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The Sharpest Petal
As the most skilled assassin in the kingdom of Weide Saliba, Annabelle keeps her head down and her secrets close, collecting her fees and caring for her family quietly. That is, until the day she is offered the highest-paying, and most dangerous, opportunity yet: get rid of the Crown Prince…before he finds a wife.
Posing as a potential bride and avoiding courtly schemes proves difficult for Annabelle, and the last thing she needs is to be swept off her feet at a royal ball. But resisting her connection with this charming new suitor, Charles, might prove nearly as difficult as keeping her own secret: he is the prince she was sent to kill.
To protect his father’s legacy and keep his stepmother off the throne, Crown Prince Charles Greystone must choose a wife. Desperately running out of time and options, Charlie frustratingly finds himself drawn to a mysterious, blue-eyed princess who seems to be the only girl in sight not interested in marrying him.
With their kingdom in peril, the assassin and her royal target join forces to untangle a deadly web of secrets that simply won’t stay buried. Already caught between the pull of their hearts and duty to their loved ones, Annabelle and Charlie must confront the shadowy threat side-by-side if they hope to finally find their happily ever after.
Posing as a potential bride and avoiding courtly schemes proves difficult for Annabelle, and the last thing she needs is to be swept off her feet at a royal ball. But resisting her connection with this charming new suitor, Charles, might prove nearly as difficult as keeping her own secret: he is the prince she was sent to kill.
To protect his father’s legacy and keep his stepmother off the throne, Crown Prince Charles Greystone must choose a wife. Desperately running out of time and options, Charlie frustratingly finds himself drawn to a mysterious, blue-eyed princess who seems to be the only girl in sight not interested in marrying him.
With their kingdom in peril, the assassin and her royal target join forces to untangle a deadly web of secrets that simply won’t stay buried. Already caught between the pull of their hearts and duty to their loved ones, Annabelle and Charlie must confront the shadowy threat side-by-side if they hope to finally find their happily ever after.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 30, 2025
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Review of advance copy received from Author
PROLOGUE:
ANNA: Welcome to my Barbie & Ken Wedding: Royal Edition 💍✨ This is your guarantee that this story is going to end in a happily ever after. Yes, I did try to assassinate my own husband, but please stay!! 🙏
CHAPTER ONE:
ANNA: I’m an assassin! I’m a bounty hunter 😎
How you're so good at it?
ANNA: I don’t have proof, but please trust my words, guys. I swear I’m the best assassin 🥺 I’m a woman, yes, but I am very good at my job. It helps my family, you know! My dad is sick 😭 My mum had to quit her job 🤧 My sister, Amy, knows about my work but it’s okay, because I’m the breadwinner! 👌
RANDOM MESSENGER: Kill the prince before he finds a wife. Here are some coins and a map of the castle. I don’t know you. We just happened to meet in this abandoned barn, and I trust you even though you’re covering your face with a scarf. Good luck. Xoxo! 🤗
ANNA: OMG, these coins would fund my family for YEARS. Of course I’ll accept it. It doesn’t matter that I don’t know what the prince looks like. Let’s just hope for the best 🙏 Let me prepare everything from gowns, tiara and horse. Wow, I’m so lucky the people in this dusty little village are so reliable, and that no one ever asks why I suddenly have gold coins 😌
LYLA: Good evening! I’m a cool apothecary with a not so secret stash of poison in my shop ;) I’m pretty sure half the people in this village are blind, because they don’t see it 😂
ANNA: Bestie, I need dark elixir. I don’t know why you didn’t come up with a cooler name, but I need it 😊
LYLA: That’s sus, but okay, because we’re besties, and your mom used to work here. I have no idea why you don’t work here too, but I’ll let it slide as long as you promise to help me when the shop is busy! Good luck poisoning whoever that poor bastard is 🤭
THE NEXT DAY:
GUARD: *yawn* Gosh, I’m so bored. Let me just leave my post real quick 😮💨
ANNA: Lmao I’m God’s favorite! I don’t even have to think (which sounds too hard). All I need to do is slip through the unguarded staff entrance. Yay 🤫 Who cares about my horse, who has a more mystical name than me? Kill! The! Prince! Lucky I have my dagger and boobies 😌
CHAPTER TWO:
ANNA: Phew! *wipes some nonexistent sweat* Now I’m going to pretend to be lost so another incompetent guard will lead me to the ballroom, because, of course, as a woman, I can’t read a map 😔
GUARDS: ’Sup? 🫡
ANNA: Perfect. Wow, look at the ballroom!! But I won’t describe it, so try your best to imagine it 😂 We’re here to kill the prince, duh, not become architects 😒 Anyway, this strawberry wine is dope 😋
CHARLIE: Hello. I’m the prince, but let’s pretend I’m not for the sake of the plot twist! I’m tall, I have "chocolate brown" eyes, and you won’t be able to look away from me. I mean, have you seen my eyes 👁️👄👁️
ANNA: Nope. Definitely nope. Don’t look, don’t be distracted, but holy moly, handsome random dude is my weakness 😍 I hope he asks me for a waltz! 😏
CHARLIE: My princess! 🤜🤛🫶
ANNA: Aye, let’s dance. You can hold me and steal my heart while I badmouth the prince like the sassy girl I am—who’s been told he’s an egotistical playboy prick 😨
CHARLIE: Help, my lungs 😭 that’s the funniest shit I’ve ever heard. I’m amazed! My heart is beating faster. I fell in love with you after the first joke. Who told you those rumors, by the way? 🤨
ANNA: I don’t know. A tree? 🤔 Anyway, where the hell is the prince—
CHARLIE: He’s here. Surprise. I’m the prince 🤪
ANNA: *shocked Pikachu face* NO WAY!
