A big thank you to NetGalley and Lex Croucher for this eArc!

This is the first book that I have read from Lex Croucher, and I cannot wait to read more of their work! Gwen & Art Are Not in Love is a romantic historical-fiction comedy that gave me all the feels! Gwen and Arthur find themselves in an arranged marriage and are forced to navigate what love and attraction truly mean to them while balancing the expectations of those around them. And while the novel takes place in Arthurian times with an arranged marriage premise, the issues, emotions, and characters are all extremely relatable. This book encapsulates what it is like to grow up and come to terms with who you really are. Croucher was able to convey very important messages through humor and quirky characters. Every reader will be able to see bits of Gwen and Arthur (as well as the other main characters) in themselves so I am sure this book will resonate with any reader.

It is the style of this book that makes it so addictive, as you were transported into this world through the language alone. Every character has their own unique voice which makes the dialogue extremely engaging to read. There isn’t a single part of this book that I did not enjoy, and I was very sad when I finished it. If you love historical fiction with comedic twists please read!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Wednesday books for giving me the opportunity to read one of my most anticipated books of the year early!

This is an adorable, charming romantic comedy set a few hundred years after the legendary reign of King Arthur. Gwen, princess of Camelot, and Arthur, son of lesser lord who claims Arthurian heritage, have been betrothed since they were children and absolutely loathe each other. But when they discover each other’s queerness, they strike a deal to fake their romance so they can cover for each other.

While the romances were cute, what I loved the most was the emergence of a beautiful chosen family. I loved the honest discussions surrounding sexuality, coming out, and accepting yourself. These little moments perfectly encapsulated the importance of having a community and people who love you and support you no matter what.

A perfect read for a slow, free afternoon to be read in one sitting.

My 3rd Lex Croucher read and another that left me smiling. This one centers around 6 young lovers who bumble their way through new relationships while fighting in a tournament (the lady knight), being generally dissolute and narcissistic while also utterly charming (the rakish lord), hiding in a library consuming endless research as a means of becoming the perfect king (the reluctant heir), learning to step outside of self-perpetuated solitude that might *not* be a road to happiness and fulfillment (the marriageable princess), and watching the upper crust create more problems than they solve (the wily servants). It’s a delightful cast and the banter is fantastically sharp, particularly between the rake and his dogsbody, whose friendship I adored. I also love a historical setting that isn’t entirely historical, allowing the world to unfold in ways that suit the story and its themes. I enjoyed all three romance plotlines, but more than that, I enjoyed the ways Croucher made their characters grow. It’s something I’ve enjoyed in all of their books. We don’t see perfect people from the get-go, which can be hard to write when readers are often quick to label characters “unlikeable” and disengage. I love that Croucher’s characters always grow on me, as they build self-awareness and grow, themselves. Full of Arthurian and medieval references while set in a world built from the author’s imagination, Gwen and Art is a joyful look at what it means to be brave, with swordfights, and kissing, and perfectly evil bad guys, and disguises, and dancing, and secret ceremonies, and endless amounts of wit. I had a blast.

This is a strong witty novel. I've haven't seen anything quite like this in the market before!

Its a refreshing gay take on Arthurian legend-ish that doesn't take itself too seriously and is mostly here to be a fun time for YA readers seeking non-contemporary representation in books. I found the dynamic between Gwen + Arthur to be hilarious, but I especially loved how heartfelt and comforting Gwen and her brother Gabriel's relationship was.
Gwen's personality was a bit more petulant than I thought was necessary for plot purposes, but seeing her grow throughout the course of the novel was satisfying.
Arthur was fantastic and I honestly wouldn't have minded the book to be mostly from his perspective, I found his romantic relationship to be more compelling than Gwen's in the end, too. Gwen needed more scenes just getting to know her knight in shining armor for me to feel as interested in her romantic outcome, personally.
Things get a bit disjointed in the last 25% of the book, like the author had more ideas than they were allowed pages for, but, regardless, it was fun read that I think a lot of people are going to love (including myself, ultimately!).

Gwen & Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher is a book to be DEVOURED. I completed it in one sitting, because I simply could not stop. Croucher has captured lightning in a bottle with this romp that has heart. All of the comparisons I see to A Knight's Tale and BBC Merlin "but queer" feel completely on point. There is so much humor and wit but also real love and care between characters, from platonic to familial to romantic. The secondary and side characters are just as compelling as the lead characters.

Gwen and Art have been betrothed since birth, but they are both NOT interested in a hetero relationship. They become reluctant co-conspirators in supporting each other's actual crushes, hopes, and dreams, and many hijinks ensue.

