Swordcrossed

Mattinesh Jay is the dutiful heir to a struggling family business, and for ten years he has been trying, without success, to restore its fortunes. His arranged marriage is coming up, and he needs an experienced swordsman to stand as his best man, because a sword-challenge at the ceremony could destroy any hope of recovering the family's wealth. The only person he can afford is Luca Piere, a part-time con artist and full-time charming menace.

Luca is trying to reinvent himself in a new city. He wants some easy money and a chance to forget a crime he committed in his home town. He never planned to be blackmailed into giving sword lessons to a wool merchant as chronically responsible, and as inconveniently handsome, as Matti. Neither Matti's business troubles nor Luca himself turn out to be quite what, or who, they seem.

As the wedding draws closer, the two men become tangled in the intrigue and sabotage that have pushed Matti's house to the brink of ruin. When Luca's secrets threaten to cut through their growing alliance, both have to decide how many lies they are willing to strip away when the truth could cost them everything they want.

This is an enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance that mixes low stakes and a cosy feel with plenty of heat. Freya Marske is also the author of the Last Binding series, which begins with A Marvellous Light.