Meredith Trapp rewrites the equation for a perfect small town cowboy romance with Homebound. Take one FMC who is a badass bull rider doing everything in her power to hold on for 8 seconds, add in one childhood best friend who also happens to be the hometown hockey hero turned single dad; and you get one irresistible second chance romance. This swoon worthy story is a perfect summer read!

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the eARC!
3.5 stars

Cowgirl romance?? Hell yeah!

Texas lesbian side characters that own a flower farm?? HELL yeah!!

MMC raised by Texas lesbians that own a flower farm?? HELL YEAH!!!

This book certainly had its cute moments and overall I had a good time reading it. There were a few things that I thought the author did really well. Her content guidance page was very detailed and presented seriously. I’ve seen a lot of content warning pages lately that act like content warning are a joke and that is just not the vibe!! Meredith Trapp did hers very well!
I really loved that the FMC, Dakota, started off a bit prickly. She had a reputation but when she showed emotion it was heartfelt. I thought the book also had a fairly sex positive approach for this subgenre. Dakota doesn’t hesitate to do what she wants to do. The MMC, Wyatt, didn’t really seem to bat an eye at any of it and I appreciated that approach!
There was an emphasis on him being in the “friend zone” though, and that’s just not for me. It almost always feels like they think they’re owed the FMC and while the MMC never really *said* that, I was definitely getting that vibe. His actions remained gentlemanly for the most part but frankly, for a man raised by lesbians I was a little disappointed.
There’s also a point when they get together that seems like a flip just switched in Dakota’s head and she liked Wyatt all of a sudden.
I did like that Dakota really loved Wyatt’s baby girl. I love a single dad trope where the girl falls for the kid before the dad. Gets me every time.

Speaking of kids, time for a rant from my speech-language pathologist brain. I know this won’t matter to most but it bothered me and I won’t know peace unless I say it lol. Wyatt’s daughter Vienna has recently started talking and there’s a line that says: “The “ck” sound is one of the last ones kids get,”. The /k/ phoneme is actually a very early developing sound. Since Vienna is only 12 months, the “Duh” for “duck” she uses in the scene is appropriate. However, not because she can’t produce the /k/ sound, but because she is simplifying the word which is normal at this age.

This was such a great book. All of the characters- main and supporting were well written, but I really loved Dakota. She was such a hard-ass but soft and loving and sweet when it came to Wyatt and Vienna, such a perfect balance of personality with her.

The plot was exciting, a nice slow burn but not too slow, and the supporting characters were very well written also. There were a few slightly cringey dialogue moments for me, but I still ate this book up, so no big deal at all!

So from the cover of "Homebound", I see her leg is lifted and he is gripping it while holding her against his body. Okay! With that alone, I am thinking that I am going to experience a sexy good read.

It was a nice read and I liked the concept of Wyatt standing up for Dakota against her ex. I do wish the sex scenes attracted me like how I anticipated them to do, but it is okay because I did not hate this book. Dakota being a female bull-rider, I loved it. Wyatt being a single dad, is a nice addition.

As a certified lover of cowboy/western romance, this one left me wanting.

I'm guilty of judging a book by its cover and the moment I saw this one illustrated by @brittaneykellerart, it immediately went on my wishlist. I was lucky enough to receive a digital ARC through NetGalley and dove in fully prepared to be obsessed.

Full disclosure: I didn’t read the first book in this series (Icebound), but I went in blind and Homebound seemed like it could stand on its own. And for the most part it does!

What you can expect:
✨Dual first-person POV 🗣️
✨Single dad MMC 👨‍👧
✨Bullrider FMC 🐂
✨NHL player MMC 🏒
✨Childhood friends to lovers ("it was always you") 💞
✨Small-town feels 🏡

This had so much potential. The premise felt fresh, and I loved the idea of pairing a female bullrider with a single dad hockey player...such a unique combo! The emotional themes around identity, home, and healing were promising. But unfortunately, the execution didn’t work for me.

The writing leaned heavily on telling rather than showing, which made it harder for me to connect with any of the characters or feel the spark between the two MCs. The dialogue often felt awkward and unnatural, and I found myself physically cringing at moments that were supposed to be sweet or sexy.

