Reading a book in the medieval-fantasy genre was completely outside of my comfort zone. I tend to shy away from books that I don’t know anything about. However, what really sparked my interest and drew me in was it was the YA and LGBTQIA+ take on the subject/genre. I’m really glad I was given the opportunity to read this book.

The writing was fantastic. I loved how the dialog was more modern but still fit in with the time and setting. One of the reasons I tend to shy away from books set in medieval times is because I have this connotation that they will always be written in very slow, and hard to understand “middle English”. This was not the case with this book. The conversations and banter between characters was laugh out loud funny. There were parts of this book where I was audibly chuckling at some of the things being said. Each character was lovable in their own way and they were all written in a way where I was able to feel a connection to each of them. It was easy to sense how each character had a bond with one another and how different each of the relationships were. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but I feel like it’s the kind of book where there is something for everyone: The trust and friendship between siblings; between two best friends and confidants; same-sex feelings or relationships that must be kept hidden; the relationship with parents who don’t understand and more.

This book had almost as many action scenes as it did romance, which surprised me, but it was really well done. I was able to get a sense of what was happening and a feeling for what the characters were going through without it being too gory or graphic.

I’m once again so happy that I had the opportunity to enjoy this ARC thanks to Net Galley. I’m also an admirer of author Lex Croucher and that my eyes are now open to a whole new genre. Five stars!

I thoroughly enjoyed Gwen & Art Are Not in Love. Historical fiction isn't typically my jam but I couldn't resist a gay interpretation of the classic Arthurian tale. The love lives of Gwen and Art, plus the side characters, were so entertaining. I was wholeheartedly rooting for all of the couples. Plus the witty banter between the characters hits perfectly. It's a laugh-out-loud funny sort of book.
I was thrown off by the pacing of the book though. The first 200 pages followed the relationships. The development of the relationships, both platonic and romantic, was slower and sweet. Then, all of sudden, the pacing picked up and the content and tone got much darker, which I loved! I just wish there was a smoother transition to the climax.

Bottom line: The unconventional romance scenario totally worked.

AAAHHHH!!! ::flailing about on the floor:: 😍😍😍

Okay, I am going to attempt a more coherent review now...

I SO enjoyed this book. It is by far my favourite from Lex Croucher. I've enjoyed both Reputation and Infamous, but nowhere near as much as I loved this one.

I really liked the whole group of "friends" I guess I'll call them, though they certainly don't start out that way. I loved that even the characters that were maybe not supposed to be the nicest were still completely lovable. The book is dual POV between Gwen and Art, but all of the friend group are so well written, they could all be main characters. I also loved that, despite it being set in medieval times, there was still diversity in the book. It would have been so easy to just make everyone white, because that's how everyone thinks it was during that time period, but there were folks from other parts of the world and other cultures there at that time and I love that they were included. And I love that it explained how their families came to be in England. I've really appreciated the way that Croucher makes their books diverse, despite them being historical.

The book is also incredibly funny. It's set in medieval times, but obviously with modern language. It was great to see modern language used to make fun of the time period, as well as being used by the characters to make fun of each other and themselves.

I also LOVED (but also maybe hated a little bit) that one of the characters has the symptoms of endometriosis. This is only the second book I've ever read with that sort of rep and the reason I say I sort of hated it is because the character is treated the EXACT same way women (and people with uteruses) are today when they have these symptoms. They are not believed, male physicians downplay the severity of the symptoms, and they're not even prescribed proper painkillers. I loved it because it's such an obvious dig at the way current, modern medicine STILL treats folks who have these symptoms.

I so completely loved this book, if that wasn't already obvious from the 523456 times I've said love already in this review. So far each of Croucher's books have been better than the last, so I cannot wait to see what they write next!

Thanks to the publisher for sending me this eARC, but I will not be finishing this book. I predict I will pick this up again sometime after the release date just to give it another chance. If you are wanting a queer light-hearted, younger side of YA, and loosely historical fantasy this is a great book for you. It’s not for me. Every scene felt like a rough outline where the writer has a little note that says *will return to add in the details later* but there are no more added details. The historical tone/dialogue was very inconsistent, it rarely read as Medieval England fantasy, more like a contemporary fantasy.

This one was very fun, even for someone who sometimes struggles to follow along with more historical stories. I really loved the characterization in this one, All of our main characters felt like real people. Also, the fact that Bridget is a badass, but still struggles with painful periods? I loved her so much, she may be my favorite character in the whole story

Set in ye' olden days, Art and Gwen are queer, betrothed and do not get along. As they fall in love (with other people), plan schemes, and stir up trouble, Gwen and Art come to realize that though they might never be lovers they do have the potential to become great friends.

I'm a big fan of this type of historical fiction/fantasy in the vein of movies like Rosaline (2022), Ever After (1998) and Ella Enchanted (2004), so I knew that this was gonna be right up my alley. There are some great character dynamics in this novel both between the couples, between the duos like Art and his bodyguard (they were so funny and had me laughing out loud on the bus), and Art and Gwen themselves had a great friendship. The pacing at the begining could be improved, I felt that it was slow going for the first 100 pages and then it was full steam ahead. I also think the magical politics are a weak point since they don't get enough detail or attention as the romances and friendships take center stage, so that plot point had me a little lost until the end. I wish the ending was extended a bit more since the climax had me on the edge of my seat. I wanted more since it felt like things wrapped up too quickly, hopefully there will be a sequel!

