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Trigger Happy
Not yet published
Expected 20 Oct 26For these rivals, the chemistry is lethal.
From the acclaimed author of western romance Homebound comes a wickedly-funny, small town rom-com where two rival contract killers are hired for the same job—and must pretend to be married to survive.
Sabrina and Lawton go together as well as Dom Perignon and Frito pie. They have nothing in common—except for the fact that they unalive people for a living. Sabrina’s a clever, Manhattan darling with a penchant for poison-tipped manicures. Lawton is a reckless, down-and-dirty cowboy who isn’t afraid to get the pigs involved in clean-up duty. They despise each other, and not just because of what happened two years ago…
When they’re hired for the same surveillance job in cozy, postcard-perfect Wyoming, they quickly realize they’ll have to stop tossing out death threats if they want to get it done. There’s only one problem...they have to pose as an oh-so-happily married couple to get close to their targets, which means strolling through pumpkin patches and smiling on horseback rides—all while pretending they’re not fantasizing about what the other would look like in a coffin. Things get even messier when they start wondering if they’ve walked into a dangerous trap. And, more importantly, will they kill off any chance at something real before they make it out alive?
From the acclaimed author of western romance Homebound comes a wickedly-funny, small town rom-com where two rival contract killers are hired for the same job—and must pretend to be married to survive.
Sabrina and Lawton go together as well as Dom Perignon and Frito pie. They have nothing in common—except for the fact that they unalive people for a living. Sabrina’s a clever, Manhattan darling with a penchant for poison-tipped manicures. Lawton is a reckless, down-and-dirty cowboy who isn’t afraid to get the pigs involved in clean-up duty. They despise each other, and not just because of what happened two years ago…
When they’re hired for the same surveillance job in cozy, postcard-perfect Wyoming, they quickly realize they’ll have to stop tossing out death threats if they want to get it done. There’s only one problem...they have to pose as an oh-so-happily married couple to get close to their targets, which means strolling through pumpkin patches and smiling on horseback rides—all while pretending they’re not fantasizing about what the other would look like in a coffin. Things get even messier when they start wondering if they’ve walked into a dangerous trap. And, more importantly, will they kill off any chance at something real before they make it out alive?
Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 20, 2026
About the author
Meredith Trapp
4 books807 followersMeredith is a professional daydreamer that writes romance stories full of spice, smooches, and swoons. She lives in Texas with her favorite person, one lazy poodle, and a plethora of dying house plants. When she’s not writing, she’s reading about hockey players, possessive billionaires, or faeries with large wingspans--she's not picky when it comes to fictional men. You can usually find her walking beneath the Texas sun or spending time with her family at the lake. To stay up to date on Meredith's upcoming projects, connect with her on social media @authormeredithtrapp.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
June 29, 2026
The cute cover pulled me in, and I will admit I didn't read the synopsis before requesting this… OOPS. I fully expected a cute western romance, and I semi got it (less western and more Mr. and Mrs. Smith) just between two rival killers for hire 🙈
This was a fast-paced, fun, and campy read featuring a Romeo and Juliet-type dynamic between the leads, who are forced to go undercover as a married couple to pull off their latest job. Add in the small town setting and plenty of witty banter, and I enjoyed this way more than expected.
Read this book if you like:
👪 Forbidden romances.
👩❤️👨 Rivals to lovers and forced proximity tropes.
💍 A fake marriage that leads to a shared Airbnb… And yes, there’s only one bed.
Thank you to Atria and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a fast-paced, fun, and campy read featuring a Romeo and Juliet-type dynamic between the leads, who are forced to go undercover as a married couple to pull off their latest job. Add in the small town setting and plenty of witty banter, and I enjoyed this way more than expected.
Read this book if you like:
👪 Forbidden romances.
👩❤️👨 Rivals to lovers and forced proximity tropes.
💍 A fake marriage that leads to a shared Airbnb… And yes, there’s only one bed.
Thank you to Atria and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 29, 2026
5 ⭐️
I loved this so much more than I expected to!
The chemistry and banter was top tier, honestly the best I’ve read in quite a while. I was laughing out loud multiple times.
The tropes and story line were unique and it felt really refreshing to read a romance that was so different in a good way!
Once I got into the story I was hooked and it was so addicting, I flew through because I could not put it down! I have nothing but praise for this book 🙌🏼
Thank you Atria and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review 🫶🏼
I loved this so much more than I expected to!
The chemistry and banter was top tier, honestly the best I’ve read in quite a while. I was laughing out loud multiple times.
The tropes and story line were unique and it felt really refreshing to read a romance that was so different in a good way!
Once I got into the story I was hooked and it was so addicting, I flew through because I could not put it down! I have nothing but praise for this book 🙌🏼
Thank you Atria and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review 🫶🏼
June 9, 2026
A western romcom with two stabby main characters who fall in love? Sounds like a fun time, right?! 🤠
Well… turns out, this book didn't quite do it for me. I don't know what it is about authors writing books about killers for hire falling in love, but it's not for me. I found that in most cases, it‘s not classy or chic - it‘s just distasteful and kinda rubs me the wrong way. Especially when innocent people get dragged into it - I mean, the candle store?? That was morally questionable at best.
That being said, I did fly through the pages and finished this in just a few hours - I was completely invested. Sabrina and Lawton were cute, and I enjoyed their banter, ongoing rivalry, and the tension between them 🔥 They seem like a fun time to be around, and the pig, Carnitas (iconic name by the way), also seemed pretty cute 🐷
Moreover, the balance between heavier topics and comedic relief was handled very well and the plot twist was well thought out - not entirely unpredictable, but satisfying nonetheless.
3.5 ⭐️ ARC Review
Well… turns out, this book didn't quite do it for me. I don't know what it is about authors writing books about killers for hire falling in love, but it's not for me. I found that in most cases, it‘s not classy or chic - it‘s just distasteful and kinda rubs me the wrong way. Especially when innocent people get dragged into it - I mean, the candle store?? That was morally questionable at best.
That being said, I did fly through the pages and finished this in just a few hours - I was completely invested. Sabrina and Lawton were cute, and I enjoyed their banter, ongoing rivalry, and the tension between them 🔥 They seem like a fun time to be around, and the pig, Carnitas (iconic name by the way), also seemed pretty cute 🐷
Moreover, the balance between heavier topics and comedic relief was handled very well and the plot twist was well thought out - not entirely unpredictable, but satisfying nonetheless.
3.5 ⭐️ ARC Review
June 23, 2026
This was truly a joy to read. Brilliant, witty writing from Meredith Trapp!
I love this book with my whole heart! Think Butcher and Blackbird but with a hot Cowboy and food is marked SAFE! (Other things are not.)
This was just the most fun adventure. I laughed out loud. I got butterflies and kicked my feet. But my skin was also crawling at other points.
There’s forced proximity. Found family. Rivals to lovers. There’s mystery and ONE BED. There’s delicious tension and banter.
Gosh. It’s just perfect!
Please please please add this to your TBR and thank me later!
Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy of this book!
I love this book with my whole heart! Think Butcher and Blackbird but with a hot Cowboy and food is marked SAFE! (Other things are not.)
This was just the most fun adventure. I laughed out loud. I got butterflies and kicked my feet. But my skin was also crawling at other points.
There’s forced proximity. Found family. Rivals to lovers. There’s mystery and ONE BED. There’s delicious tension and banter.
Gosh. It’s just perfect!
Please please please add this to your TBR and thank me later!
Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy of this book!
June 15, 2026
I need to give this book 1 million stars.
I knew as soon as I read the synopsis that I was going to be obsessed and when I tell you I could not put my ereader down. We are talking reading in elevators, at the restaurant, going up the stairs- I mean I could not stop.
Sabrina and Lawton are both contract killers, and they do not get along. We are talking a serious Hatfield and McCoy situation- their families are sworn enemies. So when they somehow end up paired up on a contract together that forces them to pretty to be married. Well. I think you can see where this is going.
Trigger Happy was hilarious, the two characters and their macabre jobs and sense of humour had me laughing to myself in public, like a crazy person. Sabrina is so meticulous and has everything in her life planned out. Lawton is so the opposite, preferring to fly by the seat of his pants and figure things out on the spot. This was the grumpy/sunshine of my dreams. We had opposites attract, we had ONE bed, we had delicious forced proximity, a slooooow burn and my favourite thing of all YEARNING.
Dark RomComs are the way to my heart. I need everyone to read this book so they can understand it and all its magnificence. Easily one of the best books I’ve read this year.
I knew as soon as I read the synopsis that I was going to be obsessed and when I tell you I could not put my ereader down. We are talking reading in elevators, at the restaurant, going up the stairs- I mean I could not stop.
Sabrina and Lawton are both contract killers, and they do not get along. We are talking a serious Hatfield and McCoy situation- their families are sworn enemies. So when they somehow end up paired up on a contract together that forces them to pretty to be married. Well. I think you can see where this is going.
Trigger Happy was hilarious, the two characters and their macabre jobs and sense of humour had me laughing to myself in public, like a crazy person. Sabrina is so meticulous and has everything in her life planned out. Lawton is so the opposite, preferring to fly by the seat of his pants and figure things out on the spot. This was the grumpy/sunshine of my dreams. We had opposites attract, we had ONE bed, we had delicious forced proximity, a slooooow burn and my favourite thing of all YEARNING.
Dark RomComs are the way to my heart. I need everyone to read this book so they can understand it and all its magnificence. Easily one of the best books I’ve read this year.
June 23, 2026
I was not prepared for how much I would love this. 🤠🔫✨
Trigger Happy completely had me in a chokehold. I went in expecting something along the lines of a cowboy romance and got a dark, hilarious, chaotic ride with assassins, rival families, and a romance that had me absolutely kicking my feet.
Sabrina and Lawton were everything. She’s all precision and planning, designer heels and deadly intent, while he’s pure chaos and charm, flying by the seat of his pants and somehow making it work. Watching them collide, clash, and slowly learn to trust each other was so much fun. The banter was sharp, the chemistry was ridiculous, and I loved how they balanced each other out without ever losing who they were.
The Romeo and Juliet energy between their families just made everything better, especially once things start getting even more complicated no spoilers, but wow. It kept the tension high while still leaving room for so many genuinely funny moments. I was literally laughing out loud at different parts of the story.
I need a book for Bobbi and Arch immediately. This world is way too fun to leave behind.
Dark, funny, fast-paced, and completely addictive. I loved this one. 🔥
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Trigger Happy completely had me in a chokehold. I went in expecting something along the lines of a cowboy romance and got a dark, hilarious, chaotic ride with assassins, rival families, and a romance that had me absolutely kicking my feet.
Sabrina and Lawton were everything. She’s all precision and planning, designer heels and deadly intent, while he’s pure chaos and charm, flying by the seat of his pants and somehow making it work. Watching them collide, clash, and slowly learn to trust each other was so much fun. The banter was sharp, the chemistry was ridiculous, and I loved how they balanced each other out without ever losing who they were.
The Romeo and Juliet energy between their families just made everything better, especially once things start getting even more complicated no spoilers, but wow. It kept the tension high while still leaving room for so many genuinely funny moments. I was literally laughing out loud at different parts of the story.
I need a book for Bobbi and Arch immediately. This world is way too fun to leave behind.
Dark, funny, fast-paced, and completely addictive. I loved this one. 🔥
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 4, 2026
I genuinely cannot put into words how much I loved this book.
This was a one-sitting, ignore-every-responsibility, “just one more chapter” kind of read. The second I finished, I wanted to erase my memory and experience it all over again for the first time.
Sabrina and Lawton were EVERYTHING. The banter? Absolute perfection. Every interaction had me grinning, laughing, and completely obsessed. Their chemistry practically jumped off the page, and watching two rival contract killers forced to play house was every bit as entertaining as it sounds.
