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imds's review against another edition
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Body shaming, Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, and Abandonment
bibliomich's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy is a romantasy adaptation of Norah Ephron's 1998 classic rom-com You've Got Mail (one of my favorites). The references to the film were by far my favorite parts of the book. I loved the back and forth banter in the MMC and FMC’s letters, as well as the enemies-to-lovers arc of their relationship.
The fantasy elements didn’t quite capture my attention in the same way. There wasn’t very much world building, so I didn’t really engage with the fantasy elements of the story; but mostly, I also didn’t really care to understand them. I was much more invested in the relationship plot than the action.
I enjoy reading books that push me out of my genre comfort zone, which Hart + Mercy definitely did. I’d be interested in reading Bannen’s companion novel, The Undermining of Twyla and Frank (a nod to When Harry Met Sally), when it comes out this summer.
The fantasy elements didn’t quite capture my attention in the same way. There wasn’t very much world building, so I didn’t really engage with the fantasy elements of the story; but mostly, I also didn’t really care to understand them. I was much more invested in the relationship plot than the action.
I enjoy reading books that push me out of my genre comfort zone, which Hart + Mercy definitely did. I’d be interested in reading Bannen’s companion novel, The Undermining of Twyla and Frank (a nod to When Harry Met Sally), when it comes out this summer.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Sexual content, and Death of parent
Minor: Infidelity, Violence, Grief, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
luckykosmos's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
They're so stupid and I'm obsessed with them
Bannen did an amazing job setting up a world that felt so plausible without infodumping the worldbuilding at the beginning, and slowly interjecting the characters' interactions with the world to build why they are the way they are. This is very much what I want from 'romantasy', a world that molds the characters instead of just putting them in a situation for the sake of the drama.
(Also worth mentioning, this is very much a zombie book, and while the zombie logistics DID crack me up, that wasn't something I expected from the synopsis! here there be zombies i guess!)
Bannen did an amazing job setting up a world that felt so plausible without infodumping the worldbuilding at the beginning, and slowly interjecting the characters' interactions with the world to build why they are the way they are. This is very much what I want from 'romantasy', a world that molds the characters instead of just putting them in a situation for the sake of the drama.
(Also worth mentioning, this is very much a zombie book, and while the zombie logistics DID crack me up, that wasn't something I expected from the synopsis! here there be zombies i guess!)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Violence
Moderate: Grief and Death of parent
Minor: Animal death
bidpat's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore and Grief
scrubsandbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was surprisingly cute as well as funny in some parts. I'm not a big romantasy person but I liked the world-building in this as well as the dynamics between the main characters and watching their relationship grow. Shout out to the bunch of queer side characters whose stories I really want a prequel of and a good dog named Leonard.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, and Violence
Moderate: Grief, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
grayb14's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Violence, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
just_one_more_paige's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Despite having received this audiobook as an ALC from Libro.fm a few months ago, I haven't picked it up yet because I have wanted to have a physical copy as well (it's my preferred "listening" method). My library doesn't have a copy. And if I'm being honest, this sounded so much like a book I would love that I kind of wanted to own a copy anyways. I finally got my hands on one during a quick (extended to involve an extra day of fun) work visit to Asheville, NC a few weeks ago. If you haven't been there, you should definitely go. Asheville is such a cool place - so much nature and great food (and drink!) and overall awesome vibes. Anyways, I stopped in at a local bookstore while there (Malaprop's) and picked it up there.
As I am still woefully behind on reviews, I'll be borrowing from Goodreads again for this summary... 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?
I don't think I have ever used the following phrase to describe anything before, but it turns out, it's perfect for this book (and, not really a surprise, but a new aesthetic I'm going to be leaning into personally): this book was wonderfully, whimsically macabre. There were many notes of the paranormal and supernatural throughout: low key zombies, floating souls, ancient magical creatures (that talk, and deliver mail!), gods that still exist and can walk the earth, and other small magical touches. And central to the character development and the plot is the Birdsall family business of, essentially, running a funeral home, and Mercy's burgeoning role at the primary undertaker. All of which could have led this to being a really dark read. And yet. It was surprisingly sweetly morbid, if you're willing to believe that can be done. I mean yes, beware, there is quite a bit of death and violence and resurrection (and mostly not in a "good" way). But at the same time, the way Mercy sees, and puts effort into, caring for the dead and their families and the comfort she can give in her position is simply beautiful. It's exactly the kind of hopeful and fulfilling perspective that I could imagine wanting for myself or a close loved one during such a grief-filled time.
