I really loved the found family in this book. The way the characters interacted was so fun and it felt very familial. They all had very real issues, even with the time period being not contemporary. There were some moments that really made me laugh too! I did find it kind of uneventful at times but that could be because I’m used to high paced fantasy. This is great for teens who maybe want to read something other than contemporary but still have the same feel. The concept of sexuality and coming out felt like it was handled with care as well. Overall, it was a funny and sweet read! Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. 3.5 stars rounded up!

This is a wonderful medieval love story about Gwen and Arthor being betrothed to each other. You would think of Camelot and the fairytale romance but there is a twist to this story. Firstly, Gwen and her betrothed fiancé loathe each other. Secondly, they each fancy another person and neither of their parents are accepting of this.

As they fake an engagement to keep the kingdom of England happy, especially their parents, there is an attempted murder and the victim is none other than Arthur himself. We get to this around 74% into the book which the intrigue truly picks up. That's a little late in the book for me to really get into, for me personally.

As a debut novel, I found many of the characters to be underdeveloped and did feel as if I understood them better until the 65% mark. The pace was good but dips heavily in the middle but it was the relationship between Gwen and Lady Briget Lecalair that I found most enjoyable.

I even found Queen Margaret to be whiny and not that supportive to her daughter, Princess Gwen, which is a shame. To listen to her speak to her daughter is even worse than when I read it. I can understand, due to the time, the men do not regard the women's thoughts and opinions as much but to hear her mother, the Queen do it and how it was read, just agitated me more.

Here is what I found most intriguing. I read this story and gave it a solid 2.5 stars but rounded it up to 3 stars. Upon hearing the audio, I actually found the male narrator's interpretation to be quite annoying but loved the female's narration. I am refraining from using their name. Thus, I felt it was much more enjoyable for me to read the novel over listening to it. I normally appreciate both as I feel the narrator(s) can bring more life into it. On the rare occasion, this is not one of them. "Read the book and skip the audio" is my thought.

I thank NetGalley and McMillian Audio for their advance e-copy for my honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan audio for the free ALC in exchange for my honest review. I really enjoyed this and found the one liners quite funny and the audiobook kept me invested and intetested. I eill need to check out if the author has a backlist and definitely will read their upcoming reads

Admittedly not my favorite audiobook production, I'd probably recommend others to read it instead of listening. However, the story was just so cute and well-written. I like this author a lot, their works are consistently fun and engaging.

Gwen and Art Are Not in Love is a fabulous queer Arthuarian (ish) romcom that'll have you laughing until you cry!

More things you'll get in this book include chaotic and loveable characters, queer historical romance and shenanigans, a great sibling relationship, enemies-to-allies-to-friends, incredible side characters, more than one romantic couple you'll be rooting for, "a kingdom or this" LITE vibes, a sexy knight tipping the princess's chin up with the edge of her sword, found family, swooning, tournaments, battles, fighting, knights, royals, crows, and cats.

Gwen and Art are such wonderful main characters, and this book was a joy to read. It's not all silly fun and games, there are some more serious topics in the book, too, but overall, it's much funnier than I expected.
My only note would be that the ending was maybe just a tiny bit lacking compared to the rest of the book but not enough to take away any of my enjoyment. It also made me hopeful there might even be a sequel which I'd read in a heartbeat!

I loved this book so much the first time I read it in print and I gave it 5 stars. This time I still loved it but slightly less - I think the male narrator wasn't fully working for me but it's still an amazing book, though more of a 4 ish stars for the aduiobook.

A few favourite quotes:

- “I like some risk now and again, if what’s at stake is worth having."

- 'God', Gwen thought wistfully. 'I hope she stabs me.'

- “How am I supposed to know what I want?” Gabriel said quietly. “There’s only ever been room for what I’m . . . destined to have.”

- “I made you a false mustache!” Arthur said, outraged. “I did crafts for you! The least you can do is act grateful.” “Thank you for my cat-hair mustache,” Gwen said, rolling her eyes. “It’s truly disgusting. I hope you washed it first.”

Well I will say I enjoyed the audio of this one and also realized this author may not be for me. I am feeling a bit at odds at knowing this was a good book just not one I want to really revisit (it was witty and should have been perfect but it just was not for me) I think if you enjoy King Arthur reimaginings and espy queer ones or you know a teen/early 20 something that does this is there book

“To be truly brave, first you must be afraid—and to be afraid, you must have something you cannot bear to lose.”

As someone who has seen A Knight’s Tale dozens of times and chronically rereads Heartstopper - not to mention watching Merlin purely for the gay subtext - GWEN & ART ARE NOT IN LOVE feels like it was made specifically for me. It’s a queer-as-fuck YA historical romance rooted in Aurthurian legend with comedic modern feel. The cast of characters is a delight: uptight and smart Gwen, snarky and rebellious Art, brash and butch Bridget, bookish and steadfast Gabriel - and of course Sidney and Agnes. There’s a delightful enemies/betrothed-to-friends arc, a homoerotic “let me teach you sword fighting” scene, loads of witty banter, mlm and wlw solidarity, an uncovering of queer ancestors, and a burgeoning sense of self in all of the leads. Plus a very mischievous cat! An absolute romp. Thanks to Wednesday Books and Macmillan Audio for the review copies; this book is out 11/28.

Content warnings: violence, injury, war, death of a parent, homophobia, sexism, child abuse, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts

Not exactly a King Arthur or Camelot retelling, Gwen & Art Are Not in Love is basically a more fun Hallmarky loosely based adaptation.

Gwen & Art Are Not in Love is a queer medieval romcom about love, friendship, and being brave. King Arthur did exist in this universe centuries ago. The story is told from his descendant's perspective. Gwen & Art Are Not in Love is full of sword-fighting, found family, and all the shenanigans.


Thank you to Netgalley, Wednesday Books, and Macmillan Audio for providing me with a review copy.

Gwen & Art Are Not in Love was a really cute book. I found myself losing interest in parts, pausing the audiobook, and picking it up after a few days and getting back into it. It was a nice read, though.

I enjoyed the queerness of this book. The found family and romance plots were stellar also I just loved the representation and level of understanding and comradery that Gwen and Art created with each other just by trusting each other with their secrets.

In true Lex Croucher fashion, this was witty, queer, and subversive. I loved the medieval setting and the cast of main characters. This made me laugh out loud and was such a fun reading experience. Highly recommend this one!!

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC!

🏳️‍🌈 Queer rep: lesbian MCs, gay MCs

Well this was fun! It did take me a little bit to get into the rhythm of Croucher's writing style and to connect with the characters, but once I did I was hooked. Gwen's not going to be happy with me, but it was Arthur that did it.

GWEN AND ART ARE NOT IN LOVE has a spunky redhead, a witty rogue, it's got fake dating and enemies-to-friends. I thoroughly enjoyed this one.

Alex Singh and Sarah Ovens do a great job with the audiobook narration.

Advanced Reader’s Copy provided by NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Macmillan Young Listeners in exchange for an honest review.