This was a well done turning of a classic tale on its head. There was a great diversity of the characters that immediately drew me in. The middle of the book was a little slow, but the last part was a complete emotional rollercoaster that kept me hooked until the last page.

Thank you Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the eARC of Not For the Faint of Heart! All opinions in this review are my own.

I already knew going into this book that I would love it because it is written by Lex Croucher. I love this series that she is creating by reimagining legends. The first book is Gwen and Art Are Not in Love, which is a King Arthur retelling. Not For the Faint of Heart is a play on the Robin Hood myth with one of the main characters being his granddaughter. Mariel is a new caption of the Merry Men and struggles with trying to prove herself to her dad. When her band of Merry Men (they are shopping around for a new name to better represent them) kidnap the wrong person, Mariel must deal with the consequences.

Like all Lex Croucher books, Not For the Faint of Heart is full of humor and heart. The characters are lovable and their struggles are relatable, even if they are mainly in the woods during medieval times. In the Acknowledgements, Croucher talks about how this book was difficult for her to write, but her struggle definitely paid off. Per usual, I already can't wait for her next book!

This book was just OK. The main character needed more development. She felt very surface level and didn’t grow all that much by the end. The plot was interesting but had a few too many things going on I think.

The character of Baxter made up a good portion of where the book shines but he’s not a main character. The authors other book was much better than this one.

While I do enjoy Lex Croucher's novels, there is just something about them that makes me not end up not fully loving them. I think it may be that for being set in medieval/King Arthur/Robin Hood times, the characters feel far too modern for me and it winds up taking me out of the plot for a minute. It's hard to suspend my disbelief that much in a book that otherwise feels pretty "authentic" (in terms of the time period).

Clem felt a little bit TOO ditzy for me to believe that she is a truly accomplished healer, and Mariel seemed too mean for me to believe that these two are going to end up falling in love. The storyline was okay, but I never really felt connected to it or to any of the characters so there was no sense of urgency for me to continue reading. I would go on for days at a time without reading and then remember I was in the middle of a story and that I should probably finish it.

I was also able to guess a lot of what was going to happen - not just based on what would normally happen during that time, but because Croucher's story formula was almost identical in their last book. It was a bit boring, but I think that teens (who are obviously the main market that this book is trying to appeal too) will still really enjoy it.

This was such a fun mix of adventure and romance. Robin Hood was one of my favorite things when I was a kid, so I was thrilled to see this sapphic reimagining between Robin Hood’s daughter and the healer she kidnaps. The romance between Clem and Mariel was definitely a slow burn, but I loved the adventures and all of the side characters so much I really didn’t mind. As with all of Croucher’s books the LGBTQ+ rep was great and always something I love to see. I can’t wait for their next book.

I am obsessed with Lex Croucher's books, and Not for the Faint of Heat is no exception! After loving Gwen and Art are not in Love, I couldn't wait to dive into this one – and it did not disappoint! Lex has this incredible way of taking familiar stories, like Robin Hood, and reimagining them in such a fresh and wonderfully queer way.

This historical YA romance brings the perfect mix of swoons, laughs, and heart-pounding moments. I absolutely loved Mariel, the grumpy, new captain of the Merry Men, and Clem, the too-perky healer who's accidentally kidnapped. Their chemistry is amazing, and the banter between them had me grinning the whole time. It’s impossible not to get drawn into their adventure, full of found family, witty moments, and even a little bit of suspense.

What I really appreciate about Croucher’s writing is how she makes these historical settings feel modern – fresh, fun, and full of heart. Every character, from the leads to the side characters, shines in their own way, and it was such a joy to see them grow throughout the story.

If you're a fan of romance, adventure, and reimagined history with a queer twist, then you need to read this book. It's got everything: hijinks, a compelling plot, and the most wonderful moments of love and found family. Absolutely loved it!

Truly a delight. The LGBTQ representation was lovely, and I'm a sucker for found family! Lex Croucher is a wonderful author!

