Ok stick with me here but this story feels like the musical Anything Goes, just with swords and smut. Definitely has the air of a comedy musical of the best calibre.

This book is a good time, nice and fun, but I do still think it is missing some of the refinement of the Last Binding. Part of this also comes from the fact, it happens to come directly following me having recently read Cat Sebastian's :The Soldier's Scoundrel, which I think plot wise is quite similar but does it a bit better and likely in the long term will have left a stronger impression on me that this book.

I would definitely recommend this to people looking for a light predictable read and hey if you do like Cat Sebastian, this might also be in your wheelhouse (just savour them further apart haha).

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this book.

An absolute pleasure to read, the world building was wonderful, the characters were delightful, I thoroughly enjoyed the intrigue and mystery. It always fascinates me to learn about new worlds, and to see the familiar tropes of greed, corruption, love, family, and honour show their truth.
The two protagonists had such great chemistry and their interactions were so entertaining, I really liked the way the layers of their friendship developed. And the secondary characters were fabulous too.
This was my first time reading this author and I’m excited to discover their other titles.

Absolutely could not put this book down, enjoying witnessing the romance come together through abject chaos, aswell as very much enjoying the characters gleefully working together to piece together the central mystery. Characters were a delight to spend time with, and loved the casual diversity of both characters and world. Finally, I was absolutely all in for all the chat about textiles and industry, would one hundred percent read a side-book entirely about how these different industries could combine under the characters' leadership and create Great New Fashions, thank you.

4.5/5 stars

Swordcrossed is a steamy gay historical romantasy about a groom and his swordsman best man. Matti needs his arranged marriage to push through to prevent his noble House from falling into financial ruin, but the wedding tradition of a sword-challenge may spell its doom because his bride-to-be has a persistent suitor that is sure to take up the challenge. So Matti is forced to hire a swordsman best man, and the best his not-so-substantial money can buy is the services of conman Luca who he sort of blackmails into the position. But as the wedding approaches, they uncover a scheme that has been ruining Matti’s house further complicated by Luca’s own secret history and the growing attraction between them.

This was just such a joy to read. I loved both Matti and Luca with their adorableness and dysfunctional family dynamics—Matti with his near neurotic need to carry the burden of all his family’s problems and Luca with his flippancy in acting before thinking things through. Their sexual tension from the start was palpable, and the author teases it out for sooo long before they finally do the dirty. Like Freya Marske’s other books, there’s a surprising amount of on-page spice set to beautiful prose. I do believe in their relationship and the possibility the future may bring (but for right now probably not to the point of actual love yet because it is mostly lust, friendship, and circumstance so far).

It is a sweet and fun historical romance, though I hesitate to consider it a fantasy because there aren’t any fantasy elements outside of it being set in an alternate world. It’s giving Cat Sebastian historical romance vibes, just slightly more fantastical. So maybe I’d call this an cosy, low stakes low fantasy. outside of the romance, there’s also a mystery that they have to uncover with inter-House politics that is a more mercantile, less deadly Game of Thrones. It allows for Luca to show off his skills as a conman at Matti’s service. The ending may be too idealistic and convenient, but I am always all in for queer joy.

Although it does not match the highs of the author’s The Last Binding trilogy, Swordcrossed is a lighter, softer offering of a low fantasy, gay historical romance that is cosy and steamy.

*Thank you to Pan Macmillan for the eARC via NetGalley

The scream I scrumpt when I was approved for this arc was ungodly, and I can confirm that the ungodliness only continues throughout this absolute masterpiece of a book. So let's get into it.

Mattinesh 'Matti' Jay is the eldest son of the household who makes their money trading in wool and fabrics - or rather, are trying to continue making their money. One piece of luck after the other means Jay House is one sunken shipment away from complete collapse, and that is something Matti absolutely cannot let happen. What's a guy to do? Well, get married to the daughter of a wealthy family in an arrangement that, while not filled with the happy-ever-afters Matti may have hoped his future may hold, is at least with someone he can call a friend. Besides, Matti can put his own desires on hold until Jay House gets back up on its feet. That just means he needs to go through the motions and make the wedding perfect, and that includes following in the tradition of finding a swordsman to act as his best man, ready to strike down any challengers at the altar.

Enter Luca, a new face in town who just so happens to be the perfect choice for a best man. And, much to Matti's horror, fit as fuck. Deciding to seize one last thing for himself before a lifetime of duty, Matti arranges to take lessons from Luca. But maybe learning to swordfight isn't truly the freedom Matti is clinging to...

