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Trigger Happy
Not yet published
Expected 20 Oct 26From the acclaimed author of the western romance Homebound, two rival killers with hundreds of missions under their belts face their hardest assignment marriage.
For these rivals, the chemistry is lethal.
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 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 successfully. 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?
For these rivals, the chemistry is lethal.
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 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 successfully. 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?
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 20, 2026
About the author
Meredith Trapp
3 books886 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 560 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
You know what? I liked this a lot more than I thought I would.
My last attempt at the ‘rival killers to lovers’ trope was probably Butcher & Blackbird and I did not like that book one bit. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about this one, but I heard great things and had to try it for myself. This turned out to be silly, addictive, fast-paced, and plain fun.
Basically, this is what happens when Mr. and Mrs. Smith and Romeo and Juliet have a baby, I guess.
Sabrina and Lawton are contract killers, coming from two rival families that are also professional killers. Yes, all their relatives kill people for a living. I barely understand how that works, but I was in the mood for something unhinged and that’s exactly what I got.
They end up forced together, juggling their targets, crazy family, and a fake relationship while trying (very unsuccessfully) not to fall for each other. Overall, I enjoyed the romance, the banter, and how the mystery came together in the end. The drama between their families was insane.
That said, I was scratching my head at a few things: like pumpkin spice lattes having actual pumpkin in them (they don’t), Airtags being successfully used to track others (but IRL people get notifications of these), and Lawton punching a tree from a rowboat (was he not in the middle of a lake? what).
Either way, I had a great time with this. Now can we please, please get a book about Bobbi and Arch?
✎ᝰ. pre-read: there’s just something about two rival contract killers pretending to be a happily married couple to survive 😏 i’m seated!!
💌 Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the arc!
My last attempt at the ‘rival killers to lovers’ trope was probably Butcher & Blackbird and I did not like that book one bit. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about this one, but I heard great things and had to try it for myself. This turned out to be silly, addictive, fast-paced, and plain fun.
Basically, this is what happens when Mr. and Mrs. Smith and Romeo and Juliet have a baby, I guess.
Sabrina and Lawton are contract killers, coming from two rival families that are also professional killers. Yes, all their relatives kill people for a living. I barely understand how that works, but I was in the mood for something unhinged and that’s exactly what I got.
They end up forced together, juggling their targets, crazy family, and a fake relationship while trying (very unsuccessfully) not to fall for each other. Overall, I enjoyed the romance, the banter, and how the mystery came together in the end. The drama between their families was insane.
That said, I was scratching my head at a few things: like pumpkin spice lattes having actual pumpkin in them (they don’t), Airtags being successfully used to track others (but IRL people get notifications of these), and Lawton punching a tree from a rowboat (was he not in the middle of a lake? what).
Either way, I had a great time with this. Now can we please, please get a book about Bobbi and Arch?
✎ᝰ. pre-read: there’s just something about two rival contract killers pretending to be a happily married couple to survive 😏 i’m seated!!
💌 Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the arc!
July 24, 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 13, 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 >>>
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was on the edge of the seat while reading this book. Like not only for the suspense but also for the fact that i was very giddy to know what will Lawton do next to keep up the charade of the "pretend marriage"
Even after four days of reading this book, i still can't gather words for how i felt about the book. To be explained in one sentence, I AM SO FREAKING THRILED. By everything tbh. The charcter, the plot, the side characters, the small town setting, the pretend marriage aspect, the suspense, the banter- everything just fit do right in the place.
⊱❀the plot-
they are assassins. Their family are rivals. Unfortunately they find themselves as partners for a mission. And for this they have to pretend a marriage( And this part was like EEEEKKK YAYY OMG WOW)
It is a dark romcom with mid spice rating - 🌶️2.5/5
Actually the story was just so good and just so well plotted. The scenes flowed so well that I'M JUST IN AWE.
All i feel is that this characters are fitted so perfect for this particular storyline. Like a perfect pairing I've ever read.
⊱❀the characters-
☆Lawton
he calls her with every nickname- honey, baby, sweetheart, my wife, you just name it.
Well do i need to provide anymore convincing for you to read this book👀😂
The thing which i liked so much about him was that he wears his emotions on his sleeves. He is not afraid of the consequences at all. The coolness with which he handles all situation is just chef's kiss. I would give anything to he as cool as him in my RL. Should i dare say that he is one of the hottest MMC i have read this year.
