Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books, and NetGalley for allowing me a chance at reading this book for an honest review! It very much felt like. .. I'm not sure. Heartstopper meets Merlin? or Heartstopper meets Descendants II?

I struggled more with this book than I would have liked. The characters were charming, witty, and it was set in pseudo-England post-Arthur. I was able to get a rough estimate of when it might have been thanks to one character whose relatives are mentioned as being from the Sukothai kingdom. It's odd, maybe, but I want to know other general historical information. There are one-off mentions to continue ground this is our world-- there's Catholics! Arthur's offscreen mother is mentioned to be Muslim! One minor character is South Asian!

(Which really, as a Jewish person, made me pour through the book to be like "where are the Jews, are we really only Jesus? is this the time period we've been kicked out of England? We've got to exist because Xtianity does and Jesus is mentioned". It's not that I was expecting actual rep, but I was hoping there's be a one-off mention that Guard #238 or whatnot was Jewish)

That being said. . .the characters felt almost too shallow. They were witty, charming, they Had to Dislike Each Other at the start and it felt almost flat and forced. I did enjoy Gwen's journey out of internalized misogyny alongside her sapphic discovery, but it would be tempered with characters using slang that seemed too modern, such as "chill".

It felt cookie-cutter YA. And though I've been critical of this. it's also a great sign of continuing queer mainstreaming.

A tale weaving 2 queer love stories set in an Arthurian kingdom. Easy and fun read about falling in love and standing up for what you believe in.

I was given the e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was more of a slow burn in my opinion. I love that this has LGBTQIAP+ representation, so its really cool to be able to read this story. I had a bit of trouble getting into this story at first, but by the end I found it pretty enjoyable. I don't think this would go down as a favorite of mine, but I think that there are others who would love this. The writing was easy to read.
"The path to true love never did run straight"

TW/CW: Violence, death, mild sexuality

REVIEW: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press and am voluntarily writing an honest review.

Gwen & Art Are not in Love is a story of two royal teenagers in the Middle Ages who are being forced into a marriage that neither of them want – mainly because she is into girls, and he is into guys. They decide to pretend to be falling in love as a cover to their real feelings.

I really wanted to like this book. I love the idea of it. Unfortunately, it didn’t really live up to what I wanted. First of all, this book really has absolutely nothing to do with King Arthur. There are brief mentions of him throughout the book, but nothing that is really important to the story. Secondly, nothing really ~happens and for most of the book it’s actually pretty boring. Thirdly, there’s really not a single likable character in the book, which made it really difficult for me to connect.

The three stars I’m giving this book are for the following thing: LGBTQIA+ representation! There need to be more books like this, in that way. The writing – although little happened, the writing was solid and easy to read. And the fact that this book is pretty short – quite a few of the last books I’ve read were way over-long and I appreciate that this one wasn’t.

I love queer romance, but I just couldn't get into this, try as I might.

Thank you so very much for the copy!

4.5 stars- Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC! I LOVED this book. I literally read the entire first half in one night. I really liked that neither Arthur nor Gwen liked each other. It took away a lot of potential awkwardness.

This book was actually kind of funny, like I laughed out loud at some of the jokes, which doesn't happen a lot. A lot of Sidney's comments and "banter" was really funny in particular. I kind of hated Arthur at first, because of Gwen's description, but once we actually saw his point of view, I started to like him, even if he's kind of annoying. Gwen was a little annoying too though, so you know, it balances out.

I enjoyed how it balanced out serious and lighthearted scenes. The book wasn't entirely fluff (which isn't necessarily a bad thing in my opinion), but it wasn't all super sad and heavy all the time. This book was just a really nice read, and Gwen/Bridget and Arthur/Gabriel are just so cuuutttteee.

I also think that the book was a beautifully woven web, with all the different plot lines that all came together at the end. Speaking of the end, the fight scene was interesting. I think it was well written, but the ending came really fast, and I only had a moment of suspense in terms of if they would win or not. I think it might have been better if it was a little longer, but still, well written!