CHARLIE: Yes way! What’s your name? Wait, don’t go! 😭
ANNA: *runs like a panicked schoolgirl* I ALWAYS get the job done, but let me just run away first so he gets curious about me. Until next time *wink* 😉
CHAPTER THREE:
CHARLIE: Welcome to my POV, guys, but you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference, because I’m just recreating the scene with that mysterious lady in my head 🤯
Any new info?
CHARLIE: Yup. My daddy aka the king is dying. I’m a little worried, and I’m not ready to be his successor. Though he’s not relevant, because my goodness, did you see that lady in yellow? 🥰 Next question, please!
Anything else?
CHARLIE: I’m a good person! I love my people. Also, I’m looking for a wife—someone who’ll be crazy with me when it’s just us, but also stand by my side to help rule the kingdom. She is the one!! 🥳
How do you know?
CHARLIE: Can’t you see those gorgeous blue irises??? They radiate intellect. I know she’s smart even when she barely said anything, that’s like another level of smart 😱 Oh, and she wasn’t interested in me, so she must be ✨different✨ I am certain we belong together. I’ve found my future queen! 👑👸
CHAPTER FOUR:
ANNA: I’m a failure 😭 I should’ve poisoned his tea! Taken him on a picnic and kill him and made it look like an accident! I don’t know how, but there must be something I could do, right? Right? 🥺 Let’s think about it tomorrow, because my pretty brain can’t handle a one day journey and existential dread. I’m EXHAUSTED.
CHAPTER FIVE:
ANNA: Oopsie, it’s a bit late, but I think it’s finally time to come up with a plan 🤨 And the plan is ... The plan ... To go back to the castle, of course 😊
GUARDS: Wait, how could a princess show up like this?? No private guards, riding her own horse, didn’t even introduce her title, and nobody knows whose daughter she is or what kingdom she comes from 🤔
ANNA: Shut your mouth 😡
GUARDS: Yes, Your Majesty Main Character 😰
CHARLIE: Whoa, I’m so glad you came back. Here's the romantic setup with candles and rose petals for you, so we can sit and I can dump my trauma. Anyway ... What’s your name? 😍
ANNA: Anna Marie!
CHARLIE: I’m going to court you. Please say yes 🥺🥺
THE GUARDS, THE BIRDS, THE GRASS: We don’t understand, but awwww, love is in the air 🥰
CHAPTER SIX:
AMY: What. Is. Your. Problem. 😡😡 I am not the typical annoying sister in romantasy, but why did you want to kill the prince?! 😱 Also, hide your assassination contract better next time!
ANNA: Because we need food! And no, I didn’t kill him yet, he’s so sweet and kind and warm. He’s basically a literal baby. I can’t 😭
AMY: Damn, sis, we need to get you out of this 🥺
ANNA: Agreed. Anyway, let’s eat so you're strong enough to replace me at the apothecary 😌
CHAPTER SEVEN:
ANNA: Hehehe, ninja warrior goes brrr. I can’t even count how many trees I climbed with my sister growing up, but here we are. Attempt number two to kill the prince by climbing the castle walls: begin 😎
CHARLIE: 😴😴😴
Target: Asleep
Environment: Quiet
Weapon: Ready
Risk level: LOW
ANNA: He’s so beautiful ... Look at him breathing ... Man 😔✨ Anyway, gyaaat—
ONE PARANOID GUARD: I have a feeling the prince isn’t safe ... Maybe we should check on him?
