such a bittersweet ending to the series!! i loved rosie & adam as the main characters but was happy to see duckers & zeddie still played a large part (and of course hart and mercy). this was one of my most anticipated reads this year and it did not disappoint :’)

Thank you for the ARC!

What a lovely end to this bizarrely amazing series! I absolutely loved Rosie, from her unusual eyes to her love for fancy lingerie to her inexistent filter! And it took a while - like it did for everyone around him - but I also grew to love Adam. It was also great to check in with Hart and Mercy and Frank and Twyla. And with Duckers and Zeddie!

Thanks so much again for the ARC and I can’t wait to see what else Megan Bannen will come up with!

Surprise surprise. I loved this one too. Megan does it again. I enjoyed this world and the creatures so much. I was so excited to get to come back and get to know Rosie and Adam. Amd they did not disappoint. I already have my calendar marked for is physical release to Dd to the rest. Thank you Net Galley for the opportunity to read this in advance.

This series is such a blast to read!

A bit of mystery, a lot romance, a fun little world, + found family.

I love that in all of these books the MCs have been a bit unconventional (for romance book standards). I think more authors should step outside the “tiny FMC + massive MMC” box and give us MCs that are real and relatable. I also think the books that do, like this one and Megan Bannen’s previous books, deserve a LOT more hype.

This was a fantastic wrap up to the series and I’m sad to say goodbye to Tanria - but so excited to see what’s next for this author.

What’s to love…
- tall Queen FMC + short King MMC
- Age Gap (LOL)
- found family
- great banter
- cozy mystery subplot
- DUCKERS he’s really the best side character
- such a fun world

What’s not to love…
- I am a fan of high angst, so this one felt a little too mellow in that regard
- in the previous books the romance feels front and center, but in this one it takes a bit of a backseat, especially in the beginning

Thank you NetGalley and Orbit for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

Here is my review from goodreads:

This one didn't hit quite as hard as the other two for me. I felt that there was not a good balance of story and romance going on. It was kind of just like careening around with no firm direction. But I really did like Rosie and the other characters. Megan also added more to the world building in terms of folklore and more info on the gods as well as some chance encounters!

SPOILERS
I was hoping that she would just continue to hint at Duckers's romance plot and that we would get a book with his love story. I loved that he has been in all three books of the series!

As someone that truly loved (and even cried a little during) my read of The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy, the first book in this trilogy, I’m so happy that the final entry puts a lovely bow on this heartwarming series.

Bannen keeps up the humorous and light tone she’s used throughout, with Rosie Fox - a 150-year-old immortal demi-goddess working as a Tanrian Marshal - still grappling with the fact that she’s undying and destined to outlive everyone around her.

Through a portal failure in her town, she ends up spending more time with Professor Dr. Adam Lee, an engineering professor called in to fix the issue. Hijinks ensue, and in typical Megan Bannen fashion, through humor, wackiness, and with the help of a beloved cast of returning characters, the two fall in love while trying to restore the portal’s function.

I truly enjoyed myself and found this super delightful and cute! What I love most about this series is how quaint it feels, with a setting and characters that have grown and evolved across the trilogy. Seeing familiar faces reappear in this final installment added so much warmth and nostalgia.

My only real complaint (and this is more of a personal preference) is that Rosie and Adam’s romance felt a little too insta-love-y for me. As someone who enjoys more of a slow burn, I didn’t feel fully invested in their dynamic because of how quickly it developed. That said, the ease and speed of their connection does fit both their characters and the overall tone of the book.

I’m so happy I got to see how everyone, including characters from the earlier books, ended up. This is a perfect book for anyone looking for something in a fantastical world with low stakes that’s still heartfelt. For those who’ve read the previous two books, this is a satisfying and sweet conclusion to a lovely series.



Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Just finished devouring The Undercutting of Rosie and Adam, and it was the perfect way to end this amazing series. It stars Rosie—a tall and beautiful demigod with a faulty filter—and Adam, the inventor of the infamous Tanria portals. Both are equally funny in their own way and extremely entertaining to read about.

This whole series has been like a cozy, warm blanket that makes you laugh and serves you cocoa on a chilly day. I’ve laughed, cried, and fallen in love with every single character. I would read a million of these books back to back and hope everyone gives themselves the treat of experiencing the entire series.

The Undercutting of Rosie and Adam is the third book in a loosely connected series featuring three different couples set in the same delightfully quirky world. While each book can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading them in order — the added context makes the experience richer, especially with the ongoing glimpses into past characters' lives.

I absolutely adored this entire series, which is saying something — I usually find my interest waning after the first book once the original couple is established. But Megan Bannen kept me hooked through all three, thanks to her knack for creating unique, compelling characters (not just in how they look, but in who they are), a refreshingly imaginative world, and the emotional depth she brings to themes like death and what it truly means to be alive.

