Trigger Happy

by Meredith Trapp

For 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?

Genres: Romance, Dark Romance, Forced Proximity, Cowboy Romance, Marriage Of Convenience, Westerns, Dark

Kindle Edition

Expected publication October 20, 2026

About the author

Meredith 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.

Reviews

[cat (gone until july 26th) · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 >>>

[Bree · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Lindsey Innocente · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 🫶🏼

[k · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[cara ☾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Anouk · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Bree Doby · Rating 3 out of 5]

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!!!

[allison]

super 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

[Sydney Gessler · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jess Hilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[chelseabrookelikesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I genuinely cannot put into words how much I loved this book.

This was a one-sitting, ignore-every-responsibility, “just one more chapter” kind of read. The second I finished, I wanted to erase my memory and experience it all over again for the first time.

Sabrina and Lawton were EVERYTHING. The banter? Absolute perfection. Every interaction had me grinning, laughing, and completely obsessed. Their chemistry practically jumped off the page, and watching two rival contract killers forced to play house was every bit as entertaining as it sounds.

But what really got me was how this book managed to be equal parts hilarious, romantic, and genuinely thrilling. I was completely invested from beginning to end.

And that plot twist?! EXCUSE ME?!

I never saw it coming. Not once. It completely blindsided me and had my jaw somewhere on the floor. I was convinced I knew where things were headed and this book proved me very, very wrong.

And can we talk about Bobbi and Arch for a second? Because I loved them. Bobbi is completely unhinged, and somehow that only made me love her more.

Funny, chaotic, romantic, thrilling, and impossible to put down. This is easily one of my favorite reads of the year, and I’m already jealous of everyone who gets to experience it for the first time!

[Deanna Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Sam Lue · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 Stars

Sabrina Chastain and Lawton Montoya’s families are in the business of unlaiving 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!

[Tracey Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Kennedy Look · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[AbbieReads3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!!!

[Mackenzie Burns · Rating 4 out of 5]

July ARC Review:

4 Stars ⭐️
1.5 to 2 🌶️

Thank you to Artia and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in advance of its release. If you are looking for a book to add to the TBR for fall time.

Now, THIS was a fun and interesting read. The concept at first had me so intrigued and it lived up to my expectations. What do you mean two rivalling assassins come together on a mission in a Small town and end up falling in love.

If you like movies like Mr and Mrs Smith… but a Small town vibe try it. This is a “dark rom com” but it has great moments of levitate throughout. If you like the Dark Rom com in books like Butcher and Blackbird, Harvest Season, and lights out then this could be a book you might like.

While I eyeball read this book, I think that this will be amazing on audio too. The writing from Meredith Trapp would totally translate on audio. Lawson and Sabrina’s sarcasm towards each other was just so good.

Sabrina, our FMC is clever Manhattan contract killer with a taste for manicures and the finer things in life. Even though she has a job that she does, she is also a type A personality. From the First chapter, I knew that Sabrina was going to be a special character. The fact that she was just this felt like even though she does “bad things” she is also “just a girl”. The fact that she had this semi dry sense of humour was just so good! She was witty and sarcastic while also being very much of the fact that she also had her “innocent” moments where she would effectively pretend she didn’t know what was happening to get a rise out of Lawson was hilarious. Sabrina was very much a character that I loved reading from her POV. How she handled being in this situation with Lawson and the temptation not to crush on him got more hilarious as the book went on… as at the end of the day, she is just a girlie and she got the whole treatment.

Lawson, our MMC is also reckless cowboy contract killer. He may or may not use some pigs to help him along the way. But he is a lovable killer. He is one of those MMCs where you know you shouldn’t like him… because he is a “bad man” but the temptation to just throw all of the bad out the window for the things he would say in the fake scenarios AND in real moments with Sabrina had you blushing at times. Lawson being the one to fall first was just so much fun. He really couldn’t stop thinking about when they kissed and being in his head during the moments where he was crushing was so funny. Lawson also having lost his brother added a layer of complexities to his character that makes you want to root for him.

