Reviews tagging 'Panic attacks/disorders'

Gwen and Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher

3 reviews

axel_p's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional funny inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Why was this so fucking good

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Content Warnings

Minor: Religious bigotry, Lesbophobia, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Vomit, War, Ableism, Body horror, Grief, Blood, Classism, Death, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Outing, Medical content, Medical trauma, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, and Violence

achingallover's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcoholism and Alcohol

Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Child abuse, Death, Homophobia, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, and Blood

literaryinluv's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Such a delight to read! This book made me laugh with its witty banter (mostly from Arthur) and its sweet relationships. Gwen and Arthur are a classic enemies-to-friends dynamic, with their hatred for each other stemming from their childhood. Of course, the two are betrothed (Kind of like The Swan Princess movie!). But I loved the queer angle it took in this relationship with both being interested in people who are decidedly not each other. They truly went from breaking wrists to WLW/MLM solidarity. In fact, that's how I would really describe the relationship between our two main characters: WLW/MLM solidarity.

Outside of the relationships our two characters held, there were some wonderful friendships. Sidney and Arthur are brothers in all but blood and would stick together through thick and thin. Gwen and Agnes shifted from a boss-worker dynamic to friends. And the close relationship our siblings, Gwen and Gabriel, had was adorable.

My only gripe with the book was that the romances from both our couples sometimes felt a bit lackluster. Arthur and Gabriel were cute at times and they had some nice bonding moments. But Bridget and Gwen let me down! As a sapphic female myself, I was looking forward to the sapphic relationship in this setting and was especially interested in the fact that one of those involved was a femme princess and a female knight (Oh side note, Bridget is Thai!). I wanted more bonding and moments from them, & there were some but not enough. This may be my only issue with the book, but since it's largely about romance, I felt like a star should be knocked off for that. Please remember that this is my opinion!

The book was overall super fun. The friendships were great & I really felt for these characters and their problems. I loved the setting & the Arthurian aspect and how it came to play throughout the story. It was very clever, & there were moments where I was on the edge of my seat & laughing at Arthur.

TDLR; I really need to read more historical queer novels!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Blood, War, and Violence

Moderate: Physical abuse, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Cursing, Death, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Death of parent, Lesbophobia, Murder, Body horror, and Panic attacks/disorders

Minor: Child abuse, Gore, Vomit, Incest, and Emotional abuse