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.

The beginning of this book was a bit too focused on the minutiae of guild functioning and the wool industry in a way I was having trouble getting invested in. But once the relationship between Matti and Luca started to develop that's when things really got interesting. I didn't love this as much as The Last Binding trilogy, but it was still a solid 4 star read. Freya Marske knows how to write really engagi9ng relationships.

Marske has become one of my favorite authors and this book continues that trend! The characters always feel so genuine and the magic system flows so well. I loved this addition!

This book is a captivating and immersive read that hooks you from the first page. The writing is beautifully crafted, with vivid descriptions and strong character development that makes the story come alive. The plot is well-paced, balancing moments of tension with quieter, reflective scenes that allow the characters to grow. The themes explored are deep and thought-provoking, resonating long after the final page. Whether it's the emotional depth, the twists and turns of the plot, or the unforgettable characters, this book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys rich, engaging stories. Highly recommended.

“Swordcrossed” is a fantasy romance between a wool merchant named Matti and a con artist named Luca. The two men meet when Luca cons Matti by pretending Matti broke a valuable watch. They meet again when Matti hires Luca to be the best man at his wedding. In exchange for not turning Luca in, Matti asks Luca for sword lessons. Both men are attracted to each other, but it takes a while for Matti to give in to his attraction. I enjoyed their banter as they slowly got to know each other. Once Matti and Luca finally hook up, there are a few steamy scenes to enjoy. Matti’s betrothed Sofia and his sister Maya are both interesting and likeable side characters. I liked this story and rate it four stars.

I really enjoyed Freya Marske’s Last Binding series so I was thrilled to see another romantasy from her. And this one is an exciting bodyguard fantasy which is the key to being one of my choices for must-read books of the month.

Dfned after 2 chapters. I don't think the book is bad, but going in I had other expectations for fantasy and adventure.

When you need to hire a swordsman to fight a duel in case someone challenges you on you're wedding day the last thing you expect is to fall for him. Mattinesh Jay is the dutiful heir to a struggling house, and has tried everything to keep his family's wool business afloat... and his latest attempt is to marry another heir to a rich house, yet one of her suitors is determined to duel Matt on his wedding day and since he has zero swordsmanship skills he sets out to hire a bodyguard to fight the duel should it arise. Cue Luca, the guy who kind of conned Matt the previous night at a bar and who is on the run from his own family, yet he offers a trade: he'll fight for Matt and teach him sword fighting skills and in exchange Matt will not blackmail him. Yet the more time Matt and Luca spend together training and getting to know one another, the more the chemistry between them begins to grow... yet Luca's lies are going to catch up to him and Matt will have to choose between following his duty and marrying someone he doesn't love or following his heart and going after the man who's tumbled into his life. This was a fairly easy and fun read, it's got low stakes but a fun arc to follow and the romance was nice. It's a good time and one I'd absolutely recommend for anyone looking for a romance with low stakes.

Release Date: October 8,2024

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Tor Publishing Group | Bramble for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

<i>First, a thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an eARC of this book.</i>

Here is my biggest qualm: what, pray tell, makes this a <i>fantasy</i> book? Is [book:The Other Boleyn Girl|37470] a fantasy book? Is any book that happens in some sort of fictional past, once we get to before a certain year cutoff, a fantasy? My answer is an emphatic <i>no</i>.

I know an author doesn't really have a say in how their book is marketed, but I think there are a lot of people who might pick this up and go, <i>What??</i> when they start to read it.

Overall, I wish I had liked this book, since it's mostly low stakes and I love me a lil meet cute, but the entire time I just didn't care. Couldn't care. Shrugs from me.

Wish I had liked this more, but overall a swing and a miss this time.

To start the world building was fascinating! I loved the way everything felt so real yet so different from anything else I have read before. The characters felt like real people with real life problems and their relationships with eachother were so intricate. This all came together to be a wonderful and fun read that I highly recomend!

There were so many scenes I highlighted and wanted to quote in this review before I realized my copy was an advanced copy and may have changed from the version that was published…

Putting that aside… gurl when I saw I ate this shit upppp lol 😂🤣🤣

So I think the whole ‘Fantasy’ aspect of the story was the world the story took place in?? Please correct me if I’m wrong, but that seemed like the only thing that wasn’t semi-normal? Maybe?? 🤔 Somebody let me know! But, honestly? I think that was the only thing lacking for me. Not that the world building wasn’t great! It was just that I’m an idiot sometimes when things aren't watered down for me soooo… Let’s just say there were some scenes that lost me a little cause I didn’t understand what the characters were talking about culture wise? Were the places mentioned actual places and I’m just stupid? I mean, I know my geography game is severely lacking, but there were things I didn’t understand or recognize.

Now that we have the only negative out of the way,,, lets get into the good stuff shall we?

I already knew Freya Marske could write y’all, I already knew she could have me fangirling and shit… but BOI her ‘intimate’ scenes had me cooked in this one. 🥘🍽️🤌I’ll confess and say that my last few reads were shitty little romcoms or funny little smut reads, but this one right here? GURL DEMS SCENES WAS SOOO GOOD. It was intense dog// After reading so much raunchy romance, back to back, for the last few weeks, it really made me realize how good a drawn out smut scene is. Like, sometimes smut scenes are too dry or cut to the chase too fast. But boyyyy Freya really be putting in the work. You get hyped up for the characters just as they do lol. If that makes sense? Lmao 🤣 Had a gurl making notes and shit about it just so that I could mention it in my review lmao XDDDD Some of it was written so beautifully too omgawd

Though I loved Luca and his pure bratty nature, Matti’s life and stresses were so relatable in some aspects. He really touched base with me in some areas and I really enjoyed his thought process and solutions.

Perfect, relatable characters. Great smut scenes. Good pacing. Wonderful ending that warms the soul. I’m giving this one a 4/5 -star rating. I look forward to reading more of Freya Marske’s work in the future!

My thanks to Tor and NetGalley for the Digital ARC. This book is ALREADY OUT!!! Go check it out for yourself and see what you think!

I loved this book. As a Marske fan, I was worried & excited about how her new world/series would go. It did not disappoint! Although more of a romantasy than her last series, I still loved the plot and worldbuilding. The romance was fun and believable without it taking over every single page. A very good book!