Lex Croucher's "Gwen and Art Are Not in Love" is a charming and witty retelling of a classic love story set in a post-King Arthur era. With a delightful mix of humor, romance, and unexpected alliances, this book will captivate readers with its lovable characters and delightful shenanigans.

In this imaginative tale, we meet Arthur, a carefree Lord, and Gwendoline, a quick-witted and short-tempered princess of England. Destined to marry since birth, these two heirs despise each other, unable to find common ground on anything... except their mutual dislike. However, when circumstances force them to spend the summer together at Camelot, their lives take an unexpected turn.

As Gwen stumbles upon Arthur kissing a boy and Arthur discovers Gwen's secret crush on the kingdom's only lady knight, Bridget Leclair, the pair realizes that perhaps they can be better allies than enemies. Reluctantly forming a pact to cover for each other's secrets, their lives become entangled in a web of romance, sword-fighting, and the complexities of their intertwined destinies.

Lex Croucher's writing is infused with humor, wit, and a touch of whimsy. The author's lighthearted and engaging prose effortlessly draws readers into the world of Camelot, where centuries-old legends collide with modern-day complications. The dialogue sparkles with clever banter, and the characters come to life through their authentic voices and distinct personalities.

The dynamic between Gwen and Art is a highlight of the story, as their reluctant alliance gradually transforms into something more. The development of their relationship is nuanced and believable, allowing readers to root for their unconventional romance. Croucher skillfully balances the humor and the emotional depth, creating a heartwarming tale that explores the complexities of love, friendship, and self-discovery.

Supporting characters, such as Bridget Leclair and Gwen's royal brother, add depth to the narrative and contribute to the book's vibrant ensemble cast. The found family element in the story brings warmth and a sense of belonging, reminding readers of the importance of chosen relationships and genuine connections.

While "Gwen and Art Are Not in Love" is undoubtedly an enjoyable and entertaining read, some readers may find certain plot developments predictable, particularly if they are familiar with Arthurian legends and their associated tropes. However, Croucher's fresh and contemporary spin on the timeless tale keeps the story engaging and offers enough surprises to keep readers invested.

In conclusion, "Gwen and Art Are Not in Love" is a delightful romp through a world where legends and modern sensibilities collide. Lex Croucher's skillful storytelling, endearing characters, and witty narrative make this book a joy to read. With its blend of sword-fighting, romance, and themes of self-discovery, it's a perfect choice for those seeking a lighthearted and heartfelt adventure. Prepare to be swept away by the charm and whimsy of this enchanting tale.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Normally I try to be a bit more eloquent when reviewing ARCs, but here, I’ll write without frills. This book is a delight. The changes in pacing were beautifully done. The characters were engaging and so easy to fall in love with and care for. The writing was funny, and tender, and I teared up in the last pages, with the found family themes hitting me square in the chest.

I couldn’t recommend it more highly.

This was a pretty fun read! I really enjoyed it. The story itself was predictable but I loved the romances and all the characters, the humor was there as well.
It wasn't a King Arthur retelling like I thought it would be originally but I kind of didn't mind. I liked that it was its own thing.
I'll definitely read this book again.

I had a good time with this book overall!

It definitely took me some time to get into the book and I think having so many main characters may have contributed to that. I do think that affected the book as a whole because I felt we didn't really get enough time with either couple (and there's even a third couple!!), but on the other hand of that I did actually really enjoy the friendship between Gwen and Arthur that developed in addition to the two love stories.

Arthur is a pretty entertaining character so most of the plot is really driven by him and his shenanigans (and of course Sidney too!) And Bridget is is pretty cool overall as well because she's a fierce female knight. The thing that was really lacking for me was chemistry though. It's a YA novel so I wasn't expecting anything steamy but I felt like the chemistry was subpar when you literally compare the book to Heartstopper in the blurb. Which I again think could have been probably solved by less main characters and less love stories perhaps or just finding a way to give them each their own books. I really would've enjoyed a separate book for Sidney and Agnes especially since their entire love story is off the page.

