I love Megan Bannen and all her books.

You can't not love the characters and the world she has built... another 5 start read!

I can't wait to see what else she releases in the future :)

I just reviewed The Undermining of Twyla and Frank by Megan Bannen. #TheUnderminingofTwylaandFrank #NetGalley

Twyla and Frank have my whole heart.

It was so, so, soooo refreshing to have a couple that weren't either teenagers or one teenager/one thousand year old perpetually single dude. I loved Twyla and Frank's dynamic. I loved their chemistry, their banter, their completely judgement free way of looking at one and other. I loved how organic and natural their relationship was, how it went from friends to more in such a wholesome way.

I also just loved being back in Tanria. I love the odd but interesting world Bannen has created. I loved it in book one, and with book two having dragons, I knew I was going to love it just as much.

I'll keep it mostly spoiler free since it's an ARC but if you enjoyed book one, I'm convinced you'll enjoy this book more. I had more fun with this one.

Thanks to NetGalley and Publisher for providing the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Plot:
Twyla has been solely taking care of her family since her husband's death and 8 years ago she joined Tanrian Marshals partnering with her dear friend/neighbour Frank Ellis. During one of regular patrols, they find one of their Marshals killed and investigating that puts them both in danger but also pulls them closer than they ever thought they could be. While trying to solve the murder, Twyla has to face some harsh realities of life and make some life altering decisions that could affect everybody's future.
Thoughts:
Like the first book, the world building is on the go. This is better read after Hart and Mercy since the characters from the first book make appearance here. All the characters show depth and growth which even in a fantasy world is very much relatable. This second chance at love is cosy, adorable with dragons, handles relationships and has a HEA. There's one couple that I wish to see as main characters in the next book and I really really wish the author grants that wish.

Following on perfectly from The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy, this next book in the series follows a pair of Tanrian Marshalls in the aftermath of the clearing of the drudges by Hart Ralston. Having lost the majority of their day to day work with the loss of the soulless undead, Frank and Twyla are doing community outreach work and generally trying to stay busy when sightings of a dragon are suspected and things develop from there! Duckers, Hart's partner from book one is back and more involved in this instalment and there are cameo appearances from the rest of the main cast. If you liked Undertaking I think you'll enjoy Undermining. There are still a lot of world building bits that are just sort of shoved into the main story - how the days are named/ordered, how the technology or lack thereof works, is this set on Earth or a other planet entirely? etc, but if you're happy to go with the flow regarding these questions (I was!) then the actual plot is great - it had more funny scenes than it's predecessor which I absolutely loved. I'd love there to be more from this world but I think this was an unexpected bonus - it could be read as a standalone if you've not read book 1, but large parts of that story would be spoiled.

4.6⭐️
Thank you so much to Little, Brown Book Group and Netgalley for this eARC!

I thoroughly enjoyed exploring this quirky world in the Undertaking of Hart and Mercy, and it was so nice to jump back in from a different perspective with Twyla and Frank.

The book starts some time after the events of Hart and Mercy’s story. I must admit that I don’t normally read books regarding older romance, however their relationship is so cute and the friends to lovers trope really worked for these characters. Frank was just adorable.

I’m not a huge fan of the miscommunication trope, but it was handled in a neat way in this book and didn’t drag out for tooooo long.

Also the dragons were a lovely addition!

All in all a lovely read, and I really loved the cameos. I’d love a book about Duckers please Megan 🙏🏻

Review to be posted to Goodreads on 25.6.24 :)

4.5*

Absolutely adorable and ridiculous and heartwarming. I loved Hart and Mercy and I also love Frank and Twyla.

Such an interesting world that I still don’t fully understand, but the story has a lot of heart and I was fully invested.

It made me laugh out loud at the absurdity at the end, but also gave me the warm and fuzzies.

I’m excited to read more in this world, assuming duckers will be next to get his own book?! I hope so anyway.

A fun, second chance love involving an older main couple (fifties), dragons and our beloved Penrose Duckers.

Sequel to The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy, this follows the events quite nicely after, with ample time to allow the folks of Eternity to have a breather before the next big thing happens. While like the first book, with the aim of a dual POV, there is more of a definite focus on Twyla rather than Frank. We get to know Twyla and her hardships more than we do Frank, and when he does get a turn, it comes through what Twyla knows.

