye Publicity for the free copy!*
April 7, 2026
4.5⭐
Don't let the suckers win! Stella Stark, p.i., may be in need of karma herself, but she's offering her services for petty revenge. Acerbic and delightful, this mystery with an edge is less a whodunnit than a how are we going to catch him. Along the way, Stella corrals vibrant and quirky group interested in petty hilarity into a found family. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Don't let the suckers win! Stella Stark, p.i., may be in need of karma herself, but she's offering her services for petty revenge. Acerbic and delightful, this mystery with an edge is less a whodunnit than a how are we going to catch him. Along the way, Stella corrals vibrant and quirky group interested in petty hilarity into a found family. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
March 22, 2026
I enjoyed this book.
An empowered PI parlays her talent for petty revenge into lucrative karmic justice in a sharp and funny novel.
There’s so much 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.
An empowered PI parlays her talent for petty revenge into lucrative karmic justice in a sharp and funny novel.
There’s so much 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.
March 23, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for this ALC.
I tho it ht this book was funny, empowering and sweet.
I loved the female friendships and the cat of course.
There was no really bs communication between the fmc and mmc. And I loved their banter.
This was a short and sweet listen and really enjoyed the narrator.
I tho it ht this book was funny, empowering and sweet.
I loved the female friendships and the cat of course.
There was no really bs communication between the fmc and mmc. And I loved their banter.
This was a short and sweet listen and really enjoyed the narrator.
April 13, 2026
This had many cute moments and the main character was very relatable. I thought the premise would be a little more snarky and witty but it really just felt like a romance with a subplot. I think it’s a decent read but I often felt the story moved too slow.
May 10, 2026
I laughed so many times while reading this! Seriously what a fun read.
So many woman can relate to this book, and I think we have all been there before; which made this book even more ::giggles:: petty.
So many woman can relate to this book, and I think we have all been there before; which made this book even more ::giggles:: petty.
March 31, 2026
3.5 ⭐
April 9, 2026
I adored this book. It's easy, light hearted, witty with just the right amount of petty. Plus, it really highlights the importance of female friendships. This isn't a thought provoking novel, but it was exactly what I needed to get out of my psychological thriller slump and just enjoy a book.
April 2, 2026
What a delight it was to read Little Miss Petty! We all have some hidden desire to see wrongdoers get what they deserve, don't we? Just me? In any case, Stella and her pals were a treat to spend time with. I loved the various schemes that were mostly innocent - the ladybugs were truly the most fun, and the flamingos! Oh, the flamingos!
Malone was super tasty. It was also heartwarming to watch Stella grow into the love she deserves. I enjoy Kilpatrick's snappy dialogue and the interesting situations her characters find themselves in!
Malone was super tasty. It was also heartwarming to watch Stella grow into the love she deserves. I enjoy Kilpatrick's snappy dialogue and the interesting situations her characters find themselves in!
December 2, 2025
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.
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.
January 13, 2026
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
There is something deeply healing about a woman hitting rock bottom and immediately deciding, “You know what? I’m going to become professionally petty.” Not emotionally petty. Not passive aggressive subtweet petty. I’m talking glitter-bomb-as-a-service petty. That is the chaotic energy of Little Miss Petty by Sally Kilpatrick, and honestly I support this business model with my whole chest.
Because Stella Stark, our girl, is having the kind of week that would send most of us straight into a blanket burrito with a family-sized bag of Doritos and a vow to never trust men again. She catches her boyfriend, who is also her business partner, cheating on her. Which means she doesn’t just lose the man, she loses the job, the house, the financial stability. The entire adult life starter pack is gone. And she is thirty-nine, staring down the barrel of starting over, which is exactly the age where you’re old enough to know better but still young enough to commit a little chaos.
And Stella? Oh she chooses chaos. Respectfully. Iconically. Enter the most emotionally satisfying side hustle I’ve heard of in a long time. Little Miss Petty, a business where Stella helps wronged women deliver perfectly legal karmic justice to the people who absolutely deserve it. We’re talking pranks, annoyances, and extremely creative acts of revenge that live somewhere between "Dexter but make it glitter” and “the unhinged group chat plan that somehow became a small business.”
