A review by thereadingrambler
The Undermining of Twyla and Frank by Megan Bannen

emotional funny 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

3.0

I’m gonna be honest: romantasy is really not one of my genres. But I was drawn in by the first book in this series, The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy, primarily because the main character is an undertaker, and there was a letter trope, which I love. And then I did very much enjoy the book. Primarily because it delivered what romantasy claims to do: balance a fantasy plot and a romance plot. So when I learned that Bannen had a second book coming out set in the same world, I immediately got myself on the holds list at my library. And this one was even better because there were dragons.

Frank and Twyla are both in their 50s and after Twyla’s husband died and Frank’s wife left him, the next-door-neighbors struck up a a friendship. When Twyla’s daughter decides to go to medical school, Twyla needs to get a higher-paying job. So Frank petitions for her to join the marshals (magic park rangers), and now not only are they best friends but partners in not-crime. Their routine is entirely disrupted when they discover a baby dragon—particularly because dragons are thought to be extinct. Quickly they are sucked into conspiracies and mysteries and so many confusing emotions.

I had such a good time reading this. I was kicking my little feet and clutching my heart and laughing out loud listening to this (aside: the audiobook narrator did a great job!). A super fun time if you’re looking for something light-hearted and cute.