The Undermining of Twyla and Frank

Is there such a thing as a “fantasy women's fiction” genre? If not, I think Megan Bannen, in her second installment of the Hart and Mercy series, just invented it. I liked the book's best friends-to-lovers romance, but I absolutely worshipped everything about 53 year old FMC Twyla. She may have difficulty in getting up off the ground (can relate) or telling her son NO when he drops the grandkids at her house without any notice. But she's still a badass marshal who can kill a zombie drudge or face down an unfamiliar, fierce beast. Twyla wrestles with her sudden romantic feelings for her partner Frank, while also trying to establish a meaningful, fulfilling identity aside from wife and mother. Her hard-fought realization that she deserves more is arguably more satisfying than the romance (although Twyla and Frank's unconventional happy ending is a hoot). Plus, while there is a love triangle (ugh), it allows Twyla to have a makeover courtesy of her bemused daughter, and go on a date for the first time since her husband's death. Twyla and Frank features less life-threatening action than [b:The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy 58510253 The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy (The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy, #1) Megan Bannen https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1639888350l/58510253.SY75.jpg 91899176] (whose MCs appear long enough to have a wedding), but the story feels more intimate, and there are more opportunities for humor. Bannen continues to explore and expand her unique fantasy world, where people bake peach pies and wash dishes, use equimares and autoducks as their modes of transportation, and accept the daily mail from talking animals. Initially, I was slightly disappointed by the not-quite-extinct fierce beasts (dragons), but eventually I decided that their appearance and behavior were a good match for the story's tone. Bannen will publish at least one more book in the series in 2025, [b:The Undercutting of Rosie and Adam 215547926 The Undercutting of Rosie and Adam Megan Bannen https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1720114733l/215547926.SY75.jpg 221975343]. Judging from the few glimpses we get of Rosie, it should be an exciting ride.