book

GWEN & ART ARE NOT IN LOVE

Name: GWEN & ART ARE NOT IN LOVE
Author: Lex Croucher

Lex Croucher

Betrothed since birth, two royals who can’t stand each other make a pact to cover for each other’s queer tendencies. (Ages 14 to 18)

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? Best suited to older teens because of sexual references and situations, romantic relationships, strong emotional themes, and mature discussions of identity, consent, and family expectations. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

LGBTQIA characters5/5
Romance5/5
Sexual content & nudity3/5

Strongest positives

Courage & resilience4/5
Diverse representation4/5
Kindness & empathy4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5

Why this rating?

No commercial product placement.

Death of a character1/5

Why this rating?

Mentions of historical deaths and political threats.

Graphic injury1/5

Why this rating?

Minor injuries consistent with sword fighting training.

Strong language3/5

Why this rating?

Frequent use of modern casual language including mild swear words.

LGBTQIA characters5/5

Why this rating?

The central themes revolve around the LGBTQIA identities of the protagonists.

Religious themes1/5

Why this rating?

Background elements of religious life in a medieval-inspired setting.

Romance5/5

Why this rating?

Romance is central: the story follows changing relationships, attraction, dating expectations, and emotional vulnerability.

Frightening scenes1/5

Why this rating?

Some tense moments regarding political danger and parental pressure.

Sexual content & nudity3/5

Why this rating?

Contains teen-appropriate sexual references and yearning.

Alcohol or drugs2/5

Why this rating?

Occasional scenes of drinking at social gatherings.

Violence2/5

Why this rating?

Includes training combat and some minor scuffles in a historical setting.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5

Why this rating?

Characters show bravery in expressing their true selves.

Creativity & curiosity3/5

Why this rating?

Offers a fun, subversive take on traditional chivalric tropes.

Diverse representation4/5

Why this rating?

Focuses on diverse queer identities and non-conforming paths.

Educational value1/5

Why this rating?

Historical fiction setting provides an imaginative look at the era.

Kindness & empathy4/5

Why this rating?

The bond between the leads is built on mutual support.

Positive messages4/5

Why this rating?

It emphasizes honesty, challenging assumptions, respecting identity and boundaries, and allowing relationships to develop authentically.

Good role models3/5

Why this rating?

Protagonists show growth, vulnerability, and loyalty.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
How are identity and relationships presented, and how do they shape the characters’ experiences?
Which choice in GWEN & ART ARE NOT IN LOVE would you have made differently, and why?
Who changed the most in GWEN & ART ARE NOT IN LOVE, and what caused that change?

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