Overall, this was a blast! I finished the book in one sitting, and once the plot got going, my attention was grabbed and I was on the edge of my seat. This book was filled with all those cozy first love and found family feels and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys the aforementioned films, or someone looking to get into historical/fantasy romance.

Thank you to Netgalley and Wednesday Books for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review (all opinions are my own).

Thank you NetGalley and St.Martins Press for this e-arc

Wow, basically if you are a fan of Red, White, and Royal Blue you are going to love this! It gave me the same adorable feelings as that book, but also the dynamic between Gabriel and Arthur was very comparable.

This was fantastically well done, depicting a re-imagined King Arthur-ish world (King Arthur had existed before and everyone is kind of just obsessed with him and his court which hey, I can relate to) where Gwen is a princess and betrothed to Arthur (a lord). But they hate each other. And if this wasn't a sapphic book then you'd probably guess this would be enemies to lovers, but Lex flips that whole expectation on its head. Instead, Gwen is mooning over a female knight and catches Arthur kissing a boy (gasp!). So they strike a deal, cover for each other and become reluctant friends before they are forced down the aisle. Shenanigans, battles, and kisses ensue, and I can't wait for everyone to become obsessed with this story.

This book is amazing! The plot is slower in the beggining, but by the end it gets a perfect pace, since more things happen.
Gwen is the character that grew the most. She went from being stuck-up, rude and a coward to using her priviledge as a royal to rule swiftly and justly. She acknolwedge the friend she'd always had, Agnes, and made new ones. She also started living her true life with Bridget!
Bridget is a great character. She's strong, determined and a real fighter. She knows what she wants and won't give up for anything.
Gabriel also had a lot of development, since he started accepting who he really is, as well as his role as the heir.
Arthur is a very complex character with many layers! He's a very sweet and sentimental person deep down, who had a terrible childhood. His best friend, Sydney keeps him safe and grounded, but a bigger support system helps him a lot!
I reallly recomend this for fans of Arthurian novels, queer history and fans of the found family trope!

TW:death, war, murder, sexism, homophobia, injury, assault.

2.5/5
I really liked the characters in this book, and found it to be emotionally well written. However, it feels like the author was trying to do too much with the plot. There’s conflict between Gwen and Art, they each have their respective romances, there’s conflict between the Arthurian cultists and the Catholics, there’s other political subterfuge, there’s parental conflict, and more, but none of it felt finished. No single idea felt like it was fully fleshed out nor reached a satisfying conclusion. Not to mention the severe and violent tone shift ~3/4 through the book. I really liked the pieces and ideas of this book, but they all ended up being very shallow

A straight up fun romp through a medieval romance that doesn't take itself too seriously. Every turn in this book was more entertaining than the last, and it kept up the sweetness and romance all of the way though. Qwen & Art Are Not in Love does not disappoint!

Thank you netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

As an individual who doesn't know much about Arthurian tale, I think this queer romance was super freaking cute. it's probably not an accurate retelling (again, I wouldn't know) but it was a sweet and cozy read. This is certainly going to be a hit once it hits shelves. I can already see it overtaking booktok.

This was so good! I was so excited when I first heard about this book and even more ecstatic when I received an advanced copy from NetGalley to read! Gwen & Art Are Not in Love is queer, based off of the Arthurian Legend (it is NOT a retelling), and genuinely hysterical. There was so much wit in the dialogue, Art made me genuinely laugh-out-loud multiple times. Gwen made me want to tear my hair out at times, but was also endearing and her fierce love for her brother melted my heart. I don't want to sound dramatic or anything, but I would literally die for Gabe and I loved Bridget's severe personality, but fierce belief in herself and loyalty to those she cares about, I loved all the characters, they had their flaws, but that only made them more relatable and real. The slow enemies to friends dynamic between Art and Gwen made me feel so happy inside and the romances, though hard fought and difficult to read at times, were just as sweet.

Gwen and Art are getting married, too bad they have despised each other basically since birth, It doesn't help that both are interested in other people, people who happen to be the same sex as them, which is certainly not the done thing in Camelot, especially by the royal family. Torn between duty and heart, Gwen struggles to find a way to be happy in the life she is destined for. Art, on the other hand, has been told since he was a child that his marriage to Gwen was the only use his hateful father has for him. With self-worth ground down to nothing he hides behind alcohol and a careless playboy attitude. They both don't want to marry, but choose to try and make the most of it... that is until both find themselves giving their hearts to other people. To make matters even more complicated there is unrest in the kingdom, Gwen and her family are no longer safe and Art happens to be caught in the middle of all of it, literally.