ANNA: Hooray, I failed—I mean, oh no, I failed again 😔 I’m so sad, guys. Can you see how sad I am that I failed to kill that beautiful man??? 😭
A FEW DAYS LATER
ANNA: Hi 😊
CHARLIE: I don’t know why you keep showing up uninvited, but ... Picnic? 😍
ANNA: Yes!!
CHARLIE: Watch me whisper poetic nonsense to my horse so you’ll know I’m a really good guy. Yeehaw 🐴🤠
ANNA: Oh my god. Perfect man. A Greek god. Must protecc at all costs 😘
CHARLIE: mwah 💋
EVIL STEPMOM: Charles, who is this?? 😡
CHARLIE: Hello, Stepmother 😬 Anna, this is my stepmother, but you can call her Mrs. Plot Twist II. She deserves to be hated, and I’m making it very obvious she’s evil with a clear, predictable motive.
CHAPTER SEVEN ENDS.
So does my interest.
ANNA: Welcome to my Barbie & Ken Wedding: Royal Edition 💍✨ This is your guarantee that this story is going to end in a happily ever after. Yes, I did try to assassinate my own husband, but please stay!! 🙏
CHAPTER ONE:
ANNA: I’m an assassin! I’m a bounty hunter 😎
How you're so good at it?
ANNA: I don’t have proof, but please trust my words, guys. I swear I’m the best assassin 🥺 I’m a woman, yes, but I am very good at my job. It helps my family, you know! My dad is sick 😭 My mum had to quit her job 🤧 My sister, Amy, knows about my work but it’s okay, because I’m the breadwinner! 👌
RANDOM MESSENGER: Kill the prince before he finds a wife. Here are some coins and a map of the castle. I don’t know you. We just happened to meet in this abandoned barn, and I trust you even though you’re covering your face with a scarf. Good luck. Xoxo! 🤗
ANNA: OMG, these coins would fund my family for YEARS. Of course I’ll accept it. It doesn’t matter that I don’t know what the prince looks like. Let’s just hope for the best 🙏 Let me prepare everything from gowns, tiara and horse. Wow, I’m so lucky the people in this dusty little village are so reliable, and that no one ever asks why I suddenly have gold coins 😌
LYLA: Good evening! I’m a cool apothecary with a not so secret stash of poison in my shop ;) I’m pretty sure half the people in this village are blind, because they don’t see it 😂
ANNA: Bestie, I need dark elixir. I don’t know why you didn’t come up with a cooler name, but I need it 😊
LYLA: That’s sus, but okay, because we’re besties, and your mom used to work here. I have no idea why you don’t work here too, but I’ll let it slide as long as you promise to help me when the shop is busy! Good luck poisoning whoever that poor bastard is 🤭
THE NEXT DAY:
GUARD: *yawn* Gosh, I’m so bored. Let me just leave my post real quick 😮💨
ANNA: Lmao I’m God’s favorite! I don’t even have to think (which sounds too hard). All I need to do is slip through the unguarded staff entrance. Yay 🤫 Who cares about my horse, who has a more mystical name than me? Kill! The! Prince! Lucky I have my dagger and boobies 😌
CHAPTER TWO:
ANNA: Phew! *wipes some nonexistent sweat* Now I’m going to pretend to be lost so another incompetent guard will lead me to the ballroom, because, of course, as a woman, I can’t read a map 😔
GUARDS: ’Sup? 🫡
ANNA: Perfect. Wow, look at the ballroom!! But I won’t describe it, so try your best to imagine it 😂 We’re here to kill the prince, duh, not become architects 😒 Anyway, this strawberry wine is dope 😋
CHARLIE: Hello. I’m the prince, but let’s pretend I’m not for the sake of the plot twist! I’m tall, I have "chocolate brown" eyes, and you won’t be able to look away from me. I mean, have you seen my eyes 👁️👄👁️
ANNA: Nope. Definitely nope. Don’t look, don’t be distracted, but holy moly, handsome random dude is my weakness 😍 I hope he asks me for a waltz! 😏
CHARLIE: My princess! 🤜🤛🫶
ANNA: Aye, let’s dance. You can hold me and steal my heart while I badmouth the prince like the sassy girl I am—who’s been told he’s an egotistical playboy prick 😨
CHARLIE: Help, my lungs 😭 that’s the funniest shit I’ve ever heard. I’m amazed! My heart is beating faster. I fell in love with you after the first joke. Who told you those rumors, by the way? 🤨
ANNA: I don’t know. A tree? 🤔 Anyway, where the hell is the prince—
CHARLIE: He’s here. Surprise. I’m the prince 🤪
ANNA: *shocked Pikachu face* NO WAY!
