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Not for the Faint of Heart
Win a free print copy of this book!
11 days and 10:55:59
10 copies available
U.S. and Canada only
Beloved author Lex Croucher's second queer historical YA romance, with all the swoons, laughs, and heart-pounding moments you'd expect from a story about the granddaughter of Robin Hood and the girl she's accidentally kidnapped.
‘You aren’t merry,’ said Clem to her captor. ‘And you aren’t all men. So there’s been some marketing confusion somewhere along the line.’
Mariel, a newly blooded and perpetually grumpy captain of the Merry Men, is desperate to live up to the legacy of her grandfather, the legendary Robin Hood. Clem, a too-perky backwoods healer known for her new-fangled cures, just wants to help people.
When Mariel's ramshackle band of bandits kidnap Clem as retribution for her guardian helping the Sheriff of Nottingham, all seems to be going (sort of) to plan … until Jack Hartley, Mariel’s father and Commander of the Merry Men, is captured in a deadly ambush. Determined to prove herself, Mariel sets out to get him back – with her annoyingly cheerful kidnappee in tow.
But the wood is at war. Many believe the Merry Men are no longer on the right side of history. Watching Clem tend the party’s wounds and crack relentlessly terrible jokes, Mariel begins to doubt the noble cause to which she has devoted her life. As the two of them grow closer, forced by circumstances to share a single horse and bed, one thing is clear. They must prepare to fight for their lives and for those of everyone they’ve sworn to protect.
Lex Croucher's Not For the Faint of Heart is a thrilling adventure full of hijinks, found family, and romance destined to change the lives of the inhabitants of the Greenwood Forest forever.
‘You aren’t merry,’ said Clem to her captor. ‘And you aren’t all men. So there’s been some marketing confusion somewhere along the line.’
Mariel, a newly blooded and perpetually grumpy captain of the Merry Men, is desperate to live up to the legacy of her grandfather, the legendary Robin Hood. Clem, a too-perky backwoods healer known for her new-fangled cures, just wants to help people.
When Mariel's ramshackle band of bandits kidnap Clem as retribution for her guardian helping the Sheriff of Nottingham, all seems to be going (sort of) to plan … until Jack Hartley, Mariel’s father and Commander of the Merry Men, is captured in a deadly ambush. Determined to prove herself, Mariel sets out to get him back – with her annoyingly cheerful kidnappee in tow.
But the wood is at war. Many believe the Merry Men are no longer on the right side of history. Watching Clem tend the party’s wounds and crack relentlessly terrible jokes, Mariel begins to doubt the noble cause to which she has devoted her life. As the two of them grow closer, forced by circumstances to share a single horse and bed, one thing is clear. They must prepare to fight for their lives and for those of everyone they’ve sworn to protect.
Lex Croucher's Not For the Faint of Heart is a thrilling adventure full of hijinks, found family, and romance destined to change the lives of the inhabitants of the Greenwood Forest forever.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published August 15, 2024
About the author
Lex Croucher
7 books2,496 followersLex Croucher grew up in Surrey, reading a lot of books and making friends with strangers on the internet, and now lives in London with an elderly cat. With a background in social media for NGOs, Lex now writes historical-ish rom coms for adults (REPUTATION, INFAMOUS) and historical fantasy rom coms for teenagers. GWEN AND ART ARE NOT IN LOVE is their YA debut.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 394 reviews
June 28, 2024
Actually 3 1/2 stars
Clemence (Clem to her friends) was ten when she was orphaned, left to wander through the woods until she came upon the cabin of Rosie, the healer, the old woman the children called a witch. Clem became Rosie’s apprentice and learned the art of healing. Clem also experimented with different herbs and balms to promote healing. Clem believed there was a better way then using leeches and bloodletting.
Mariel is a captain of the merry men of Sherwood Forest. Mariel is also the daughter of the leader of the merry men, and the granddaughter of Robin Hood. Someone has been passing on information about the merry men to the sheriff and her father orders her to kidnap the healer incase she was the mole. Mariel and her band take Clem by mistake.
Mariel is all business a real by-the-book type. Clem has a perpetually rosey outlook and is all smiles and smart comebacks ….especially considering she was kidnapped. She is the glass half full to Mariel’s glass half empty.
Mariel is caught up seeking her father’s approval. Even in the middle ages some parental dynamics are the same.
