Reviews with content warning for Sexual content - The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy

Reviews tagging 'Sexual content'

The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen

131 reviews

booksalacarte's review against another edition

3.5

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

The undertaking of Hart and Mercy- 3.5⭐️ 3🌶️

Fantasy Romance

Dual POV

Undertaker

Mythical Beasts

Letters

Rivals to lovers

Demi-gods

Sherif/cowboy vibes

Grumpy/sunshine

Curvy FMC

30’s MC’s

🏳️‍🌈 Side Characters

Tw: death, dead bodies, grief

The plot was a fantasy version of You’ve Got Mail… only with undead, undertakers, sheriffs and funeral homes? But the romance was good. The nicknames were top notch.

Thank goodness the pets didn’t die!

from the beginning, the story took place in a different world. Instead of introducing the world in little snippets, there was one giant info dump that took up more than half a chapter, around 32% that explained a lot of the history of the world. I really disliked that. But a lot of the world was unique, but because it went so long to give any world building hints, often I was overly confused by what was described with absolutely zero explanation.

The side characters were all delightful! The FMC was level headed, loyal and it was really nice to see her passion and love for the work she was doing. The MMC was pretty bland, but I like how his feelings developed.

Content Warnings

just_one_more_paige's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous emotional lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Despite having received this audiobook as an ALC from Libro.fm a few months ago, I haven't picked it up yet because I have wanted to have a physical copy as well (it's my preferred "listening" method). My library doesn't have a copy. And if I'm being honest, this sounded so much like a book I would love that I kind of wanted to own a copy anyways. I finally got my hands on one during a quick (extended to involve an extra day of fun) work visit to Asheville, NC a few weeks ago. If you haven't been there, you should definitely go. Asheville is such a cool place - so much nature and great food (and drink!) and overall awesome vibes. Anyways, I stopped in at a local bookstore while there (Malaprop's) and picked it up there.

As I am still woefully behind on reviews, I'll be borrowing from Goodreads again for this summary... Hart is a marshal, tasked with patrolling the strange and magical wilds of Tanria. It’s an unforgiving job, and Hart’s got nothing but time to ponder his loneliness. Mercy never has a moment to herself. She’s been single-handedly keeping Birdsall & Son Undertakers afloat in defiance of sullen jerks like Hart, who seems to have a gift for showing up right when her patience is thinnest. After yet another exasperating run-in with Mercy, Hart finds himself penning a letter addressed simply to “A Friend”. Much to his surprise, an anonymous letter comes back in return, and a tentative friendship is born. If only Hart knew he’s been baring his soul to the person who infuriates him most: Mercy. As the dangers from Tanria grow closer, so do the unlikely correspondents. But can their blossoming romance survive the fated discovery that their pen pals are their worst nightmares – each other?

I don't think I have ever used the following phrase to describe anything before, but it turns out, it's perfect for this book (and, not really a surprise, but a new aesthetic I'm going to be leaning into personally): this book was wonderfully, whimsically macabre. There were many notes of the paranormal and supernatural throughout: low key zombies, floating souls, ancient magical creatures (that talk, and deliver mail!), gods that still exist and can walk the earth, and other small magical touches. And central to the character development and the plot is the Birdsall family business of, essentially, running a funeral home, and Mercy's burgeoning role at the primary undertaker. All of which could have led this to being a really dark read. And yet. It was surprisingly sweetly morbid, if you're willing to believe that can be done. I mean yes, beware, there is quite a bit of death and violence and resurrection (and mostly not in a "good" way). But at the same time, the way Mercy sees, and puts effort into, caring for the dead and their families and the comfort she can give in her position is simply beautiful. It's exactly the kind of hopeful and fulfilling perspective that I could imagine wanting for myself or a close loved one during such a grief-filled time.

There are other aspects of the book that help balance out the more grim pieces, to create that more offbeat and fanciful vibe, as well. First, the little things, like cafes and libraries and letter writing, that are reminiscent of our “real world,” were grounding touches. Also, the relationships, across the board, really took the edge off. Mercy's entire family (and especially her brother who'd rather become a baker than run the family business) were so recognizable. The care they all had for each other, even while arguing or at odds, was touching. And despite Hart's work-focus and intensity and gruff exterior, what he builds with his new apprentice, Pen, and how that relationship pulls him even farther into Mercy's family (and their drama), was so well developed. I also want to mention that there was a mystery subplot that called for some amateur sleuthing that was just plain fun!

Plus, of course, there is Hart and Mercy themselves. Let me take a minute to focus on them, as they are central to the novel overall (obviously). Look. What an unbelievably sweet enemies-to-lovers secret pen pals romance. Ugh. I cannot even. They were both so stubbornly sure they hated each other, when everything (and everyone around them) knew and pointed to the opposite. But it never reached the point of annoyance that could have happened, when miscommunication takes over as a plot device. This was just good old "human" stubbornness and, in that "can't see what's under my own nose," was so relatable. I'm always a softie for a grumpy and sunshine romance trope too, especially when said grump falls first and harder - oh my heart! Oh! And the narrators for the audiobook that voiced Hart and Mercy were fantastic.

I have to be honest here, and say that there were a few things that I wish could have been better or gone differently. The biggest thing is that some of the dialogue felt slightly clunky. I hate that that happened, because for me, it's such a deal breaker when the dialogue rings awkward, but it is what it is. The other thing is, whoa beware of a very upsetting death situation (emotionally, my goodness, the wreckage). Slight spoiler alert in this additional comment: "coming back from the dead" is one of my least favorite fantasy romance (or any genre, really) and I wish that hadn’t been the choice here. I would rather have a grave injury or, better, a conversation through the tough topics (even a fight). It's just...death allows each to "figure out" feelings too easily or with too much grief clouding the picture, which sounds terrible cause it’s a horrible situation but for a writer/plot, it just feels like too easy a solution.

