dragons in Tanria? hell yeah. i really liked this one and appreciated the middle-age rep in this one. it's nice to not always have to read about 20 year olds getting it on. i love these books, they are such fun fantasies and the chracters are so well written and developed. while this isn't as dark and morbid as Hart and Mercy, it's just as enjoyable!

*Thank you to Orbit and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review and to LibroFM for the gifted ALC*

When Harry met Sally but with dragons? Say less.

But really though, this is an ultra cozy fantasy even for those a bit averse to the genre. And THEN there's romance and a mystery! Megan Bannen really gave us a whole dang meal. Between the banter of Twyla and Frank, the cutest mail delivery hedgehog ever, and little easter eggs to the previous books, I was a happy camper. I did feel like part of the mystery wasn't foreshadowed as nicely as I would've liked, but ultimately the ending made it worthwhile.

AND we're getting one with hot demigod marshal Rosie Fox?? Yes please.

Omigoodness. Adorable. Just adorable. I will shout from the rooftops to recommend this to all romance, fantasy, and cozy story fans; it’s a perfect blend of all of the above.

Megan Bannen’s second book is a return to the fantastical world of Tanria first featured in The Undertaking of Hart & Mercy – a delightful read, if a wee bit too close to my personal favorite movie, You’ve Got Mail – and it does not disappoint. Frank and Twyla have been friends forever, bonds formed first as next-door neighbors, only strengthened after his divorce and her husband’s passing and their subsequent partnership doing the dangerous job as marshalls patrolling the magical land within the Mist and keeping all manner of extraordinary beasties away from Tanria’s human population. But things have been boring lately. And then a baby dragon picks Frank as its new foster mom and their lives are in for a whole new adventure.

Now I will be the first to admit that I don’t tend to be drawn towards middle-aged protagonists; I usually prefer to stick with characters closer to my own age. HOWEVER, if you are like me and feel similarly, DO NOT LET IT DETER YOU. These characters are so human, they are so real, I couldn’t give less of a fig about their ages. If you like your romance slow-burn, with denial and friends-turned-more – and a healthy side of endearing awkwardness – this is the book for you.

The “rules” of Tanria are just as wishy-washy murky as in Hart & Mercy – but I don’t care. It’s window dressing for the main event: the characters. Not only did Frank & Twyla steal my heart but recurring characters from the first book are back with a gloriously endearing vengeance; Duckers in particular serves as both the perfect foil and heart of gold Twyla needs at her side. There are dragons galore and you better bet they are characters in their own right, highly entertaining and helping move the plot forward.

I’d call this a romance in a cozy fantasy world if I had to specifically name its genre, but it will appeal to readers all around. It was just a pure joy of a book.

And don’t forget the dragons!

I start the book unsure if I would enjoy the later in life romance element to the story that Twyla and Frank provide. But, once again, this author proves that they know how to balance plot with romance, and it had me kicking my feet in delight. Both characters are lovable with their flaws, and I impatiently awaited them realizing the feelings that they had for each other. I also was not expecting the big conflict of the story which was a fun take on a classic mythical creature and involved lots of glitter. 100% recommend reading this if you enjoyed the first book in the series.

I hadn’t originally heard great things about this novel so I wasn’t expecting a lot going in but I loved this novel so much! Here’s the thing and the reason I think a lot of people haven’t liked it: it’s about older characters. Our hero and heroine are 53 years old. I loved that. I want to read about characters of all ages and the fact that this one follows two 53 year olds who are learning and growing and developing and falling in love and experiencing new things was so beautiful.

I thought this novel built out the world so much more and it really expanded on the lore and what is going on in this world. I loved the characters and the ending and how creative everything was. Mostly, though, I loved how Twyla and Frank came together in such a wonderful way. It was such a fun story but also emotional and heartfelt. It tackled topics of women being the labor force of a household and how resentful that came to make a person and it handled that so beautifully.

I loved how this novel tackled topics I don’t usually see discussed in romance novels, but this did it so beautifully. This was a wonderful read and I 10/10 recommend. It’s not the same as the first novel, but that’s what I loved about it.

The Undermining of Twyla and Frank is the second book in Megan Bannen’s cozy fantasy series, The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy. It’s a slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance that features two older protagonists who get an unexpected second chance at love. The book’s synopsis describes it as “When Harry Met Sally, but with dragons!” and I think that’s an apt comparison.

Twyla and Frank are such great characters. Not only are they neighbors and best friends, but they have also worked together as Tanrian Marshals for the past eight years. They are definitely each other’s biggest supporters and even though they don’t realize it, it’s clear that they mean everything to each other.

I also loved being back in Tanria. Life is much more peaceful than it was in book one, almost to the point of being boring enough for Twyla and Frank to discuss their future retirement plans as they patrol their territory. Life takes an interesting turn, however, when they find one of their fellow marshalls dead next to what appears to be a huge dinosaur footprint even though there haven’t been any dinosaurs in Tanria for ages.

