I (so gratefully!!) received an ARC of the Undermining of Twyla and Frank thanks to NetGalley + Orbit Books for an honest review… so here goes!

If I had to classify this book, I’d call it a romance in a cozy fantasy setting. I read The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy last year and really enjoyed the irreverent characters, slow-burn romance, and otherworldly setting. If you’re looking for more of that, you’ll love this!

Two best friends and work partners, Twyla and Frank, set off to solve a mystery, ultimately uncovering much more than they bargained for!

I really enjoyed that the main characters were in their 50s — so many fantasy romances feature young adult protagonists, and I found these characters and the context that comes with their life stage to be refreshing. I also loved that the author pulled together such a diverse cast of characters. It’s so nice to see queer representation, age diversity, size diversity, and racial diversity casually written into a story. I found some of the dialogue and descriptors to be a little corny at times, but I recognize that’s more about personal preference than a knock on the writing. This is truly a really warm, sweet book that turned out to be the perfect escapist read for a rainy weekend!

If you like cozy/soft fantasy, friends-to-lovers slow burn, or if you couldn’t get enough of the first book, definitely pick this up. It was a sweet weekend read featuring love, fantasy creatures, adventure, and all of the feel-good feelings. Really enjoyed it!

This book is definitely more character driven than plot itself. It’s all relatively normal and then BAM dragons. I love when authors write about older characters falling in love because they can have fun and fall in love too! It doesn’t always have to be young adults or teenagers. This story is very relatable and comical. Friends to lovers. Baby dragons. Romantasy. It’s a great read for 2024!

I recently read The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy, and I thoroughly enjoyed Bannen' first book. She was able to showcase character growth and develop a fun fantastical world at the same time again in The Undermining of Twyla and Frank.

This book brought a different perspective of two people who are "older", but not old. Twyla is a strong character who has been through a lot in her personal life. It was nice to see her representation as a law enforcement officer, and the progression of her relationship with Frank.

I really did like Duckers' involvement is this book as well, and I think he always brings a nice, comedic effect. It was fun to see the dynamic between Duckers, Frank, and Mercy. The Hart and Mercy cameo was a nice touch as well.

I was lucky enough to read early through NetGallery, and I will be looking out in the future for any new books or a third installment by Bannen.

This book is what romance readers have been craving! Bannen absolutely demolishes the slow burn with The Undermining of Twyla and Frank, while still keeping the readers on their toes. With Twyla are gifted a capable, smart, and sexy middle aged heroine with charisma and enough heart to soften even the toughest readers. The humor is the book comes not only from the witty banter, and situational comedy, but also from the spotlight of the fan favorite character Penrose Duckers. Who’ll have readers falling in love with him within a few chapters. While I did miss the dual POV Twyla was interesting enough to carry the story on her own. The Undermining of Twyla and Frank is even better than the first book, and is definitely worth the trip back to Tanria.

Thanks to NetGalley and Orbit for an arc of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

When Harry Met Sally, dragons, and our friends from Tanria? I was sold when I read the summary … and this book didn’t disappoint.

Honestly, I thought there wasn’t a chance in Tanria that I’d think a sequel (sequel-ish? Same world, takes place after the fact, new MC’s but plenty of Duckers and other cameos) was as good or better than The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy. And … I was totally wrong. Now, I still adore Hart and Mercy’s book but … Frank and Twyla’s story stole my heart — with a little help from a character named Mary Georgina.

Frank and Twyla are the very best of friends who supported each other for years. They live next door to each other. They work together as Tarian Marshalls… which has gotten a bit boring for them after the end of book one. Until … something happens that changes everything.

This story had heart, laughs, adventure, twist and turns. Most of all, it was pure escapism at its best. If you need a story that gives you hope while having so much fun?
This is the book for you.

A fun fantasy romance novel that’s nothing like what I’ve read before!

If you’re looking for:
> Characters who aren’t in their 20s, this couple is in their 50s, and they have their lives (mostly) together
> Friends to lovers
> He falls first
> DRAGONS!

Then this book is for you! I really liked the first book, but I loved this book more. I love that Twyla and Frank had such a rich history with each other and how they navigated their relationship was authentic as they worked through their pasts and their friendship. I loved them as a couple and their warmth and teasing through the book was just delightful.

The first book has a dual perspective, and in this book we only get Twyla’s perspective which was a smart choice. I love that we see Frank through her eyes as she realizes what they mean to each other rather than knowing how he's feeling because if it was dual perspective a lot of the end would have been spoiled!

Without diving into spoilers, I love what our heroes discover now that drudges are gone, and I loved the final showdown at the end! I giggled at the motivation of some individuals at the end. Love it.

Now we’re getting a third book, right? This one for… SPOILERS!!!!!! Duckers! Please don’t leave him sad like this! Second chance romance maybe? End Spoilers!