Intimate sword-fighting scenes involving characters getting all hot under the collar? Check.

Worldbuilding that prioritises and normalises queerness, including trans identity? Check.

A good helping of Freya Marske's legendary smut scenes against a background of forbidden love? CHECK.

Now, on representation...

Freya Marske is fantastic at creating characters who make me immediately go 'ohhh they're neurodivergent'. Examples from The Last Binding series include Edwin being the most autistic man to live and Maud having so much ADHD coding it's unreal. In this book, my ND-senses were tingling as soon as I laid eyes on Luca, who can't sit still to save his life (almost literally), fidgets constantly, and has never heard the phrase 'impulse control' in his life. He's also hinted to be dyscalculic, which is something I've never seen represented in a book like this. Meanwhile, Matti has frequent panic attacks and is a chronic people-pleaser, often to the detriment of his own health. I love how well these two balance each other out, with Luca encouraging Matti to be more spontaneous and Matti teaching Luca how to control his temper. They almost remind me of Robin and Edwin in that way, like perfect counterweights to one another.

I often find fantasy quite impenetrable as remembering the sweeping details of complex worldbuilding feels like it gets in the way of characterisation (aka the bit I'm really there for) but Swordcrossed avoids that masterfully. Snippets about the world are revealed naturally and gradually until, without even realising it, the landscape and context has become fully fleshed-out. If you're someone who has been unsure about picking this up because of the more fantastical setting: do not fear. You are in good hands.

I can't wait to see what Freya Marske writes next. She really is one of those authors who is an absolute master of her craft, and there isn't a doubt in my mind that Matti and Luca will join the ranks of the Last Binding characters as total fandom sweethearts.

Despite owning pretty special editions of her first trilogy, this is my first Freya Marske read!

I liked it, Matti and Luca were both interesting characters and I liked how they contrasted and complimented each other. I really liked Maya and Sophia too, and I suspect we could see more from them in the future? I’m happy with how they ended up — I called that from the start!

I expected more from the fantasy element and I’m disappointed there wasn’t more to it. Just mentions of Gods yet no real explanations about any of it. When it says this book is light on the fantasy it means it.

I wish I had more to say — I liked it but I’m not enamoured by it. The plot wasn’t exactly thrilling — the most entertaining parts were towards the end when all the drama happened in one go. I did think the plot was decently plotted and paced, however I didn’t care really for any of these people involved and couldn’t differentiate who was from what House and the significance etc so I feel like a lot of the stakes went right over my head.

The chemistry between Matti and Luca was good and I would be intrigued to see where the story takes them even if I’m not bursting at the seams with excitement.

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘗𝘢𝘯 𝘔𝘢𝘤𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘯, 𝘛𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘈𝘙𝘊.

Swordcrossed is filled with low-stakes action, swashbuckling, political manoeuvring, subterfuge and (of course) swordplay. More of a light-hearted, whimsical period piece than anything explicitly fantastical (there are no magic systems at play here), Marske crafts a gorgeous setting of taverns, warehouses, shipping routes and hustling, bustling markets. Think Pirates of the Caribbean but on land and without the pirates.

MMC Mattinesh Jay is heir to his family's crumbling business and agrees to a marriage of convenience in order to secure his family's future. To ensure his marriage goes off without a hitch, he requires a duellist to defend him against any challenges. Enter Luca - sometimes con-artist and a dab hand with a sword. Tension builds. Shenanigans ensue.

Check it out if you enjoy slow-burn enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, mistaken identity, queer representation and morally grey (but would do anything for the one they love) MMCs.

Swordcrossed is a captivating queer low-fantasy romance, the best I have read this year! Freya Marske has created an exhilarating story full of great chemistry, funny exchanges, spicy scenes, and intriguing mystery.

Spice; 🌶️🌶️🌶️+1/2
Enemies to Lovers
Responsible vs Rogue
LGBTQIA+

Matti has to marry to save his family's struggling business, and it's not the fact that he's entering a loveless marriage that's the problem. He knows a jealous poet will challenge him at the ceremony, and he is no good with a sword. To defend against any challenges, he can only afford to hire Luca, a charming man who recently conned him. As a distraction from his troubles, he bargains with Luca to teach him to duel. As they learn to trust each other, more secrets begin to unravel. Secrets that could drive them apart or bring them together forever.

The romance between the responsible Matti and the charming rogue Luca develops slowly and beautifully, with their feelings for each other growing gently as they practice sword fighting and uncover each other's secrets. Their bond feels real and truly romantic, and is well balanced with the overall plot of saving Matti's family business.

