4.5 stars!

This is a really enjoyable YA romcom! Loveable characters, knights, royalty (with discussions of some of the issues ingrained in it) and most of them are queer.
Fun, adventurous, and lighthearted!

What a magical book this was! From the very first chapter, I knew I was going to enjoy this. The atmosphere and medieval characters were the icing on the cake. All of the group's relationships, especially betweenArthur and Gwen, made them appear more like actual people than just fictional characters. The synopsis doesn't do this book justice, in my opinion. My heart smiled, and my stomach began to flutter. Other than the ending, which was almost too realistic and carried itself too seriously in comparison to the remainder of the novel, I have no problems. I'd also like to see Arthur, Gwen, Gabriel, and Bridget have happier endings. Overall, I thought this was ADORABLE and highly suggest it!

Gwen & Art Are Not in Love is a YA sorta-Historical about two teens trying to grow up, survive, and find themselves in a world that's very much stacked against them.

I say sorta-historical because it definitely does not feel like these characters live in medieval... anywhere, frankly. Which isn't a bad thing! They're relatable, they have modern values, they speak in Buffy-esque quippy banter, they go to feminist keg parties in the castle basement and sneak out past curfew in shoddy disguises to drink at the inn. They're like the high school friends you wish you had, only they live in a 24/7 Ren Faire.

No one in the story is particularly religious, which was kind of A Thing back then. For 90% of the book, you could replace Gabriel's desire to succeed his father as an ideal King of England with "run my dad's corporation" and everything would still make sense. There are a lot of anachronisms that I'm not QUITE petty enough to list in full, but I'm hilariously lenient when it comes to historical accuracy and I noticed a lot. (At one very tense moment Sidney tells Arthur to "Chill." The King has a "cabinet," for some reason, complete with 'cabinet positions,' as if he's the POTUS.) Maybe they'll be edited out of the final version, or maybe not! This is not a story about being immersed in the complex feudal politics of Medieval history.

It's a story about being gay and young and confused and overwhelmed by the idea of adulthood, surrounded by hot people and bad ideas. And also broadswords and falcons and stuff.

The characters' banter and rapport carries most of the book, but they have depth and heart, too. Arthur deals with his own alcoholism and emotional abuse from his father in a way that feels grounded and respectful, but not out of place with the light tone of the story. Bridget, the sexy lady knight love interest, does a good job of teaching the meek and socially stunted Gwen some baseline self-esteem.

Even if I don't quite believe that queer progressive Medieval England full of fun teenage buddies existed, or even COULD HAVE existed, I wanted it to exist, which is the important part. It's a fun book with heart about making the best of bad situations with friends at your side, and I enjoyed it a lot.

Thanks to St. Martins for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is my favorite Lex Croucher book yet!

Gwen and Art Are Not In Love is a reimagining of Arthur and Guinevere —with a lgbtq twist. This was described as Heartstopper meets A Knights Tale… so obviously I had to request the ARC!

Set in mythical Camelot, lord-to-be Arthur Delacey (descendant of the famous King Arthur) is betrothed to princess Gwendoline. But they hate each other. Forced to spend the summer together before their impending nuptials, the pair

I loved the relationship dynamics in this book, and of course was a huge fan of the historical fiction element. The medieval setting felt new to me because I haven’t read many stories like it, and I really enjoyed this as a retelling.

I loved Gwen’s growth throughout the story, her character arc was strong. She goes from

I LOVED Lady Leclaire, she was the perfect SFL and I love that she played a part in empowering Gwen. I also loved the period representation, exploring PCOS and how women’s period pains are often dismissed.

There is a let-loose birthday scene, sword-play, and tame YA romance

I also enjoyed the dual romances, and think this is one of my favorite love-square stories I’ve found! It was very cute, sweet YA that I would highly recommend!