But what really got me was how this book managed to be equal parts hilarious, romantic, and genuinely thrilling. I was completely invested from beginning to end.
And that plot twist?! EXCUSE ME?!
I never saw it coming. Not once. It completely blindsided me and had my jaw somewhere on the floor. I was convinced I knew where things were headed and this book proved me very, very wrong.
And can we talk about Bobbi and Arch for a second? Because I loved them. Bobbi is completely unhinged, and somehow that only made me love her more.
Funny, chaotic, romantic, thrilling, and impossible to put down. This is easily one of my favorite reads of the year, and I’m already jealous of everyone who gets to experience it for the first time!
This was a one-sitting, ignore-every-responsibility, “just one more chapter” kind of read. The second I finished, I wanted to erase my memory and experience it all over again for the first time.
Sabrina and Lawton were EVERYTHING. The banter? Absolute perfection. Every interaction had me grinning, laughing, and completely obsessed. Their chemistry practically jumped off the page, and watching two rival contract killers forced to play house was every bit as entertaining as it sounds.
But what really got me was how this book managed to be equal parts hilarious, romantic, and genuinely thrilling. I was completely invested from beginning to end.
And that plot twist?! EXCUSE ME?!
I never saw it coming. Not once. It completely blindsided me and had my jaw somewhere on the floor. I was convinced I knew where things were headed and this book proved me very, very wrong.
And can we talk about Bobbi and Arch for a second? Because I loved them. Bobbi is completely unhinged, and somehow that only made me love her more.
Funny, chaotic, romantic, thrilling, and impossible to put down. This is easily one of my favorite reads of the year, and I’m already jealous of everyone who gets to experience it for the first time!
June 11, 2026
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
This book is so up my alley! it was so funny! Give me a rom com, an arranged marriage, banter, dark humor, and a happy but chaotic ending and it’s the perfect read for me!
I loved the two main characters and how opposites attract, but they’re both assassins! She’s organized and he’s more flexible, but they work together so well. The whole time I was wondering how this will all go down, and I think it was executed well with humor and a quick wrap up of the conflict. The ending is slightly unbelievable, but their families are all assassins so their lives aren’t normal!
I think the plot and pacing was done well, I was never bored and I didn’t feel like the conflict was drawn out.
The romance was pretty typical arranged marriage/enemies to lovers but at the beginning I really did believe they hated each other and I loved how their relationship developed.
Overall a fun and very quick read!
This book is so up my alley! it was so funny! Give me a rom com, an arranged marriage, banter, dark humor, and a happy but chaotic ending and it’s the perfect read for me!
I loved the two main characters and how opposites attract, but they’re both assassins! She’s organized and he’s more flexible, but they work together so well. The whole time I was wondering how this will all go down, and I think it was executed well with humor and a quick wrap up of the conflict. The ending is slightly unbelievable, but their families are all assassins so their lives aren’t normal!
I think the plot and pacing was done well, I was never bored and I didn’t feel like the conflict was drawn out.
The romance was pretty typical arranged marriage/enemies to lovers but at the beginning I really did believe they hated each other and I loved how their relationship developed.
Overall a fun and very quick read!
June 22, 2026
After reading several heavy and very emotional reads, Trigger Happy was just what I needed to make me laugh! This book was such a FUN time. I had the BEST time reading this one, and loved every minute. The witty banter between our completely opposite MC's, Sabrina and Lawson, was absolutely top tier and so FUNNY, plus we got some intense yearning, absolutely DELICIOUS forced proximity, and my personal favorite, a tension fueled slowwwww burn. The plot and the pacing throughout this book was perfect and I never got bored. Thank you so much for the arc of this one, it was just what I needed!
June 8, 2026
Meredith Trapp is an auto buy offer for me and her books keep getting better and better! This one exceeded my expectations! It was funny and had me on the edge of my seat wondering what happens next, while simultaneously having me swooning! There’s nothing better than a good enemies to lovers and she wrote this one beautifully!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Hello you five star beauty😋 Now this was so deliciously yummy, oh my goshhhhh. Here's a list of some things that I love: fake marriage (in books ofc), rivals, cowboys, banter. This book had it all and so much more. This was one of the funnest books—with the perfect development, pace, humor, romance, and intrigue that had me completely lost within the pages.
The only thing that Sabrina Chastain and Lawton Montoya have in common is the fact that they are both contract killers—oh wait, they also despise each other, so I guess they have two things in common. Sabrina is clever—a city girl through and through with a penchant for poison-tipped manicures. While Lawton is the reckless, down-and-dirty cowboy who doesn't mind getting the pigs involved during clean-up duty. Their hatred wasn't even because of what happened two years ago, but that definitely added fuel to the fire. Now, they get hired for the same surveillance job in cozy, small-town perfection Wyoming. They don't mind putting their death threats on hold in order to get the job done. But the funny thing is that they have to pose as the sweetest, most happily married couple in order to get close to their targets. This means having to stroll through pumpkin patches and smiling on horseback rides—even when they're plotting each other's deaths. Things start to blur when they venture into the pretending part. Lingering touches, looks, and kisses that burn make them realize soon enough that they feel a lot more than hatred. It gets messy when they notice that some things feel off and they start to wonder if they've walked into a dangerous trap. Will they be able to make it out alive and avoid killing off any chance they might have at something real?
I absolutely devoured Trigger Happy! I loved the banter, dynamic, and easiness of Sabrina and Lawton. Their chemistry was soo delicious. This book was just so funny. The side characters were such a perfect addition too. The banter between Sabrina and Lawton alone had me laughing and giggling while my hairstylist side-eyed me. Aside from being one of the easiest reads because of the humor and the natural chemistry/development of Sabrina and Lawtons relationship, there were still some serious subjects that were touched upon (and I'm not talking about all the murdery tendencies and the use of lye for disposal purposes). Subjects like grief, loneliness, and life after loss were prominent throughout the book. The way it was portrayed—the coping and healing process—was done so incredibly well. It was subtle but realistic and impactful. Seeing Sabrina and Lawton be the healing agent they both needed for each other warmed my heart so much. They are the last two puzzle pieces needed to complete a beautiful landscape. All that chaotic (possibly adhd) cowboy needed was his type-a city girl—they compliment each other so incredibly well. Also, don't even get me started on the cover and how stunning it is, I can't wait to get my physical copy because I need this book in my shelves ASAPPP. I love love love Mrs. Montoya & Mr. Chastain💘
Trigger Happy Tropes:
❤️🔥Rivals to frenemies to lovers
🔪Assassins
⛰️Small-town
🛏️Only one bed
💍Fake marriage
🏙️Type-A city girl x Chaotic cowboy🤠
Thank you to NetGalley, Atria Books, and Meredith Trapp for this ARC of Trigger Happy in exchange for an honest review!
Release date: October 20, 2026💖
The only thing that Sabrina Chastain and Lawton Montoya have in common is the fact that they are both contract killers—oh wait, they also despise each other, so I guess they have two things in common. Sabrina is clever—a city girl through and through with a penchant for poison-tipped manicures. While Lawton is the reckless, down-and-dirty cowboy who doesn't mind getting the pigs involved during clean-up duty. Their hatred wasn't even because of what happened two years ago, but that definitely added fuel to the fire. Now, they get hired for the same surveillance job in cozy, small-town perfection Wyoming. They don't mind putting their death threats on hold in order to get the job done. But the funny thing is that they have to pose as the sweetest, most happily married couple in order to get close to their targets. This means having to stroll through pumpkin patches and smiling on horseback rides—even when they're plotting each other's deaths. Things start to blur when they venture into the pretending part. Lingering touches, looks, and kisses that burn make them realize soon enough that they feel a lot more than hatred. It gets messy when they notice that some things feel off and they start to wonder if they've walked into a dangerous trap. Will they be able to make it out alive and avoid killing off any chance they might have at something real?
I absolutely devoured Trigger Happy! I loved the banter, dynamic, and easiness of Sabrina and Lawton. Their chemistry was soo delicious. This book was just so funny. The side characters were such a perfect addition too. The banter between Sabrina and Lawton alone had me laughing and giggling while my hairstylist side-eyed me. Aside from being one of the easiest reads because of the humor and the natural chemistry/development of Sabrina and Lawtons relationship, there were still some serious subjects that were touched upon (and I'm not talking about all the murdery tendencies and the use of lye for disposal purposes). Subjects like grief, loneliness, and life after loss were prominent throughout the book. The way it was portrayed—the coping and healing process—was done so incredibly well. It was subtle but realistic and impactful. Seeing Sabrina and Lawton be the healing agent they both needed for each other warmed my heart so much. They are the last two puzzle pieces needed to complete a beautiful landscape. All that chaotic (possibly adhd) cowboy needed was his type-a city girl—they compliment each other so incredibly well. Also, don't even get me started on the cover and how stunning it is, I can't wait to get my physical copy because I need this book in my shelves ASAPPP. I love love love Mrs. Montoya & Mr. Chastain💘
Trigger Happy Tropes:
❤️🔥Rivals to frenemies to lovers
🔪Assassins
⛰️Small-town
🛏️Only one bed
💍Fake marriage
🏙️Type-A city girl x Chaotic cowboy🤠
Thank you to NetGalley, Atria Books, and Meredith Trapp for this ARC of Trigger Happy in exchange for an honest review!
Release date: October 20, 2026💖
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was so close to perfect... Why do otherwise 5 star books always have to destroy themselves with a poor ending??? Like, come onnnnnnnn, you could've just kept the momentum goinggggggg. 4/5.
Also. Y'all!!! This is my 100th NetGalley review... I can't believe I've reached this point.
Anyways, I went through this one so freaking fast, I was literally obsessed up until the ending, like, physically couldn't remove the book (or I guess the phone, since I got it as an e-arc) from my hands, obsessed. I don't even know how to express how much I loved it.
The book was hilarious. Our MCs played off each other so well; the banter was just 20/10, and their chemistry genuinely had me stressed out that it'd burn my phone up. Lawton was the greenest green flag (well... if you ignore the whole "he murders people" thing), even though he had my (and Sabrina's) type A ass stressed as hell. Also, he can literally UNLOCK A LOCK WITH HIS TONGUE. And asked her if he was doing anything she didn't like during sex so he could fix it because he could do better... AHHHHHH. As for Sabrina, "love" isn't a strong enough word for how much I adored her. I literally aspire to be exactly like her (FBI, don't come for me, not the murder part. In fact, if you read the book yourself, you'd know exactly what I mean and aspire to be like her yourself too). Like imagine your stereotypical Fifth Avenue stay-at-home daughter whose entire day just consists of spending mommy and daddy's money, but she's actually secretly a murderer for hire??? Hello??? Need I say more?
The plot was so so so fun. Our MCs are teamed up for the same job where they have to play a fake couple, there's one bed, they do couple-y stuff, while also doing murder-y stuff and uncovering somewhat of a mystery along the way. The rest, as they say, is history. You know how this story goes.
Well, kind of. The plot twist at the end. (SORT OF SPOILER HERE, DON'T KEEP READING IF YOU DON'T WANNA BE SPOILED) I can't say I didn't see (part of) it coming, but I'm also not going to lie and say it didn't make me stop and go "well, damn." IDK, it sort of killed the story for me. I get it's a book, which needs conflict, but I hate romances where one half of the couple is hiding a ginormous secret from the other, particularly if said secret impacts the other person. Like what, your entire relationship is built on a bed of lies??? And I'm not saying she wasn't 100% valid for doing what she did (we can argue vigilantism all day, but it's a book, and as far as I'm concerned, he deserved it), it bothered me so much she didn't tell him, especially since she saw how torn up he was about it. Either way, therapy for all of y'all in this book. Even if it's with Ted Bundy's cousin. Oh, and fuck the MMC's mom. I can sort of understand her, but that doesn't stop me from hating her all the same.
