I have not been in the mood for cozy anything lately so when I picked this up, I expected some action (hence, the title), fantasy escapism through rich world building and an interesting plot, as well as a steamy romance. Unfortunately, I didn’t get much of anything. Swordcrossed fell super flat for me and should have been properly advertised as a more cozy story. Little happens in the plot and the MCs felt very insta-loveish. The whole story just felt overall pointless. There was no real conflict, a complete lack of political intrigue, and little to no fantasy elements. I think this book just wasn’t written for me and that’s totally fine. There’s definitely an audience out there for this, it’s just not me.

Thank you to Bramble, NetGalley, and the author for sending me an early copy!

I loved Freya's Last Binding series and was very excited for this one! However, the pacing and excessive wool discussions kinda killed the vibe for me.

I lost the review I started for this one so it's going to be a shorter one.

Swordcrossed is a fantasy book that isn't really fantasy. It not our world but there doesn't seem to be magic. It's also heavy on the political intrigue, which is maybe in place of a magic system. There's a complex world built here with gods and goddesses linked to different trades. We see/hear about some of the rituals done to appease the gods but we don't get more information than that.
Matti is set to be the head of his house and he's spent his adult life keeping it under wraps that they aren't doing well financially. He's set to have an arranged marriage to a woman from another house which will solve their money issues. Matti isn't in love with Sophia, nor she with him, but he's sure he could eventually love her. He's never actually given himself the time or space to explore an actual relationship, he needs to make sure his house's name isn't tarnished. On the eve of his engagement announcement he has a run in (literally!) with Luca, a man running a very expensive (now broken) watch for his trades master. Matti begrudgingly gives Luca a good chunk of the money that's supposed to pay for a swordsman to be his best man at his wedding to cover the broken piece because not repaying it would be highly suspicious. The next day when Matti goes to higher a swordsman who does he run into? Luca of course! Does Luca actually work for a watch maker? Of course he doesn't, he's a sword for hire with little money and had the bad luck of choosing Matti as his mark. Matti

I really liked the setting, the world, and the characters, but unfortunately there was just too much politics that it was really hard to get into for me. It felt like there was more politics than romance, and I really wanted that fun fantasy romance. I think if you go into this with the right expectations, though, it could be a really fun one!

I think i am determining that I am not a big cozy fantasy fan. This was good, I enjoyed it but I felt it was missing something and it is probably the action and low stakes of it all.

Thank you very much to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book early.

I am a huge fan of Freya Marske’s previous trilogy, however this romance fell a little flat to me. Marketed as a low-stakes romance, I was happy to escape into it. While the relationship between Matti and Luca was enjoyable, the stakes felt to me a little too low and mundane. Multiple sections explaining the wool trade in this world actually took me out of the story rather than immersed me.

This romance was sweet and well-executed in ways that low-stakes romances sometimes don’t achieve. While reading it I learned I prefer romances with a bit more to the story, this is perfect for fans of romance novels that center the love story.

Sweet characters, not much plot to sink my teeth into. I do not have much more to elaborate on than that! It will be. A cozy read to some and a bit of a miss for others! I’m missing the depth in the other books I’ve read and loved by Marske.

firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc!

unfortunately, dnf @49% — this was my first book by freya marske, and while i’ve heard amazing things about previous works, swordcrossed just did not hold my attention. i did not feel connected to the characters, and was not particularly interested in the plot.

while this wasn’t a hit for me, i’m still going to check out marske’s other books

Freya Marske does it again in Swordcrossed—a brilliantly crafted Historical Romantasy that blends low-stakes charm with high-heat chemistry and, of course, a dash of thrilling (and sexy!) swordplay.

This book follows the unlikely partnership between Mattinesh Jay, a hardworking heir desperate to save his family’s business, and Luca Piere, a roguishly charming swordsman with a checkered past. Marske’s writing is absolutely stunning, breathing life into every scene with her vivid descriptions and knack for balancing romance and tension.

The mystery woven through the plot kept me turning pages as Matti and Luca work together against looming sabotage and secrets threatening to ruin Matti’s family. The twisty plot has just enough intrigue to keep the stakes high without overshadowing the romance that builds so naturally between the two main characters. Marske skillfully brings these two opposites together—Matti’s responsible, honorable nature is the perfect balance to Luca’s playful, slightly dangerous charm, making their interactions sparky, tension-filled, and incredibly swoon-worthy!!

