She’s a bull rider trying to prove herself pushing to get a spot in the big leagues and he is a hockey player navigating the single dad life.

They were friends first… summer besties… until she gets engaged and he walks away heartbroken. He tried everything to forget her, and of those attempts left him with his little girl Vi.

After he hears about her calling it off and now single again he comes back for the summer determined to finally make her fall for him. She is pissed he left and went no contact. Also to add, they are now roomies for the summer months in Texas.

Overall I think this is a cute little read. However, I really struggled that every other page she is needing to prove herself. After 30% it felt like she didn’t even like bull riding but that she had to show people she could do it, which made me sad for her. The romance also didn’t feel organic. It feels like he tried so hard to get her to fall for him. I would have loved for them to have just fallen together after years of knowing each other. It feels like this is a romance they would break up in less than a year.

Overall a cute read.
2nd chance romance | forced proximity | single dad |

The slowest of slow burns—and every second was worth it! Wyatt Patterson is the kind of book boyfriend dreams are made of: steady, swoony, and so worth the wait. Dakota Cutler is a black cat energy FMC with just enough softness to steal your heart. Their chemistry built with aching intensity, making the payoff that much more satisfying. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this beautifully written, emotionally rich romance!

This was such a cute cowboy romance, and I loved that the cowboy in this instance is the FMC, not the MMC, it was a nice change of pace!

Dakota was fierce and strong and grumpy AF and I really enjoyed her character; I felt like she shines most in the story, with her dreams of competing at a higher level of rodeo. Wyatt on the other hand, I felt like I needed more from him; his entire character is him being a dad/being in love with Dakota since basically forever and that's pretty much all there is to him. Also he's a hockey player apparently, but that detail is mentionned off-hand and not a key point in the story at all.

I did enjoy the single dad aspect of the story, and how Dakota falls in love with not only Wyatt, but his daughter too, and there were a few moments that made me emotional between Dakota and Vi, as it usually does when the non-parent falls for the kid. It's a typical trope for a single dad romance, but I eat it up every single time.

Overall a very enjoyable read, especially if you tend to enjoy cowboy or single dad romance with some mild spice.

Thank you to Atria Books and Netgalley for a copy in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis: Wyatt Patterson has been in love with Daokta Cutler since he was eight years old, and she rescued him from a flash flood. But when she got engaged to a bull rider, he disappeared to try and forget her. Now he’s back in their small Texas town, all grown up with his daughter in tow, and determined to make Dakota his. And this time, he’s not walking away until she’s his.

My thoughts: I definitely should have read this sooner. This was a swoon-worthy ride, with a ton of tension and pining, low angst, a whole lot of heart. I loved the dynamics in this one, with Wyatt being one of the top golden retrievers I have ever read; and Dakota being a black cat with a soft, gooey centre. Plus, you add in an absolutely adorable one-year-old little girl and a loveable three-legged Lab… I was a goner from the start.

Wyatt. Oh Wyatt. He just loves so *hard*. And it’s not only Dakota - it’s his daughter, his mom, his teammates. I loved how he didn’t give up on Dakota; he kept showing up for her, no matter what it took. His presence was soft and steady, and just what Dakota needed. He was just so determined to make this relationship work, there was nothing he wouldn’t do to get and KEEP Dakota. I love it, I love him, and I want one of my own.

And Dakota? Damn. I simultaneously wanted to be her and shake her all at once. Because what do you mean you didn’t see Wyatt mooning over you the whole time? I love how she learned to bring her softness to the outside - at least when it came to Wyatt and Vienna. But don’t get me wrong; I also loved how she remained herself and how Wyatt didn’t ask her to change.

The family vibes are strong with this one, and Wyatt’s moms and Dakota’s dad love their children so hard. They want nothing but the best for their kids, and it shines through on every page. This spice in this one is a slow-burn, but once it hits…whew. (I have two words for you: outdoor. showers).

If you want a relatively low-key, sweet romance - as a palate cleanser or otherwise - do yourself a favour and pick this one up.

Homebound is a charming and heartfelt small-town romance that beautifully blends the grit of a bull-riding cowgirl with the tenderness of a single dad's devotion. Dakota Cutler, known as "The Cowboy Killer" for her reputation in the rodeo arena, is a strong-willed and independent woman who has built emotional walls around herself. Wyatt Patterson, her childhood best friend and now a professional hockey player, returns to their hometown of Granite Falls, Texas, with his adorable daughter, seeking to rekindle their lost connection.

