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A review by thaliareads
Gwen and Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the arc!
Gwen and Art have a problem. They have grown up thinking the worst of each other and dreading the day the betrothal that's been in place since their birth comes to fruition. Much to their chagrin the time is drawing near and they have to spend the entire summer together in preparation for the announcement of their wedding day. In what may turn out to be a stroke of luck for the two betrothed, Gwen catches Art in a compromising position that allows her to see that they may have more in common than she anticipated. Could a mutual arrangement allow Gwen to follow her heart to the brave knight Lady Bridget who's caught her eye? Additionally, could this be a chance for Art to reconnect with Gwen's older brother Gabriel and find a spark that he never expected? Alongside all of this, is there something deeper brewing beneath the surface of the kingdom as the people gather to celebrate the royal tournament being held?
This was an absolutely adorable tale of young and unrequited love. Additionally, I appreciated that none of the main characters had things figured out yet, especially since they are teenagers and that's a messy time in your life full of self-discovery. This really shined in the candid conversations between Gwen and Art revealing that, despite what might appear to be external confidence, they are still kids and still learning who they are and how to navigate their new feelings. I appreciated the unapologetic queerness of this book. Obviously, the environment still wasn't conducive to straying from heteronormativity, but the characters themselves reinforced that there was nothing wrong with who they were and who they chose to love. I also didn't expect the sort of deeper lore of conflict and mystery and feuding factions, but it was a pleasant surprise as it wove through the novel, culminating in an unexpected twist. Overall, I think this was a great coming-of-age romance and I would read it again in a heartbeat. I can't wait until it's out and I can listen to the audiobook.
Gwen and Art have a problem. They have grown up thinking the worst of each other and dreading the day the betrothal that's been in place since their birth comes to fruition. Much to their chagrin the time is drawing near and they have to spend the entire summer together in preparation for the announcement of their wedding day. In what may turn out to be a stroke of luck for the two betrothed, Gwen catches Art in a compromising position that allows her to see that they may have more in common than she anticipated. Could a mutual arrangement allow Gwen to follow her heart to the brave knight Lady Bridget who's caught her eye? Additionally, could this be a chance for Art to reconnect with Gwen's older brother Gabriel and find a spark that he never expected? Alongside all of this, is there something deeper brewing beneath the surface of the kingdom as the people gather to celebrate the royal tournament being held?
This was an absolutely adorable tale of young and unrequited love. Additionally, I appreciated that none of the main characters had things figured out yet, especially since they are teenagers and that's a messy time in your life full of self-discovery. This really shined in the candid conversations between Gwen and Art revealing that, despite what might appear to be external confidence, they are still kids and still learning who they are and how to navigate their new feelings. I appreciated the unapologetic queerness of this book. Obviously, the environment still wasn't conducive to straying from heteronormativity, but the characters themselves reinforced that there was nothing wrong with who they were and who they chose to love. I also didn't expect the sort of deeper lore of conflict and mystery and feuding factions, but it was a pleasant surprise as it wove through the novel, culminating in an unexpected twist. Overall, I think this was a great coming-of-age romance and I would read it again in a heartbeat. I can't wait until it's out and I can listen to the audiobook.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Death, Emotional abuse, Violence, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Gore and Blood
Minor: Animal death, Homophobia, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, and Vomit
Unfortunately because of the time period and the setting, there are quite a few content warnings.
As part of the royal tournament, there is some blood, injuries, and violence as a function of the event itself. This is rather mild though, and the more severe instance is later in the book There is a large conflict at the end of the book that is essentially the first battle of what could become a war and it is everything that war is. It's bloody and gruesome and people and animals are falling to those who are now their enemies. While everything is described vividly, I don't think the author lingers unecessarily or expands on the gory details in a distasteful way. It was enough to let you feel the impact of the setting without delving too deep into the gore of it all. There is one larger spoiler In this battle, the king does die, leaving his son the new ruler.
Art's father comes off as very emotionally abusive. He cares very much about himself and not about the well being (both mental and physical) of his son - although it should be noted that there is no direct physical abuse. However, Art's father does hire men to "send him a message" leaving him in a forever changed physical state after months of grueling recovery.
It is mentioned that Art's dad is an alcoholic, and Art and his body guard/friend Sidney can frequently be seen drinking to excess. This does involve some brief mentions of other characters vomiting - however it is not described in detail.
I tagged homophobia, but it's important to note that while Gwyn thought another character was ignoring her because she told them she liked women, they were actually ignoring her because her truth spurred a more personal reflection for them that they weren't ready to accept. The author's writing always comes off as incredibly accepting - even throughout this misunderstanding.
Finally, there are a few times when Art makes comments in jest that could be seen as suicidal, especially considering they come up - in forced jest - when he is at his lowest. It's never specifically addressed, but Gwen catches on and provides support in the way Art needs. Suicide and self harm aren't ever mentioned in a serious manner.