And as always, Marske’s ability to immerse readers in a historical, romantically charged world is unmatched. The setting feels authentic and atmospheric, grounding this love story in a world that feels both familiar and fantastical. Swordcrossed is full of Marske’s signature wit, well-timed humor, and masterful pacing, making it a delightful escape into a world where duty and desire are constantly at odds!

Highly recommend!

Freya Marske’s Swordcrossed is an enchanting blend of charm, humor, and emotional depth with a low-stakes narrative that is sure to give you cozy romantic vibes. Set in a vibrant world of merchant houses filled with intrigue, the story follows Mattinesh Jay, a dutiful heir navigating the complexities of an arranged marriage, and Luca Piere, the charismatic swordsman and part-time con artist he hires as his best man. Their journey unfolds in delightful ways, exploring love, self-discovery, and the unexpected bonds that form in the most unlikely circumstances.

Marske’s immediately immerses readers in a setting where duty and desire collide. The historical elements add depth to the narrative, and the writing is engaging, filled with witty banter and moments that made me smile. The chemistry between Matti and Luca is unmistakable, with their relationship evolving in a slow burn that is both sweet and satisfying. Matti’s kind-hearted yet anxious nature complements Luca’s carefree spirit, creating an entertaining and heartwarming dynamic.

I particularly appreciated the sensitivity and depth with which this story represented neurodiversity and mental health. Both characters feel fully realized, with their struggles resonating deeply and shedding light on the importance of support and understanding in relationships. The supporting cast, including Matti’s sister Maya and his betrothed Sophia, enhances the narrative, providing levity and complexity without overshadowing the central romance.

While the pacing may feel slower, it allows the characters' relationships to breathe and evolve naturally. The engaging dialogue and emotional stakes kept me turning the pages, lost in Marske's masterfully created world.

In conclusion, Swordcrossed is a delightful romantasy that beautifully intertwines humor, heart, and depth. It’s a story I didn’t want to end, and I wished for more adventures with these characters. For anyone seeking a cozy yet captivating read filled with romance and witty banter, I highly recommend this book. Freya Marske has proven herself a master storyteller!

This was a delightful reas filled with adventure and whimsy! Luca, with his sneaky charm, brings Mattinesh out of his shell in the most endearing way. Their witty banter and chemistry kept me grinning from start to finish. I was kicking my feet a few times!

The enchanting blend of romance and humor makes it a perfect pick for anyone in need of a lighthearted escape.

And that ending line? My heart! ❤️

I really enjoyed the characters and their relationships, especially the main relationship. Though, I have to say I wished that the worldbuilding was a little more comprehensive because I was a little hung up on the guilds and the gods and the goddesses--I thought that this was super interesting I was just a bit unsure on how it all went together. Overall, though, I really enjoyed this! Another great read from Marske.

These two characters were disasters in the dearest way, and their relationship kept me pulled into the story. Luca was always going to put his foot in it, but I knew he'd charm his way out of it in the end, and helped everyone to their happy ending.

I could have used a little more of explanation on how the guilds worked, especially their patron gods and goddesses, as there wasn't a ton of explanation.

Thank you to Bramble for my review copy. My opinions are my own.

I've never learned so much about an industry in a fictional book as I did in this one, but oh my goodness, I would love to know more about the wool industry even though I am highly allergic to wool. This was fascinating and low stakes but with plenty of feeling as Matti and Luca stumble around figuring out things but with swords.

I loved the dual perspective and all the secrets that were there. The development of the relationship against the backdrop of the mystery of why House Jay was failing.

I'm intrigued to find out if this is a standalone or if there are more stories coming.

If you enjoyed Freya's gaslamp fantasies, then might I make a suggestion that you try this one (even though there is no magic).

When I signed up for the review copy of this book I was under the impression that it was YA but it's not and boy am I thankful. Because Freya Marske can write a spice scene.
I don't know if it's actually placed in a Romantasy genre and I maybe a little confused about the genres but I think it's more of a historical fiction or at least reads like one.