The chemistry between Dakota and Wyatt is palpable, with their slow-burn romance unfolding naturally as they navigate past misunderstandings and present challenges. Wyatt's unwavering support and gentle persistence gradually help Dakota open up, leading to a heartwarming journey of rediscovery and love. The inclusion of Wyatt's daughter adds depth to their relationship, showcasing the complexities and joys of blending families.

Meredith Trapp's writing is engaging, capturing the essence of small-town life and the emotional nuances of rekindled love. The secondary characters, including Dakota's supportive father and Wyatt's endearing mother, enrich the narrative, providing warmth and humor.

𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 by @authormeredithtrapp is enchanting 🤠✨🏒 this book captured me from the beginning with a strong, outspoken, bull riding cowgirl + a golden retriever energy, newly single dad hockey player who has loved her for years. This book made me laugh, cry, and kick my feet with glee 🤎 download this book on June 16th with the newly updated cover!

Thank you @authormeredithtrapp + @netgalley for the ARC! It was an honor!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DKupAosRKo_/?igsh=MWlocjQ3aThydWsxdA==

“The only way to keep a secret in a small town is to tell it to your dog.”

When Wyatt Patterson returns to Granite Falls, TX, for the summer, he’s determined to win the love of his childhood best friend, Dakota Cutler. Unfortunately for Wyatt, Dakota hasn’t forgiven him for going radio silent for the past few years; unfortunately for Dakota, Wyatt and his daughter are moving in so…radio silence no more.

This one’s tough to rate because I know that there’s an audience for Homebound out there – I’m just bummed that I’m apparently not a part of it. When I requested the ARC for this book, I was ready for a fun, summer read: hockey and cowgirls? How could this be anything but fun? Extra plus that the MMC is blond…

Best friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, but I would argue it’s the hardest to do well: how do you get a reader to care about a years-long friendship-turned-romance without making it a whole book series? That’s what failed for me: I didn’t end up caring about Wyatt and Dakota’s relationship at all. We’re repeatedly told how much one means to the other, but I don’t think Trapp spends enough time setting the foundation for the relationship (they grew up together!), so that when they finally have sex, I didn’t really care, no matter how well-written.

That being said, I did love the setting – Trapp did a great job creating the magic of Texas Hill Country. I truly enjoyed her descriptions of the landscape: the oak trees, pink sunsets, dusty summer days…it did make me want to visit should the opportunity ever arise.

Time spent reading is never wasted even though this book wasn’t for me. Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the arc!

🌵 Homebound 🐂
✍️ Meredith Trapp
4⭐️

ARC REVIEW - Pub date - June 17, 2025

This book was adorable. Childhood friends to lovers with some up and downs in between. Many of my favourite tropes were in here and done very well!

Wyatt is a golden retriever, single dad, NHL player. He is endlessly optimistic and channels that optimism into winning over the girl that he has been in love with his whole life. He is fiercely protective of his daughter, Vienna, and she has him absolutely wrapped around her one year old, little finger. He is the ultimate girl dad.

Dakota (or Kodie to most) is the only female bull rider in Texas and an absolute badass. Reading about women thriving in male dominated professions will never get old, spectacular give me 14 of them right now! Dakota is grumpy and known for her scowl which makes the moments where she softens and smiles for Wyatt even better. She loves hard but very selectively (girl same), and seeing her slowly choose Wyatt and Vienna was rewarding. The chemistry and tension between Dakota and Wyatt was 🔥, had me wanting to install an outdoor shower at my house 😏.

Looking forward to reading more books by this author. I definitely need to know more about Alanna and a certain grumpy bartender! Thank you to the author, Netgalley and Atria books for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC, all thoughts in this review are my own 😊

I wish we could get half stars but this one was a 3.5 stars for me! Overall I enjoyed this one. I love the best friends to lovers trope. I feel like some parts of the story fell flat or didn't feel like they added to the story.
I think the dynamic between Dakota and Wyatt were so cute and Wyatts confidence in no longer waiting around is what really pushed them forward. I think Vi was a perfect baby for them but weird detail about a ONS, like that just felt off how he ended up with her as a single dad.
I would really like a book following up on Willie and Alanna because we know theres something going on there!!