But here’s where the story decides to stir the pot and make Stella’s life extremely messy in the best way. Her biggest-paying client hires her to mess with a cheating husband. Easy job, right? Except the guy lives across the breezeway from Stella. And instead of being the villain she was promised, Malone is… suspiciously wonderful. Like. Rude levels of nice.
The man is handsome, a good listener, emotionally intelligent, and he loves kittens. KITTENS. Sir, you cannot be kind, attractive, and have cat energy in a revenge story. That is illegal behavior.
So now Stella is stuck in the world’s worst business conflict. She’s supposed to be professionally tormenting this man while simultaneously developing a pizza-with-benefits situation with him. Which, I’m sorry, is the kind of chaotic romantic setup that makes me want to grab popcorn and watch the emotional disaster unfold.
But what really surprised me about Little Miss Petty is how much heart it has underneath all the glittery revenge energy. Stella’s life implodes, but in the rubble she finds this weird, wonderful support system. Havisham, the bar owner who acts tough but clearly has a soft spot for Stella, and Salcedo, the college student with marketing skills who basically helps turn petty revenge into a brand. The friendships that grow between these women feel warm and genuine, like the universe quietly handing Stella a new crew after the old one burned down.
And I loved that Stella isn’t magically fine. She’s angry. She’s hurt. She’s figuring out who she is after years of tying her life to the wrong person. Watching her rebuild herself while accidentally catching feelings for the guy she’s supposed to be sabotaging is exactly the kind of messy emotional journey that makes a story work.
Now let’s talk about the audiobook, because Amanda Stribling absolutely understood the assignment. The comedic timing lands, the Southern tone feels natural, and Stella’s voice comes across with exactly the right mix of sarcasm, frustration, and gremlin-level determination. It feels less like someone reading a book and more like a friend leaning across the table at a bar telling you the most unhinged story about how she accidentally started a revenge business. Which is exactly the vibe this book thrives on.
If the title Little Miss Petty sets one expectation, though, it’s that the pettiness will be off the charts. And while there are some very funny revenge moments, the story ends up leaning a little more toward romance, friendship, and Stella figuring her life out. Which emotionally works great. But the petty gremlin inside me did occasionally whisper, “Okay but what if we ruined his lawn.”
Still, the mix of humor, romance, mystery, and found family makes the whole thing ridiculously fun. It’s cozy chaos. It’s revenge therapy. It’s the literary version of sitting at Waffle House at midnight with your friends while plotting ways to mildly inconvenience your ex.
And honestly? Stella Stark is exactly the kind of woman I want to see winning. So yeah, this one lands at a very comfortable four stars for me. Funny, charming, chaotic in the best way, and powered by the extremely relatable fantasy of making bad men mildly miserable while rebuilding your life.
Huge thanks to Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for the audiobook, because listening to Stella’s petty empire unfold was an absolute delight.
Because Stella Stark, our girl, is having the kind of week that would send most of us straight into a blanket burrito with a family-sized bag of Doritos and a vow to never trust men again. She catches her boyfriend, who is also her business partner, cheating on her. Which means she doesn’t just lose the man, she loses the job, the house, the financial stability. The entire adult life starter pack is gone. And she is thirty-nine, staring down the barrel of starting over, which is exactly the age where you’re old enough to know better but still young enough to commit a little chaos.
And Stella? Oh she chooses chaos. Respectfully. Iconically. Enter the most emotionally satisfying side hustle I’ve heard of in a long time. Little Miss Petty, a business where Stella helps wronged women deliver perfectly legal karmic justice to the people who absolutely deserve it. We’re talking pranks, annoyances, and extremely creative acts of revenge that live somewhere between "Dexter but make it glitter” and “the unhinged group chat plan that somehow became a small business.”