CHARLIE: Yes way! What’s your name? Wait, don’t go! 😭
ANNA: *runs like a panicked schoolgirl* I ALWAYS get the job done, but let me just run away first so he gets curious about me. Until next time *wink* 😉
CHAPTER THREE:
CHARLIE: Welcome to my POV, guys, but you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference, because I’m just recreating the scene with that mysterious lady in my head 🤯
Any new info?
CHARLIE: Yup. My daddy aka the king is dying. I’m a little worried, and I’m not ready to be his successor. Though he’s not relevant, because my goodness, did you see that lady in yellow? 🥰 Next question, please!
Anything else?
CHARLIE: I’m a good person! I love my people. Also, I’m looking for a wife—someone who’ll be crazy with me when it’s just us, but also stand by my side to help rule the kingdom. She is the one!! 🥳
How do you know?
CHARLIE: Can’t you see those gorgeous blue irises??? They radiate intellect. I know she’s smart even when she barely said anything, that’s like another level of smart 😱 Oh, and she wasn’t interested in me, so she must be ✨different✨ I am certain we belong together. I’ve found my future queen! 👑👸
CHAPTER FOUR:
ANNA: I’m a failure 😭 I should’ve poisoned his tea! Taken him on a picnic and kill him and made it look like an accident! I don’t know how, but there must be something I could do, right? Right? 🥺 Let’s think about it tomorrow, because my pretty brain can’t handle a one day journey and existential dread. I’m EXHAUSTED.
CHAPTER FIVE:
ANNA: Oopsie, it’s a bit late, but I think it’s finally time to come up with a plan 🤨 And the plan is ... The plan ... To go back to the castle, of course 😊
GUARDS: Wait, how could a princess show up like this?? No private guards, riding her own horse, didn’t even introduce her title, and nobody knows whose daughter she is or what kingdom she comes from 🤔
ANNA: Shut your mouth 😡
GUARDS: Yes, Your Majesty Main Character 😰
CHARLIE: Whoa, I’m so glad you came back. Here's the romantic setup with candles and rose petals for you, so we can sit and I can dump my trauma. Anyway ... What’s your name? 😍
ANNA: Anna Marie!
CHARLIE: I’m going to court you. Please say yes 🥺🥺
THE GUARDS, THE BIRDS, THE GRASS: We don’t understand, but awwww, love is in the air 🥰
CHAPTER SIX:
AMY: What. Is. Your. Problem. 😡😡 I am not the typical annoying sister in romantasy, but why did you want to kill the prince?! 😱 Also, hide your assassination contract better next time!
ANNA: Because we need food! And no, I didn’t kill him yet, he’s so sweet and kind and warm. He’s basically a literal baby. I can’t 😭
AMY: Damn, sis, we need to get you out of this 🥺
ANNA: Agreed. Anyway, let’s eat so you're strong enough to replace me at the apothecary 😌
CHAPTER SEVEN:
ANNA: Hehehe, ninja warrior goes brrr. I can’t even count how many trees I climbed with my sister growing up, but here we are. Attempt number two to kill the prince by climbing the castle walls: begin 😎
CHARLIE: 😴😴😴
Target: Asleep
Environment: Quiet
Weapon: Ready
Risk level: LOW
ANNA: He’s so beautiful ... Look at him breathing ... Man 😔✨ Anyway, gyaaat—
ONE PARANOID GUARD: I have a feeling the prince isn’t safe ... Maybe we should check on him?
ANNA: Hooray, I failed—I mean, oh no, I failed again 😔 I’m so sad, guys. Can you see how sad I am that I failed to kill that beautiful man??? 😭
A FEW DAYS LATER
ANNA: Hi 😊
CHARLIE: I don’t know why you keep showing up uninvited, but ... Picnic? 😍
ANNA: Yes!!
CHARLIE: Watch me whisper poetic nonsense to my horse so you’ll know I’m a really good guy. Yeehaw 🐴🤠
ANNA: Oh my god. Perfect man. A Greek god. Must protecc at all costs 😘
CHARLIE: mwah 💋
EVIL STEPMOM: Charles, who is this?? 😡
CHARLIE: Hello, Stepmother 😬 Anna, this is my stepmother, but you can call her Mrs. Plot Twist II. She deserves to be hated, and I’m making it very obvious she’s evil with a clear, predictable motive.
CHAPTER SEVEN ENDS.
So does my interest.
December 30, 2025
Love story
This book is great! The love story is beautiful and the ending is a beautiful unexpected cliffhanger making me want more! There is no spice in this one just a great love story!