✨ARC Review✨
Homebound by Meredith Trapp
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶🌶
Wyatt and Dakota have always been best friends, but after three years, a daughter, and radio silence, Dakota is not sure where they stand. When Wyatt and his litter girl returns home and moves in with Dakota they are forced to reevaluate their friendship. He's always loved her, but this new arrangement might finally get him out of the friend zone.
~~
This was such a fun book! I really enjoy seeing Dakota participate in such a male dominated sport, despite people not believing in her. She is such a wonderful role model, especially to Vi. I also really loved seeing how much Wyatt loves his little girl. He is such an amazing father to Vi, and always puts her needs first. I really loved watching the romance blossom between these two characters, and felt like they were such a good pair. They bring out the best in each other and are so supporting towards the other.
~~
Homebound comes out on June 17th wherever you read book, and I am so excited to get a hard copy added to my library.

Okay so this book was a little tougher for me to rate. I was definitely in-between a 3-4 star rating. I thought it was really cute and loved the single dad vibes this book gave. There were so many corny lines that had me laughing that it helped me keep reading when the book felt slow. One thing that brought my rating down a little was how abrupt the FMC's feelings for the MMC changed. You knew from the beginning that the MMC always had something for the FMC, but it was like you turned the page in the book and the FMC was kissing and making out with the MMC after saying she didn't like him, and you could tell through her actions. One other thing I didn't particularly like was that when the FMC was dealing with a traumatic experience and was in shock, she kind of jumped the MMC (who was giving really golden retriever vibes) and they ended up having sex. I just felt that that was a little over the top and something a golden retriever BF would've made sure not to seem like he was taking advantage of her and just cuddle with her instead of have sex with the FMC. But that's just my personal opinion.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thank you to Atria books and NetGalley for the ARC!

Here’s the tropes you can expect:
🌵hockey player and bull rider
🐂Single dad
🌵Childhood friends to lovers
🐂Small town
🌵Forced proximity
🐂Reverse grumpy/sunshine

I loved that Dakota was the Bull rider instead of him. She was badass and didn’t care what anyone thought of her. She was rough around the edges and never gave up even when it got hard for her and nobody thought she could do it.

Wyatt was such a cinnamon roll hero. He was down bad for Dakota since they were best friends as kids and was broken hearted when she got engaged to someone else. He tried to forget her and didn’t keep in contact with her. While I think that was a jerk move for a best friend, I can understand where he was coming from. I loved how hard he fell for Dakota and how he would do anything for her. I loved Wyatt as a dad to Vi. They were so cute together. I loved Vi’s character. She added a little cuteness to the story. There were some moments that made me cringe a little bit, but overall, I enjoyed this one.

First off, absolutely obsessed with this cover. It’s GORGEOUS!

Wyatt and Dakota are childhood friends. Wyatt’s been in love with Dakota for practically his whole life, and she’s always seen him as just a friend, specifically due to the fact that she’s two years older than him. Circumstances have Wyatt leaving the town (and Dakota) for several years, and when he comes back, determined to finally get himself out of the friend zone, (and with an adorable baby in tow) that’s where the story begins.

Dakota is very no nonsense, and she has to be, considering she wants to be a professional bull rider, which is predominately a male-dominated field. Wyatt is an NHL player, but has the absolute sweetest personality. He’s a great dad and initially Dakota thinks he’s just TOO good to even consider, as she always goes for the bad boys and Wyatt is arguably the exact opposite of that.

As the story progresses, especially as they’re living in the same place (love a forced proximity trope!) Dakota starts to see a different side of Wyatt and realize that maybe that’s what she’s really been looking for all along.

I haven’t read a good cowboy romance in awhile, and this one was steamy! Wyatt is the perfect book boyfriend. He’s extremely patient but when it clicks that he needs to go after Dakota and change how she sees him, man does it click on!

This is my first Meredith Trapp book, but it won’t be my last- hope this series continues!

I read this book in two days because I just could not stop reading! Wyatt and Dakota's dynamic was so fun to read and they have great chemistry. I haven't read a single dad trope in a book and I absolutely loved it! Wyatt's determination to be a great father and Dakota's want to be a mother worked well and flowed naturally. Dakota being a stronger FMC was perfect, showcasing that women can be strong, fearless, and have a soft spot for their loved ones. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book before its release. I will be rating it 4.25 stars on platforms like Storygraph and Fable but I'm not able to put the extra half star here on Netgalley.

(2.75 stars) Thank you Atria and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review an early copy of this book!