I’ve already recommended this series to my friends and after this second book, I’m even more excited to have them read it! I love seeing books with older and more mature characters and Mercy and Twyla have won my heart.

4.5/5 This book was such a fun and wacky adventure! With a very necessary side of friends-to-lovers slow burn with a dash of idiots-in-love.

Twyla is. a middle-aged mother of three, and grandmother of many, who became a marshall late in life. Frank is hardworking marshall who lost his wife to the job, but gained a friend in Twyla, his next-door neighbor. These two have been friends for over eight years, and partners for half of that time.

It was so compelling watching Twyla struggle with her newly realized feelings for Frank and her past in an unfulfilling marriage.

If you're in it for the wackiness and whimsy, rest assured that you will receive it. In the form of dragons and evil plots by the most polite of kidnappers.

Sea Salt - this was CUTE and funny! I read a lot of fantasy books, and I have to say its refreshing to read a MFC (Twyla) as an older mature mom/grandma thats not perfect and not only loves her book smut, but also has sexual/emotional needs. Partnered with her silver fox neighbor slash best friend slash Marshall coworker (Frank), these two have quite the bond while trying to survive dangerous marshaling, and solve this new mystery in this fantastic magical realm of Tanrian. Third wheeling with them is Zeddie - who we met in The Undertaking of Hart & Mercy, he is Mercy’s brother’s partner and quite the character. I love the banter that this trio brings to this story.

This world seems mystical and imaginatively beautiful, with all its oddities. It does get a little ridiculous with the glitter barfing dragons (haha), and the potty mouth mail critter carriers, but sometimes it’s good to have something lighthearted that makes you audibly laugh while the room is quiet and you’re nose deep in a good book. Thank you for the ARC!

I may or may not have bypassed my bedtime so I could finish it—100% worth it. I loved The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy, and The Undermining of Twyla and Frank lived up to my own personal hype. These characters are some of my very favorite, and I hope to visit them again in a future Bannen novel!

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for the ARC of this title!

Wow! A second chance at love couldn’t be more entertaining than in this unique, adventurous fantasy universe of Twyla and Frank, the sequel we’ve been eagerly anticipating after the unputdownable, heart-throbbing adventure and epic love story of Hart and Mercy!

Thankfully, Twyla Banneker and Frank Ellis return in their own sequel, still working as partners in crime and next-door neighbors. They're middle-aged widows, best friends, and colleagues as Tanrian Marshals. Who can resist the charm of a fantasy rom-com with a friends-to-lovers theme blended with action-packed thriller sequences and dragons in this sequel? If you've read the first book, you'll enjoy this upcoming installment even more with its witty banter between characters, mind-bending plot twists, and well-executed world-building in Eternity, with its unique law enforcement and lovely creatures.

After the drudges have gone, there’s a peaceful setting in Eternity town, but both Twyla and Frank are bored to death, counting down the days until their retirements and the realization of their plan to open their bed & breakfast place. However, their boredom comes to an abrupt end when they find one of their irritating fellow marshals dead near an enormous footprint, possibly belonging to a dragon that, centuries ago, the founders of the town were said to have ridden. Could dragons be real? It seems so, and fortunately, Frank finds himself as a foster dad to one of the baby dragons. This means their long and uneventful days are over. As Twyla and Frank get back into action, they also have to confront their unresolved feelings for each other. Could they be open to a second chance at love at age 53, close to retirement, while watching over their own kids as they follow their own life paths? It’s never too late to find your soulmate, is it?

Overall, this unique, creative, action-packed rom-com fantasy is a must-read and highly recommended!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Orbit Books for providing me with a digital review copy of this unique book in exchange for my honest opinions.

This. Was. SO. Cute. Not Frank making me cry on my couch on midnight 😭

Was it a little cheesy? Sure. Was it maybe slightly predictable? Maybe. Did I love every second of it? You betcha.

Dragons, grape fizzy, love triangles, new nimkilim, did I mention dragons, romantic tension, and a line suited for the Scooby gang.

As a mom myself I felt like I could relate so much more to Twyla and her worries than I could to Mercy. Sometimes we do feel like chairs and damnit we shouldn’t.

5/5 ⭐️

Oh how I loved this book! It's a very different tone from The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy (which was one of my top reads of 2022!) but was absolutely wonderful - it's incredibly funny and sweet!

I loved seeing a book about an older couple and I thought the friends to lovers aspect was done SO well. Also the fact that Twyla constantly says "Ope" really spoke to my soul as a Midwestern girlie.

This review is going to be just about the vibes and probably mostly coherent because when I love a book this much I just...can't be coherent lol.