Top place in my bookboyfriend husband😁
☆Sabrina-
OH MY GOD. She is the my FAV fmc. wow that confidence she has!? i have a girl crush on her. also i'm so touched by the soft girl which is resides in her. (wow now that i am thinking about her while writing this i want to read this again, yk what i will read it again 😭). And i was so happy to see that Lawton clearly sees that through her tough exterior. JUST SO GOOD.
⇒I am just touched by the softness of this characters 😭. No words— I LOVE THE HELL OUT OF THEM. BEST ROMCOM COUPLES EVER
No doubt 100/5 stars.
—⁕One of my favorite books of 2026
God that smile i had while reading this entire book was my pure joy
*Thank you Random House UK, Transworld publishers for the ARC!
⁕⁙°◊—————————————————-◊°⁙⁕
btw the freakout after 1 min of finishing this book-
THIS IS MY FAV BOOK OF THIS YEAR
OMG THIS BOOK IS SO DAMN PERFECT
WOW OMG NO WAY I JUST READ THAT.
ahhhhhhhh i'm never getting over this book😭🫶
the characters!? the plot twist!? HOLY SHIT!!!!!
OBSESSED IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT
RTC!!
i feel like i am in a high now. this was sooooo goooooood😭
⁕⁙°◊—————————————————-◊°⁙⁕
—☆pre-read
Friends!!!!!!! I started this last night ANDDDDD I'm so so beyond obsessed 😭. 22% into it now
This book is everything! The character. The tension. The banter OMGGGG JUST AMAZING
They both are rivals but unfortunately finds themselves in a pretend marriage and he claims to hate her but says things like
Byeeeee, I am reading all of this asap
*Thank you Random House UK, Transworld publishers for the ARC!
Even after four days of reading this book, i still can't gather words for how i felt about the book. To be explained in one sentence, I AM SO FREAKING THRILED. By everything tbh. The charcter, the plot, the side characters, the small town setting, the pretend marriage aspect, the suspense, the banter- everything just fit do right in the place.
⊱❀the plot-
they are assassins. Their family are rivals. Unfortunately they find themselves as partners for a mission. And for this they have to pretend a marriage( And this part was like EEEEKKK YAYY OMG WOW)
It is a dark romcom with mid spice rating - 🌶️2.5/5
Actually the story was just so good and just so well plotted. The scenes flowed so well that I'M JUST IN AWE.
All i feel is that this characters are fitted so perfect for this particular storyline. Like a perfect pairing I've ever read.
⊱❀the characters-
☆Lawton
he calls her with every nickname- honey, baby, sweetheart, my wife, you just name it.
Well do i need to provide anymore convincing for you to read this book👀😂
The thing which i liked so much about him was that he wears his emotions on his sleeves. He is not afraid of the consequences at all. The coolness with which he handles all situation is just chef's kiss. I would give anything to he as cool as him in my RL. Should i dare say that he is one of the hottest MMC i have read this year.
Top place in my book
☆Sabrina-
OH MY GOD. She is the my FAV fmc. wow that confidence she has!? i have a girl crush on her. also i'm so touched by the soft girl which is resides in her. (wow now that i am thinking about her while writing this i want to read this again, yk what i will read it again 😭). And i was so happy to see that Lawton clearly sees that through her tough exterior. JUST SO GOOD.
⇒I am just touched by the softness of this characters 😭. No words— I LOVE THE HELL OUT OF THEM. BEST ROMCOM COUPLES EVER
No doubt 100/5 stars.
—⁕One of my favorite books of 2026
God that smile i had while reading this entire book was my pure joy
“And you better not fake anything. If it’s not working, tell me and I’ll do better."
“I won’t let you hurt her. Sabrina’s mine to deal with.” Mine. Mine to hate.isn't he just so good
Because love means sitting in life’s darkest moments without forcing someone to turn on the light.
*Thank you Random House UK, Transworld publishers for the ARC!
⁕⁙°◊—————————————————-◊°⁙⁕
btw the freakout after 1 min of finishing this book-
THIS IS MY FAV BOOK OF THIS YEAR
OMG THIS BOOK IS SO DAMN PERFECT
WOW OMG NO WAY I JUST READ THAT.
ahhhhhhhh i'm never getting over this book😭🫶
the characters!? the plot twist!? HOLY SHIT!!!!!