These two have some deep seated family drama that runs deep, and they have seemingly been enemies forever. But with these two contracted to work together, they could very well be the bridge that creates a bond between the rivaling families. How would they do that? By having been hired for a job where they have to poise as a married couple in a Smalltown. This comes with its own set of challenges, with the one bed trope and making their love story believable was hilarious as parts of them being guests reminded me of scenes from The Proposal aka staying in the same bed… pretending to have no physical attraction. Just so fun.

Lawson and Sabrina may be one of the couples to look out for this fall.

As if you like pathetically downbad men… Lawson is your type. Plus Sabrina gave shades of Black cat energy and we love that over here!!

I would recommend this one if you are looking for a slightly dark rom com!

Tropes:
Rivaling Assassins, Rivals to lovers,
Fake Marriage, City Girl x Country Boy, Rivaling families
set in a small town, He falls first,
Touch her and Die, He washes her hair,

[mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello you five star beauty😋 Now this was so deliciously yummy, oh my goshhhhh. Here's a list of some things that I love: fake marriage (in books ofc), rivals, cowboys, banter. This book had it all and so much more. This was one of the funnest books—with the perfect development, pace, humor, romance, and intrigue that had me completely lost within the pages.

The only thing that Sabrina Chastain and Lawton Montoya have in common is the fact that they are both contract killers—oh wait, they also despise each other, so I guess they have two things in common. Sabrina is clever—a city girl through and through with a penchant for poison-tipped manicures. While Lawton is the reckless, down-and-dirty cowboy who doesn't mind getting the pigs involved during clean-up duty. Their hatred wasn't even because of what happened two years ago, but that definitely added fuel to the fire. Now, they get hired for the same surveillance job in cozy, small-town perfection Wyoming. They don't mind putting their death threats on hold in order to get the job done. But the funny thing is that they have to pose as the sweetest, most happily married couple in order to get close to their targets. This means having to stroll through pumpkin patches and smiling on horseback rides—even when they're plotting each other's deaths. Things start to blur when they venture into the pretending part. Lingering touches, looks, and kisses that burn make them realize soon enough that they feel a lot more than hatred. It gets messy when they notice that some things feel off and they start to wonder if they've walked into a dangerous trap. Will they be able to make it out alive and avoid killing off any chance they might have at something real?

I absolutely devoured Trigger Happy! I loved the banter, dynamic, and easiness of Sabrina and Lawton. Their chemistry was soo delicious. This book was just so funny. The side characters were such a perfect addition too. The banter between Sabrina and Lawton alone had me laughing and giggling while my hairstylist side-eyed me. Aside from being one of the easiest reads because of the humor and the natural chemistry/development of Sabrina and Lawtons relationship, there were still some serious subjects that were touched upon (and I'm not talking about all the murdery tendencies and the use of lye for disposal purposes). Subjects like grief, loneliness, and life after loss were prominent throughout the book. The way it was portrayed—the coping and healing process—was done so incredibly well. It was subtle but realistic and impactful. Seeing Sabrina and Lawton be the healing agent they both needed for each other warmed my heart so much. They are the last two puzzle pieces needed to complete a beautiful landscape. All that chaotic (possibly adhd) cowboy needed was his type-a city girl—they compliment each other so incredibly well. Also, don't even get me started on the cover and how stunning it is, I can't wait to get my physical copy because I need this book in my shelves ASAPPP. I love love love Mrs. Montoya & Mr. Chastain💘

Trigger Happy Tropes:
❤️‍🔥Rivals to frenemies to lovers
🔪Assassins
⛰️Small-town
🛏️Only one bed
💍Fake marriage
🏙️Type-A city girl x Chaotic cowboy🤠

Thank you to NetGalley, Atria Books, and Meredith Trapp for this ARC of Trigger Happy in exchange for an honest review!

Release date: October 20, 2026💖

[Michelle | WhatsMichelleReading ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 6 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

COMING BACK TO FINISH THIS REVIEW BC ITS 2:30AM BUT THIS BOOK WAS A SLAM DUNK!!! AN ABSOLUTE BANGER AND I EXPECT NOTHING LESS FROM MEREDITH TRAPP 🖤🖤🖤

Review:

"The only thing I want to do is ruin you."

