Every once in a while, I come across a book that simultaneously delights me and is a challenge to describe. This is one of those books. But from the moment I first heard Megan Bannen speak at a romance conference, I knew we were so similar, there was no way I wouldn’t love her books.
The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy [Buy Bookshop Amazon LibroFM] is a mashup of romantasy, western, and quirky humor, which sounds wild, and it is. But like, a good wild. Mercy is an undertaker who is running her family business, even though it’s Birdsall & Son. Her dad isn’t able to do things he used to and he’s still holding out hope her brother will take over, but Mercy knows that’s not going to happen and will do anything to keep it going. In Tanria, people have to pre-buy their funeral package due to some zombie-like issues, and Hart delivers the bodies to her.
Hart is a demigod and marshall in the area… and he doesn’t like Mercy… at all. There is much snark between the two of them, which adds to all that is to come.
In his lonliness, Hart sends a letter addressed to “A Friend” and is surprised to get a response. He becomes pen pals with this friend, not knowing it’s actually Mercy he’s baring his soul to. Hijinks ensue.
This is such a fun and creative ride. There are talking creatures, old and new gods, these zombie-esque things, but also strong western/midwest vibes and so much humor. Megan is a hilarious writer who infuses this story with so much heart. It’s about as cozy of an enemies-to-lovers story as you can get, and I’m not mad about it at all. I really can’t stress how much of a delight this book is!
Literary Hypewoman 
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