The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen. Whimsical romcom!

Synopsis

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?

Review

4,5 stars

I got that one in my Adult Fairyloot box and I had such a great time reading!

This is an enemies to lovers trope with great supporting cast, an imaginative world that feels a cross between Greek mythology and western!

Hart is the broody/grumpy hero and Mercy the energetic sunshine heroine! Both hate each other for years (but do they really) and feel in need of a friend.

Mercy because she is carrying the family’s undertaking business on her shoulders while keeping family members ‘s secrets.
And Hart because he has lost his mentor years ago and carried a deep guilt since. He is also working all the time and not living a lot.

When Hart will on impulse write a letter to “A Friend”, he has no idea the nimkilim (animals that used to play messengers for the gods but now are regular post…animals) will deliver his letter to someone and that he’ll get an answer! And he won’t know before a long time that his friend who he is falling in love with is his nemesis Mercy! And likewise for Mercy!

That’s the heart of the plot, combined with a dark force at play threatening many lives.

I loved the humor in the book, the family banter and bickering, the insults traded between Hart and Mercy while you could guess the attraction!
I had guessed the nefarious subplot so I wasn’t  surprised when the cat was out of the bag but that didn’t diminish my enjoyment in the least!

Mercy’s family and Pen ( Hart’s young apprentice) were the cherry ok top to keep that story rolling on a bouncy tempo.

It’s whimsical, romantic, fun and heartfelt.

Thank you for reading!

Sophie