Oh and the candle store thing grossed me out. IDK, it's like the whole principle of don't bring random innocent people into your kink kinda thing. But then again, I didn't like her character anyway, so. Should've let her get mauled at the end.
Overall though, there was so much I loved about this book, and I would've loved to give it a 5, but the ending... I couldn't do it. It pissed me off so bad, even if I could kind of understand why it was needed (I never called myself a 100% logical person, did I?). But my gosh, I loved Sabrina and Lawton so much, I could've read 1000 more pages of them. I NEED MOREEEEEEE. GIMME A NOVELLA @Meredith Trapp.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review. My 100th!!!
Also. Y'all!!! This is my 100th NetGalley review... I can't believe I've reached this point.
Anyways, I went through this one so freaking fast, I was literally obsessed up until the ending, like, physically couldn't remove the book (or I guess the phone, since I got it as an e-arc) from my hands, obsessed. I don't even know how to express how much I loved it.
The book was hilarious. Our MCs played off each other so well; the banter was just 20/10, and their chemistry genuinely had me stressed out that it'd burn my phone up. Lawton was the greenest green flag (well... if you ignore the whole "he murders people" thing), even though he had my (and Sabrina's) type A ass stressed as hell. Also, he can literally UNLOCK A LOCK WITH HIS TONGUE. And asked her if he was doing anything she didn't like during sex so he could fix it because he could do better... AHHHHHH. As for Sabrina, "love" isn't a strong enough word for how much I adored her. I literally aspire to be exactly like her (FBI, don't come for me, not the murder part. In fact, if you read the book yourself, you'd know exactly what I mean and aspire to be like her yourself too). Like imagine your stereotypical Fifth Avenue stay-at-home daughter whose entire day just consists of spending mommy and daddy's money, but she's actually secretly a murderer for hire??? Hello??? Need I say more?
The plot was so so so fun. Our MCs are teamed up for the same job where they have to play a fake couple, there's one bed, they do couple-y stuff, while also doing murder-y stuff and uncovering somewhat of a mystery along the way. The rest, as they say, is history. You know how this story goes.
Well, kind of. The plot twist at the end. (SORT OF SPOILER HERE, DON'T KEEP READING IF YOU DON'T WANNA BE SPOILED) I can't say I didn't see (part of) it coming, but I'm also not going to lie and say it didn't make me stop and go "well, damn." IDK, it sort of killed the story for me. I get it's a book, which needs conflict, but I hate romances where one half of the couple is hiding a ginormous secret from the other, particularly if said secret impacts the other person. Like what, your entire relationship is built on a bed of lies??? And I'm not saying she wasn't 100% valid for doing what she did (we can argue vigilantism all day, but it's a book, and as far as I'm concerned, he deserved it), it bothered me so much she didn't tell him, especially since she saw how torn up he was about it. Either way, therapy for all of y'all in this book. Even if it's with Ted Bundy's cousin. Oh, and fuck the MMC's mom. I can sort of understand her, but that doesn't stop me from hating her all the same.
Oh and the candle store thing grossed me out. IDK, it's like the whole principle of don't bring random innocent people into your kink kinda thing. But then again, I didn't like her character anyway, so. Should've let her get mauled at the end.
Overall though, there was so much I loved about this book, and I would've loved to give it a 5, but the ending... I couldn't do it. It pissed me off so bad, even if I could kind of understand why it was needed (I never called myself a 100% logical person, did I?). But my gosh, I loved Sabrina and Lawton so much, I could've read 1000 more pages of them. I NEED MOREEEEEEE. GIMME A NOVELLA @Meredith Trapp.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review. My 100th!!!
June 7, 2026
Rating: 6 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
COMING BACK TO FINISH THIS REVIEW BC ITS 2:30AM BUT THIS BOOK WAS A SLAM DUNK!!! AN ABSOLUTE BANGER AND I EXPECT NOTHING LESS FROM MEREDITH TRAPP 🖤🖤🖤
Review:
After finishing this book last night, I officially upgraded my rating to 6 stars. This book has entered god-tier recommendation status for me, and I couldn't be happier about it.
I loved absolutely everything about this book. I couldn't stop thinking about it when I wasn't reading, and every time I had to put it down, all I wanted was to pick it back up again. I was completely obsessed from start to finish and honestly didn't want it to end. Meredith Trapp has further solidified herself as an auto-buy author, and she is never leaving that list.
I genuinely don't even know where to start because this book was incredible in so many ways.
Tropes:
- enemies to lovers
- rival contract killers
- fake marriage
- forced proximity
- only one bed
- rival families
- cowboy MMC
- city girl FMC
- cozy small-town setting
- surveillance job
- top-tier banter
Lawson and Sabrina are A+ characters. Their banter? Elite. Their personalities? Amazing. Their chemistry? Off the charts.
Their hatred for each other at the beginning had me laughing so hard that I got asked if I was okay. I honestly couldn't believe how much I was laughing, considering these two spent most of the book actively despising one another. Every interaction between them had me absolutely cackling.
Some of my favorite lines:
And:
I swear, the banter alone deserves its own five-star rating.
Then, just when I thought these two couldn't get any better, Meredith Trapp hit me with lines like:
Like??? Excuse me while I scream into the void.
The plot had me completely invested from beginning to end. I *needed* to know what was going to happen next. And listen, I'm not usually someone who can predict thriller-style twists, but this book was no exception because THAT PLOT TWIST??? I was shocked. Completely blindsided. My jaw actually hit the floor. Not only did I not see it coming, but it added such a delicious layer of betrayal to the ending that I was absolutely eating it up.
And the side characters?
Bobbi and Arch? Hilarious. I need a book about them immediately because I know there's a story there.
Lawson's mom? Somehow hilarious, loving, and slightly murder-y all at the same time. An icon, honestly.
If any part of this sounds like something you'd enjoy, immediately order this book. Pre-order it. Camp out on your front porch waiting for it to arrive. Do whatever you need to do because this book is a wild ride and, without a doubt, one of the best books I'll read this year.
COMING BACK TO FINISH THIS REVIEW BC ITS 2:30AM BUT THIS BOOK WAS A SLAM DUNK!!! AN ABSOLUTE BANGER AND I EXPECT NOTHING LESS FROM MEREDITH TRAPP 🖤🖤🖤
Review:
"The only thing I want to do is ruin you."
After finishing this book last night, I officially upgraded my rating to 6 stars. This book has entered god-tier recommendation status for me, and I couldn't be happier about it.
I loved absolutely everything about this book. I couldn't stop thinking about it when I wasn't reading, and every time I had to put it down, all I wanted was to pick it back up again. I was completely obsessed from start to finish and honestly didn't want it to end. Meredith Trapp has further solidified herself as an auto-buy author, and she is never leaving that list.
I genuinely don't even know where to start because this book was incredible in so many ways.
Tropes:
- enemies to lovers
- rival contract killers
- fake marriage
- forced proximity
- only one bed
- rival families
- cowboy MMC
- city girl FMC
- cozy small-town setting
- surveillance job
- top-tier banter
Lawson and Sabrina are A+ characters. Their banter? Elite. Their personalities? Amazing. Their chemistry? Off the charts.
Their hatred for each other at the beginning had me laughing so hard that I got asked if I was okay. I honestly couldn't believe how much I was laughing, considering these two spent most of the book actively despising one another. Every interaction between them had me absolutely cackling.
Some of my favorite lines:
"Did you need to shove your tongue down my throat?"
"Nope," he pops out. "That was all for me."
And:
"Ma's bar of soap is starting to sound a lot better than a ten-mile hike with my exorcist fake wife."
I swear, the banter alone deserves its own five-star rating.
Then, just when I thought these two couldn't get any better, Meredith Trapp hit me with lines like:
"Bold move for someone who could easily choke you," I say.
"Bold to assume I'd complain about being choked by you."
Like??? Excuse me while I scream into the void.
The plot had me completely invested from beginning to end. I *needed* to know what was going to happen next. And listen, I'm not usually someone who can predict thriller-style twists, but this book was no exception because THAT PLOT TWIST??? I was shocked. Completely blindsided. My jaw actually hit the floor. Not only did I not see it coming, but it added such a delicious layer of betrayal to the ending that I was absolutely eating it up.
And the side characters?
Bobbi and Arch? Hilarious. I need a book about them immediately because I know there's a story there.
Lawson's mom? Somehow hilarious, loving, and slightly murder-y all at the same time. An icon, honestly.
If any part of this sounds like something you'd enjoy, immediately order this book. Pre-order it. Camp out on your front porch waiting for it to arrive. Do whatever you need to do because this book is a wild ride and, without a doubt, one of the best books I'll read this year.
June 13, 2026
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Trigger Happy prior to publication with my honest thoughts and opinions. And thank you to Meredith Trapp for writing such a great book!
Trigger Happy, for me, is one of those books that grabs you unexpectedly (in the best way) and holds on tight until the very end. I thought this was done so well...the killer-for-hire trope is a newish one for me, though I do love Brynne Weaver, who really does like to inject a lot of grossness into her stories, and this is kind of like that...but also not?! I don't like doing comparisons, but it's the best I had. There is humor, there is banter, there is SPICE, there is WOOING, there is a huge plot twist - I'd really implore you to read this if you like all of those things mixed together!
Now, a little bit about our mains. The FMC, Sabrina, made me a bit sad not HOW she operated, but WHY she operated the way she did. Granted, she's amazing and a genius, but I still related a bit too hard at the self-reliance bit. Imagine how blown away she (and I) felt when our MMC, Lawton, came in and despite his preconceived notions about her and her family, fell pretty quickly. And I absolutely loved Bobbi and Arch. Best secondary characters ever.
Finally, our tropes:
* Type A Contract Killer City Gal x Type B Contract Killer Cowboy
* Forced Proximity
* Fake Husband and Wife
* Small Town Romance
* Dark Romance
* Pig BFF
* Romeo x Juliet Familial Rivalries
* Creative Candle Making
* Usage of the word, "Wife" in a way that might make you melt imagining it...
* Banter
* Spice
* Mrs. Montoya x Mr. ChastainThank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Trigger Happy prior to publication with my honest thoughts and opinions. And thank you to Meredith Trapp for writing such a great book!
Trigger Happy, for me, is one of those books that grabs you unexpectedly (in the best way) and holds on tight until the very end. I thought this was done so well...the killer-for-hire trope is a newish one for me, though I do love Brynne Weaver, who really does like to inject a lot of grossness into her stories, and this is kind of like that...but also not?! I don't like doing comparisons, but it's the best I had. There is humor, there is banter, there is SPICE, there is WOOING, there is a huge plot twist - I'd really implore you to read this if you like all of those things mixed together!
Now, a little bit about our mains. The FMC, Sabrina, made me a bit sad not HOW she operated, but WHY she operated the way she did. Granted, she's amazing and a genius, but I still related a bit too hard at the self-reliance bit. Imagine how blown away she (and I) felt when our MMC, Lawton, came in and despite his preconceived notions about her and her family, fell pretty quickly. And I absolutely loved Bobbi and Arch. Best secondary characters ever.
Finally, our tropes:
* Type A Contract Killer City Gal x Type B Contract Killer Cowboy
* Forced Proximity
* Fake Husband and Wife
* Small Town Romance
* Dark Romance
* Pig BFF
* Romeo x Juliet Familial Rivalries
* Creative Candle Making
* Usage of the word, "Wife" in a way that might make you melt imagining it...