What a charming story! To start off, I have to say that I adore this author’s interpretation of Camelot and the way history and myth were woven together to create a unique and fresh setting. I feel as though Arthurian mythology has been regurgitated backwards and forwards so many times in YA but without any real change or effort, so it was a huge relief to encounter something more creative in this text. I also found the characters to be utterly charming, especially Arthur and Gwen. I enjoyed the fact that the author devoted as much time to developing the friendship between the two as they did the romantic relationships in the story. Oftentimes fictional friendships get sidelined in the favor of romance, and I must say I am glad this is not the route the author chose to take; it’s a better book for it. The banter between the two was fun and witty and it was truly a joy to experience their relationship blossom into a strong and lasting camaraderie in a way that felt genuine and authentic. The romances were very cute as well, and I will always adore a good ‘princess and her knight girlfriend’ story.

I did find the political conspiracy plot line to be somewhat lacking, though, and thought it could’ve used some more development as it often got reduced to a sideshow and only seemed to pop up when convenient; I almost would’ve preferred the author to cut it out entirely, as there just wasn’t enough force behind it to make it feel like a crucial element to the tale. The ending could’ve also been a bit more developed as well as I found it to be somewhat rushed. I would’ve loved to see more of the aftermath of the battle as well as Gabriel’s speech. Perhaps an epilogue could’ve been added as well to smooth some things over. All in all though, this was a very enjoyable and lighthearted read; I enjoyed it immensely and I would definitely recommend it to add some cheer to a rainy afternoon.

quite frankly, I am stunned that I loved this as much as I did. it's deliciously witty with well rounded characters, and as much as I have found some of my best adventures in YA, I've also found some massive disappointments and consistent missteps - so, this was a surprising turn for YA. the language and humour fits in a way that reminds me of bad luhrmann's "Romeo + Juliet" or "A Knight's Tale", with the kind of modern take that still works without using 2000s slang and still making you. feel as if you're in a fun medieval time period.

usually, historical fiction -- regardless of if it's fantasy or romance or whatever -- makes me feel immediately on guard and somewhat resentful. I just feel grossed out by characters who are so limited in what they can do or say or be in historical time periods, particularly because periods like the medical times often feel so removed to me that it just doesn't feel necessary? if that makes sense. for me, it hits a point where it feels unrealistically limiting, and authors often write characters who feel less like they "have" to be a certain way but aren't actually, and instead become caricatures with no depth.

I don't think I verbalized my beef with historical fiction properly -- not really beef, but just my personal taste often can't handle the realities of history, lol. I just get frustrated and hate reading it.

obviously I wouldn't be giving five stars out if this were something I felt fell into the above context, because everyone was interesting and so, so fun to read about. the gross realities of true medieval times didn't invade the story too much, which let me escape into this nice little world that was JUST real enough for it to feel legit.

the romance wasn't as heavy as I think I expected/wanted, but I was absolutely here for the queer platonic friendship between Gwen and Arthur. It's the highlight of the book. Gave me giggles and warm fuzzies throughout the whole thing.

Wow wow wow!

This blew me away. This is my first book by Lex Croucher and she did not disappoint. I was originally drawn to this story because I am obsessed with anything Arthurian legend related, but I loved that it was so much more than that. It had everything you could want in a medieval romance -- queer characters, action, romance, royalty, and profound loyalty. It's funny, witty, and warm with super lovable characters. It really was a joy to see all the characters growing and coming together as a found family. The characters were quite literally ride or die and made the most rag-tag squad ever. I was even surprised that there was a prolonged action sequence that really brought the 5 stars home for me at the end.

It used on Arthurian legend to set up the plot and characters without leaning to heavily on the myths and magic of it all. It was a super cool twist for a Arthur-Merlin-Morgana nerd like me. It had just enough historical mentions, but never felt overly done like you were getting hit on the head with Excaliber.

All around a super fun adventure! Read if you enjoy medieval romances with queer characters and also a bit of action! Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for a chance to read early in exchange for an honest review!