The Undercutting of Rosie and Adam features a fun mix of tropes: friends-to-lovers, grumpy/sunshine, reverse size difference, slow burn, forced proximity, witty banter, and one dragon. Rosie and Adam’s dynamic is layered, full of growth and longing, and their story fits beautifully into the series' tone.

If you’re looking for an offbeat, heartfelt fantasy romance with older protagonists and genuine emotional stakes, start with The Undertaking of Hart & Mercy and continue through The Undercutting of Rosie and Adam. You won’t regret spending time in this world with these wonderfully quirky characters.

Thank you Megan Bannen and Orbit Books for a NetGalley ARC copy of the Undercutting of Rosie and Adam!

Rating 4/5 ⭐
Spice 1/5

I'm so sad to have the series come to an end, but this was an excellent ending! 😭

I love how in the 2nd and 3rd books Megan picked lead characters that were known to, but were not constant contacts in the previous lead characters lives. For me, this made it easier to devote my attention fully to the new couple, while also being able to enjoy occasional cameos from previous main characters.💕

Rosie & Adam are the sweetest! I adored the tall-woman/short-man dynamic, you NEVER see that in books and it was unique and adorable! I did find their relationship a little on the insta-love side (which isn't a favorite trope of mine 😅) but worked really well for this couple’s personalities. Overall, this is one of my favorites series and I thoroughly enjoyed the final installment! 💕

I was not planning on reading this in one sitting, but that's what happened friends. I absolutely DEVOURED this third installment of the series.

This is a must read for my banter loving readers who appreciate a unique world and top tier romance

In a satisfying conclusion to the Hart & Mercy series, Bannen is back with more outlandish adventures in Tanria. There’s a 10 year time jump from the end of book 2, and this story followed Immortal Rosie Fox and Dr. Adam Lee, the sexy professor/inventor who’s in town to help repair the portals to the mist. (There’s also a cute sub plot following everyone’s favorite sidekick, Penrose Duckers, as he’s is forced back into proximity with his ex, Zeddie.)

The plot for this one is as outlandish as book 1, with lots of mythology and interaction with the old gods. At times the fantasy piece of it felt a bit over the top, but I loved the romance and character development. Rosie Fox might be my favorite character in the series; her obsession with “luxury intimates” is hilarious.

I am not big on Instalove as a trope, but I didn’t mind it here as it leans more into Opposites Attract. Love how Bannen wrapped this series and I look forward to whatever she writes next!

4 ⭐️

I have once again very much enjoyed this cozy, fantastical world where the grass is pink and the dragons are purse dogs. Duckers continues to be a delight and the nimkilim mail delivery creatures continue to spark everlasting joy.

I was initially concerned I’d be disappointed by the decade time jump, but the recurring characters kept their same spirits and antics alive ten years later. I wasn’t necessarily surprised by anything in this novel, but Rosie and Adam’s character arcs make perfect sense.

If you enjoyed the first two books in this series, you will also enjoy this third installment. I enjoyed this one more than the second installment but it didn’t give me the same surprising emotional reaction the first gave me.

This feels like an adequate conclusion, but if Megan ever grants us the opportunity in the future to return to this world, I think the door could easily be reopened and I would GLADLY return.


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

I read and loved Megan Bannen’s The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy and its follow-up, The Undermining of Twyla and Frank last year, so I was happy to receive ARC (though this hasn’t influenced my review of this book!) for the third (and seemingly final) book in the series, The Undercutting of Rosie and Adam (which is releasing in July).

Rosie Fox is an immortal demigod, around the age of 150, and works as a “Marshall” (sort of a combination between a park ranger and a security guard) for the realm of Tanria. Tanria is the fantastical (in previous books, it’s had undead and pink dragons that breathe glitter) former home to the gods and can only be accessed via portal. When the portals to and from Tanria start malfunctioning, the inventor and expert on the portals, Dr. Adam Lee, is called in to investigate. Rosie and her partner are assigned to assist and protect Adam, and when an evacuation order is called for Tanria, they end up getting stuck on the wrong side of the portal. Trapped, Rosie and Adam have to work together to escape, while becoming closer and dealing with their own personal issues.

While I didn’t love this book quite so much as the previous books in the series, it was still a really good time. I love the setting and the vibes—it’s quite cute and cozy in a way, while also having some depth. I also really liked the full exploration of Rosie’s immortality and her feelings about knowing that she’s never going to die. The side characters continue to delight—the mail-delivering, animal-shaped, former messengers of the gods are adorable, and Rosie’s partner Duckers (also the former partner of Hart, Twyla, and Frank) undergoes some great character development throughout the books. Overall, a satisfying end to a fun series!

I absolutely loved the first two books in this series and was not disappointed with the final installment! The worldbuilding is so rich and unique, and the way the author built on and expanded that lore in this book really hooked me. I don’t think it would have had as much of an impact if read as a stand-alone, but in conjunction with the other two books, it added a lot of layers of richness to the world. I also really loved the exploration of immortality and how that would affect someone’s worldview and choices as a central theme.

