I absolutely loved the weird, wacky, and totally creative world of The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy, and I was so excited to return with this sequel! And while the world is the same (mostly, since the end of Undertaking causes some big changes), the vibes are totally different. Twyla and Frank are older, wearier, crankier, and way more jaded, not to mention way less prepared for the big romantic feelings that come after them. The older-adults, friends-to-lovers romance was a nice change from the norm, as was the frankness (lol) that both characters approached their romance with.

That said, I found the actual plot of the book a little bit thin. Yes, the dragons were excellent, but I never quite felt invested in the supposed tension of the story. And the conclusion bordered on a little bit silly with the choice of villain.

Still, I enjoyed this book and loved dipping back into the world!

3.75/5

I really enjoyed Hart and Mercy's story but I think I LOVED Twyla and Frank and their friends to lovers, co-worker romance!! This book is set in the same world as Hart & Mercy but features two older main characters who get caught up in an adventure full of newly discovered dragons. Full of action, romance, oh-so-relatable main characters and fantastic on audio. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review! Fantasy lovers don't want to miss this one!!

This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2024 and it was so fun! I really enjoyed that the love story is between mature adults, and not teens or very young adults since you don't see that too often in fantasy. I think the dialogue was funny, witty, and the world building was so bizarre it added to the humor.

Bannen has a talent for writing the most unique books that also somehow feel familiar and comforting—like a kiss on the head. The Undermining of Twyla and Frank is no different. I loved being immersed in the unique world with unforgettable characters and so. much. love.

Thank you to Netgalley and Orbit for a copy of the ARC. Opinions are my own.

After Undertaking, I knew I'd be a fan of Megan Bannen, and Undermining met my expectations beautifully. The setting is fabulous, the atmosphere is cozy while still having some tension, and the main characters are mature and fun, something I desperately want from books now that I'm approaching my 40s. I do wish there was just a bit more fast movement, but for a happy, cozy read, this was perfect.

Having read the first book, “the Undertaking of Hart and Mercy,” I was pretty excited to read the ARC “the Undermining of Twyla and Frank.” The book definitely did not disappoint. The book has a refreshing take on romance as it deals with two MMC that have a second chance at love in their fifties. Frank’s wife left him and after a lacklustre marriage Twyla finds herself widowed. As neighbours they start up a friendship that leads to a partnership in the marshalls. Both don’t want to admit their feelings for each other for fear that they will ruin their friendship and loose one another. On a side note, the author also deals with the idea that some people can feel smothered in relationships as the fear of starting one and then loosing their freedom. While all this is occurring the marshall’s are also dealing with the discovery of dragons and other nefarious activities.
This book is well written and set in a fantasy setting with old gods, new gods cars that drive on water and now dragons. It is such a wonderful escape to read this book. I love all the quirky and fun characters that will have you laughing out loud and Frank and Twyla’s banter and care for each other was wonderful. The romance part of the book was less spicy and more comfort as well as care for each other which was refreshing. I didn’t like how aloof Twyla was to Frank’s feelings and her own and how long it took her to realize she loved him while stringing him along. The love triangle trope is not one of my favourites, it was ok in this book but still not my cup of tea. Overall a good book that I was able to work my way through in pretty good time.

Bannen is my cozy fantasy queen. The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy was literally one of my standout 2023 reads so to say this was a highly anticipated read is a massive understatement. While I didn’t love it nearly as much, this was a wonderful read. I spent so much of it smiling that my face began to hurt. Twyla and Frank were the absolute sweetest duo and love story. I love me some friends to lovers and Bannen did it right. Frank is a special little cinnamon roll hero. And hello? Glitter-spewing dragons? What more can you ask for? I will admit that the antagonist completely blindsided me so that alone is going to bump up my rating.

I love this unique world Bannen has created and these quirky characters all have a place in my heart. I can’t wait to see what she writes next. Highly recommend to fans of friends to lovers, cozy fantasy, and older MCs (50s).