This story starts out slowly. The first quarter of the book while we are being introduced to the majority of the essential characters seems to take a little too long, the action is limited to smart quips which isn’t really enough to sustain the narrative. A third of the way into the book the pacing picks up significantly and the final 2/3 of the book flow quickly and easily.
The two main characters are engaging and likable and it is easy to root for them as they get to know and care about each other. The additional members of their immediate group are a joy to get to know.
I felt like the story wrapped up a little too quickly. I would have preferred a more expansive ending and some additional details about the relationship between our two FMCs. I enjoyed the LGBTQ representation, and I would have liked a little more about the back story of the character Morgan.
Historical fiction, with two wonderful FMC’s make this book very enjoyable.
I would like to thank NetGalley , St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. ,
Clemence (Clem to her friends) was ten when she was orphaned, left to wander through the woods until she came upon the cabin of Rosie, the healer, the old woman the children called a witch. Clem became Rosie’s apprentice and learned the art of healing. Clem also experimented with different herbs and balms to promote healing. Clem believed there was a better way then using leeches and bloodletting.
Mariel is a captain of the merry men of Sherwood Forest. Mariel is also the daughter of the leader of the merry men, and the granddaughter of Robin Hood. Someone has been passing on information about the merry men to the sheriff and her father orders her to kidnap the healer incase she was the mole. Mariel and her band take Clem by mistake.
Mariel is all business a real by-the-book type. Clem has a perpetually rosey outlook and is all smiles and smart comebacks ….especially considering she was kidnapped. She is the glass half full to Mariel’s glass half empty.
Mariel is caught up seeking her father’s approval. Even in the middle ages some parental dynamics are the same.
This story starts out slowly. The first quarter of the book while we are being introduced to the majority of the essential characters seems to take a little too long, the action is limited to smart quips which isn’t really enough to sustain the narrative. A third of the way into the book the pacing picks up significantly and the final 2/3 of the book flow quickly and easily.
The two main characters are engaging and likable and it is easy to root for them as they get to know and care about each other. The additional members of their immediate group are a joy to get to know.
I felt like the story wrapped up a little too quickly. I would have preferred a more expansive ending and some additional details about the relationship between our two FMCs. I enjoyed the LGBTQ representation, and I would have liked a little more about the back story of the character Morgan.
Historical fiction, with two wonderful FMC’s make this book very enjoyable.
I would like to thank NetGalley , St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. ,
Read
April 22, 2024Now that this book is available to reviewers I wanted to signpost the content warnings, which can be found on my website.
Read them here: https://www.lexcroucher.co.uk/not-for...
Read them here: https://www.lexcroucher.co.uk/not-for...
September 24, 2024
What an absolute adventure! This book was such a rollercoaster and I’m so glad I was tall enough to ride 🙋🏻♀️
I experienced a whole range of emotions from blushing and giggling to sobbing and audibly saying ’noooooooo’ on the train home. So get ready to look like a crazy person if you decide to read this book 😅
Okay, let’s start with the stronget winning point for me - the electrifying chemistry between Clem and Mauriel cos oh my goodness! Every single interaction they have sent an electricity shot through my veins ⚡️⚡️
These two love birds hit all of my top three tropes while still being interesting.
Kidnapping trope - ✅
Hurt/comfort - ✅
One bed trope - ✅
Like come on!!! Was this book written specifically for me? Ugh I AM SMITTEN! 💓
Secondly, I love LOVE a book set in a queernormative world and this book integrated it so seamlessly without unnecessary fanfare into the well known tales of Robin Hood. Well done 👑
Lastly, the found family was done so well. I felt like I was a part of the company and getting to know these silly Merry Men was such a treat! I genuinely would love to be friends with every single one of them, just adorable!
(Quick warning: this is NOT a cozy retelling, the stakes are high and their journey is perilous, but it still gave me a cozy warm feeling somehow 🫶)
I fell in love with Lex Croucher writting in Gwen & Art are not in love but this book sealed the deal for me. I am locked in! I think this is their best work yet and I am so excited to see what’s next! 🌟♥️🌟♥️🌟♥️
I experienced a whole range of emotions from blushing and giggling to sobbing and audibly saying ’noooooooo’ on the train home. So get ready to look like a crazy person if you decide to read this book 😅
Okay, let’s start with the stronget winning point for me - the electrifying chemistry between Clem and Mauriel cos oh my goodness! Every single interaction they have sent an electricity shot through my veins ⚡️⚡️
These two love birds hit all of my top three tropes while still being interesting.
