Gwen and Art are Not in Love by Lex Croucher

ISBN: 9781250847218

Publisher: Wednesday Books, May 11 2023

Genre/format: Historical fiction, romance

Awards: YA Book Prize 2024 winner

Reading level: Grade 9+ (School Library Journal)

Plot summary:

In a fictional England a few hundred years after the King Arthur, princess Gweneviere is betrothed to Arthur (no relation), who she can’t stand. The feeling is mutual; the two have been separated after a childhood of tormenting each other. For the good of the kingdom, which has struggled with political upheaval, Gwen and Arthur must find a way to tolerate each other enough to be married. But Arthur has no eyes for women, and in fact is increasingly drawn to Gwen’s brother Gabriel, the heir to the throne. Gwen, on the other hand, struggles to remain composed while watching the lady knit Bridget Leclair in the royal tournament. For everyone’s sanity, surely an agreement could be made?

Author background:

Critical evaluation:

I have previously read and really enjoyed Croucher’s adult fiction debut, The Unmagical Life of Briar Jones (2026), so I went into this one anticipating both a new favorite and the author’s unique flavor of wit. I was not disappointed, at all! I cracked up while reading quite a few times, and with such engaging dialogue, it was impossible to put down. There are layers of side characters in both Gwen and Arthur’s chapters, and I thought everyone was well-developed and fit right into the story. As mentioned above, the writing is full of anachronisms and not at all historically accurate, but I barely had to suspend my belief when reading. It just works and makes complete sense, although I didn’t go into it expecting a fancy Arthurian novel that took itself seriously.

Gwen and Arthur realize pretty early on that although they were aware they couldn’t stand each other, they’re also only attracted to the same sex. I’m glad this was something discussed right away, because it allows the relationship between the two to become a powerful platonic bond. For Gwen especially, understanding herself and coming to terms with her attraction to Bridget is something only Arthur gets, and although it’s weird for her to vent to her #1 enemy, it contributes to both of their personal growth.

The action and stakes escalate pretty intensely at the end, and set up very nicely for the sequel, Bridget and Gabe Are Not Okay (which I am also reading, because of course I also wanted Bridget and Gabe’s perspectives!) The story comes to neat conclusions concerning the expression of love, and doesn’t touch too heavily on homophobia or religious opinions. Croucher expertly explores Gwen and Arthur’s inner worlds, clearly illustrating their struggles with their identities, bad habits, and expression of their values. Arthur is supposedly more confident in himself than Gwen, but this ends up being balanced nicely as Arthur falls for Gabe, who is anxiously in the closet and worrying about upholding his father’s legacy, while Gwen falls for Bridget, who is sure of herself and no stranger to wooing girls.

Creative use for a library program:

I think a Renaissance fair style event would be popular with teenagers, and this book could be tied in easily given its setting and light historical inspiration. Activities could include a costume contest, (cosplay in general encouraged!) a performance from a local Shakespeare acting group/high schoolers involved in theater, with some medieval feast inspired food and drink.

Speed-run book talk:

Gwen and Arthur have been betrothed since birth, and they can’t stand each other. They also won’t ever fall in love, because Gwen is too busy making eyes at the lady knight Bridget, while Arthur is kissing boys in pubs and developing a crush on Gwen’s brother Gabriel. Knowing this about each other, they begrudgingly keep each other’s secrets, until the kingdom is suddenly under threat and everyone’s bonds are tested to the limit.

Potential challenge issues/defense preparation:

This book obviously deals with a good amount of same-sex attraction, often treated as being just as present as heteronormative couples. Each couple only goes as far as kissing, mainly because there’s a lot of internal growth and acceptance that has to happen before anyone will act on their feelings. In one scene, a character comes out to another and it doesn’t go well, but it’s resolved a few chapters later. There isn’t much in the text that punishes the characters for their identities, although Catholicism and other real-world religions are mentioned. Although not inherently magical, the world is fantastical and not quite like ours, and definitely not a rewrite or retelling of the traditional Camelot stories. It’s an incredibly fun and hilarious  medieval romp with no explicit action, which is why I think it’s highly recommendable.

Reason for inclusion:

This book is a delightful spin on classic Arthurian themes and concepts, and does an amazing job of modernizing the time period for a newer generation of young adult readers. The author’s sense of humor bleeds through and the pages practically turn themselves. There’s endless levels of excellent representation throughout as well: same-sex relationships, healthy masculinity, endometriosis (or an exploration of women’s medicine relating to periods, since they wouldn’t have known enough about endo itself), and incredible platonic bonds. I highly recommend this and I’m sure it will be someone’s new favorite!

References

Croucher, L. (2025). Lex Croucher. Lex Croucher. https://www.lexcroucher.co.uk/

Neal, E. (Jan 26 2024) Gwen & art are not in love. School Library Journal. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/review/gwen–art-are-not-in-love

Tacye. (2023, May 11). Lex Croucher on why there were no rules writing Gwen and art are not in love. United By Pop. https://www.unitedbypop.com/books/young-adult-books/lex-croucher-gwen-and-art/