Thank you Net Galley and Little, Brown Book Group UK (Orbit) for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I am predicting this to be a new High Fantasy Enemies-to-Lovers classic. I loved how the structure of this novel included so many letters, it really helped portray the character’s emotions. Mercy works in the family undertakers and Hart works as a marshal. They start off hating each other. Hart and Mercy begin writing to their secret pen pal and begin to care about them, but they don’t know that they’re writing to each other.

This is a really enjoyable read and I wouldn’t only recommend this to fantasy lovers - the fantasy aspect of it is not overwhelming.

I didn’t like this as much as i thought it would.

This was a romance in a fantasy setting which is something I’d usually love, but in order for me to do that I’d have to care and be attached to the characters and the main couple and I just couldn’t. the first 30% was good but my attention just started regressing after that and I find myself not caring about Hart and Mercy at all. Hhart especially, I’m sorry but I think I’ve had enough of big brooding guy who is “actually a big softie!!!!” in books for a while.

The romance did not click for me at all. The gist of this book was supposed to be Hart and Mercy being letter pals but they’re getting together was just too quick and I'd honestly love to see more of them being letter pals to be developed more before the romance starts. I'd honestly say this was way too insta-love for me as well bc even if they claim they hate each other, They were already attracted to each other like not even half in lmao. I also did not like the miscommunication in this book at all. Granted, that trope is just my least favorite but the way it was dragged on in this one was making me feel crazy,

I will say though, i like the exploration of loneliness in this book and I think the author wrote this part perfectly. I also really like the dynamic between Hart and Duckers but that’s just about it. I don’t think I've ever felt so unattached to a book before and I just wanted it to be over.

Thank you to Netgalley and Orbit Uk for the arc!

The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy is an entrancing fantasy/ romance/ Western(ish) story of mistaken intentions, overcoming obstacles and - in the proper place - intense sex.

Mercy Birdsall is an undertaker, the glue that holds Birdsall & Son (ha!) together following her father's heart attack and her brother's decision to abandon the family firm for other opportunities (it's not so bad - he can rustle up killer baked goods)..

Hart Ralston is a Tanrian Marshal, a loner much given - during his patrols out in the wilderness - to brooding on his past. Hart's task is to guard the strange alt-region of Tanria, formerly prison of the Old Gods, to prevent revenants from troubling the good folks of the surrounding lands. And to prevent the good folks from messing with Tania, because no good will come of THAT. (For Reasons, modern tech won't work in Tanria so it's a matter of horses, crossbows and campfires in there - giving this story that distinct Western vibe).

It would be an understatement to say that Hart and Mercy got off on the wrong foot when they first met, a couple of years ago. Perhaps they got off on the wrong set of legs? We gradually learn the story behind this, and can see the misunderstandings and misconceptions that occurred, but at the start of the book you just have to accept that the two hate and despise one another (so, yes, enemies to lovers may be hovering in the background). Bannen gets to the heart of this by having them correspond (unknowingly) so that we get a glimpse of the people they really are - or at least, the ones they would each like their anonymous penpal to believe they are.

If that all seems highly unlikely, well I suppose it is, but Bannen has a real trick for feeding one's willing suspension of disbelief. It may be because the characters themselves are down to earth and so emotionally credible, or it may be that the setting - while fantastical - is so well established with its own quirks and features. (Although not stated explicitly, everything is very aquatic, with amphibious vehicles, a "dock" at the back of the undertaker's business, and a whole religion based around the concept of the "salt sea" - for example, Hart & Soon makes "boats" for the dead, not coffins - which totally convinces).

Or it may just be that, gosh, can Bannen just write! I wanted to know how the story twists would unfold - how the family crises, the dire financial state of the business, and Hart's burden of guilt and shame - would play out. I wanted to know whether, and how, Hart and Mercy would get together. And I just wanted more, more domestic details, family wrangles and business crises.

There is a wider mystery as well, with the numbers of those reanimated "drudges" on the rise, and their danger correspondingly increasing. In a world where demigods walk, you'd think that matters of the - er - heart would take second place to such grand fantasy, but no, The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy is refreshingly domestic and persona in its focus, making it - to me - a rollicking good story. It's one written with verve and wisdom, and lots of humanity.

I would recommend.

What a weirdly wonderful and kooky romance this was! Admittedly, Hart and Mercy's story took it's time to reel me in but once it got a hold of me, there was no way I was putting it down!

Set within a world of demigods and undertakers. Where zombies roam and souls need a helping hand to pass on, two lonely individuals with completely opposite personalities yet equally macabre jobs, partake in writing letters to a stranger. Through these letters they build a tender friendship, opening up, sharing emotions and revealing things neither would share in the "real world."

