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“Low stakes. High heat. Sharp steel . . .

Mattinesh Jay, dutiful heir to his struggling family business, needs to hire an experienced swordsman to serve as best man for his arranged marriage. Sword-challenge at the ceremony could destroy all hope of restoring his family’s wealth, something that Matti has been trying – and failing – to do for the past ten years. What he can afford, unfortunately, is part-time con artist and full-time charming menace Luca Piere.

Luca, for his part, is trying to reinvent himself in a new city. All he wants to do is make some easy money and try to forget the crime he committed in his home town. He didn’t plan on being blackmailed into giving sword lessons to a chronically responsible – and inconveniently handsome – wool merchant like Matti.

However, neither Matti’s business troubles nor Luca himself are quite what – or who – they seem. As the days to Matti’s wedding count down, the two of them become entangled in the intrigue and sabotage that have brought Matti’s house to the brink of ruin. And when Luca’s secrets threaten to drive a blade through their growing alliance, both Matti and Luca will have to answer the question: how many lies are you prepared to strip away when the truth could mean losing everything you want?

The cosy, low stakes of Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree meets the scorching bodyguard fantasy of Jennifer L. Armentrout’s From Blood and Ash in this enemies-to-lovers romance by Freya Marske.”

384 pages

Today I’m so excited to share my review of the brilliant Swordcrossed by Freya Marske 💖 And thank you so much to the amazing Book Break UK & Pan Macmillan for my stunning ARC! 💖 Also, how stunning is this cover?! I’m so tempted to order myself the US version as well because they are both so beautiful 😍

I have been so excited to read Swordcrossed – I loved The Last Binding trilogy so much and Freya Marske is one of my favourite authors! Her writing style is so addictive to read, I get hooked in immediately and can’t stop reading!! 

Plus, I love how Freya always writes the most romantic pairings! Matti & Luca were so well paired with exceptional chemistry – every moment made me root for them even more! I really enjoyed Luca’s playfulness & quick-witted, silver tongue especially when he’s trying to rile up Matti who is more reserved and calm. They balance each other out so well and it was so nice to see them bring out each other’s best traits! I also loved Matti’s family – they were so warm and loving and Matti’s sister Maya was such a fun character! 

The concept of the story was so fun and I love that it was based on a true tradition! Plus, the plot of the story was so engaging, it was fun trying to figure out along with Matti & Luca whether the Jay’s bad luck was truly just misfortune or some bad actors at play! 

Swordcrossed is a great cosy read, with amazing characters and fun twists, it’s one you won’t want to miss!