After finishing this book last night, I officially upgraded my rating to 6 stars. This book has entered god-tier recommendation status for me, and I couldn't be happier about it.

I loved absolutely everything about this book. I couldn't stop thinking about it when I wasn't reading, and every time I had to put it down, all I wanted was to pick it back up again. I was completely obsessed from start to finish and honestly didn't want it to end. Meredith Trapp has further solidified herself as an auto-buy author, and she is never leaving that list.

I genuinely don't even know where to start because this book was incredible in so many ways.

Tropes:

- enemies to lovers
- rival contract killers
- fake marriage
- forced proximity
- only one bed
- rival families
- cowboy MMC
- city girl FMC
- cozy small-town setting
- surveillance job
- top-tier banter

Lawson and Sabrina are A+ characters. Their banter? Elite. Their personalities? Amazing. Their chemistry? Off the charts.

Their hatred for each other at the beginning had me laughing so hard that I got asked if I was okay. I honestly couldn't believe how much I was laughing, considering these two spent most of the book actively despising one another. Every interaction between them had me absolutely cackling.

Some of my favorite lines:

"Did you need to shove your tongue down my throat?"
"Nope," he pops out. "That was all for me."

And:

"Ma's bar of soap is starting to sound a lot better than a ten-mile hike with my exorcist fake wife."

I swear, the banter alone deserves its own five-star rating.

Then, just when I thought these two couldn't get any better, Meredith Trapp hit me with lines like:

"Bold move for someone who could easily choke you," I say.
"Bold to assume I'd complain about being choked by you."

Like??? Excuse me while I scream into the void.

The plot had me completely invested from beginning to end. I *needed* to know what was going to happen next. And listen, I'm not usually someone who can predict thriller-style twists, but this book was no exception because THAT PLOT TWIST??? I was shocked. Completely blindsided. My jaw actually hit the floor. Not only did I not see it coming, but it added such a delicious layer of betrayal to the ending that I was absolutely eating it up.

And the side characters?

Bobbi and Arch? Hilarious. I need a book about them immediately because I know there's a story there.

Lawson's mom? Somehow hilarious, loving, and slightly murder-y all at the same time. An icon, honestly.

If any part of this sounds like something you'd enjoy, immediately order this book. Pre-order it. Camp out on your front porch waiting for it to arrive. Do whatever you need to do because this book is a wild ride and, without a doubt, one of the best books I'll read this year.

[Death by TBR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Trigger Happy prior to publication with my honest thoughts and opinions. And thank you to Meredith Trapp for writing such a great book!

Trigger Happy, for me, is one of those books that grabs you unexpectedly (in the best way) and holds on tight until the very end. I thought this was done so well...the killer-for-hire trope is a newish one for me, though I do love Brynne Weaver, who really does like to inject a lot of grossness into her stories, and this is kind of like that...but also not?! I don't like doing comparisons, but it's the best I had. There is humor, there is banter, there is SPICE, there is WOOING, there is a huge plot twist - I'd really implore you to read this if you like all of those things mixed together!

Now, a little bit about our mains. The FMC, Sabrina, made me a bit sad not HOW she operated, but WHY she operated the way she did. Granted, she's amazing and a genius, but I still related a bit too hard at the self-reliance bit. Imagine how blown away she (and I) felt when our MMC, Lawton, came in and despite his preconceived notions about her and her family, fell pretty quickly. And I absolutely loved Bobbi and Arch. Best secondary characters ever.

Finally, our tropes:
* Type A Contract Killer City Gal x Type B Contract Killer Cowboy
* Forced Proximity
* Fake Husband and Wife
* Small Town Romance
* Dark Romance
* Pig BFF
* Romeo x Juliet Familial Rivalries
* Creative Candle Making
* Usage of the word, "Wife" in a way that might make you melt imagining it...
* Banter
* Spice
* Mrs. Montoya x Mr. ChastainThank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Trigger Happy prior to publication with my honest thoughts and opinions. And thank you to Meredith Trapp for writing such a great book!