"Lex Croucher's Not for the Faint of Heart is a thrilling adventure full of hijinks, found family, and romance destined to change the lives of the inhabitants of the Greenwood Forest forever."

I liked this story but personally to me it wasn’t as great as some of Lex Croucher’s other titles. I didn’t feel as much intrigue with this book as I thought I would but that also could have been due to the massive reading slump I have been in.

Just over 3 stars, rounded down.

I enjoyed the beginning to this story, but ended up finding it feeling rushed as we got further in.

I wanted to know more about our “Merry Men”, and felt like I didn’t quite get what I wanted, especially out of the romance. The ending felt quite rushed to me, and while I enjoyed the romance, I wish the relationship had more time to be fleshed out.

I did enjoy the characters, but I wanted to know more about them, their histories etc. I just couldn’t quite feel connected to them, though I did enjoy the representation and their overall vibes.

I wish this was more classic “Robin Hood”, I enjoyed the bits with the more classic Robin Hood feel, I wish this had truly leaned a bit more into the classic story, rather than it following a descendant.

Overall, Croucher writes well, and engages you on a quick and easy journey. This is my second story by them, and I can see myself grabbing more, if they continue on the retelling track!

I was so excited about this ARC after reading Gwen & Art Are Not In Love and loving it. Queer Robin Hood retelling? Sign me up. Unfortunately, this book ended up being a DNF at 24% (chapter 13).

I felt like this was slow-paced; the romance was nonexistent up to this point, and the characters and plot were not hooking me.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books, and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

The premise for this queer YA historical romance is so unique and really interesting. It captured me from the start! The comments about the Merry Men cracked me up from the beginning. All I could keep thinking about was the movie Robin Hood: Men in Tights and the Merry Men singing in that movie. It popped into my head every time. But the main character is the granddaughter of Robin Hood. Loved this. Such a cool concept! And instead of helping, she accidentally kidnaps a girl! Ugh, such problems! This line really cracked me up, ‘You aren’t merry,’ said Clem to her captor. ‘And you aren’t all men. So there’s been some marketing confusion somewhere along the line.’

Thank you to Wednesday Books and Net Galley for copies. I can't wait to share this with my students.

I was thrilled when I found out Croucher had written a Robin Hood tale after enjoying “Gwen and Art are Not in Love” so much. I’m glad to say this did not disappoint! I loved the found family aspect that Mariel’s group of Merry Men had and how easily Clem fit in with them. It felt a lot like a D&D adventuring party, where every character plays a unique role to benefit the group, and I mean that in the most complimentary way.

I loved the tension and opposites-attract chemistry between Mariel and Clem. I loved learning more about their backstories as the book went on. I was blind-sided by the twists towards then end and heartbroken as well.

A book is great when it can make you both laugh and cry, which this one did. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

Such a fun read and I recommend it if you are in a slump like I was. In the beginning, I had a great time reading this. Halfway through I got a biiiiit over it, but it came to a great close.

The heartwarming found family friend group and captive to lovers (?? lol) were of course my favorite parts. I could read about that friend group all day lol. I love their shenanigans. The two female main characters felt very well-rounded and had so many aspects to them that made them unique. Also shout out to all the horrible parents in this book lol!!

Originally, I had this book as 5/5 stars. After thinking about it for some time, I think this is a 4/5 or 3/5 for me (I'll round up). The ending was just soooo rushed. I wish there was a bit more expansion on the final sequence and the afterwards. Otherwise, a super fun read!!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC!!!

I haven't read many things from Croucher but the one story I did was so GOOD and so funny. I loved it! "Not for the Faint of Heart" didn't capture my attention as much as her story "Trouble" did. It was funny and cute and there were times where I was invested in the plot but I didn't warm up to Clem and Mariel as fast as I should've (given they're the main characters). I think I was also confused on what Morgan, Baxter, Kit and Josey looked like. I seriously could not picture them or if I did, I think I had the wrong descriptions of them in my head. Overall, I don't think this story was for me unfortunately but it was still an interesting read.

Adorable. I am in love with this, it truly stands out in its genre. It has all of the elements that I look for when it comes to easy fantasy.