Read this for:
- Pink sparkle sneezing dragons
- Friends to lovers
- A lil bit of mystery
- Pining
- DUCKERS
- Hart & Mercy sightings!
- Coziness!
- Quotes like this: "Twyla wanted to hold and to be held, but she wasn't convinced that it was possible to be held without being held down or held back."
- and this: "I promise to never make you a chair" (Listen you need to read it to understand, okay??)

Anyways, just an incredibly enthusiastic 5 stars from me!

Thank you to Orbit Books for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Megan takes us back to the wild and whimsical world of Tanria with the second book in The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy series. I fell head over heels for Twyla and Frank- they were so sweet and gruff and tender towards each other. I loved that they were older characters and how their relationships and choices were explored. It was so fun to read about dragons (especially pink ones!) and the mystery element as well. I thought this was extremely well-written book that evoked many emotions, a perfect blend of meaningful and fun. This book was a joy to read!

Thank you Orbit and Netgalley for my copy.

After reading the Undertaking of Hart and Mercy I fell in love with Megan’s writing style and she did not disappoint in the Undermining of Twyla and Frank.

Twyla and Frank were both great characters. I loved their friendship and how they both knew one another very well and how they always wanted the best for each other. This book is special in its own way because it shows that
it’s never too late to go after what you want, put your needs first and never let a man make you his chair. I can’t wait to read what Megan Bannen has in store for us next.

If your looking to read a book that includes Romantasy, friends to lovers, baby dragons, strong fmc, witty banter, and demi gods then I recommend you to check out The Undermining of Twyla and Frank which comes out on July 1st.


Thank you NetGalley and Orbit for the ARC.

Twylva and Frank have been best friends and best Marshals partners for the longest time. An evil plot arise and they must work together even more...

I love this series. The plot is fresh and unpredictable. Love the first book and love this one too. Terrific characters who aren't the usual ingenue and grumpy alpha.... Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

This was such a well done friends to lovers romance between coworker. Slower burn (for a stand alone) and just a little bit of spice. I love Megan Bannen’s writing. It’s so funny and heartwarming. The banter between all of the characters was witty. This book had me laughing out loud. It was more character driven than plot but I did find the plot interesting and the characters were great. Frank and Twyla were accurately portrayed as middle aged people without it being exaggerated or offensive. They felt true to their age which was a breath of fresh air after reading so many books about 20-something’s. I loved seeing characters from Hart and Mercy show up. I also appreciated the commentary on the hardships of being a wife and mother. I’m really hoping Megan Bannen writes more stories set in this quirky, bizarre world.

The book follows the unlikely partnership of Twyla Banneker and Frank Ellis, two middle-aged neighbors who join the Tanrian Marshals and embark on a dangerous adventure. The story is set in the town of Eternity, where Twyla and Frank's decision to become Tanrian Marshals surprises and shocks the entire community. Despite the misgivings of Twyla's grown children, she finds solace and excitement in her new career, while also enjoying the companionship of her best friend Frank. However, their job becomes less perilous and more mundane until they stumble upon the body of a fellow marshal and find themselves caring for a baby dragon. This discovery leads them into a dangerous plot that goes deeper than they could have ever imagined. As the danger intensifies, so does the bond between Twyla and Frank. Their easy friendship evolves into something more, and Twyla begins to realize that her true soul mate may have been by her side all along. The characters in this book were well-developed and relatable. Twyla and Frank's friendship felt genuine and their banter was humorous and heartwarming. What I appreciated most about this book was the underlying themes of friendship, family, and finding love even in unexpected places. The relationship between Twyla and Frank was heartwarming and their love for each other grew naturally throughout the story. Overall, I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-written and engaging fantasy novel with a touch of romance.

Okay so hear me out…When Harry Met Sally but with DRAGONS!

The world that Megan Bannen paints is not only quirky but all around delightful. The main love story focuses around Twyla and Frank who are in their mid fifties. A slow burn, friends to lovers that will leave you smiling till the very end. I honestly didn’t realize how much I neeed a romance that focused on the ups and downs of trying to navigate menopause and retirement plans until I picked up this book.

But in all seriousness, It was such a breath of fresh air. The fantasy setting and dragons were just an added bonus. The love story takes the cake and I ate the whole dang thing and left no crumbs!

Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for an arc of this book. All opinions are my own.

This was a fun, quick read and a cute way for the series to continue. We briefly meet Twyla and Frank in the first book (The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy) and they seem like solid friends. This book picks up and digs into their working relationship and friendship. It's a slow burn friends to lovers plot with hot toff, mystical creatures, and a mystery to solve.

It wasn't as spicy as the first book but it seemed much closer to a real relationship that could actually happen. I hadn't really thought much about age representation in the romance category but the MC shares unique perspectives on being a woman, motherhood and loss. I cried more than I expected.

A mix of very fantastical and very realistic, it’s a very fun read but takes a bit of a plot nosedive around 80%.