By Lex Croucher (author)
"We absolutely ARE all in love with this delightful medieval queer romcom "
Paperback In Stock £8.99 £8.09
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Winner of the YA Book Prize 2024 | May 2023 YA Debut of the Month | Shortlisted for the Nero Book Awards 2023
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.
Gwen, the quick-witted Princess of England, and Arthur, future duke and general gadabout, have been betrothed since birth. Unfortunately, the only thing they can agree on is that they hate each other.
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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 ...
Gwen and Art was 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
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 are 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
Lex Croucher grew up in Surrey reading a lot of books and making friends with strangers on the internet, and now lives in London with an elderly cat, producing videos by day and watching period dramas by night. With a background in social media for NGOs, Lex now writes historical-ish rom coms for adults - Reputation, Infamous, Trouble - and historical fantasy rom coms for teenagers.
Gwen and Art are Not in Love was their YA debut which won the YA Book Prize 2024.
Children's Books that Celebrate the Power of the LGBTQIA+ Community and Culture for Pride Month this June
Lex Croucher scoops the YA Book Prize 2024 for Gwen & Art Are Not in Love.
The YA Book Prize 2024 shortlist has been announced
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The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Gwen & Art Are Not in Love and determined it is suitable for children aged 15-18 years old
Gwen & Art Are Not in Love features in the following genres: Debuts of the Month, Recommendations, Funny, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Historical Fiction, Romance / Relationship Stories, Featured Books for Young Adults
Hardback, Paperback. £8.09, down from the £8.99 cover price. In Stock.
Gwen & Art Are Not in Love was written by Lex Croucher and published by Bloomsbury YA an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Gwen & Art Are Not in Love has 419 pages
£8.09, reduced from £8.99. In Stock.
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