There's a strong 'mom' vibe this time round, most likely because of Twyla's age. There's less action (apart from the end) despite it starting off with purple riding boots and glitter puke. This is definitely more of a coming-to-maturity book than the previous.

However, it was still an enjoyable read and the plot was more focused. The culprit reveal was a little surprising and, well, stupid honestly, but that's more to do with who it was than how it was presented.

The Undermining of Twyla and Frank is a gorgeous cosy fantasy with a cute friends to lovers romance, dragons, slow burn, small town, two well written middle aged characters and a lot more!!
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The entire town of Eternity was shocked when widowed, middle-aged Twyla Banneker partnered up with her neighbor and best friend, Frank Ellis, to join the Tarian Marshals. Eight years later, Twyla and Frank are still patrolling the dangerous land of Tanria, the former prison of the Old Gods. Fortunately (or unfortunately) a recent decrease in on-the-job peril has made Twyla and Frank’s job a lot safer ... and a lot less exciting. So when they discover the body of one of their fellow marshals covered in liquid glitter—and Frank finds himself the inadvertent foster dad to a baby dragon—they are more than happy to be back on the beat. As soon as the danger closes in and Twyla and Frank’s investigation becomes more complicated, so does their easy friendship. And Twyla starts to realize that her true soul mate might just be the person who has lived next door all along…
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I loved everything about this book!! Last month I read The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy (and I loved it) and when the ARC of this book was approved to me I abandoned my TBR and read it right away!!
The vibes are immaculate, and as a true lover of rom-come and cosy fantasy I felt at home!
The book contains a mystery, fantasy elements, a very cute romance and a cast of characters characterized in the best way!
Twyla and Frank are two really cute protagonists and I loved the fact that this book focused on a middle-aged couple and not on the usual Romantasy characters in their twenties.
Everything was truly perfect!
•
Thanks to Netgalley, Orbit Books UK and the author for providing me with this ARC!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. I really enjoyed this one, even more so than the first. It was refreshing to see older more mature characters with established relationships in a romantasy setting. Even though I usually really dislike the miscommunication and love triangle troupes, I think this is a really good example for where it feels natural within the story. I laughed out loud at least once while reading this, loved the pop culture reference from the villain at the end. Also, Dragons. Adorable dragons. Go read it.

4.5 stars Frank and Twyla have been in each others lives for decades, first as neighbours then as friends then as co-workers. There is nothing romantic going on. Nothing. Really. They are just friends. But then! Just as they are getting bored with being Tanrian Marshals they stumble across a dead Marshall covered in glittery gloop. Why is he dead? Why is he covered in glitter? Dragons man! It’s always dragons. The story is told form Twyla’s perspective and we see her struggle through middle age, dealing with her grown up kids, reflecting on her marriage and what she wants from the next chapter of her life. Frank is a joy throughout and my minus half a star is for Twyla totally treating him like a chair. She does! Frank is right. This book might be more about middle age than dragons but I didn’t mind. Frank and Twyla are adorable and a special f*ck yeah for Duckers who really goes through it in the sub plot. I loved it all.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK | Orbit for providing me this book in exchange for an honest review.*

Oh boi. What can I say about The Undermining of Twyla and Frank without sounding mean?

I was SO excited to pick this book after I DEVOURED The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy. Now, look, I'm in my late thirties, okay? Even though my preference yields more to upper YA and NA I don't mind a much older audience. This book had a middle aged couple. I prefer to go blind to a book, so I didn't know that.

I knew from the references in Hart and Mercy's book, where Twyla and Frank make their first appearance that they were older than Hart and Mercy, but again I was surprised when early on Frank exclaims he's 53 and Twyla answering that she's a few months younger than he is. So, I said to myself, okay. They're a little bit older, the one a widower, the other one divorced and both of them had kids and grandchildren.

Having loved my favorite couple -Jamie and Claire- who at the latest books they also had grandchildren, I thought okay.. The Undermining -if the comparison is suited- might be even better because guess what? It has dragons in them. Yes? No.

I mean, yeah it did had dragons but for the 10% of the book. The other 90%? Let me tell you. I'm all up for second chances romance tropes -even though my favorite one is enemies to lovers [Hello Merciless, Hi Heart-ache] - but that was not the case.

