LoveReading Says
It’s no secret I love Lex Croucher’s writing — I have reviewed all their books for this website and will do so until someone forbids being a big fan. Every time I read a new one — which is, praise be, generously often because of how much of an outrageously talented powerhouse they are at producing more novels per year than mere mortals would aspire to write in their whole life — the latest novel always becomes my new favourite.
And yes I DID love this book. A queer Knight’s Tale (that should persuade you already) this romcom has a glittering cast of adorable characters, cheeky world-building (the royalty are so obsessed with their potentially magic lineage to King Arthur that there’s a court wizard) and more witty repartee than you can shake a sword at.
Not only is the setting and voice a delight, from a technical point of view, it’s perfectly executed. It’s all in close third person, but Croucher alternates which of the Gwen & Art pair we’re following, and I was always equally invested in both arcs and the interweaving mingling of their relationships with the cast of their confidants: like Gwen’s brother Prince Gabriel, more interested in books and birds than being heir to the throne; Arthur’s fiercely loyal, salt-of-the-earth bodyguard Sidney, who falls for Gwen’s underappreciated maidservant Agnes; and of course Lady Bridget Leclair, the kingdom’s only female knight, who is so dangerously sexy when she’s competing in the jousting championships that it’s practically treason.
I was so invested in the love square that when the characters kissed I literally gasped. I dogmarked so many pages I gave up — Croucher writes with vivid exaggeration and touching relatability the wild adventures of love and lust, yearning and horniness. We all dutifully pledge allegiance.
Lily Lindon
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Gwen and Art Are Not in Love Synopsis
Gwen, the quick-witted Princess of England, and Arthur, future lord and general gadabout, have been betrothed since birth. Unfortunately, the only thing they can agree on is that they hate each other.
When Gwen catches Art kissing a boy and Art discovers where Gwen hides her diary (complete with racy entries about Bridget Leclair, the kingdom's only female knight), they become reluctant allies. By pretending to fall for each other, their mutual protection will be assured.
But how long can they keep up the ruse? With Gwen growing closer to Bridget, and Art becoming unaccountably fond of Gabriel, Gwen's infuriatingly serious, bookish brother, the path to true love is looking far from straight ...
About This Edition
ISBN: |
9781526651792 |
Publication date: |
11th May 2023 |
Author: |
Lex Croucher |
Publisher: |
Bloomsbury YA an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing PLC |
Format: |
Paperback |
Pagination: |
419 pages |
Primary Genre |
Romance / Relationship Stories
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Other Genres: |
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Recommendations: |
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Lex Croucher Press Reviews
GWEN AND ART is exactly what I need right now - a delightful, heart-warming, hilarious historical romp, overflowing with queer panic and terrible jokes. I loved it. - Alice Oseman, bestselling author of Heartstopper
Fun and genuinely funny, with lovely friendships and first-rate dialogue. Gwen and Art may not be in love, but I fell for them both. - Rainbow Rowell, No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of the Simon Snow Trilogy
A total, rollicking delight. Gwen & Art gave me the same cheeky, swoony, giddy, irresistible high of the first time I saw A Knight's Tale. Lex Croucher is one of my favorite romcom authors, and they should be yours, too. - Casey McQuiston, #1 New York Times bestselling author of I Kissed Shara Wheeler and Red, White and Royal Blue
Congrats to Gwen and Arthur on their permanent acquisition of my ENTIRE heart. Suffice it to say that I loved this book to a degree that's slightly ridiculous - Becky Albertalli, bestselling author of Simon VS. The Homosapiens Agenda
An utter delight. Croucher conjures a fresh new Camelot, full of jousts, hijinks and exuberantly queer characters that will make you swoon. This is the gay Camelot I always wanted! - C S Pacat
This book does a flirty tango with the Arthurian legends while also sticking a KICK ME sign on their back: it contains enough sword fights and banter to keep the pages flying, but it's also a sharp and compassionate look at the terrifying wonder of being a queer young person coming to terms with yourself. Gwen and Art and Not in Love is a work of hilarious and heart-mending genius. I read it in a joyous rush and I can't wait to buy it for literally everyone I know. - Freya Marske
Swoonworthy, hilarious and full of witty repartee, this gorgeous historical romance will sweep readers off their feet - The Bookseller Teen & YA Editor's Choice