I do want to highlight two moments that made me pause:

1. The FMC calling his daughter “our girl” almost shortly after reconnecting.

2. The MMCs response to her request during a panic attack.

That second point in particular was hard to move past, it was clearly meant to be a moment of vulnerability and connection, but it lacked the care and nuance needed to handle trauma-informed intimacy.

That said, I appreciate what the author was going for here, and I think readers who love childhood friends to lovers and enjoy sweet romances with slightly cringey dialogue will enjoy this more than I did.

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

I cannot get over her being a bull rider!! What a baddie.
Our FMC has her goals and isn't willing to have a man put his goals over hers. Though after ex has made her second guess herself her confidence when bull riding is effected and making her question everything. Until our MMC come back into town.
The MMC is back to shoot his shot with the girl he has been in love with forever but she has never express interest!
However he is now a single dad and his daughter will come first and if that doesn't fit into her picture he will have to move on.

Such a sweet easy read perfect summer book or in between heavy fantasy reads.

my rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5

Homebound flips the script on your typical cowboy romance—Dakota's the one riding bulls while Wyatt's tearing up the ice as hockey's golden boy! I loved seeing a strong female lead owning the rodeo arena while our MMC navigates single dad life with the most precious little one 🥹

the friends to lovers foundation really shines through their shared history, and watching Dakota's walls come down as she falls for both Wyatt AND his Vienna was so heartwarming. plus, the small-town Texas setting with the flower farm backdrop was perfect!

read if you like:
✅ small town romance
✅ friends to lovers
✅ single dad
✅ golden retriever energy

Ashby’s rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5

thank you Netgalley for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC of this book. I really wanted to love this book, and at moments I did. Wyatt is a really well written MMC but Dakota is kind of annoying. Like the whole thing just felt a little rushed and chaotic. But I was definitely giggling and kicking my feet at times. Like there were some super sweet moments that had me just obsessed with Wyatt. I overall liked it and will go back and read the first book. I didn’t realize this was a series but am looking forward to seeing what the rest of the series books will be like. If you are a sucker for single dad and grumpy FMC/sunshine cowboy this is a book you should read.

Thank you Netgalley and Meredith Trapp for this ARC!

Overall, I enjoyed this story. The FMC was a badass, making a name for herself in a male-dominated occupation as a bull-rider. I liked that Dakota was not tough, and fearless, and was not afraid of competition in an occupation that was rather misogynistic. Her hard work and dedication were admirable and impressive. I liked Wyatt's character, particularly his dedication to raising his daughter surrounded by fearless and strong women, such as Dakota. I also enjoyed how much Wyatt pined after Dakota, even years later, he was just in love with her as when he was younger.

I loved the progression of the story, and that how their relationship came about was very natural and it seamlessly blended into a beautiful love story. It made me wish I saw more of their future together, and to see how they got to live their HEA together.

✨ Homebound ✨

Overview:
Wyatt Patterson has only had eyes for Dakota Cutler sense the day she saved him from a Texas flash flood; she has been it for him. They were best friends for years, coming together every summer to dance, swim and pick wildflowers. Until one summer that Kodie got engaged and Wyatt stopped answering her calls for three years.

Now three years later Daddy Patty has come back to Texas with his beautiful daughter Vienna with one goal in mind, making Dakota see him more than just her summer boy. Wyatt is a full-grown man now not just some lovesick boy trailing after “Cowboy Kill” Dakota. Wyatt is ready to prove to that he can be more than her well mannered best friend and be the man who does not try to tame the bull riding Dakota just the one that holds on tight.

The Vibes:

🖤Texas
🖤Best Friends to Lovers
🖤Bull Riding FMC
🖤NHL/Single Dad MMC
🖤Self Doubt
🖤Working Out Together
🖤You Feel Like Home
🖤Outdoor Shower
🖤Man Obsessed


ARC Review:
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Meredith Trapp, and the publishing company for sending me an advance readers copy of Homebound.

This is my second time reading this book as it is now republished under Atria as of June 17th, 2025! I love the world that Meredith paints and really loved Patty Daddy from her first book Icebound. If you love an age gape romance then I recommend reading Icebound, I do not think it is necessary to still enjoy Homebound.