I could overlook the love triangle and the middle age and even the grand-kids. But I couldn't overlook that Twyla and Frank were fifty three acting like 15years old. I couldn't overlook how immature Twyla and even Frank sounded.

Their banter wasn't even a banter. I hated the way Frank talked to her and the romance was forced to say the least. If they remained friends -because the friendship dynamic was a *chef's kiss* - and we'd get a glimpse from their lives, it would be a GREAT book.
All Twyla did was complain about menopause and okay, let me tell you. I KNOW that menopause is a real bitch and I'm feeling all of you menopausal women out there. BUT, how can a menopausal woman, feeling her hormones go nuts on her, can overcome this and be, I don't know? Happy? Content?

The two MC's didn't progressed at all through the book. There weren't ANY stakes to overcome and after a while I was plain bored with the EXCESSIVE dialog that didn't lead anywhere.


Overall this wasn't a good experience for me but if Bannen wrote a book about Duckers, I'd love to read it, but after this book I'm kind of afraid.

In the whimsical world of Tanria, widowed Twyla Banneker and her longtime best friend Frank Ellis, both Tanrian Marshals, embark on a thrilling investigation after discovering a fellow marshal's body and unexpectedly becoming foster parents to a baby dragon. As they delve into a conspiracy, their close friendship evolves, leading Twyla to question if her true soul mate has been by her side all along.

This book is cuteness overload - a friends-to-lovers romance AND they're looking after a baby dragon? It was just adorable. I loved the fact that Twyla and Frank are both in their 50s. Seeing main characters in their 30s in romance books is becoming a bit more prevalent these days, but characters in their 50s is practically unheard of. I loved these two, their sweet friendship and the realistic portrayal of love and sex later in life. Normally, I hate a love triangle (they usually feel really forced) but I didn't here - I think things might never have changed for Twyla without the new love interest and it wasn't played (or over overplayed) just for drama's sake. Honestly, it was just a really heartwarming story and I loved the whole thing.

This book is the second one in the series but I think it could definitely work as a standalone or as an entry point to the series if a reader hadn't read The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy. I think they'd lose some of the emotional impact of one or two scenes in The Undermining of Twyla and Frank but it would still all make sense because the world is really well explained, and the reader gets the core information from book one explained quite naturally as part of the story. But for ultimate emotional impact, reading them both in order is probably best.

Everything in this book just hit more for me than it did in The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy - I loved the plot more (it has dragons!), I understood more about the world and the Gods, I felt more of a connection to the main characters and I was completely invested in their relationship. I am so hoping that there's further books in this series (I'm personally holding out hope for Rosie Fox!) because it's such an interesting world with an amazing cast of characters.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC from NetGalley but this is my voluntary and honest review.

Note to Publisher: I will post this review on Goodreads within two weeks of the release date, and not before. I will update this feedback at that point to include the link to my Goodreads review.

Title: The Undermining of Twyla and Frank by Megan Bannen
Release Date: July, 4th, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

In the town of Eternity, Twyla Banneker and her neighbour, Frank Ellis, surprised everyone when they joined the Tanrian Marshals eight years ago. Despite their unconventional career choice, Twyla finds fulfilment in law enforcement, even as her grown children express doubts. When their routine patrols turn into a thrilling investigation after discovering a fellow marshal's body covered in liquid glitter and Frank ends up fostering a baby dragon, Twyla and Frank are eager to delve back into the excitement.

Their investigation leads them into a complex and dangerous plot, testing their friendship and bringing them closer together. Twyla begins to realise that her true soulmate might have been by her side all along, living right next door.

"The Undermining of Twyla and Frank" is like a whimsical mix of "When Harry Met Sally" and dragon-filled fantasy. Megan Bannen spins a charming tale where Twyla and Frank, both in their mid-fifties, navigate the twists and turns of romance alongside menopause and retirement plans. Their slow-burn journey from friends to lovers adds depth and keeps readers smiling throughout.

While the fantasy elements and dragons add an extra layer of excitement, it's the love story that truly shines. Bannen's characters are endearing and add to the story's enchanting charm. Overall, "The Undermining of Twyla and Frank" is a delightful read that promises satisfaction from start to finish.

Thank you to The Publisher Little, Brown Book Group UK | Orbit ,The Author Megan Bannen & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

This sequel to the Undertaking of Hart and Mercy fully lived up to expectations and, for me, was even better.