This book is great! The love story is beautiful and the ending is a beautiful unexpected cliffhanger making me want more! There is no spice in this one just a great love story!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Okay so full disclosure, I didn’t finish this book. Normally in this case I would not rate or leave a review, but this was an ARC, so here are my thoughts! I really appreciate being sent a free copy of this book to review.
So the first thing I noticed about this book, and I noticed it immediately, was that the writing style was not for me at all. The prologue is supposed to give us an intro to the story, but it actually ends up just summarising the entire plot for us, making the whole thing redundant. I actually thought initially that the prologue being written the way that it was was intentional, a sort of very short and choppy way to introduce us to the world, characters and events, but then I started chapter 1 and it continued in the same style.
It’s written like someone is trying to list everything that’s happening around them without commenting on it at all. I didn’t like it, but if this were just the way the prologue was written, it would have been fine. Boring, but fine, because even though the prologue was completely unnecessary, having that quick-fire list of things that happen at the start just to introduce the story wouldn’t be the worst way to begin.
But continuing with it once the story gets going is… a choice. The characters have no voice. No personality. No thoughts or feelings or motivations or anything. We get virtually nothing to help us visualise them. When they speak, the dialogue feels awkward and inauthentic. I can’t imagine any of this ever happening, it’s kind of like watching a puppet show. I can see them moving, but it’s very obvious they’re not real.
I didn’t finish the book, so I can’t really comment on the plot itself past something like chapter seven, but from what I did read, it didn’t appear to be anything special. There was one point where we got a chapter from Anna’s pov, and then the next chapter was just exactly the same events told from Charlie’s pov. It felt awkwardly placed, and completely messed with the pacing of the story. It didn’t really tell us anything new either, and those kinds of pov flipped chapters are usually bonus chapters for a reason.
I don’t actually remember applying for an arc of this book and I can’t find any emails related to it other than the arc itself, so I can’t say for sure whether I knew it was YA when I applied. I will say that I generally don’t go out of my way to read YA, and the juvenility of this book took me by surprise in a bad way. I mean this in the kindest possible way, but it’s very obvious that this is a debut novel that was written by someone who was very young, and I don’t think this book is in a publishable state quite yet. I think it needs developmental editing, because it reads like fanfic and if I’d spent money on this book I think I would have been disappointed.
It’s obvious that I’m just not the target audience for this book. It was definitely written with someone much younger than me in mind. And I am apologetic that my review is so negative, but despite it not being what I usually reach for, I have read plenty of YA books that are more developed. It’s just that the book feels very childish, very lacklustre, and uninteresting, and I can’t quite tell whether that’s because I’m too old for it or whether it needs more work to bring it up to standard. I’m putting my money on the latter, but again I’m not trying to insult the author here. It’s hard leaving bad reviews on indie or debut authors’ books, because I don’t want to write something mean and hurtful, but I also want to be honest.
I think this book has the potential to be a decent story, with more editing and development. But where it is at the time of this review, I don’t think it reaches the standard to be published.
So the first thing I noticed about this book, and I noticed it immediately, was that the writing style was not for me at all. The prologue is supposed to give us an intro to the story, but it actually ends up just summarising the entire plot for us, making the whole thing redundant. I actually thought initially that the prologue being written the way that it was was intentional, a sort of very short and choppy way to introduce us to the world, characters and events, but then I started chapter 1 and it continued in the same style.
It’s written like someone is trying to list everything that’s happening around them without commenting on it at all. I didn’t like it, but if this were just the way the prologue was written, it would have been fine. Boring, but fine, because even though the prologue was completely unnecessary, having that quick-fire list of things that happen at the start just to introduce the story wouldn’t be the worst way to begin.
But continuing with it once the story gets going is… a choice. The characters have no voice. No personality. No thoughts or feelings or motivations or anything. We get virtually nothing to help us visualise them. When they speak, the dialogue feels awkward and inauthentic. I can’t imagine any of this ever happening, it’s kind of like watching a puppet show. I can see them moving, but it’s very obvious they’re not real.
I didn’t finish the book, so I can’t really comment on the plot itself past something like chapter seven, but from what I did read, it didn’t appear to be anything special. There was one point where we got a chapter from Anna’s pov, and then the next chapter was just exactly the same events told from Charlie’s pov. It felt awkwardly placed, and completely messed with the pacing of the story. It didn’t really tell us anything new either, and those kinds of pov flipped chapters are usually bonus chapters for a reason.
I don’t actually remember applying for an arc of this book and I can’t find any emails related to it other than the arc itself, so I can’t say for sure whether I knew it was YA when I applied. I will say that I generally don’t go out of my way to read YA, and the juvenility of this book took me by surprise in a bad way. I mean this in the kindest possible way, but it’s very obvious that this is a debut novel that was written by someone who was very young, and I don’t think this book is in a publishable state quite yet. I think it needs developmental editing, because it reads like fanfic and if I’d spent money on this book I think I would have been disappointed.