But here’s where the story decides to stir the pot and make Stella’s life extremely messy in the best way. Her biggest-paying client hires her to mess with a cheating husband. Easy job, right? Except the guy lives across the breezeway from Stella. And instead of being the villain she was promised, Malone is… suspiciously wonderful. Like. Rude levels of nice.
The man is handsome, a good listener, emotionally intelligent, and he loves kittens. KITTENS. Sir, you cannot be kind, attractive, and have cat energy in a revenge story. That is illegal behavior.
So now Stella is stuck in the world’s worst business conflict. She’s supposed to be professionally tormenting this man while simultaneously developing a pizza-with-benefits situation with him. Which, I’m sorry, is the kind of chaotic romantic setup that makes me want to grab popcorn and watch the emotional disaster unfold.
But what really surprised me about Little Miss Petty is how much heart it has underneath all the glittery revenge energy. Stella’s life implodes, but in the rubble she finds this weird, wonderful support system. Havisham, the bar owner who acts tough but clearly has a soft spot for Stella, and Salcedo, the college student with marketing skills who basically helps turn petty revenge into a brand. The friendships that grow between these women feel warm and genuine, like the universe quietly handing Stella a new crew after the old one burned down.
And I loved that Stella isn’t magically fine. She’s angry. She’s hurt. She’s figuring out who she is after years of tying her life to the wrong person. Watching her rebuild herself while accidentally catching feelings for the guy she’s supposed to be sabotaging is exactly the kind of messy emotional journey that makes a story work.
Now let’s talk about the audiobook, because Amanda Stribling absolutely understood the assignment. The comedic timing lands, the Southern tone feels natural, and Stella’s voice comes across with exactly the right mix of sarcasm, frustration, and gremlin-level determination. It feels less like someone reading a book and more like a friend leaning across the table at a bar telling you the most unhinged story about how she accidentally started a revenge business. Which is exactly the vibe this book thrives on.
If the title Little Miss Petty sets one expectation, though, it’s that the pettiness will be off the charts. And while there are some very funny revenge moments, the story ends up leaning a little more toward romance, friendship, and Stella figuring her life out. Which emotionally works great. But the petty gremlin inside me did occasionally whisper, “Okay but what if we ruined his lawn.”
Still, the mix of humor, romance, mystery, and found family makes the whole thing ridiculously fun. It’s cozy chaos. It’s revenge therapy. It’s the literary version of sitting at Waffle House at midnight with your friends while plotting ways to mildly inconvenience your ex.
And honestly? Stella Stark is exactly the kind of woman I want to see winning. So yeah, this one lands at a very comfortable four stars for me. Funny, charming, chaotic in the best way, and powered by the extremely relatable fantasy of making bad men mildly miserable while rebuilding your life.
Huge thanks to Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for the audiobook, because listening to Stella’s petty empire unfold was an absolute delight.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I am extremely grateful to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for giving me the privilege of reviewing an ALC (Advance Listener Copy) of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
I don't read much romance but every now and then, a light, uplifting romcom is just what the doctor ordered. That and a few glitter bombs! How on earth could anyone take a look at the gorgeous cover and not be curious about what lies within?
If I had to try to sell this one to someone like me (non-romance reader) I'd say it is a cross between the Finlay Donovan series and Steel Magnolias...but without all the weeping!
Little Miss Petty is a charming and heartfelt novel that blends humor, Southern atmosphere and a wonderful mix of found family/deep friendship that had me rooting for the underdogs. FMC Stella Stark finds out, in an hilariously embarassing way, that her boyfriend is cheating on her. She is pushing 40 and her life is falling apart around her - she's lost her job, her home, her car and her man and she has a lot of pent up righteous anger. Who could really blame her for exacting a small amount of revenge? But when that revenge goes viral it gets the attention of other scorned women and they are prepared to pay Stella to help them eke out some small amount of karmic justice.