OBSESSED IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT
RTC!!
i feel like i am in a high now. this was sooooo goooooood😭
⁕⁙°◊—————————————————-◊°⁙⁕
—☆pre-read
Friends!!!!!!! I started this last night ANDDDDD I'm so so beyond obsessed 😭. 22% into it now
This book is everything! The character. The tension. The banter OMGGGG JUST AMAZING
They both are rivals but unfortunately finds themselves in a pretend marriage and he claims to hate her but says things like
"Flirt all you want. I know a hundred ways to kill a man.”
Byeeeee, I am reading all of this asap
*Thank you Random House UK, Transworld publishers for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
to say this book was addicting feels like a wild understatement. i never wanted to out the book down and when i wasn't reading it, i was thinking about it. two freelance contract unalivers from warring families that end up having to partner up for a job? and its a romcom? i was immediately all in baby. 🤪🤸🏼♀️
i felt like this book was a perfect mix of plot, crime, romance while also allowing the characters to have depth beyond their jobs and family identities. i mean honestly i would have read a book about sabrina off on her own doing jobs because my girl really puts herself in the oddest situations in the funniest way possible.
ugh and can we talk about the relationship between sabrina and lawton? meredith trapp seriously paced their relationship buildup perfectly. watching them both slowly break down their walls and trauma to one another whilst still absolutely roasting each other made me never want to finish the book. not to mention lawton being masculine without even coming close to being a misogynist is just the cherry on top of his swoon worthy character.
on a closing note this is my official petition for bobbi and arch to get their own book??? 👀
𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 ⋆˚࿔
𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘱, 𝘢𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘢 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘦-𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸. 🤠
i felt like this book was a perfect mix of plot, crime, romance while also allowing the characters to have depth beyond their jobs and family identities. i mean honestly i would have read a book about sabrina off on her own doing jobs because my girl really puts herself in the oddest situations in the funniest way possible.
ugh and can we talk about the relationship between sabrina and lawton? meredith trapp seriously paced their relationship buildup perfectly. watching them both slowly break down their walls and trauma to one another whilst still absolutely roasting each other made me never want to finish the book. not to mention lawton being masculine without even coming close to being a misogynist is just the cherry on top of his swoon worthy character.
on a closing note this is my official petition for bobbi and arch to get their own book??? 👀
𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 ⋆˚࿔
𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘱, 𝘢𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘢 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘦-𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸. 🤠
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!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of advanced copy received from Netgalley
4.5 ⭐️
This is the kind of book that leaves me bereft in its wake. It’s completely unserious with a healthy dose of deadly trauma, and blends the two perfectly. Everything about it is just so fun.
Sabrina and Lawton are rival freelancers (read: killers for hire) who can barely stand each other, but are forced to work together when they’re hired for the same job in rural Wyoming. To get close to their targets, they pose as a married couple staying at a bnb called The Little Red Barn, which is located on a ranch and run by the very people they’ve been hired to surveil.
This book literally combines all my favorite things: murder, cowboys, snarky banter, enemies to lovers with a real reason for them to hate each other, and the fake dating trope. They even have to share a bed. And the romance actually builds up naturally, instead of BAM! Insta-love. As if all that wasn’t enough, it’s actually well-written.
Shit, I really wasn’t expecting to like this book this much. It was meant to be a quick palate cleanser, but I honestly feel kind of hollow now that it’s over. I’m genuinely mad I can never read it for the first time again.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
thank you to the publisher for the arc♡
4.5 ⭐️
This is the kind of book that leaves me bereft in its wake. It’s completely unserious with a healthy dose of deadly trauma, and blends the two perfectly. Everything about it is just so fun.
Sabrina and Lawton are rival freelancers (read: killers for hire) who can barely stand each other, but are forced to work together when they’re hired for the same job in rural Wyoming. To get close to their targets, they pose as a married couple staying at a bnb called The Little Red Barn, which is located on a ranch and run by the very people they’ve been hired to surveil.
This book literally combines all my favorite things: murder, cowboys, snarky banter, enemies to lovers with a real reason for them to hate each other, and the fake dating trope. They even have to share a bed. And the romance actually builds up naturally, instead of BAM! Insta-love. As if all that wasn’t enough, it’s actually well-written.
Shit, I really wasn’t expecting to like this book this much. It was meant to be a quick palate cleanser, but I honestly feel kind of hollow now that it’s over. I’m genuinely mad I can never read it for the first time again.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
thank you to the publisher for the arc♡
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.