Kidnapping trope - ✅
Hurt/comfort - ✅
One bed trope - ✅
Like come on!!! Was this book written specifically for me? Ugh I AM SMITTEN! 💓
Secondly, I love LOVE a book set in a queernormative world and this book integrated it so seamlessly without unnecessary fanfare into the well known tales of Robin Hood. Well done 👑
Lastly, the found family was done so well. I felt like I was a part of the company and getting to know these silly Merry Men was such a treat! I genuinely would love to be friends with every single one of them, just adorable!
(Quick warning: this is NOT a cozy retelling, the stakes are high and their journey is perilous, but it still gave me a cozy warm feeling somehow 🫶)
I fell in love with Lex Croucher writting in Gwen & Art are not in love but this book sealed the deal for me. I am locked in! I think this is their best work yet and I am so excited to see what’s next! 🌟♥️🌟♥️🌟♥️
July 10, 2024
This was more vibes than plot but in a good way. A sapphic ya fantasy enemies to lovers slow burn about Robin Hood granddaughter, Mariel and the girl she kidnapped by mistake, Clem. This was action packed and even though it was a slow burn when it came to the romance aspect, the plot itself was very fun and easy to follow along.
Clem and Mariel were the cutest pair and it was a delight seeing them bickering with each other. This is also a rom-com and it was very evident. The writing was great and sharp and I loved seeing the anxiety representation in this one.
Clem and Mariel were the cutest pair and it was a delight seeing them bickering with each other. This is also a rom-com and it was very evident. The writing was great and sharp and I loved seeing the anxiety representation in this one.
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
October 10, 2024This is... Disney levels of quirky and barely 5% in I'd had enough. The main character is A LOT.
June 3, 2024
"Rip-roaringly romantic, fast-paced, and funny" is so far from an accurate description of this book that I'm not sure if the blurb writer even read the book! The story follows Mariel, a newly blooded captain of the Merry Men, as she struggles to live up to the legendary legacy of her grandfather, Robin Hood, whilst struggling with some family truths.
Lets look at those three claims one at a time, and to remind you theyare: rip-roaringly romantic, fast-paced and funny
The characters don't kiss until 60% of the way through the book and it comes out of absolutely nowhere. If you told me that this wasn't a romance book I would nod my head and agree with you. But, here it's being touted as one of it's main selling points! If we hadn't been flipping between Clem and Mariel's POVs I wouldn't have had a hint that their relationship was the end game, and being honest it just doesn't develop. There are flashes of a great relationship but it just falls to the side with the constant pieces of plot being through at you.
That brings me onto the next point, 'fast-paced'. As Mariel and Clem navigate the perils of the Greenwood, including the capture of Mariel's father, Jack Hartley, the narrative delves into themes of loyalty, identity, and the true meaning of heroism. Or at least, it really, really tries. The plot is slow to get off the ground, whilst it might be fast-paced in the sense that they're physically moving from one location to another, nothing really happens of note for perhaps the entire first half of the book. There's nothing to grip you and draw you forward through the book, what little mystery and suspense there is doesn't become truly apparently until perhaps 70%. And here's the thing, you need to foreshadow things, otherwise reveals are vastly unsatisying. Readers need to feel like they should have seen something coming, else it becomes a string of, 'oh, I didn't even know this was a thing that could happen'.
And lastly, funny. I mean, of the three I'd say it delivers the most on this, but it feels a little bit like it's trying too hard.
There's a great idea here, but the execution is beyond awful. I'm so disappointed.
Lets look at those three claims one at a time, and to remind you theyare: rip-roaringly romantic, fast-paced and funny
The characters don't kiss until 60% of the way through the book and it comes out of absolutely nowhere. If you told me that this wasn't a romance book I would nod my head and agree with you. But, here it's being touted as one of it's main selling points! If we hadn't been flipping between Clem and Mariel's POVs I wouldn't have had a hint that their relationship was the end game, and being honest it just doesn't develop. There are flashes of a great relationship but it just falls to the side with the constant pieces of plot being through at you.
