The Undermining of Twyla and Frank

April 1, 2024

Twyla Banneker wasn't a typical candidate for the Tanrian Marshals. The work was incredibly dangerous, and no one expected a middle-aged widow to succeed, except her best friend and partner, Frank Ellis. After eight years on the job, Twyla can say that the work is now significantly less dangerous with the drudges gone, and keeping out smugglers, thieves, and other miscreants has even become a bit boring. But when a marshal is discovered covered in a glittering goo, and the other marshals see for themselves the beast that it came from, Twyla's job quickly becomes interesting again. The rumored dragons of the Old Gods are alive in Tanria again, and one has just decided that Frank is its mother. A handsome dracologist arrives in Tanria to help the marshals, which seems to cause unexpected friction with Frank, and Twyla starts to realize that love has been right in front of her all along. VERDICT Bannen brings readers back to Tanria (after The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy) in another charming romantasy full of humor and adventure.--Morgan Lockard

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May 13, 2024
In this enchanting fantasy rom-com, Bannen returns to the whimsical world of Tanria, first visited in The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy. Middle-aged neighbors and best friends, Twyla Banneker and Frank Ellis have spent eight years patrolling magical Tanria as marshals, but a recent lull in excitement has left them yearning for some action. When another marshal turns up dead and Frank unexpectedly becomes guardian to a baby dragon, the duo find themselves entangled in a sinister mystery that threatens to upend their lives and their relationship. Bannen’s witty prose and skillful genre blending shine as she seamlessly weaves together elements of romance, mystery, and adventure. The mature protagonists, particularly the wonderfully complex Twyla, offer a refreshing perspective on love and self-discovery in midlife. While the emphasis on aging and domestic disillusionment grows a tad repetitive, Bannen’s heartfelt exploration of second chances and the transformative power of friendship resonates. Perfect for fans of T.J. Klune and Alix E. Harrow, this cozy, humor-filled romp celebrates the enduring magic of love at any age. Agent: Holly Root, Root Literary.

June 1, 2024
Bannen delights with the newest addition to the Hart and Mercy series (after The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy, 2022), this time telling the story of the town marshals, Twyla Banneker and Frank Ellis. Twyla and Frank have been best friends for years. Nothing romantic has ever passed between them, though the whole town was always curious since they are both single, middle-aged, and have such a close friendship. Coming together on a classified mission which involves mostly friendly and docile dragons, their relationship faces some new challenges. While the dragons themselves don't pose a threat, they are intricately linked to a menacing underworld of illegal smuggling. The deeper the marshals get into their investigation, the more their very lives are at risk. The complexity of middle age is explored through familial and romantic relationships. Friendships are tested with life-threatening accidents, romantic encounters, and past assumptions. Romance, fantasy, and humor blend together in a mature yet whimsical story. Fans of the first in the series will be thrilled with this addition to the Tanrian universe, especially the appearance of some familiar faces.

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June 15, 2024
Two middle-aged law enforcement partners finally fall in love in this slow-burn fantasy romance. Twyla Banneker hasn't had a date in the 13 years since the death of her husband, Doug. That's not to say she hasn't been busy, though. In that time, Twyla has built an illustrious career as a Tanrian Marshal, the people's guardian and the undead's bane. Now, a year after another marshal purged the undead drudges from Tanria, she and her partner, Frank Ellis, find themselves reduced to monitoring children's water-pony rides. Following a dragon attack and the curious case of the dragon hatchling that attaches itself to Frank, mother-duck style, a visiting professor and dracologist shows up--with a major interest in taking the self-professedly "frumpy" Twyla out. Only after she accepts his offer of a first date does she learn the truth: Everyone, from her friends to her own children, thinks she and Frank are an item. But the two of them are just friends...right? Cue the will-they-or-won't-they shenanigans as the marshals investigate what brought the supposedly extinct dragons out of hibernation. Bannen delivers a quippy and fun fantasy rom-com here. Although some of the dialogue tags feel a bit ham-fisted, the conversations themselves are crisp and well thought out. Readers who picked up the series' previous installment will almost certainly have an easier time acclimating to Twyla and Frank's world, where the cars are amphibious inventions called "autoducks" and people distinguish between the Old Gods and the New. The first few chapters may read headily to newcomers, as Bannen pulls no punches when introducing these concepts in rapid succession, but readers who can go with the flow will soon uncover a delightful story worth every minute of their time. Fans of cozy fantasy will find a lot to love here, from glitter-breathing, poodle-esque dragons to a down-to-earth romance between two middle-aged heroes on the brink of retirement. Seriously, the dragons breathe glitter. What more could you want?

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