Read
October 2, 2026guys this was so much fun 10/10 no notes
June 26, 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 🫶🏼
October 15, 2026
5⭐️ rival contract killers who have to work together on an assignment and it was an absolute BLAST!!
These two rivals come from opposing families who hate each other and not only do they have to pair up on an assignment, they pretend to be married and have to share a bed 🤭
This book had a mixture of every single thing I love mystery, rivalry, banter, one bed, and he washes her hair. I laughed out loud so many times and I can easily see this becoming a movie!
If you’re a fan of butcher and blackbird, tourist season, or the proposal (the movie) but want a little more yeehaw you should definitely check this out.
- cowboy/western
- rival contract killers
- fake marriage
- only one bed
- he washes her hair
Thank you atria for the advanced copy!
These two rivals come from opposing families who hate each other and not only do they have to pair up on an assignment, they pretend to be married and have to share a bed 🤭
This book had a mixture of every single thing I love mystery, rivalry, banter, one bed, and he washes her hair. I laughed out loud so many times and I can easily see this becoming a movie!
If you’re a fan of butcher and blackbird, tourist season, or the proposal (the movie) but want a little more yeehaw you should definitely check this out.
- cowboy/western
- rival contract killers
- fake marriage
- only one bed
- he washes her hair
Thank you atria for the advanced copy!
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 ✨
August 29, 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!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
˗ˏˋ 4 stars ⟡ ݁₊ .
literally requested this bc of the pretty cover and also like two contract killers falling in love?? like sign me tf up! ohh and there's also a mystery subplot like what even can go wrong?? absolutely nothing..
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧• sabrina
i loved how she's just such a type A person, like she has everything planned out? whenever smth went wrong she had like plan Bs and Cs ready to wipe out at any point! with that said, i am sabrina and she is me.
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧• lawton
he lwk constantly stressed me tf out? cuz like he would literally be doing whatever he can think of on the spot without thinking about the repercussions.. like i could never? and i 100% understood how he was uping sabrina's blood pressure lmao.
anyways dont wanna spoil the mystery but like dumb ass me didnt see it happening from a mile away~
alsoo had so much fun reading it with poppi!!!!
⤷ thank you to netgalley, atria and meredith trapp for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
literally requested this bc of the pretty cover and also like two contract killers falling in love?? like sign me tf up! ohh and there's also a mystery subplot like what even can go wrong?? absolutely nothing..
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧• sabrina
i loved how she's just such a type A person, like she has everything planned out? whenever smth went wrong she had like plan Bs and Cs ready to wipe out at any point! with that said, i am sabrina and she is me.
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧• lawton
he lwk constantly stressed me tf out? cuz like he would literally be doing whatever he can think of on the spot without thinking about the repercussions.. like i could never? and i 100% understood how he was uping sabrina's blood pressure lmao.
anyways dont wanna spoil the mystery but like dumb ass me didnt see it happening from a mile away~
alsoo had so much fun reading it with poppi!!!!
⤷ thank you to netgalley, atria and meredith trapp for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 7, 2026
This was such a refreshing read! It’s been a while since I’ve read a rom-com centered around rivals to lovers, and I really enjoyed this one.
Sabrina and Lawton are two contract killers who happen to be assigned the same job, forcing them into close proximity… which eventually leads to a fake marriage.
What I loved most about this story was the fun banter and the mystery element. I was never bored and constantly wanted to pick the book back up. The story was easy to follow, fast-paced, and had just the right amount of spice sprinkled in.
Overall, such a fun and entertaining read!
Sabrina and Lawton are two contract killers who happen to be assigned the same job, forcing them into close proximity… which eventually leads to a fake marriage.
What I loved most about this story was the fun banter and the mystery element. I was never bored and constantly wanted to pick the book back up. The story was easy to follow, fast-paced, and had just the right amount of spice sprinkled in.
Overall, such a fun and entertaining read!
September 11, 2026
4.5 stars!!! Truly when I requested this ARC I thought it was just a cowboy romance, but immediately in the first page I realized that was not the case 😂
Rival contract killers, badass and morally gray, falling in love. And the BANTER!!! This was so easy to fly through and sort of gave me Butcher & Blackbird vibes (although not quite as graphic at times), which I LOVED.
So glad I went into this one blind, and it was way better than expected!
