The Undermining of Twyla and Frank

It's rare that I get to read a romantasy about a middle-aged (50s) woman. I'm about to be 40, and soooo many of Twyla's thoughts and insecurities were shockingly relatable. I adored her journey with Frank, I was annoyed at her for not seeing him and his feelings, but also got it because I've been there, so deep in your own feelings and troubles that it's hard to look up. I couldn't read this fast enough.

A fun, second chance love involving an older main couple (fifties), dragons and our beloved Penrose Duckers.

Sequel to The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy, this follows the events quite nicely after, with ample time to allow the folks of Eternity to have a breather before the next big thing happens. While like the first book, with the aim of a dual POV, there is more of a definite focus on Twyla rather than Frank. We get to know Twyla and her hardships more than we do Frank, and when he does get a turn, it comes through what Twyla knows.

There's a strong ‘mom' vibe this time round, most likely because of Twyla's age. There's less action (apart from the end) despite it starting off with purple riding boots and glitter puke. This is definitely more of a coming-to-maturity book than the previous.

However, it was still an enjoyable read and the plot was more focused. The culprit reveal was a little surprising and, well, stupid honestly, but that's more to do with who it was than how it was presented.

Older couple, friends to lovers, and glitter spitting dragons? Sign me in! The MMC has acne scars? I'm not sure my heart can take all this normalcy! Megan Bannen, are you telling me that real people can find love as well??

The undertaking of Hart and Mercy is one of my favorite fantasy romances and I was ecstatic to be back to Eternity and Tarnia. Hart and Mercy remain my favorite couple, and I wouldn't be honest if I didn't say that seeing them get married was my favorite part of this book. However, Twy and Frank are beautiful characters and I loved every single minute I spent getting to know them.

I loved to see Twy navigating through her life and job, overcoming her fears in love and relationships.

Frank is everything that is good in the world. He has such tenderness in him, I just wish he had more voice in the story and more time to show his steady and quiet love.

I'll be anxiously waiting for more books in this world.

I would like to thank Little, Brown Book Group UK | Orbit and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Pre review:

I got it and I'm ecstatic!

Thank you, thank you, thank you Little, Brown Book Group UK | Orbit and Netaglley for the eARC!