First I’d like to say a huge thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday books for providing me with an early copy of this book!

Not for the Faint of Heart is a YA historical fantasy that follows the granddaughter of Robin Hood and the girl she’s accidentally kidnapped.

Truthfully, this book is like 20% plot and 80% vibes. The vibes? Great, I really enjoyed the Merry Men and their interactions and personalities, they felt fleshed out and really added a lot to the story! I think my major issue lies with the romance aspect of this book. I couldn’t really tell that Mariel and Clem were in love until they were kissing at the sixty percent mark. I craved more from them, more pinning, more longing glances, more tension and angst.

The overall story was good, I just craved a little bit more. Shockingly I think I would’ve loved this book in first person-but unfortunately historical/fantasy books don’t always translate well. I really liked the vibes and aesthetic of this book, the traveling and sitting around fires and sleeping in tents really created a nice atmosphere and you can tell that the author did her research on the Robin Hood topic.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants a quick, sweet YA queer historical romance that has a fun cast of characters and impeccable vibes!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I was happy to get this ARC as I really liked Gwen & Art Are Not in Love, and it did not disappoint! If you are looking for a feel-good story with a ragtag group of friends who love each other unconditionally (with a side of lesbian love story) then this is for you! I actually loved the friendship dynamics more than the romance, but I am a huge sucker for fluffy found-family friendship groups who weather hard times together (Becky Chambers style!) so that did not surprise me. If you like those too, then you would love this!

Normally historical takes me a while to get through, but this book flew by in a flurry of action, banter, romance, found family, and complicated family dynamics.

Clem is a healer kidnapped by a company of Merry Men led by none other than Robin Hood's granddaughter Mariel. The fight between the Sherrif and the Merry Men is very much alive, but it seems like the band of vigilantes has somewhat lost their way.

I laughed so many times at Clem's commentary. I loved the found family aspect and actually cried at the tragedy that befall them. The cast of characters is diverse in a queer normative world. For a book taking place within a couple weeks, it held no punches. This is easily my favorite yet by this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.

On the whole, I loved this book! Clem grew on me, though Mariel was harder for me to like. I instantly loved Mariel’s company though. What a great gang of people. I liked how the Robin Hood story was expanded upon, to see what his legacy looked like a couple of generations later. It’s complicated. And complicated makes for a good story.

Yet again, Croucher has captured my heart with a lovable cast of characters alongside a wonderfully paced and packed adventurous tale. This author will surely appeal to any reader searching for a heartwarming tale that will bring comfort and solace, a glimmer of hope in a chaotic world.

What a fun twist on Robin Hood! I really enjoyed this one, and I know that it will be enjoyed by teen patrons. Also really love how diverse it is, and I can’t wait to see what else this author will write!

Lex Croucher continues to write amazing historical-ish romances and I'm HERE FOR IT. When I saw a LGBTQ+ Robin Hood vibes book, I was so stoked! I loved the adventure here... with poor Clem getting kidnapped (several times) by the Merry Men and the utter chaos of it all. I was happy to see the expansion on Robin Hood's bloodline. My only slight critique is how quickly the books wrapped up. Without spoilers, it felt very rushed and I think I would have loved to see a bit more before the end.

Thank you, NetGalley, for advanced access to this book.

I laughed, I cried, I gasped, I kicked my feet in giddiness. Lex Croucher perfectly blended a sweet romance with an exciting Robin Hood adventure in "Not for the Faint of Heart."
I loved that Croucher expanded on the story of Robin Hood, imagining what things would look like if the Merry Men continued their work even after he retired.
"Not for the Faint of Heart" explores some of the best themes of right vs. wrong, found family and paving your own path among all the expectations placed upon you.
Even with all the twists and turns, I felt the characters were well-developed and the pacing was just right. Croucher balanced the politicking of the Merry Men and the sheriff with the relationships and growth of the characters. And the romance leaned into my favorite tropes - sunshine and grumpy, and forced proximity.
"Not for the Faint of Heart" is the perfect book for someone who wants a happy little romance and a high-paced adventure that involves secrets, disguises, jail breakouts, robberies and working to right the world's power imbalance.

