Day’s YA: GWEN & ART ARE NOT IN LOVE

GWEN & ART ARE NOT IN LOVE by Lex Croucher
9781250847218
11/28/2023
Wednesday Books
Ages 14-18

E-galley available on Edelweiss and NetGalley

Arthur, a descendant of King Arthur, and Gwendoline, the princess of England, have been betrothed to each other since their birth. They’ve also despised each other since their birth. The idea of getting married is generally repulsive for both of them, so it’s decided that they are to spend the summer together at Camelot in preparation for their impending nuptials. However, very quickly into the summer, Gwen sees Arthur kissing a boy and threatens to tell his secret. In retaliation, Arthur goes searching for Gwen’s diary and learns that she’s been harboring a crush on the only female knight, Lady Bridget Leclair. Now, both privy to the other’s deepest secret, they reluctantly decide to cover for each other. 

Over the course of the summer, Gwen grows closer to Bridget while Arthur falls for Gwen’s brother, Gabriel, the heir to the throne. And Gwen and Arthur ever so slowly go from sworn enemies to dear friends. As political conflicts intensify in Camelot, tensions are high and the future is uncertain, but the foursome (and their pals) become a force to be reckoned with in the kingdom. 

This YA debut from romance author Lex Croucher (REPUTATION, INFAMOUS, & TROUBLE) has the makings of a queer romance that will stand the test of time. The humor is sharp, the plot takes unexpected twists, and the characters are charismatic and incredibly lovable, even as they continue to get themselves into messy situations. And if you love banter as much as I do, this book is full of it, both between the love interests and between friends. I had so much fun reading this book that I laughed out loud multiple times, and I’d recommend it to anyone who loves the queer joy in Heartstopper, the royal romance in RED, WHITE & ROYAL BLUE, or the Medieval comedy in A Knight’s Tale.

“This is a wonderful expansion of the YA romance genre . . . Frankly a delight.”

Kirkus Reviews

Happy reading!
<3 Emily

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