It’s obvious that I’m just not the target audience for this book. It was definitely written with someone much younger than me in mind. And I am apologetic that my review is so negative, but despite it not being what I usually reach for, I have read plenty of YA books that are more developed. It’s just that the book feels very childish, very lacklustre, and uninteresting, and I can’t quite tell whether that’s because I’m too old for it or whether it needs more work to bring it up to standard. I’m putting my money on the latter, but again I’m not trying to insult the author here. It’s hard leaving bad reviews on indie or debut authors’ books, because I don’t want to write something mean and hurtful, but I also want to be honest.
I think this book has the potential to be a decent story, with more editing and development. But where it is at the time of this review, I don’t think it reaches the standard to be published.
December 21, 2025
Ahhh my baby jazzy, I lovedddd it!! Your first novel and I am so in love with Charlie and Anna and I hope that everyone else will fall in love with them as I did! Now everytime she is a fast paced whirlwind of a story and love story that picks up right off the bat with our FMC assassin who needs to provide for her family by taking a contract to low and behold kill the town prince but what happens when love at first sight kicks you in the rear? Let’s just say everything hits the fan. Yes, she may be fast paced but that is for a reason, keep going. If you end up having questions about things that don’t get answered that is on purpose because did you think this was the end after that revelation at the end? Nope!! We are getting a book two and we are going to dive deeper, and ahh I cannot wait. I am so excited. And remember those questions I mentioned you may haven’t you pay real close attention it might be answered at the end and you may not have to wait until book 2 to find out, it took me a minute but figured it out after I sat with it ahah. Charlie and Anna I loved them I’m not usually one for right out of the gate love story but my girl did it so well and I was here for it don’t let that fool you they had alot of obstacles to overcome it was not all rainbow and sunshine, it can never be that simple right! But their love for each other. I loved it so much. Their found family and friends. I loved them as well. I loved how fierce our FMC was as well. I was like yess queen give me more. Smack that man. 😏 Overall my girl did amazing, and I’m hooked. Please give it a chance. It releases on December 30 2025 and it takes you for a ride and then some did I mention there is going to be a second book?!? Now add to your TBR please. 🥰
Review of advance copy received from Author
While I think the premise of the story is good the book just didn’t hit for me. The characters felt really juvenile in how they talked and behaved. I understand that this is labeled YA but it feels a lot younger in the way that it's written than what typically is YA.
There was a lot of telling and not showing what was happening. The 'love/lust at first sight' was too much. They saw eachother's eyes and were basically in love. They hadn't even talked at this point. I'm fine with love at first sight but this was just so extreme it turned me off of it.
Anna is suppose to be this amazing and so good at her job, bounty hunter and assassin but I didn't feel that strength from her. She is also super poor and has barely anything to eat but she comes off to me as a noble girl who has never had to work for anything in her life. I think her character just needs some fine tuning.
Some of the events in the book feel like we are going around and around in circles. For example Anna has to figure out something with the healer that is literally kind of a life or death situation and we spend several chapters of them going to the library separately and then coming back together only to tell eachother I found nothing or I fell alseep so I didn't look. Like why so many chapters to say the same thing.
Someone in another review mentioned that it felt a little like fanfic. And I would agree that it does feel like Cinderella fanfic in the first half of the book.
Overall this book just wasn't for me. I don't think I am the target audience for this book and so I had a hard time enjoying it. I think this book would be perfect for a younger audience.
Thank you to the author J. Gillman for the eARC.
There was a lot of telling and not showing what was happening. The 'love/lust at first sight' was too much. They saw eachother's eyes and were basically in love. They hadn't even talked at this point. I'm fine with love at first sight but this was just so extreme it turned me off of it.
Anna is suppose to be this amazing and so good at her job, bounty hunter and assassin but I didn't feel that strength from her. She is also super poor and has barely anything to eat but she comes off to me as a noble girl who has never had to work for anything in her life. I think her character just needs some fine tuning.
Some of the events in the book feel like we are going around and around in circles. For example Anna has to figure out something with the healer that is literally kind of a life or death situation and we spend several chapters of them going to the library separately and then coming back together only to tell eachother I found nothing or I fell alseep so I didn't look. Like why so many chapters to say the same thing.
Someone in another review mentioned that it felt a little like fanfic. And I would agree that it does feel like Cinderella fanfic in the first half of the book.
