The Undermining of Twyla and Frank by Megan Bannen is another fun and steamy fantasy romance in the interesting world of Tanria (4.5/5 stars)

The Undermining of Twyla and Frank by Megan Bannen is another fun and steamy fantasy romance in the interesting world of Tanria.

Middle-aged and widowed Twyla shocked everyone when she partnered with her best friend and next-door neighbor, Frank, to join the Tanrian Marshals eight years ago. Now, she has a rewarding career that she likes way better than the domestic grind of mom life. But now that the world is safer and they’re closer to retirement, work is a little less dangerous and perhaps a little less fun. But then they discover things in a lucrative Tanrian mineshaft…

I am simply charmed by this world. I LOVED The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy, so this was one of my most highly anticipated reads of 2024. I preordered a signed copy from the authors’ local indie bookstore, Rainy Day Books in Kansas City. They also sent bookmarks and stickers!

The first time I read H&M, I listened to the audiobook and really loved it, so I waited patiently until I got off the audio holds list at my library before I started to read. This audiobook is narrated by Nicol Zanzarella and I really enjoyed my listen.

I really enjoy the world building of this universe. All of the characters are charming and the book feels cozy even though there are sometimes high stakes. I love reading later in life romances, and this one was really sweet. Twyla is widowed, Frank is divorced (his wife left him many years before), and both have grown children (some with their own kids). Also there’s a baby dragon who is SUPER cute.

We get a lovely update on Hart and Mercy in this installment. I definitely teared up during that scene. I’m so excited for the next book in the series, The Undercutting of Rosie and Adam, which will feature an immortal demi-god heroine and the inventor of a portal into Tanria. I loved the bits of Rosie we got in T&F and I’m so excited to learn more about portals.

Tropes in this book include: later in life romance, best friends to lovers, slow burn

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