I've read many of Marske's books before this and so was super excited for Swordcrossed. How could I turn back from that cover? We also love a good teacher moment and sword lessons? Yes please. With an arranged marriage on the horizon, Matti has to figure out not only how to save his family's wealth, but also how to sword fight. And thus the panic begins. I really enjoyed the romance vibes - we love the swoons and the tension - but I felt like at some parts of the story is really dominates the story. For the whole middle part I feel like we really sunk into their relationship, to the point where the overall plot took me by surprise again.

The perfect blend of enemies to lovers in a magical setting with steamy scenes and cozy moments with all the feels.

No one is more disappointed than me by the fact that I didn’t love this. I’m a huge Freya Marske fan (I’ve read her “The Last Binding” series about ten times now), so I definitely went into this with high expectations. Some things did work for me: the sexual tension was crazy, the exploration of mental health was well done, and the final scene (and Maya twist) was fantastic. Although this book ended up not really being my cup of tea, I did leave the story with a smile on my face, so that’s something. However, I thought everything else fell flat. Luca, in my opinion, was unlikeable, and the romance between him and Matti seemed fully based on sexual attraction. Those scenes were great and full of chemistry, but as soon as they started stating how much they cared about each other, I wasn’t feeling it. They didn’t have enough build up, and I honestly think they didn’t make sense as a couple. I also am not a fan of how much of this book was just mini rants on the wool industry. I wasn’t interested in that topic before, and this book somehow made me less interested. If that’s a niche you’re into then this book is definitely for you, but I wasn’t enjoying it. All in all this was a well written story with pretty good characters, so I do think it’s me, not the book.

I've never read anything by Freya Marske before, and while I'm not the biggest romantasy person, I really GET what makes her work so special to people now. Not perfect (the pacing sometimes felt like it was jerking between being too brisk and kind of meandering), but the prose and the setting make up for that. I'm definitely reading more of her work, and soon.

Freya Marske brings tension to town in her newest, Swordcrossed! Mattinesh Jay is in trouble. In dire need of a swordsman best man for his upcoming marriage that will save his merchant family, Matti is bombarded by Luca Piere. As Luca attempts to keep a low profile, flaming red hair and all, he can't help but be drawn into Matti’s orbit and offer up bits of his true self.

Marske’s story is one of character, family and what it means to follow your heart in a world where duty trumps all. You will root for these two after every turn of the page— I loved every moment with Matti and Luca!

This had a fun premise and I think there is a lot to like here, but ultimately, I didn't find Matti and Luca to have much chemistry. Marske created a very compelling and interesting storyline with a lot of intrigue into the rules of the society. I have no idea if best men were hired to duel in history, or if it was made up for the story. Ha ha.

Separately, I really liked both Matti and Luca. They showed a lot of character and liveliness and each had their own journeys that I found interesting to follow along with.

I like how the author wrapped things up.

I went into this book largely blind, without having read any description or blurbs; I saw the author name and hit that request button hard.

This story is set in a fantasy universe, not at all connected to the author's earlier series (beginning with A Marvellous Light). There's also no magic, which was unanticipated. Once I got oriented, I found it a pretty good read. There could have been a little more attention paid to world-building; for instance, there is an entire pantheon, but names of deities are often dropped in as oaths without having been previously introduced. There wasn't enough explanation for the breadth of the world that's shown, or there was too much world crammed in to too short of a story-- either way.

I think I marked this on a summer reading bingo sheet in a "queer joy" box, because this is a universe that's like solar-punk but for queer identities instead of solar power. The main character is contracted to an arranged marriage that's hetero-presenting, but the match was made because of financial reasons; many other families and clans are shown as being lead by same-sex couples, and the gender presentation of the main character's love interest isn't one of the (several) barriers to their being together. The love interest's elder sibling is trans-fem and married to a woman, and the main character's sister and ex-fiance both end up in same-sex relationships. It was a wonderful change of pace, kind of like the cozy queer-positive universe in Can't Spell Treason Without Tea.

eARC from NetGalley.

I picked this book up originally because the cover is GORGEOUS. And the description sounded fun and it seemed like an easy read. I was right on all counts. This is my first Freya Marske book, but it certainly won't be my last. Our story follows Matti Jay, head of a prominent textile household on the verge of destitution, as he solicits the help of swordman and con-artist Luca Piere to ensure that his wedding to a local wealthy wine-owner's daughter goes smoothly. In the deal they make, Luca also agrees to give Matti lessons in the sword. The lessons quickly goes from instructional to steamy, and not only that, but it seems there may be a conspiracy afoot to bring Matti's entire family down, and our protagonists must keep their hands to themselves long enough to get their hands on the evidence, as they unravel the fabric of this mystery. This was a couldn't-put-down read. I finished it within 24 hours. If you want more queer romantasy in your life, definitely pick this up.

I excitedly requested Swordcrossed when I saw it was in the “Sci Fi and Fantasy” category. It was a bonus that it has LGBTQ+ romance.

Unfortunately, I had to stop reading the book at the 23% mark. There were no science fiction or fantasy elements present in this book, which was disappointing. I think the book would be more appropriately categorized solely as an LGBTQ+ Romance.

It is misleading to have a book inaccurately placed in a genre category. This will lead to disappointment among readers who are seeking out that specific genre.