There are other aspects of the book that help balance out the more grim pieces, to create that more offbeat and fanciful vibe, as well. First, the little things, like cafes and libraries and letter writing, that are reminiscent of our “real world,” were grounding touches. Also, the relationships, across the board, really took the edge off. Mercy's entire family (and especially her brother who'd rather become a baker than run the family business) were so recognizable. The care they all had for each other, even while arguing or at odds, was touching. And despite Hart's work-focus and intensity and gruff exterior, what he builds with his new apprentice, Pen, and how that relationship pulls him even farther into Mercy's family (and their drama), was so well developed. I also want to mention that there was a mystery subplot that called for some amateur sleuthing that was just plain fun!
Plus, of course, there is Hart and Mercy themselves. Let me take a minute to focus on them, as they are central to the novel overall (obviously). Look. What an unbelievably sweet enemies-to-lovers secret pen pals romance. Ugh. I cannot even. They were both so stubbornly sure they hated each other, when everything (and everyone around them) knew and pointed to the opposite. But it never reached the point of annoyance that could have happened, when miscommunication takes over as a plot device. This was just good old "human" stubbornness and, in that "can't see what's under my own nose," was so relatable. I'm always a softie for a grumpy and sunshine romance trope too, especially when said grump falls first and harder - oh my heart! Oh! And the narrators for the audiobook that voiced Hart and Mercy were fantastic.
I have to be honest here, and say that there were a few things that I wish could have been better or gone differently. The biggest thing is that some of the dialogue felt slightly clunky. I hate that that happened, because for me, it's such a deal breaker when the dialogue rings awkward, but it is what it is. The other thing is, whoa beware of a very upsetting death situation (emotionally, my goodness, the wreckage). Slight spoiler alert in this additional comment: "coming back from the dead" is one of my least favorite fantasy romance (or any genre, really) and I wish that hadn’t been the choice here. I would rather have a grave injury or, better, a conversation through the tough topics (even a fight). It's just...death allows each to "figure out" feelings too easily or with too much grief clouding the picture, which sounds terrible cause it’s a horrible situation but for a writer/plot, it just feels like too easy a solution.
So, here's the thing, other than those two critiques, I absolutely loved this quirky and high-chemistry romance and its sides of magic and mystery. It was everything I wanted it to be and I'm going to rate and recommend it as such. It's one of those books that has all the same comfort read vibes like The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, McGuire's Every Heart a Doorway series, On a Sunbeam, or Heartstopper. At least for me. And that feels more important than anything else, in this case.
“…but an arrogant man apologized to obtain absolution. A good man admitted his errors and expected nothing in return.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Grief, and Murder
Moderate: Gun violence, Sexual content, and Pregnancy
Minor: Death of parent
snipinfool's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Mercy Birdsall had been running Birdsall & Son since her father's heart attack. She was hanging on until her brother could finish his Funerary Rites and Services degree and take over as head undertaker. She enjoyed her work, but could definitely use some help in all areas of their business. Mercy had an overall sunny attitude except when a certain Tanrian Marshall came to drop off a body for burial. For some reason, Marshall Ralston had rubbed her the wrong way since day one. He was condescending and sarcastic. Mercy had no problems giving it back to him in full. Dealing with him would be one thing she would not miss once her brother came on board.