Rival contract killers, badass and morally gray, falling in love. And the BANTER!!! This was so easy to fly through and sort of gave me Butcher & Blackbird vibes (although not quite as graphic at times), which I LOVED.
So glad I went into this one blind, and it was way better than expected!
September 22, 2026
I absolutely loved this dark, twisted, and comedic romance. The premise was unique, and the mysterious plotlines kept me frantically reading to find out what happens. The ending twist didn't disappoint. I was obsessed with the Wyoming setting and the slow, sweet development of this romance.
This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest 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!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
OBSESSED!!!! Dark comedy gold! Rival contract killers that have to act like a loving married couple in order to complete a joint “project”. The banter and tension was off the charts. The chaos and twists at the end had me gasping and laughing simultaneously. I loved every single second of this book!!! Easy 5 stars for me!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Two experienced rival killers face their hardest assignment yet -- marriage. Sabrina and Lawton are hired assassins with a history of hating each other. Then, they are put together on an assignment where they are forced to get to know each other on a different level.
The synopsis sounded interesting - a different take on a romcom, so I wanted to give it a try. For me, it didn't quite hit the right note. I think if you are going to go with assassins as a main character, you've either got to go super gritty or you keep it totally light. This one included details about the "kills" that really did not fit with the overall comedic vibe at all and that was a turnoff to me. The turn at the end was fairly well done.
I'm settling on a very generous 3 stars, because I think this one will find its audience. It's very campy, irreverent and sort of cheesy, which is it's intent. Also, that cover is absolutely gorgeous!
Thanks to Atria Books for this beautiful finished copy in exchange for my honest thoughts. #atriapartner
The synopsis sounded interesting - a different take on a romcom, so I wanted to give it a try. For me, it didn't quite hit the right note. I think if you are going to go with assassins as a main character, you've either got to go super gritty or you keep it totally light. This one included details about the "kills" that really did not fit with the overall comedic vibe at all and that was a turnoff to me. The turn at the end was fairly well done.
I'm settling on a very generous 3 stars, because I think this one will find its audience. It's very campy, irreverent and sort of cheesy, which is it's intent. Also, that cover is absolutely gorgeous!
Thanks to Atria Books for this beautiful finished copy in exchange for my honest thoughts. #atriapartner
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!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’m not going to lie, I almost dnfed this at 16%. I am glad I kept going because it was mostly cute, but I think the humor in this book just wasn’t my speed. I also found a lot about Lawton and literally everything about his family insufferable. His jokes and banter just didn’t land for me, but he was super sweet with Sabrina and I liked them together. I will also say that I thought there were a lot of clever moments and the plot kept me on my toes. I liked how the book ended. I did request this without reading the synopsis (which is on me) thinking it was a cowboy romance, so even though I should have read it, the cover is misleading.
My biggest issue was the male narrator on the audiobook. I pushed through but his accent was actually awful to listen to. HIGHLY recommend NOT listening to the audiobook for this one—I think it honestly ruined Lawton for me. 🤷🏻♀️
My biggest issue was the male narrator on the audiobook. I pushed through but his accent was actually awful to listen to. HIGHLY recommend NOT listening to the audiobook for this one—I think it honestly ruined Lawton for me. 🤷🏻♀️
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This follows two rival contract killers who are forced to pose as a married couple for their next job. Trapp’s writing has a way of pulling me in, and after loving Homebound, this was different in the best way. The story is chaotic and fast paced, with the perfect mix of action, suspense, and spice. Every moment between Sabrina and Lawton was too good, and I could not get enough of their dynamic. If you liked Butcher & Blackbird but want something less graphic, this is it!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
✨ARC Review✨
Trigger Happy by Meredith Trapp
Rating: 5.0⭐️
Spice: 3.0🌶️
How can I explain my love for this book? Trigger Happy was such an unexpected surprise in the best way possible! I thought I’d be reading the typical enemies to lovers cowboy story, but ended up reading about contract killers who pretend to hate each other but secretly want each other, and kooky and suspicious BnB hosts, all intertwined with a little mystery and suspense. The banter between Lawton and Sabrina is hilarious, but the tension is so palpable. If you want a dark romcom that will make you laugh out loud but keep you guessing until the end, you’ll absolutely love Trigger Happy.