That being said I really did enjoy the book overall, I loved all the characters and their friendships and the story was pretty compelling and had real stakes and everything. It was more historical/Arthurian than romancey but being a YA I can't complain too much.

3.5 stars rounded

Lex Croucher writes the best historical romance. Gwen & Art Are Not in Love brings together Arthur who is a descendant of King Arthur and Gwendolyn who is the princess of England. They have been engaged since birth. Unfortunately, they do not like each other at all. Things take a complicated turn when Art is send to spend the summer with Gwen's family. It isn't long until we find out that Gwen only has eyes for Bridget LeClair a female knight and Art is caught kissing a boy. With each others secrets as leverage they reach a agreement to help each other out.

I adored this story. The author always creates a unique and fun story filled with playful moments, heartfelt feelings and action. This LGBT story is beautifully crafted and depicted. I am always excited to read Lex Croucher's books.

Thank you NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.

This was a fun Arthurian retelling, that definitely got lots of extra bonus points for being wonderfully and thoroughly queer. I loved that we got to put a twist on all our expectations for these characters, and their relationships to one another. This book had so much humor and heart, and it's impossible not to be compelled by the story. Sometimes the shift between humor and the heavier themes caught me off guard, but I overall still really enjoyed this story.

I've been having a hard time with YA's as of recently so this was quite the nice surprise!

The characters were all lovable but not without their faults. The bonds and relationships formed between all the characters all felt super genuine and even the minor characters still had their place in the story. Gwen and Gabriel's relationship was so sweet, I love a good sibling relationship.

I wasn't as engrossed in the actual politics of it all, but that was still only a key part in the later half of the book. It was still interesting but was not the reason I was reading the book. Would've loved a deeper look into the small bits of magic mentioned.

A fun, quick, historical read.

This book was such a fun read! It was my first Lex Croucher novel, and I had been meaning to get into their books for a while. Gwen & Art Are Not In Love was such a fun introduction to their writing. We have Gwen and Arthur (not THOSE ones) who live in a society were some people believe in the Arthurian legends. These two have been betrothed since childhood as an alliance between their countries, but they actually hate each other. And, as it turns out, they’re both extremely gay! Watching their disdain turn to friendship and their unwilling alliance turn to being some of the most important people to each other was a beautiful storyline. I almost wish there was actually more romance between Gwen and Bridget and Art and Gabe, but I also wouldn’t have wanted any of the friendship to be removed! What a lovely book!

a fun light-hearted read, i read this in one sitting

Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for the review copy.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

First off, this is not a retelling of Arthurian legend, but rather in a world where several hundred years have passed and these characters are the descendants. This book follows Gwen and Arthur, who are arranged to be married. Except they absolutely despise each other. But, shortly after the beginning of the story, Gwen catches Arthur kissing a boy, and Arthur figures out that Gwen has a crush on Bridget, the only female knight at the summer tournament. They make a deal to be civil with each other and keep their secrets, and the story takes off from there.

I enjoyed this book overall. I loved the characters and their interactions with each other. The banter and sharp humor were great, and it was nice to see the development of the characters’ relationships with each other throughout the book. I especially loved the side characters of the story, like Sidney and Bridget.

My biggest issue with the story is that it felt like not enough happened. There wasn’t much of a plot, and when a plot did begin to come into play, it felt rushed through and crammed into the last chunk of the book. I love character-driven stories, and I think if there had been more character development and diving deeper into the characters in general, it would have made up for the lack of plot. But although there is progress in the ways the characters interact with and view each other, there was still a lot of room for development. Honestly, I just wanted more from this book.

Like I said, I did enjoy this book overall. It was a fun read. But if you are looking for something with more of a balance between plot and characters, this might not be the book for you.

Full review will be posted later.

Oh my *god* this book is so stellar. While it’s not aiming to say anything deep, that’s honestly the best part about it. It’s a fun, lighthearted (but not *too* lighthearted) story about parental expectations, queerness, and King Arthur. And best of all? Arthur’s half-saracen and Gwen’s lady love is Tai! Which had me *squealing* as a Thai person.