Marske builds an engaging low-fantasy, low-tech world that feels familiar (less magic than Patchett but similar tech/social systems) and historical, blending everyday elements with interesting political and financial situations to unravel the mystery of the real reason Matti's family business isn't doing as well as it should be.

I love so much about this book: the normalised LGBTQIA, the protagonist being of colour, the family business prioritising workers' rights over profit, and the lesson that you don't have to shoulder every burden all by yourself.

A perfect mix of tender, thrilling moments and intense passion, Swordcrossed shows that Marske has a gift for queer fantasy romance.

Thank you to Tor and NetGalley for an eARC copy in exchange for my honest review.

I seem to be suffering from the law of diminishing returns from this author. The first book of hers I read, I really liked, the next a little less and this one... well, I didn't even finish it because the pacing was all over the place and frankly, I didn't give a crap about any of the characters.

This is one of those pseudo-historical fantasy books that actually has no fantasy elements in it, which makes it a tough sell for a start. It's set in a world where duelling is used to sort out things like contested marriages (so your best man is literally there to fight anyone who might oppose your plans) and our protagonists are the heir of a struggling merchant house and the new-to-town duellist who he engages as his best man for an upcoming arranged marriage which might save his family.

Unfortunately, I struggled my way through to about a third of the way in and then decided I'd had enough. It's not the low-fantasy setting, as nobody can doubt my love for Melissa Scott's Astreiant books which occupy the same niche, it's just that the characters are so tedious. I usually struggle on with the books I get on here but I just couldn't. Apologies to the people who love this book, I guess?

I've enjoyed everything I've read from Freya Marske so far, and this book was no exception! I loved the amateur detective vibes, the intrigue and, of course, THE ROMANCE! Matti and Luca and are the absolute cutest and Freya writes them in a way that makes me feel like I actually know them. The way she portrays the world and characters is just so much fun to read and I love how this world is so accepting of LGBTQIA+ people and relationships.

I might have done a little happy dance upon receiving the ARC for this book. I love Freya Marske's books and this one, apparently the first book she's written, didn't disappoint. It's a standalone book, so everything is wrapped up neatly in the end. Though it might be possible for Marske to pick up the thread and set another novel in this realm.

The novel is set in a fantasy realm that has similarities with Europe at the dawn of the Industrial Revolution. There are different guilds and houses for different trades. Mattinesh Jay, the main character, is the heir to the Jay House; a family of wool merchants, who've imported, processed and woven wool for some generations. After some misfortunes the family is on the brink of ruin and Matti has to save his House by marrying rich. His wedding to Sofia, daughter of wine merchants, has been arranged and now he's looking for a skilled swordsman to be his best man. There are ceremonial customs to a wedding between Houses and Matti knows he's going to be challenged at the ceremony, which mustn't go wrong.

Luca is new to town and wants to put his skills with a blade to use. Matti, who cannot afford any other swordsman, hires him under the proviso that Luca teaches him how to fight with a sword. Of course there is friction and chemistry and of course the two of them act upon it. Duh! But did you expect the two of them, with the help of fiancée Sofia and Matti's sister Maya, to sleuth out why Matti's family's business is close to ruin?

I like Marske's writing style. I like her characters, who seem fully fleshed no matter whether they are main characters or secondary ones. There is good banter and, as in The Last Binding trilogy, a mystery has to be solved.

If you liked The Last Binding trilogy, I'm sure you will like Swordcrossed, too.

I really enjoyed this book! As an enjoyer of fantasy, of queer romance, and of Freya Marske's previous books, this really hit the spot for me. The push and pull between the protagonists was delicious, the sex scenes were scorching hot, and the way their relationship develops was just gorgeous. The twists and turns in the plot were delightful and so much fun.