What unfolds is quite possibly the most SWEETEST yet complex enemies to lovers storyline that I have ever read. Because of course, the pen pals turn out not to be strangers at all, in fact in "real life" Hart and Mercy strongly dislike one another - that is until they find a way to fall madly in love!

For me, although the world building was incredible and the writing rich with warmth and humour, it's the characters that make this story SO brilliant. Megan Bannen has created a book full of loveable individuals, each enchantingly unique in their own way. Human, demigod or talking animal, I'd be hard pushed to pick a favourite!

But if I had to choose... witnessing Hart and Mercy navigate their way through such a turbulent relationship was an absolute joy and their character growth so rewarding - you can't help but fall for their quirks, their stubbornness and their undeniable chemistry. (There's a few spicy scences to get you hot under the collar!)

Their story was completely hart-warming and left me grinning from ear to ear! I'll definitely be getting a hard copy to add to my forever shelf, although don't get me started on THAT ending... my heart very nearly stopped! 💔❤️

A cute, funny and heartfelt story, with a pleasant mix of the makabre and sweet.

I loved the importance of family and the distinction that family can be more than blood.

This is essentially a love story, a romantic comedy that just takes place in a world different than ours, that is populated by demigods and reanimated corpses.

With inspiration from You’ve got mail we get to see two enemies connect and fall for each other in letter form, while continually misunderstanding and arguing with each other as they meet in person.

But there is also something brewing in this world, something sinister is happening that could possibly put Hart, the other marshals and the people they are protecting in danger.

A fun fantastical romp! If you happen to like both cute and the macabre- like me - You should definitely pick it up!

Set in a world of water and demi gods. Zombies and Pie. All topped of with a kinda old Americana vibe.

Mercy loves dresses, coffee and her job. Undertaking. Hart loves tea, dogs and his job. A marshal. Hart is a walking tragic backstory. Mercy also has her fair share of baggage, and they both hate each other.

I did enjoy this one at points but in the end it got too frustrating for me. The miscommunication was doing by head in. The world building at first was very intriguing . The drudges, the music, the lack of electricity. I had a theory that the whole world was under water. Unfortunately as the story progressed we got more and more focused on the relationship so it felt like the world building fell by the wayside and the whole thing just felt a bit sloppy.

Over all a cheery, cute enemies to lovers romance with plus size rep. It just felt too YA and too romance > world/character building for me

I just finished reading this novel and I want to reread it all over again. Hart and Mercy captured my heart and their story is beautiful, romantic, and heart-warming.

Hart Ralston is a demi-god marshal who is tasked to rid the magical world of Tanria of the drudges, reanimated corpses inhabited by the souls of those who have died, and then he delivers them to the undertakers. Mercy Birdsall has been managing the family undertaking business, Birdsall & Son, since her father’s retirement, keeping it afloat while her brother finishes his studies.

When Hart and Mercy met four years ago, it was hate at first sight. She calls him “Hart-ache”, he calls her “Mercy-less” and, the few times they meet, a battle of wits and insults begins. After yet another exchange of taunts, Hart takes pen and paper and pours his feelings in a letter to “A Dear Friend” never imagining that that letter would reach anyone and that someone would reply. And as the exchange of letters grows more frequent and he is more honest than he’s ever been, he could never imagine that the person replying to him, laying her own heart bare, is none other than his nemesis, Mercy Birdsall.

The thing I loved most about this novel is its two incredible protagonists. Hart is grumpy and anti-social, but also kind and sweet. He wonders about his true parentage and (im)mortality, he works all day and he feels very lonely, especially since the death of his mentor and father-figure. Mercy is fun, compassionate, and determined. She has dedicated her life to her job and her family. She loves her job as an undertaker and she is really good at it, even if her own family thinks they know what’s best for her. Both book lovers and dog lovers, Hart and Mercy are opposites, but they also have more in common than they think and their love story is superb and emotional.

The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy is a grumpy vs sunshine, enemies-to-lovers fantastic love story that made me laugh and it made me cry, it made me stay up late at night to finish reading it. I loved the letters Hart and Mercy write to each other and I enjoyed their banter. The world-building is fantastic, there are gods, old and new, semi-gods, dead bodies, and talking animals who deliver mail. All in all, The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy is an addictive and unique novel and I couldn’t recommend it enough!

This has to be one of the best 5 star reads for this year. I absolutely adored reading this. The relationship between the two MC is so enemies to lovers and so cute! I love the pen pal relationship that they have but don't know it's actually each other and then that ending. I was sobbing for the last few chapters, like tears streaming down my face. I love it when a book can make me feel something like that. Definitely a recommendation.