Aside from the lack of fantasy, I had a difficult time reading the book. I felt the way information was presented was confusing. There were so many names and places introduced, it felt like filler.

I think this book would be perfect for a reader looking for an LGBTQ+ Romance!

Freya Marske's Last Binding series is one of my favorite romantasy series of the past decade. A Marvellous Light drew me in right away, partially because it had a familiar historical (Edwardian England) setting. Swordcrossed is a different beast: it's set in a completely new fantasy world, where merchant guilds form the basis of governance. Each guild has several family Houses, which then focus on a specific product Matti Jay is the heir to a fabric-producing House with a focus on wool (and on ethical business practices). House Jay is, unfortunately, practically bankrupt, so Matti has betrothed himself to the daughter of a rich allied House. She's been publicly courted by House Jay's steward's son, so Mati's certain that there will be a challenge at the wedding, leading to a duel. He hires a (hot) swordsman/conman, Luca, to act as his best man (to fight on his behalf during the duel). But Matti is way more interested in his best man than he has ever been in his fiancee...

It took me a little bit of time to get the hang of this fantasy world, but by about chapter 10 I was really invested in the politics of Jay House. Since in this universe same-sex marriages are totally accepted, the forbidden aspect of the relationship is carried by Matti's betrothal to someone else, not because he's interested in a man. While I liked this aspect of the plot, I was uncertain why exactly Matti had chosen to marry to shore up his fortune.

Some other stuff I liked: the focus on mental health and neurodiversity (Matti definitely has anxiety, while Luca likely has ADHD and possibly dyscalculia. I especially loved Luca's grovel (more men in romance need to know how to say "I'm sorry"). And the final act was a pure delight!

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

This was an interesting book!
The storyline and the characters gripped me from the beginning and I kept turning the pages to see what was going to happen next!
Matti and Luca get tangled into this story and are similar but they don't necessarily see their similarities and how they carry the weight of the world on their shoulders.
This is a romantasy book, with a focus on Matti and Luca and their building romance, some parts of the book had me wishing for more of the story, but overall I really enjoyed this book!
I definitely will want it on my shelf!

I greatly enjoyed this book. I've always been a fan of Freya Marske and have read every book thus far. I was quite excited for this new book, and I wasn't disappointed. I so enjoyed following Matti and Luca finding themselves and their right place in the world.
The only thing that was slightly frustrating was the world building. There were things mentioned or cultural items that weren't explained fully or well enough.

I did end up DNFing this book at about 60%. The writing was wonderful, and the chemistry was off the charts!!
I just have an issue with regency era type vibes, and that's a personal problem. I also just couldn't find myself to really care enough about the fabric industry drama to be fully invested enough in the mystery :/

A banger!! There was a tad more plot than I particularly cared to get into, but the romance was so delightful and I ate up the drama of the climax. The world is also really fun, and I’d love to read more set in it.

At first it felt like an unreasonably large amount of fantasy world-building. “I can tell you put a lot of thought into this setting, but when are these dudes going to bone?”

That impatience is how I know I’ve been spoiled by Ben Alderson and Max Walker.

“Swordcrossed” was such a slow burn that I found myself finding plenty of excuses to do something other than read. But when the relationship between Matti and Luca heats up? Totally satisfying. All of those little world-building details came together and justified the effort.

I rocketed from “It’s taking me forever to get through this” to “I can’t go to bed until I find out what happens next.”

I almost feel like I should apologize to the book for doubting it.

Swordcrossed is the queer enemies to lovers fantasy novel I never knew I need. It was nearly impossible to put this book down once I started reading it!

I mostly had a lot of fun with this, and the parts that weren’t fun were me desperately trying to keep track of how exactly commerce worked in this world. I really enjoyed how the fantasy aspect was less magic and more in the world building itself. And this might be minor but I loved the names of all the characters I thought marske did a really great job with that. I had fun!

This was a sweet cozy little fantasy. Swordcrossed has political intrigue, slow burn romance, and a full cast of side characters to root for and appreciate. Lovely.

Content Warnings: Panic/Anxiety Attacks

For the sex averse, there are a few graphic sex scenes that are telegraphed and skippable.

This book was a fun read with an engaging plot. I loved both of the main characters, Matti and Luca, as individuals as well as when they became partners. Matti is responsible, even tempered one who is willing to sacrifice personally to support those he loves; Luca is a wilder, more charismatic trickster who struggles to focus on anything he doesn’t find interesting and is suggested to be neurodivergent (dyscalculia, ADHD). Both felt whole with flaws and strengths, and their encounters and investigations into the mystery of the book well done. The side characters, members of the Matti’s family, Matti’s fiancé, and others, are all fleshed out similarly and populate a diverse, engaging world.

The book’s low fantasy setting is fleshed out enough to be engaging, particularly in how the different families and guilds navigate power, relationships, gods, and traditions, and the elements are introduced organically, without a ton of exposition necessary. The world is also queernormative, which is an easy plus.

I think anyone looking for a fun fantasy with historical vibes and a story that balances intrigue and romance would enjoy this book. If there is a sequel, I will definitely read it.

I enjoyed this one more than The Last Binding trilogy! It felt like a faster read with fun historical elements to it. I'd never read about best mans sword fighting at weddings before. There's lots of LGBTQ+ rep, a main mlm pairing and side sapphic pairing! At times this was also really funny