Overall this book just wasn't for me. I don't think I am the target audience for this book and so I had a hard time enjoying it. I think this book would be perfect for a younger audience.
Thank you to the author J. Gillman for the eARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Sharpest Petal is a beautifully gentle yet quietly powerful read that stayed with me long after I turned the final page. J. Gillman has crafted a story that feels soft on the surface but carries real emotional weight underneath, much like a flower hiding its thorns.
The writing is lyrical without being overwhelming, drawing you into a world that feels intimate and heartfelt. I really loved the way the characters were written — flawed, vulnerable, and deeply human. Their growth felt natural, and the emotional beats landed in a way that was tender rather than dramatic, which made the story feel honest and sincere.
What stood out most for me was the atmosphere. There’s a calm, almost delicate tone throughout, balanced with moments of tension and quiet heartbreak. It’s the kind of book that invites you to slow down, feel deeply, and appreciate the small, meaningful moments.
While a few parts felt slightly predictable, the emotional payoff and warmth of the story more than made up for it. Overall, The Sharpest Petal is a lovely, comforting read with just enough edge to keep it interesting.
Perfect for readers who enjoy emotional depth, character-driven storytelling, and stories that bloom slowly but beautifully 🌸📖
The writing is lyrical without being overwhelming, drawing you into a world that feels intimate and heartfelt. I really loved the way the characters were written — flawed, vulnerable, and deeply human. Their growth felt natural, and the emotional beats landed in a way that was tender rather than dramatic, which made the story feel honest and sincere.
What stood out most for me was the atmosphere. There’s a calm, almost delicate tone throughout, balanced with moments of tension and quiet heartbreak. It’s the kind of book that invites you to slow down, feel deeply, and appreciate the small, meaningful moments.
While a few parts felt slightly predictable, the emotional payoff and warmth of the story more than made up for it. Overall, The Sharpest Petal is a lovely, comforting read with just enough edge to keep it interesting.
Perfect for readers who enjoy emotional depth, character-driven storytelling, and stories that bloom slowly but beautifully 🌸📖
Read
January 3, 2026I’ve been so excited to read this book when I first heard about it, I mean, a badass assassin joining the prince’s marriage competition to kill him is exactly the kind of plot I love in romantasy books, but, sadly, it didn’t live up to my expectations. While this book was quite fun and quick to read, I had issues with the writing. There was a lot of telling and not showing, I would say most of it was just telling, which made me unable to get fully into this book and connect with the characters which was sad because there was a lot of potential. Also, the main idea for the story was interesting and what had me pick up this book, but that storyline was very quickly resolved (in like 35% I think?) and the rest of the book wasn’t really as interesting for me, even with the really fast paced plot, I think I expected something different from this book and it might be a case of “it’s me, not the book” here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2025
“My heart knew long before my brain did that you were my forever”
This was a wonderfully different and exciting read! The plot was exciting and kept me engaged - flipping through each page because I had to know what happened next!!
The time lace was such a unique aspect of the story and I hope we can maybe see more of it next book! I can’t believe that ending- I need book two pronto!!
Charlie is an amazing example of a green flag - which I think is crucial for younger readers!
This book is perfectly YA that middle graders and adults alike can enjoy. I think it would be a perfect story that can get younger folks into reading , and I enjoyed the heck out of it as an adult!
This was a wonderfully debut, and I am so incredibly proud of you J Gillman for sharing your precious baby with the world!!! I can’t wait for more!
This was a wonderfully different and exciting read! The plot was exciting and kept me engaged - flipping through each page because I had to know what happened next!!
The time lace was such a unique aspect of the story and I hope we can maybe see more of it next book! I can’t believe that ending- I need book two pronto!!
Charlie is an amazing example of a green flag - which I think is crucial for younger readers!
This book is perfectly YA that middle graders and adults alike can enjoy. I think it would be a perfect story that can get younger folks into reading , and I enjoyed the heck out of it as an adult!
This was a wonderfully debut, and I am so incredibly proud of you J Gillman for sharing your precious baby with the world!!! I can’t wait for more!
Review of advance copy received from Author
As a mom I’m always looking for YA books to add to my collection for my girls. The Sharpest Petal is a perfect addition for any YA reader looking for a sweet, adventure packed novel. Personally I would be comfortable letting my kids read this as early as 12-13 depending on their reading level.
Short take: if you have a YA reader in your house, you should snag a copy of TSP for your shelves.
Long take: I appreciate the concept of a FMC that is strong, but also knows when to ask for help. I love the found family that Anna finds for herself, while still maintaining the family she was born into—it’s rare these days to see a family unit that is still together and STAYS together, so kudos to Gillman for that 🙌🏻
Short take: if you have a YA reader in your house, you should snag a copy of TSP for your shelves.
