So cute and cozy, loved it. Full review to come.

The Undermining of Twyla and Frank is Bannen’s follow-up to The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy. Although these are new characters, I recommend reading Hart and Mercy first to understand the world the story is set in.

Middle-aged widow Twyla Banneker is a Tanrian Marshall, partnered with her best friend, Frank Ellis. They are definitely not a couple! Their job has gotten more boring lately, but Frank discovers a baby dragon (a species out of myth) and the two must confront their maybe-feelings for each other while protecting the creature.

Bannen writes such delightful characters. I loved the prominence of Duckers, one of my favourites from the previous book, and his terrible romance. The dragons are ridiculously adorable as well.

The Undermining Twyla and Frank is definitely romance first, fantasy second. I didn’t find the plot outside of the romance as interesting as Hart and Mercy — the dragons were fun but the ending a bit silly. Still, I didn’t really mind.

This book is so good-natured and cozy, and I’d love to see more older couples in fantasy romance novels. I’m really excited to see there’s a third book planned.

Thank you to Netgalley and Orbit Books for my review copy of this book.