Problems arise when Stella meets her newest target - the soon-to-be ex-husband of her latest client. Malone is supposed to be a jerk of the highest order but Stella finds him to be kind, thoughtful and extremely easy on the eyes. She eventually realizes that she may just be falling for her latest mark and Stella is torn between following through on her contract and sinking into an ill-advised rebound relationship.
There is so much to like about this book, not the least of which is the strong relationships between Stella and her friends. Their strategic meetings at the local bar and, as befits the Southern setting, the local Waffle House had me in stitches. If you are a fan of Southern lit, this book will be a joy. I couldn't get enough of all the Cobb County, GA/Marietta Easter eggs - The Big Chicken, anyone? There are so many pop culture references that will appeal to a wide range of interests and ages. And there is a sassy kitten....I mean...how could you not love this book?
This is a perfect palate cleanser book and it would make an excellent beach read. I will be gifting copies of this to my romcom loving friends and recommend it to anyone who just wants a light, uplifting book that gives you a chance to seek vicarious vengence. I did this as an Advance Listener Copy and the audio is fantastic with all the Southern accents. 3.75 stars rounded up for the audio and B.B. the kitten.
I don't read much romance but every now and then, a light, uplifting romcom is just what the doctor ordered. That and a few glitter bombs! How on earth could anyone take a look at the gorgeous cover and not be curious about what lies within?
If I had to try to sell this one to someone like me (non-romance reader) I'd say it is a cross between the Finlay Donovan series and Steel Magnolias...but without all the weeping!
Little Miss Petty is a charming and heartfelt novel that blends humor, Southern atmosphere and a wonderful mix of found family/deep friendship that had me rooting for the underdogs. FMC Stella Stark finds out, in an hilariously embarassing way, that her boyfriend is cheating on her. She is pushing 40 and her life is falling apart around her - she's lost her job, her home, her car and her man and she has a lot of pent up righteous anger. Who could really blame her for exacting a small amount of revenge? But when that revenge goes viral it gets the attention of other scorned women and they are prepared to pay Stella to help them eke out some small amount of karmic justice.
Problems arise when Stella meets her newest target - the soon-to-be ex-husband of her latest client. Malone is supposed to be a jerk of the highest order but Stella finds him to be kind, thoughtful and extremely easy on the eyes. She eventually realizes that she may just be falling for her latest mark and Stella is torn between following through on her contract and sinking into an ill-advised rebound relationship.
There is so much to like about this book, not the least of which is the strong relationships between Stella and her friends. Their strategic meetings at the local bar and, as befits the Southern setting, the local Waffle House had me in stitches. If you are a fan of Southern lit, this book will be a joy. I couldn't get enough of all the Cobb County, GA/Marietta Easter eggs - The Big Chicken, anyone? There are so many pop culture references that will appeal to a wide range of interests and ages. And there is a sassy kitten....I mean...how could you not love this book?
This is a perfect palate cleanser book and it would make an excellent beach read. I will be gifting copies of this to my romcom loving friends and recommend it to anyone who just wants a light, uplifting book that gives you a chance to seek vicarious vengence. I did this as an Advance Listener Copy and the audio is fantastic with all the Southern accents. 3.75 stars rounded up for the audio and B.B. the kitten.
May 8, 2026
Stella spent the last twenty years of her life devoted to a turdbucket (who wouldn't even marry her) and his private investigator business, a man who had the audacity to cheat on her, then turn around and call HER "Little Miss Petty"?! Oh H to the F naw. That is not on... Although... Maybe it IS on. A little bit of petty might be just what the doctor ordered, seeing as Stella has nothing else going on for her. No relationship, no business venture, no home. But she has mad P.I. skills and well, she's got the drive. Along with an unexpected but very welcome duo of new friends, cynical bartender Havisham and Gen Z social media savvy Salcedo, the trio starts a petty business venture to help Stella get back on her feet.
