I ... didn't like the majority of this book. I may be in a romance story fatigue, so it's not 100% the book's fault, but yeah. The tension between the MCs was good until like 30% then I started to find nothing to be hot anymore, more in the cute and comfy realm. I kept hoping the MCs will be doing some hot stuff, but it always fizzled because it's too nice and polite for me. The worldbuilding was great, but way too complicated than the story needed, imo. By 68% (I'm looking at my notes here) I didn't care whether the MCs will end up together or not. Instead of making me sympathize, their personalities both annoyed me. It was too painfully obvious their frontal lobes had not yet finished developing. The last 2 chapters were nice (92-100% of the book). The worst of all, I suppose, was how boring all the business and technical talks were! I wanted to dnf at like 60% but decided to push through and I suffered. I just found no excitement while reading this book. It's not bad, but it wasn't for me.

This was my first Freya Marske, and it definitely won’t be my last! Swordcrossed had this wonderfully cozy, almost low-stakes vibe that made it such a comforting read, while still delivering on all the emotional beats. Following Matty and Luka’s story was just so heartwarming, and I completely fell in love with them.

And can we talk about the Jay family? Because they are adorable. Easily one of the best family dynamics I’ve read in romance—supportive, funny, and full of love in a way that feels so natural. Also, I’m a total sucker for sword fighting and training scenes, and this book delivered. I really hope we get to revisit this world because I’m not ready to let it go yet!

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I had a great time reading Swordcrossed. I loved Freya Marske's previous books so I knew I would love this one. It had high steam and spice, a lot of sass, and felt exactly like a cozy fantasy that I enjoy. The historical elements within the book add an entertaining element. Always happy to read more queer fantasy books and historical fantasy is a favorite of mine.

The perfect book if you love swooning, pining heroes absolutely yearning for each other!
I walked into this moderately curious and left with absolute love for this! I found the plot engaging and the meet cute refreshing! It’s not often you hire someone to be the best man for your arranged marriage!
It was a little plot heavy at times when I wanted a little bit more romance but I think that’s more a a personal problem rather than the books problem. I thought Luca and Matti had a lot of chemistry together and their love story flowed well.
This was super cute and I would recommend!

Fun, swoony, and steamy I had a great time reading this and it has inspired me to read more of Marske work in the near future!

I really wanted to love this book. I was excited for a queer romance that had tension unrelated to their sexuality. However, I found the book dragged. There's a lot of talk about wool. By a lot I mean the entire book is about wool. The main conflict revolves around wool and guilds. It seemed like Freya Marske developed a strong interest in wool. I'm not sure if she wrote this book because she wanted to write about wool or if her fascination came from research for the book... but either way wool, trade, guilds, etc. overpower this book.
Besides the wool, the romance was good. I liked the tension and the buildup. However, I'm learning I don't love instant attraction. It's one thing to mention a character is handsome, and another thing to start commenting on how their hair shines and body moves in a first or second interaction. Obviously this happens in real life, I'm just finding it takes me out of the story whenever I read it.
Honestly, I wanted more sword crossing and sword fights. Instead all I got wool.
If you're looking for a queer romance set in a society without homophobia or transphobia, then I would recommend this book. I'm definitely interested in checking out other books by this author.
Thank you to Bramble and Freya Marske via NetGalley for a free eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Absolutely enthralling! I love the characters, story, setting, intrigue, and romance. There's just the right amount of delicious angst to really smart but it's balanced out by some very satisfying twists and grand gestures. My favorite parts are when Luca and Matti work together to try to unpick the conspiracy that has been woven tight around Matti and his family's business. There's spying and hijinks, sparring and flirting, plotting and kissing. I liked that while they're both capable and accomplished in their own areas, Matti and Luca aren't without flaws and weaknesses, which is something they have to reckon with as the plot moves forward. I enjoyed them so much, as well as the supporting characters. Overall, a fun and clever romance with plenty of action and heart!

