Perfection. Very different to the adult romances of Lex Croucher's that I have read so far (and loved) but this was genius and everyone should read it!

Plus, thanks to Netgalley and Bloomsbury Publishing Plc for providing me with a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

4⭐️ Gwen & Art are not in Love was a playful read filled with hilarious characters. I have always been interesting in the myths surrounding Arthur and Camelot and this was a great way to introduce people to the tale without it being a retelling as we know it. Arthur was hands down my favourite character with his funny comments and friendship with Sidney. Seeing the romance unfold between Gwen and Bridget was heart warming, too, to see someone discover their sexuality and there to be a happy ending too! I would definitely read this book again.

I love Arthurian legends and a fake dating plotline, so was intrigued by the premise of this book, however it wasn't working for me. I think this was more a problem with me than with the writing - it just skewed a little young for my tastes.

This imaginative LGB historical fiction tale is set in a Camelot years after the death of legendary Arthur, Lancelot and Morgana.

Whilst dealing with themes of parental expectation and societies expectations, the initial plot has farce and romance in equal measure. The last section of the story has a darker turn but is a fittingly dramatic conclusion.

Great characterisation and certainly a title to be purchased for high school libraries as a pleasurable read.

A fun love story with fantastic characters. The characters were definately the driving force of the story, both Gwen and Art are well fleshed out and flawed characters, they're realistic and make mistakes but you can always understand why. The growth from them both over the course of the story is excellent, as well as their developing relationships with other characters.

I'd definitely recommend this book to any YA readers, our shop even had it as our YA Book Club pick a few months ago!

I love it when Young Adult books take common tropes and either poke gentle fun at them, or, as in this case, turn them completely upside down. In a medieval fantasy version of England, Gwen is the daughter of the current king and her brother Gabriel is the heir to the throne. Both are preparing to attend the royal family’s annual tournament, as honoured spectators rather than contestants. Gwen is particularly looking forward to watching the contests involving the country’s only female knight, Lady Bridget. However, she is dismayed to learn that her betrothed (and childhood tormentor), Arthur, will be visiting for the entire summer. Gwen and Arthur’s match is very much a political one, designed to appease the two main factions amongst the nobility – those who fully believe in the legend of King Arthur, as well as those who are more practical in their outlook.

Since Gwen and Arthur last met, Arthur has forged a reputation for himself as a drunkard, a fighter, and a womaniser. That last part is a long way from the truth, as Gwen realises when she spots Arthur kissing a young man who works on the castle’s staff. The two decide that pretending to like each other in the romantic sense will keep their parents from pushing them towards other equally unsuitable partners and give them more time to pursue their other interests. With the pressure off, Gwen and Arthur become friends and incorporate Gabriel into their plan, along with Gwen’s lady-in-waiting and Arthur’s bodyguard, who are busy with a romance of their own. Gwen manages to find the courage to talk to Bridget, who also joins in with the group.

Trouble is brewing, though; some of the tournament contests appear to have been fixed, and there are rumours of rebellions fermenting elsewhere in the country. Arthur is more concerned with his discovery of documents that may prove that the relationship between King Arthur and Sir Lancelot was more complex than the history books indicate. This obviously bodes well for his hopes of romancing Gabriel, but then the rebellion becomes more than just vague rumours and our heroes find themselves fighting for their lives and for the future of the kingdom.

The book doesn’t sugar-coat the realities of medieval conflict, and there are some pretty major deaths and serious injuries amongst the cast of characters. Overall, the ending is pretty hopeful, though.

I enjoyed this book. It was a little slow to get started, but once it found its stride, I was swept along in the adventure and the various romance plots. Gwen and Arthur’s various attempts to appear to be overstepping the bounds of propriety while doing nothing of the sort were particularly fun. And obviously I loved Bridget and her determination to be a knight against the odds and sometimes against her own best interests. I definitely want to read more from this author as their writing matures.

A lovely tale with echoes of Guinevere and Arthur, but a completely unique take. The representation of LGBTQIA+ relationships feels authentic in their development. The tale of friendship within the story is beautiful.

I feel like I've recommended this book to everyone I know. I love all of Lex's books but this is my favourite yet – unashamedly queer, riotously fun and just so enjoyable. I adored it.

Such an engaging reimagining of the Arthur/Guinevere story. It has it all, adventure, romance, tragedy and joy. And most importantly, it has it all with representation of a wide range of oft under-represented groups. So, the full range of young people reading it will see themselves and others they know on the pages in positive characterisations. Just fabulous.

Full of shennanigans, Gwen And Art Are Not In Love hit the fun button early on in this read. This historical fantasy rom-com had elements of King Arthur's legacy and two queer MCs being cover for one another's queerness. There was a lot of hate in the early pages coupled with some hilarious banter, shouting and scrapes.

