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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
3 books869 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 368 reviews
July 29, 2026
This rom-com between two contract killers is guaranteed to keep your eyes glued to the page while you are in hysterics over Sabrina and Lawton’s banter.
This book was honestly more fun than I’ve had in a long time. It hit all the right spots that I need for a tension-filled mystery *and* romance.
🔫 tropes:
* Opposites attract
* Enemies to Lovers
* One bed
* Pretend marriage
* Reverse grumpy x sunshine
The first thing that stood out to me right from the very first page, was the banter. Sabrina and Lawton were absolutely *hilarious* together. They were the epitome of opposites attract. Sabrina was a girl with a plan A, B, and C. And Lawton was a guy who rolled with the punches and hoped for the best. They created the most chaotic chemistry and I was so here for it. The number of times I was giggling at the screen was actually a little embarrassing. 🙈
Besides the electrifying romance and chemistry, the mystery aspect kept me so invested. My only complaint is that the mystery aspect only really picked up and got its footing towards the end. The beginning mostly focused on the characters and the romance. Which was enjoyable, but I would have liked a little more mysterious tension a little earlier on.
Apart from that, this book really was the *best* time. Perfect for fans of Brynne Weaver, Butcher & Blackbird, stabby and murdery romances, and top-tier banter.
4.5 stars ✨
~•~•~•~
Thank you NetGalley and Atria for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
📆 Publication date: October 20, 2026
This book was honestly more fun than I’ve had in a long time. It hit all the right spots that I need for a tension-filled mystery *and* romance.
🔫 tropes:
* Opposites attract
* Enemies to Lovers
* One bed
* Pretend marriage
* Reverse grumpy x sunshine
The first thing that stood out to me right from the very first page, was the banter. Sabrina and Lawton were absolutely *hilarious* together. They were the epitome of opposites attract. Sabrina was a girl with a plan A, B, and C. And Lawton was a guy who rolled with the punches and hoped for the best. They created the most chaotic chemistry and I was so here for it. The number of times I was giggling at the screen was actually a little embarrassing. 🙈
Besides the electrifying romance and chemistry, the mystery aspect kept me so invested. My only complaint is that the mystery aspect only really picked up and got its footing towards the end. The beginning mostly focused on the characters and the romance. Which was enjoyable, but I would have liked a little more mysterious tension a little earlier on.
Apart from that, this book really was the *best* time. Perfect for fans of Brynne Weaver, Butcher & Blackbird, stabby and murdery romances, and top-tier banter.
4.5 stars ✨
~•~•~•~
Thank you NetGalley and Atria for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
📆 Publication date: October 20, 2026
July 16, 2026
It’s been a while since I’ve read a rivals-to-lovers romance that completely pulled me in, and this one absolutely delivered 🙂↕️
on repeat 𝄞 ࿐♬ 𓍢ִ🎧ྀི ᯓ ♪ˎˊ˗
"ᴘʟᴀʏ ᴡɪᴛʜ ꜰɪʀᴇ" x ꜱᴀᴍ ᴛɪɴɴᴇꜱᴢ
0:06 ─♥───────── 3:00
Trigger Happy follows two rival contract killers who are forced to work the same job while pretending to be a happily married couple, which turns out to be just as chaotic as it sounds. Between the fake marriage, forced proximity, and constant threats to each other’s lives, I was hooked immediately 🤭
I seriously loved this book. Sabrina and Lawton were everything. Their chemistry was absolutely electric, and the banter? So sharp, so funny, and so ridiculously intense that I was grinning the entire time. The flirting had me kicking my feet one minute and internally screaming the next. It’s been a while since I’ve been this obsessed with a rivals-to-lovers couple, and these two reminded me exactly why I love the trope so much 😌👏🏼
Adding forced proximity into the mix with two people who genuinely can’t stand each other was the perfect recipe for chaos. I knew something had to give eventually…and wow, it absolutely did. 😝 The fake marriage raised the stakes even more, and I loved every second of watching them try to survive it while pretending to be the happiest couple in town hehe
One of my favorite parts was how they slowly brought out the best in each other. Lawton helped Sabrina loosen up and breathe a little, while Sabrina showed him that preparation and doing the job well matter just as much as instinct. Their growth together felt so natural, and it made me love them even more 🙂↕️🙂↕️🙂↕️
The suspense wasn’t super heavy (until the end), but it honestly didn’t need to be because I was completely invested from beginning to end. The story kept me glued to the pages, and I flew through it because I just had to know what would happen next. That third act genuinely surprised me too, which is always a huge win because I love when I can’t predict where a story is going.