This was the exact sort of decadent and delicious mess I enjoy. In this we follow Mattinesh Jay, head a of noble family that has fallen on hard times financially, who is set for an arranged business marriage that will change his family's fortunes. The only problem is that a family friend Adrean Vane who thinks he is in love with Matti's soon to be bride, is set to challenge their wedding with a duel leaving Matti with no other option but to hire a "best man" to fight the duel in his stead. Enter Luca Pierre, a seductive con artist and swordsman who enters Matti's employ through dubious circumstances. As sparks fly between Matti and his best man treachery abounds in the Jay family business dealings. This fantasy romance was so entertaining on all levels. It's fantasy in the sense that it takes places in a historical setting not in our world, but no magic and fantasy creatures populate the tale.

I love a good historical fantasy and I was perfectly satisfied with the hints of theology and culture sprinkled amongst the ridiculous plot. There's lies and deceit, lust and longing, and a good deal of silly hijinks. It's very over the top in some places but I loved that. It was just so earnest. I loved Matti the put upon older brother shouldering the family burden. I loved Luca, convoluted little freak that he was. I adored Sofia the fiancee and Maya the all knowing younger sister. It was just a great cast, and fun romance with so many layers of mess and scandal involved I had a blast. My only critique would be the fact that sometimes the in-depth descriptions of the wool trading business were so dry that it took me out of the story a bit. It was just a very unsexy business plotline in the middle of such a sexy book. Regardless, I had a blast, it was a relatively quick read and I definitely recommend it to to folks who enjoyed A Taste of Gold and Iron by Alexandra Rowland.

I’m someone who loves a good fantasy of manners story, and I haven’t read one in a while. So even though this is a recent release, for me there was so much about it that felt delightfully nostalgic. It’s a really entertaining story that blends together the doting bodyguard trope and enemies-to-lovers trope in such a fun way.

Even though this is a small-scale fantasy in some ways, the story really dives into the political dynamics of the city where the characters reside and also the industry Matti’s family works within. I was kind of surprised at how deeply we delve into economic theory and industry logistics in this story, but I think it makes sense in establishing the story’s stakes. Besides being a slow burn romance between Matti and Luca, there’s also an aspect of political mystery to the story.

I will say there were a few iffy things about various relationship dynamics that I wish were better addressed in the story. For example, I wish Matti were more upfront with his fiance about his attraction to Luca, especially because while their marriage isn’t a love match and it wouldn’t be a surprise if either of them were attracted to other people, I still think there should be a baseline of mutual respect.

And there’s also a huge class difference between Matti and Luca, which comes out sometimes in ways that feel uncomfortable. I don’t want to say too much, but it kind of seems like they enjoy power play in their relationship as a sort of kink, which is absolutely valid, but they don’t actually establish that or establish any boundaries. So it’s not always clear what’s kink play and what’s classism.

But even with that in mind, I still enjoyed this. I thought there was a great emotional arc for both characters paralleled against each other. They’re both struggling to break down their walls and share their true selves with the people around them. And through their relationship, they’re both learning how to be more authentic. The characters are endearing, the banter is funny, the tension-fueled swordplay is fun to read, there’s a great element of mystery, and ultimately I had a good time with it overall.

Five stars from me, obviously! Holds up on multiple rereads, and I'm happy to see other people love this book as much as I do.

Loved the characters, wanted more sword-fighting and FAR fewer descriptions of wool trading. This book was cozy and charming and low-stakes in a very enjoyable way. Would recommend for those looking for M/M romantasy, but not something I'll shout from the rooftops about. I kept feeling as though I was missing a crucial part of the world-building, which I wasn't. I think this would have greatly benefited from having actual magic or gods that made an appearance, instead of being grounded in an alternate non-magical world where things seemed like they were magical, and gods were constantly being referenced, except apparently just in a that's-their-religion way.

I would buy Freya Marske shopping list. I love everything about this book. The writing the plot the characters. I wanted more

Featuring strong world building, fully realized characters, and steamy sex, this queer romantasy was a fun read!