Long take: I appreciate the concept of a FMC that is strong, but also knows when to ask for help. I love the found family that Anna finds for herself, while still maintaining the family she was born into—it’s rare these days to see a family unit that is still together and STAYS together, so kudos to Gillman for that 🙌🏻
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I found this book odd. It’s labeled as Middle Grade and yet the main character is shown doing things like pushing up her breasts to make her cleavage more prominent. When the chapter shifts to the other character’s perspective, the narrative returns to already covered material and tells the same scene again from the new perspective, it’s very redundant. The language is simple and feels like it was written by a young person. This is probably a debut novel and the author will go on to write many wonderful things, but this story feels unfinished and in need to some refinement.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The way this story brings me back to the cozy, classic feelings of a Disney movie— watching it for the first time! Yes please! But throw in some dark elements: a female assassin who is damn good at it, the Prince Charming who we all want to swoon for but can’t help but bite our nails and scream because OMG (spoiler alert) SHES TRYING TO KILL HIM!
Thank you jazzy for this gorgeous story- the world. Your words. It’s beautiful!
Thank you jazzy for this gorgeous story- the world. Your words. It’s beautiful!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A book with an assassin, a looming war, and a love at first glance. I have not read a book quite like this one. I really loved the love story between Charlie and Anna. After reading so many enemies to lovers, it was fun to read a story where they are so into each other from the beginning.
I love the found family within the story, I definitely need more Drake, he's my favorite side character. And it'll be interesting how book 2 goes with the cliffhanger this one left.
I love the found family within the story, I definitely need more Drake, he's my favorite side character. And it'll be interesting how book 2 goes with the cliffhanger this one left.
December 30, 2025
The sharpest petal is a fun fantasy that plays out almost like a fairytale in the best way. This book takes our main character as a hired killer to a princess in this epic tale. I loved the twists and turns and the light hearted feel even though there are definitely some heavy moments throughout the book. I really enjoyed this book! It's a perfect read for someone starting their adventure into the fantasy realm or for a middle grade reader who loves fantasy already!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The story left me with the understanding that, there is always the possibility of a new beginning.
Anna makes me believe that love can conquer even the darkest of circumstances, but i think the insta love killed it for me. I am hopeful thaat whatever the second book has coming, will make me clutch my pearls or scream at the sky.
For a debut novel, i am super proud of the work put into it! :)
Anna makes me believe that love can conquer even the darkest of circumstances, but i think the insta love killed it for me. I am hopeful thaat whatever the second book has coming, will make me clutch my pearls or scream at the sky.
For a debut novel, i am super proud of the work put into it! :)
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The overall premise of the story was okay, but I needed way more background, world/character building, and plot development. It felt way too fast pace with barely anything happening between.
December 27, 2025
This was such a unique read full of love and adventure!
Anna is an assassin who is given her biggest job yet, to end the Crown Prince, Charlie. But when she meets him, it’s love at first sight. The connection these two have and the way they overcome obstacles together is inspiring.
Anna and Charlie face a lot of challenges in their new relationship but they stand strong with the support of their found family. I love all the side characters and how they stick together no matter what. I wasn’t expecting the twist at the end, so I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Anna is an assassin who is given her biggest job yet, to end the Crown Prince, Charlie. But when she meets him, it’s love at first sight. The connection these two have and the way they overcome obstacles together is inspiring.
Anna and Charlie face a lot of challenges in their new relationship but they stand strong with the support of their found family. I love all the side characters and how they stick together no matter what. I wasn’t expecting the twist at the end, so I can’t wait to see what happens next!
January 15, 2026
I just finished the book!
I couldn’t stop reading and the ending left me wanting more.
If you want to read a cutesy, slow burn romance set in a historic fantasy land, then this is the book for you!
I couldn’t stop reading and the ending left me wanting more.
If you want to read a cutesy, slow burn romance set in a historic fantasy land, then this is the book for you!
January 7, 2026
Ahhhh I LOVED this book! It was a nice little refresher, a pallette cleanser if you will, from all the dark romance I'd been reading! And it's a book I can feel comfortable sharing with my younger sisters 🥰 I LOVED Charlie and Anna, and how they interacted throughout the book! Pulling at the bit for book two!!
December 30, 2025
Received an ARC of this to review and was intrigued by the concept of it especially for a debut author. Strong female character that is an assassin. Takes the job to kill the town prince. She doesn’t plan on falling in love but at first sight they are both smitten with each other. It’s a sweet and magical quick read. I’m curious where book 2 will go.
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