Trigger Happy, for me, is one of those books that grabs you unexpectedly (in the best way) and holds on tight until the very end. I thought this was done so well...the killer-for-hire trope is a newish one for me, though I do love Brynne Weaver, who really does like to inject a lot of grossness into her stories, and this is kind of like that...but also not?! I don't like doing comparisons, but it's the best I had. There is humor, there is banter, there is SPICE, there is WOOING, there is a huge plot twist - I'd really implore you to read this if you like all of those things mixed together!

Now, a little bit about our mains. The FMC, Sabrina, made me a bit sad not HOW she operated, but WHY she operated the way she did. Granted, she's amazing and a genius, but I still related a bit too hard at the self-reliance bit. Imagine how blown away she (and I) felt when our MMC, Lawton, came in and despite his preconceived notions about her and her family, fell pretty quickly. And I absolutely loved Bobbi and Arch. Best secondary characters ever.

Finally, our tropes:
* Type A Contract Killer City Gal x Type B Contract Killer Cowboy
* Forced Proximity
* Fake Husband and Wife
* Small Town Romance
* Dark Romance
* Pig BFF
* Romeo x Juliet Familial Rivalries
* Creative Candle Making
* Usage of the word, "Wife" in a way that might make you melt imagining it...
* Banter
* Spice
* Mrs. Montoya x Mr. Chastain

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excuse me?!!! This is one of my favorite reads of the month, and probably in my top five romance books of the year so far!

Meredith Trapp did it again. I’ve been waiting for a new book from her for like 2 years, and it was definitely worth the wait!!! I’m officially obsessed with Sabrina and Lawton.

I couldn’t stop reading—Trigger Happy had me completely glued to the pages. I laughed out loud so many times, and the chemistry between Sabrina and Lawton? OMG!!!

Trigger Happy follows Sabrina and Lawton, two rival contract killers with a complicated family history. When they’re unexpectedly hired for the same surveillance job in a small town, they’re forced to work together and pose as a happily married couple to get close to their targets.

With a fake marriage, weeks of working side by side, and undeniable attraction, keeping their distance from each other isn’t exactly easy.

Between witty banter, forced proximity, and plenty of chaos, Sabrina and Lawton are complete opposites in every way, yet they make the perfect team—and maybe something more than that.

I loved the way this enemies-to-lovers romance was handled. Lawton was always there for Sabrina, even when he was supposed to hate her, and I loved seeing them support each other throughout the story. Watching Sabrina slowly open up to Lawton and Bobbi was one of my favorite parts of the book.

I couldn’t stop giggling and kicking my feet during some scenes, and the side characters were absolutely eccentric. Also, I’ll never look at candles the same way again 😂 (IYKYK).

As a Meredith Trapp fan, I 1000000% recommend Trigger Happy!

Tropes:
❤️‍🔥 Rivals to Frenemies to Lovers
❤️‍🔥 Assassins in a Small Town
❤️‍🔥 There’s Only One Bed
❤️‍🔥 Fake Marriage
❤️‍🔥 Type-A City Girl x Chaotic Cowboy
❤️‍🔥 Secrets and Lies
❤️‍🔥 Third-Act Betrayal

A huge thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC 🥹

🇮🇹:

Trigger Happy

Io sono senza parole!!! Questo è uno dei miei libri preferiti del mese e probabilmente entra direttamente nella mia top 5 dei romance letti quest’anno!

Meredith Trapp é una garanzia! Aspettavo un suo nuovo libro da tipo due anni e posso dire che l’attesa è stata assolutamente ripagata!!! Ora sono ufficialmente ossessionata da Sabrina e Lawton.

Non riuscivo a smettere di leggere, Trigger Happy mi ha tenuta incollata alle pagine dall’inizio alla fine. Non riuscivo a smettere di ridere in tantissime scene e la chimica tra Sabrina e Lawton? 🔥🔥🔥!!!

Trigger Happy segue la storia di Sabrina e Lawton, due sicari rivali con una complicata storia familiare alle spalle. Quando vengono assunti per lo stesso incarico di sorveglianza in una piccola cittadina, sono costretti a collaborare e a fingere di essere una coppia felicemente sposata per avvicinarsi ai loro obiettivi.