Now let me just say if you are not into a man that would literally do anything to see you smile because he is obsessed with your dimples this book is not for you. Wyatt is a top tier male main character sweet southern boy with manners for days, will gladly disrespect you in the bedroom. Will include that spicy little liner here, “Everyone knows you never disrespect a lady unless she’s begging for it in the bedroom.”

I was clutching my pearls y’all that tall blonde hockey player in a cowboy hat could talk to me like that any time. With this being my second read through I am also starting to picture Dakota as Ilona Maher. I think the body type and strong hot female athlete was a great representation. I just loved how obsessed Wyatt was with her, talking about how strong and thick her thighs were.

I loved all the different family dynamics in this book, especially Patterson family. Wyatt having two moms was so sweet and I loved their relationship with each other. Plus, Colt Cutler was the ultimate girl dad supporting Dakota as she chased her dreams of joining the PBR. They were family dynamics that showed there is not a right way to have a family if you have love, that is all you need.

Now Meredith I would also love to see a book about Allana and Willie! Those two need to knock boots and I want to hear all the dirty little details. In my mind Willie saves Lana in a thunderstorm or something then they are stuck at the bar overnight together without power.

Homebound deals with sensitive topics such as performance anxiety, recreational drug use and longing to be a mother. I believe this book is written in a way that handles these topics with care, detailing very human and realistic experience to all these topics. If it is triggering for you, please read with care.

It was my second time reading this book and I still loved it! A hot Texas romance as steamy as the state, with a healthy dose of love. Please read Homebound by Meredith Trapp, it is one of my favorite books and may end up being a comfort read of mine.

Thank you again to the publishing house and NetGalley for my ARC.

Rating 4.5/5

For Wyatt, it’s always been Dakota. For Dakota, it’s always been the bulls.

New to single parenthood, Wyatt returns home for the summer with his daughter in hopes of mending his relationship with Dakota, his childhood best friend. Newly single herself, Dakota is more determined than ever to advance in her career as a bull rider, a path that’s always demanded her full focus. When the two reconnect and begin to rebuild their friendship, they soon realize just how much they’ve missed each other.

This was a solid 2.5-star read for me, rounded up to a respectable 3. A fun, tropey romance. I appreciated the FMC’s profession (bull riding in a traditionally male-dominated field, and I was glad to see the story avoid the typical third-act breakup. The MMC’s career as an NHL star felt more like a background detail than a fleshed-out part of the plot, but I did enjoy the scenes with his teammate, who offered moral support while Wyatt lamented life in the friend zone.

Thank you to NetGalley, Atria Books | Atria/Emily Bestler Books, and Meredith Trapp for the privilege of receiving this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Calling all romance lovers! If you're in the mood for a unique twist on the classic love story, look no further than "Homebound" by Meredith Trapp. Picture this: a fierce female bull rider who takes no nonsense from anyone, paired with a hockey player single dad who's been smitten with her since day one. Add in an adorable little girl, an old dog and a cast of endearing characters, and you've got a winning combination that had me hooked from the first page!

Dakota is a badass bull rider chasing her dreams, but the pressure to prove herself in a male-dominated sport and the lingering doubts from her ex's betrayal have her questioning her abilities. Just when she's feeling lost, her childhood best friend Wyatt reappears after three years, now a single dad to an adorable little girl named Vienna.

Wyatt's return brings Dakota the support and encouragement she desperately needs, while Dakota shows Wyatt that her love knows no bounds as she quickly falls for Vienna. Their slow-burn chemistry sizzles with tension, but when the flames finally ignite, it's a wild ride you won't want to miss!

Thank you authormeredithtrapp, @atriabooks and @netgalley for the #gifted ebook ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was a great read! I did struggle a bit to get into it early on, but once I got past the 30% mark I started rolling with it and really enjoyed this read.
I don’t know what it says about me, but I always enjoy the calming and wise cowboy dads of daughters, and I’m talking about Dakota’s dad- not Wyatt. 😜
I thought this was a great small town/ cowboy romance!