I’ll be so honest, I hated the first 20% of this book. I was about to DNF, and I said, “I’ll give it one more chapter.” Once I hit that 20% mark, things got better, and this ended up being a pretty decent read. Wyatt, Vi, and Luna are the best parts of this book, and I’d happily keep reading about them. However, Dakota is one of my least favorite characters ever. I can stand a lot of things in life, but I simply can’t stand a pick me, and she was giving off that energy from the very beginning. Also, this might be super nitpicky, but if I had to read one more time that she was going to come up with a better comeback later when she was in the shower, I was going to scream at the top of my lungs. Anyway, the spicy scenes were quite scrumptious, so that was a plus.

If none of the above-mentioned things bother you, you’ll probably really enjoy this book. It comes out on June 17–give it a go!

I overall liked this book but was not a huge fan of either the writing and / or the characters it just at times seemed a little bit cringe in some moments. Thank you for the opportunity!!

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5/🌶️🌶️🌶️ Homebound by Meredith Trapp (Boundless Players #2) Coming 6/17/25, available now for preorder!

"Us nice guys might always finish last, but that's only 'cause we know our ladies get to finish first." SWOON

Wyatt is such a golden retriever!!! And melts hearts the way he loves his daughter. Dakota is a badass bull-rider who needs no man. They were childhood friends, Dakota never saw Wyatt as anything more than that since he was 2 years younger, and when you're 17, that 2 years makes a big difference. But they're not kids anymore.. so when Wyatt comes home during his off-season from his hockey team, with little Vienna, tensions are high sharing a barn on his family's ranch. The yearning, the banter, the tension, YUM.

🌵Black cat x Golden retriever
🤎Single sad
🌵First crush
🤎The yearning!
🌵Bull-rider x Hockey player
🤎Sports romance
🌵Small town
🤎Second chance romance

If you want pining and slow burning…. Welcome home! But be warned it is a sloooooow slow burn. But as it should be. What can I say, I love a romance where he is OBSESSED with her. Dakota being a little less hardheaded and stubborn definitely would have changed some of my issues with this book. But overall I enjoyed it! It was. fun, sweet and I LOVE a cowboy on his knees for her!

Thank you Netgalley and Atria Books, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts are my own and are in no way influenced by early access to this title.

Trapp is back with another instalment of her Nashville hockey romance, only this time, it's a road trip to Texas for some hockey meets cowboy romance.

I liked that in this book, our heroine is the cowboy. Dakota is trying to make it as a woman on the rodeo circuit, when her childhood best friend Wyatt, NHL player, comes back to town with his daughter, Vienna. Dakota and Wyatt have to figure out how to blend ambition and family life together.

There were a lot of things that I really liked about this book - I liked that it treated women's ambition seriously, and the book never questions that Dakota's sports dreams are just as valid and essential as Wyatt's. I appreciated that Wyatt's two moms are background characters. Particularly with the repression happening in Texas of LGBT rights, it's great to see an older married lesbian couple just presented as loving grandmothers.

Trapp is a Texas native and I really appreciated that she is writing close to home and writing the Texas she wants to live in. I am excited to see if she continues with her Nashville NHL team - I'd love to see Micah Cruz get a happy ending. This one is for fans of Chelsea Curto and Helena Hunting. Thanks to Atria for the early copy.

Hovering between a 3.5 and a 4 for me

A cute, face paced friends-to-lovers story. This is the second book in a series of interconnected standalones, and can absolutely be read without reading the first book.

Main tropes:
He's a hockey player, she's a bull rider
Single dad
Childhood friends to lovers
Small town
Forced proximity

I really enjoyed Dakota and Wyatt's story. Wyatt is head over heels obsessed with Dakota from the very get-go, which I loved SO much.
Dakota needs a little more convincing to give Wyatt a second (or 3rd or 4th) look - she genuinely just doesn't see him <i> that way <i> ... until all of a sudden she does.
Dakota falling in love with Wyatt and his litte baby girl was so cute and heartwarming to read (as was whatever the hell was going on in the background between Willie and Alana.....).

HOWEVER I did have a couple of issues - mainly a lot of repetetive thoughts and dialogue; and ALSO Dakota's obsession that every ride is going to be her last one because she's so convinced that she's about to die. Like, at that point, just quit your job, girl?


Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the eARC copy in exchange for review. All opinions are my own.