In "The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy" by Megan Bannen, readers are immersed in a quirky world where Hart, a marshal, and Mercy, an undertaker, find themselves entangled in a hate-to-love relationship. Their dynamic is filled with snippy banter, emotional tension, and a blossoming romance that unfolds through a series of letters exchanged unknowingly between the two. Set in a fantastical world with elements of humor, romance, and a touch of fantasy, the story follows the journey of these two characters as they navigate their complicated feelings amidst a backdrop of family drama, emotional angst, and unexpected twists.
The book is a delightful mix of fantasy, romance, and comedy, blending elements of enemies-to-lovers trope with strong family dynamics and well-executed rom-com elements. Through the interactions between Hart and Mercy, the author weaves a tale of emotional depth, character development, and engaging plot twists that keep readers invested in the unfolding love story between the two protagonists. With a unique setting that combines historical western vibes with magical quirkiness, the book offers a fresh take on romance and fantasy genres, creating a captivating narrative that explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include themes of grief, body descriptions (due to the undertaker profession), and references to death.
Has Romance?
Romance is a central focus of the story, with a strong development between the main characters.
From The Publisher:
"A uniquely charming mixture of whimsy and the macabre that completely won me over. If you ever wished for an adult romance that felt like Howl's Moving Castle, THIS IS THAT BOOK." -Helen Hoang, author of The Kiss Quotient
Hart is a marshal, tasked with patrolling the strange and magical wilds of Tanria. It's an unforgiving job, and Hart's got nothing but time to ponder his loneliness.
Mercy never has a moment to herself. She's been single-handedly keeping Birdsall & Son Undertakers afloat in defiance of sullen jerks like Hart, who seems to have a gift for showing up right when her patience is thinnest.
After yet another exasperating run-in with Mercy, Hart finds himself penning a letter addressed simply to "A Friend". Much to his surprise, an anonymous letter comes back in return, and a tentative friendship is born.
If only Hart knew he's been baring his soul to the person who infuriates him most-Mercy. As the dangers from Tanria grow closer, so do the unlikely correspondents. But can their blossoming romance survive the fated discovery that their pen pals are their worst nightmares-each other?
Set in a world full of magic and demigods, donuts and small-town drama, this enchantingly quirky, utterly unique fantasy is perfect for readers of The House in the Cerulean Sea and The Invisible Library.
"Truly outstanding romantic fantasy." -India Holton
"An unabashedly offbeat adventure." -Freya Marske
"I cried twice and smiled plenty." -Olivia Atwater
"A little sweet, a little spicy, a little sharp and entirely moreish!" -Davinia Evans
"I showed up for the fantastic, fun fantasy setting but it was Hart and Mercy that kept me reading." -Ruby Dixon
Ratings (56)
Incredible (12) | |
Loved It (20) | |
Liked It (14) | |
It Was OK (6) | |
Did Not Like (3) | |
Hated It (1) |
Reader Stats (137):
Read It (55) | |
Currently Reading (2) | |
Want To Read (63) | |
Did Not Finish (5) | |
Not Interested (12) |
3 comment(s)
Shop Around the Corner, You’ve Got Mail, and now the Undertaking of Hart and Mercy. In the end I think I prefer Nora Ephron’s version.
This book has Divine Rivals vibes in that there is an epistolary element where the two main characters are exchanging anonymous letters, though DR is more lyrical as a whole. This book is spunky and I definitely enjoyed reading it- I will say it perhaps could’ve been 50-100 pages shorter. Nonetheless, I’d recommend this book to anyone looking for a cozy yet macabre, sweet fantasy romance.
I really loved this whole story! The world building is awesome and the characters are so relatable. 10/10!
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The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy?
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