Tra fingere di essere sposati, settimane trascorse a lavorare fianco a fianco e un’attrazione impossibile da ignorare, mantenere le distanze diventa sempre più difficile.

Tra battute brillanti, forced proximity e una buona dose di caos, Sabrina e Lawton sono completamente agli opposti sotto ogni aspetto, eppure insieme formano una squadra perfetta… e forse qualcosa di più.

Ho adorato il modo in cui è stata sviluppata questa storia enemies to lovers. Lawton è sempre stato presente per Sabrina, anche quando avrebbe dovuto odiarla, e mi è piaciuto tantissimo vedere come entrambi si sostenessero a vicenda nel corso della storia. Inoltre, ho amato il percorso di Sabrina e il modo in cui si apre gradualmente con Lawton e Bobbi.

Ci sono state scene che mi hanno fatto ridere tantissimo, mentre i personaggi secondari sono semplicemente irresistibili nella loro eccentricità. E una cosa è certa: non guarderò mai più le candele allo stesso modo 😂 ( IYKYK ).

Da fan di Meredith Trapp, consiglio Trigger Happy al 1000000%!

Tropes:
❤️‍🔥 Rivals to Frenemies to Lovers
❤️‍🔥 Sicari in una piccola città
❤️‍🔥 There’s Only One Bed
❤️‍🔥 Matrimonio Finto
❤️‍🔥 Ragazza di città super organizzata × Cowboy caotico
❤️‍🔥 Segreti e Bugie
❤️‍🔥 Third-Act Betrayal

Un enorme grazie ad Atria Books e NetGalley per la copia ARC 🥹

[Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The moment I started Trigger Happy, I immediately realized this was something a little different from Meredith Trapp, and I was so excited to see where she was going to take it. She absolutely delivered.
The banter between Lawton and Sabrina is top tier. Their conversations are witty, effortless, and had me smiling from the very beginning. Then I got Lawton's first POV, where he's drunk on limoncello talking to a pig named Carnitas, and I knew I was going to love him. Finding out he likes pumpkin spice lattes only made me adore him more. He's the definition of word vomit, and I mean that in the absolute best way possible. Every time he opened his mouth, I never knew what was going to come out next, and it made him such a fun character to follow.
Sabrina was just as enjoyable. I loved that underneath everything, she's a secret romantic who really just wants to be loved. Watching her and Lawton together was one of my favorite parts of the book because they're the perfect opposites-attract couple. Their chemistry is incredible, and the office tension between them is everything. Every interaction had me wanting more.
I also became completely invested in both the romance and the mystery. I needed to know what had happened with Walker just as much as I wanted to see Lawton and Sabrina figure out their relationship. This was one of those books where I kept telling myself I'd read one more chapter, and suddenly I was halfway through because I couldn't put it down.
The mystery kept me guessing the entire time. I found Arch suspicious almost immediately—although I wasn't completely convinced—and by Chapter 31, I had formed a full theory. I usually try not to make predictions while I'm reading, but this book had me theorizing anyway. The best part? I wasn't just wrong...I wasn't even in the ballpark. I genuinely loved being surprised.
One thing I especially appreciated was that alongside all the mystery and chaos, Lawton and Sabrina were also getting small glimpses of the normal life they both wanted beyond reconnaissance and contract work. Those quieter moments gave the romance even more heart and made me root for them even harder.
And then there was the shower scene. It immediately gave me the same vibes as the iconic shower scene in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, and I loved every second of it.
One of my favorite moments in the entire book was realizing that Sabrina had been protecting Lawton long before either of them fully acknowledged what was growing between them. That added so much emotional weight to their relationship and made their connection feel even more genuine.
The ending was fantastic. It wrapped up both the romance and the mystery in a way that left me completely satisfied while still wishing there was more. I wasn't ready to leave these characters behind.
If you're looking for a mystery romantic comedy with contract killers, an opposites-attract romance, a "he falls first" dynamic, laugh-out-loud banter, chaotic family dinners, and a mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end, Trigger Happy absolutely delivers.
I truly loved this book, and I can't wait to see what Meredith Trapp writes next.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Brittney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trigger Happy • Meredith Trapp

One phrase: rival contract killers playing house 🔫💍

I genuinely cannot put into words how much I loved this book.