Easy five stars. I was genuinely sad when I reached the last page because I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to these characters.
favorite quotes ↓
“Failures end up dead, but you made it out with scars. I’d call that a win.”
“Making a woman feel good is easy when you know what she wants. All you have to do is pay attention. Figure out what she likes, and if you don’t know, then ask.”
“Our families might scorch down the place if they ever get in the same room, but even on our worst day, I’d take bickering with her over peace and quiet with anybody else.”
“Striding over, I gently grab her head, angling it up so she knows I mean what I’m about to say. ‘Be careful out there, all right? There’s something important between my hands, and I kind of want to keep it around.’”
things to know about the book ↓
🩷 rivals → lovers
🩷 only one bed
🩷 fake marriage
🩷 city girl x cowboy
🩷 assassin x assassin
🩷 romantic suspense
🩷 he falls first
🩷 dual POV
swearing: yes
spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
→ chapters: 21, 36, 47, 48
Thank you NetGalley, publisher & author for this arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
─────────
・❥・⁀➷ 🩷 𝕡𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕
july 12th- buddy reading with tori!! this cover >>>
on repeat 𝄞 ࿐♬ 𓍢ִ🎧ྀི ᯓ ♪ˎˊ˗
"ᴘʟᴀʏ ᴡɪᴛʜ ꜰɪʀᴇ" x ꜱᴀᴍ ᴛɪɴɴᴇꜱᴢ
0:06 ─♥───────── 3:00
Trigger Happy follows two rival contract killers who are forced to work the same job while pretending to be a happily married couple, which turns out to be just as chaotic as it sounds. Between the fake marriage, forced proximity, and constant threats to each other’s lives, I was hooked immediately 🤭
I seriously loved this book. Sabrina and Lawton were everything. Their chemistry was absolutely electric, and the banter? So sharp, so funny, and so ridiculously intense that I was grinning the entire time. The flirting had me kicking my feet one minute and internally screaming the next. It’s been a while since I’ve been this obsessed with a rivals-to-lovers couple, and these two reminded me exactly why I love the trope so much 😌👏🏼
Adding forced proximity into the mix with two people who genuinely can’t stand each other was the perfect recipe for chaos. I knew something had to give eventually…and wow, it absolutely did. 😝 The fake marriage raised the stakes even more, and I loved every second of watching them try to survive it while pretending to be the happiest couple in town hehe
One of my favorite parts was how they slowly brought out the best in each other. Lawton helped Sabrina loosen up and breathe a little, while Sabrina showed him that preparation and doing the job well matter just as much as instinct. Their growth together felt so natural, and it made me love them even more 🙂↕️🙂↕️🙂↕️
The suspense wasn’t super heavy (until the end), but it honestly didn’t need to be because I was completely invested from beginning to end. The story kept me glued to the pages, and I flew through it because I just had to know what would happen next. That third act genuinely surprised me too, which is always a huge win because I love when I can’t predict where a story is going.
Easy five stars. I was genuinely sad when I reached the last page because I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to these characters.
favorite quotes ↓
“Failures end up dead, but you made it out with scars. I’d call that a win.”
“Making a woman feel good is easy when you know what she wants. All you have to do is pay attention. Figure out what she likes, and if you don’t know, then ask.”
“Our families might scorch down the place if they ever get in the same room, but even on our worst day, I’d take bickering with her over peace and quiet with anybody else.”
“Striding over, I gently grab her head, angling it up so she knows I mean what I’m about to say. ‘Be careful out there, all right? There’s something important between my hands, and I kind of want to keep it around.’”
things to know about the book ↓
🩷 rivals → lovers
🩷 only one bed
🩷 fake marriage
🩷 city girl x cowboy
🩷 assassin x assassin
🩷 romantic suspense
🩷 he falls first
🩷 dual POV
swearing: yes
spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
→ chapters: 21, 36, 47, 48
Thank you NetGalley, publisher & author for this arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
─────────
・❥・⁀➷ 🩷 𝕡𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕
july 12th- buddy reading with tori!! this cover >>>
July 27, 2026
ARC Review:
I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 🤍
⋆. 𐙚 ̊₊˚⊹♡ This book was an absolute thrill from beginning to end, delivering the perfect blend of enemies-to-lovers tension, dangerous contract killers, and just the right amount of spice to enhance the story without overshadowing it.
