Twyla is a middle aged widow, who is best friends with her next door neighbour Frank, a middle aged divorcée. They are also law enforcement officers and partners. No one understands them like they do each other. So when their colleague is mysteriously killed during a patrol, Twyla and Frank are all over it. However, there is more going on than what meets the eye, and neither one of them is prepared for how dangerous things are about to get. They’re also not prepared for the feelings that arise, and the truths they may need to face to come out of this unscathed.

This book features:
- Friends to lovers
- Middle aged romance
- Dragons
- Witty banter

This book was one of my most anticipated reads for the year, and it did not disappoint. This book had beautiful world building that was easy to melt into, with characters that are endearing and loveable. The friendship between Twyla and Frank is so warm and endearing and watching them struggle to acknowledge their feelings was so fun. The dragons were such an interesting and creative take and I truly loved this story. 5 ⭐️ and I sincerely hope that this author comes up with more books in this series.

A great follow up to the Undertaking of Hart and Mercy! I really enjoyed this book. You don’t get too many romances about middle age people. Highly recommend if you liked Hart and Mercy!

I have been waiting 2 years for the Undermining of Twyla & Frank, I loved Hart & Mercy so much & hoped after I read the arc that there would be more books set in this world! So that is to say that I had really high expectations!

I really enjoyed the overarching plot to this book, the dragon storyline was great for the background to the main character story, interesting enough to keep me engaged but not overwhelming. Things really kicked off in the last 15% of the book, it got fairly action packed & the little twist at the end was great, it was quite unexpected but worked well!

This is definitely a character driven story, which I tend to like. Frank was awesome, he gave me cowboy, Wild West vibes, in my head he has a deep scratchy voice & a toothpick in his mouth (there is never mention of a toothpick in the book…). Duckers remains a constant delight, I hope we get a whole book centred around him, I genuinely think it would be amazing!

To me, Twyla felt like the main character despite only being half of the title, we spend a lot of time in her head & experiencing her POV, which in itself is fine but I did find a lot of her characterisation quite repetitive. I think it’s really important to see older, strong female characters who are also mothers & navigating relationships etc. & although I am not within that category I do enjoy the diversity. But being told time & time again that she’s a middle aged mom with a softened body/body image issues all got a bit tedious for me. She felt like quite a cliche in some ways & honestly I just didn’t mesh with her, which is a real shame. I’m sure there are a lot of women out there who will totally empathise with her character, what she’s been through & how she grows, but I also think a lot of readers who will struggle with it.

Special shout out to Mary Georgina for being an absolute angel!

Thank you to Orbit US and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this ARC.

Glitter spewing cotton candy dragons! I absolutely adored this book! Set in the same world as The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy, we now follow Tanrian Marshals, Twyla and Frank, as they navigate the dangers of Tanria, their sometimes chaotic families, aging gracefully, and learning to love again when you’re 53 and life hasn’t been necessary kind to your love life.

Unlike The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy, this book is told from just one perspective. Twyla is brutally honest about what life as a middle-aged woman is like, her disappointments from her past, and her frustrations with her current role as a woman and a grandmother. She’s also caring, compassionate and extremely lovable. I really enjoyed that the author, Megan Bannen, didn’t shy away from things like menopause, self image, or the realities (and often disappointments) of being intimate with someone as you get older.

The supporting characters are equally fantastic. Frank is everything you want in a best friend. Penrose Duckers returns from The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy, adding youth and humor to the novel. And Mary Elizabeth will melt your heart and make you want to get yourself an illegal portal into Tanria.

One thing this book is not is a retelling of When Harry Met Sally. This is not a book about two strangers who become friends, then best friends, then lovers, with glimpses of their lives throughout the years. This is a book about two best friends, neighbors, and partners at work who have been best friends for a long time and now are facing that moment where they have to decide if they are willing to risk that friendship to be something more or if that’s not something they really want.

Content warnings: quite a bit of cussing (mostly from Duckers) and a pretty lengthy sex scene, though it is tactfully described (given that the characters are 53).

Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for a copy of the ebook. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Even though it's not quite April, I'm confident that "The Undermining of Twyla and Frank" by Megan Bannen will be in my 2024 Top 10.

Here's the book at a glance:
- Glitter snot
- A fresh perspective on dragons
- A uniquely light, deeply heartwarming story
- Slow burn
- Adults older than 35 who are still LIVING, enjoying life, and snickering about sexual inuendo
- A Male main character calling out misogynistic bulls**t when he sees it (SWOON!)
- Deep, soul crushing friendship and love that makes the heart ache from its wonderfulness
- Sassy, foul-mouthed woodland creatures
- Darlin' dragons (for the record: Bannen's dragon's are better than those featured in a certain chart topping best seller of 2023. I said what I said. Don't @ me.)
- A painfully accurate depiction of the frustration of a woman finally, finally, finally making room for herself in the world

This book is an absolute joy and will be one I will enthusiastically recommend to a wide variety of readers.

NetGalley provided a copy, opinion 100% my own.

