Think twice if…
- Content warnings: Death, Grief, Violence, Sexism, Pregnancy / childbirth, Parental death, Animal death, Gore, Gun violence, Suicidal ideation
The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy
by Megan Bannen
Book 1 in Hart and Mercy
Two stubborn rivals who loathe each other by day are unknowingly pouring their hearts out in anonymous letters by night. The worldbuilding is wonderfully weird, the banter has teeth, and the slow-burn payoff hits hard.
goodreads 4.04/5 49,151 ratings
storykind_community 3.75/5 4 ratings
Quick fit
Is this story right for you?
A decision-first view of the reading experience.
Length449 pages
Series statusOngoing series
Spice3/5 · Sweet / tender
PacingMedium
Story profile
What the story promises
The strongest reviewed signals about romance, fantasy, and the reading experience.
Romance promise
- Enemies to lovers
- Male/female pairing (M/F)
- Slow burn
- Medium
- Sweet / tender
- Comfort reread material
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- Grumpy protector
- Grumpy sunshine
- Slow seduction
- Feel-good
- Secretly soft
- Banter
- Tension / anticipation focus
- Found family feels
- Warrior/fighter
- Mutual pining
- Gentle / romantic
- The swoon
- He falls first
- Longing glances
- Found family
- Touch starvation
- Playful banter
- Forehead touching
- Jaw holding / face cupping
Fantasy promise
- Cozy fantasy
- Small town / village
- High fantasy
- Gods/deities
- Forced proximity
- Ghosts
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- Meet cute
- Hurt/comfort
- Hidden identity
- Secret relationship
Reading experience
- Dual POV
- Cozy
- Witty
- Moderate
- Snarky/sarcastic
- Whimsical
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- Caretaker
- Romantic
- Warm
- Protector
- Heartwarming
- Banter-heavy
- Humorous
- Conversational
- Quirky
- Atmospheric
- Comfort read vibes
- Battle of wills
- Emotional devastation
- Addictive pacing
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Matched by the most important shared story signals, with the tradeoffs made explicit.
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Similar because
Cozy fantasy · Found family · Cozy
Different because
It is standalone rather than completed. Spice is lower (2/5 vs 3/5).
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Similar because
Hidden identity · Found family · Mutual pining
Different because
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Similar because
Caretaker · Secret relationship · Jaw holding / face cupping
Different because
It is standalone rather than completed. Spice is higher (4/5 vs 3/5).
Book details
- Length
- 449 pages
- Language
- English
- Format
- Book