Gwen and Art both shine with their own distinct voices. It is a joy to watch their friendship develop and grow, with its own challenges, and just as much focus as the romantic plots. The overall pacing is enjoyable and unfolds with unexpected twists, even though we know from the outset who we expect to get together romantically. There are some big feelings at play, and I'm not ashamed to admit that this book made me cry.

It is refreshing and joyful to read a YA book that is so unapologetically queer, in many different ways, without baiting or hiding. This novel centers the idea of chosen family alongside supportive blood relations. I found both romances to be believable and enjoyable, with their own separate dynamics that stood out. Especially big shout out to the incredible lady knight Bridget.

As a youth librarian, I know I will hand this to many YA readers who are always on the look out for good queer romances, and fun historical settings.

Thanks to NetGalley for a digital ARC of this book. Opinions are my own.

This was a fun castle romp set in a world a while after Arthurian England, where the story of Arthur and his Knights provide the backbone of Royal society - sons and daughters are often named after Lancelot, Gawain, Guinevere, and tournaments are still held every year.

Four teens, trying to find their place in this rigid world of dashing Knights and simpering princess are Gwen, her brother Gabriel who is heir to the throne, Art, descendent of Arthur, and his friend / long suffering manservant, Sidney.

I loved that this was such a Queer story, as Gwen falls for lady Knight Bridget and Arthur finds himself increasingly drawn to Gabriel. Their paths aren't going to be easy ones but I constantly rooted for them to find a way to be together.

That being said, I did think this book was a little overly long at times, and not a lot happens until the last hundred pages. The battle at the end though was such a turn, bringing us Game Of Thrones level war which changes their world forever.

Overall, this is a really fun, but emotional read that could have easily been a 5 star read had it just had some more things to fill up those middle 200 pages. I loved the Arthurian setting though, and how much it reminded me of Knight's Tale.

Ignore how long it took me to read this book life majorly got in the way 🤡

This book is amazing and I need everyone to read it. I fell in love with all of the characters and the last half of the book had my jaw on the floor the entire time

Now I just need slice of life with everyone living their best lives

As a child, I was obsessed with the BBC’s Merlin. I used to watch so hoping that queer subtext would become canon, spoiler alert: it didn’t.

When I read the premise of Gwen and Art Are Not In Love by Lex Croucher, I wondered if it would scratch the itch that BBC’s Merlin had long filled and boy; I was not disappointed.

The concept of the book is simple. It’s hundreds of years after the real King Arthur died or “went on sabbatical” as some characters refer to it in the book. Gwendoline, the princess of England, hates the man she’s betrothed to marry, Arthur. The two are forced to spend the summer together at the royal seat: Camelot, to prepare for their wedding. Gwen discovers Arthur kissing a boy and Arthur discovers Gwen’s diary, which reveals her crush on the lady knight, Bridget. The two of them make a reluctant agreement to help cover for each other. With discoveries about King Arthur’s true past, falling in love, teenage shenanigans, and a plot of overthrow Gwen’s father, Gwen and Art Are Not In Love is a romantic comedy many readers are sure to love.

Characters - The main four characters of the book, Gwen, Bridget, Gabriel, and Arthur, are loveable. All four seem real and go through major character development in the book.

Romance - The two main romantic relationships, Gwen + Bridget and Gabriel + Arthur, are both so cute. Both relationships are well developed over the book, with each character having their own set of motivations and aspects that make them real.

I think an unexpected plot point that I loved was the characters delving into the Arthurian past. I always love it when books discuss historical queerness (for example, Alex & Henry’s emails in Red, White, & Royal Blue). I will say I am a little disappointed it wasn’t between Arthur and Merlin.

I don’t want to write much more except this. Gwen and Art Are Not In Love by Lex Croucher is literally one of the best books I’ve read this year.

If you love queer rom coms, grew up watching BBC’s Merlin, or just need a tale where a lady knight and a princess fall in love, this book is for you.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Wednesday Books and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. This book will be out on November 28, 2023.

Gwen and Art moved incredibly quick at the beginning - barely giving us time to register that Art found her diary mere pages in. Additionally, Art and Gwen's brother's romance didn't feel like it ever had a true start, just a boom moment, similarly to Gwen and her love interest. Overall, the tie in to history was fun alongside the deep dive of Arthur and Lancelot's relationship.

"Gwen & Art Are Not in Love" is a queer Arthurian romance that will leave you swooning and cackling in equal measure.

This was fantastic! Interesting characters, a twist that I did not see coming, and an engaging story.

I finished this adorable YA romance yesterday and couldn’t get enough!! 💕Gwen and Art are engaged to be married, but they hate each other. When they realize they’re both harboring (queer! 😍) crushes on other people, they come up with a plan—pretend to be wildly in love so no one guesses what they’re really up to. 👀

Every page was filled with humor and I loved it. Gwen and Art were both so different and their friendship was so cute. I also loved the exploration of queerness being prohibited in the medieval setting and how Gwen and her brother Gabriel had the potential to change things.