* Banter
* Spice
* Mrs. Montoya x Mr. Chastain
Trigger Happy, for me, is one of those books that grabs you unexpectedly (in the best way) and holds on tight until the very end. I thought this was done so well...the killer-for-hire trope is a newish one for me, though I do love Brynne Weaver, who really does like to inject a lot of grossness into her stories, and this is kind of like that...but also not?! I don't like doing comparisons, but it's the best I had. There is humor, there is banter, there is SPICE, there is WOOING, there is a huge plot twist - I'd really implore you to read this if you like all of those things mixed together!
Now, a little bit about our mains. The FMC, Sabrina, made me a bit sad not HOW she operated, but WHY she operated the way she did. Granted, she's amazing and a genius, but I still related a bit too hard at the self-reliance bit. Imagine how blown away she (and I) felt when our MMC, Lawton, came in and despite his preconceived notions about her and her family, fell pretty quickly. And I absolutely loved Bobbi and Arch. Best secondary characters ever.
Finally, our tropes:
* Type A Contract Killer City Gal x Type B Contract Killer Cowboy
* Forced Proximity
* Fake Husband and Wife
* Small Town Romance
* Dark Romance
* Pig BFF
* Romeo x Juliet Familial Rivalries
* Creative Candle Making
* Usage of the word, "Wife" in a way that might make you melt imagining it...
* Banter
* Spice
* Mrs. Montoya x Mr. ChastainThank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Trigger Happy prior to publication with my honest thoughts and opinions. And thank you to Meredith Trapp for writing such a great book!
Trigger Happy, for me, is one of those books that grabs you unexpectedly (in the best way) and holds on tight until the very end. I thought this was done so well...the killer-for-hire trope is a newish one for me, though I do love Brynne Weaver, who really does like to inject a lot of grossness into her stories, and this is kind of like that...but also not?! I don't like doing comparisons, but it's the best I had. There is humor, there is banter, there is SPICE, there is WOOING, there is a huge plot twist - I'd really implore you to read this if you like all of those things mixed together!
Now, a little bit about our mains. The FMC, Sabrina, made me a bit sad not HOW she operated, but WHY she operated the way she did. Granted, she's amazing and a genius, but I still related a bit too hard at the self-reliance bit. Imagine how blown away she (and I) felt when our MMC, Lawton, came in and despite his preconceived notions about her and her family, fell pretty quickly. And I absolutely loved Bobbi and Arch. Best secondary characters ever.
Finally, our tropes:
* Type A Contract Killer City Gal x Type B Contract Killer Cowboy
* Forced Proximity
* Fake Husband and Wife
* Small Town Romance
* Dark Romance
* Pig BFF
* Romeo x Juliet Familial Rivalries
* Creative Candle Making
* Usage of the word, "Wife" in a way that might make you melt imagining it...
* Banter
* Spice
* Mrs. Montoya x Mr. Chastain
June 23, 2026
Excuse me?!!! This is one of my favorite reads of the month, and probably in my top five romance books of the year so far!
Meredith Trapp did it again. I’ve been waiting for a new book from her for like 2 years, and it was definitely worth the wait!!! I’m officially obsessed with Sabrina and Lawton.
I couldn’t stop reading—Trigger Happy had me completely glued to the pages. I laughed out loud so many times, and the chemistry between Sabrina and Lawton? OMG!!!
Trigger Happy follows Sabrina and Lawton, two rival contract killers with a complicated family history. When they’re unexpectedly hired for the same surveillance job in a small town, they’re forced to work together and pose as a happily married couple to get close to their targets.
With a fake marriage, weeks of working side by side, and undeniable attraction, keeping their distance from each other isn’t exactly easy.
Between witty banter, forced proximity, and plenty of chaos, Sabrina and Lawton are complete opposites in every way, yet they make the perfect team—and maybe something more than that.
I loved the way this enemies-to-lovers romance was handled. Lawton was always there for Sabrina, even when he was supposed to hate her, and I loved seeing them support each other throughout the story. Watching Sabrina slowly open up to Lawton and Bobbi was one of my favorite parts of the book.
I couldn’t stop giggling and kicking my feet during some scenes, and the side characters were absolutely eccentric. Also, I’ll never look at candles the same way again 😂 (IYKYK).
As a Meredith Trapp fan, I 1000000% recommend Trigger Happy!
Tropes:
❤️🔥 Rivals to Frenemies to Lovers
❤️🔥 Assassins in a Small Town
❤️🔥 There’s Only One Bed
❤️🔥 Fake Marriage
❤️🔥 Type-A City Girl x Chaotic Cowboy
❤️🔥 Secrets and Lies
❤️🔥 Third-Act Betrayal
A huge thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC 🥹
🇮🇹:
Trigger Happy
Io sono senza parole!!! Questo è uno dei miei libri preferiti del mese e probabilmente entra direttamente nella mia top 5 dei romance letti quest’anno!
Meredith Trapp é una garanzia! Aspettavo un suo nuovo libro da tipo due anni e posso dire che l’attesa è stata assolutamente ripagata!!! Ora sono ufficialmente ossessionata da Sabrina e Lawton.
Non riuscivo a smettere di leggere, Trigger Happy mi ha tenuta incollata alle pagine dall’inizio alla fine. Non riuscivo a smettere di ridere in tantissime scene e la chimica tra Sabrina e Lawton? 🔥🔥🔥!!!
Trigger Happy segue la storia di Sabrina e Lawton, due sicari rivali con una complicata storia familiare alle spalle. Quando vengono assunti per lo stesso incarico di sorveglianza in una piccola cittadina, sono costretti a collaborare e a fingere di essere una coppia felicemente sposata per avvicinarsi ai loro obiettivi.
Tra fingere di essere sposati, settimane trascorse a lavorare fianco a fianco e un’attrazione impossibile da ignorare, mantenere le distanze diventa sempre più difficile.
Tra battute brillanti, forced proximity e una buona dose di caos, Sabrina e Lawton sono completamente agli opposti sotto ogni aspetto, eppure insieme formano una squadra perfetta… e forse qualcosa di più.
Ho adorato il modo in cui è stata sviluppata questa storia enemies to lovers. Lawton è sempre stato presente per Sabrina, anche quando avrebbe dovuto odiarla, e mi è piaciuto tantissimo vedere come entrambi si sostenessero a vicenda nel corso della storia. Inoltre, ho amato il percorso di Sabrina e il modo in cui si apre gradualmente con Lawton e Bobbi.
Ci sono state scene che mi hanno fatto ridere tantissimo, mentre i personaggi secondari sono semplicemente irresistibili nella loro eccentricità. E una cosa è certa: non guarderò mai più le candele allo stesso modo 😂 ( IYKYK ).
Da fan di Meredith Trapp, consiglio Trigger Happy al 1000000%!
Tropes:
❤️🔥 Rivals to Frenemies to Lovers
❤️🔥 Sicari in una piccola città
❤️🔥 There’s Only One Bed
❤️🔥 Matrimonio Finto
❤️🔥 Ragazza di città super organizzata × Cowboy caotico
❤️🔥 Segreti e Bugie
❤️🔥 Third-Act Betrayal
Un enorme grazie ad Atria Books e NetGalley per la copia ARC 🥹
Meredith Trapp did it again. I’ve been waiting for a new book from her for like 2 years, and it was definitely worth the wait!!! I’m officially obsessed with Sabrina and Lawton.
I couldn’t stop reading—Trigger Happy had me completely glued to the pages. I laughed out loud so many times, and the chemistry between Sabrina and Lawton? OMG!!!
Trigger Happy follows Sabrina and Lawton, two rival contract killers with a complicated family history. When they’re unexpectedly hired for the same surveillance job in a small town, they’re forced to work together and pose as a happily married couple to get close to their targets.
With a fake marriage, weeks of working side by side, and undeniable attraction, keeping their distance from each other isn’t exactly easy.
Between witty banter, forced proximity, and plenty of chaos, Sabrina and Lawton are complete opposites in every way, yet they make the perfect team—and maybe something more than that.
I loved the way this enemies-to-lovers romance was handled. Lawton was always there for Sabrina, even when he was supposed to hate her, and I loved seeing them support each other throughout the story. Watching Sabrina slowly open up to Lawton and Bobbi was one of my favorite parts of the book.
I couldn’t stop giggling and kicking my feet during some scenes, and the side characters were absolutely eccentric. Also, I’ll never look at candles the same way again 😂 (IYKYK).
As a Meredith Trapp fan, I 1000000% recommend Trigger Happy!
Tropes:
❤️🔥 Rivals to Frenemies to Lovers
❤️🔥 Assassins in a Small Town
❤️🔥 There’s Only One Bed
❤️🔥 Fake Marriage
❤️🔥 Type-A City Girl x Chaotic Cowboy
❤️🔥 Secrets and Lies
❤️🔥 Third-Act Betrayal
A huge thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC 🥹
🇮🇹:
Trigger Happy
Io sono senza parole!!! Questo è uno dei miei libri preferiti del mese e probabilmente entra direttamente nella mia top 5 dei romance letti quest’anno!
Meredith Trapp é una garanzia! Aspettavo un suo nuovo libro da tipo due anni e posso dire che l’attesa è stata assolutamente ripagata!!! Ora sono ufficialmente ossessionata da Sabrina e Lawton.
Non riuscivo a smettere di leggere, Trigger Happy mi ha tenuta incollata alle pagine dall’inizio alla fine. Non riuscivo a smettere di ridere in tantissime scene e la chimica tra Sabrina e Lawton? 🔥🔥🔥!!!
Trigger Happy segue la storia di Sabrina e Lawton, due sicari rivali con una complicata storia familiare alle spalle. Quando vengono assunti per lo stesso incarico di sorveglianza in una piccola cittadina, sono costretti a collaborare e a fingere di essere una coppia felicemente sposata per avvicinarsi ai loro obiettivi.
Tra fingere di essere sposati, settimane trascorse a lavorare fianco a fianco e un’attrazione impossibile da ignorare, mantenere le distanze diventa sempre più difficile.
Tra battute brillanti, forced proximity e una buona dose di caos, Sabrina e Lawton sono completamente agli opposti sotto ogni aspetto, eppure insieme formano una squadra perfetta… e forse qualcosa di più.
Ho adorato il modo in cui è stata sviluppata questa storia enemies to lovers. Lawton è sempre stato presente per Sabrina, anche quando avrebbe dovuto odiarla, e mi è piaciuto tantissimo vedere come entrambi si sostenessero a vicenda nel corso della storia. Inoltre, ho amato il percorso di Sabrina e il modo in cui si apre gradualmente con Lawton e Bobbi.
Ci sono state scene che mi hanno fatto ridere tantissimo, mentre i personaggi secondari sono semplicemente irresistibili nella loro eccentricità. E una cosa è certa: non guarderò mai più le candele allo stesso modo 😂 ( IYKYK ).
Da fan di Meredith Trapp, consiglio Trigger Happy al 1000000%!
Tropes:
❤️🔥 Rivals to Frenemies to Lovers
❤️🔥 Sicari in una piccola città
❤️🔥 There’s Only One Bed
❤️🔥 Matrimonio Finto
❤️🔥 Ragazza di città super organizzata × Cowboy caotico
❤️🔥 Segreti e Bugie
❤️🔥 Third-Act Betrayal
Un enorme grazie ad Atria Books e NetGalley per la copia ARC 🥹
June 26, 2026
The moment I started Trigger Happy, I immediately realized this was something a little different from Meredith Trapp, and I was so excited to see where she was going to take it. She absolutely delivered.
The banter between Lawton and Sabrina is top tier. Their conversations are witty, effortless, and had me smiling from the very beginning. Then I got Lawton's first POV, where he's drunk on limoncello talking to a pig named Carnitas, and I knew I was going to love him. Finding out he likes pumpkin spice lattes only made me adore him more. He's the definition of word vomit, and I mean that in the absolute best way possible. Every time he opened his mouth, I never knew what was going to come out next, and it made him such a fun character to follow.
