This book is sooooo cute. It is the queer romance book we all need! It is a fun YA novel that is perfect for everyone. I had a lot of fun reading it!

The character development in this book is stellar. The way we get to know the characters as they get to know each other and grow as people is done so smoothly. It helped me build a real connection with the characters, especially Arthur for me specifically.
I appreciate that everyone in the focal cast is a complete mess in some ways and seems so put together in others; Arthur is endlessly charming but an impulsive alcoholic agent of chaos, Gwen is level-headed except for all the ways she's not, and Gabriel is smarter than the sun with none of the spine to back it. And they're all, in different ways, shameful cowards. It helps them feel real with a reminder that fear looks different for everybody.
While the pacing of the story didn't always agree with me, it was more than compensated for with the amazing characters and delightful sprinklings of humor.
Warning that, while the book's official summary is accurate, it doesn't convey that some parts of the story are far darker than the whimsical summary may suggest. If you want something perfectly fluffy with minimal angst, this book isn't for you. However, if you don't mind a bit of heavier content mixed into your romcom, this book should be added to you To Be Read list ASAP!

A super fun, enemies to allies story for queer fans of A Knight’s Tale, One word can sum this up: delightful!

Fun, queer read. I missed the arc download period for this book, but purchased a physical copy and thoroughly enjoyed it!

I had COVID right before this came out so didn't get around to posting a bunch of reviews I meant to, but was so glad to see this book become a bestseller because it was delightful! I'm very much looking forward to whatever Lex Croucher writes next.

Well this was fun! This book has a lot of what I like about Lex Croucher's books - a totally anachronistic take on language that works for me and great character work. This was unique, as their first YA novel and with so many different relationships on the go. It's pretty remarkable that they were able to bring to life so many connections: with a number of friendships, three budding romances and family relationships. At times the pacing was a little inconsistent for me, and I saw the final conflict brewing from a mile away, but it was really lots of fun with lots of heart and I would absolutely recommend it.

There are a few content warnings to consider - if you're sensitive, I suggest seeking out a full list, although some of the warnings could be a bit spoilery.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the review copy of this title.

I really loved this twist on Arthurian legend. It was fun and funky.

I’ve always been a big fan of retellings and reinterpretations of Arthurian legend, and while GWEN & ART isn’t a retelling, it holds all the best charm and ridiculousness that a lot of Arthurian legend holds while also leaning deeply and necessarily into the queerness of it all. While there are classic and enjoyable elements akin to a romcom, Lex Croucher also weaves a story of political intrigue and questions of social status within a post-Arthurian society, complete with the questions of queerness within the original legend. I can’t say that I have a lot of original things to say in response to this book, but I enjoyed it nonetheless and I think it’s the perfect mix of historical fantasy, romance, and coming of age all in one delightful romp of a book.

Despite numerous friends recommending this book to me for months, I didn’t have a firm grasp on the actual plot until I cracked it open, and it was just so fun to fall into. It might be cliche, but falling for your siblings betrothed/just the wrong person is absolutely one of my favourite niche tropes. As previously mentioned, this book is so queer but in a way that’s less about label discovery and more about navigating queerness with those around you. The characters are lovable and a bit ridiculous sometimes from the beginning, but we also get to see them grow and mature not only because of dire circumstances but also out of care for the people around them, something that’s nothing short of lovely to see.

What this book ends up being is an enjoyable and insightful look at Arthurian legend, something that combines a very interesting plot (in my personal opinion) with characters that you want to root for and watch grow, all wrapped up in a world that’s familiar but with a touch that’s all its own. I’m not the first to recommend it, and I won’t be the last, but I can say that every shenanigans is enjoyable until the very end.

This book is queer, beyond cute, well written and just overall wonderful. It’s YA and you will be rooting for Gwen, Art, Gabriel, Bridget, Sidney, Agnes, and everyone else to get what they want - to be true to themselves! If you’re not reading Lex Croucher, what are you doing?

This queer YA Arthurian retelling is my first five-star rating—it’ll likely be in my top ten for the year! Join Gwen and Art, a betrothed couple, as they navigate a summer together. Initially not liking each other, they end up as reluctant friends, discovering they've got something in common.

I'm all about wonderfully queer books, and this one hits the mark. The characters are well fleshed out for the story's timeframe, and I'm loving the found family vibe. Full of characters I adore getting into silly situations, it's just the kind of comfort read I was looking for.

If you’re into romcoms (as I always am), you might want to check this one out!

A fun an entertaining queering of the classic Arthurian tale. I couldn't put it down, so thankful I got an ARC copy through netgalley so I could devour this one early!