Gwen adored a Lady Knight from afar and felt unseen, Art just wanted to have fun and not be betrothed or beholden to expectations. In reality, Gwen's life was the one truly at the behest of the kingdom, women always get the raw deal, especially back then.

While this story had its moments of seriousness, it shone in the wit and ease of reading. Venture in if you enjoy:
secrets
longings
irreverance
joy
arguments
trysts
expectations
deals
laughing out loud

Thank you to Bloomsbury YA for the review copy.

I was so so excited to be approved for this book. I loved it. It was just a great story and the characters were brilliant.
I loved Gwen. I loved Art. A Bi girls dream.

A fun romance, perfect for pride month but also don’t forget to read queer all year ✨

This sweet story focused in on the title characters, Gwen and Art, who are betrothed to marry and yet far more interested in the other people around them when it comes to a relationship. Although their childhood rivalry means this discovery comes as a threat to both of them so the pair reluctantly agree to try and work together towards a more freeing future while pretending to romance one another. What the uptight Gwen doesn't expect is that Art helps her meet her crush, Lady Bridget, and learn a valuable life lesson in letting go and being herself. In turn, Arthur discovers how to forgive, gains some self worth, and falls for the future King of England aka Gabriel aka Gwen's brother and best friend. Throughout their journey there are arguments, miscommunication, secret parties, jousts, assassination attempts and kisses - lots of them, It was definitely a fuzzy feels kind of read that felt warm and cosy, especially for an LGBTQ+ story. It's exactly the fun kind of romp with fantasy-ish, historical-ish vibes that sets it apart from other contemporaries. It also gets real about coming out and self acceptance which was beautifully handled. But most of all, I loved the style; a super accessible, loaded with reference, funny story that makes historical writing accessible to an audience maybe discovering it for the first time. It feels fresh and modern while still magical and medieval. What more could you ask for?

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

As I've said before, I'm a sucker for anything Arthurian so when I heard about this book I was intrigued. It's also a twist on the normal enemies to lovers trope which I enjoyed. Great representation for LGBTQ+ relationships and a fun story, though I did think it was perhaps a little too long. But I'll forgive it for all the other fun stuff!

this was a really fun book with lots of funny lines and dialogue, character development and it was all about coming to terms with sexuality. it took a while to actually get into the story but i enjoyed it so much more than i was expecting, especially it being a YA with romance as a key plot. i would've like to see a bit more at the end and the political plot woven more into the story but i did enjoy that extra element as well as the characters and romance.

I have never smiled so much while reading a book. Gwen and Art Are Not in Love had brilliant storytelling and was super fun and it was really great to read about a world where King Arthur really existed. This is a book I know I'll re-read again and again!

📚 r e v i e w 📚
gwen and art are not in love

firstly, this has no business being this funny. seriously, take the wit and charm of lex croucher’s previous books and add a dollop of a knight’s tale (yes, the hugely underrated film)’s energy and you have a hint of how fun and endearing gwen and art are not in love truly is.

honestly this was funny, heartwarming and a total comfort read. its something i’ll be returning to again and again when i need something to make me smile. even if you aren’t into exuberant, chaotic Arthurian humour, you should read this for the sapphics with swords, because frankly we all need more of those in our lives.

to be honest, gwen and art don’t have to be in love. i love them enough for all of us.

gwen and art are not in love is out now - thank you to @netgalley for the early copy.
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Gwen and Art have been betrothed since they were babies and both hate each other. With both interested in other people of the same sex they strike up a pact to cover for each other.

This book was a lot of fun. It also made me laugh out loud which is something I have been missing from a lot of my recent reads. Now to go back and read Lex Croucher's other work.

This was a glorious piece of YA that had me grinning ear to ear and giggling at many moments. It held the lightness and fun that I want out of a book like that but it was not at the expense of developed characters and believable friendships and love interests. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

I ADORED everything about this book. Just yes, yes, yes, yes, YES. Gwen and Art are the perfect precocious teens exploring their sexuality and responsibilities within the royal blood line. Lady LeClair can step on me. Everything was just *chef's kiss*

The queers are banding together and making shit HAPPEN in this one, folks.

With equal parts Arthurian legend and pure whimsy, this book left my Merlin-obsessed heart fluttering and warmed all the way through.

Once again, Lex Croucher has proven their expertise in creating deeply relatable, intensely loveable characters with complexities and nuance. All their voices are distinct and their dialogue is witty and authentic. Gwen and Art stole my heart with their candid humour and begrudging camaraderie.

Writing in the third person, Croucher narrates with an ever-present levity and wit, making the process of reading all the more joyous. I highly recommend this romp to readers who want to experience the tingly warm fuzzies of first crushes and the thrilling rush of requited love when it’s least expected.