⋆. 𐙚 ̊₊˚⊹♡ The chemistry between the characters was compelling, and every interaction kept me invested as the plot unfolded. The pacing was excellent, balancing action, romance, and suspense in a way that made it impossible to put down.
⋆. 𐙚 ̊₊˚⊹♡ Just when I thought I had everything figured out, the shocking ending completely caught me off guard and left me turning pages until the very last one!!
I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 🤍
⋆. 𐙚 ̊₊˚⊹♡ This book was an absolute thrill from beginning to end, delivering the perfect blend of enemies-to-lovers tension, dangerous contract killers, and just the right amount of spice to enhance the story without overshadowing it.
⋆. 𐙚 ̊₊˚⊹♡ The chemistry between the characters was compelling, and every interaction kept me invested as the plot unfolded. The pacing was excellent, balancing action, romance, and suspense in a way that made it impossible to put down.
⋆. 𐙚 ̊₊˚⊹♡ Just when I thought I had everything figured out, the shocking ending completely caught me off guard and left me turning pages until the very last one!!
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 🫶🏼
September 1, 2026
4 stars!!
first off, a huge thank you to netgalley, meredith trapp and simon & schuster for this opportunity to receive trigger happy as an arc.
i had a blast reading this one. the banter between sabrina and lawton was everything. they had me laughing so hard, i was clutching my stomach. trigger happy is the perfect example of opposites attract and keeping your “enemy” on their toes.
these two had a mutual dislike in one another, but they also wanted each other so bad. they just felt like they couldn’t due to family rivalries that go back ages. their story unfolded so beautifully and so naturally, it was so easy to see their connection from the very first interaction but by the end of the book? even better.
to know that these two finally got their happy ending, i loved to see that. sabrina wanted so badly to settle down somewhere and have normalcy, come home to her person, and she was able to get just that. lawton was gone from the get go and he was so wrapped around her finger, you’d think he lived there and i loved that. may that sort of love and man attack me.
if this isn’t already on your tbr list, make sure it is soon because you will not be disappointed!
first off, a huge thank you to netgalley, meredith trapp and simon & schuster for this opportunity to receive trigger happy as an arc.
i had a blast reading this one. the banter between sabrina and lawton was everything. they had me laughing so hard, i was clutching my stomach. trigger happy is the perfect example of opposites attract and keeping your “enemy” on their toes.
these two had a mutual dislike in one another, but they also wanted each other so bad. they just felt like they couldn’t due to family rivalries that go back ages. their story unfolded so beautifully and so naturally, it was so easy to see their connection from the very first interaction but by the end of the book? even better.
to know that these two finally got their happy ending, i loved to see that. sabrina wanted so badly to settle down somewhere and have normalcy, come home to her person, and she was able to get just that. lawton was gone from the get go and he was so wrapped around her finger, you’d think he lived there and i loved that. may that sort of love and man attack me.
if this isn’t already on your tbr list, make sure it is soon because you will not be disappointed!
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!
August 18, 2026
This book was so different than what I typically read and I absolutely loved it!! It was so dark and funny! I seriously couldn’t put it down I read it in one sitting!
I loved Sabrina and Lawton’s chemistry and banter. This felt like a true enemies to lovers and I loved that! Their constant bickering is so fun 😂 they act like they hate each other for a good chunk of the book but you just know they can’t get enough of each other.
This is a pretty slow burn which really works for Sabrina and Lawton’s story. They have a lot of trauma in their pasts that they have to work through and figure out how to communicate. There’s a whole lot of yearning though especially on Lawton’s part!
This book is sure to keep you on your toes! There’s some really fun twists and turns that Ike sure anyone who’s a fan of dark romance will enjoy!
Read if you like:
🩵Dark romance (kinda)
🩵Rivals/enemies to lovers
🩵Fake relationship
🩵Dual POV
🩵Only one bed
🩵Assassin x Assassin
🩵He falls first
🩵Banter
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Atria for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!!