Thank you to Meredith Trapp and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Why You’ll Love It:
❤️ Rival Contract Killers
🧡 Only One Bed
❤️ Fake Marriage
🧡 Enemies to Lovers
❤️ Forbidden Love / Family Rivalry
🧡 Suspense & Twists
❤️ Will They or Won’t They
Trigger Happy by Meredith Trapp
Rating: 5.0⭐️
Spice: 3.0🌶️
How can I explain my love for this book? Trigger Happy was such an unexpected surprise in the best way possible! I thought I’d be reading the typical enemies to lovers cowboy story, but ended up reading about contract killers who pretend to hate each other but secretly want each other, and kooky and suspicious BnB hosts, all intertwined with a little mystery and suspense. The banter between Lawton and Sabrina is hilarious, but the tension is so palpable. If you want a dark romcom that will make you laugh out loud but keep you guessing until the end, you’ll absolutely love Trigger Happy.
Thank you to Meredith Trapp and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Why You’ll Love It:
❤️ Rival Contract Killers
🧡 Only One Bed
❤️ Fake Marriage
🧡 Enemies to Lovers
❤️ Forbidden Love / Family Rivalry
🧡 Suspense & Twists
❤️ Will They or Won’t They
July 1, 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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“Because love means sitting in life’s darkest moments without forcing someone to turn on the light.”
This was one of those books that you start and just can’t put down! I went into this book blind! Just going off the cutesy cover I thought it was just another cowboy romance (which is one of my favorite tropes). I was pleasantly shocked to find out that both of the leads are assassins! 😂
“You want me to beg? I’ll do it,” I say, holding up her hair. “I’ve never wanted anything the way I want your lips on me.”
I wish I could have recorded myself reading the first chapter and then running to Goodreads to read the blurb. The author did a fantastic job at keeping the banter lite and (stabby) while also having these two mortal enemies fall in love!
“I want you screaming my name when this is over.”
“If you want me screaming, you’ll have to work for it.”
“This is my favorite kind of work.”
The leads are so perfectly opposite but at the same time, they can understand each other on such a deep level based on their mutual childhoods and occupations.
“What are you thinking about?”
“You,” he murmurs, eyes slinking over my body. “And every ungentlemanly thing I want to do to you.”
Everything about this forced proximity, fake marriage romance had me cackling and throughly entertained! It’s a SLOW burn, but have no fear, Lawton knows how to put his dirty mouth to good use. 🤭
“Now carry me to our kitchen,” she says, leaning back with a devious glint in her eye, “and ravage me on the counter like a proper fake husband.”
The plot twist at the end was both completely unexpected and at the same time wildly refreshing! These characters are just all so unhinged that they just work so well together!
I honestly finished this story and immediately needed this to be a series! I hope the author writes more books in connection to assassins, because she did it SO WELL!
Tropes:
🔪 Double Assassins
☠️ Rival Families
😈 Dark Humor/RomCom
🤭 Only One Bed
💍 Fake Marriage
🗻 Small Mountain Town
This was one of those books that you start and just can’t put down! I went into this book blind! Just going off the cutesy cover I thought it was just another cowboy romance (which is one of my favorite tropes). I was pleasantly shocked to find out that both of the leads are assassins! 😂
“You want me to beg? I’ll do it,” I say, holding up her hair. “I’ve never wanted anything the way I want your lips on me.”
I wish I could have recorded myself reading the first chapter and then running to Goodreads to read the blurb. The author did a fantastic job at keeping the banter lite and (stabby) while also having these two mortal enemies fall in love!
“I want you screaming my name when this is over.”
“If you want me screaming, you’ll have to work for it.”
“This is my favorite kind of work.”
The leads are so perfectly opposite but at the same time, they can understand each other on such a deep level based on their mutual childhoods and occupations.
“What are you thinking about?”
“You,” he murmurs, eyes slinking over my body. “And every ungentlemanly thing I want to do to you.”
Everything about this forced proximity, fake marriage romance had me cackling and throughly entertained! It’s a SLOW burn, but have no fear, Lawton knows how to put his dirty mouth to good use. 🤭
“Now carry me to our kitchen,” she says, leaning back with a devious glint in her eye, “and ravage me on the counter like a proper fake husband.”
The plot twist at the end was both completely unexpected and at the same time wildly refreshing! These characters are just all so unhinged that they just work so well together!
I honestly finished this story and immediately needed this to be a series! I hope the author writes more books in connection to assassins, because she did it SO WELL!
