“The path to love never did run straight…”
Recently I was sent a copy of Gwen and Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher. Coming from Bloomsbury on 11 May, Croucher’s YA debut is a hilarious LGBTQIA+ historical romp featuring fake dating, lovestruck teenagers, swoon-worthy knights, and a whole heap of queer panic. Think Heartstopper meets A Knight’s Tale.
Gwen is a princess of England, who basically just wants to be left alone. She doesn’t fit in with the frivolous court ladies and could happily spend her days locked in her tower reading or working on her embroidery. Unfortunately, due to a political alliance formed decades ago, she is betrothed to her childhood nemesis, Arthur, and the wedding date is drawing alarmingly close. When they are reunited after years of mutual loathing it soon becomes clear that they are both hiding a secret – they are both queer.
What follows is a summer of self-discovery, comedy high jinks, and fumbling makeout sessions, all set against the backdrop of Camelot and a summer tournament that will change both Gwen and Art’s lives forever.
Gwen and Art Are NOT in Love is such a fun and heartwarming ride. Having medieval England as a backdrop was a unique and hilariously camp way to put a spin on a witty and heartfelt coming-of-age tale. This book is classed as teen fiction, however, it’s incredibly accessible and relatable. I adored the cutting remarks between our uptight heroine and her roguish fiance, plus there’s a wonderful supporting cast of colourful characters that you can’t help but fall in love with.
Gwen and Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher will be released on May 11, 2023 and is available to pre-order HERE.
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