Hart Ralston worked as a ranger, keeping Tanria safe from drudges (like zombies). Hart was a loner in more ways than one. He was a demigod, which made him different from most, and he had been on his own since he was sixteen. Hart had a few partners he enjoyed working with in the past, but currently, he preferred being on his own. Keeping citizens safe from drudge attacks was enough work without having to navigate the niceties of working relationships. After a conversation with his ex-partner and boss, Hart took a closer look at his life. He realized he was a bit lonely. He decided to write a letter to an anonymous friend to disclose his empty life. Hart had written letters to his mother and mentor when they died as a way to stay connected to them. He hoped writing about his solitude would help to ease his sense of isolation. After finishing the letter, Hart did what he usually did after writing his mother and guide. He posted the letter addressed to "A Friend" never expecting it to be actually delivered to someone.
Hart Ralston worked as a ranger, keeping Tanria safe from drudges (like zombies). Hart was a loner in more ways than one. He was a demigod, which made him different from most, and he had been on his own since he was sixteen. Hart had a few partners he enjoyed working with in the past, but currently, he preferred being on his own. Keeping citizens safe from drudge attacks was enough work without having to navigate the niceties of working relationships. After a conversation with his ex-partner and boss, Hart took a closer look at his life. He realized he was a bit lonely. He decided to write a letter to an anonymous friend to disclose his empty life. Hart had written letters to his mother and mentor when they died as a way to stay connected to them. He hoped writing about his solitude would help to ease his sense of isolation. After finishing the letter, Hart did what he usually did after writing his mother and guide. He posted the letter addressed to "A Friend" never expecting it to be actually delivered to someone.
This story was all kinds of cute. I loved both Hart and Mercy. They had an enemy to lovers relationship. Mercy was the sunshine to Hart's grumpy. When Hart posted his letter pouring out his loneliness, he never ever thought it would land in the hands of Mercy. Mercy was also lonely. She worked constantly and rarely had time for socializing. Because they had many negative encounters over the years, it was hard for them to think of the other in any alternative way. I loved how they continued to write the "To a friend" letters expressing their deepest thoughts and wishes, never realizing their letter went to their adversary. The side characters in the novel were also great. I loved Mercy's family and Hart's new partner, Penrose Duckers. That has to be one of the best character names I've seen in a while. The creatures who delivered the mail were humorous also. The world Megan Bannen created in this book was interesting and enjoyable. A sequel is set to come out next year and I will be reading that ASAP.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Sexual content, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Animal death and Death of parent
katiekeske's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This is a very well written, unique romance. The world building flows well and is so interesting. The characters all feel real. I appreciate a lot about the book, but the miscommunication and angst made it take longer than normal for me to read.
I wouldn't describe this as exactly enemies to lovers since enemies seems like too strong of a word. They have a strong dislike for each other before things change. I don't enjoy when the love interests are mean to each other, so it was hard for me to get through.
This is a romance with a HEA, but be warned that you will most likely cry a lot before you get there.
I wouldn't describe this as exactly enemies to lovers since enemies seems like too strong of a word. They have a strong dislike for each other before things change. I don't enjoy when the love interests are mean to each other, so it was hard for me to get through.
This is a romance with a HEA, but be warned that you will most likely cry a lot before you get there.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Violence, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexism
The heroine's sister is pregnant during most of the book, not the heroine. There's lots of death and dead bodies mentioned and described in detail since Mercy works at a funeral home.readwithria's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy was so much more than I expected it to be! This book made me squeal from pure joy, and it also broke my heart. I cannot recommend it enough!
Megan Bannen took You’ve Got Mail, fantasy, and westerns, and combined those elements into something truly magical. I don’t know if I have to words to describe exactly how this book made me feel.
Read The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy if you love
🩵 stories with epistolary elements
🩵 enemies to lovers
🩵 he falls first
🩵 grumpy/sunshine
🩵 romantic fantasy
I can’t wait to read more from Megan Bannen. 4.5 stars!
Megan Bannen took You’ve Got Mail, fantasy, and westerns, and combined those elements into something truly magical. I don’t know if I have to words to describe exactly how this book made me feel.
Read The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy if you love
🩵 stories with epistolary elements
🩵 enemies to lovers
🩵 he falls first
🩵 grumpy/sunshine
🩵 romantic fantasy
I can’t wait to read more from Megan Bannen. 4.5 stars!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Cursing, Violence, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Animal death, Sexism, Sexual content, Blood, and Pregnancy