Tropes:
🔪 Double Assassins
☠️ Rival Families
😈 Dark Humor/RomCom
🤭 Only One Bed
💍 Fake Marriage
🗻 Small Mountain Town
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This gave the perfect combo of dark rom com but not corny.
I laughed so much and even got choked up at a couple parts.
This is a true forbidden romance with a one bed ttrope and fake dating.
They are hired unalivers who end up on the same job and end up having to fake being married in order to get close to their next target. Only they realize that they might actually like eachother but theres noooo way they can do that with the family rivalry.
There are twists and turns that just keep you wanting more 😩.
Fav quotes :
"Who needs therapy when you've got an arsenal of inappropriate death jokes?"
I bite my lip to stifle my cries, but he grips my chin, angling my head back to meet his blazing eyes. I never knew darkness could burn.
"Don't. Those noises are mine," he rasps before crashing his mouth against me.
"How do you know all this?" She bends down to examine the gashes on the woman's arm.
"Because I don't spend all my time looking up 'can you get a DUI on a horse?"
"Aw, you stalkin' my search history, Chastain?"
"Bold move for someone who could easily choke you," I say.
"Bold to assume I'd complain about being choked by you."
There's nothing worse than a You got this! in the middle of an emotional tornado.
"Sweet nightmares, Montoya. I hope I'm the star of them."
"Do you ever think before you open your mouth?"
"Nah, I'd rather improv life and see what happens."
He takes up space in people's memories, but I squeeze myself into a person they'll glaze right over.
I laughed so much and even got choked up at a couple parts.
This is a true forbidden romance with a one bed ttrope and fake dating.
They are hired unalivers who end up on the same job and end up having to fake being married in order to get close to their next target. Only they realize that they might actually like eachother but theres noooo way they can do that with the family rivalry.
There are twists and turns that just keep you wanting more 😩.
Fav quotes :
"Who needs therapy when you've got an arsenal of inappropriate death jokes?"
I bite my lip to stifle my cries, but he grips my chin, angling my head back to meet his blazing eyes. I never knew darkness could burn.
"Don't. Those noises are mine," he rasps before crashing his mouth against me.
"How do you know all this?" She bends down to examine the gashes on the woman's arm.
"Because I don't spend all my time looking up 'can you get a DUI on a horse?"
"Aw, you stalkin' my search history, Chastain?"
"Bold move for someone who could easily choke you," I say.
"Bold to assume I'd complain about being choked by you."
There's nothing worse than a You got this! in the middle of an emotional tornado.
"Sweet nightmares, Montoya. I hope I'm the star of them."
"Do you ever think before you open your mouth?"
"Nah, I'd rather improv life and see what happens."
He takes up space in people's memories, but I squeeze myself into a person they'll glaze right over.
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!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I had so much fun reading Trigger Happy!! Sabrina and Lawton had the best banter! I was laughing at the funny bits and kicking my feet at the romantic ones! They're both contract killers who are mortal enemies. And I mean enemies! However, they are forced to work together to take out their targets which leads to a fake relationship, some forced proximity and oh yeah, they have to share the bed 🤭.
Sabrina is confident, smart and just straight up funny. She tried very hard to deny her attraction to Lawton and the same could be said for him. I enjoyed seeing these two grow closer on their mission! That and Lawton forgetting his fake name lol. But the plot twist! I didn't even see it coming! I had my suspicions but never did I think what happened would have happened! I love when you can actually be surprised and I definitely was here!
Trigger Happy reminded me a bit of Butcher and Blackbird but the food in this one was definitely not ruined 😂! All in all, I'd say it was a great read and I would def recommend if you love reading about enemies who are forced to fake date/ marry each other while on a mission!
Thank you to Meredith Trapp, Atria Books and Netgalley for the ARC!
Sabrina is confident, smart and just straight up funny. She tried very hard to deny her attraction to Lawton and the same could be said for him. I enjoyed seeing these two grow closer on their mission! That and Lawton forgetting his fake name lol. But the plot twist! I didn't even see it coming! I had my suspicions but never did I think what happened would have happened! I love when you can actually be surprised and I definitely was here!
Trigger Happy reminded me a bit of Butcher and Blackbird but the food in this one was definitely not ruined 😂! All in all, I'd say it was a great read and I would def recommend if you love reading about enemies who are forced to fake date/ marry each other while on a mission!
Thank you to Meredith Trapp, Atria Books and Netgalley for the ARC!
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