One of her (frankly, loaded) clients wants hardcore revenge on her slime of her soon-to-be-ex-husband, Malone, who happens to have recently moved into the apartment across from Stella. Talk about easy money, which Stella needs to get her car back from her ex. But when she observes this man... he's... not quite what her client makes him out to be, even though looks don't deceive. It's definitely him. But why is he so... nice and charming and into HER and entirely unironic with his use of the phrase "pizza with benefits"? It wouldn't hurt to, you know... get to the bottom of this guy. For science! (If pettiness were a science.)
I like me a romance featuring older leads. (I will not use the term middle-aged to describe the youthful forties, we are in our prime, OK THANK YOU SO MUCH.) Mature romantic leads come with a lived experience and more cynicism, and I tend to be very amused by them. At this age, everyone expects adults to have it all together, but surprise! We don't. We often feel younger than our age and a lot of things are still firsts for us. We flounder, we can be naïve along with cynical, little things still make us giddy and squeal with excitement, and we sometimes need rescuing, too. Stella is kind of the perfect embodiment of all of this, and I relate so hard to her.
The characters make this book. I obviously adore Stella; she is the perfect blend of vulnerable meets petty, a streak which she owns. She's not out there pretending to take any moral high ground. I was in her corner throughout this read. She deserves better than what she got. Enter Malone. The swooniest, sexiest man. We don't get his PoV in this book - Little Miss Petty is fully narrated by Stella - but he's written very well, and you still get a clear picture of him. I think it's important for female characters to rely on themselves for self-worth, but it sure helps when an MMC helps to lift them up to where they deserve to be, and it's nice to see how much Malone admires Stella.
This is another of my recent reads with a healthy amount of banter that I vibe with; Stella x Malone is a playful couple. Their intimate scenes are just so fun and light, relying on their connection and their "click", rather than just the physical. It keeps you in the romance moment with them. Smut is easy to write, but a good love scene hits different. Little Miss Petty is a light and fun read overall, and the Acts of Petty definitely contribute to that. There are moments of clever comeuppance which had me cackling with Schadenfreude, fully enjoying that some characters got what was coming to them. It's fiction! I'm obviously teaching my kids the importance of taking the high road, but let me please enjoy this book by living vicariously like the full-on damn hypocrite that I am-
The friendships Stella develops with Havisham and Salcedo (both tough women in their own right) ties into that. I enjoyed their scheming and I loved the scenes where they meet up at the local Waffle House and dealt with its busybody staff. But I mostly loved how these women protected, encouraged and championed each other, and what started out as a business venture based on revenge turned into a really close bond based on women having each other's backs. A little bit of a found family, there.
Lastly, the plot subplot with the Malone-centered mystery is pretty good too, a little cheesy at times, but intriguing. This book isn't meant to be so serious. There are some twists and turns that you don't necessarily expect, and I liked seeing our female lead's skills put to use as she works to uncover the truth. It's competence p*rn in the best way. This book has a little bit of everything, but it's Stella's empowering character arc that will stay with me the most.
**Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for generously providing me with a copy of this book; all opinions expressed are honest, voluntary and 100% my own.**
One of her (frankly, loaded) clients wants hardcore revenge on her slime of her soon-to-be-ex-husband, Malone, who happens to have recently moved into the apartment across from Stella. Talk about easy money, which Stella needs to get her car back from her ex. But when she observes this man... he's... not quite what her client makes him out to be, even though looks don't deceive. It's definitely him. But why is he so... nice and charming and into HER and entirely unironic with his use of the phrase "pizza with benefits"? It wouldn't hurt to, you know... get to the bottom of this guy. For science! (If pettiness were a science.)
I like me a romance featuring older leads. (I will not use the term middle-aged to describe the youthful forties, we are in our prime, OK THANK YOU SO MUCH.) Mature romantic leads come with a lived experience and more cynicism, and I tend to be very amused by them. At this age, everyone expects adults to have it all together, but surprise! We don't. We often feel younger than our age and a lot of things are still firsts for us. We flounder, we can be naïve along with cynical, little things still make us giddy and squeal with excitement, and we sometimes need rescuing, too. Stella is kind of the perfect embodiment of all of this, and I relate so hard to her.
