Based on your book
by Megan Bannen
The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy" drops you into a world where gods are real, magic is part of daily life, and the most irritating person you know might just be your soulmate. Mercy Birdsall runs the town's undertaking business, dealing with demigod remains and a family legacy that feels like a burden. Hart is a lonely marshal patrolling the wild edges of this quirky world. They can't stand each other in person, but a chance anonymous letter-writing exchange sparks a deeply personal connection. This book is a delightful slow burn, full of witty banter, genuine emotional depth, and a wonderfully unique setting that blends the mundane with the magical. It feels like a warm hug with a sharp, funny edge. If you love stories about unlikely connections, the charm of small-town life, and a romance that builds beautifully through hidden identities and shared vulnerabilities, you'll adore spending time with Hart and Mercy.
If you found yourself charmed by the quirky world and the delightful slow-burn romance of "The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy," we've got more stories that hit similar sweet spots. We picked these books because they share that wonderful blend of unique magic systems woven into everyday life, often featuring protagonists dealing with demanding professional duties in a fantasy setting. You'll find plenty of that satisfying enemies-to-lovers dynamic, alongside heartwarming found families and a distinctive, often humorous, tone that makes you want to linger. These are for readers who appreciate character-driven fantasy with genuine emotional depth and a touch of the extraordinary in the ordinary.
We earn from qualifying purchases through our affiliate partners, including Amazon and Bookshop.org.
by Freya Marske
Like Hart and Mercy, this features a rich, unique magic system and a prickly, high-stakes romance between two people who initially clash. It balances a sense of wonder with a grounded, slightly bureaucratic magical setting and deep emotional intimacy.
by TJ Klune
This book captures the same whimsical, heartwarming atmosphere and quirky world-building found in Megan Bannen's work. It focuses on a lonely protagonist finding a sense of belonging in a magical, unconventional environment.
This Regency-era fantasy mirrors the 'grumpy/sunshine' dynamic and the blend of humor with more serious, poignant themes of loss and identity. It features a unique magical affliction that shapes the protagonist's social interactions much like Mercy’s family legacy.
Fans of the cozy yet slightly melancholic tone of Hart and Mercy will appreciate this story about a lonely witch finding a family. It shares the theme of professional duties clashing with a desire for personal connection.
Love to read on the go?
Explore Kindle e-readers and take your books with you.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
This 'low stakes' fantasy shares the focus on everyday life and professional labor within a high-fantasy setting. It captures the same warmth and the importance of building something meaningful in a world often focused on violence.
This novel features a highly competent, somewhat socially awkward protagonist and a charmingly arrogant rival, echoing the dynamic between Hart and Mercy. The scholarly approach to a dangerous magical world provides a similar 'working class' fantasy feel.
Blending steampunk, urban fantasy, and romance, this book offers a witty and fast-paced narrative with a strong-willed female lead. It matches the banter and the 'secret letters' style of tension found in Bannen's writing.
While sci-fi rather than fantasy, this book excels at the 'found family' and 'workplace' dynamics that make Hart and Mercy so endearing. It focuses on the interpersonal relationships of a crew just trying to get their jobs done in a vast universe.
This story captures the magical realism and family-centric drama of Mercy’s life. It deals with family legacies, small-town secrets, and the way magic is woven into the mundane tasks of daily life and romance.
This is perhaps the closest match in terms of 'adults with jobs' fantasy romance. It features a berserker paladin and a perfumer who are both dealing with past trauma, blending humor, high-stakes mystery, and a very tender, slow-burn romance.
Not sure what they've already read?
Let them pick their next favorite with an Amazon Gift Card.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
We earn from qualifying purchases through our affiliate partners, including Amazon and Bookshop.org.