3.75 rounded up for NetGalley
This books world is very low fantasy and the fantasy element coming from a political system. Where there are different occupational guilds ie spinners and weavers or the engineers and each of these guilds has different houses under it working in that guild. All guilds follow a patron god. Unfortunately this felt like a lot of information to wrap my head around all at once and I wasn’t sure which guildmasters and guild members I needed to be keeping mental track of or who was just padding. I felt like I was given a lot of vague information about the following of the gods but not enough context, I wish I knew creation stories or more of the gods or what led to the following of them. And so the first 10 or so chapters were quite difficult for me to hold much investment in, because there were whole paragraphs on the history of a place realistically I didn’t have much stock in. But from then on I really started to care about the growing dynamic between Luca and Matti, I liked the forced proximity and the build up which was slow and then sudden. Spoiler when matti put his fingers in Lucas mouth I was actually gobsmacked and had to reread to figure out how it had just jumped from zero to one hundred.
The thing I liked the least with the politics in the beginning was actually what I enjoyed the most in the end, the double crossing and espionage and the reveal of the different secrets and deceptions. I think Luca’s secret identity was unfortunately quite predictable, as were a few of the “twists” at the ending but I’m still happy everyone got their HEA and I enjoyed in nonetheless.
And guys there’s a time and place for a sex scene but why was it straight after the last one with a big event about to begin, I was rushing through it to get back to the plot, like you just said you have somewhere to be hop to it bro.
#ad I received this book as an arc but the opinions are entirely my own.

This MM romance was a delight to read. It was full of twists and turns, without ever being taxing on the brain, and was perfect for a cosy autumn evening.
Matti and Luca were a fabulous juxtaposition of character traits - Matti so concerned with his family duty that it's crippling his mental health, and Luca literally running away from him, but at the same time, both plagued by hidden fears of inadequacy. It was easy to see how they found moments of connection, despite starting in opposite places, and lovely to see them realigning their priorities to find a middle ground.

I wish we'd seen more of Luca's family. To understand him, I think it would have been helpful to see more of his mother, in particular. We see snapshots and hints of his upbringing, and his brother Perse, but I would have loved more. While the storyline was resolved, there was a tantalising glimpse of a journey to Luca's home, so I suppose the door has been left open for more to come.

Though this book took me a while to warm up to, once the plot started moving along I was totally hooked. I was drawn in by the mysteries that were being uncovered, and the means of uncovering them, but really the chemistry and tension between Matti and Luca was too much to resist. Freya Marske definitely knows how to build up the anticipation and draw you into the romance and spice. Matti and Luca’s relationship is complex, and Luca’s got secrets - big ones. It offered us up a somewhat forbidden romance between two characters who are very different but are developing an intimacy and an understanding of each other the longer they spend together. These two balanced each other out well, and I also liked how Maya, Matti’s sister, was woven into the story - her character brings even more charm and fun into the story.

One thing I have to say is this isn’t really fantasy. It has a strong historical romance feel to it, but it’s set in an alternate world where same sex relationships are in no way illegal, scorned, etc, but a world that’s in no way magical. The characters (and their Houses) worship different Gods based on their work but these Gods aren’t a part of the story beyond that and so don’t bring a fantasy element either. So, I was disappointed to be somewhat misled here as this book barely dips even a toe into the fantasy genre.

So all in all, once I’d struggled my way through the first half of the book, I really enjoyed this book and seeing how Luca and Matti’s story unfolded, with a little drama and some flair.

I received a free copy of this book. All views are my own.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I love this book so much!!!!!!!!!!!! Swordcrossed took my heart and ran away with it!!! LOVED IT is an understatement.

Matti is one of the most responsible characters I have ever read. He feels responsible for his family and their family business, but he also takes responsibility for anything and everything. He wants the best for this loved ones, and he doesn't even think about himself. Not only is he last on the list, but he is not even on his own list lmao. You can't help but adore him and want to protect him against anything.

Luca is the most epic self-sabotaging character ever. He is so afraid that he will fail and cause disaster that he makes choices that lead to other kind of disasters lol. He is a sweetheart, though, and the way he underminds himself really pulls at all my heartstrings. Like Matti, I want him to see himself for the great person he is, and also like Matti said, he really is a disaster. A charming and endearing disaster who has a remarkable character growth, takes responsibility for his actions, apologizes, and makes up for it.

I loved their romance. I loved how the author had them portray two sides of a coin. I loved how different they were from each other, and how they drew each other like magnets. It's not insta love. It's a slowburn, an attraction that grows, feelings that evolve, and two good guys figuring things and themselves out. One learns to listen to his wants and needs, and the other learns to stop and think before causing a riot.

It has taken me by surprise how much I loved this book. I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. I ADORE IT, PEOPLE. I ADORE IT AND I WANT MORE BOOKS WITH THESE 2 CHARACTERS. AND I WANT TO REREAD SWORDCROSSED A MILLION TIMES OVER.

Note: it's a fantasy romance but there is no magic etc. It's not based in our world (hence fantasy romance) but it sort of reads like a historical romance, too.

If you happen across any SE of it, with stenciled edges, please let me know. This book is def one of the best books I have read all year and even in the last few years.