I knew that I would love this book because The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy is one of my all time favorites, but THE UNDERMINING OF TWYLA AND FRANK is equally delightful, and it has dragons: giant, cuddlesome, glitter spewing dragons. I love the dragons, and I love the warmth of friends-to-lovers. It was also nice to read a couple described as middle aged and have them actually be middle aged; both Frank and Twyla are in their 50s and have been married before. The beauty of this book was the exploration of Twyla’s grappling with antiquated gender roles that sadly, are in the world of Eternity as they are in our world, that is to say that her marriage was essentially a service position taking care of her late husband. It was beautiful to see her claim her time for herself, and realize that she is worthy of the kind of love that sees her as a partner and not as someone to be useful. Megan Bannen has done it again, and written a couple that is charming and a world that is both adventure-packed and cozy in vibes. And, BONUS, there is a cameo of Hart and Mercy, my loves.

Thank you to Netgalley, Orbit Books, and Megan Bannen for this eARC. This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely LOVED the first book in this series and as soon as I saw this one available I knew immediately I had to read it! It is so refreshing to read about characters that are not teens or very young adults. Getting to read about mature adults was new for me and I found that I very much enjoyed being able to connect with those characters and the stage in life they are at. Twyla was such a relatable character. Her back story was so typical of a woman who married and becomes a young mother and all the responsibilities that that entails. Especially being the default parent and handler of all the things, and just that exhausting feeling of being there for everyone else while losing a bit of yourself. It was nice to watch her grow even more and learn how to make herself a priority. I found Frank to be so sweet and thoughtful and such a comfort to read about. We all could use a dear friend in our lives who take the time to learn what we need and genuinely care for us. And of course Duckers is his sassy self and I just love his commentary throughout the story. The story line itself was really good and well written. The whole thing was just the perfect cozy read. I would absolutely recommend this books to anyone. I’m looking very forward to getting my hands on a physical copy to put on my bookshelf!

3.5 stars

This rating makes me sad because the undertaking of hart and mercy was a five star favorite. This one however didn’t hook me the same, I still really love this world and how cozy these stories are but the romance took a back seat for me in this one and although I enjoyed it I wasn’t hooked to the edge of my seat.

I thought it was good, funny, sweet, and entertaining but not as good as the first one. I still had a fun time and I *think* it got me out of a slump so props for that alone.

This was a delightful follow up/in the same world as Undertaking of Hart and Mercy (both of who make appearances in the story). I loved the focus on a middle age relationship. Also.....dragons!!!!

I absolutely adored The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy, and couldn't wait to get my hands on the sequel--The Undermining of Twyla and Frank. I have to admit, I was a little afraid the second book wouldn't stand up to the magic of the first. I was so attached to Hart, to Mercy, to Duckers...would I have room in my heart for Twyla and Frank? The short answer is...YES!

Frank and Twyla have been Tanrian Marshals and partners for the last 13 years. Nothing romantic has happened between them and never will. Or will it?? I adored this story of Twyla's self-discovery, and learning to love herself after being neglected in her marriage for so many years. To do what many women still can't--learn to ask for what they want, and not be satisfied with less. This book was everything I hoped it would be. Not too similar to the first one (great new storyline completely different than the last book--pink soft dragons??) and an easygoing, addictive writing style. I tore through this one, and hope the author will write more! I can definitely see a book about Fox and Duckers in the future...!

I really enjoyed the Undertaking of Hart and Mercy so I was really excited to receive this ARC. It was great to be back in the world of Tanria and Eternity and overall I really liked the plot. Frank and Twyla were very endearing as main characters and I enjoyed getting to be a part of their journey. I liked that we got to see Duckers again and little glimpses of Hart and Mercy. My only gripe with the book was the inner dialogue of Twyla. I really missed the dual POV in Undertaking and was disappointed to constantly be in Twyla's head. I think Frank would have been more understandable as a character if we could have heard from his POV. Twyla spends a ton of time lamenting about her life as a housewife and how she had been taken for granted, which is total.ly valid. She even sees how her son mimics the poor behavior of her late husband but she never really calls him out on it. So where I understand where Twyla is coming from, it was disheartening to see her be very "ho hum" about continuing the cycle. Overall I enjoyed the book and I hope that there will be future books set in this world.

I absolutely adored the first book in this series and this sequel didn't disappoint!! I loved that we got to see characters from the previous book and see where they are now, while also falling in love with Twyla and Frank. And I was NOT expecting that twist, it took me completely off guard but I loved it! I really hope Megan will continue with more stories in this world and I can't wait to get a physical copy of this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and to Orbit Books for my digital ARC!

4.5/5
This story was so delightful. The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy was one of my favorite books last year so I was more than excited for this one and had high expectations. And let me tell you it did not disappoint. I noticed I don’t really read books where the characters are older than their 30’s so this was new for me with Twyla and Frank being in their fifties. It gave me another perspective and appreciation for more mature characters.