I love King Arthur / Camelot stories but this one was kinda boring to me. I had a hard time finishing it, I just didn’t get into the plot or the characters. Not for me!

This book had it all!

Art is witty, Gwen is sheltered, Gabriel is serious, and Bridge is confident; together they make an awesome group of characters to navigate jousting tournaments, political uprisings, and hidden romances.

This is not a retelling, which makes it even better when the Arthurian legacy appears in the story.

You’ll fall in love with these characters quickly and cheer for them throughout the whole story. I was very sad when it ended and hope there’s another book.

Don’t miss out on this book!

I'm sorry, but I just found this so incredibly boring. The pacing was off, the writing was stale, the dialogue tried but failed to be witty and engaging, Gwen and Art were not only unlikable but empty husks void of personalities, the romances even more so, and the plot meandered (which I normally don't mind when I'm enjoying the characters, a case not applied here) until the last three quarters or so but I just didn't care at this point.

I know this book has already captured the hearts of readers across the pond; unfortunately, I am not one of them.

US release date: 11/28/2023

Thank you to Netgalley, publisher Wednesday Books, and author Lex Croucher for a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

Rating 3.5/5 stars

Gwen and Art Are Not In Love is not a retelling of King Arthur, but rather leans on the legend to create a different, later-Camelot that is divided between Catholics and the cultists who believe in the magic of the Arthurian times of old. In dual POVs, we follow Gwen, the princess of the current royal family, and Arthur, a noble lord’s son and her betrothed. They have detested each other since childhood, and the story begins at a time when they are nearing marrying-age, so Arthur is sent to the castle for the summer to learn how to get along with his bride-to-be. Events quickly derail and secrets about each other are discovered, forcing them into a reluctant pact to cover for each other as they pursue crushes society at large would not approve of.

Right off the bat, this book is simply fun, especially in the dialogue department. Gwen and Art have great banter born out of disdain for each other that slowly turns into genuine friendship over the course of the novel. Their interactions with other characters are also full of charm and hilarity, making for an enjoyable read with lots of laugh-out-loud moments. Along with the dialogue, the prose is contemporary while maintaining enough connection to the medieval setting that it feels fresh rather than out of place. My enjoyment of the writing style as a whole carried much of my reading experience on its back, though I also loved the characters. They came with healthy doses of humor, but also lots of depth, self-reflection, and development that was particularly lovely and important to the larger themes this book tackles (coming-of-age, building and strengthening relationships vs siloing yourself, exploring sexuality, etc). I particularly loved Gwen and Art’s friendship and the vulnerability they were eventually able to share. Sidney was also a favorite of mine, as both a riot and menace, but also an excellent friend (and wingman).

Where the book missed the mark for me was mainly the plot. The book is absolutely character-driven vs plot-driven, which can be fine. However, we suddenly got a lot of fast-paced action in the form of political intrigue and civil unrest during the last quarter of the book that was missing in the first three-quarters. I personally would have liked more of that to accompany the journey of self-discovery our characters were experiencing throughout the story; while I appreciated that journey for what it was, I did find myself bored at times as there wasn’t a whole lot going on.

Overall, this was a fun introduction into Croucher’s work, and I’m interested in reading more of it! I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys character-driven stories, self-deprecating humor and quippy banter, and themes of self-exploration.

Super fun fantasy rom-com. While it begins a bit light in tone, Croucher doesn’t shy away from including some intense fight scenes and drama. Each of the characters are a delight to read about. They are by no means perfect people, but they each grow throughout the course of the book. Even when one of my lesser preferred events happened, it felt believable because of the characters’ established personalities.

A few major themes covered in this book deal with accepting ones true identity (not just sexuality), emotional abuse, and parental expectations (perceived or real).

Overall a great story that had me smiling the whole time.