The characters make this book. I obviously adore Stella; she is the perfect blend of vulnerable meets petty, a streak which she owns. She's not out there pretending to take any moral high ground. I was in her corner throughout this read. She deserves better than what she got. Enter Malone. The swooniest, sexiest man. We don't get his PoV in this book - Little Miss Petty is fully narrated by Stella - but he's written very well, and you still get a clear picture of him. I think it's important for female characters to rely on themselves for self-worth, but it sure helps when an MMC helps to lift them up to where they deserve to be, and it's nice to see how much Malone admires Stella.
This is another of my recent reads with a healthy amount of banter that I vibe with; Stella x Malone is a playful couple. Their intimate scenes are just so fun and light, relying on their connection and their "click", rather than just the physical. It keeps you in the romance moment with them. Smut is easy to write, but a good love scene hits different. Little Miss Petty is a light and fun read overall, and the Acts of Petty definitely contribute to that. There are moments of clever comeuppance which had me cackling with Schadenfreude, fully enjoying that some characters got what was coming to them. It's fiction! I'm obviously teaching my kids the importance of taking the high road, but let me please enjoy this book by living vicariously like the full-on damn hypocrite that I am-
The friendships Stella develops with Havisham and Salcedo (both tough women in their own right) ties into that. I enjoyed their scheming and I loved the scenes where they meet up at the local Waffle House and dealt with its busybody staff. But I mostly loved how these women protected, encouraged and championed each other, and what started out as a business venture based on revenge turned into a really close bond based on women having each other's backs. A little bit of a found family, there.
Lastly, the plot subplot with the Malone-centered mystery is pretty good too, a little cheesy at times, but intriguing. This book isn't meant to be so serious. There are some twists and turns that you don't necessarily expect, and I liked seeing our female lead's skills put to use as she works to uncover the truth. It's competence p*rn in the best way. This book has a little bit of everything, but it's Stella's empowering character arc that will stay with me the most.
**Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for generously providing me with a copy of this book; all opinions expressed are honest, voluntary and 100% my own.**
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Read my review on NovelsAlive.com by clicking the link below. It is also posted in full.
https://novelsalive.com/2026/03/24/4-...
Little Miss Petty by Sally Kilpatrick features Stella Stark as the title character. She comes up with many petty acts throughout, and at one point even conducts a business around it, has paying customers, and a website. But when it can affect her PI license, which way will she turn?
Stella became petty at a young age when a great-aunt threw her under the bus and got her in trouble with her family for something she didn’t do. She perfected her acts as she got older, and there were some laugh-out-loud moments as a result.
When her world implodes, she loses her boyfriend and business partner of many years and therefore her job, has debt up to her eyeballs, and has nowhere to turn. But she unexpectedly is befriended by two women, one a college student and the other an older woman who’s the bartender and owner of the bar she frequents, and from there things start to look up. It doesn’t hurt that a hunky neighbor and possible love interest is living across the breezeway at her new crappy apartment complex. There are others at the complex she becomes friendly with, and it helps give her life some purpose, especially with all the multitasking she has to do to survive. She’s nothing if not resourceful!
Multiple stories are told throughout, and a mystery to be solved concerning stolen money with unexpected connections to one of her clients and her hunky neighbor. There are many twists and turns, and a chance for a happily ever after. Stella’s potential relationship with Malone doesn’t hurt, since he’s the first person ever to really see her, which gives her the boost she needs.
There are a few unexpected connections throughout as we wind ourselves through the tale. There is some closure in the epilogue, which takes place one year later, but I had hoped it would go just a little further.
Little Miss Petty shows Stella’s resilience and fortitude as she tries to get her life back on track as she nears her fortieth birthday. Humor also doesn’t hurt!
https://novelsalive.com/2026/03/24/4-...
Little Miss Petty by Sally Kilpatrick features Stella Stark as the title character. She comes up with many petty acts throughout, and at one point even conducts a business around it, has paying customers, and a website. But when it can affect her PI license, which way will she turn?