"The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy" was one of my favorite fantasy romances from last year, and I was thrilled to return to Eternity and Tarnia. Older couple, friends to lovers, and glitter-spitting dragons? Sign me up! The main character has acne scars? I'm not sure my heart can handle all this normalcy! Megan Bannen, are you telling me that real people can find love too??

Hart and Mercy are still my favorite couple, and seeing them get married was the highlight of the book for me. I adored watching Twy navigate her life and job, overcoming her fears in love and relationships. Frank is everything good in the world. His tenderness is so endearing, and I just wish he had more voice in the story and more time to show his steady, quiet love. But Twy and Frank are such beautiful characters, and I loved every minute spent getting to know them.

I’ll be anxiously waiting for more books in this world!

I fell in love with these two. I loved reading more about the world. I loved it almost as much as the first.

Oof, Megan does it again. My heart is a flutter, my mind full of wonder, and my reader brain wanting more. Is Duckers next?! Do we get more Duckers? (Please lie and say yes if needed).

Megan has such a mastery of weaving these love stories together while we explore this world together without being overwhelmed by either. I love the concept of the new and old Gods, tying in this gentle spirituality without shoving it into anyone's face.

Thank you Orbit!

5 ⭐ (A BILLION STARS IF YOU WANT TO KNOW THE TRUTH)
2 🌶️

Where do I even begin to rave about how wonderful, delightful, whimsical, and beautiful The Undermining of Frank and Twyla is? First, Frank and Twyla are in their 50s and are not perfect physical specimens, but they are comfortable in their skin. They both have the wisdom of years, the frankness of years of friendship, and the personalities you can to connect with. Twyla and Frank are Tanrian Marshalls headed toward retirement but waiting until Twyla is vested. Things have been a bit boring since Hart took care of the baddie problem in the Undertaking of Hart and Mercy. Still, Frank and Twyla's partnership and time spent at the ranger station are not unbearable since they are together. Enter the mysterious death of a marshall, smuggling, a posh professor, and, of all things--DRAGONS (and they are the cutest dragons ever!), and this book takes off. Add in Twyla's family, Penrose Duckers (who became Frank and Twyla's partner for a while), and other emotional issues, and it only adds more to this entertaining read. I can't go into too much detail in this review simply because it will spoil it for those who haven't read it yet. In every scene, your heart goes out to Twyla because you feel the emotions many women feel as they are in their 50s and looking back over their lives as wives and mothers. You understand all she is processing. You giggle and squeal in elation over so many scenes and recognize you would really, really love to visit Tanria and spend some time there...yeah, I want to go there now. All the characters are so well written and full of personality. The storyline flows at a wonderful pace. If you loved Mercy and Hart's book you will undoubtedly love Twyla and Frank's. I do not know what Megan Bannen has planned for the third book, but I am here for it. I cannot wait to go to Tanria again!

Thank you, NetGalley and Orbit Books for the eArc. All this gushing is all mine, I own it. This book is a top 5 for my 2024 list!

I give this more like a 4.5. It wasn’t as good as the first, but once I got about 25% in I was invested in the characters! While this one did have some romance and spice, the plot did revolve more around fantasy elements. Dragons. Enough said. It has had a couple plot twists that were interesting! I like this weird little universe and I hope there are more books in the series. I tried explaining what this series was about and it seriously sounded like a fever dream. Haha

DNF 3%

Thank you to Orbit and Netgalley for providing me with an arc.

I picked this one up as while I didn't love book 1 I did like the writing and was curious how this author would progress and tbh I still am. I didn't personally vibe with how much the fmc was talking down to herself in her inner monologue and even some comments in conversation. I can understand some body image issues but it was just such a big part in the first chapter and I just didn't enjoy it. I think this book could work for a lot of people and the writing was still intriguing that I may give this author a third chance down the road but this one wasn't for me.

I’m really rating this on vibes, to be honest. My love for the characters and dragons more than outweighed any questionable plot points. I ate this sequel up and I didn’t even enjoy the first one as much. The world building in the first was confusing and I just didn’t fall in love with the main characters as much.

I received this from net galley in exchange for a review.

A whimsical, charming romance about finding love and yourself in middle age.