I loved Sabrina and Lawton’s chemistry and banter. This felt like a true enemies to lovers and I loved that! Their constant bickering is so fun 😂 they act like they hate each other for a good chunk of the book but you just know they can’t get enough of each other.
This is a pretty slow burn which really works for Sabrina and Lawton’s story. They have a lot of trauma in their pasts that they have to work through and figure out how to communicate. There’s a whole lot of yearning though especially on Lawton’s part!
This book is sure to keep you on your toes! There’s some really fun twists and turns that Ike sure anyone who’s a fan of dark romance will enjoy!
Read if you like:
🩵Dark romance (kinda)
🩵Rivals/enemies to lovers
🩵Fake relationship
🩵Dual POV
🩵Only one bed
🩵Assassin x Assassin
🩵He falls first
🩵Banter
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Atria for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!!
July 19, 2026
This was a wickedly fun good time.
This is going to be my go to book rec I think when someone’s says they’re in a slump.
Because this was different and very binge able.
I mean they’re both professional assassins.
Huge enemies to lovers situation.
Family rivalry.
A one bed situation.
A fake marriage.
A lot of mystery to it. Lies. Secrets.
But with a rom com feel.
Small town Wyoming.
Lawton & Sabrina were both likable characters to me.
Shes a little city girl badass with Type A quirks. Introvert.
He’s a cowboy boot wearing wing it people person.
So opposites attract…
I enjoy when I don’t know how it’s going to play out.
Netgalley arc review ✨
This is going to be my go to book rec I think when someone’s says they’re in a slump.
Because this was different and very binge able.
I mean they’re both professional assassins.
Huge enemies to lovers situation.
Family rivalry.
A one bed situation.
A fake marriage.
A lot of mystery to it. Lies. Secrets.
But with a rom com feel.
Small town Wyoming.
Lawton & Sabrina were both likable characters to me.
Shes a little city girl badass with Type A quirks. Introvert.
He’s a cowboy boot wearing wing it people person.
So opposites attract…
I enjoy when I don’t know how it’s going to play out.
Netgalley arc review ✨
July 22, 2026
5/5 Stars
Sabrina Chastain and Lawton Montoya’s families are in the business of unaliving people. They’ve also been at war with one another for decades. A feud that’s further perpetuated after Sabrina’s mother is framed for unaliving Lawton’s brother. The pair get recruited to pose as a couple on a reconnaissance job. Will they get the job done before they go for each other’s throat?
Trigger Happy is a humorous dark romance book. This novel has charming characters, excellent pacing, and strong world building. Although the story revolves around unaliving people, there is a lighthearted tone.
Sabrina and Lawton have amusing inner monologues which kept me locked in. Their relationship going from arch-enemies to lovers was lovely. I will say there isn’t much on page spice, and I feel there is still plenty of delicious tension without it. The ending of the book is fantastic, and I wish it were longer.
A warm thanks to Atria Books, Meredith Trapp, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Sabrina Chastain and Lawton Montoya’s families are in the business of unaliving people. They’ve also been at war with one another for decades. A feud that’s further perpetuated after Sabrina’s mother is framed for unaliving Lawton’s brother. The pair get recruited to pose as a couple on a reconnaissance job. Will they get the job done before they go for each other’s throat?
Trigger Happy is a humorous dark romance book. This novel has charming characters, excellent pacing, and strong world building. Although the story revolves around unaliving people, there is a lighthearted tone.
Sabrina and Lawton have amusing inner monologues which kept me locked in. Their relationship going from arch-enemies to lovers was lovely. I will say there isn’t much on page spice, and I feel there is still plenty of delicious tension without it. The ending of the book is fantastic, and I wish it were longer.
A warm thanks to Atria Books, Meredith Trapp, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
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.
July 3, 2026
Sabrina and Lawton are both contract killers, and their families are sworn enemies. Very much Romeo and Juliet style. The two get hired for the same contract in a small town in Wyoming. They pair up, putting their mutual hatred aside to get the job done. During this job, they must pose as a couple which turns into having to be fake married even when wanting each other dead.