This story is the perfect blend of romantasy and murder mystery as Twyla and Frank investigate this suspicious death and Frank becomes a foster dad to the most adorable baby dragon. There are hints of danger and lots of suspense, but overall the vibe remains very much cozy and provides the perfect backdrop for Frank and Twyla to realize how they truly feel about one another.

What a fun and quirky fantasy series! There is a good amount of humor written in and great characters that are easy to fall for. This book was a cozy continuation of life in this bizarrely beautiful world. I love the small town feel I get, knowing the original characters and meeting new ones. What make this extra special is the love story is super sweet and between older adults giving that second chance at romance. And, there might be dragons and glitter!!

Second chance romance? In this amazingly fun world? Oh I had a blast. Just as delightful as The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy.

My rating is more indicative of my enjoyment of the book than the quality of the writing. I don't think this low stakes, kind of cozy fantasy is for me. I really didn't care about the story at all and I didn't really connect with the whimsy of the world; it felt awkward to me.

I was annoyed by the love triangle; none of the possible couples had chemistry between them. It seemed to exist only to keep the main couple separate. I was also irritated by Twyla's children. I also didn't understand why ageism was so prevalent is this world; Twyla's age is talked about all the time.

Thank you Netgalley, author, and publisher for the ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

Ok I did end up really enjoying this book! Did I like it as much as the first…no.

The whole miscommunication trope between Twyla and Frank really grated on my nerves. For being best friends they sure didn’t talk to each other! Secondly Twyla’s son Wade just ticked me off…he did end up redeeming himself in the end but goodness I was so mad at his character and at Twyla for not even standing up for herself. However, we do see a lot of growth from her in the end so I guess that’s a mark in the plus column.

All in all it ended up being a great book and very well written. My cons for this book were purely because of personal preferences. I would highly recommend this book if you liked the first and I will be buying a physical copy for my shelf.

A heartwarming romance builds between two friends/colleagues. Plus there are dragons! A wonderful addition to the world-building Bannen has created with Tanria.

First, the pros-- I loved the older main characters and not reading about a 20-something. I loved how they talked about changing bodies and menopause. Twyla rocked and I loved her emotional depth but Frank, . . . sigh. I liked Frank but this book could have benefited from dual point of views. I enjoyed the story but felt cheated with just her side especially with the third act problem.

3.5 Stars

I absolutely loved this book. First I want to compliment the author for making realistic characters an a semi fantasy world. I’m becoming a huge fan of “late in life” romances and this book has definitely contributed to that. Perfect quick read with interesting but uncomplicated world building and great characters that you’ll root for every step of the way.

Twyla was miss do it all throughout her children’s childhoods so much so that her husband called her “I’ll do it Banneker”. During their employment Frank and Twyla have become each others biggest support system and friends. I loved reading Twyla and Franks banter.

So many tropes to enjoy here! Cosy fantasy, friends to lovers, slow burn in a small town. I ate this up.
Twyla and Frank are working together, and discover a mystery they must unravel together. Along the way theu end up with an adorable baby dragon, a lot of chaos, and realise they are in more danger than they thought. I loved the genuine friendship that blossomed between twyla and frank, it just felt realisitic and soft and cosy.
I also like that Twyla and Frank are middle aged and have had lives previous to this, we don't always get older protagonists in romantasy and so I love it when that happens.
Honestly the warm fuzzy feelings this book gives are not to be understated, its happiness bottled up with a solid mystery plot alongside.

It can also be read as a standalone, but it will spoil parts of the undertaking of hart and mercy if you haven't read that yet. And we get a few cameos from characters from book 1 too!

I will say some of the world building still feels a bit forced in, and need more elaborating, but as long as you're happy to go with the vibe and plot of the book and not look into the world too much I think you'll still really enjoy it.

I loved The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy so I was so happy to be granted an opportunity to read Bannen's followup in the same universe. This definitely reads more as as standalone although it of course helps to be familiar with the universe as well as some of the characters who have delightful cameos. This is the story of Twyla and Frank and it is a story about friendship and motherhood and what it means to care for someone else and how, even in "old age" you are still worthy of love and attention.

More books with love interests in their 50s please! This was so refreshing. Twyla has grown children and grandchildren and so much of this book is her being able to articulate her wants and desires and about how life doesn't end once you stop being "young". Twyla's relationship to Frank was so lovely, my only complaint is I wanted more of it. I really wish this book had been dual pov because I would have loved to experience what Frank was thinking during this book.

There is a mystery type plot in this book that is one part charming two parts annoying but luckily, the heart (or hart of this book if you don't mind my pun) is about Twyla and Frank. This book speaks to life after motherhood and allowing yourself to live the life you want.

Thank you so much to Orbit Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was SO GOOD! I loved The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy, but this was even better. We return to an amazing setting, this time with love interests who are just normal people in their 50s, dragons, and Duckers makes an incredible return. It was such a delight to see "normal people" taking on a big task bravely and imperfectly.

