I rated this book 4.5 stars and rounded up to 5.

The Undercutting of Rosie and Adam takes place 10 years after the second book, following Rosie Fox, a demigod who cannot stay dead. She does die, frequently, but will revive minutes later. While watching a tech fix a portal into Tanria, she sees and touches a shadow in the mechanism, killing herself and the portal. Adam, the inventor, comes to fix the broken portal when they realize that more than the one portal could be at stake. The Marshalls decide to evacuate Tanria, but one person gets stuck in Tanria with Adam, Rosie, and Duckers. Of course, it is Ducker's ex boyfriend, Zeddie. Can they all work together to find a way back to their world?

This was a wonderful conclusion to the Tanria books. Bannen knows how to write characters with heart and wit. The Undercutting of Rosie and Adam was one of my most anticipated books this year and it did not disappoint.

Rosie has a complicated relationship with her father, the Trickster god. He tries in his own way to have a relationship with her, but she feels like he doesn't try at all. She is also 157 years old, contimplating the point of living when everything else around you will die.

Duckers is always the highlight of the book and I was happy to see his second chance at romance with Zeddie. A little piece of me died when they broke up in the previous book.

The narrator did a wonderful job. I enjoyed how she had different voices for the characters and understood the dry humor.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachett Audio for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I would like to thank the publisher for sending me an audio-arc in exchange for an honest review through NetGalley.

Rosie is an immortal demigod, alive for the last one hundred and fifty-seven years. While on patrol, Rosie comes across a portal full of shadowy thorns that only she can see... and then she dies. Again. But because she messed with it, the portal needs to be repaired. Enter Dr. Adam Lee. And when all the portals begin to break down, they call for an emergency evacuation, leaving Rosie and Adam trapped within the Mist. The two of them will have to work together to solve the problem of the plants in order to try and escape, but as they work together, Rosie realizes that Adam isn't as clueless as he lets on. The both of them have donned armor to protect themselves, but maybe, in the Mist, they'll have to strip themselves down and let the other truly see them, before it's too late.

Let me start off by saying I'm happy we got everything in this, and by that I mean how it all comes together -- we get a glimpse at Hart and Mercy, and Twyla and Frank, and we get a lot more of Pen and Zeddie and it's just perfect. I really liked the way the gods are much more important in this book than ever before, and the fact that this is the final installment in the trilogy made me both sad and happy. Sad because it's over, happy because of how it ends. I loved the whole plant thing, and the way we learn about Adam's connection to it. However, there were some things I didn't like about this, and most of it is because of Rosie herself. She comes across as a little... much. Like, for a one hundred and fifty-seven year old demigod, she acts like a modern teen, and it got a little annoying at times. When it comes to the two of them, I love the whole height difference -- hooray for short kings! Their banter was great, and I love how super up-tight Adam lets his guard down around her. I also love the lack of the dreaded third act break-up and how the two of them work together to solve everything. With that being said, I loved how this book brought everything together and tied it all up. I'm going to miss this world.

Actual Rating: 4.5 stars

3.75⭐️
I loved returning to this richly imagined world and spending more time with Adam, Rosie, and the familiar cast from previous books. The romance was heartfelt, and I especially enjoyed how their journey led them to mortality together.

Rosie’s dynamic with her father was intriguing, but I found myself wishing that it had been explored even more deeply. The audiobook was very good, but at times the narration sounded a bit robotic.

While it doesn't quite top Hart and Mercy for me, it definitely came close :)

Thank you Netgalley and Orbit for the audiobook ARC!

The portals are malfunctioning and nobody knows why, but Rosie (a demigod) notices some shadows lurking in the machinery. In comes Adam Lee, inventor of the portals to try to fix the machinery. Rosie, a bold outgoing and seemingly carefree individual finds herself attracted to Adam, who is serious and closed off.

I definitely enjoyed the first half of this book - the dynamic of super tall immortal Rosie with the “pocket sized” 5 foot 3 Adam. The ballsy and irreverent marshall plus the serious and classy inventor was a fun dynamic. I also loved the deer mail deliver (can’t spell the name since I listened to the audio, but I think it’s Gabo). He made me laugh out loud several times - definitely one of the best parts of this book!