I actually didn't expect to like this as much as I did and only requested it as my friend had it in her book subscription box.
The banter is great and I loved the characters!
Definitely one I would never have thought I'd have liked but did!

The banter in this book was amazing - it kept me going throughout. Mercy and Hart are fun and moody and just kept me wanting to know what would happen. This book was such an unexpected joy and I loved every minute.

Wow! I didn't know I needed to read this book until I read it! The main characters fit the trope of (grumpy/sunshine) perfectly and I couldn't get enough of them together! Someone had told me that it was a take on one of my favourite films growing up of 'You've Got Mail' and the nostalgia and parallels did not disappoint.

Smiled all the way through and could not put it down. In fact, it could have been longer and had a little bit more world building to it to really immerse the reader from the get go! Thankfully i am definitely a Character reader and Hart and Mercy made my own heart warm!

Thanks to Little, Brown Book Group UK for providing me with a review copy via NetGalley.

An unforgettable reading experience; with an unassuming start, a budding romance and some deeply effecting character journeys, The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy has already made it into one of my top five reads of the year.

It's difficult to come across a 'fantasy' style novel with such a small setting to get comfortable and familiar in. Bannen manages to create a homely environment that is easy to remember while also dropping in more mystical settings the piqued my interest in this story. The ghostly descriptions and a slightly macabre job for the spritely Mercy was an excellent hook into this world.

I immediately fell in love with the characters - particularly stoic, unable to read the room Hart. Couple this with Mercy and Hart's obvious chemistry and I was absorbed, I just had to know how they would come together. The letter writing added to the sweetness of their story and it was lovely to read a romance that felt realistic in its difficulties.

Likewise, the focus on family was nice to read about as often I feel this element of a character's story is neglected. The novel felt really balanced between Mercy's family, job and romantic struggles as well as Hart's very different family life, self-acceptance and ability to share his feelings. I'm glad that both perspectives were offered across the chapters and it meant you were able to full invest in the characters and feel less annoyed by their miscommunications - as a reader, at least you know what's going on!

Overall, a very fun and sweet story that had a poignant and emotional ending - the redemption arc was everything I could have asked for!

OMG! I loved this book so much! Hart deserves the best, I want keep him by my side forever and ever. It's a fantasy with a touch of romance. It's an enemy to lovers with the best banters ever. I laughed and cried and loved every moment. Highly recommend it. It's definitely one of my favourites of the year, for sure

This is so different to what I usually read, but I thought it was brilliant! It kind of reminded me of Terry Pratchett or Neil Gaimen with its mix of fantasy and dark humour. Hart and Mercy are both great characters that you can’t help but fall in love with. The secondary characters, such as Mercy’s family and Hart’s amusingly named apprentice, just add to the fun and craziness! The world building was great, though I sometimes felt I need a bit more information about some of the elements of Hart and Mercy’s world. This really is the ultimate escapist read and I’m excited to read more about this world.

The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy was such a fun time. I don't usually read a lot of "cozy fantasy" books, but I was in the mood and You've Got Mail is one of my favorite movies, so this sounded perfect. Hart (break) and Mercy (less) were such fun characters and they had me equal parts laughing and frustrated with their antics.

I will say that at times the book followed a little too closely to You've Got Mail. There were scenes (especially the cafe) where I knew what was going to happen before it did because it was almost exactly what happened in the movie. I would've preferred a little more originality in those scenes. However the fantasy/magic element really added an extra layer that I enjoyed immensely. And Hart and Mercy's personalities were entirely their own. Oh, and I can't forget Bassareus, the talking bunny mailman.

If you are a fan of cozy fantasy, like The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels, or Howl's Moving Castle, I think you will really love The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy.

The undertaking of Hart & Mercy, is a love story of you got mail and the tv series six feet under with gods thrown in to vamp it up. one of the main characters is Hart, he is a marshal, that patrols the magical wild of Tanria. A job that's not tasked for the faint hearted he is a complicated character coming across moody and unapproachable, The story unfolds as does hart you realizes that his not all stone and his a loveable demigod. Then you have Mercy, the other main character in this book. She's the heart and sole of her father's family run undertaking business Birdshall & son. Mercy had to take over the business for her father after he had a heart attack the year before. The plan was for her brother to come back and run the business... But he had other ideas. Leaving Mercy with secrets from all family members. Mercy is the undertaking and Hart happened to take a delivery to the company Birdshall & Sons he was not expecting a woman to be the undertaker, This took him by surprise and also leading to the pair to dislike each from the very start. Both Mercy and Hart hating each other giving each other nicknames Hart-ache Hart and Merciless Mercy. Hart been lonely, he decided to send a letter out into the world to anyone and no one, he just needed to get it of his chest about his loneliness. With no address and name it got delivered to Mercy and Mercy been lonely herself decided to send a response. With the letters going back and forth too each other with either of them knowing they was writing to their nemeses'. Then they decided to meet up...