Sabrina was just as enjoyable. I loved that underneath everything, she's a secret romantic who really just wants to be loved. Watching her and Lawton together was one of my favorite parts of the book because they're the perfect opposites-attract couple. Their chemistry is incredible, and the office tension between them is everything. Every interaction had me wanting more.
I also became completely invested in both the romance and the mystery. I needed to know what had happened with Walker just as much as I wanted to see Lawton and Sabrina figure out their relationship. This was one of those books where I kept telling myself I'd read one more chapter, and suddenly I was halfway through because I couldn't put it down.
The mystery kept me guessing the entire time. I found Arch suspicious almost immediately—although I wasn't completely convinced—and by Chapter 31, I had formed a full theory. I usually try not to make predictions while I'm reading, but this book had me theorizing anyway. The best part? I wasn't just wrong...I wasn't even in the ballpark. I genuinely loved being surprised.
One thing I especially appreciated was that alongside all the mystery and chaos, Lawton and Sabrina were also getting small glimpses of the normal life they both wanted beyond reconnaissance and contract work. Those quieter moments gave the romance even more heart and made me root for them even harder.
And then there was the shower scene. It immediately gave me the same vibes as the iconic shower scene in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, and I loved every second of it.
One of my favorite moments in the entire book was realizing that Sabrina had been protecting Lawton long before either of them fully acknowledged what was growing between them. That added so much emotional weight to their relationship and made their connection feel even more genuine.
The ending was fantastic. It wrapped up both the romance and the mystery in a way that left me completely satisfied while still wishing there was more. I wasn't ready to leave these characters behind.
If you're looking for a mystery romantic comedy with contract killers, an opposites-attract romance, a "he falls first" dynamic, laugh-out-loud banter, chaotic family dinners, and a mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end, Trigger Happy absolutely delivers.
I truly loved this book, and I can't wait to see what Meredith Trapp writes next.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The banter between Lawton and Sabrina is top tier. Their conversations are witty, effortless, and had me smiling from the very beginning. Then I got Lawton's first POV, where he's drunk on limoncello talking to a pig named Carnitas, and I knew I was going to love him. Finding out he likes pumpkin spice lattes only made me adore him more. He's the definition of word vomit, and I mean that in the absolute best way possible. Every time he opened his mouth, I never knew what was going to come out next, and it made him such a fun character to follow.
Sabrina was just as enjoyable. I loved that underneath everything, she's a secret romantic who really just wants to be loved. Watching her and Lawton together was one of my favorite parts of the book because they're the perfect opposites-attract couple. Their chemistry is incredible, and the office tension between them is everything. Every interaction had me wanting more.
I also became completely invested in both the romance and the mystery. I needed to know what had happened with Walker just as much as I wanted to see Lawton and Sabrina figure out their relationship. This was one of those books where I kept telling myself I'd read one more chapter, and suddenly I was halfway through because I couldn't put it down.
The mystery kept me guessing the entire time. I found Arch suspicious almost immediately—although I wasn't completely convinced—and by Chapter 31, I had formed a full theory. I usually try not to make predictions while I'm reading, but this book had me theorizing anyway. The best part? I wasn't just wrong...I wasn't even in the ballpark. I genuinely loved being surprised.
One thing I especially appreciated was that alongside all the mystery and chaos, Lawton and Sabrina were also getting small glimpses of the normal life they both wanted beyond reconnaissance and contract work. Those quieter moments gave the romance even more heart and made me root for them even harder.
And then there was the shower scene. It immediately gave me the same vibes as the iconic shower scene in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, and I loved every second of it.
One of my favorite moments in the entire book was realizing that Sabrina had been protecting Lawton long before either of them fully acknowledged what was growing between them. That added so much emotional weight to their relationship and made their connection feel even more genuine.
The ending was fantastic. It wrapped up both the romance and the mystery in a way that left me completely satisfied while still wishing there was more. I wasn't ready to leave these characters behind.
If you're looking for a mystery romantic comedy with contract killers, an opposites-attract romance, a "he falls first" dynamic, laugh-out-loud banter, chaotic family dinners, and a mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end, Trigger Happy absolutely delivers.
I truly loved this book, and I can't wait to see what Meredith Trapp writes next.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Trigger Happy • Meredith Trapp
One phrase: rival contract killers playing house 🔫💍
I genuinely cannot put into words how much I loved this book.
Trigger Happy was a one sitting, ignore every responsibility, “just one more chapter” kind of read. The second I finished, I wanted to erase my memory and experience it all over again.
Sabrina and Lawton were EVERYTHING.
She is a clever Manhattan darling with poison tipped manicures. He is a reckless cowboy who is not afraid to get his hands dirty. They have absolutely no business working together, let alone pretending to be happily married, and that is exactly what makes this book so much fun.
The banter?
Perfection.
Every interaction between them had me grinning, laughing, and fully obsessed. They despise each other in the most delicious way, and watching them trade threats while being forced into cozy small town couple activities was comedy gold.
Pumpkin patches. Horseback rides. Surveillance. Death threats. Fake marriage. Murdery chemistry.
What more could I possibly ask for?
But what really made this book work for me was how it balanced everything. It was hilarious, romantic, chaotic, and genuinely thrilling. The romance was so fun, but the suspense kept me fully locked in too.
And that plot twist???
EXCUSE ME.
I did not see it coming. Not even a little bit. I thought I knew where things were going, and this book happily proved me wrong.
Also, Bobbi and Arch deserve their moment because I loved them. Bobbi is completely unhinged, and honestly, that just made me love her more.
✨ Tropes and vibes:
🔫 rival contract killers
💍 fake marriage
🤠 cowboy MMC
🖤 enemies to lovers
🎃 cozy small town setting
😂 hilarious banter
👀 surveillance job
🔥 lethal chemistry
💥 plot twist chaos
🐴 horseback rides
🔪 murdery rom com energy
💞 forced proximity
📚 Read this if you like:
Rival assassins, fake dating or fake marriage chaos, cowboy romance with a dangerous twist, funny banter, small town setups, and books that are equal parts romantic, ridiculous, and thrilling.
This was funny, chaotic, romantic, twisty, and completely impossible to put down.
#TriggerHappy #MeredithTrapp #RomanticSuspense #CowboyRomance #BookReview @Atria
One phrase: rival contract killers playing house 🔫💍
I genuinely cannot put into words how much I loved this book.
Trigger Happy was a one sitting, ignore every responsibility, “just one more chapter” kind of read. The second I finished, I wanted to erase my memory and experience it all over again.
Sabrina and Lawton were EVERYTHING.
She is a clever Manhattan darling with poison tipped manicures. He is a reckless cowboy who is not afraid to get his hands dirty. They have absolutely no business working together, let alone pretending to be happily married, and that is exactly what makes this book so much fun.
The banter?
Perfection.
Every interaction between them had me grinning, laughing, and fully obsessed. They despise each other in the most delicious way, and watching them trade threats while being forced into cozy small town couple activities was comedy gold.
Pumpkin patches. Horseback rides. Surveillance. Death threats. Fake marriage. Murdery chemistry.
What more could I possibly ask for?
But what really made this book work for me was how it balanced everything. It was hilarious, romantic, chaotic, and genuinely thrilling. The romance was so fun, but the suspense kept me fully locked in too.
And that plot twist???
EXCUSE ME.
I did not see it coming. Not even a little bit. I thought I knew where things were going, and this book happily proved me wrong.
Also, Bobbi and Arch deserve their moment because I loved them. Bobbi is completely unhinged, and honestly, that just made me love her more.
✨ Tropes and vibes:
🔫 rival contract killers
💍 fake marriage
🤠 cowboy MMC
🖤 enemies to lovers
🎃 cozy small town setting
😂 hilarious banter
👀 surveillance job
🔥 lethal chemistry
💥 plot twist chaos
🐴 horseback rides
🔪 murdery rom com energy
💞 forced proximity
📚 Read this if you like:
Rival assassins, fake dating or fake marriage chaos, cowboy romance with a dangerous twist, funny banter, small town setups, and books that are equal parts romantic, ridiculous, and thrilling.
This was funny, chaotic, romantic, twisty, and completely impossible to put down.
#TriggerHappy #MeredithTrapp #RomanticSuspense #CowboyRomance #BookReview @Atria
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ALL THE STARS ALL THE STARS!!!!! I had SO much fun reading this book, oh my GOD!!!!
It's like Butcher & Blackbird but a little more lighthearted and with more enemies-to-lovers vibes because of the family rivalry. In other words, it had everything I love, everything I could ever want, and so it's no surprise that I literally already want to read it again.
I think what made this work so well, for me, was firstly the banter. Sabrina and Lawton's banter was so easy to sink into it. It didn't feel forced, like it was banter for banter's sake; instead it just really fit their characters. Lawton's a little bit of a rage baiter when it comes to Sabrina, and she's too stubborn to let him get the last word, so their arguments are a perfect example of verbal sparring.
Besides that, I honestly was hooked by the plot. Not just the romance or even the primary ass*ssin-plot but all the tension and secrets that hinted at even more below the surface. There were twists and turns and even when I thought I figured something out, I was pleasantly surprised to realize that there was more that I was still missing -- more that could still surprise me.
I also have to say -- 80% conflicts, especially when they're effectively third act breakups, STRESS ME OUT. BUT!!!! I think this one actually made a lot of sense and was handled in a way that, instead of stressing me out, had me just excited to see how things would get fixed. There was a lot that the characters had to reconcile with individually, and the way those stories played out made their eventual reunion that much sweeter. I also think that, lately, a lot of authors have written a lot of Down Bad MMCs with FMCs that are a little snarky and mean -- and while I love that dynamic, I also love when we see the black cat-esque FMC melt a little for the other person, and this book had that in spades. Lawton's love for Sabrina was more apparent and obvious -- he definitely fell first -- but Sabrina eventually matched that love in a really beautiful way. It felt like an even partnership, which was just so great to see.
Everyone needs to read this book!!!! So, so, SO much fun!
------------------
Thank you to Netgalley and Atria for the ARC!
It's like Butcher & Blackbird but a little more lighthearted and with more enemies-to-lovers vibes because of the family rivalry. In other words, it had everything I love, everything I could ever want, and so it's no surprise that I literally already want to read it again.
I think what made this work so well, for me, was firstly the banter. Sabrina and Lawton's banter was so easy to sink into it. It didn't feel forced, like it was banter for banter's sake; instead it just really fit their characters. Lawton's a little bit of a rage baiter when it comes to Sabrina, and she's too stubborn to let him get the last word, so their arguments are a perfect example of verbal sparring.
Besides that, I honestly was hooked by the plot. Not just the romance or even the primary ass*ssin-plot but all the tension and secrets that hinted at even more below the surface. There were twists and turns and even when I thought I figured something out, I was pleasantly surprised to realize that there was more that I was still missing -- more that could still surprise me.
I also have to say -- 80% conflicts, especially when they're effectively third act breakups, STRESS ME OUT. BUT!!!! I think this one actually made a lot of sense and was handled in a way that, instead of stressing me out, had me just excited to see how things would get fixed. There was a lot that the characters had to reconcile with individually, and the way those stories played out made their eventual reunion that much sweeter. I also think that, lately, a lot of authors have written a lot of Down Bad MMCs with FMCs that are a little snarky and mean -- and while I love that dynamic, I also love when we see the black cat-esque FMC melt a little for the other person, and this book had that in spades. Lawton's love for Sabrina was more apparent and obvious -- he definitely fell first -- but Sabrina eventually matched that love in a really beautiful way. It felt like an even partnership, which was just so great to see.