Trigger Happy was a one sitting, ignore every responsibility, “just one more chapter” kind of read. The second I finished, I wanted to erase my memory and experience it all over again.

Sabrina and Lawton were EVERYTHING.

She is a clever Manhattan darling with poison tipped manicures. He is a reckless cowboy who is not afraid to get his hands dirty. They have absolutely no business working together, let alone pretending to be happily married, and that is exactly what makes this book so much fun.

The banter?
Perfection.

Every interaction between them had me grinning, laughing, and fully obsessed. They despise each other in the most delicious way, and watching them trade threats while being forced into cozy small town couple activities was comedy gold.

Pumpkin patches. Horseback rides. Surveillance. Death threats. Fake marriage. Murdery chemistry.

What more could I possibly ask for?

But what really made this book work for me was how it balanced everything. It was hilarious, romantic, chaotic, and genuinely thrilling. The romance was so fun, but the suspense kept me fully locked in too.

And that plot twist???

EXCUSE ME.

I did not see it coming. Not even a little bit. I thought I knew where things were going, and this book happily proved me wrong.

Also, Bobbi and Arch deserve their moment because I loved them. Bobbi is completely unhinged, and honestly, that just made me love her more.

✨ Tropes and vibes:
🔫 rival contract killers
💍 fake marriage
🤠 cowboy MMC
🖤 enemies to lovers
🎃 cozy small town setting
😂 hilarious banter
👀 surveillance job
🔥 lethal chemistry
💥 plot twist chaos
🐴 horseback rides
🔪 murdery rom com energy
💞 forced proximity

📚 Read this if you like:
Rival assassins, fake dating or fake marriage chaos, cowboy romance with a dangerous twist, funny banter, small town setups, and books that are equal parts romantic, ridiculous, and thrilling.

This was funny, chaotic, romantic, twisty, and completely impossible to put down.

#TriggerHappy #MeredithTrapp #RomanticSuspense #CowboyRomance #BookReview @Atria

[inmyreadingera321 · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALL THE STARS ALL THE STARS!!!!! I had SO much fun reading this book, oh my GOD!!!!

It's like Butcher & Blackbird but a little more lighthearted and with more enemies-to-lovers vibes because of the family rivalry. In other words, it had everything I love, everything I could ever want, and so it's no surprise that I literally already want to read it again.

I think what made this work so well, for me, was firstly the banter. Sabrina and Lawton's banter was so easy to sink into it. It didn't feel forced, like it was banter for banter's sake; instead it just really fit their characters. Lawton's a little bit of a rage baiter when it comes to Sabrina, and she's too stubborn to let him get the last word, so their arguments are a perfect example of verbal sparring.

Besides that, I honestly was hooked by the plot. Not just the romance or even the primary ass*ssin-plot but all the tension and secrets that hinted at even more below the surface. There were twists and turns and even when I thought I figured something out, I was pleasantly surprised to realize that there was more that I was still missing -- more that could still surprise me.

I also have to say -- 80% conflicts, especially when they're effectively third act breakups, STRESS ME OUT. BUT!!!! I think this one actually made a lot of sense and was handled in a way that, instead of stressing me out, had me just excited to see how things would get fixed. There was a lot that the characters had to reconcile with individually, and the way those stories played out made their eventual reunion that much sweeter. I also think that, lately, a lot of authors have written a lot of Down Bad MMCs with FMCs that are a little snarky and mean -- and while I love that dynamic, I also love when we see the black cat-esque FMC melt a little for the other person, and this book had that in spades. Lawton's love for Sabrina was more apparent and obvious -- he definitely fell first -- but Sabrina eventually matched that love in a really beautiful way. It felt like an even partnership, which was just so great to see.

Everyone needs to read this book!!!! So, so, SO much fun!

------------------

Thank you to Netgalley and Atria for the ARC!

[Case · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trigger Happy was one of those books that hooked me right away and didn’t let go until I stayed up late to finish it. It’s packed with humour and heart and just enough intrigue to keep you guessing.