Also, as a reader in my 30s, it's a delight to read about an FMC who isn't nineteen and super thin and fit. It felt so real and honest to see Twyla be honest about her body has changed with age. Ideally, it would have been awesome to see her love that aging body more, but based on her past with her lame ass husband, I think it makes perfect sense.

This series it a must read, The only downside is that I think the covers are kind of ugly, but the story more than makes up for it!

4.25
A great continuation of what I hope will be a long series! Megan Bannen has crafted such a unique world and it was a delight to return to it...and this time, with dragons!!

Twyla and Frank have been friends and partners in their work as Marshalls for many years. When an unexpected discovery thrusts them into an unexpected adventure, they find themselves confronting both their pasts and their future. This is a delightful friends-to-lovers featuring older characters set in a charming fantasy world that will leave you eager for the next installment!

This heartwarming fantasy is perfect for those who enjoy second chance love over 40 with lovely banter and found family.

After Tanria has been saved, Twyla and her partner Frank embark on a new journey with a little mystery and danger. Twyla is beginning to live her own life again after her husband passed away years ago. Realizing she is important sets the stage for change in her family and friendships. Frank is a loveable Marshall that is kind and caring and exactly what Twyla needs.

Many characters from The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy return to this cozy story that I definitely recommend!

Thank you NetGalley and Megan Bannen for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Megan Bannen’s debut was a book I picked up unexpectedly and had a good time of, so I was much more excited to read this sophomore novel set in the same universe. Promise me dragons and a romance between middle aged characters and I was all here for it.

This book is slow paced and can get repetitive at times coz we are only following the POV of Twyla, but listening to the very sweetly narrated audiobook by Nicol Zanzarella was a quite fun experience. I really empathized with Twyla’s feelings about her marriage and kids, her dissatisfaction at not being appreciated enough, but also unable to set any boundaries because she does adore her children and grandkids. Frank on the other hand is a great friend of hers and I loved their relationship with each other, though I did wish that the realization of Twyla’s feelings for Frank had happened in a much more calmer way than like a train wreck. But this is still a well done story of my favorite trope - best friends to lovers - and I enjoyed this journey.

The supporting cast was also quite fun, especially Pen with his own relationship woes and little quips all the time. Quill was a charming guy who left an impression, though he could be thick headed at times, and I don’t think I would have minded if Twyla ended up with him either. Ofcourse the highlight for me has to be Mary Elizabeth - just so adorable and cute - pls don’t ask me more, coz you need to read the book to see her shenanigans, but I did wish she had more page time.

Overall this is a fun novel, with the right amount of cozy and angst, lovable characters (and other adorable creatures) and a bad guy I absolutely did not see coming from any angle. The epilogue was also too cute and I enjoyed finishing the book on a high note, with the right amount of warm and fuzzy feelings. Can’t wait to see if we’ll get more books set in this world.

“Sometimes you have other really fuck something up before you can fully appreciate it.”

In this hilarious, quirky, heart-warming story we follow Twyla and Frank. An unlikely pair, but best friends none-the-less. They are partners in the Tanrian Marshals and have been for the past 8 years. After the dangers of the job lessen (thanks, Hart…), the department is looking at budget cuts. Twyla and Frank are just hoping to ride out their time until they can both retire and start a bed and breakfast together. 

An exciting day on the job comes along when they stop a group of bandits trying to steal dragon eggs (Dragons have been extinct in Eternity for millennia). Not only do they stop the robbery, but Frank becomes the foster dad to a baby dragon.

Twyla trying to fix the baby dragon situation, fight the voice in her head telling her she’s not good enough, date as a middle aged woman, and truly search for what’s she wants out of life, starts to strain her friendship with Frank. Can she get out of her head long enough to realize that her soulmate may have been right next door all along? 

MEGAN BANNEN HAS DONE IT AGAIN!!! THIS ROCKED!! 👏🏻👏🏻 There’s love, action, spice, and DRAGONS! I laughed out loud multiple times! The bond Twyla and Frank share is so special and their banter is *chefs kiss*. This is a very slow burn, but once it hits it HITS. Also, dragon daddy Frank?! *OMG SWOON* 🥹

There were so many instances in this book that I related to Twyla on the deepest levels. I also feel there were many times in my life I have let people make me feel like a “chair” and I needed (and still need) my own personal Frank to pull me out of it. 🥰

As much as I loved Twyla and Frank’s story, I was so happy to get glimpses into everyone’s lives after the first book! Duckers, Hart and Mercy, and even Bassareus and Horatio!! It warmed my heart every time their names would show up on the page. 

Read this if you enjoy:
🩷Friends to Lovers
🔺Love Triangles
🔥SPICE
❤️‍🔥Slow Burn
🐲DRAGONS!!!!!!