Must read if you like:
-historical fantasy
-forced proximity
-retellings
-characters who show growth

I was happy to find one of my favorites quotes by Nary Oliver featured: “So what do you want to do with your one slightly dull but nonetheless precious life”

I absolutely adored the characters in this book. I think that this is one on the best YA Romance I've read so far this year. I loved the way that this book was written and the story line. What a great retelling with a new twist on the situation.

I just reviewed Gwen & Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher. #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]

Dual pov enemies to lovers except the lovers aren’t who you think they are. Well, if you’ve been paying attention at all you’ll get a pretty good idea within the first 2 chapters. Still, this medieval romance was everything I’d hoped it’d be- from the banter, characters, swoon-worthy moments and more.

I also thoroughly enjoyed that for the setting and time period, the author was able to make a diverse cast & make it seem absolutely normal- which it is because in case you didn’t know, you really can do WHATEVER YOU WANT when writing fiction & if you hear otherwise… well, I’ll just say that ought to be a red flag. Lex, I applaud you.

This was amazing!!

This is the first romance book I have read set within this time frame; it was honestly eye-opening to see queer love play out within this setting, as the circumstances of it were likely very true to the time. This book was also one of the first I have read that has delved into subjects such as PMS and depression which, again, is incredible to examine in this historical setting.

The writing itself kept me captivated the entire time! I adored having both Gwen's and Art's perspectives. I was entirely going into reading believing only to read Gwen's perspective and was pleasantly surprised to find Art's as well. It added a much-needed layer of complexity in seeing how different friendships and relationships played out! It was a rollercoaster of emotions in the best possible way!

Romance books are not my favorite genre, but this is definitely going to become a new favorite! I found the plot entertaining the whole time, adored the themes of love, friendship, and betrayal, and I adored seeing myself reflected in the struggles of Gwen and Art (but this book is still equally as captivating without relating to the characters).

I am not too familiar with the legend of King Arthur but, based on the knowledge I have, it was incredible to see the history in it. If it was not obvious, I love the historical aspects of books, and seeing queer love play out the way it did in this story warmed my heart! I highly recommend it!

I absolutely loved this book, I read through the whole thing on Valentine's Day and it was the perfect book to read. I don't really have the words to explain why I liked the book so much, but what I can say is that the development of Art and Gwen's friendship was so great paired with the two simultaneous romances that were occuring.

I don't think I'll ever be disappointed by anything Lex Croucher writes.

If you like "A Knight's Tale", royalty, banter and yearning, then you're in the right place!

We follow Gwen and Art in England, generations after Arthur Pendragon's reign.
Gwen (princess) and Art (named after Aurthor Pendragon) are engaged. And they loathe each other since childhood. They don't just loathe each other, they actually find that they can't possibly be attracted to one another.... Especially not when Gwen can't help but watch the lady knight Bridget and Arthur finds he has an odd fondness for Gabriel, Gwen's brother and Prince of England.

I was giddy and loving the different banter between characters for about 70% of the book and absolutely STRESSED for the last 30%. This seemed like such a doomed-from-the-beginning type of story but it didn't end the way I expected and I'm happy for that.

✨️Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book before publishing! ✨️

Thank you to Netgalley and Wednesday Books for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I was disappointed with this book. While I found the writing and storyline to be decent enough, I did not find the characters interesting enough to continue reading. I started this one back in January and it has sat on my Currently Reading shelf since. I set it down one day and did not have the desire to pick it back up. It took too long to get into. I plan to try to pick it up again in the near future but at this time I have to move on.

gwen and art are not in love tells the story of gwen and art, two teenagers who a) despise each other and b) are engaged. unfortunately for their parents, both are a little fruity. shenanigans ensue.

things i loved:
- THE CHARACTERS OH MY GOD. this is the kind of book where you smile nonstop because the characters are being ridiculous but you live them anyways
- the humor. i don’t find myself actually laughing at books but this book had me wheezing on public transit.
- they addressed the inbreeding possibility

things i… didn’t love:
- the pacing. the plot started out of nowhere 70% in and the climax started five pages after.
- the romantic chemistry wasn’t really there for me. platonic chemistry? absolutely, but romantically? ehh

anyways i’m conflicted.