The mystery kept me engaged from start to finish, but the real draw was Sabrina and Lawton. They know each other far too well, spend most of the book trying not to acknowledge it, and their personalities bounce off each other in a way that made every conversation entertaining. Sabrina is guarded and hyper-prepared because she’s spent her life believing she can only rely on herself. Lawton tends to charge headfirst into situations, trusting he’ll figure things out along the way. What I liked was that those differences weren’t just there for banter. They reflected the ways both characters were coping with loneliness, grief, and the fear of needing other people.

Underneath all the humour, the book has a surprising amount of heart. Sabrina desperately wants connection but struggles to trust it when she finds it. Lawton is still trying to figure out who he is after losing his brother and losing some of his confidence along with him. Neither arc felt overly dramatic, but both felt grounded enough that I found myself invested in them as people rather than just as a couple.

I also appreciated that the book never lost its sense of humour. Even when things got darker, the jokes felt like they came from the characters rather than the author trying to force a funny moment. The tone stayed remarkably consistent, which made it easy to settle into the story and trust where it was going.

My only real complaint is that I wanted a little more time with the emotional payoff near the end. I completely bought the chemistry, the history, and the years of unresolved feelings. I just wanted to sit with that a little longer before everyone started saying the quiet parts out loud.

Overall, I had a great time with this one. It’s funny, heartfelt, and packed with characters I genuinely enjoyed spending time with. More than anything, it reminded me how much fun it is to get completely pulled into a story and not want to put it down.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a copy of this book.

[Ashley O'Leary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dare I say Trigger Happy cemented my love for dark Rom Coms?
Thank you Netgalley, Meredith Trapp and Atria books for the advanced reader copy of Trigger Happy.

What to Expect
☕ Rivals to Frenemies to Lovers
☕ Unalivers in a small town
☕ Only One Bed
☕ He takes care of her
☕ Fake marriage x hidden identity
☕ Type-A city girl x Chaotic Cowboy
☕ Secrets and Lies
☕ Forbidden Romance

Sabrina and Lawton are a match made in misery. Sabrina is a clever Manhattan contract killer with a taste for manicures and the finer things in life. Lawton is a reckless cowboy killer who uses pigs for clean-up duty. As sworn rivals, they are more than surprised when they are accidentally hired for the same surveillance gig in Wyoming town. To get close to their targets, Lawton and Sabrina pretend to be a happily married couple navigating pumpkin patches and horseback rides to get closer to their target. Trigger Happy is packed with forced-proximity tension, banter, and high stakes, leaving you to wonder if they’ll survive the setup or kill their chance at something real before they make it out alive.

First off, I saw a Meredith Trapp book on Netgalley and requested it without reading the description. The cover kind of seemed similar to Homebound, so I figured a series type of deal. I couldn't have been more wrong (but I’m so happy I was.)

Lawton. The man you are. You’ve cemented yourself on my permanent book boyfriend list. No regrets. The wit, the humor, and the banter. Unmatched.

Sabrina matched Lawton step for step. But also her OCD and preparedness was so relatable. Type-A girlies unite. It was so easy to relate with her even though you know she’s a professional unaliver.

I had so much fun reading this book. It was very heavy on the “com”. I laughed so much while reading this book. I’m also notoriously a wimp when it comes to thriller and mystery books, but this was the perfect amount of suspense without sending me into an anxiety induced spiral.

If you’re a fan of a spicy little rom com with little mystery, a little suspense, a lot of banter, and a MMC who is down bad this book is exactly what you’re looking for.

[Izzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

note: review 1.0, edits coming!

Either Meredith Trapp is a serial killer herself or possesses the most out-of-context search history ever. "How to melt a body and put it in arsenic" and such. You know, the good old things.

This book was just so... funny. Hilarious, almost. Some of the things that happened were so fucking ridiculous... like candles? Really? How the hell does one even think of some of this?

Obviously, we need to thank the author's wildly fascinating brain because the product was captivating. The mystery in this book probably took one-upped the romance, creating an, in true English fashion, ominous atmosphere that is rarely found in a pure romance. The plot twists were few and far between, making the true definition of "quality over quantity". I particularly loved the cross between these cutesy love moments that had such a great impact towards the solving of the mystery. Nothing like falling in love while figuring out shit, yeah?

