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bibliomich's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy is a romantasy adaptation of Norah Ephron's 1998 classic rom-com You've Got Mail (one of my favorites). The references to the film were by far my favorite parts of the book. I loved the back and forth banter in the MMC and FMC’s letters, as well as the enemies-to-lovers arc of their relationship.
The fantasy elements didn’t quite capture my attention in the same way. There wasn’t very much world building, so I didn’t really engage with the fantasy elements of the story; but mostly, I also didn’t really care to understand them. I was much more invested in the relationship plot than the action.
I enjoy reading books that push me out of my genre comfort zone, which Hart + Mercy definitely did. I’d be interested in reading Bannen’s companion novel, The Undermining of Twyla and Frank (a nod to When Harry Met Sally), when it comes out this summer.
The fantasy elements didn’t quite capture my attention in the same way. There wasn’t very much world building, so I didn’t really engage with the fantasy elements of the story; but mostly, I also didn’t really care to understand them. I was much more invested in the relationship plot than the action.
I enjoy reading books that push me out of my genre comfort zone, which Hart + Mercy definitely did. I’d be interested in reading Bannen’s companion novel, The Undermining of Twyla and Frank (a nod to When Harry Met Sally), when it comes out this summer.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Death, and Death of parent
Minor: Violence, Gaslighting, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, and Infidelity
ninahuynh's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-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? It's complicated
4.75
Such a beautiful book! The romance and the fantasy... just spectacular. I love the world-building and the usage of the fantasy world other than giving the possibility for demi-gods and gods, etc. They bit of mystery in the latter half helped balanced the spicy romance. It would have scored a 5/5 stars if it were not for the handful of grammar mistakes that I caught and stopped me in my tracks. The story itself was great and I like the inclusion of consent and safe sex.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Pregnancy, Sexual content, Alcohol, Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Grief, and Blood
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Cancer, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Emotional abuse
dianaschmidty's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, Gore, and Violence
Moderate: Death of parent, Grief, Gaslighting, Toxic relationship, and Misogyny
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