I stopped at 23%. This was definitely a me thing. As a reader, I need stakes (and an engaging plot) to keep me focused and caring about a story, and it kind of didn't feel like there were any. Which is basically the point of cozy. So again, it's me, not the book. The prose is very readable and well done overall, though erring on the side of over-narrated.

This will definitely work better for character-driven readers. I think this will be a solid 3 to 4 stars for the target audience, 5 for the right readers.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor for the ARC.

I absolutely loved this sweet and spicy romance. Luca and Matti (like all of Freya's characters) are rich and fleshed out people and their chemistry is infectious. The world she has built, one that feels foreign and fantastical yet familiar and grounded, was magnetic. This was a rare book that had me longing to read at every moment I was away from it.

Despite being a little repetitive and insta-lusty, Swordcrossed was still a very charming romance and exactly what I'm looking for when I pick up anything Freya Marske. Mattie and Luca were loveable, and I enjoyed how their relationship progressed throughout this book. The ending was a smidge predictable, but I still found myself grinning. If you're looking for a quick, low-stakes romance, I recommend!

Very cute story! I was totally pulled in and loved both Matti and Luca. The ending was incredibly sweet.

As a huge fan of The Last Binding series, I was so excited to see Freya's new book. Swordcrossed is definitely a lighter, lower stakes story with a less complex plot but it was a fun read.

Thank you Bramble and NetGalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own.

I cannot overstate how much of an utter delight this book was. Marske has crafted a rich and vivid world that’s easy to wrap yourself in, and characters that instantly wove themselves into my heart. The book promised low stakes and high heat, and that’s absolutely what it delivers.

Matti and Luca are one of my new favorite couples, the contrast between them as people leading to delightful, playful banter. Watching the progress of their relationship from antagonistic to trusting and ultimately loving was beautiful. And the way in which the book explored duty, responsibility, and bravery was gorgeous. I loved the twist at the end and the unraveling of the tensions between the rival Houses, and the whole thing led to a very satisfying conclusion.

This book read like fanfiction, which I mean as the highest compliment. I can imagine rereading this again and again as a comfort book. It has everything I could want and I’m so glad I got to read it early.

did i like this? sure, but idk it felt kind of...cobbled together. the plot is mostly just whatever--its not a super complex plot and yet it somehow came across as convoluted--and the romance itself was enjoyable but forgettable. altogether this was a bit bland, a bit flimsy, nice in the moment but a story where ultimately nothing much stood out to me. (tbh the cover has more intrigue and tension than the actual book...)

(thank you to Bramble for the eARC!)

Swordscrossed by Freya Marske

This was my first Freya Marske book and it did not disappoint! I knew when I saw this book was available for request I had to try to get an ARC. It sounded so good and the description was amazing. Fast forward to it dropping into my shelf and me devouring it.

This book was so good. Luca and Mattis meet cute was so funny and I loved their characters so much. Matti was tall and stoic and honor bound to serve his family and Luca is a wild child who’s up to no good with a loud mouth. Their banter and tension was HOT AND STEAMY. The half moon ball scene!?!!!! Just incredible. They were the perfect definition of opposites attract. It was overall such a fun read and I loved the story and plot on how matti and Luca worked together to save Mattis business. I will for sure be reading more Freya Marske in the future! Thank you Tor publishing and NetGalley for this awesome arc!

I loved this book! Great worldbuilding, well rounded characters, and an engaging and realistic love story. Also, swords! I hope Freya revisits this world again!

I will officially follow Freya Marske anywhere she decides to go. I loved pretty much everything about Swordcrossed, from the characters, to the setting, to the writing. Matti and Luca are wonderful and flawed. Marske made me care about their relationship very quickly.

The setting was very interesting and felt fully realized, but never getting so out of hand that I wasn't able to follow along with everything happening. I also really enjoyed the side characters, especially Maya (Matti's sister) and Sofia (Matti's fiancee).

Overall, I would highly recommend this book.

I really liked this book, and I think the world-building and character creation worked great together. I found them to be dynamic and very entertaining to read

After absolutely adoring Freya Markse’s The Last Binding Trilogy, I was eager to see how she’d take on a whole new world and set of characters, and I dove in straight away! Needless to say, her writing is just as immersive and charming as ever in this light romantasy about a dutiful son of a struggling Guild family and the secretive dualist he reluctantly hires to protect his upcoming marriage.

I absolutely adored the lower-stakes atmosphere of Swordcrossed and how focused the story was on both the romance and the family aspects. In many ways, this felt like a historical romance with a hint of fantasy elements in the gods and the second world setting— fit with all the tropes and trappings of my favorite historicals.

Both characters felt equally as fleshed out and Marske’s ability to craft a compelling character with a clear journey, once again, reigns supreme. Mattinesh Jay is the poster child for family commitment - serious, loyal to a fault, self sacrificing and forever concerned with making sure everyone is comfortable, even at his own expense. He’s locked into a tactical marriage at the start that will securing his family the money they so desperately need, even as a certain sword master is making the prospect of marrying someone else increasingly impossible. I loved seeing him slowly realise that it’s okay to follow his heart, and there’s nothing selfish about occasionally putting yourself first. His journey to confidence and strength was communicated perfectly, and he was such a convincing character. His family loyalty will be very familiar for a lot of eldest children.

And Luca. Oh, Luca. Matti’s foil in so many ways. He’s outspoken, restless, rash, yet sensitive and caring to a fault. He might see himself as selfish and evasive, but his actions towards both Matti and the whole Jay family show quite the opposite. I really loved seeing his scheming side come out near the end, and the reveal about his true identity was definitely satisfying. I loved his energy and could spend forever in his head, truly!

Fans of Freya’s particular brand of steamy, historically influenced romantasies will be sure to fall in love with Swordcrossed with its scheming Guilds, cherry pastries, and dashing, sword-crossing paramours. Can’t wait to read whatever Freya writes next!!

Great fun! This book is just what it says on the label, low stakes, moderate heat (although others may consider it higher). Luca, Matti, and the rest of the cast of characters are fun and well rounded (ie for as little as Matti's father appears on the page, you have a strong sense of what he's like). It was fun to watch the dominoes fall into place at the end of the novel. Luca and Matti's relationship develops over sword lessons and small adventures, and I absolutely love them.