Swordcrossed (2024)
I read this for a book club at The Ripped Bodice in New York.
Mattinesh Jay, the head of a textiles house, needs a swordsman for his arranged marriage – a marriage that will give the family the funds it desperately needs. He hires Luca Piere, a con artist and duellist who offers him fencing lessons as part of their deal. The two fall in love, and find a way to outwit shady business rivals who are trying to undermine Jay House.
The main romance is fine, an enjoyable slow burn.
There’s a secondary sapphic romance which I’d have liked to see more of: it appears as a fait accompli at the end of the book, with minimal buildup. The worldbuilding is also a little too complicated: as well as the house system, there’s a complex polytheistic religion and geography that isn’t really explained or used, it’s just there. And it’s barely a fantasy, despite being marketed as such.
Overall I enjoyed it, and it’s different to what I’d usually read, so I’m glad the book club put it in my path.
Quotes and highlights
On page 216, I like the idea of relationships being described as “seasons” – something to celebrate even if they don’t last forever.
“I’m not a season.”
“Yes you are.” Luca was sleepy, lulled by contentment. He hadn’t meant that to come out. For a moment he hoped Matti would let it go, or wouldn’t understand what he’d meant, but Matti could be perceptive when Luca didn’t want him to be.
“You’re saying you’ll move on.”
“Yes. I’m a season in your life, and you’re a season in mine.”
“Don’t go anywhere tonight.” Matti brushed a kiss into Luca’s hair. “Please?”