GWEN AND ART ARE NOT IN LOVE was a fun read—and it featured flirting via sword fighting so it doesn’t get much better than that!

I really wanted to love this one since it came to me with such hype, but sadly, I found the first 25% so slow. I also didn't love the characters. I think the premise is adorable, but I wish there was a bit more world-building.

*Thank you to NetGalley for sending over an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review!*

NOTE: I would technically give this a 4.5/5 star rating. Sadly, half stars aren't a thing.

After having read the description and summary of this novel, where it was presented as a sort of Heartstopper meets A Knight's Tale spun in a medieval romcom with queer elements, I was definitely intrigued. I enjoy a light-hearted story, and this novel delivered!

Lex's writing is enjoyable, and they know how to write multidimensional characters easy to connect with - I found myself enjoying Gabriel and Sydney most, but they were all interesting. The plot did feel slow to get into at times, which would be my only criticism, but it's very much worth sticking around for. Arthur and Gwen have a great dynamic going on, even with their mission to help each other out despite the book's title stating their status and feels towards one another.

I look forward to the novel's release date and seeing people's reactions to the story!

Just an absolute blast! I am already partial to retellings of Arthurian myth and this really succeeded for me. I thought it was fun and funny and sweet and immediately texted three separate people about it. The story lost some steam right at the end but I had so much fun in the lead up that i didn’t even mind. Truly a delight.

This book was absolutely delightful! I don’t usually read historical fiction, but this was so captivating, original, funny and surprising that I couldn’t put it down. It made me laugh out loud several times, but it also had a lot of heart and emotions. I haven’t read another book like this, and I loved it! Plus, reading swear words during sword fights and duels is just fun.

This book was a fun breath of fresh air when i had the chance to pause during my busy week. It’s the exact fun cup of tea that my inner teenager needed. Also, everyone needs a Sidney in their lives.

dnf. as much as I really wanted to like this book. I unfortunately did not. Retelling are usually not my Forte unless there's a good twist, and I was really hoping this verison was gonna have it. But it just felt lackluster to me. Maybe I'll come back and try again time, maybe I just need to be more in a Retelling vibe.

4.5 stars

Picture it: the beautiful city of Camelot. Within it: the princess of England (Gwendoline) is betrothed to a someday Lord (Arthur). But this is not a retelling of the familiar old myths. This is 100% Gwen's and Arthur's own story.

Arthur and Gwen spend most of their lives despising each other. And then they stumble upon each other's secrets... Arthur kisses boys and Gwen has a crush on the kingdom's one lady knight.

This is a queer love story. And it's lovely.

Gwen and Art Are Not in Love is such a sweet book — and literally so funny. It's one of those novels where you end the book with an entire cast of characters that you love. It was paced well, and the ending in particular really amped up for me. It's soft and fun and queer; the time I spent with this story was truly enjoyable.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I feel a lot of us crave stories that are similar to others we have read but sometimes we find a story that can stand on its own book spine.

When I read Gwen and Art Are Not In Love, I was pulled in by the title. It's a pretty straightforward statement but what was it going to mean? I had this specific thought as I was reading because I wanted to understand why this was scratching at my brain. For this particular book, I did not read the back of the book because I didn’t need to. In all honesty, the title and the cover did the best job at taking my attention, locking it and throwing it away.

The story follows Gwendoline and Arthur who truly cannot stand one another but are set to spend the whole summer together as they are preparing to be married… to each other! Even though the “soon-to-be-married” couple would rather go the worst of the worst than to be with each other, Gwen and Art share the same secret of being queer and desiring to be themselves without anyone to get in their way.

So you can imagine the jaw dropping shock I felt when I discovered WHY “Gwen and Art Are Not In Love” and WHY this story was all about finding themselves, becoming enemies to friends and uncovering the meaning of found family/community.

There is a saying that when you hate or dislike someone, there usually is a deeper meaning of seeing yourself in someone else. Gwen and Art are the perfect characters who I love to see fighting and bickering. I loved how they could get on each other’s nerves with banter and pure wits but I also loved when they were each other’s comfort. They are not in love but you will find yourself loving their friendship throughout the book. This story goes through many sharp turns and you will totally let Lex Croucher take the wheel of this BOOKISH car ride (or should I say horseback ride)

Don’t decline this adventure, put on your armor and go out there and fight for your right to love and to be yourself!

To my following, you might see a lot of people talking about this book so why not be part of the conversation and check it out for yourself!

I want to thank NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Wednesday Books for a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.