I tried so hard to like this book. I enjoyed Lex Croucher's other book, Gwen and Art Are Not in Love, and I thought this one would follow suit. However, I found Not for the Faint of Heart to be convoluted and difficult to follow. There is strong LGBTQ+ representation and some great banter throughout, but the characters are sometimes difficult to differentiate and the story wanders quite a bit. It'd make a funny show, I think, but something about the prose just gets lost.

Not for the Faint of Heart by Lex Croucher is a thrilling and darkly humorous take on the classic enemies-to-lovers trope, set in a world where danger lurks around every corner. The story follows the fierce and determined protagonist, who finds herself entangled with a brooding love interest amidst a backdrop of perilous adventures. Croucher’s writing is sharp and witty, effortlessly blending humor with moments of tension that keep you on the edge of your seat. The banter between the characters is particularly delightful, making their journey feel both engaging and relatable as they navigate their complicated feelings for each other.

What I loved most about this book is how it tackles serious themes like bravery and vulnerability while still delivering an entertaining narrative. The characters are well-developed, each with their own flaws and strengths that add depth to the story. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and their growth throughout the book feels genuine and satisfying. While some plot points may stretch believability, the overall experience is a fun ride filled with unexpected twists. If you're looking for a romantic adventure that balances humor with heart, Not for the Faint of Heart is definitely worth picking up!

Oh, how I loved Gwen and Art Are Not in Love, so I was excited to read Not For the Faint of Heart. But alas, it is not for me, I DNF at 25%. I didn't connect with any of the characters, I didn't really care about any of them, and we are constantly reminded that they're all just 14 years old. I think if the author didn't point it out so much, I might have forgotten it eventually, but here we are.

The writing is easy to read, but nothing is incredibly memorable. Nothing really grabbed me and made me want to finish this book. Which sucks because, like I said, I loved Gwen and Art, but this book is just not for me.

Thank you, Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the ARC

DNF at 23%

Similar to Gwen and Art are not in love, this book begins painfully slowly, I can see where the humour will be, and I'm sure it'll pick up at the end but it's really just not grabbing my attention enough to continue on.

The 'fast paced' bits aren't really that fast and I'm having a lot of time visualizing the world.

I loved the premise of a Sapphic Robin Hoodesque retelling, but I just can't get into this.

I loved this super fun, YA romp. (Bi Robin Hood?? Helloooo!) There was representation of all manner in this book, and I can't help but think as a young person how much I would have LOVED reading about a character that was like me. Also love me some "just one horse"! Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher St Martin's Press, and the author Lex Croucher for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Lex Croucher's YA has never failed to hook me. I wasn't sure if this would top GWEN & ART, but it was so much fun. I loved the entire cast of characters and their relationships, and I found the plot and themes to be super well done. Mariel's character arc in particular felt very important for teen readers to read, and I can't wait to see where this author goes next! Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!

Clem, a cheerful healer’s apprentice, is abducted by the uptight Mariel - granddaughter of Robin Hood - and the group of Merry Men she oversees for suspicions that Clem has been helping heal their enemy the Sheriff of Nottingham and his family. An unexpected found family dynamic blooms between Clem and her captors as they go on an adventure to save Mariel’s father. Along the way, everything Mariel has believed to be true about her father and the Merry Men is tested and Clem and Mariel develop feelings for one another that go far beyond captor and captive. 

I’m so impressed by Lex Croucher’s ability to blend both humor and sorrow. This book is both full of both moments of adventure and devastation, eliciting both laughs and tears. Impressive too, is Croucher’s witty dialogue, strong characterization, and the queer, trans, and racially diverse cast no matter the time period. 

Clem is one of my favorite characters that I’ve had the pleasure to read about in a while, at turns both hilarious and compassionate. The entire cast is strongly written and I appreciate that Mariel isn’t a traditionally likable female character. 

Something that I’ve found can be rare in young adult books is a sense of nuance. Croucher isn’t afraid to write morally ambiguous characters or to tell a story where there isn’t a clear “good” and “evil”. There’s a flawed idea that teenagers need their books to tell them what is wrong and right. Croucher knows their readers can form their own opinions and ideas.  

