Quick take
Come hang out, we’re queering Camelot. Sword fighting, found family, and first love—all the medieval hijinks are here!
Good to know
Romance
400+ pages
LGBTQ+ themes
Based on a classic
Synopsis
It’s been hundreds of years since King Arthur’s reign. His descendant, Arthur, a future Lord and general gadabout, has been betrothed to Gwendoline, the quick-witted, short-tempered princess of England, since birth. The only thing they can agree on is that they despise each other.
They’re forced to spend the summer together at Camelot in the run up to their nuptials, and within 24 hours, Gwen has discovered Arthur kissing a boy and Arthur has gone digging for Gwen’s childhood diary and found confessions about her crush on the kingdom’s only lady knight, Bridget Leclair.
Realizing they might make better allies than enemies, they make a reluctant pact to cover for each other, and as things heat up at the annual royal tournament, Gwen is swept off her feet by her knight and Arthur takes an interest in Gwen’s royal brother.
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Why I love it
Regina Montoya
BOTM Editorial Team
Gwen and Art are not in love, but I am. With this book. And you will be, too. Loosely inspired by Arthurian legend, Lex Croucher has made a hug of a book, featuring a lovable cast of characters that will have you laughing, crying, and feeling everything in between.
Our two leads, princess Gwendoline and nobleman Arthur, have been betrothed since birth—and have hated each other almost as long. Upon reuniting for the royal tournament at Camelot, they find their mutually antagonistic situation unchanged. That is, until Gwen spots Arthur kissing a boy and Art discovers Gwen is smitten with a girl. Realizing they are in the same position—both promised to someone they have no interest in while longing for another—they decide to form a mutually-beneficial alliance.
The pair pretends to accept their betrothal, covering for each other while they pursue other people and presenting the reader with hilarious and heartwarming mayhem in the process. As Gwen gets to know Bridget Leclair, the only female knight participating in the tournament, Art grows infatuated with Gwen’s brother, and king-to-be, Gabriel. Thus unravels a comical and emotional tale between four characters seeking to choose their own paths in a realm where their lives have been predetermined.
Perfectly marrying heart and humor, Gwen & Art Are Not in Love is a charming story and an utterly delightful read. Don’t miss out!
Member ratings (1,167)
Victoria G.
Katy, TX
Such good representation that doesn’t feel forced!! The plot is easy to follow but still keeps you guessing for the next twist. The witty humor and funny quotes are gold. Such a good book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Em K.
East Lansing, MI
Oh my gods! I don’t have enough characters to write out how much I loved this book. Particularly Arthur— my goodness it’s been a long time since a character made me actually laugh out loud like him!
Taneisha B.
Garner, NC
Incredibly humorous and instantly became one of my favorites! The characters have great chemistry and bounce really well off of one another. Lex Croucher is amazing, I hope she writes more 💖💖💖💖
Andrew C.
Wilmington, NC
There are always different ways to look at things. “Some variety of magic turns up in every kingdom in the world. It goes by different names, but is always there.” Loved this story of magic and love.
Camila S.
West Henrietta, NY
If you grew up on Gail Carson Levine’s fairytale retellings, a Knights Tale (2001) is your favorite movie, and your favorite Shakespeare play is “Much Ado About Nothing” - you will love this!!!