Scan barcode
theoceanrose's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual content and Death
bookbruin's review
4.0
It was so fun to be back in Tanria and the Hart and Mercy world. This is book 2 in the series, but it can be enjoyed as a standalone. Characters from the previous book do appear though and there will be some spoilers (but I think everyone already knows that Hart and Mercy end up together lol)
I really loved that Twyla and Frank were older and more settled in their lives. They’ve loved, been married, faced loss and hardship, and have come out stronger on the other side. It’s a slow burn friends to idiots to lovers between these two years in the making. The dragon subplot was intriguing and interesting, but it’s Twyla’s growth and character arc that are the focus of this book. I appreciated the message that putting yourself and your needs first isn’t necessarily a bad thing/selfish.
Unfortunately, the pacing of the book was on the slower side and I felt it meandered quite a bit. This made the book feel too long. The OM/OW drama also was not my favorite. I personally don’t want to read about the MC’s dating and having sex with anyone except each other. The final conflict and overall lack of communication for two characters in their 50’s also frustrated me. Nicol Zanzarella narrated the book wonderfully though and I loved all the accents and different voices she used to bring the story to life.
Overall, this was an entertaining read with an unconventional (but perfect for these two) HEA. Sadly I didn’t love it as much as the previous book.
Audiobook Review
Overall 4 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 3-3.5 stars
*I voluntarily read and listened to advance review copy of this book*
I really loved that Twyla and Frank were older and more settled in their lives. They’ve loved, been married, faced loss and hardship, and have come out stronger on the other side. It’s a slow burn friends to idiots to lovers between these two years in the making. The dragon subplot was intriguing and interesting, but it’s Twyla’s growth and character arc that are the focus of this book. I appreciated the message that putting yourself and your needs first isn’t necessarily a bad thing/selfish.
Unfortunately, the pacing of the book was on the slower side and I felt it meandered quite a bit. This made the book feel too long. The OM/OW drama also was not my favorite. I personally don’t want to read about the MC’s dating and having sex with anyone except each other. The final conflict and overall lack of communication for two characters in their 50’s also frustrated me. Nicol Zanzarella narrated the book wonderfully though and I loved all the accents and different voices she used to bring the story to life.
Overall, this was an entertaining read with an unconventional (but perfect for these two) HEA. Sadly I didn’t love it as much as the previous book.
Audiobook Review
Overall 4 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 3-3.5 stars
*I voluntarily read and listened to advance review copy of this book*
Content Warnings
CW: death of spouse (past), divorce/abandoned by spouse (past), kidnapping, death and violence, attempted murder, bombs
hollielovesromance's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Let this book be a lesson to me that Megan Bannen will have me crying every single time! It was just a joy to return back to the world we were introduced to in The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy. Twyla and Frank have been neighbors, friends, and partners for a very long time. When they encounter a mystery and potential danger in Tarnia, will it change everything?
I don’t want to spoil this book because I need everyone to enjoy this wacky, spaghetti western featuring two folks in their 50’s falling in love or we’ll finally admitting their in love with each other. I appreciated getting to see two people who have lived life that has left them with very big and real scars try to navigate growing and changing no matter how old they are. Twyla is now my sassy aunt who would definitely buy me donuts and sing off tune country songs with me after a few beers. Frank is the grumpiest big teddy bear that we should all be so lucky to have in our lives. Oh and the supporting cast just keeps making these books utter delights. I’m looking at you Duckers my sweet, sparkly baby. I can’t wait to see what Megan Bannen comes up with next. Where she leads I will follow.
I don’t want to spoil this book because I need everyone to enjoy this wacky, spaghetti western featuring two folks in their 50’s falling in love or we’ll finally admitting their in love with each other. I appreciated getting to see two people who have lived life that has left them with very big and real scars try to navigate growing and changing no matter how old they are. Twyla is now my sassy aunt who would definitely buy me donuts and sing off tune country songs with me after a few beers. Frank is the grumpiest big teddy bear that we should all be so lucky to have in our lives. Oh and the supporting cast just keeps making these books utter delights. I’m looking at you Duckers my sweet, sparkly baby. I can’t wait to see what Megan Bannen comes up with next. Where she leads I will follow.
wordinessa's review against another edition
4.0
A welcome return to the world of Tanria - without the heavy reliance on another piece of media (Hart and Mercy was clearly influenced by "You've Got Mail"...and "influenced" may be too light a term). This one involves dragons, old friends, Hart and Mercy's wedding, and people in love in their FIFTIES - what a concept! More books about older love PLEASE! I can't be the only one who needs to believe that love doesn't stop at 35.