Matti Jay has lived a life of responsibility and duty to his family and their business, but when financial struggles lead him to an arranged marriage with a wealthy friend, his life flips completely upside down. Because of customs in his society, Matti must employ a 'best man' to act as duelist if anyone should anyone challenge him for the hand of his betrothed, and Luca, the only man he can afford, is as exasperating as he is attractive. As the heat between the two of them rises, secrets are uncovered about why his family business is in such dire straits, and Luca's secretive background might be connected. Political intrigue keeps the plot moving, but it's the romance between Matti and Luca that will keep the reader's attention.

Stunning cover, delicious amounts of YEARNING and PINING, while maintaining a stream of witty banter throughout.

Thank you so much for this ARC! I was so excited for it when I saw the book being announced. I enjoyed this romantic fantasy.

(2.25 rounded)

I think I just wanted a lot more than what I got unfortunately. First of all, way too long for this. And I wouldn’t even call this fantasy AT ALL. i would call this historical romance which is why I did not enjoy this as much as I thought. I’m not sure which elements were fantasy?? And I just don’t think I am a cozy fantasy girlie as much as I would like to admit it. A lot of people will like this novel and I will recommend this for them, but for me this is just not a hit.

Thank you, NetGalley, and the publisher for the ARC. This is my honest review.

Freya Marske will always be an instant read author for me, and Swordcrossed continues to support that adoration. Although this is considered a romantasy, I would consider this fantasy-light, as there isn't any magic.

However, the world-building is very very well done, as are the characters. I think the things I love most about Marske's books is how much effort they put into shaping a world that supports their characters, but not so much that the reader will get lost by the details. Then every character is so lovable. Yes we have the ones that make bad choices or find themselves in every terrible scenario possible, but you love them anyway.

All I want is more, more of Matti, more of Luca, and omg definitely more of Matti's sister, Maya, and the very clever, Sophia Cooper. Freya, how do you make me fall in love with ALL OF YOUR CHARACTERS?!

“Love was a sword with two edges.”

Oh Freya Markse, you write just the most out of men bearing their forearms. Shirt sleeves rolled up is so sexy please never stop.

Swordcrossed is a fun book, well balanced between plot and romance as Markse is wont to do. I always enjoy a good character dealing with issues of self-worth—it is relatable and always amazing to see their growth throughout the book. Matti and Luca both struggled with their self image and personal issues. Matti is always looking out for his family, never letting his own wants and needs to affect his life. He will do whatever he needs to for his family to be happy and succeed—what does his own happiness matter? Luca, ah my favorite quick witted and snarky charmer. Luca is on the run from a past he doesn’t want, and one he feels he irrevocably screwed up on his way out the door. Together, we get to see how these two change each other, learning about the sacrifices they have made to be where they are today—and how that isn’t necessarily healthy nor the right way to live.

The romance was brilliant. I love a good bit of pining and a little sexy time doesn’t hurt either. You know what you’re in for with one of Markse’s books! I enjoyed the longing glances and the eventual fall into love. There’s arranged marriage, there’s politics, house debates, there’s SWORDS. I am a sword girlie through and through and I loved the sword lessons and dashing duels sprinkled throughout this book.

Now, while I can’t say I was the most interested in Matti’s family problems. There was a lot of talk of wool trade and the buying and selling of product that I kind of zoned out on in parts. That’s not to say it wasn’t well researched, it just wasn’t quite as fantastical of a trade route as some other things may be. Not quite my taste. I loved the boys, though. I loved Matti’s whole precious family and Sophia. Markse always has wonderful characters. It was a really delightful read and I am always eager to see whatever we can from her!

Thank you to NetGalley for the early copy!

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

I'm a fan of Freya Marske's other books, but this one just wasn't for me. I got bogged down with all of the talk of the fabric industry. The slooooow burn was great, and I wish more attention was paid to the relationship in the first half of the book.

Thank you to Tor Publishing Group and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.