I did struggle to get involved with this book although saying that I did really enjoy the characters and loved, loved ! Mercy's family and its dynamic feeling like a normal big family. I could of read the book purely following them. Hart we eventually got his family story and it was so lovely to read that part explaining him a little more. I felt like there was no time frame in the book I was reading and one minute Mercy's sister was pregnant then she gave birth, I was like oh I thought it was a day to day book not months. As a reader that wants a little love story that's different with a hint of death and family and gods give it ago.

I am predominantly a reader of high fantasy and wasn’t exactly sure what to expect from this book with a heart on the cover that seemed very romance-focused. The few contemporary/romance books I’ve read in the past have never really managed to swoon me, but I am extremely happy that I read this one. I read pretty much all of it in a single day and it has put me through an emotional roller coaster I didn't know I was yearning for.

As I already thought, this book definitely focuses on the romance, more than the fantasy. From the first chapters I was already invested in the main characters Hart and Mercy who are living their day to day lives. Hart as a marshal who hunts for souls who have possessed dead bodies. Mercy as an undertaker who respectfully prepares those dead bodies for their eternal resting place once those lost souls have been banished. They both have their own issues going on with work, their past, their family and friends and are feeling a bit lonely. So when Hart puts his thoughts into a letter he addresses to “a friend” and sends it out into the universe, he and Mercy become anonymous pen pals.

Both Hart and Mercy jump out of the pages. Their surroundings may be fantastical with Nimkilim delivering mail, gods and demigods and portals to a place where restless souls look for dead bodies to inhabit, but Hart and Mercy both feel very real in the midst of all of that. I felt all of their emotions as if they were my own. The happiness, joy, sadness, pain, fear, excitement, yearning, love. This book makes it on my list (I guess it’s officially a list now and not just House of Earth and Blood) of books that have managed to make me ugly cry. I was literally sobbing so hard that I had to take a break because I could no longer read the words through my tears.

This is heartwarming in a lot of ways, but also heart-wrenching in others. The contrast between the open communication through letters and the way we go off of first impressions to characterize a person was really well done. We should always remember that there is more to a person than meets the eye, if we are only willing to scratch the surface. The family dynamics were outstanding. I felt like I got a good impression of every single family member and loved how their interactions with each other made the story complete. I’m just realizing that I really can’t find a single bad thing to say about the story. The romance and other issues in this book were very much balanced out and every aspect of the story managed to grip me.

If anyone has more books like this, please let me know because a whole new world seems to have opened up for me :)

Thanks to Little, Brown Book Group UK for providing me with a review copy via NetGalley.

I feel very strongly that you deserve a friend more worthy of you than I am in reality.


Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐,8

Spice Meter: 🌶️🌶️

❗This is a spoiler-free ARC review from NetGalley❗

⚠️Trigger Warning: Various depictions of death⚠️

📍Date Released: August 23, 2022📍


I don't know how I managed to pick three different ARCs, all of them great, and all of them including adorable pet dogs that made the stories 100x better. It feels like a blessing, ngl. Another blessing is that I deeply enjoyed all three of these ARCs even if they weren't all 5 ⭐ reads. The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy may have a pretty simple yet straightforward plot, but its execution was very well done. It was humorous, sweet, emotional, and delightfully romantic in that specific haters-to-lovers trope kind of way. Seriously, this trope is magnificent. Not to mention its additional grumpy x sunshine trope that I also find delightful and have been reading a lot of lately. It's the little things in life, right?? 😍😍 For the most part, I found this story terrific. Excellent romance and world-building, extremely likeable and relatable characters, solid plot and subplots. BUT, there were some minor things that didn't really impress me. For example, while the writing was mostly great and very intelligent, it could be a little cringy at times. Just some romantic parts and dialogue. Also, the male love interest, Hart, was a little too obsessed with his female counterpart's boobs, in my opinion. These are the only reasons this book didn't get 5 ⭐ because other than that it was excellent.

I liked Mercy Birdshall very, very much. Sure she's the protagonist, she's supposed to be lovable, and in this case, cute. Also, she has a dog and I'll love anyone with a dog. I mean, who wouldn't? Even so, Mercy was very well written, she was pretty complex as a character, strong-willed, and I don't know of any other character that could actually make the position of undertaker (mortician) look cool. I loved her compassion, loyalty, and her determination in the face of adversity.