The characters are more or less in similar situations but both of them have opposite ways of dealing with the burden they carry. Although it's not mentioned I think Luca quite possibly had ADHD which was the reason the way he was and I could relate to him so well. Being call lazy all the time, restlessness, it all made sense.

The romance is so well done but this one has an amazing plot as well.

My only complaint is that some of the chapters felt unnecessarily descriptive and long and I had to push through them but it's still worth it.

Thank you to Tor Books, Bramble, and NetGalley for the chance to review this book, all opinions are my own.

Well, this review is like 2 weeks overdue but after struggling to get through the first third of the book, thinking I would have to DNF, I actually ended up really enjoying this one!

When you aren’t clicking with a book right away (but you’re also a mood reader whose brain just refuses to cooperate sometimes), it’s hard to know if the book just isn’t right for you or if it just isn’t right for you right now. Normally I would set this kind of book aside for a couple months and come back to it and see if I felt differently about it. But because this was a review book I continued to push through, even when I just wasn’t into the book. But luckily somewhere around the 50% mark the book started to really catch my interest and I came to care about the characters and the outcome of the story.

I would say this book falls under the category of cozy fantasy (though there isn’t actually any magic in the book), in that the characters are not plotting to bring down an ancient evil or overthrow a tyrannical regime but instead save a family from going bankrupt (and prevent it’s oldest son from being miserable for the rest of his life).

I think this might be why I struggled to get into the book at first. I loved Freya Marske’s Last Binding series and I think I was expecting world building and plotting like that one. While the writing was good in this book (Marske’s prose can be absolutely beautiful), the plot did not immediately capture my interest. I didn’t really care about dueling or textile manufacturing and while the world building was solid, it wasn’t very unique or intriguing. I also didn’t really love any of the characters right off the bat either. And this is so important with cozy fantasy because usually the characters are what makes the book so fun and enjoyable.

But as I continued to read, the characters did start to grow on me. I cared about Matti and his family troubles, and Luca’s mysterious background began to make him interesting. And of course once the big mystery of the book was revealed (and it wasn’t just going to be sword fighting and agonizing over losing the family business) I did start to get very invested. I actually flew through the last third of the book in one day because I was dying to know what would happen and how all of the drama and revelations would resolve themselves.

The ending definitely had a cozy fantasy convenience to it, everything works out perfectly for all involved - except for the villains who are punished - but it still made me happy and I felt very satisfied when I finished the book. I actually found myself missing the characters a day after and wanted to spend more time with them again.

That kind of feeling at the end of the book would usually lead me to rate it 5 stars but because I struggled so much at the beginning I’m giving it 4.5 stars.

I think a lot of people will enjoy this for the easy cozy romantasy that it is.

Wasn't hitting me. I love Freya Marske and I have nothing bad to say about this book. Just wasn't grabbing me at the moment, I may very well come back to it and love it.

5 stars and my thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the eARC!

I really, truly loved this book. Matti and Luca 4 eva.

Matti is set to be married, but knows he will be sword-challenged during the ceremony for the hand of his bride. Knowing next to nothing about swordwork, he hires Luca Piere to be his best man and swordsman. Through a variety of hijinks, Matti gets Luca to show him how to fight and ~*sparks fly*~.

Imagine for a moment, you're getting married for business reasons and some hot dude walks by and now you're caught up in intrigue and swordfighting and oops your sister is making out with your bride-to-be?

I sincerely love Marske's books and I can't wait to read more from her.

3.25. Fun queer fantasy romance. Don’t go into this expecting much swordfighting, but if you don’t mind a lot of mild worldbuilding mainly involving wool and silk trading interspersed with Bridgertonesque parties and breathless sex scenes, you’ll have a good enough time.

Freya Marske has quickly become an author whose work I will always take interest in! This book is set in a fantasy land, though one (seemingly) without magic; just a different set of countries and customs and foods than our world has. Matti and Luca have a delicious relationship, built on a deception that snowballs out of control as they catch feelings for each other. And the society has queer normativity, polytheism, and at least some instances of matriarchy—more of all this in fiction, please! (And in real life; that'd be nice.) The story involves a lot of intrigue around trade and guild politics, which in my opinion is an improvement over being heavy on combat or war or other bloodshed. Recommended for those who prefer their queer fantasy on the cozy side.