Pink glitter spewing dragons are a delightful addition to the fantastical creatures of Tanria. It’s a wonderfully unique world with engaging characters to follow. The second chance romance feels very authentic and is skilfully handled.

I devoured the book in one sitting and could happily have read more. The pacing is perfect with some action interspersed with family life.

I thoroughly recommend this book to any fun fantasy lovers.

Thank you to Netgalley, Little Brown Book Group UK | Orbit, and the author, Megan Bannen, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Undermining of Twyla and Frank by Megan Bannen
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 4 July 2024

The tranquil town of Eternity experienced a seismic shift when Twyla Banneker, a widowed middle-aged woman, decided to break free from the monotony of suburban life by teaming up with her best friend, Frank Ellis, to join the Tanrian Marshals. Now, eight years later, her career offers a refreshing departure from the mundane routines of motherhood.

However, the once-thrilling job has become considerably safer, if not a tad less exhilarating. That is until Twyla and Frank stumble upon a glitter-covered corpse next to a footprint the size of a dragon's, reigniting their craving for action.

Their investigation takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of the charming Dr. Quill Vanderlinden, a scientist eager to lend his expertise. While Twyla finds herself captivated by Dr. Vanderlinden, Frank is less than thrilled by the distraction from their professional duties.

As they delve deeper into a web of deceit and danger, with more twists than the tunnels of a Tanrian mine, the bonds of their friendship are tested.

I find this series fascinating! It's a charming mix of fantasy and romance, set in a truly unique world. While this book stands alone, I'd still suggest reading the first one for a fuller experience.

The characters are incredibly enjoyable and add so much to the story's charm.

“The Undermining of Twyla and Frank” was truly refreshing. While the fantasy elements and dragons were delightful extras, it was the love story that stole the show. I devoured every bit of it, leaving nothing behind but sheer satisfaction!

Thank you so much to Netgalley, Little Brown Book Group UK | Orbit, and the author, Megan Bannen, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

A romantasy with middle-aged characters and a dragon? Count me in!!!!

I approached this book as a huge fan of "Undertaking of Hart and Mercy," so my expectations were high. I'm happy to report that this book lived up to all my hopes. It's a great sequel - it retains everything we loved about the first book and introduces new elements that make it even more compelling.

This book follows Twyla and Frank, two friends in their 50s who work as Tanrian Marshals, similar to law enforcement officers in this universe. Since the previous book dealt with the elimination of zombie-like creatures, the characters don't have much to do and find themselves questioning their purpose. Everything changes when dragons appear in Tanria, and Frank becomes the keeper of one of them.

While the dragon subplot adds an exciting element to the story, "Undermining of Twyla and Frank" remains primarily a character-driven book. The relationship between the two protagonists, who are reluctant to risk a romantic relationship for fear of losing their friendship, is excellently portrayed. I truly enjoyed the friends to lovers trope, which is handled masterfully here. The book is essentially written from Twyla's point of view, allowing us to delve into her dilemmas. Twyla, a 53-year-old widow, mother, and grandmother, has never experienced much care in her life; she's always been the one taking care of others. As a result, she struggles with low self-esteem and doubts that she will ever be more than a useful helper to anyone in her life. Additionally, Twyla grapples with the less glamorous aspects of life after 50, including body issues and societal expectations. I believe that many of these dilemmas resonate with the universal challenges faced by middle-aged women, making this theme a refreshing addition to the romance genre, especially in the realm of fantasy romance. While I wish there was a bit more of Frank's perspective in the book, what we got was so well done that I have no complaints.

Interestingly, the friends to lovers romance in this book is complemented by several motifs that I generally dislike, such as the love triangle or the miscommunication trope. However, the author handles these tropes authentically, seamlessly integrating them into the plot. They don’t feel like checkboxes to be ticked off a list, but rather genuinely make sense in the context of the story.

Overall, I am enchanted by this book. Megan Bannen's duology remains my favorite romantasy, and I find criticism of it hard to accept. I hope the author continues to write more books in this universe.

I wholeheartedly recommend this novel to all fans of non-conventional romances that blend speculative plots with authentic dilemmas faced by adult characters. And, of course, any fan of "Undertaking of Hart and Mercy" should not miss out on this sequel.

My review will be published on Goodreads and on retailers' websites within two weeks prior to the release day.