That brings me onto the next point, 'fast-paced'. As Mariel and Clem navigate the perils of the Greenwood, including the capture of Mariel's father, Jack Hartley, the narrative delves into themes of loyalty, identity, and the true meaning of heroism. Or at least, it really, really tries. The plot is slow to get off the ground, whilst it might be fast-paced in the sense that they're physically moving from one location to another, nothing really happens of note for perhaps the entire first half of the book. There's nothing to grip you and draw you forward through the book, what little mystery and suspense there is doesn't become truly apparently until perhaps 70%. And here's the thing, you need to foreshadow things, otherwise reveals are vastly unsatisying. Readers need to feel like they should have seen something coming, else it becomes a string of, 'oh, I didn't even know this was a thing that could happen'.
And lastly, funny. I mean, of the three I'd say it delivers the most on this, but it feels a little bit like it's trying too hard.
There's a great idea here, but the execution is beyond awful. I'm so disappointed.
August 14, 2024
Hilarious, thrilling and utterly heartfelt, Lex Croucher delivers yet another marvellously queer, medieval Rom-com that I didn’t want to end!
Not only did the banter-filled prose have me in stitches, but the emotional complexity and depth in all of our characters was phenomenal! Clem, Baxter, Kit, Morgan, Josie and Mariel all stole my heart with their mischievous antics, moral quandaries and surprisingly deep personal struggles.
I was delighted that we got to explore a little hit beyond our two MCs — with glimpses into the backstories of several supporting characters, who I felt really benefitted from the added context. It was still brief, but really helped to understand Kit, Morgan and even Mariel’s mum a little better.
Taking inspiration from the legend of Robin Hood (and his band of Merry Thieves) we delve headfirst into life amongst the Merry Men after Robin’s retirement and the legacy that his granddaughter, Mariel, has been trying to live up to.
Constantly sidelined by her father and all but ignored by her fellow Captains, it wasn’t difficult to sympathise with Mariel’s frustrations and root for her (and her supportive, found family-esque team) to get the recognition and respect they so rightfully deserved.
Though, I have to admit, it was fellow protagonist /POV character (and kidnapped healer), Clem that really helped cement this as a five star read for me.
Her wit and lighthearted banter kept even the most intense, heartbreaking of scenes from getting too dark. And I loved the opening scene with the fox— it really set the whole tone, and worked as a nice little call back to the animated Disney version of Robin’s story.
The dynamics and romance between Clem and Mariel was wonderfully swoon-worthy too (if you like the only one bed trope then you’re almost guaranteed to love the only one horse scene) and I urge anyone in their sapphic, historical romance era to definitely consider checking this out. Though, as always, do be sure to check the TWs.
Also, a huge thank you to Bloomsbury books (and Bloomsbury Creator Circle) for the finished copy.
Not only did the banter-filled prose have me in stitches, but the emotional complexity and depth in all of our characters was phenomenal! Clem, Baxter, Kit, Morgan, Josie and Mariel all stole my heart with their mischievous antics, moral quandaries and surprisingly deep personal struggles.
I was delighted that we got to explore a little hit beyond our two MCs — with glimpses into the backstories of several supporting characters, who I felt really benefitted from the added context. It was still brief, but really helped to understand Kit, Morgan and even Mariel’s mum a little better.
Taking inspiration from the legend of Robin Hood (and his band of Merry Thieves) we delve headfirst into life amongst the Merry Men after Robin’s retirement and the legacy that his granddaughter, Mariel, has been trying to live up to.
Constantly sidelined by her father and all but ignored by her fellow Captains, it wasn’t difficult to sympathise with Mariel’s frustrations and root for her (and her supportive, found family-esque team) to get the recognition and respect they so rightfully deserved.
Though, I have to admit, it was fellow protagonist /POV character (and kidnapped healer), Clem that really helped cement this as a five star read for me.
Her wit and lighthearted banter kept even the most intense, heartbreaking of scenes from getting too dark. And I loved the opening scene with the fox— it really set the whole tone, and worked as a nice little call back to the animated Disney version of Robin’s story.
The dynamics and romance between Clem and Mariel was wonderfully swoon-worthy too (if you like the only one bed trope then you’re almost guaranteed to love the only one horse scene) and I urge anyone in their sapphic, historical romance era to definitely consider checking this out. Though, as always, do be sure to check the TWs.