"To be truly brave, first you must be afraid -- and to be afraid, you must have something you cannot bear to lose."

(thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the arc)

If you like royalty, banter, sword-fighting, yearning, and maybe had a BBC Merlin phase, please for the love of god read this book.

We follow Gwen and Art, in an England a few generations after the reign of Arthur Pendragon, as they enter an arranged marriage despite the fact that the two cannot stand each other. In fact, Gwen isn't at all interested in Arthur, especially with the return of a certain lady knight to Camelot. And Arthur isn't one bit interested in Gwen, not when her brother has captured every bit of his attention.

This book is queer and fun and so emotional. It genuinely has some of the best quality banter I have ever read, I was giggling out loud at so many points because the pseudo-sibling dynamic between Gwen and Art is just actually incredible. The side characters were all so well-fleshed out and I adored each and every person in the little group they formed. My heart hurt for Gabriel/Arthur and Gwen/Bridget more than anything, because this was a true doomed love story with a hopeful ending and I ate it up. Seriously, please read this one. It's the perfect mix of light-hearted fun and emotional damage.

This was such a wonderful YA Queer romance book! First, I want to say how much I loved that this was set in a historical context. Getting to learn a bit about Arthurian England while also getting to know these characters and their stories was so fascinating. I also absolutely adored the characters of this book. They all are trying to figure out who they are in their own individual and unique ways and are learning to come to terms with who they are.

I loved how both romances were set at different paces and how they developed differently. It made me feel more connected to both relationships and understand the connection they had with each other.

The only reason I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 is because I feel like the ending was a bit rushed. I would have loved to see some more development in the relationships and even to see how the end event would have played out. Overall, however, this was such a fun read and I definitely forsee myself picking it up again in the future.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this book in advance in exchange for an honest review.

First of all, I want to say a huge thank you to NetGalley & St. Martin's Press for providing me with this arc. I couldn't get enough of this and I am eagerly anticipating the publication so I can purchase my own copy as well as add one to our Young Adult shelves!

I went in thinking that the book would simply be a fun read about 2 queer characters trying to cover for each other - I wasn't wrong, it was that - but it was also so much more.

The characters? Delightful. I instantly fell in love with Arthur's sarcasm and wit, possibly because I see a bit of myself in him. I empathized with him on a deeper level than I had expected. I didn't really expect to like Gwen as much as I did, but it was a real treat to see her grow into herself over the course of the book and go from this person who was afraid to be herself to someone who is able to speak up for what she believes in feel comfortable being herself.

Probably my favorite thing about this book is how well it is written and how it doesn't seem to take itself too seriously in the best kind of way. If you're looking for a fun, lighthearted read about queer characters in a historical setting then this is absolutely the book for you. It's witty and all of the characters are loveable, but I really enjoyed the emotion that I wasn't really expecting. I laughed, I cried, the banter was superb and I couldn't get enough. This is something I could happily read again and be just as delighted.

Thank you again to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the e-ARC. I can't wait for the publication!

Gwen and Art are not in love (actually they loath each other) BUT I just might be in love with this book. What a lovely queer rom com set in an Arthurian world complete with Excalibur, royalty, betrothals, and rumblings of unrest. This isn’t a retelling of the Arthurian legend since Gwen and Art are descendants of King Arthur. This story plays out hundreds of years after King Arthur with his descendants trying to live up to the glory, and/or regain, the glory of the Camelot era. I truly enjoyed main characters, their witty banter…and their “imperfect” reactions to events.
I have a friend that only gives 5 stars for books that she will reread. Pretty sure this book will satisfy that criteria and I will find myself picking up this book when I’m looking for a feelgood queer rom com. Once this book hits my library bookshelves, I will booktalk it to everyone. I know I will also be keeping an eye out for more books from Lex Croucher.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martins Press for this ARC.