Stella became petty at a young age when a great-aunt threw her under the bus and got her in trouble with her family for something she didn’t do. She perfected her acts as she got older, and there were some laugh-out-loud moments as a result.
When her world implodes, she loses her boyfriend and business partner of many years and therefore her job, has debt up to her eyeballs, and has nowhere to turn. But she unexpectedly is befriended by two women, one a college student and the other an older woman who’s the bartender and owner of the bar she frequents, and from there things start to look up. It doesn’t hurt that a hunky neighbor and possible love interest is living across the breezeway at her new crappy apartment complex. There are others at the complex she becomes friendly with, and it helps give her life some purpose, especially with all the multitasking she has to do to survive. She’s nothing if not resourceful!
Multiple stories are told throughout, and a mystery to be solved concerning stolen money with unexpected connections to one of her clients and her hunky neighbor. There are many twists and turns, and a chance for a happily ever after. Stella’s potential relationship with Malone doesn’t hurt, since he’s the first person ever to really see her, which gives her the boost she needs.
There are a few unexpected connections throughout as we wind ourselves through the tale. There is some closure in the epilogue, which takes place one year later, but I had hoped it would go just a little further.
Little Miss Petty shows Stella’s resilience and fortitude as she tries to get her life back on track as she nears her fortieth birthday. Humor also doesn’t hurt!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a pleasant surprise this book was! I was in need of a more lighthearted book for my daily commute, and Little Miss Petty was just that. A PI-romcom, read with love with a Southern twang by the narrator, which I absolutely adored in this case.
A good romcom gets made or broken by its characters, and in this case (minus a few gripes, which I'll elaborate on later) I did really like the characters! Like in many romcoms, the stars of the show were the side characters. I loved Stella's friends almost more than I loved her, and the interactions between them were heartwarming. The romance aspect and flirting was top tier especially in the beginning of the book, and I found myself chuckling more than once while listening.
One of my bigger pet peeves in contemporary romance is references, and I must say I could have done with at least 50% less references to Taylor Swift and similar pop culture. I always wonder if a book will age well with those so ingrained into the 'bit'.
The story was interesting, and I was pretty invested in the P.I. plotline as well as the Petty business plot, even more than the romance aspect, though neither were too intense or a challenge. The only challenge was getting through the frustration in the end: Stella is self-saboteur number one, and I really didn't like how the romance conclusion just kept getting postponed and dragged out, for no other reason than to add to the page count it seemed? I feel like that aspect could have been resolved a lot quicker, with a lot less frustration.
Other than that, this was a very enjoyable read, especially *because* it was an audiobook? The format lends itself really well to the genre, and the narrator made it all the more fun.
**special thanks to Netgalley for the Audio ARC in exchange for an honest review**
A good romcom gets made or broken by its characters, and in this case (minus a few gripes, which I'll elaborate on later) I did really like the characters! Like in many romcoms, the stars of the show were the side characters. I loved Stella's friends almost more than I loved her, and the interactions between them were heartwarming. The romance aspect and flirting was top tier especially in the beginning of the book, and I found myself chuckling more than once while listening.
One of my bigger pet peeves in contemporary romance is references, and I must say I could have done with at least 50% less references to Taylor Swift and similar pop culture. I always wonder if a book will age well with those so ingrained into the 'bit'.
The story was interesting, and I was pretty invested in the P.I. plotline as well as the Petty business plot, even more than the romance aspect, though neither were too intense or a challenge. The only challenge was getting through the frustration in the end: Stella is self-saboteur number one, and I really didn't like how the romance conclusion just kept getting postponed and dragged out, for no other reason than to add to the page count it seemed? I feel like that aspect could have been resolved a lot quicker, with a lot less frustration.
Other than that, this was a very enjoyable read, especially *because* it was an audiobook? The format lends itself really well to the genre, and the narrator made it all the more fun.
**special thanks to Netgalley for the Audio ARC in exchange for an honest review**
February 10, 2026
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.
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.
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