Everyone needs to read this book!!!! So, so, SO much fun!
------------------
Thank you to Netgalley and Atria for the ARC!
June 16, 2026
Trigger Happy was one of those books that hooked me right away and didn’t let go until I stayed up late to finish it. It’s packed with humour and heart and just enough intrigue to keep you guessing.
The mystery kept me engaged from start to finish, but the real draw was Sabrina and Lawton. They know each other far too well, spend most of the book trying not to acknowledge it, and their personalities bounce off each other in a way that made every conversation entertaining. Sabrina is guarded and hyper-prepared because she’s spent her life believing she can only rely on herself. Lawton tends to charge headfirst into situations, trusting he’ll figure things out along the way. What I liked was that those differences weren’t just there for banter. They reflected the ways both characters were coping with loneliness, grief, and the fear of needing other people.
Underneath all the humour, the book has a surprising amount of heart. Sabrina desperately wants connection but struggles to trust it when she finds it. Lawton is still trying to figure out who he is after losing his brother and losing some of his confidence along with him. Neither arc felt overly dramatic, but both felt grounded enough that I found myself invested in them as people rather than just as a couple.
I also appreciated that the book never lost its sense of humour. Even when things got darker, the jokes felt like they came from the characters rather than the author trying to force a funny moment. The tone stayed remarkably consistent, which made it easy to settle into the story and trust where it was going.
My only real complaint is that I wanted a little more time with the emotional payoff near the end. I completely bought the chemistry, the history, and the years of unresolved feelings. I just wanted to sit with that a little longer before everyone started saying the quiet parts out loud.
Overall, I had a great time with this one. It’s funny, heartfelt, and packed with characters I genuinely enjoyed spending time with. More than anything, it reminded me how much fun it is to get completely pulled into a story and not want to put it down.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a copy of this book.
The mystery kept me engaged from start to finish, but the real draw was Sabrina and Lawton. They know each other far too well, spend most of the book trying not to acknowledge it, and their personalities bounce off each other in a way that made every conversation entertaining. Sabrina is guarded and hyper-prepared because she’s spent her life believing she can only rely on herself. Lawton tends to charge headfirst into situations, trusting he’ll figure things out along the way. What I liked was that those differences weren’t just there for banter. They reflected the ways both characters were coping with loneliness, grief, and the fear of needing other people.
Underneath all the humour, the book has a surprising amount of heart. Sabrina desperately wants connection but struggles to trust it when she finds it. Lawton is still trying to figure out who he is after losing his brother and losing some of his confidence along with him. Neither arc felt overly dramatic, but both felt grounded enough that I found myself invested in them as people rather than just as a couple.
I also appreciated that the book never lost its sense of humour. Even when things got darker, the jokes felt like they came from the characters rather than the author trying to force a funny moment. The tone stayed remarkably consistent, which made it easy to settle into the story and trust where it was going.
My only real complaint is that I wanted a little more time with the emotional payoff near the end. I completely bought the chemistry, the history, and the years of unresolved feelings. I just wanted to sit with that a little longer before everyone started saying the quiet parts out loud.
Overall, I had a great time with this one. It’s funny, heartfelt, and packed with characters I genuinely enjoyed spending time with. More than anything, it reminded me how much fun it is to get completely pulled into a story and not want to put it down.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Dare I say Trigger Happy cemented my love for dark Rom Coms?
Thank you Netgalley, Meredith Trapp and Atria books for the advanced reader copy of Trigger Happy.
What to Expect
☕ Rivals to Frenemies to Lovers
☕ Unalivers in a small town
☕ Only One Bed
☕ He takes care of her
☕ Fake marriage x hidden identity
☕ Type-A city girl x Chaotic Cowboy
☕ Secrets and Lies
☕ Forbidden Romance
Sabrina and Lawton are a match made in misery. Sabrina is a clever Manhattan contract killer with a taste for manicures and the finer things in life. Lawton is a reckless cowboy killer who uses pigs for clean-up duty. As sworn rivals, they are more than surprised when they are accidentally hired for the same surveillance gig in Wyoming town. To get close to their targets, Lawton and Sabrina pretend to be a happily married couple navigating pumpkin patches and horseback rides to get closer to their target. Trigger Happy is packed with forced-proximity tension, banter, and high stakes, leaving you to wonder if they’ll survive the setup or kill their chance at something real before they make it out alive.
First off, I saw a Meredith Trapp book on Netgalley and requested it without reading the description. The cover kind of seemed similar to Homebound, so I figured a series type of deal. I couldn't have been more wrong (but I’m so happy I was.)
Lawton. The man you are. You’ve cemented yourself on my permanent book boyfriend list. No regrets. The wit, the humor, and the banter. Unmatched.
Sabrina matched Lawton step for step. But also her OCD and preparedness was so relatable. Type-A girlies unite. It was so easy to relate with her even though you know she’s a professional unaliver.
I had so much fun reading this book. It was very heavy on the “com”. I laughed so much while reading this book. I’m also notoriously a wimp when it comes to thriller and mystery books, but this was the perfect amount of suspense without sending me into an anxiety induced spiral.
If you’re a fan of a spicy little rom com with little mystery, a little suspense, a lot of banter, and a MMC who is down bad this book is exactly what you’re looking for.
Thank you Netgalley, Meredith Trapp and Atria books for the advanced reader copy of Trigger Happy.
What to Expect
☕ Rivals to Frenemies to Lovers
☕ Unalivers in a small town
☕ Only One Bed
☕ He takes care of her
☕ Fake marriage x hidden identity
☕ Type-A city girl x Chaotic Cowboy
☕ Secrets and Lies
☕ Forbidden Romance
Sabrina and Lawton are a match made in misery. Sabrina is a clever Manhattan contract killer with a taste for manicures and the finer things in life. Lawton is a reckless cowboy killer who uses pigs for clean-up duty. As sworn rivals, they are more than surprised when they are accidentally hired for the same surveillance gig in Wyoming town. To get close to their targets, Lawton and Sabrina pretend to be a happily married couple navigating pumpkin patches and horseback rides to get closer to their target. Trigger Happy is packed with forced-proximity tension, banter, and high stakes, leaving you to wonder if they’ll survive the setup or kill their chance at something real before they make it out alive.
First off, I saw a Meredith Trapp book on Netgalley and requested it without reading the description. The cover kind of seemed similar to Homebound, so I figured a series type of deal. I couldn't have been more wrong (but I’m so happy I was.)
Lawton. The man you are. You’ve cemented yourself on my permanent book boyfriend list. No regrets. The wit, the humor, and the banter. Unmatched.
Sabrina matched Lawton step for step. But also her OCD and preparedness was so relatable. Type-A girlies unite. It was so easy to relate with her even though you know she’s a professional unaliver.
I had so much fun reading this book. It was very heavy on the “com”. I laughed so much while reading this book. I’m also notoriously a wimp when it comes to thriller and mystery books, but this was the perfect amount of suspense without sending me into an anxiety induced spiral.
If you’re a fan of a spicy little rom com with little mystery, a little suspense, a lot of banter, and a MMC who is down bad this book is exactly what you’re looking for.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 stars
note: review 1.0, edits coming!
Either Meredith Trapp is a serial killer herself or possesses the most out-of-context search history ever. "How to melt a body and put it in arsenic" and such. You know, the good old things.
This book was just so... funny. Hilarious, almost. Some of the things that happened were so fucking ridiculous... like candles? Really? How the hell does one even think of some of this?
Obviously, we need to thank the author's wildly fascinating brain because the product was captivating. The mystery in this book probably took one-upped the romance, creating an, in true English fashion, ominous atmosphere that is rarely found in a pure romance. The plot twists were few and far between, making the true definition of "quality over quantity". I particularly loved the cross between these cutesy love moments that had such a great impact towards the solving of the mystery. Nothing like falling in love while figuring out shit, yeah?
The final mystery conclusion was such a brilliant moment because it satisfied all the seeming plot holes. The story came in a full circle and, well, the reader got answers.
The chemistry between characters was certainly there. It was positively sizzling in a manner that made my omelet jealous, and their friendship dynamic was just so funny to see. Hell, all the friendships in this book were lovely and I can't fucking wait to see the next one.
My primary issue with this book was the coincidences. The climax just so happened to have the perfect conditions for Sabrina to work her magic. Which is fine ONCE, even if the chances are lower than my dream of winning the Powerball. But, there's no fucking way that the timing is that perfect AGAIN two chapters later, ??? How is the luck so perfectly on their side?
also i fucking hate the mother can we please address how they never addressed that
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
note: review 1.0, edits coming!
Either Meredith Trapp is a serial killer herself or possesses the most out-of-context search history ever. "How to melt a body and put it in arsenic" and such. You know, the good old things.
This book was just so... funny. Hilarious, almost. Some of the things that happened were so fucking ridiculous... like candles? Really? How the hell does one even think of some of this?
Obviously, we need to thank the author's wildly fascinating brain because the product was captivating. The mystery in this book probably took one-upped the romance, creating an, in true English fashion, ominous atmosphere that is rarely found in a pure romance. The plot twists were few and far between, making the true definition of "quality over quantity". I particularly loved the cross between these cutesy love moments that had such a great impact towards the solving of the mystery. Nothing like falling in love while figuring out shit, yeah?
The final mystery conclusion was such a brilliant moment because it satisfied all the seeming plot holes. The story came in a full circle and, well, the reader got answers.
The chemistry between characters was certainly there. It was positively sizzling in a manner that made my omelet jealous, and their friendship dynamic was just so funny to see. Hell, all the friendships in this book were lovely and I can't fucking wait to see the next one.
My primary issue with this book was the coincidences. The climax just so happened to have the perfect conditions for Sabrina to work her magic. Which is fine ONCE, even if the chances are lower than my dream of winning the Powerball. But, there's no fucking way that the timing is that perfect AGAIN two chapters later, ??? How is the luck so perfectly on their side?
also i fucking hate the mother can we please address how they never addressed that
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
June 22, 2026
Trigger happy 😃 4-4.5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ .5
Honestly, I ate this up. I thought it was a cowboy/ ranch story. It’s actually about two contract life Enders from rival families. Sabrina and Lawton get hired on a partner job, and soon see it’s a paired job. They’re living on an idealistic farm in a barn that is of course with one bed. After tracking who they believe is an idealistic couple, the lines begin to blur for a couple who has always had difficulties with trust.
The closest I can compare this to is butcher and blackbird— but honestly it’s funny and not nearly as gory. Lawton is absolutely delicious. Who doesn’t love a man who drops the my wife bomb at every chance after riding the bull for the full eight seconds? It’s delicious. His family owns a ranch, so he is good with his hands 🙌. Sabrina is of course the girl who always has a plan. A-z. And let’s be honest, the girl with the plan has never had her back covered until Lawton .
The twist was a bit unexpected for sure!! And the town is adorable. Not to mention Bobbi is a great side character and her own partner in crime Arch.
This is a fun romance with a twist, and once I got over the initial beginning I ran with it. For some reason, at the start — I wasn’t instantly hooked. But by the time we were at fall festivals and horse rides I was alllll in. And who doesn’t love a fake dating/ marriage trope!
Here’s hoping for Bobbi’s story in book two!! I’m definitely going to be reading 😊 📚
Thank you to NetGalley, Meredith Trapp, Atria Books and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review!
P.S. I’m always impressed by author’s notes when they mention writing pregnant or freshly postpartum. It’s incredible how something like this can come from a stressed out body and mind! It’s brilliant and women rock!