Read if you like:
⚔️Enemies to Lovers
⚔️Fake Dating
⚔️Forbidden Romance
⚔️Opposites Attract
⚔️Slow Burn
⚔️Forced Proximity

Set in an 18th-century world filled with social intrigue, the story follows the dynamic between the spirited and independent protagonist, Jane, and the brooding, complex Nicholas. Their relationship starts off with plenty of animosity and misunderstandings, making for an electric enemies-to-lovers arc that is packed with chemistry and emotional depth. As they are forced into a fake dating arrangement—primarily to maintain appearances—what begins as a purely practical partnership slowly evolves into something far more complicated and deeply personal.

Croucher does a fantastic job of weaving humor, heart, and tension throughout the story. The slow burn romance is perfectly paced, with the two protagonists moving from rivals to lovers as they navigate their differences and uncover each other’s vulnerabilities. The chemistry between Jane and Nicholas is palpable, and it’s hard not to root for them as they break down each other’s walls, revealing more about their true selves.

The tension between public appearances and private desires is beautifully portrayed, and the characters’ emotional journeys add a layer of depth to the romance. Jane’s development, in particular, is a standout—she grows from a rebellious, misunderstood woman into someone who learns to balance her independence with her ability to love and trust.

Croucher’s writing is sharp, engaging, and full of clever dialogue that keeps the story both light-hearted and emotionally resonant. The side characters add humor and richness to the plot, creating a well-rounded world full of both endearing and frustrating individuals.

Overall, *Not for the Faint of Heart* is an irresistible blend of romance, humor, and historical charm. With its well-executed tropes, lovable characters, and satisfying emotional arcs, it’s a perfect read for fans of historical romance with a bit of edge and a lot of heart. Lex Croucher has crafted a story that will have you laughing, swooning, and rooting for its couple every step of the way.

Thanks so much the publisher for my gifted ARC!

I was hopeful for this Croucher read but felt the cast of characters was so wide that I never felt like I connected with any one in particular.

Another fun romcom fantasy book by Lex Croucher! I really enjoyed this retelling/sequel of the old Robin Hood story. This story takes place many years after the original story, with Robin Hood retired and gone from the scene for many years. The Merry Men have morphed into a much more organized entity with his son-in-law now in charge, and his granddaughter, Mariel, one of the captains in the organization. A by-the-book type of leader, she nevertheless has the loyalty of a small group of irregulars and is desperate to prove herself to her father. Clem is a backwoods healer who was taken in by Rosie who taught her the craft but also lets her experiment with other modes of healing. When Mariel's band is sent to kidnap Rosie for some unknown reason, Clem offers herself instead, setting off a series of unforeseen consequences. While there are some serious and dangerous parts that involve death and wounds, overall, the story is much more lighthearted and fun. I loved how Mariel and Clem's interactions as well as the change in points-of-view from chapter to chapter. I also enjoyed learning about the other members of Mariel's band and how the current status of things with the Merry Men came to be. I do wish we had learned a bit more about Morgan's story, though, but I did like how his interactions with Clem changed over time. It was fun seeing how Clem earned the trust of other members of the team before Mariel reluctantly came around.

If you're a fan of the old Robin Hood tale, but are looking for a new spin on it, you should check out this story. Overall, it's very well done and I enjoyed the story very much. Once I started, I ended up finishing it in two days.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I absolutely loved the author’s previous book “Gwen and Art are Not in Love” and this has the same vibes as that! I will definitely reread this in the future and I cannot wait to add it to my personal collection. The characters feel real and they fit perfectly in my opinion. Even background characters feel real. The plot was basic but Croucher’s touch made it better than most in execution. Loved this.

I have always loved the world of Robin Hood, and I found that the characters and setting encapsulated all the pieces I love so much of this world. The dynamic between the two main characters is realistic and adapts over the course of the whole story which is truly what I love in a book. Even though there were darker parts in the story, there was also much light, levity, and happiness throughout. This book will suck you in from the very beginning.