A review by brinleywrites
Gwen and Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

As a child, I was obsessed with the BBC’s Merlin. I used to watch so hoping that queer subtext would become canon, spoiler alert: it didn’t. 

When I read the premise of Gwen and Art Are Not In Love by Lex Croucher, I wondered if it would scratch the itch that BBC’s Merlin had long filled and boy; I was not disappointed. 

The concept of the book is simple. It’s hundreds of years after the real King Arthur died or “went on sabbatical” as some characters refer to it in the book. Gwendoline, the princess of England, hates the man she’s betrothed to marry, Arthur. The two are forced to spend the summer together at the royal seat: Camelot, to prepare for their wedding. Gwen discovers Arthur kissing a boy and Arthur discovers Gwen’s diary, which reveals her crush on the lady knight, Bridget. The two of them make a reluctant agreement to help cover for each other. With discoveries about King Arthur’s true past, falling in love, teenage shenanigans, and a plot of overthrow Gwen’s father, Gwen and Art Are Not In Love is a romantic comedy many readers are sure to love.

Characters - The main four characters of the book, Gwen, Bridget, Gabriel, and Arthur, are loveable. All four seem real and go through major character development in the book. 

Romance - The two main romantic relationships, Gwen + Bridget and Gabriel + Arthur, are both so cute. Both relationships are well developed over the book, with each character having their own set of motivations and aspects that make them real. 

I think an unexpected plot point that I loved was the characters delving into the Arthurian past. I always love it when books discuss historical queerness (for example, Alex & Henry’s emails in Red, White, & Royal Blue). I will say I am a little disappointed it wasn’t between Arthur and Merlin. 

I don’t want to write much more except this. Gwen and Art Are Not In Love by Lex Croucher is literally one of the best books I’ve read this year. 

If you love queer rom coms, grew up watching BBC’s Merlin, or just need a tale where a lady knight and a princess fall in love, this book is for you. 

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Wednesday Books and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. This book will be out on November 28, 2023.