So, here's the thing, other than those two critiques, I absolutely loved this quirky and high-chemistry romance and its sides of magic and mystery. It was everything I wanted it to be and I'm going to rate and recommend it as such. It's one of those books that has all the same comfort read vibes like The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, McGuire's Every Heart a Doorway series, On a Sunbeam, or Heartstopper. At least for me. And that feels more important than anything else, in this case.

“…but an arrogant man apologized to obtain absolution. A good man admitted his errors and expected nothing in return.”

Content Warnings

snipinfool's review against another edition

5.0

emotional hopeful medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Mercy Birdsall had been running Birdsall & Son since her father's heart attack. She was hanging on until her brother could finish his Funerary Rites and Services degree and take over as head undertaker. She enjoyed her work, but could definitely use some help in all areas of their business. Mercy had an overall sunny attitude except when a certain Tanrian Marshall came to drop off a body for burial. For some reason, Marshall Ralston had rubbed her the wrong way since day one. He was condescending and sarcastic. Mercy had no problems giving it back to him in full. Dealing with him would be one thing she would not miss once her brother came on board.

Hart Ralston worked as a ranger, keeping Tanria safe from drudges (like zombies). Hart was a loner in more ways than one. He was a demigod, which made him different from most, and he had been on his own since he was sixteen. Hart had a few partners he enjoyed working with in the past, but currently, he preferred being on his own. Keeping citizens safe from drudge attacks was enough work without having to navigate the niceties of working relationships. After a conversation with his ex-partner and boss, Hart took a closer look at his life. He realized he was a bit lonely. He decided to write a letter to an anonymous friend to disclose his empty life. Hart had written letters to his mother and mentor when they died as a way to stay connected to them. He hoped writing about his solitude would help to ease his sense of isolation. After finishing the letter, Hart did what he usually did after writing his mother and guide. He posted the letter addressed to "A Friend" never expecting it to be actually delivered to someone.

This story was all kinds of cute. I loved both Hart and Mercy. They had an enemy to lovers relationship. Mercy was the sunshine to Hart's grumpy. When Hart posted his letter pouring out his loneliness, he never ever thought it would land in the hands of Mercy. Mercy was also lonely. She worked constantly and rarely had time for socializing. Because they had many negative encounters over the years, it was hard for them to think of the other in any alternative way. I loved how they continued to write the "To a friend" letters expressing their deepest thoughts and wishes, never realizing their letter went to their adversary. The side characters in the novel were also great. I loved Mercy's family and Hart's new partner, Penrose Duckers. That has to be one of the best character names I've seen in a while. The creatures who delivered the mail were humorous also. The world Megan Bannen created in this book was interesting and enjoyable. A sequel is set to come out next year and I will be reading that ASAP.

Content Warnings

luchikreads's review against another edition

3.0

adventurous emotional funny inspiring mysterious medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

🌶️🌶️

Content Warnings

readwithria's review against another edition

4.5

emotional funny lighthearted tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy was so much more than I expected it to be! This book made me squeal from pure joy, and it also broke my heart. I cannot recommend it enough!

Megan Bannen took You’ve Got Mail, fantasy, and westerns, and combined those elements into something truly magical. I don’t know if I have to words to describe exactly how this book made me feel.

Read The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy if you love
🩵 stories with epistolary elements
🩵 enemies to lovers
🩵 he falls first
🩵 grumpy/sunshine
🩵 romantic fantasy

I can’t wait to read more from Megan Bannen. 4.5 stars!

Content Warnings

katievallin's review against another edition

3.5

adventurous emotional funny hopeful sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Content Warnings

theespressoedition's review against another edition

4.5

This isn't a true review. Just quotes I liked.

“I want to be with someone who asks me how my day was, someone who finds what I have to say interesting. I want to be with someone who thinks that—I don’t know—that I’m kind of special. That’s all.” Nathan puffed his lips as if Mercy had uttered the most unreasonable thing he’d ever heard. “Thanks a lot!” she said. “I’m not trying to be mean, but come on. Life isn’t like those fluffy books you read. People don’t sit around mooning over each other. This is reality, and in reality, you find someone you like and that you’re attracted to, and you get married and you have a family, and that’s all there is to it. It’s that simple.” Mercy sagged in her chair. Maybe Nathan had a point. Maybe she was reaching too high and wanting too much. Maybe it was time to lower the bar and readjust her expectations.

(Woof. I felt this in my soul).

It’d be like reading a book that doesn’t end. No matter how good the story is, you want it to be over at some point.

(Talking about life here. Interesting).

“I think I’m about to do something stupid.” “Okay.” Mercy stood on tiptoes and kissed the corner of his mouth on the exact spot where the frosting had been. She pulled away and watched him as he gawked at her and said nothing, and his silence screamed around her until she couldn’t take it anymore. “Well? Say something.” “I’m still waiting for you to do something stupid.”

(This has got to be one of the cutest scenes I’ve ever read. Ever).

He hadn’t realized how tight his lungs were until Mercy gave him room to breathe.

(My heart. Or should I say “my Hart”).

He figured that if he could no longer love Mercy in person, he could at least love her through the pages of her favorite novel.

(Everyone should love someone through their favorite novel, just saying).

Content Warnings

faithwingo's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous emotional medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Content Warnings

thewellreadlabrador's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Content Warnings

sydapel's review against another edition

3.75

funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Tad ovehyped in my opinion? The characters are lovely, but I feel like the whimsical fantasy/steam punk nature of this word was a lot of the draw, and while elements of it are, I didn't feel like it was described or developed effectively. Bonus points always for making me cry (a rule I've established at my own peril)!

Content Warnings

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