This is an amazing follow up to book one, An Undertaking of Hart and Mercy (also 5 stars!). I love being back in Eternity and Tanria with our Marshals Twyla, Frank and Duckers. Yes, that's right, Duckers is back with his optimism and good humour.

As much as this book is full of adventure, dragons, and friendship, it's also fundamentally about our main character, Twyla, as she navigates her identity in middle age. Her children are grown, she's nearing retirement, and she's forced to confront parts of herself and her history that she's hidden for so long.

There is a simmering undertone of feminine rage that I really resonated with. As someone in my post-chair era, I felt seen.

Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit for the ARC.

This book is best read while eating a tuna casserole with your hot neighbour.

I AM CHARMED.

This series keeps getting better. This time we follow Twyla and Frank, who made a quick entrance in book 1. They are both in their fifties and have been best friends and partners as Tanrian marshalls for years.

Their latest posting gets them wrapped up in secret plots and nefarious dealings. It was so much fun, there are some high stakes and hilarious moments that make reading this such a joy! And look, I know it's silly at times but isn't that the charm?

Read this if you're into friends to lovers, second chance at romance, and DRAGONS.

The Undermining of Twyla and Frank is a fantasy rom com with dragons!!! (Pink and glittery dragons!!) I so badly wanted to like this since I thought the first book in the series was so cute!

Unfortunately, I had some issues with the pacing. About 50% of the way in, the plot was moving so slowly and I had no idea where it was going. And while our main characters were great as friends, I didn’t see any romantic chemistry and wasn’t invested in the love triangle that was being set up. (Also Duckers (side character), was one of the most annoying characters I’ve ever come across. )

I just wasn’t finding myself wanting to pick this one up so I’m DNF’ing for now at 50%. I’m still a little curious about how things turn out so I might end up trying this one again another time.

Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved Hart and Mercy so this was one of my most anticipated reads of this year and it did not disappoint! I loved Twyla and Frank and this story. The plot was fun, I really enjoyed it and the whole cast of characters. Can’t wait to see what’s next from Megan Bannen!

Too many people are sleeping on this series and I've made it my mission to rectify that. The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy was one of the best rom-coms I read last year. It was a complete surprise, because I had never read this author and I went in blind. I just got sucked in by the incredible cover. Thank goodness I did, because I was thoroughly charmed and in love by the end. So, you can understand that I rushed to request this little gem as soon I saw it on Netgalley. My adoration has only intensified after finishing The Undermining of Frank and Twyla. The banter is top-notch, the comedic timing is impeccable, the characters are so richly imagined.... This book is darn near perfection. I'll just be ever-so-impatiently waiting for the next installment. Thank you to Netgalley and Orbit Books for the review copy.

The Undermining of Twyla and Frank is a new book set in the same world as The Undertaking of Mercy and Hart. It follows middle aged Twyla, a Tanrian marshal and her best friend/partner/neighbor Frank as they investigate the death of a fellow marshall. They are joined by Duckers, their new partner as they unravel a mystery and make an amazing discovery.

The story focuses on Twyla, a mother/grandmother, widower, marshal, and friend as she juggles family and her job. She always prioritizes others and anticipates their needs over thinking about her own. For the first time in her life, she focuses on her own needs and wants and begins to realize it is never too late to find yourself. Her personal growth throughout the story was so heartwarming as she learns to sppreciate herself and how others see her. It ia rare that you see middle aged main characters, let alone middle aged main characters who get a love story. It was such a sweet and refreshing story. The mystery was present in the background but you often forget about it until our marshals are in danger.

Frank is always there for Twyla. They have a deep friendship and Twyla never thinks it could develop into anything more. Feank is such a sweet person. He gives all of himself for Twyla and never asks for anything in return. You can't help but fall in love with all if the characters that the author presents. They are lovely, imperfect individuals. Duckers is the comedy in the group. He brings a lightness to the most tense situations and you can't help but love him.

The story was so refreshing and sweet. Highly recommend if you love stories of growth, self discovery, and friends to lovers romance (with a side of angst and tension). The world building is amazing with a magical feel to it that makes you feel comfortavle and cozy. I cannot recommend this book enough.