Megan Bannen returns to the whimsical world of Tanria with The Undermining of Twyla and Frank, the second installment in her Hart and Mercy series. Following the success of The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy, Bannen shifts her focus from the young mortician Hart and demigod Mercy to explore the more seasoned romance between two middle-aged Tanrian Marshals who discover that the greatest adventure might be opening their hearts to each other.
At fifty-seven, Twyla Banneker has carved out an unexpected second act as a law enforcement officer in the dangerous realm of Tanria, the former prison of the Old Gods. What began as a practical solution to fund her daughter Hope’s medical education has evolved into a rewarding partnership with her neighbor and best friend, Frank Ellis. Their eight-year professional relationship and twelve-year friendship form the bedrock of this tender romance, proving that the most profound connections often grow from the most ordinary beginnings—in this case, a tuna casserole delivered during Frank’s darkest hour.
A Murder Mystery With Heart
The central mystery begins when Twyla and Frank discover the glitter-covered corpse of fellow marshal Herd Whitmore, setting off a chain of events that threatens both their professional partnership and personal bond. The investigation leads them deep into a conspiracy involving dragon egg trafficking, corrupt officials, and dangerous criminals operating within the protective Mist that surrounds Tanria.
Bannen skillfully weaves the investigative elements with character development, using the external danger to force Twyla and Frank to confront their evolving feelings. The mystery itself proves engaging without overwhelming the romantic elements, featuring creative fantasy touches like baby dragons that imprint on their rescuers and the delightfully bureaucratic challenges of law enforcement in a magical realm.
The strongest mystery elements include:
- The atmospheric setting of Tanria with its dangerous beauty
- Well-paced revelations about the dragon egg conspiracy
- Genuine stakes that test both characters’ resolve
- Creative use of fantasy elements that feel organic to the world
Character Development That Resonates
Twyla emerges as one of contemporary romance’s most refreshing protagonists. Bannen refuses to diminish her for being a middle-aged mother and widow, instead celebrating her competence, wit, and hard-earned wisdom. Her internal struggles feel authentic—the guilt over her late husband Doug, her complicated relationship with her adult children, and her fears about deserving love again. The author handles Twyla’s journey toward self-acceptance with remarkable sensitivity, particularly in scenes where she grapples with physical intimacy and emotional vulnerability after years of numbness.
Frank provides the perfect counterbalance as a man carrying his own emotional baggage from his divorce while maintaining unwavering loyalty to those he loves. His relationship with his daughters Lu and Annie, developed through brief but meaningful interactions, reveals his capacity for tenderness. The way he treasures a photograph of himself and Twyla, keeping her birth key safe for years, speaks to a depth of feeling that transcends friendship.
The supporting cast adds richness without distraction. Young marshal Penrose “Duckers” brings levity and serves as a surrogate son figure, while dracologist Quill Vanderlinden provides both romantic tension and comic relief with his scholarly obsession with dragon mating habits. Chief Maguire and the other marshals create a sense of workplace community that grounds the fantasy elements in relatable interpersonal dynamics.
Romance That Honors Mature Love
Where Bannen truly excels is in her portrayal of romance between people who have lived full lives. The relationship between Twyla and Frank develops with the patience and complexity of real adult emotion. Their connection builds through shared experiences, mutual respect, and the kind of everyday intimacy that comes from truly knowing another person.
The author navigates the sexual awakening of a woman in her fifties with remarkable care. Twyla’s exploration of desire after years of emotional dormancy feels honest and celebratory rather than apologetic. The infamous vibrator retrieval scene manages to be both hilarious and deeply moving, showcasing Frank’s unconditional acceptance of Twyla’s needs and desires.
Bannen’s approach to mature romance succeeds because:
- It acknowledges past relationships without diminishing them
- Physical intimacy develops naturally from emotional connection
- Both characters have agency and make conscious choices
- The romance enhances rather than replaces their individual identities
Writing Style and World-Building
Bannen’s prose strikes a perfect balance between accessibility and literary craft. Her voice carries the warmth and comfort of a favorite neighbor while maintaining the sophistication necessary for meaningful character development. The dialogue sparkles with authenticity, particularly in the banter between Twyla and Frank that reveals their deep knowledge of each other.