Sincerely,
Swordcrossed Number 1 Fan

'Swordcrossed' is one of those stories that slips slowly into your heart.

Like in her previous books, 'Swordcrossed' showcases one of the true powers of Freya Marske as an author, her ability to create solid connections and make you care for the characters that she introduces on her stories. Matti and Luca are very different from every single character from 'The Last Binding' trilogy, but they are just as memorable.

On one side, you have Matti, who's dealing with a future that he doesn't want and the weight of expectations and family duty over his shoulders. On the other, you have Luca, a swordsman who has escaped from his past lives and is running cons on the side just to survive in a new city. He has many skills, some that people appreciate, others that go a bit underappreciated. These two characters may find each other by mere chance, but that encounter will change their lives forever.

Seeing how Matti and Luca came closer was a true delight. I enjoyed that bond and how it grew from unlikely allies to lovers in a very complicated situation. It's on these scenes where I found some of the most beautiful lines, stuff that I wish I could etch into my bones. Like on 'The Last Binding' series, Freya Marske is not afraid to wax poetry to showcase the feelings of her characters and how they approach both their world and each other.

But those connections go beyond the main romantic couple. It's also present in Matti's relationships with his sister Maya, his bethrothed Sofia, his parents and his younger siblings. While Luca also shares a few connections with people from the boarding house where he's staying.

'Swordcrossed' is a heartfelt, fun, and even thrilling story that shines through its characters and their journeys.

I totally recommend it!

Yet another, softly spell binding, utterly gorgeous, decidedly NSFW tale from Freya Markse.
The queernormative world feels analgous to the early 18th Century and is full of Romance! Tension! Betrayal! Intrigue! Twists! Spice! (Seriously don't read a markse book anywhere it might be read over your should the building sexual tension is as hot as the explicit scenes!)

I'm not generally a read of spicier books but Marske's tales are outstanding. She has once again created as stunning cast of Characters and watching Matti come out of his shell and Luca learn to trust him with the truth. The tension between the two is fabulous and I loved watching Matti get tangled in Luca's impulsive ideas and Luca getting ensnared by his lies and omissions and having to get out of them. Matti's sister, the twins, his parentss and supposed bride-to-be are also fully realised and wonderful.
The wit is as sharp as Luca's rapier even when the pair of them are being as incompentent in love and life as Matti's forms. This book might not be about magic, but it is magical.

From the bestselling author of A Marvellous Light comes the most aching, yearning, wanting, lust-filled romance I have read all year! Burdened with the weight of running his family business, Matti Jay is 'happy' to marry if it means his family can get by, name and reputation unscathed. Running from a mysterious past, Luca Piere is trying to build a new life on his one marketable skill: his ability with a sword. When their paths cross both men find something they had not been looking for, a deep and undeniable connection, and an attraction unlike either of them have felt before.

The highlight of this book is the relationships Marske constructs. Luca and Matti feel in love, you sense their desire from one another from almost their first meeting. Every element of intrigue, every choked-off conversation, all of it builds towards a compelling and genuine romance. I have read straight-up romances that have less-successfully presented me with love and lust and yearning, than this fantasy novel with strong subplots and side characters. I think Marske has also brilliantly rendered the pressures of being the eldest child. Matti is, in so many ways, an ode to the eldest daughter, and at the same time, a reminder of the stoicism people expect from their sons. He encapsulates such intense and complex emotion, but never feels like a mouthpiece or a patsy - just a really well written character.

Swordcrossed has a strong, well-conceived, and well-plotted primary conceit. Whilst this is very much a romance in a lot of ways, Marske has ensured that the framing story is robust enough to carry the plot forward. This is almost to its detriment; Marske's plot is so well-plotted and engaging, that the romance sometimes felt like it was competing with the other plot, that neither was sub- so much as sharing space. This is the only thing that holds Swordcrossed back from a full 5-stars for me, I loved every scene, but I struggled with the balance in places!

Overall, I would highly recommend Swordcrossed for anyone in need of an emotional gut-punch, excellent spice, and beautifully penned prose. 4.5 stars.

Swordcrossed is a romance story set in a regency-inspired fantasy world, although there was no magic in it. Our protagonists are Matti Jay, heir to a textile business slash noble house on the brink of bankruptcy, and Luca Piere, a no-name swordsman slash con artist with dubious identity. Matti had to hire Luca as a swordsman for his upcoming wedding, after being conned by Luca himself.

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 finish 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.

eARC provided by NetGalley and PanMacMillan.