However, I didn’t seem to connect with the book as much in the second half. Perhaps it was the father relationship and how the development felt kind of forced. Or perhaps it was because Rosie talks so much about how upsetting it is to have immortality when you have to see your loved ones die, but continues to run head first into friendships and relationships. Even though I loved her positive attitude toward others, I would think that having to experience so much loss would either force one to be lonely or to be distant. Perhaps this was intentional, that in spite of this, she is yolo in life and in love.

Either way, this was a fun read. I listened to the audiobook and the pacing and voicing was good. I do like that it seems to be different for each book in the series so that it truly feels like it would be different perspectives.

I am a little disappointed. I thought I would love this book. I really enjoyed the audiobook narrator though.

Things I liked:
-The world/setting was really cool.
-The side characters - Duckers specifically.

Things I didn't like:
- The constant mention of how the FMC prefers nice undergarments & lingerie. Just felt like a random thing to throw in there.
-The pacing of the book. The last third it starts to pick up but at around 80% I just wanted it end.

I wasn't actually getting involved with the characters. I did feel something for the MMC and his whole journey. And I did empathize with the immortality crisis of the FMC but that's about it.
I hate to say it but I felt bored reading this. The high stakes in the book just weren't translating for me and I couldn't find myself actually caring about what happened.

I did read this as a standalone, not knowing there was two others books in the series. l don't think the other books would have added to this experience though.

I absolutely devoured this audiobook and am hoping Megan Bannen decides to take us back to Tanria/Eternity some day. Until then, this third installment of the series may be my favorite yet. I wasn't sure what to expect from a Rosie centered book after catching glimpses of her in the previous book however she was an absolute delight and so unique. Rosie is an immortal demigod that seems to die a lot (and come back of course) but has grown weary of life after 157 years. When the portals to Tanria begin to malfunction their aloof creator, Adam Lee, steps in to fix them himself. Unfortunately, this leads to our duo getting stuck in the mist and we quickly discover Rosie and Adam have both been keeping secrets......
For much of the book the main foursome is composed of Rosie, Adam, Duckers, and Zeddy which was a riot honestly. There is a lot of tension between the former lovers at first but I was happy to see these two again, Duckers has been so integral to each of the books and he is certainly an endearing character. I absolutely love the setting of Tanria and the return of the dragons, especially those we first met in book 2. It was a wonderful call back for readers of the series.
I was lucky enough to receive an ALC of this book and the audio was fantastic. It was smoothly delivered with such a solid variety of voices for each character that I was never confused about who was speaking. The entire experience was truly wonderful. I can only hope for more in the future.

4.25 Stars. This found family, cozy fantasy/mystery was just adorable. I loved Hart & Mercy and was so happy to be plunged back into this world of Gods, Demigods, and mythical creatures. Rosie is a demigod who also happens to be immortal. It sounds good to have everlasting life - until you have to watch everyone you love die around you. It can be difficult to find friends and love when you know the inevitable will happen. How will she navigate this huge life struggle?
This book handled the topic well, without it feeling too heavy or burdensome. Most of the book was focused on the cozy mystery and found family aspects. It felt like a warm hug and would be perfect for a fall read.
The audio format was wonderful and thoroughly enjoyed the narration.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I really liked the narrator for this book. Kacie Rogers does an excellent job with the pacing and differentiation of each of the characters. She brings a lot of emotion and drama in her narration. I'm sad this is the end of the series because I would have loved to hear more of Kacie's narration (especially her take on Duckers).

Yayyy that was such a good ending to the series! 🥹 💖

Picking up 10 years after Twila and Frank ends, this book focuses on Rosie, a delightfully jaded demigod, and Adam, a rather reserved scientist and inventor. Kind of an insta-love situation but whatever, they are fantastic together in a unique way.

Then we have creatures like the nimkilim who are always a hoot and a half, we get lots of time with Duckers and Zeddie and the dragons, and cameos from everyone else we know and love from the first two books. Lots more world building and mythology, too. ✨

The audio narration made it even more fun. Kacie Rogers had Rosie sounding both polished and sassy. And her voice for Duckers had me smiling every time.

If you ask me what I’d consider to be the most underhyped series, this.is.it! I will always adore the land of Tanria with my whole heart! (Hart?😊)

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Hachette Audio, and the lovely Megan Bannen for this audiobook ARC!

I had to sit on this review for a little while, but Tanria has a HUGE place in my heart. Hart and Mercy and Twyla and Frank all live rent free in my head. SUCH a cozy world filled with found family, dragons, and like a few gods.