This book was action-packed, fast-paced, and grabbed my attention right from the start. It reminded me of a cowboy version of Butcher and Blackbird in a way. I was laughing out loud numerous times while reading. If you like forbidden romance, forced proximity, fake marriage, mystery and there’s only one bed you must read this.
Sabrina is very meticulous and plans things. While Lawton is the opposite, he’s chaotic and figures stuff out on the spot. Together the two clash like no other, constantly bantering and having thick tension. have this intense chemistry underneath and work incredibly well together. Along with plenty of yearning which we all love.
You’ll be on the edge of your seat trying to guess what will happen next then be completely blindsided and blown away. I absolutely flew through this book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This book was action-packed, fast-paced, and grabbed my attention right from the start. It reminded me of a cowboy version of Butcher and Blackbird in a way. I was laughing out loud numerous times while reading. If you like forbidden romance, forced proximity, fake marriage, mystery and there’s only one bed you must read this.
Sabrina is very meticulous and plans things. While Lawton is the opposite, he’s chaotic and figures stuff out on the spot. Together the two clash like no other, constantly bantering and having thick tension. have this intense chemistry underneath and work incredibly well together. Along with plenty of yearning which we all love.
You’ll be on the edge of your seat trying to guess what will happen next then be completely blindsided and blown away. I absolutely flew through this book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for providing me an ARC in exchange for an 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 30, 2026
this was a cutesy murderous (but not too murderous) romance! the pacing of it sometimes felt a little choppy and the ending was way too quick & casual for everything she threw in there at the end, but the gist of it overall was fun. and i also flew through it once i settled in!
thank you to atria & netgalley for the arc!!!
thank you to atria & netgalley for the arc!!!
Read
July 2, 2026super super fun as well. had the funny goofiness of butcher and blackbird. obviously i think it lacks a bit in depth but honestly it was just a silly time and i binged it in a day
July 21, 2026
I genuinely cannot put into words how much I loved this book.
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!
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!
July 25, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5/5
Trigger Happy was such a fun surprise! I went in expecting more of a cowboy romance (don’t judge a book by its cover!) but what I got was a wildly entertaining dark rom-com featuring rival contract killers, forced proximity, and a fake marriage. It somehow blends action, mystery, romance, and laugh out loud banter into a story that feels fresh and incredibly addictive.
Sabrina and Lawton completely stole the show. Sabrina is a sharp, capable, type A assassin from Manhattan, while Lawton is a laid back cowboy with a huge heart who's still carrying the weight of losing his younger brother. Their families have been rivals for years, making their attraction completely forbidden, but their chemistry is undeniable from the start. Watching them go from reluctant partners to something much deeper was so much fun, and their witty back and forth had me smiling throughout the entire book.
The mystery kept me guessing until the very end, with plenty of twists I didn't see coming. I also loved the balance between the darker themes and the humor, making it an easy, fast paced read that never felt too heavy. The emotional moments landed well, and I especially appreciated seeing Lawton work through his grief while Sabrina slowly learned to let someone in.
If you love:
▪️Rival assassins
▪️Enemies/rivals to lovers
▪️Fake marriage
▪️Forced proximity
▪️One bed
▪️He falls first
▪️Touch her & die
▪️Forbidden romance
▪️Small-town setting
▪️Family rivalry
Thank you to NetGalley, Atria Books, and Meredith Trapp for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Trigger Happy was such a fun surprise! I went in expecting more of a cowboy romance (don’t judge a book by its cover!) but what I got was a wildly entertaining dark rom-com featuring rival contract killers, forced proximity, and a fake marriage. It somehow blends action, mystery, romance, and laugh out loud banter into a story that feels fresh and incredibly addictive.
Sabrina and Lawton completely stole the show. Sabrina is a sharp, capable, type A assassin from Manhattan, while Lawton is a laid back cowboy with a huge heart who's still carrying the weight of losing his younger brother. Their families have been rivals for years, making their attraction completely forbidden, but their chemistry is undeniable from the start. Watching them go from reluctant partners to something much deeper was so much fun, and their witty back and forth had me smiling throughout the entire book.
The mystery kept me guessing until the very end, with plenty of twists I didn't see coming. I also loved the balance between the darker themes and the humor, making it an easy, fast paced read that never felt too heavy. The emotional moments landed well, and I especially appreciated seeing Lawton work through his grief while Sabrina slowly learned to let someone in.