It had a great mix of fantasy and whimsy while showing real life day to day and family experiences. I mean come on we got pink dragons with fuzzy horns that spit glitter. Then a hedgehog wearing a cardigan, rain boots and glasses, they have no right being that cute. I didn't expect to identify so much with Twyla. Being a mom we get put in this category and held to certain standards that sometime we forget that we can be so much more than just a mom. So I felt for her and made me love her character so much more. Twyla and Frank had such great chemistry being friends for so long, I enjoyed their humor and banter. Also brownie points for that Scooby Doo reference or what I hope it was. I think Megan Bannen is gonna become an auto buy author for me.

Thank You to NetGalley and Orbit Books for the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest review.

I'will give a full review closer to publication but for now I will just say this:

I found Frank and Twyla to be everything I wanted it to be and more! If you liked Hart and Mercy (who do make an appearance) you will love this book. It is far cozier now that all those Zombies are gone, but it is still magical, hysterical, and tearful in an entirely new way! And there be dragons! I loved it !!!!!

The Undermining of Twyla and Frank is such a good friends-to-lovers story that I sighed in satisfaction when I read the last line. Starting off a little slow, it steams right into an absolutely delightful and hilarious love story. Twyla is a fantastic voice and I loved her and Frank's slightly older age -- but make no mistake, being older does not mean a lack of passion. Bannen's writing is excellent and the humor is great.

I loved The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy, so I was thrilled to be able to preview Megan Bannen’s new book! The Undermining of Twyla and Frank is a sweet follow up, with winks to When Harry Met Sally.

Amazing follow up to The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy! Revisiting the world of Tanria with Twyla and Frank was a pure delight. The plot was the perfect escape, the characters loveable and real, and the storytelling unmatched. Twyla embodied a bad ass mom in the most realistic way possible. And then there's Frank, everyone needs a Frank, he was the true highlight of this book. (However my main man Duckers is always a delight and is a treasure that should be protected.)

The journey these characters take through Tanria, the twists, turns, and complete plot twists are worth every second. I giggled, I teared up, I gasped and I may have clutched my pearls. The silliness is balanced by some of the most honest and emotional writing I have had the pleasure of enjoying. I felt the full range of emotions while reading this book--and I mean that as the highest compliment. I enjoyed it immensely and will be recommending to everyone!

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review

This book was so good! I loved how it gave off the feeling of a very cozy fantasy while still talking about some important subjects. This book follows the middle aged Twyla as her marshaling partner Frank finds himself the new surrogate father of a baby dragon (take that, Hart, there are dragons!) and all the research that comes with the first dragon since the old gods. And it was such a good story, there was just enough going on to keep it intriguing, but not too much of heavy subjects to make it depressing.

While I did really enjoy this book, I did feel a little difficulty relating to Twyla sometimes due to the fact that her age is something that is very prevalent throughout the book. I don’t think it was done in a bad way or anything, but it was a large focus of the book, and I’m not used to focusing on the age of the main character so much. I’m not near the same age as Twyla, so that was part of it as well. Other than that, this book was easy to care about and read.

Seeing returning characters was also amazing! It was weird seeing both Hart and Mercy and not having their POVs, but it was great to see them again in this book. Duckers too! Absolutely loved him, just like I did in the first book. We got more “screen time” with my favorite demigod chief too, which I really appreciated- and a brief scene with my favorite rabbit and owl.

This book was definitely a fun read and I would absolutely recommend this to anyone who liked the first book, because this sequel did not disappoint.

This is unsurprisingly bizarre and delightful, but also definitely had some bumps along the way.

This book has a lot of things I love, including a friends to lovers slow burn romance, a witty sense of humor, believable relationship conflict, and dragons. Cute, precious, baby dragons.

I also loved Twyla, a badass Tanrian marshal and mom in her mid-fifties grappling with her past and figuring out what she really wants from life. Honestly though, I was a bit let down by the chemistry between Twyla and Frank.

I’m not even sure who I am anymore as I say this, but this story had a love triangle that I almost didn’t hate. Phew that was hard for me to write. The love triangle had promise as a tool to help Twyla learn about herself and grow out of her relationship fears, but unfortunately it also took away valuable time from getting to know Twyla’s dynamic with Frank.

There just was not enough pining and tension and COMMUNICATION from two grown ass adults who are finally admitting their feelings to each other and transitioning from friends to lovers!!!!!

The warm romance and sense of humor was definitely there, but I think I was left wanting a bit here with the overall conflict of the story and the romance.

Thank you to Orbit Books and Meghan Bannen for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy was one of my top reads last year, so to say I was excited for this book would be an understatement!
The Undermining of Twyla and Frank tells the story of two middle aged marshals in the world from the first book, exploring the mysterious Tanria post book 1. It’s an interesting look into life after the happily ever after, and you do get some of the first book’s characters too. I loved the continued world building, although it needs to be marked clearly that this is book 2, and not a standalone (or else you’ll be super confused by the world building)

I loved Twyla’s journey in this book, the life of a Grandmother as she rediscovers herself and what love should love like. It’s a testament to finding a partner who values you, and not settling for weaponized incompetence. It’s also a look into teaching our children from our mistakes but allowing them to make their own.

I really hope there’s a third book in the series. I feel like there’s so much Meghan could explore in this vast world she has created.

Also, I loved the dragons.