The Undercutting of Rosie and Adam was definitely a wild ride! I loved that we got to see the whole cast of characters that we’ve gotten to know over the last two books. This one did fall a little flat for me. Don’t get me wrong, it’s fun! And there are some really cute moments, but I definitely felt like the romance was a little too on the back burner, and then suddenly was the whole point. It felt very insta-lovey, and I wish we could have seen Rosie and Adam’s relationship develop a little more naturally.

The story was pretty entertaining, and I really enjoyed how the story progressed - especially drawing from plot points in the previous books.

All in all, good book, but I was definitely left wanting a little more!

Note: the audiobook narrator was EXCELLENT! She was clear and understandable, conveyed the emotions super well, plus there were some really tricky words in other languages and she crushed it!

The book opens 10 years after The Undermining of Twyla and Frank ends. The plot progression is a little slower (and a bit on the predictable side) compared to previous books and the romance between Rosie and Adam felt more insta-love(ish) but other than that, it’s full of the same witty, sarcastic humor and banter that we’ve come to love through the series. By the epilogue, 7 years have gone by, giving us a perfect conclusion to all of our favorite characters lives.

The audio performance was fantastic. The characters personalities were really brought to life and left me feeling all the feels. I laughed out and also cried…several times.

Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Audio for an advanced listening copy in exchange of an honest review.

I loved this entire series. The third in the series with Rosie and Adam was a great addition. It was funny, sweet, and romantic all set in the fantasy world where typically melancholic things like facing death are approached by the characters as a gift. I enjoyed their relationship as it developed. I received this as an ALC and found the narrator easy to listen to and to hear the story as I’d imagine the main FMC. I look forward to seeing what the author comes up with next! Thank you so much for the ALC provided by Hachette Audio, Orbit Books, and NetGalley.

The story within a story was a treasure and a true turning point in this book. There was quite a bit of world building that I unfortunately allowed myself to get bogged down with during the first half of the book and yet I somehow managed to miss how much time had passed from one book to the next in this series. The second half of this book was where the book came alive for me. I'm so glad I kept reading and was able to catch up with some beloved characters from the previous books as well as follow the journey of Rosie and Adam. This story felt like being dipped into a world I had never visited before. When the slow burn finally ignited I was downright giddy. This is definitely for someone who loves the world building a high fantasy can give and for anyone who knows a slow burn is worth the wait.

Review audio provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 Stars

Megan Bannen's The Undercutting of Rosie and Adam caught my eye with its adorable cover, and the book largely delivers on that initial charm. While I haven't read the first two books in the series, I appreciated that this installment stands well on its own; references to other characters were light, ensuring new readers won't feel lost.

The world-building, with its unique and quirky setting of Tanria, truly shines and makes me eager to delve into the previous books. I also found the use of contemporary slang surprisingly effective, adding to the book's distinctive voice.

However, the central romance between Rosie and Adam fell flat for me. Their connection felt forced, and despite their interactions, I struggled to believe in their feelings for each other. The lack of chemistry made it difficult to invest in their story, and as a result, the plot often felt boring. I had hoped for more excitement or a stronger sense of urgency given their predicament in Tanria.

Instead, Duckers and Zeddy completely stole the show. Their relationship was far more engaging and compelling, making me wish they were the main focus.

I experienced the book through both ebook and audiobook formats. While the female narrator did a commendable job, the audiobook didn't fully immerse me in the story as other audiobooks have.

Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit for the ARC.

Thank you net gallery and Hachette Audio
I love this series. It’s so fun, quirky, and cozy. This book follows Rosie and Adam as they try to save the Tanria forest and each other. Rosie might be my favorite character of this series. She was really funny, carefree but also knew who she was. She loved her friends fiercely. I laughed out loud multiple times, especially the banter with her and Duckers. I also like getting Duckers and Zeddies story. I love the dragons. I enjoyed Adam’s story too. How the vines changed the first time Rosie showed him kindness, which meant the world to him.
The narrator did an amazing job. The different voices she used for all the characters were great, especially Gobbo. I really hope we get another book from this series. It’s such a fun world and make me feel like a warm hug.

Thanks to @HachetteAudio and NetGalley for the advance listener copy!