The world of Tanria continues to charm with its blend of frontier practicality and magical possibility. The author expands the mythology thoughtfully, introducing concepts like dragon conservation and the politics of supernatural law enforcement without overwhelming newcomers to the series. The setting feels lived-in rather than constructed, with details like the Gracie Goodfist backpack and county fair equimaris rides adding texture and humor.
Emotional Depth and Themes
The novel explores profound themes of second chances, self-worth, and the courage required to remain open to love. Twyla’s journey from self-sacrifice to self-advocacy resonates deeply, particularly her realization that she deserves happiness beyond mere survival. The book addresses the challenges of midlife reinvention, the complexity of blended families, and the way past traumas can both protect and limit us.
Bannen handles the grief and guilt surrounding Twyla’s late husband with particular sensitivity. Rather than treating Doug as an obstacle to overcome, she allows him to remain part of Twyla’s story while creating space for new love. This mature approach to romantic history feels refreshingly realistic.
Areas for Improvement
While the novel succeeds admirably in most areas, certain elements feel less polished. The pacing occasionally falters during the middle sections, particularly when the mystery investigation takes precedence over character development. Some secondary plotlines, including Duckers’ relationship struggles, feel underdeveloped despite their thematic relevance.
The climactic rescue sequence, while emotionally satisfying, relies heavily on coincidence and last-minute revelations that strain credibility. Additionally, the resolution of the dragon trafficking conspiracy feels somewhat rushed, with important revelations delivered through exposition rather than discovery.
Technical considerations that impact the reading experience:
- Some dialogue tags become repetitive
- Occasional inconsistencies in magical system explanations
- The timeline of events could be clearer in certain chapters
- Minor characters sometimes lack distinct voices
Connection to the Series
The Undermining of Twyla and Frank works beautifully as both a standalone novel and a series continuation. Readers familiar with The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy will appreciate the deeper exploration of Tanria’s world-building and the glimpses of Hart and Mercy’s wedding. However, newcomers can easily enter the story without confusion, as Bannen provides necessary context without heavy-handed exposition.
The upcoming third book, The Undercutting of Rosie and Adam, promises to continue exploring relationships within this richly imagined world. Bannen has created a universe where different types of love stories can flourish, from the enemies-to-lovers dynamic of the first book to the friends-to-lovers progression explored here.
Final Verdict: A Romance Worth Celebrating
The Undermining of Twyla and Frank stands as a testament to the power of patient storytelling and authentic character development. Bannen has crafted a romance that honors the complexity of midlife love while delivering the emotional satisfaction that genre readers crave. The novel’s greatest strength lies in its refusal to diminish its protagonists for their age or experience, instead celebrating the depth that comes with living fully.
This book will particularly resonate with readers seeking representation of mature relationships, those who appreciate slow-burn romance, and anyone who enjoys fantasy with heart. While not without minor flaws, the novel succeeds brilliantly in its primary mission: proving that love stories don’t end at thirty, and that the most profound connections often grow from the most ordinary moments.
For fans of authors like T.J. Klune, Eli Easton, and KJ Charles, this book offers the same blend of humor, heart, and hope that makes romance such a powerful genre. Bannen has positioned herself as a voice worth following in the fantasy romance space.
Similar Books to Explore
If you enjoyed The Undermining of Twyla and Frank, consider these similar titles:
Fantasy Romance with Mature Protagonists:
- Beach Read by Emily Henry – Contemporary romance with complex characters
- The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow – Portal fantasy with emotional depth
- The Midnight Girls by Alicia Jasinska – Slavic fantasy with found family themes
Workplace Romance in Fantasy Settings:
- The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune – Fantasy with government bureaucracy and heart
- Swordheart by T. Kingfisher – Fantasy romance with older protagonists
- The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison – Fantasy with political intrigue and gentle romance
Second-Chance Romance:
- The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren – Contemporary romance with second chances
- The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang – Romance featuring mature themes and character growth
- Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert – Contemporary romance with personal transformation
Series Order:
- The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy (2022)
- The Undermining of Twyla and Frank (2024)
- The Undercutting of Rosie and Adam (2025)
The Undermining of Twyla and Frank earns its place as a worthy successor to Bannen’s debut while carving out its own distinct emotional territory. It’s a book that reminds us that the best love stories often begin with friendship, a casserole, and the courage to believe we deserve happiness at any age.