Gwen & Art Are Not in Love was sweet and funny, but also had a lot of difficult moments. Croucher didn't shy away from deeper themes in the story, but there were lots of light moments to counteract the dark. I also appreciated the different take on the classic Arthurian legend and what Camelot may have been like hundreds of years after King Arthur's rule (still can't get over Excalibur 9). Gwen & Art Are Not in Love was a fantastic read, it had me gripped from start to finish. Definitely a worthwhile book to pick up!

I will never say no to a book inspired by Arthurian legend, and it was really fun reading a rom-com set in medieval England with modern anachronisms (Ut reminded me, in part, of "Catherine Called Birdy"). the ending was a bit underwhelming and didn't match the pace of the rest of the book, and I wish we got more development and time with the characters because the pining was executed better than the relationships themselves.

Thank you the publisher and NetGalley for providing the arc!

Thank you to netgalley for the arc; I read this book during valentines day and it was the perfect read. I loved the way Gwen and Arts relationship developed from enemies to allies once it was discovered that they had both fallen for other people; I came to this book for a cute sapphic romance and thats exactly what I got. This book is best paired with love story (Taylor's Version) and a good cup of tea.

this was nothing like what i was expecting but i loved it! i loved the lgbt+ retelling of arthur and i thought this book was hilariously good. the romances made me swoon and i loved the devleoped friendship between the two characters.

Thanks to Netgalley and Wednesday Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Someone needs to make this into a movie, posthaste. Please and thank you.

The back cover copy’s description of “Heartstopper meets A Knight’s Tale” is perfect. This is the queer YA medieval romance I never knew I needed with a good dose of humor, love and friendship that will have you cheering for the good guys to win the battle.

Gwen, the princess in this story who falls in love with knight Lady Bridget Leclair and her fake fiancée Arthur Delacey who falls in love with her brother, Prince Gabe, are delightfully complex characters who are just trying to figure out their places in the kingdom. The supporting characters like Gwen’s lady’s maid, Agnes and Arthur’s body man, Sidney, round out this amazing cast of characters.

Overall: I recommend this book to anyone who likes their queer YA romances with a bit of legend, a cranky orange cat, the ninth Excalibur, and a raven named Morgana.

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This book was an absolute joy to read and is going to stick with me for a very long time. While it is YA/NA I think it can and should be read at any age, there is so much readers can take away from this book. There were so many beautiful quotes in this book that I think we might all need to hear at some point in our lives.

Gwen and Arthur are betrothed to one another and Arthur is going to be staying with Gwen and her family during the tournament season. Unforunately they loath one another. While they might not love one another are key to one another finding love. When Gwen falls for Bridget and is trying to understand it all, while Arthur is falling for her brother Gabriel.

I really loved seeing the relationship between Gwen and Art develop through the story. At the beginning of the story they really don’t like one another but because of their roles and duties they are forced together. As they spend more time together you see this sort of reluctant bond between them develop. Gwen is going through a significant period in her life trying to figure out who she is and Arthur gives her some really good advice. When Gwen’s brother can’t be there for her when she needs him Arthur is there for her.

There are some hard moments in the book especially when it come to Gabriel’s own journey. Gabriel has to decide if he is going to what is expected of him or if he is going to do what he truly wants.

Unexpectedly this book got really stressful for me toward the last 10-15%. However it ties itself up really well.

CW/TW: death, violence, parental lose, and some internalized homophobia(it is overcome)

I would recommend this to anyone who like historical romances or found families. Someone who is looking for a good coming of age LGBTQIA+ story.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books for giving me access to an arc.

I can honestly say that this is by far the best book that I have read so far this year and this would be my 28th read. So many things worked for me, especially the found family aspect of this book. Croucher does a wonderful job of making you care for all of the characters. I found them to all be extremely likable and they were able to have their own unique personalities, outside of one another.

This book, to me, deals with many things but especially our legacies and the tension between who we think we should be versus who we actually should be. The choices that we make about the life that we want to live. I think the blurb doesn't go far enough about explaining how deeply touching, heart-wrenching, and beautiful this story is. Sure, it is a sapphic and achlliean story but it is also bout love, expectations, and friendships. Croucher made me feel so invested in this story. Not only did she tell us but she showed us.

Lastly, I want to just say that the dialogue was superb. It was really funny! I was actually snorting and laughing out loud. It was witty. The banter was amazing because it felt so organic. Anyways, I just really loved this book so much and it definitely we become one of my comfort reads. Now I must read the rest of Croucher's books.

This was a cute, low-stakes YA read, pretty much exactly what you'd expect from the description. Two nobles who are betrothed figure out that they're both queer, decided to cover for each other, and hijinks ensue. I'd get it from the library personally, but it was a fun, easy read.

Thank you to netgalley for the ARC.

3.5/5
Yeah this is gay.
It truly is Heartstopper meets A Knight's Tale, but also meets Rosalind (on hulu 10/10 great movie).
I enjoyed having FOUR absolute gay disasters of characters in a setting that didn't need to make excuses as to why there are non-white characters in nobility ("ahem" Bridgerton). It was a cute and fun read, although the overarching conflict in the book of the Arthurian cultists vs. the crown fizzled and by the end, I forgot why there was a conflict in the first place.
If you just want a fun, YA romance with a happily ever after, this is for you!