If you love:
▪️Rival assassins
▪️Enemies/rivals to lovers
▪️Fake marriage
▪️Forced proximity
▪️One bed
▪️He falls first
▪️Touch her & die
▪️Forbidden romance
▪️Small-town setting
▪️Family rivalry
Thank you to NetGalley, Atria Books, and Meredith Trapp for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2026
This book was so different from anything I’ve read before and I’m OBSESSED!
The best part of an enemies/rivals to lovers book is the banter and this story did not disappoint! Sabrina and Lawton are complete opposites which means they argue about everything, from the way Lawton eats whatever he wants while Sabrina counts her macros to the way they clean their weapons. I couldn’t stop giggling at these two’s antics!
Even though they supposed to hate each other, the entire book you can tell it’s something they have to force themselves to do. They’re supposed to hate cause their families have been rivals for generations as well as some past events, but their attraction and chemistry is too strong for them to truly hate each other. They may be fake married for their assignment but the most fake thing about the two is their disdain.
It is a bit of a slow burn, which typically I don’t care for, but the rest of the story was so entertaining that I also didn’t mind it. The story truly highlighted the pair’s secret care for one another. The way Lawton is protective of Sabrina or the way Sabrina is understanding of Lawton’s grief, was the best parts of the book.
The story is full of twists and turns, the way it ended was perfect. I didn’t want the story to end! I hope we can get more from this world, but even if we don’t I love what we got from this story!
The best part of an enemies/rivals to lovers book is the banter and this story did not disappoint! Sabrina and Lawton are complete opposites which means they argue about everything, from the way Lawton eats whatever he wants while Sabrina counts her macros to the way they clean their weapons. I couldn’t stop giggling at these two’s antics!
Even though they supposed to hate each other, the entire book you can tell it’s something they have to force themselves to do. They’re supposed to hate cause their families have been rivals for generations as well as some past events, but their attraction and chemistry is too strong for them to truly hate each other. They may be fake married for their assignment but the most fake thing about the two is their disdain.
It is a bit of a slow burn, which typically I don’t care for, but the rest of the story was so entertaining that I also didn’t mind it. The story truly highlighted the pair’s secret care for one another. The way Lawton is protective of Sabrina or the way Sabrina is understanding of Lawton’s grief, was the best parts of the book.
The story is full of twists and turns, the way it ended was perfect. I didn’t want the story to end! I hope we can get more from this world, but even if we don’t I love what we got from this story!
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 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!
August 10, 2026
Trigger Happy is a laugh out loud rom-com about two frenemy professional unalivers.
You see a while back, Sabrina’s family unalived Lawton’s brother and after that?
Frenemies. They might think that they’re enemies, but they cannot seem to keep their eyes off each other. Hence,
Frenemies. Did I mention both of their families are also professional unalivers?
Now these two both accepted a job where they unknowingly have to work with one another and end up having to pretend they are a married couple. They need to try to unravel out a mystery. Get paid. And move on. Right?!?!
This book was hilarious. I laughed so hard at the banter between the two characters. It was a really fast read for me. Easy to get through and I really did enjoy it.
She’s high maintenance and and overplanner.
He’s the cowboy that takes anything as it comes.
I read everything by this author and this book is just another good one that I highly recommend
You see a while back, Sabrina’s family unalived Lawton’s brother and after that?
Frenemies. They might think that they’re enemies, but they cannot seem to keep their eyes off each other. Hence,
Frenemies. Did I mention both of their families are also professional unalivers?
Now these two both accepted a job where they unknowingly have to work with one another and end up having to pretend they are a married couple. They need to try to unravel out a mystery. Get paid. And move on. Right?!?!
This book was hilarious. I laughed so hard at the banter between the two characters. It was a really fast read for me. Easy to get through and I really did enjoy it.
She’s high maintenance and and overplanner.
He’s the cowboy that takes anything as it comes.
I read everything by this author and this book is just another good one that I highly recommend
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!
August 5, 2026
I’m a very simple girl. My bestfriend says “CADENCE YOU HAVE TO READ THIS” and I sign up for the netgalley arc in desperation to fulfill the request. Thankfully netgalley blessed me !
THIS WAS INCREDIBLE!