I'm hooked! And no, that’s not a Rodeo pun😂

This was an amazing read! Every second with these characters was so good, and they had me entranced throughout the whole story. If you love the guys having golden retriever energy, and the woman having black cat energy(but also being so sweet when she feels safe and happy), then this is the one for you. Seriously, I need to read everything by the author asap if they are all like this one which I might add, has a great writing style and easy flow. The romance was perfection, and I just loved the family dynamic Dakota had with her dad and how it sort of mirrored Wyatt’s father daughter relationship with his little Vienna. I need more of these characters so bad!

A swoony cover, and compared to the likes of Elena armas and lyla sage....what's not to love!?

I didn't realize this was the second in the series, but that didn't stop me from excitedly picking this one up and truly, I dont know that the first needed to be read to love this one.

For those in their cowboy era, she's a bull rider [and the one that is *everything* to him, and not his but yet still the one that got away], he's her childhood bestie, and now NHL player home for the summer with his daughter and let me just say watching these two fight their feelings......🔥🥵🔥

Without giving anything away, I'll keep it shoet and sweet and say that this was a delightful summer read and I loved watching Dakota fall in love with Wyatt [and Vi!].


Thank you Netgalley and Atria Books for the ARC in exchange for my review!

SPOILER FREE: I'm so happy that I was lucky enough to receive the arc for this book. Meredith Trapp is such an amazing writer. I was obsessed with the first book in this series, and now Homebound will be my new obsession. If you love a good cowboy romance and the single dad trope, then this is the book for you. And if you love to see a man absolutely obsessed with his girl, then please do yourself a favor and enjoy Homebound. Believe me when I say this book won't disappoint!

The cover reeled me in. The story made me stay.

📕 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Homebound by Meredith Trapp

📙 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀:

📗 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀: E-book on Kindle. 🆓 on KU.

📘 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: Small town romance

📔 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: Friends-to-lovers, single dad, he’s loved her all along.

📖 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Wyatt comes home for the summer with his baby daughter in tow, pushing his way into Dakota’s life as she tries to make it on the bull riding circuit.

🌟 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: I had to give this one a four on all vibes.

This book checked some major boxes for me. I love an unapologetic queen of an FMC. Dakota was no-nonsense wild woman. Wyatt was a golden retriever, hopelessly in love - and I loved how both of them met in the middle.

Spice was great. There wasn’t too much outside drama. The moments with Wyatt’s little girl were adorable.

There’s a couple of missing pieces - mainly, making Wyatt a pro hockey player but not letting that play much into the plot overall at all. But I enjoyed the book overall, so it hit the four-star mark for me.

𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹: 3/5 🌶🌶🌶

Thank you so much to Atria Books & NetGalley for this e-arc.


Although this was my first book by Meredith Trapp, I will most certainly be reading more of her work. The chemistry between these characters was amazing. I admired how amazing Dakota was with Vienna and how he was a single father. The conclusion was perfect, and I can't wait to read more about the characters' backstories in the books that follow.

this was cute!! i liked the way that dakota was the one who was a bull rider, which was so different from other books i've read. wyatt is sooo down bad for her and i loved the way that they have been friends for so long, reunited and he still thought only of her. single dad always ropes me in (haha ropes.. get it bc she's a cowgirl)

a hockey romance with a cowgirl bull rider country romance is such a fun combo.

this was lighthearted and sweet, not too special for me but i did enjoy it.

Tropes: Single dad, woman rodeo rider, forced proximity, childhood best friends, friends to lovers, he falls first, he falls hard, it's always been her, written in dual perspective.

Wyatt has been in love with Dakota forever, but she has always treated him like a friend over the 18 years that they've known each other. This time round, he will ensure that she sees him as more than a friend. It's a really sweet romance. Not a ton of action except that you get to see his angst and his yearning for her and that is really nice. The little baby in the book is adorable and Wyatt's anxiety about being a good dad is endearing. The heroine is very gutsy and strong although she is extremely anxious about her bull riding career and how it will be affected.

I also liked that unlike other romances, the heroine wasn't a virgin. She had sex and a lot of it, and the hero still loved her (she didn't cheat, just to be clear!). She wasn't emotionally involved with the other guys and it was mostly physical, but I liked that the author didn't shy away from making her really bold in this respect.

Could have been more fleshed out, but a sweet read nonetheless.