The final mystery conclusion was such a brilliant moment because it satisfied all the seeming plot holes. The story came in a full circle and, well, the reader got answers.

The chemistry between characters was certainly there. It was positively sizzling in a manner that made my omelet jealous, and their friendship dynamic was just so funny to see. Hell, all the friendships in this book were lovely and I can't fucking wait to see the next one.

My primary issue with this book was the coincidences. The climax just so happened to have the perfect conditions for Sabrina to work her magic. Which is fine ONCE, even if the chances are lower than my dream of winning the Powerball. But, there's no fucking way that the timing is that perfect AGAIN two chapters later, with Sabrina so narrowly escaping death TWICE??? How is the luck so perfectly on their side?

also i fucking hate the mother can we please address how they never addressed that

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trigger happy 😃 4-4.5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ .5

Honestly, I ate this up. I thought it was a cowboy/ ranch story. It’s actually about two contract life Enders from rival families. Sabrina and Lawton get hired on a partner job, and soon see it’s a paired job. They’re living on an idealistic farm in a barn that is of course with one bed. After tracking who they believe is an idealistic couple, the lines begin to blur for a couple who has always had difficulties with trust.

The closest I can compare this to is butcher and blackbird— but honestly it’s funny and not nearly as gory. Lawton is absolutely delicious. Who doesn’t love a man who drops the my wife bomb at every chance after riding the bull for the full eight seconds? It’s delicious. His family owns a ranch, so he is good with his hands 🙌. Sabrina is of course the girl who always has a plan. A-z. And let’s be honest, the girl with the plan has never had her back covered until Lawton .

The twist was a bit unexpected for sure!! And the town is adorable. Not to mention Bobbi is a great side character and her own partner in crime Arch.

This is a fun romance with a twist, and once I got over the initial beginning I ran with it. For some reason, at the start — I wasn’t instantly hooked. But by the time we were at fall festivals and horse rides I was alllll in. And who doesn’t love a fake dating/ marriage trope!

Here’s hoping for Bobbi’s story in book two!! I’m definitely going to be reading 😊 📚

Thank you to NetGalley, Meredith Trapp, Atria Books and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review!

P.S. I’m always impressed by author’s notes when they mention writing pregnant or freshly postpartum. It’s incredible how something like this can come from a stressed out body and mind! It’s brilliant and women rock!

[Demi · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Obsessed✨ is beyond an understatement of this read. It was my first book from Meredith Trapp and I want to read more from her. PLUS, her cover art is from one of my favorite artists which made me INSTANTLY want to read. It just completes them SO WELL 💖💖

This book was a blast from the first page to the last. We have Sabrina & Lawton right from the beginning who happen to be from enemy families who have some major history that fuels the fire between the two. We instantly can feel the heat and tension between them two while they argued. 😍 They are both contracted assassins who happen to run into each other QUITE frequently. Especially when they get a job where they both have to work together to obtain information on a client and their spouse. The rest is history from there. 🔥

THIS BOOK WAS ELECTRIFYING in a way that kept me WANTING MORE. I didn't know much going in and I'm glad that I was accepted to read it. The forced proximity and banter between these two, you could CUT IT WITH A KNIFE and just kept making me kick my feet. Sabrina did so much to keep her feelings away while Lawton knew he shouldn't like her but he couldn't help push her buttons.

THEN, that ending, that was a new one for me. I NEVER saw that coming. It was like a romantic cowboy comedy with mystery mixed in with some suspense that made me wanting more. I definitely want to read more books that have these vibes because this WAS A VIBE. 🔥🔥

If you love forced proximity, enemies to lovers, one bed, fake marriage and BANTER, then you will LOVE THIS BOOK! I am not just saying that, you will love this story. I mean, I did :P

Thank you NetGalley & Atria Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. This review is all my own.

Tropes:
🤠Enemies to Lovers
🔪Dual POV
🤠 Fake Marriage
🔪Forced Proximity
🤠One Bed
🔪Contracted Assassins/Killers