The tension in this book was fantastic and the payoff at the end extremely satisfying. It built strongly in the opening, with a nice sense of mystery. In particular, the pacing in the middle was really strong—it kept me up reading way too late, which is always a hallmark of a good plot!

I adored the banter and sarcastic humor woven throughout the book, especially between Duckers and Rosie, and I found myself snorting out loud and chuckling multiple times. However sometimes it felt as if it was at the expense of the character’s emotional depth. Rosie’s quips are fun, but at times, they can make her seem very immature for someone who is over 150 years old.

Overall, I highly enjoyed this book and would recommend it for anyone look for a fun, unique fantasy series with a strong romantic element!
Thank you to NetGalley, Orbit Books, and Megan Bannen for the ARC!

A wonderful read!
This novel drew me in from the very first page and kept me hooked until the end. The characters were vibrant and relatable, the writing was engaging, and the story had just the right balance of heart and humor. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

The Hart and Mercy series is one of my favorite romantic fantasies! Megan Bannen does a great job expanding the world of Tanria in this book, and I loved the focus on the various gods and their roles.
Rosie and Adam were a great couple, though I found the plot of this one a little more intriguing than the romance. I feel like the chemistry ramped up a little too suddenly compared to previous books.
The dialogue also felt a little too juvenile for me in this book, though the signature wit and humor did make me laugh quite often.
I love that each couple - Hart & Mercy, Twyla & Frank, and Adam and Rosie had their own resolutions and readers had a chance to see where everyone is by the end of the series. I'll miss returning to the magical world of Tanria! Thank you so much to NetGalley and Orbit Books for the eARC!

Banter? Check! Witty characters? Check! Love interests? Check! Other worlds? Check!

I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the banter, the plot, the characters, it was a good experience overall!

It took me a little time to get with the different worlds and descriptions but once I was in, I was IN!!

This book started off running so if you need a book like that, this is a great choice!

"I devoured this book in one sitting. And when I came to the last page, I turned back to the beginning and started again."

I have been long anticipating this book and what a delight it was to return to Tanria to visit with old friends, and get to know new ones. On the occasions that I saw Rosie in the background of the other stories, she always appeared as a larger than life kinda gal. In this book, we get a chance to know her a little bit deeper, to see that she’s more than just a 6’5 demigod. She’s a woman confident in her femininity, particular about her intimates, and still grappling with her immortality and what that means for her long life ahead.

And then there’s Adam, a genius engineer a bit on the enigmatic side himself that as the story went on, I just wanted to wrap up in cotton batting to keep him safe. To see the two of them come together was just an absolute delight that at times left me kicking and squealing like a little girl.

I love the rich world of Tanria that Megan Bannen has created, a world the likes I’ve never seen before, with a rich and detailed mythology. And I love how she uses her characters and her mythology to contemplate love, death, and the precious value of human mortality.

In all transparency, I had already pre-ordered this book, I’m that excited. But having had the chance to read an e-ARC just reinforced what a good idea that was. Because when this book comes out in July, I plan on picking up my copy and reading it a third time. I love Tanria, and I love the characters and creatures that inhabit Tanria (looking at you Saltlicker and Mary Georgina), and I need other people to discover this world so that they can love it too.

Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for this advanced copy! I was so honored to be chosen!!!

This book is perfect for anyone looking for a cozy romance! usually I feel like a third book in a series can be a hit or miss this was was hit! it was perfection! I loved every second reading this book! I was sitting and kicking my feet at some of the part of this book were so adorable! it had me smiling from ear to ear! everyone needs to read this book 5 star read for me!

Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for this advanced copy! You can pick up The Undercutting of Rosie and Adam on July 8, 2025.

This book was everything. I didn't know much about Rosie or Adam going into this, but they were absolute standout characters who I fell in love with more and more. Rosie's larger than life personality and resignation about immortality perfectly balanced Adam's cold, emotionless exterior. Seeing her crack him open more and more was so satisfying, and the payoff when they finally admitted their feelings for each other was golden.

But aside from our main duo, I also loved Duckers and Zeddie's growth in this book. Duckers has been THE character throughout all three stories, and to see him grown up and rekindling his romance with Zeddie was incredible. I'm glad they were trapped together in Tanria and forced to confront their 10-year-old breakup!

The expansion of lore that we got in Undercutting was also really fascinating. We learn more about the New and Old Gods, the mythological stories that shaped Rosie's childhood, and how some of the magic works in this world. I'm glad we got to meet Rosie's dad, the Trickster, and compare him to Hart's godly father, The Warden. Admittedly, the ending made me tear up.

Overall, I couldn't put this book down and was invested in seeing our main quad escape Tanria in one piece. If you love super unique worlds with impeccable romance and fun banter, this is your book and your series!