This book was such a fun read. I got so captivated in the story I didn't want to put it down. All the characters were lovable and well crafted, you found yourself rooting for everyone.

This was a surprisingly good book! I say that, because I almost put it back down at the beginning. I couldn't tell what time frame the story was in, the characters were annoying and the set up was weird...

But 1/4 the way, once the story got rolling it was very entertaining and enjoyable. I laughed quite a bit!

It's like an enemies to friends, found family, queer romance. Characters who were believable, who didn't massively change to become a hero, they didn't miraculously pick up talents quickly they just were themselves, flaws and all until the very end. It was quite refreshing.

This book was absolutely fantastic. I've already added it to our list for order this year and will recommend it to students.

Gwen and Art Are Not in Love is a hilarious historical romance about a noble betrothed couple, who have hated each other since they were young. Art, is sent by his father to live in Camelot for the summer, and as such is forced to live with Gwen, a situation neither is fond of. It is quickly revealed that the two are incompatible in more ways than just their shared dislike of the other. After Gwen catches Arthur kissing a boy and Arthur finds Gwen’s diary, which speaks of her crush on a female knight, and so the two decide to call a truce and to cover for each other.
Every character in this story is incredibly lovable, flawed, but still trying their hardest to be the best person they can be. The others around them only serve to better them as people, and improve the way they see and experience the world. Every one of them at one point or another makes a mistake that had a lasting impact on their relationships with each other, and each mistake is dealt with in a way that doesn’t feel too harsh or like they character just had to apologise and it is forgotten about. The characters communicated, learned, and grew from their actions, and the actions of those around them. I was also pleasantly surprised about how the side characters and love interests were handled. Giving the love interests specific wants and goals that are actually addressed and not just thrown to the side, or altered, just so there can be a “perfect” happy ending was incredibly refreshing and something I hope to see more often from authors in the future.
The more serious, overarching plot was well planned and thought out. It played out and was mentioned throughout the entire book, always there, but never really distracting from the fact that this is still a romance. While I enjoyed the more serious aspects, the humor of this novel is what really sells it to me. There were many times I had to pause just so I could tell a friend about a scene, moment, or line that had me laughing the entire time. Art and Sidney’s dynamic specifically was a joy, and the humor that came from the two of them playing off each other was something I looked forward to in almost every scene the two had together.
The novel as a whole was an absolute delight to read, it was so much fun and there is so much I loved about it that I could not fit into this review without it being three times as long as it already is. I cannot wait to get a physical copy in my hands to add to my bookshelf.

Gwen + Art Are Not in Love was such a fun, cute read - I loved all of these characters and their antics and the world that Lex Croucher built around them. It was truly delightful to see this spin on building off the KIng Arthur story, giving it so much charm and humanity as these sweet babes stumbled through figuring out who they are and what that meant for them as they learned their own hearts. I loved the history, the fondness, even the fights between the characters - this book truly had little snippets of magic with its easy chemistry. My only critique is that the ending felt like a little hurried after getting to spend so much time getting to know the crew. I was genuinely sad to wrap it up and leave this story!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for sending this book for review! All opinions are my own.

Gwen & Art Are Not In Love is historical romcom set in medieval Europe about a princess and a lord's son who are betrothed but absolutely hate each other. However, this is no enemies-to-lovers story. Neither of them are very straight... Gwen is nursing a crush on the realm's only female knight, and Art--let's say he and Gwen's princely brother have something growing. Once they come to learn this about one another, they decide cooperating would be in their best interests 👀

The highlight of the story was truly the two protagonists and POV characters, Gwen and Arthur. They were brilliant! I loved them so much. They were both exceptionally snarky from the very first page, and their snark manifested in slightly different ways that were concurrent with their personalities. Gwen is a sheltered and somewhat spoiled princess, while Arthur is a reckless and rebellious noble heir. Despite their initial distaste, they eventually understand each other, and it was lovely to see their sibling-like friendship develop.