Gwen and Art aren’t in love but I love them both and their group of friends so much. This book was so cute and so sweet and so funny!!! I knew I was gonna love when there was a “You don’t know the high and lows of high school football” reference in there. The friendships in this book were so sweet and all of the chemistry was so apparent! I loved reading this and will definitely be recommending this to everyone once it’s released.

This book left me speechless. It was written so well! The banter, the slow burn, the friendship. It was all perfection!

I think Gabriel was my favorite character of them all. He was so witty and had me laughing the entire time.

You can’t help but love all the characters. It’s written so beautifully and a top favorite for me this year.

Thank you so much NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review !

Just the most enjoyable, readable, adorable but also emotional, YA LGBTQ+ novel that I have ever read.

Gwen and Gabriel are siblings and they have the immense pressure on them of being the children of the King and Queen. Up until now they have followed the rules (for the most part) and stayed behind the gates of the castle grounds (for the most part), but when Arthur, Gwen’s betrothed since she was very young, comes to stay the summer so they can get more acquainted, we already know they are both not too fond of the other. Yet after they uncover secrets about each other, they choose to stay cordial in agreement of the keeping of the secrets, and grow to become friends and partners in hijinks, roping in crushes and friends and even service staff.

This book is clever, funny, loveable, while also being emotional, representative of the queer community, and layered with different perspectives a teen coming to terms with their sexuality with experience.

I laughed and and teared up, I loved the characters, and the banter was priceless.

Thank you to NetGalley for this E-Arc! Cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy! I love Lex Croucher’s work and want to own her whole collection of books!

Gwen & Art Are Not in Love is the queer, medieval rom-com I didn't know I needed in my life. Set in a post-Arthurian medieval England, teenagers Gwendolyn and Arthur (Gwen and Art) have been betrothed since they were children. As the title would suggest, neither of them are happy with the situation, primarily because they're both very gay.

Told in alternating chapters between Gwen and Art's POV, we watch as their unhappy engagement grows into a fake courtship and then a very real friendship. Although the two of them may not be in love with each other, there is plenty romance to go around. Gwen falls for a dashing lady knight. Art falls for Gwen's brother, Gabriel. Lots of queer coming-of-age hijinks ensue.

One thing about the book that could be a positive or a negative depending on the reader is that the conversations around queerness and discrimination feel very 1990s-2000s but in a medieval setting. So, if you're looking for a coming of age romance and lovable characters, this book is perfect for you! However, if you're looking for accurate historical fiction or unique high fantasy world building, the book may not be for you.

Overall though, Gwen & Art Are Not in Love is a delightful book that left me with the same warm, fuzzy feeling as any of my favorite fairytale or rom-com movies. It has the same charming energy as The Princess Bride or Ever After but so much better because of how queer it is. I definitely recommend checking it out once it's released!

I will preface this review by reiterating the fact that this it is a YA book. What this means is that miscommunication and questionable decisions WILL be made.

Moving on to my thoughts: I loved it! It was fun and quirky and deliciously queer. I laughed out loud with Arthur and I felt Gwen’s pain as she hurt. I loved Bridget’s strength and confidence in who she is and what she deserves. I adored Sidney’s loyalty to Arthur and their friendship. I enjoyed the intertwining of the King Arthur myths and how they influenced this world in terms of beliefs and character development.

I would read more about these characters in a heartbeat! Yes, you may see the ending ‘twist’ coming, but it’s YA and these characters are barely 18 you should see it coming!

Arthur’s little talk of being who you are and the happiness you deserve made my queer heart skip a beat. It was perfectly put and what I think a lot of us needed or wanted to hear when growing up.

Overall, this book is a fun adventure following characters who are just trying to figure out themselves and the world around them.