Honestly, I ate this up. I thought it was a cowboy/ ranch story. It’s actually about two contract life Enders from rival families. Sabrina and Lawton get hired on a partner job, and soon see it’s a paired job. They’re living on an idealistic farm in a barn that is of course with one bed. After tracking who they believe is an idealistic couple, the lines begin to blur for a couple who has always had difficulties with trust.
The closest I can compare this to is butcher and blackbird— but honestly it’s funny and not nearly as gory. Lawton is absolutely delicious. Who doesn’t love a man who drops the my wife bomb at every chance after riding the bull for the full eight seconds? It’s delicious. His family owns a ranch, so he is good with his hands 🙌. Sabrina is of course the girl who always has a plan. A-z. And let’s be honest, the girl with the plan has never had her back covered until Lawton .
The twist was a bit unexpected for sure!! And the town is adorable. Not to mention Bobbi is a great side character and her own partner in crime Arch.
This is a fun romance with a twist, and once I got over the initial beginning I ran with it. For some reason, at the start — I wasn’t instantly hooked. But by the time we were at fall festivals and horse rides I was alllll in. And who doesn’t love a fake dating/ marriage trope!
Here’s hoping for Bobbi’s story in book two!! I’m definitely going to be reading 😊 📚
Thank you to NetGalley, Meredith Trapp, Atria Books and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review!
P.S. I’m always impressed by author’s notes when they mention writing pregnant or freshly postpartum. It’s incredible how something like this can come from a stressed out body and mind! It’s brilliant and women rock!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
✨Obsessed✨ is beyond an understatement of this read. It was my first book from Meredith Trapp and I want to read more from her. PLUS, her cover art is from one of my favorite artists which made me INSTANTLY want to read. It just completes them SO WELL 💖💖
This book was a blast from the first page to the last. We have Sabrina & Lawton right from the beginning who happen to be from enemy families who have some major history that fuels the fire between the two. We instantly can feel the heat and tension between them two while they argued. 😍 They are both contracted assassins who happen to run into each other QUITE frequently. Especially when they get a job where they both have to work together to obtain information on a client and their spouse. The rest is history from there. 🔥
THIS BOOK WAS ELECTRIFYING in a way that kept me WANTING MORE. I didn't know much going in and I'm glad that I was accepted to read it. The forced proximity and banter between these two, you could CUT IT WITH A KNIFE and just kept making me kick my feet. Sabrina did so much to keep her feelings away while Lawton knew he shouldn't like her but he couldn't help push her buttons.
THEN, that ending, that was a new one for me. I NEVER saw that coming. It was like a romantic cowboy comedy with mystery mixed in with some suspense that made me wanting more. I definitely want to read more books that have these vibes because this WAS A VIBE. 🔥🔥
If you love forced proximity, enemies to lovers, one bed, fake marriage and BANTER, then you will LOVE THIS BOOK! I am not just saying that, you will love this story. I mean, I did :P
Thank you NetGalley & Atria Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. This review is all my own.
Tropes:
🤠Enemies to Lovers
🔪Dual POV
🤠 Fake Marriage
🔪Forced Proximity
🤠One Bed
🔪Contracted Assassins/Killers
This book was a blast from the first page to the last. We have Sabrina & Lawton right from the beginning who happen to be from enemy families who have some major history that fuels the fire between the two. We instantly can feel the heat and tension between them two while they argued. 😍 They are both contracted assassins who happen to run into each other QUITE frequently. Especially when they get a job where they both have to work together to obtain information on a client and their spouse. The rest is history from there. 🔥
THIS BOOK WAS ELECTRIFYING in a way that kept me WANTING MORE. I didn't know much going in and I'm glad that I was accepted to read it. The forced proximity and banter between these two, you could CUT IT WITH A KNIFE and just kept making me kick my feet. Sabrina did so much to keep her feelings away while Lawton knew he shouldn't like her but he couldn't help push her buttons.
THEN, that ending, that was a new one for me. I NEVER saw that coming. It was like a romantic cowboy comedy with mystery mixed in with some suspense that made me wanting more. I definitely want to read more books that have these vibes because this WAS A VIBE. 🔥🔥
If you love forced proximity, enemies to lovers, one bed, fake marriage and BANTER, then you will LOVE THIS BOOK! I am not just saying that, you will love this story. I mean, I did :P
Thank you NetGalley & Atria Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. This review is all my own.
Tropes:
🤠Enemies to Lovers
🔪Dual POV
🤠 Fake Marriage
🔪Forced Proximity
🤠One Bed
🔪Contracted Assassins/Killers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I didn't really care for Homebound, but I knew I had to give this book a chance. First of all, that cover is absolutely GORGEOUS, and second, the premise sounded so unique and way more up my alley. I am not a huge fan of cowboy romances but I would say this is not exactly in that ballpark at all, in a very good way.
I was expecting more of a cowboy romance. There are definitely some cowboy elements, but that's not really what this book is. Instead, it's enemies to lovers with rival contract killers, forced proximity, fake marriage, and some surprisingly dark rom com vibes. And I loved that so much more than I expected.
Sabrina and Lawton are actual enemies with legitimate reasons to hate each other, which made the tension so much better. None of that fake enemies to lovers nonsense where they have one minor misunderstanding and suddenly they're "enemies". Their issues are real, serious, and meaningful, but they still have to work together and pretend to be happily married if they want to survive this job.
The chemistry was fantastic, the banter was so much fun, and I loved watching them slowly lower their guards around each other. And THE CANDLE SCENE. Oh my goodness. I was horrified, fascinated, and completely obsessed all at the same time.
This book was such a pleasant surprise for me, especially after not loving Homebound. It's funny, chaotic, dark, romantic, and just completely ridiculous in the best way. I honestly think this direction works so well and much better for Meredith Trapp. It felt fresh, different, and way more memorable than her previous book. If she keeps writing books like this, I'll absolutely keep reading them!
Thank you to NetGalley, Meredith Trapp, and Atria Books for the eARC of this book.
I was expecting more of a cowboy romance. There are definitely some cowboy elements, but that's not really what this book is. Instead, it's enemies to lovers with rival contract killers, forced proximity, fake marriage, and some surprisingly dark rom com vibes. And I loved that so much more than I expected.
Sabrina and Lawton are actual enemies with legitimate reasons to hate each other, which made the tension so much better. None of that fake enemies to lovers nonsense where they have one minor misunderstanding and suddenly they're "enemies". Their issues are real, serious, and meaningful, but they still have to work together and pretend to be happily married if they want to survive this job.
The chemistry was fantastic, the banter was so much fun, and I loved watching them slowly lower their guards around each other. And THE CANDLE SCENE. Oh my goodness. I was horrified, fascinated, and completely obsessed all at the same time.
This book was such a pleasant surprise for me, especially after not loving Homebound. It's funny, chaotic, dark, romantic, and just completely ridiculous in the best way. I honestly think this direction works so well and much better for Meredith Trapp. It felt fresh, different, and way more memorable than her previous book. If she keeps writing books like this, I'll absolutely keep reading them!
Thank you to NetGalley, Meredith Trapp, and Atria Books for the eARC of this book.
June 25, 2026
Thank you, Netgalley, and Atria Books, for the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts!
Sabrina and Lawton are enemies and have nothing in common. Well, unless you count the fact that they both unalive people for a living. Sabrina and Lawton can’t stand each other because of what happened two years ago between their families. While Sabrina tries to keep her distance from Lawton, he keeps popping up wherever she goes on a job, until they end up on the same assignment together. Now, they must pretend to be a happy, loving couple while trying to surveillance a couple who has a hidden past. But the more time they spend together, the harder it is to deny their growing connection to one another. Will they be able to work together or end up killing each other in the process?
I adored Sabrina and Lawton! They were so funny, and I loved their banter. Sabrina was quick on her feet and never let Lawton have the last word. She’s fiesty and knows what she wants, and wouldn’t let a man get in the way of that. I loved Lawton and his slutty cowboy hat, but I mean, who doesn’t love a cowboy? And while Lawton is yearning for Sabrina and doesn’t want to admit it, I loved it when they were finally able to let their walls down and talk and confide in each other.
I loved the pacing in this book, and I honestly finished it so quickly because I couldn’t put it down. Both their families hate each other, but I love that, in the end, they can make it work. There was a ton of action in this book, and you will never be bored. The scenes don’t linger long, and the story moves at a good pace. You never know where the story will go, but you will be on the edge of your seat, wondering what the heck is up with this couple they were keeping tabs on.
Overall, I loved this story and couldn’t get enough! 5/5 stars!
Sabrina and Lawton are enemies and have nothing in common. Well, unless you count the fact that they both unalive people for a living. Sabrina and Lawton can’t stand each other because of what happened two years ago between their families. While Sabrina tries to keep her distance from Lawton, he keeps popping up wherever she goes on a job, until they end up on the same assignment together. Now, they must pretend to be a happy, loving couple while trying to surveillance a couple who has a hidden past. But the more time they spend together, the harder it is to deny their growing connection to one another. Will they be able to work together or end up killing each other in the process?
I adored Sabrina and Lawton! They were so funny, and I loved their banter. Sabrina was quick on her feet and never let Lawton have the last word. She’s fiesty and knows what she wants, and wouldn’t let a man get in the way of that. I loved Lawton and his slutty cowboy hat, but I mean, who doesn’t love a cowboy? And while Lawton is yearning for Sabrina and doesn’t want to admit it, I loved it when they were finally able to let their walls down and talk and confide in each other.
I loved the pacing in this book, and I honestly finished it so quickly because I couldn’t put it down. Both their families hate each other, but I love that, in the end, they can make it work. There was a ton of action in this book, and you will never be bored. The scenes don’t linger long, and the story moves at a good pace. You never know where the story will go, but you will be on the edge of your seat, wondering what the heck is up with this couple they were keeping tabs on.
Overall, I loved this story and couldn’t get enough! 5/5 stars!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC REVIEW
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity of becoming an ARC reader for this book.
F Firstly, this book was pure genius! I couldn’t put it down. I felt like my work breaks and small downtime I had dedicated to this book wasn’t enough time. I just wanted to keep reading. I feel in love with their sarcasm, banter, chemistry, sexual tension, and both characters themselves.
Sabrina and Lawton are both contract killers and hired to recon on two targets. Little did they know they both applied for the same job. Which things escalated quickly. Sabrina, the one always with a plan a-z, and Lawton, the type of man who goes with the flow. You can just imagine how good this plays out.
If you’re looking for:
- [ ] Small-town romance
- [ ] Country western
- [ ] Rivalry to lovers
- [ ] Murder mystery
- [ ] One bed
- [ ] Dark humour
- [ ] Banter like no other
- [ ] Family drama
- [ ] Found friendship
This is a book for you. Fast pace, never-ending sarcasm, and quick banter. Plot twist like no other and dark humour (candles).
Favourite quotes/moments:
“When a man pushes into you as slow as he can, just ’cause he wants to hear you begging for him.” My god. A quiet moan slips free,”
“You okay there, darlin’?”
“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you looked a little wooed.”
“Because September is mating season.” “And you think a bulletproof vest will attract a mate?”
“You didn’t ask.” Is she serious? “We need to work on your friendship skills.” I pull out my phone and look up the next flight to Texas, but there’s no service out here. I’ll book a flight when we get back. “I really didn’t want to bury her alone, but we’re done now, so you can put on your groveling shoes and go get your man,”
Spice 🌶️🌶️
Stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity of becoming an ARC reader for this book.
F Firstly, this book was pure genius! I couldn’t put it down. I felt like my work breaks and small downtime I had dedicated to this book wasn’t enough time. I just wanted to keep reading. I feel in love with their sarcasm, banter, chemistry, sexual tension, and both characters themselves.
Sabrina and Lawton are both contract killers and hired to recon on two targets. Little did they know they both applied for the same job. Which things escalated quickly. Sabrina, the one always with a plan a-z, and Lawton, the type of man who goes with the flow. You can just imagine how good this plays out.
