I was so excited to be selected for this ARC, but I won’t lie.  I was so hesitant to start The Undermining of Twyla and Frank, because book one nearly did me in.  I would call Bannen’s series cozy fantasy, but The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy destroyed me in all the best, not so cozy ways.  I don’t know that I have ever cried that hard while reading.  I was straight up heartbroken.  Bannen came through with a HEA, but it was a journey to get there.  So going into Twyla and Frank, I felt like I needed to suit up in armor.  But, to my pleasant surprise, there was no need.  I loved this story.  I read book one seven months ago.  I was able to slip right into Bannen’s world, with no problems.  A few things I needed to stop and think about in her world, but I wasn’t spending pages and pages just lost.  That didn’t happen.  

I love that we got a middle age love story.  All the accuracies of aging and finding a second love later in life while also in a fantasy world.  So beautifully done.  The banter, my gosh, the banter.  So good.  I was giggling like a school girl, at just the banter.  

I hope we get a book with Duckers, because he’s hilarious.  I also liked his little story arc with Zeddie.  An important growth point, we don’t always stay with our first love. 

What can I say, this book hit every point of cozy fantasy. I loved it with my whole heart and can’t wait to recommend it to friends and anyone I come across while browsing the bookstore.  I’m so hopeful for a book three! 

Disclaimer: I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for a review via NetGalley.