The banter , setting , and idea in general were so addicting to read. The mystery was constantly intriguing and it was perfectly balanced with the romance . I loved both aspects of the story and that made it incredibly fun to read .
THIS WAS INCREDIBLE!
The banter , setting , and idea in general were so addicting to read. The mystery was constantly intriguing and it was perfectly balanced with the romance . I loved both aspects of the story and that made it incredibly fun to read .
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!
Did Not Finish
July 21, 2026"Walter liked bananas, so now I call my childhood home "The Piss-stain."
I simply was unable to continue through this story but I do believe this book is for someone, just not me! The plot of this book is as if Mr. and Mrs. Smith knew each other were assassins and had to work together as a married couple. 10/10 concept. Unfortunately the writing in this story did not work for me.
I simply was unable to continue through this story but I do believe this book is for someone, just not me! The plot of this book is as if Mr. and Mrs. Smith knew each other were assassins and had to work together as a married couple. 10/10 concept. Unfortunately the writing in this story did not work for me.
June 30, 2026
THIS WAS SO GOOD. I ate this up. I was instantly hooked and it’s stayed that way the entire time. This was hilarious and I loved both of the main characters. The banter was perfect and I also really enjoyed the side plot of their assignment. 10/10 recommend
July 31, 2026
The banter in this book had me cackling more than I have in along time lol the enemies to lovers was reallyyyyyy spot on here!
Every time I thought i was following along or had an idea - BOOM - nope. Try again lol it definitely kept me on my toes. A lot about the ending I did not see coming at all. Which is great for someone who reads mainly romance and usually knows how everything is going to play out lol
Every time I thought i was following along or had an idea - BOOM - nope. Try again lol it definitely kept me on my toes. A lot about the ending I did not see coming at all. Which is great for someone who reads mainly romance and usually knows how everything is going to play out lol
July 3, 2026
I’m so obsessed with this book, I couldn’t put it down and read it in one sitting! Who knew rival assassins pretending to be married would be the perfect couple!! I loved Sabrina and Lawton, the banter between them was 10/10 and I loved watching them go from enemies to allies to friends to lovers!! The plot twists in this book I didn’t see coming at all, it was amazing!! I also loved the friendships that were formed in this book!! This book made me both laugh and cry which is always the sign of a 5 star book!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2026
This was absolutely perfect and everything I needed
August 23, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, Atria Books, and Meredith Trapp for an opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What a ride! This was such a fun book to get me in the mood for fall. Who doesn’t love a good murder for hire, enemies to lovers, lighthearted yet suspense filled rom-com?? Trigger Happy was so fast paced and thoroughly entertaining that I couldn’t put it down.
Set in fall in a small town in Wyoming, Sabrina and Lawton come from rival families in the contract killer business. With an ongoing multi-generational feud, what better way to delve right into the drama than a cozy cabin with only one bed 👀
The banter, opposites attract personalities, and silly situations the characters find themselves in created chaos in the best way and me laugh out loud. This book had all my favorite tropes wrapped into one with the slow burn, fake marriage and a bit of mystery to keep the reader on their toes. I love the dual POV that allowed us to learn more about Sabrina and Lawton, their backgrounds, and their feelings for each other.
This book is perfect for fans of Butcher and Blackbird and any other fun, flirty, assassin themed stories. Although this was my first time reading a book by Meredith Trapp, it won’t be my last.
What a ride! This was such a fun book to get me in the mood for fall. Who doesn’t love a good murder for hire, enemies to lovers, lighthearted yet suspense filled rom-com?? Trigger Happy was so fast paced and thoroughly entertaining that I couldn’t put it down.
Set in fall in a small town in Wyoming, Sabrina and Lawton come from rival families in the contract killer business. With an ongoing multi-generational feud, what better way to delve right into the drama than a cozy cabin with only one bed 👀
The banter, opposites attract personalities, and silly situations the characters find themselves in created chaos in the best way and me laugh out loud. This book had all my favorite tropes wrapped into one with the slow burn, fake marriage and a bit of mystery to keep the reader on their toes. I love the dual POV that allowed us to learn more about Sabrina and Lawton, their backgrounds, and their feelings for each other.
This book is perfect for fans of Butcher and Blackbird and any other fun, flirty, assassin themed stories. Although this was my first time reading a book by Meredith Trapp, it won’t be my last.
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