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Swordheart by T. Kingfisher, book cover

Swordheart

by T. Kingfisher

Spice 2 out of 5, Simmer2/5 · Simmer: Closed door

Halla has unexpectedly inherited the estate of the wealthy distant uncle she's been caring for for the past decade. Unfortunately, she is also saddled with money-hungry relatives full of devious plans for how to wrest the inheritance away from her.

While hiding in her bedroom to escape her family, Halla inspects the ancient sword that's been collecting dust on the wall since before she moved in. On a whim, she pulls it down and unsheaths it—and suddenly a man appears in her bedroom. His name is Sarkis, he tells her, and he is an immortal warrior trapped in a prison of enchanted steel.

Sarkis is sworn to protect whoever wields the sword, and for Halla—a most unusual wielder—he finds himself not fending off grand armies and deadly assassins but instead everything from kindly-seeming bandits to roving inquisitors to her own in-laws. But as Halla and Sarkis become closer, they overlook the biggest threat of all—the sword itself.

Spice
2/5
Burn
Slow
Pages
~400
Ending
HEA

KU Is it on Kindle Unlimited? Check on Amazon

How spicy is Swordheart?

Swordheart is a 2 out of 5 on our spice scale: simmer (closed door). Sex happens, but the door closes (or it is brief and non-graphic). Tension without the details.

  • Steam: Behind closed doors
  • Burn: Slow burn
  • Pairing: One man, one woman
  • POV: Dual POV (both leads)
  • Ending: Happily ever after

Content warnings

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Show 6 content warnings
  • Kidnapping
  • Murder
  • Graphic violence
  • Death of a loved one
  • Suicide / suicidal ideation
  • Animal harm or death

Our editorial notes, which may be incomplete. If something is a hard limit for you, check the author's own content notes too.

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    Swordheart: quick answers

    How spicy is Swordheart?

    Swordheart is a 2 out of 5 on our spice scale: simmer (closed door). Sex happens, but the door closes (or it is brief and non-graphic). Tension without the details.

    Is Swordheart a standalone?

    Yes, Swordheart is a standalone. You can read it on its own.

    What tropes are in Swordheart?

    Swordheart features opposites attract, bodyguard. It is a slow burn M/F romance that ends with a happily ever after.

    Does Swordheart have content warnings?

    Our notes for Swordheart include: kidnapping, murder, graphic violence, death of a loved one, suicide / suicidal ideation, animal harm or death. This list may not be complete; check the author's own content notes if anything is a hard limit for you.

    What should I read after Swordheart?

    If you loved Swordheart, try This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens, Stardust by Neil Gaiman, The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion. They share its opposites attract and bodyguard energy at a similar spice level.