I absolutely loved this book! The narrators were excellent—especially the female narrator, who brought Rosie to life with a grounded, clear, no-nonsense tone that fit the character perfectly. No overly breathy or whiny delivery, just strong narration that matched the energy of the story.

This was a cozy fantasy done right. Set in the fantasy world of Tanria, The Undercutting of Rosie and Adam is the third interconnected standalone in the series, and it made me want to pick up the first two immediately. The world-building was rich but easy to follow, the quest was lighthearted and fun, and the character dynamics were heartwarming.

Rosie and Adam aren’t your typical fantasy leads, and I loved that about them. A tall woman and a short man—it was refreshing and added to their charm. Their chemistry was sweet and sincere, and the supporting cast brought humor and heart to the story. I also loved that they were mature characters, because they are both essentially immortal, they both lived long lives and had lots of experiences. Really refreshing since most books feature a tiny, delicate FMC with little to no life experience.

Megan Bannen has created a magical world full of charm, wit, and unconventional romance. Highly recommend for fans of cozy fantasy and character-driven storytelling!

This is the third book the charming world that Bannen has created. While I think that one would enjoy this book as a standalone, one would enjoy it much better if at least one other book of the series was read prior to reading this book (though the whole series in order is preferable). There are two narrators for this audiobook, but we spend most of the time with Kacie Rogers, who portrays Rosie brilliantly. Jim Frangione as Adam does ok, but his appearance felt more like a cameo and not part of dual narration. That said, Rogers does enough that I would recognize this format unreservedly.

Honestly, what I really wanted was a Duckers and Zeddie book. We do see them a bit in this book but I still think they're better than any other couple in the series. Even though I wasn't 100% sold on the main romantic pairing, I love this super unique world and the slightly cozy but still high stakes nature of Megan Bannen's plots.

When Rosie and Adam get trapped in the mist together, they are barely more than just acquaintances but that soon begins to change. Rosie must confront her immortality, her absentee god father, and discovering that there is more to the elusive doc than meets the eye.

Audio is great and really brings the book to life!

I don't have the best, or even the right words to review this spectacular addition to the series! There's so many things that happened not just between Rosie and Adam, but to Tanria, and the entire series as a whole.

We get a twofer here in terms of the warm fuzzies.

Zed and Pen - by far, these two are my favorite couple in this series, and they deserve a novella at least! Their romance is a slow burn and started since the beginning. I thoroughly enjoyed page time between these two because Pen is hilarious and seeing him all discombobulated is both sweet and amusing.

Adam and Rosie - Such an unconventional pair! Adam is 5'3 to Rosie's 6'5. I do like my short Kings, and though there were jokes about their height difference, Rosie was very earnest with her feelings for Adam. Their secrets got in the way of things a little bit, and I love how MBannen didn't lean on the miscommunication trope to concoct some drama between these two. It was all about timing, and when it was time to unseal their respective histories, neither of them shied from the truth.

All's well that ends well. Based on the ending, I wonder if this is the last of the series? I'd be sad because I love this series so much, while at the same time Rosie and Adam tied a lot of loose ends. Tanria is not the same, and MBannen did leave things on a high note.

I listened to the audiobook and Kacie Rogers' narration was animated, emphatic, and very engaging.

A romance in a rich fantasy world that will have you laughing, crying and feeling hopeful.

Did I cry in chapter 3?
Yes. Yes I did.

I cried so hard at the end of the first book in the series, The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy. So I was NOT expecting chapter 3 to hit me in the heart the way it did. Megan is such a gifted writer for this ability.

This is the third book in the Hart and Mercy series, and Megan does an amazing job keeping the vibes the same, but changing enough so that the story feels fresh and new. The premise is that marshals, Rosie and Duckers, along with the inventor of the gates get stuck in Tanria when vines that only Rosie can see start taking over the area and destroy the only way out.

I love the deeper meditation on mortality and the meaning of life, which is a thread throughout the entire series, but is especially meaningful when two of our main characters are immortal.

Pick this up if you love
- Cute romance
- Forced proximity
- Creative worldbuilding
- Sacrificing for love
- Creepy vines taking over
- Fast moving plot
- Secrets

Kacie Rogers does an AMAZING job narrating. This is my first time listening to her narrate and she nailed it! I'll definitely be looking for more books narrated by her.

This book is best read with your lover, while getting matching tattoos of creeping vines up your arms.