Gwen and Art have been betrothed to be married since they were children and they have hated each other just as long. This mismatched couple is not the original Guinevere and Arthur, but Princess Gwendolyn and Arthur Delacey, son of Lord Delacey, some generations later, but still living in a Camelot-centred kingdom. But now, at a time of upheaval, their parents decide it might be time for them to bury their resentment and get married, for the sake of political stability.
There are other obstacles to their union though, apart from their mutual loathing: Gwen is besotted with Lady Bridget Leclair – the first, and only female knight in Camelot, although she can’t imagine any circumstances under which she’d ever be able to confess her crush. Arthur will kiss any stableboy who smiles at him, but since returning to Camelot he can’t stop thinking about one person in particular. But when Gwen and Art discover each other’s secret, they must strike a pact to get their parents off their backs and perhaps save Camelot as well in the process.
I really enjoyed ‘Reputation’, but I think this book is even better – a delightful cosy fantasy full of found family, queer romance and swashbuckling. It is also very funny, full of snarky dialogue and slapstick situations, but the characters are thoroughly warm and engaging – an absolute joy to read.
‘Gwen & Art are Not in Love’ is particularly perfect for those who loved the BBC series, ‘Merlin’, and mourned the happy ending that Merthur were denied.
Swimming in Books 