I settled on a four star because I don’t know if I loved the ending. Without getting into spoilers, I thought more character work and growth was needed in order to truly earn it.

Regardless, I’ll definitely be picking up more of Croucher’s books and I’m excited to see what they write next.

**Book Review: "Not for the Faint of Heart" by Lex Croucher**

Lex Croucher's "Not for the Faint of Heart" is an enchanting queer historical YA romance that seamlessly blends adventure, humor, and a touch of whimsy. This vibrant retelling of the Robin Hood legend introduces readers to a new generation of heroes, particularly Mariel, the grumpy granddaughter of the legendary outlaw, and Clem, the unexpectedly delightful girl who finds herself accidentally kidnapped.

From the outset, Croucher's witty prose shines through, as seen in Clem's sharp quips about her captors. The humor is both clever and refreshing, setting the tone for a story that is equal parts fun and heartfelt. Mariel, as the newly appointed captain of the Merry Men, grapples with the weight of her grandfather's legacy, making her character relatable and compelling. Her fierce determination to prove herself, despite her initial grumpiness, adds depth to her journey.

Clem, on the other hand, is a breath of fresh air. Her cheerful disposition and unorthodox healing methods challenge Mariel’s views and add an engaging dynamic to their relationship. As they navigate the dangers of the Greenwood Forest together, their banter evolves into a budding romance that is both sweet and authentic. The slow burn of their connection is beautifully crafted, allowing readers to feel the tension and chemistry that develops in the midst of chaos.

Croucher’s portrayal of the Merry Men as a somewhat flawed group struggling with their relevance in a changing world adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. The themes of loyalty, identity, and the moral dilemmas of their cause resonate throughout the story. As Mariel begins to question the righteousness of her mission, readers are drawn into a larger conversation about what it means to be a hero in a world filled with gray areas.

The pacing is brisk, keeping the adventure lively while also allowing for moments of introspection and character growth. Croucher expertly balances action sequences with heartfelt moments, ensuring that the stakes feel high while also providing ample opportunities for laughter.

"Not for the Faint of Heart" is a delightful romp filled with hijinks, camaraderie, and a romance that is sure to tug at your heartstrings. Croucher’s rich world-building and engaging characters make this novel a standout. It’s a story about found family, self-discovery, and the power of love—perfect for readers looking for a fun yet poignant tale.

In summary, this book is an absolute must-read for fans of queer historical fiction, adventure, and romance. Croucher has crafted a charming narrative that will leave readers eager for more adventures in the Greenwood Forest. Highly recommended!

Loved this book. The dynamic between the characters made it unputdownable. I can’t wait to read future books by this author and recommend on my platforms

Super cute! I always love Lex Croucher's wry humor. The beginning of the book was a little slow, and I think maybe 30 pages of this book could've been cut, but otherwise it was super cute, action-packed, and gay, which is all I can ask for. I love the way Croucher writes found family and isn't afraid to shy away from complex dynamics/plot points. It's a fun, cute romp, but it's not always a fun, cute world. Looking forward to reading more of this author's queer folklore/historical(ish) YA books

A laugh out loud, slow burn sapphic rom-com featuring a grumpy-sunshine pairing, this book was such a fun read!

The story is character driven and while there's plenty of action and adventure, the focus is on character interactions and relationships. The romance between Mariel and Clem was a slow build, but their opposing personalities led to such fun exchanges and banter. The supporting characters are fantastic and I fell in love with each of them! The witty humor had me laughing out loud, with loveable characters that made for a truly enjoyable reading experience.

Balancing out the comedic elements, there is also pain, loss, and grief. Mariel must contend with her father's impossible to meet expectations while Clem's tragic past haunts her every night. The Merry Men's skirmishes with the Sheriff's people don't always end well. But there is also healing, character growth, and found family.

The world seems to be queer normative and in addition to sapphic rep, there is also non-binary, trans, and MLM rep. The author has content warnings available on their website.

Tottaly understated and unexpected is what I felt about these books. I did not expect to quickly fall in love with the story and characters like I did. Bravo