I found that the story dragged a bit for the first half, but once the plot picked it, it was full of wit and charm and love. While some say it could be a standalone, I personally think it requires al of the worldbuilding found in Hart & Mercy - you're going to feel lost in the wilds of Tanria without it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc of this cozy spaghetti western fantasy romance.
I found that the story dragged a bit for the first half, but once the plot picked it, it was full of wit and charm and love. While some say it could be a standalone, I personally think it requires al of the worldbuilding found in Hart & Mercy - you're going to feel lost in the wilds of Tanria without it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc of this cozy spaghetti western fantasy romance.
hsumanityreads's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
What fun to be back with our old crew of marshalls in Eternity!! This book is precious - slow burn, friends to lovers, plot-heavy, and full of humor. I was on the fence about the addition of an alternate love interest (I hate love triangles), but this was less of a triangle and more of another person being a catalyst to the MC finding out what they wanted in truth.
Same crew of sillies (looking at you, Duckers!) and this one has DRAGONS! Seriously though, they were awesome. And the other best part? She saves him in this one!
If you loved the first, this likely won’t top it but is VERY worthy of reading! I had fun and can’t wait to see what Megan Bannen is up to next.
Same crew of sillies (looking at you, Duckers!) and this one has DRAGONS! Seriously though, they were awesome. And the other best part? She saves him in this one!
If you loved the first, this likely won’t top it but is VERY worthy of reading! I had fun and can’t wait to see what Megan Bannen is up to next.
catreadthat's review against another edition
4.75
i love this world, i love twyla, i love how bannen tackles the gendered division of emotional labor in relationships and how resentment can fester in relationships (and how women often feel trapped). also we love a book where the guy is down bad and wow is frank a goner
gi_reads30's review against another edition
DNF at 60% So I will count it as Read!
Thanks to ORBIT and Netgallery for the ARC of The Undermining of Twyla and Frank in exchanged of an honest review. I typically never DNF books, and even more so ARCS, BUT I just can't take it anymore. I am always so grateful to receive them but it was just not the book for me. While it had a great premise, and also an interesting world, the problem are the main characters and the plot, even at 60% DID NOT MOVE. Apart from the pace, lack of chemistry and just unlikable main characters, the chapters are EXTREMELY long, something I don't typically like.
To be honest, I was so excited to read this one. I adored the idea to read about friends to lovers, and older characters. But as much as I tried I was bored, the characters were so unlikable and quite frankly it was painful to read about a women that hated herself so much. One second Twyla was "why women should be afraid to be old" and the next she was acting like growing old was just the worst thing that has happened to her. I understand sometimes feeling self conscious, but her internal monologue was just painful and contradicting at times. Frank on the other hand...yeah no personality AT ALL. NO chemistry AT ALL between them!!!!!!!!!!
Ugh there is so much I want to say but I digress, this was not for me. Not one bit.
Thanks to ORBIT and Netgallery for the ARC of The Undermining of Twyla and Frank in exchanged of an honest review. I typically never DNF books, and even more so ARCS, BUT I just can't take it anymore. I am always so grateful to receive them but it was just not the book for me. While it had a great premise, and also an interesting world, the problem are the main characters and the plot, even at 60% DID NOT MOVE. Apart from the pace, lack of chemistry and just unlikable main characters, the chapters are EXTREMELY long, something I don't typically like.
To be honest, I was so excited to read this one. I adored the idea to read about friends to lovers, and older characters. But as much as I tried I was bored, the characters were so unlikable and quite frankly it was painful to read about a women that hated herself so much. One second Twyla was "why women should be afraid to be old" and the next she was acting like growing old was just the worst thing that has happened to her. I understand sometimes feeling self conscious, but her internal monologue was just painful and contradicting at times. Frank on the other hand...yeah no personality AT ALL. NO chemistry AT ALL between them!!!!!!!!!!
Ugh there is so much I want to say but I digress, this was not for me. Not one bit.
terrilynneereading's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
booksfromtheashess's review against another edition
5.0
One thing about Megan Bannen’s books is that they are not like any other and I mean that in the best way possible.
I didn’t immediately get into this story but once I was, I absolutely LOVED it.
Twyla, bless your heart and Frankie you’re a big old sop’ and I’m 1000% here for it. The romance was great, and I enjoyed that it wasn’t your typical romance in the way of showing that they love each other. Also; I need Mary Georgina to be real right this instant!
My favorite quote of the book:
“You have never been a chair to me, and you never will be.” Iykyk 🥹💜
dreambigbooknerd's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
4.25