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ 4/5 stars

read if you like:
♡ dual pov
♡ very loose arthurian inspiration
♡ queer, medieval & knightly escapades
♡ lgbtqia+ rep

➸ you will never meet a more lovable pair of bickering beards than art and gwen. a ruthlessly hilarious and buoying coming of age rom-com, gwen & art are not in love grapples with themes of friendship, sexuality and self-acceptance in the face of external expectations - all cast in the melodrama of teenage angst.

➸ it would be a sisyphean task to try to find two individuals who get along more poorly than the ferocious princess of england, gwen, and the dissipated nobleman’s son/descendent of the fabled king arthur, art. and yet in a stroke of extraordinarily ill-luck, they have been shackled to an engagement between them since birth. locked in a frosty battle of wills with no detente in their foreseeable future, things come to a boil when they’re forced to spend time together for an entire summer at camelot until the day the wedding bells ring for them. not even a day has passed when art is caught in flagrante with another boy by gwen and it dawns on them that they might have more in common than they would like to believe.

➸ as a character-driven novel, it should come as no surprise that, sweepingly, every character figuring in it is unfailingly and ineffably worthy of adoration. not only that, but they are each of them so unlike one another that crouch virtually caters to every palate. don’t like abrasive and dagger-tongued gwen whose self-imposed social isolation forms the plate of her armour? well then why don’t you try your luck with the callous and rakish art, whose barbs and debauchery are no more than a front for a vulnerable young man compelled to hide the truth of his sexuality and thereby hide his all? still no? not to worry, there’s still gwen’s reticent and sweet brother, gabriel, mournfully peering out from the bars of his cage as future king. and if none of the above have secured your attention there is always the good-humored sidney pumping out jokes which will have you bent double ten ways from sunday. or the admirably brave and self-possessed bridget or, failing all else - the lovely agnes. with a cast like this one, suffused with the chemistry of popping candy, lively and well-timed verbal jousting is therefore a foregone conclusion.

➸ crouch’s debut ya novel is absolutely overflowing with sugar-spun prose and a thoughtful mix of era-appropriate lexicon as well as more facetious modern-day idiom. this is not a historical fiction work nor a retelling and in skirting the limitations of such, crouch is given more room to play around with the story and keep it all fairly light-hearted/unpretentious. that is, until we get towards the last third of the novel wherein the tone assumes a darker pitch. this variation of the novel’s character stumbled on so suddenly i experienced a tremendous degree of whip-lash and not for the better. by the end however, i came to a slightly begrudged acceptance of this new direction for the plot and the ending was beautiful albeit tempered with bittersweetness.

➸ conclusion :
a divinely soft and alternately heart-wrenching tale of awkwardly coming into one’s own, i will cherish gwen & art are not in love with every particle of my being.

thank you netgalley for the arc !

Such an adorable book. I loved this twist on such a classic tale. While not a retelling of the King Arthur story it still had elements of it but with a slightly modern twist. This one kept me laughing throughout the whole story whole also having touching moments.

This hilarious romcom took the key players of the story of Camelot and turned it on its head. Gwen, the King’s daughter, and Arthur, a young noble, have been arranged to be married since they were children, but the two cannot stand to be in the same room with each other.

When Arthur, now an adult, is sent to Camelot to secure this marriage with Gwen, the two (begrudgingly) find common ground in their hidden queerness and agree to use this sham of an arranged marriage to their advantage—Gwen gets to keep her parents off her back about what it means to be a lady, and Arthur gets to stay away from his abusive father and near Gwen’s charming book nerd of a brother.

With its secret romances, charming women knights, exciting tournaments, attempted assassinations, and hilarious witty retorts throughout, this book did not disappoint!

There was a perfect balance of plot and character in the drivers' seat for this book. Lex Croucher has managed to freshen up the voice and feel of Arthurian England without creating a disconnect for the reader. The main characters also felt their age, for the most part, which I know can be challenging.

I don't feel like this title will be one of my favorites of the year, but I will definitely be recommending it for those who enjoy queer YA stories or knights of the round table lore.