Despite his obsession with Mercy's boobs, Hart was a decent character. As the grumpy one in this relationship, he lived up to his role successfully. He was morose, antisocial, and brooding. It was hard for him to make or maintain friendships which made him a very lonely person. I used to be like that as well, so I was able to connect with him more so than I did with Mercy. He was also kind, sweet, passionate, and hot as fuck. Don't come after me, secretly soft hotties are my catnip. 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️His being a demigod was a bonus. 😍😍

The romance between Mercy and Hart was really good. Very entertaining. Not that anyone should expect less from haters-to-lovers, of course. Especially when it's combined with the grumpy x sunshine trope. The banter started IMMEDIATELY and it was so so gooood...and hot. 😝😝 I always love that when it happens. I was deeply invested in their relationship, happiness and well-being, but I will never forgive them for making me cry MULTIPLE TIMES. They scared the crap out of me for a minute there. Although, I do enjoy a good cry from time to time. It can be cathartic.

As for the other characters, I found them all to be absolutely delightful. Sure, I've had a few favourites among them. A certain humanoid rabbit messenger that was a total asshole in the best way possible and cussed at any given moment, for example. (intriguing right?? 🤩🤩) And Hart's apprentice with the best name I've ever seen, Penrose Duckers. WHO NAMES A KID THAT???? 😂😂😂😂 Despite his weird name, he was an awesome character, funny, sweet, and excitable. Pretty much the complete opposite of his mentor. You can guess how amazing the scenes between them were.

You should definitely read this standalone.

This book has the makings of being my favourite book of 2022.

I laughed, I cried and most important of all I could not put it down.

I’d like to say my thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for this copy.

The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy is a special little story of the burdened Mercy Birdsall trying to keep her father’s undertaking business afloat and her nemesis Marshal Hart Ralston who’s job it is to keep drudges at bay. It’s a wonderful book with delightful characters and I can honestly say I am devastated that the book is finished, but I’m already looking forward to reading it again.

“Most people start with hello.”

Overview

Hart and Mercy live in a world where trapped souls come back to life by inhabiting the deceased, and can only be removed by destroying the appendix of the person or creature it is inhabiting. Hart is a Marshal, one who patrols the misty world of Tanria where wandering souls are trapped. Mercy is the eldest daughter of one of the border town undertakers, and inheritor of the family business. But ever since their first meeting, Hart and Mercy have been trapped in a mutual hate-hate relationship - with the exception of Mercy’s dog Leonard.

After a mysterious letter - penned but not signed by Hart himself - gets delivered to Mercy, a friendship is struck. But can the budding romance survive the hardest hurdle of any distance relationship - meeting face-to-face?

What I Liked

I absolutely loved both Hart and Mercy! Their characters are fun and relatable, though their actions can be frustrating at times. I loved the dynamic between Mercy and her family, and Hart and Duckers, not to mention Leonard! And the banter, so much banter!

I also really liked the world they were in. I really like Megan’s fantasy worlds and how there is always an element of religion and philosophy. It was really interesting how there were demigod characters (Hart and Alma) but the story focused more on their mortality and human traits while using the concept of immortality as a character development device.

In regards to the sex scenes (yes, there were multiple!), can we please take a moment to appreciate the lack of cruingey euphemisms (Maas I’m looking at you)! Not a single velvet-wrapped steel in sight, thank goodness! Also the face that all throughout the book, *both* Hart and Mercy were ogling the other. We love equal ogling here!

“I notice all boobs, regardless of their owners.”

What I Didn’t Like

The worldbuilding was a bit confusing at the start, with a lot of terminology that was never really explained properly. It wasn’t until there was a description of an “autoduck” driving on an actual road that I realised it was supposed to be a car like vehicle not a boat! And how an equimaris differed from a regular horse wasn’t really clarified until much later in the book.

There were also a few moments as mentioned earlier that I found myself frustrated with both Hart and Mercy. I find the miscommunication trope incredibly irksome and as our protagonists were both prone to jumping to conclusions, I found myself getting a bit frustrated at them. On the whole though, it worked well to help develop their relationship and was used well as a device, so I’m not too bothered by it.

“If people can’t remember gods, think how easily forgotten any of us are.”

Other Impressions

Overall I loved this fun, heartbreaking tale of love, lonliness, friendship and family. Of how hard it can be to do the right thing, and how easy it is to get caught up in our misconceptions of others. I loved that the characters were fully grown adults, showing that it’s okay not to have your life all sorted out by your 30s. But with friends, family, and furbabies, everything will turn out alright.

“For the first time in a long, long while, he wasn’t alone.”