What starts with mutual disdain turns into an alliance when they discover each other's secret crushes. The book is a delightful mix of sword-fighting, found family, and romantic shenanigans. Lex Croucher's playful take on Arthurian legend, coupled with genuine humor, creates a heartwarming and hilarious historical romp that captivates from the first page. A must-read for fans of diverse and enchanting love stories.

as this is a st martins press book, i will be withholding my review until further notice due to the smp boycott

I absolutely loved this book! It was a fun ride that kept me engaged, and having queer representation set in the world of King Arthur is exactly what the childhood version of myself would have loved to see.

This, all-consuming, emotional, heartbreaking, heart-warming story is the best example of what a talented, skilful writer Croucher is. I was absolutely, completely and utterly blown away by this book! You won’t believe how much they pack into this story and how attached to those characters you will feel after just a few hours of reading!!

Gwen & Art Are Not in Love is a hilarious, LGQTQ+ friendly, past-bending gaunt with humor and feelings galore. The whole motely crew of friends and family makes this novel better - Art and Gwen are awesome, but Sid made this whole book for me with his quick quips to any character he interacted with. I enjoyed the growth and sense of discovery the entire cast of characters went with, although there were definitely moments, especially in the last quarter of the book that I was not thrilled with, but were essential to the ending of the novel. Definitely a book I would pick up and read again when I need to smile.

This book was adorable, until it becomes a lot more serious. But even in the middle of chaos Arthur managed to throw out a quip or two. The characters! They just BREATHE, they are alive within the pages and nobody can tell me that in another dimension Gwen, Bridget, Arthur, Gabriel, Syd, and Brit are not just handing out making a better England for all.

As the title says, Gwen and Art are not in love. They detest each other actually, but their parents clearly dont care as they are forcing them to marry. Arthur despairs because Gwen is no fun, and Gwen despairs because she is an introvert who doesn’t wish to marry anyone but Lady Bridget. Hijinks ensue, bonds are created through not fault of either party, and in the end you get a very lovely lgbqt book that while it doesn’t follow the “history” to the letter, it does create an alternative world into which I wish I could fall into.

Gwen and Art are betrothed, have been since she was born. The problem with this is that they hate each other, both are interested in other people and are both gay. They strike up a deal to spend the summer covering for each other and find friendship in the mix.
Opinion
If you have not read Lex Croucher, you are in for a treat. The way that Croucher builds their characters is fantastic. I was completely immersed while reading this book.
Warning: The next paragraph contains a bit of a spoiler.

You've been forewarned!

Obviously the book is written about gay characters. I did find fault in that brother and sister turned out to be gay. While I'm sure it happens, I have never met a set of gay siblings. It was a bit far reaching for me.

Aside from that fault, I truly thought this was a great book.
Many thanks to Net Galley and to St. Martin's Press for providing me with an ARC of this book.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and the Fiercereads team for sending me an e-arc of this novel to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, not influenced by receiving this arc or any payments.

If you are looking for a young adult, medieval romance, that has:
-two queer main characters
-exploration of queer relationships and friendships
-individual, internal growth and going against pressures
-navigating their place in royalty
-banter and witty humor
-references to the King Arthur tale
-women wielding swords

than this book is for you. Lex Croucher's debut was a fun read, something I enjoyed listening to while doing other tasks. I found it easy to get right back into the story after putting it down and wanted to know more about what the characters were up to. The story was light and fun appealing to a younger audience while also discussing topics such as gender and homophobia, women participating in male-dominated roles and activities, politics, and more. While the ending portion of the novel made sense (battles and death) for this story, I admit I was thrown off a bit. The story had a shift from a humorous, lighthearted historical fantasy romance inspired by the King Arthur tale into one that was more serious and full of action that started to lose me. Overall, I adored the romance with the main characters and their love interests, mostly Gwen and Bridget. The relationships were exciting and awkward, emotional and messy ,just like many first loves are. I was intrigued by the characters and their connections to King Arthur despite the story being set multiple generations later and found myself smiling, even laughing at the banter and witty humor. However, the shift in tone towards the end, pacing, and imbalance of the relationships created a disconnect between me and the story. I think if the book was longer or even split into a duology these issues would have been resolved enough for me to have enjoyed the story more.

Gwen and Art Are Not In Love by Lex Croucher is the cutest queer medieval tale I've read in a while! I got A Knight's Tale and Ella Enchanted vibes from the medieval setting to the fairytale betrothals and courts. Gwendoline is a smart woman who is completely bored with her royal duties and Arthur is trying to distance himself as far as possible from his family's lofty expectations. Neither MC is Happy about their betrothal but they find themselves quickly becoming friends, especially when secrets start coming to light. I loved both of the Main Characters as well as Gwens brother and Bridget. The dialogue was quick paced and witty and I found myself laughing at their shenanigans. If you love found family with a kingdom flair this book is a must read!