If you’re looking for:
- [ ] Small-town romance
- [ ] Country western
- [ ] Rivalry to lovers
- [ ] Murder mystery
- [ ] One bed
- [ ] Dark humour
- [ ] Banter like no other
- [ ] Family drama
- [ ] Found friendship
This is a book for you. Fast pace, never-ending sarcasm, and quick banter. Plot twist like no other and dark humour (candles).
Favourite quotes/moments:
“When a man pushes into you as slow as he can, just ’cause he wants to hear you begging for him.” My god. A quiet moan slips free,”
“You okay there, darlin’?”
“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you looked a little wooed.”
“Because September is mating season.” “And you think a bulletproof vest will attract a mate?”
“You didn’t ask.” Is she serious? “We need to work on your friendship skills.” I pull out my phone and look up the next flight to Texas, but there’s no service out here. I’ll book a flight when we get back. “I really didn’t want to bury her alone, but we’re done now, so you can put on your groveling shoes and go get your man,”
Spice 🌶️🌶️
Stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was an easy 5 star read for me!
I went into this book expecting a fun romantic suspense, but I wasn't prepared for how completely hooked I would be. I absolutely flew through it. In fact, I was so invested in finding out what happened next that I didn't even take my usual review notes along the way!
Trigger Happy delivers so many of my favorite tropes enemies to lovers, forced proximity, fake marriage, one bed, small town ranch vibes, slow burn, tension, and plenty of suspense. The chemistry between Sabrina and Lawton was fantastic from the start. The banter was sharp, the tension was delicious, and I loved watching two people who clearly drove each other crazy get thrown together on the same job.
What really surprised me was how funny this book was. It has plenty of action and suspense, but there were so many moments that genuinely made me laugh. It almost felt like a dark rom com at times, which made it such a fun reading experience. Lawton was the perfect mix of protective and funny, and even his mom managed to steal scenes throughout the story.
The mystery kept me guessing the entire time. Every time I thought I had things figured out, the story managed to surprise me. I was completely invested from beginning to end and found myself reading this in one day!
The romance is definitely more slow burn than spicy, but I thought it worked perfectly for the story. The spice that was there felt well earned and fit the characters.
I also loved the side characters! I would happily read more stories set in this world. Everything about this book was entertaining, engaging, and incredibly easy to get lost in.
This was an easy 5 star read for me!
I went into this book expecting a fun romantic suspense, but I wasn't prepared for how completely hooked I would be. I absolutely flew through it. In fact, I was so invested in finding out what happened next that I didn't even take my usual review notes along the way!
Trigger Happy delivers so many of my favorite tropes enemies to lovers, forced proximity, fake marriage, one bed, small town ranch vibes, slow burn, tension, and plenty of suspense. The chemistry between Sabrina and Lawton was fantastic from the start. The banter was sharp, the tension was delicious, and I loved watching two people who clearly drove each other crazy get thrown together on the same job.
What really surprised me was how funny this book was. It has plenty of action and suspense, but there were so many moments that genuinely made me laugh. It almost felt like a dark rom com at times, which made it such a fun reading experience. Lawton was the perfect mix of protective and funny, and even his mom managed to steal scenes throughout the story.
The mystery kept me guessing the entire time. Every time I thought I had things figured out, the story managed to surprise me. I was completely invested from beginning to end and found myself reading this in one day!
The romance is definitely more slow burn than spicy, but I thought it worked perfectly for the story. The spice that was there felt well earned and fit the characters.
I also loved the side characters! I would happily read more stories set in this world. Everything about this book was entertaining, engaging, and incredibly easy to get lost in.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
There are not enough words in the English language to fully describe how much I adored Trigger Happy. The tension between Sabrina and Lawton is incredible, and when combined with the chaos of their experience together, it was impossible to put down. I never thought a book about two professional… unalivers would hook me the way it did, but I was completely invested both in their romance and the dynamic that comes with their shared profession.
Trigger Happy is rivals-to-lovers at its very finest. From the moment Lawton is introduced, it was clear that their chemistry was just underneath the surface of their banter and hatred. Both Sabrina and Lawton were so compelling as individuals, and I was so curious about their individual stories and seeing those play out. Their familial ties only complicate matters, which was wildly entertaining as well.
Meredith Trapp’s book Homebound was one of my favorites from last year, and getting to early read Trigger Happy is genuinely SO exciting for me. I cannot say enough good things about this book and how wildly entertained I was. This book is a MUST read when it comes out in October and trust me- you don’t want to miss it!
Thank you to Atria Books and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for the opportunity to read and review this book! I received a free advance copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Trigger Happy is rivals-to-lovers at its very finest. From the moment Lawton is introduced, it was clear that their chemistry was just underneath the surface of their banter and hatred. Both Sabrina and Lawton were so compelling as individuals, and I was so curious about their individual stories and seeing those play out. Their familial ties only complicate matters, which was wildly entertaining as well.
Meredith Trapp’s book Homebound was one of my favorites from last year, and getting to early read Trigger Happy is genuinely SO exciting for me. I cannot say enough good things about this book and how wildly entertained I was. This book is a MUST read when it comes out in October and trust me- you don’t want to miss it!
Thank you to Atria Books and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for the opportunity to read and review this book! I received a free advance copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
June 25, 2026
- eARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review -
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Trigger Happy is like if Butcher and Blackbird met Romeo and Juliet. The banter, spice, and ALL AROUND CHEMISTRY(!!!) between Lawton and Sabrina had me giggling and kicking my feet. Despite being in the same profession as Sabrina, Lawton could not have been more different, whereas Sabrina plans from A-Z, Lawton is much more spontaneous, in which his actions require very little thought prior. Despite being so different at the beginning of the story, both characters seemingly balance each other throughout, making them the perfect team.
This story was the easiest 5 stars until around the last 50ish pages, when the climax begins. The resolutions between Bobbi/Arch and Sabrina/Lawton, as well as Lawton/Sabrina felt incredibly rushed and chaotic. Everyone was instantly forgiven for all of their deception and wrongdoings, and a very long feud between the families seemingly ends with no true settlement.
With that being said, I. AM. OBSESSED. A stabby, semi-dark romcom (with an emphasis on the ‘com’ - I found myself audibly LOLing throughout), this story had me hooked from the beginning, leading to me finishing it in just one sitting, and wanting so much more (maybe even a novella for Bobbi and Arch???).
Thank you NetGalley and Atria!
Notable Tropes:
Forced Proximity
Fake Marriage of Convenience
One Bed
Enemies to Lovers
Slow Burn
He YEARNS
Opposites Attract
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Trigger Happy is like if Butcher and Blackbird met Romeo and Juliet. The banter, spice, and ALL AROUND CHEMISTRY(!!!) between Lawton and Sabrina had me giggling and kicking my feet. Despite being in the same profession as Sabrina, Lawton could not have been more different, whereas Sabrina plans from A-Z, Lawton is much more spontaneous, in which his actions require very little thought prior. Despite being so different at the beginning of the story, both characters seemingly balance each other throughout, making them the perfect team.
This story was the easiest 5 stars until around the last 50ish pages, when the climax begins. The resolutions between Bobbi/Arch and Sabrina/Lawton, as well as Lawton/Sabrina felt incredibly rushed and chaotic. Everyone was instantly forgiven for all of their deception and wrongdoings, and a very long feud between the families seemingly ends with no true settlement.
With that being said, I. AM. OBSESSED. A stabby, semi-dark romcom (with an emphasis on the ‘com’ - I found myself audibly LOLing throughout), this story had me hooked from the beginning, leading to me finishing it in just one sitting, and wanting so much more (maybe even a novella for Bobbi and Arch???).
Thank you NetGalley and Atria!
Notable Tropes:
Forced Proximity
Fake Marriage of Convenience
One Bed
Enemies to Lovers
Slow Burn
He YEARNS
Opposites Attract
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
✨ ARC Review ✨
Rival hitmen + fake marriage + only one bed? Say less. 🤫 A small-town country rom-com... 🤠🔫 Trust me, y'all ain't ready for Sabrina and Lawton!
I don't think I can even express how much I loved this book.
In this book, you have a fake marriage, a rom-com vibe, two rival hitmen, deep secrets, only one bed, and, of course, falling in love. Sabrina and Lawton are the perfect opposites attract couple! You have Sabrina, who is organized and always has extra backup plans, and Lawton, who is a go with the flow kind of guy.
Lawton also remembers everything about Sabrina including the first time they met! 😍
You truly felt the enemies to lovers tension with some attraction right from the beginning, and I adored all the teasing banter between them throughout the book and watching is grow into more. The pacing was done perfectly. I never felt bored and was always thinking, "just one more chapter."
Now, the plot twist??? I was completely blindsided!
And Bobbi and Arch? I loved how unhinged Bobbi is, and they were the perfect side characters.
Now, the third-act breakup? Let me tell you, it WORKS. This breakup actually makes sense, and do not let that deter you from reading this! Trust me!!
I adore the ending and what Lawton does for Sabrina, and the last chapter was very fitting for the two families since they are all assassins.
I'm very jealous of everyone who gets to read this for the first time. It felt so refreshing to have a small-town, country book with humor, chaos, suspense, and mystery in it.
Thank you for Netgalley, Meredith and the publisher this ARC 💜
💬 Favourite Quotes
"Who knew killer Barbie had feelings?"
"Because love means sitting in life's darkest moments without forcing someone to turn the light on."
"Failures end up dead, but you made it out with scars. I'd call that a win."
""She said she hated jalapeño poppers too, but then I made her try one," he says. "Now we can’t do a Sunday night dinner without them."
"Are you comparing me to a jalapeño popper?"
"Damn right I am," he says. "You’re hot, spicy, and dangerously addicting. That’s a top-tier compliment.""
Rival hitmen + fake marriage + only one bed? Say less. 🤫 A small-town country rom-com... 🤠🔫 Trust me, y'all ain't ready for Sabrina and Lawton!
I don't think I can even express how much I loved this book.
In this book, you have a fake marriage, a rom-com vibe, two rival hitmen, deep secrets, only one bed, and, of course, falling in love. Sabrina and Lawton are the perfect opposites attract couple! You have Sabrina, who is organized and always has extra backup plans, and Lawton, who is a go with the flow kind of guy.
Lawton also remembers everything about Sabrina including the first time they met! 😍
You truly felt the enemies to lovers tension with some attraction right from the beginning, and I adored all the teasing banter between them throughout the book and watching is grow into more. The pacing was done perfectly. I never felt bored and was always thinking, "just one more chapter."
Now, the plot twist??? I was completely blindsided!
And Bobbi and Arch? I loved how unhinged Bobbi is, and they were the perfect side characters.
Now, the third-act breakup? Let me tell you, it WORKS. This breakup actually makes sense, and do not let that deter you from reading this! Trust me!!
I adore the ending and what Lawton does for Sabrina, and the last chapter was very fitting for the two families since they are all assassins.
I'm very jealous of everyone who gets to read this for the first time. It felt so refreshing to have a small-town, country book with humor, chaos, suspense, and mystery in it.
Thank you for Netgalley, Meredith and the publisher this ARC 💜
💬 Favourite Quotes
"Who knew killer Barbie had feelings?"
"Because love means sitting in life's darkest moments without forcing someone to turn the light on."
"Failures end up dead, but you made it out with scars. I'd call that a win."
""She said she hated jalapeño poppers too, but then I made her try one," he says. "Now we can’t do a Sunday night dinner without them."
"Are you comparing me to a jalapeño popper?"
"Damn right I am," he says. "You’re hot, spicy, and dangerously addicting. That’s a top-tier compliment.""
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