The story mainly revolves around them and how they deal with the relationships in their lives--familial, romantic, and platonic--while balancing their queer identities in a historical court where homosexuality is taboo. You can't help but to feel for them, how stuck they are in a system that would reject them while at the same time being pressured by their duties as royalty/nobility. The setting is purely historical, so no magic, but Arthurian myth is referenced often and plays a role in the plot. And be warned, the stakes rise later in the story, so prepare for some blood. It doesn't stay a romcom the entire time.

In addition, I would like to say that despite 'love' being in the novel's title, I don't think romance is the center of the story, or at least not as much as I expected. Both Gwen and Arther have a cute relationship with their love interests, but none of their partners are deeply developed. I personally didn't mind, but someone else might. I also wish we got to see more court life and political intrigue, especially since politics becomes important near the end, and the worldbuilding was lacking. It might have helped the world feel wider, beyond just the characters' day-to-day.

Overall, it was a very fun read! I recommend this for people who love:
- a little Arthurian mythology
- witty banter and sarcasm
- dumb chaotic gays
- a hot lady knight

I was absolutely tickled by this book when I first heard about it. The title is so fun and the cover instantly drew me in. This was such a lighthearted, genuinely lovely read that made me laugh. The book did not disappoint. (As if it could!) This book is perfect for anyone with as soft spot for romantic comedies, hijinks, and historical novels that aren't afraid to get a little silly! If you're looking for something to fill your heart along the lines of Galavant, Merlin (BBC), Ever After (1998), and A Knight's Tale, but a little more queer, pick up Gwen & Art Are Not in Love!!

This was a delightfully fresh YA, and very queer take on Aurthurian legend. With all the lady knights, pet cats and birds, stolen kisses with princes, mortal wounds, snarky servants, cultish rituals, and grand gestures, there's so much to love about Gwen and Art are not in Love.
This book is set in the medieval era but is by no means historically accurate. Nor does it try to be. It feels very much like an especially cheeky episode of BBC's Merlin, but if Merlin were written by people who believed Arthur and Merlin should have had a lot more make out sessions.

This was a cute faux-medieval story with King Arthur references. It is billed as a rom-com, and there are certainly aspects of romance for our main character, Gwen, but I hesitate to call it that because the main focal relationship of the book is actually not a romance, but rather a budding friendship. I actually found it really refreshing and lovely that the book was focused on this friendship between Gwen and her "fiancé", Art, and that the romances for both Gwen and Art, though sweet, are secondary to the story.

This was sooo fun and made me reminiscent of Merlin (BBC), but with a lot more rom-com-y bits.

Even though they've been destined to be married since kids, Gwen and Art are not in love because Gwen has a crush on the dazzling knight, Lady Bridget Leclair, and Arthur is falling in love with Gwen's brother--and future king--Gabriel. Honestly, while the romance was cute, the absolute highlight of this book for me was just all of the characters engaging personalities and their platonic relationships with one another. Sooo sweet. I loved Arthur!!! You hilarious fool!!

I found the last 25% of the book almost surprising? And not exactly in a delightfully unpredictable way, but it almost felt a bit out of nowhere (but that could've also been me eating up the character interactions and glazing over the politics and history lmao).

But overall this was such good fun. :)

thank you so much to netgalley for the arc!

Huge thank you to St. Martin’s Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an e-Arc in exchange for an honest review!

“Looking at her felt a lot like wanting something.”

A delightfully queer rom-com, retelling of a classic story.

Having never engaged much with the legend of Arthur, I was hugely happy not to get lost in this story. It felt like a perfect meld between legend and retelling.

These characters have my heart, especially Gabriel and Bridget but I loved them all.

This book is filled with so much heart, humor, and joy. It was such a pleasure to read. Lex's books are always so genuinely funny, which such sharp wit that make them an absolute joy to read!

The thematic clash of wanting vs what is expected of you made my heart hurt.

I do wish the reader got to see a little bit more of Gabriel’s side of the romance, the battle felt a little too quick, and a little more of the political landscape/climate would have been good.