Also, a huge thank you to Bloomsbury books (and Bloomsbury Creator Circle) for the finished copy.
June 7, 2024
3.5 stars
This was a adorable queer historical YA romance. The writing in this book was sharp and easy to follow and really kept me entertained. If you're looking for a fun and cute medieval rom-com with a is definitely worth checking out.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a adorable queer historical YA romance. The writing in this book was sharp and easy to follow and really kept me entertained. If you're looking for a fun and cute medieval rom-com with a is definitely worth checking out.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 29, 2024
this book is 20% plot and 80% vibes, with the vibes being the merry men just running around the woods and occasionally visiting little villages and I loved every second of it
October 27, 2024
4.25/5 stars
This book was provided to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I had previously read and loved Gwen and Art are not in Love by Lex Croucher so when the publisher offered me an ARC of Not for the Faint of Heart I knew I just had to read it.
This book did not disappoint, in general I think that readers will enjoy this book if they like reading about a ragtag bunch of queer youths who somehow found each other in this big wide world just to act like a bunch of fools. You will love this book if you have some sort of emotional connection to the story of Robin Hood. Personally, I am just mildly familiar with the tale, so the intricacies were lost on me. My lack of Robin Hood background didn't negatively impact my understanding and enjoyment of the book, but it could've improved my overall experience for sure.
I loved the main crew of characters in this book so much, I do think that some of the side characters were lacking a bit in terms of personality but they were not a major focus so I am okay with forviving that. While I overall enjoyed the story, I do think there were times when the plot felt a bit directionless, and as soon as a mission/direction was identified, the group went into it so impulsively that there wasn't a lot of buildup with major story events. This impulsivity is part of the characterization of our beloved group of Merry Men but I’m still allowed to feel that it hurt my enjoyment of the book. The very end felt a bit rushed, but that could also be because I was reading at warp speed because I loved the book so much.
Overall, I liked this book and would recommend it. I won't be knocking down doors and screaming from the rooftops trying to get people to read it, but I will definitely be bringing it up in conversations because I know many people will love it.
This book was provided to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I had previously read and loved Gwen and Art are not in Love by Lex Croucher so when the publisher offered me an ARC of Not for the Faint of Heart I knew I just had to read it.
This book did not disappoint, in general I think that readers will enjoy this book if they like reading about a ragtag bunch of queer youths who somehow found each other in this big wide world just to act like a bunch of fools. You will love this book if you have some sort of emotional connection to the story of Robin Hood. Personally, I am just mildly familiar with the tale, so the intricacies were lost on me. My lack of Robin Hood background didn't negatively impact my understanding and enjoyment of the book, but it could've improved my overall experience for sure.
I loved the main crew of characters in this book so much, I do think that some of the side characters were lacking a bit in terms of personality but they were not a major focus so I am okay with forviving that. While I overall enjoyed the story, I do think there were times when the plot felt a bit directionless, and as soon as a mission/direction was identified, the group went into it so impulsively that there wasn't a lot of buildup with major story events. This impulsivity is part of the characterization of our beloved group of Merry Men but I’m still allowed to feel that it hurt my enjoyment of the book. The very end felt a bit rushed, but that could also be because I was reading at warp speed because I loved the book so much.
Overall, I liked this book and would recommend it. I won't be knocking down doors and screaming from the rooftops trying to get people to read it, but I will definitely be bringing it up in conversations because I know many people will love it.
June 29, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
This is the tale of what comes after Robin Hood - and I'm obsessed with the concept, I love the story of Robin Hood, and the Disney film has always been my favourite (even if that does mean that whenever they mentioned Robin Hood in this, I was picturing a wily fox in a green cap). This was fun and entertaining, and so quick and easy to read. It's a bit slower to start but once it got going, it was fast-paced and action-packed. I think that with all the plot going on, the romance does become a bit lost - but I still thought they were cute and I loved the plot - there were a couple of moments in particular that really shocked me and upped the stakes. It wasn't as funny as Gwen & Art Are Not in Love, but I love Lex Croucher's concepts and I'm excited to see what comes next!
This is the tale of what comes after Robin Hood - and I'm obsessed with the concept, I love the story of Robin Hood, and the Disney film has always been my favourite (even if that does mean that whenever they mentioned Robin Hood in this, I was picturing a wily fox in a green cap). This was fun and entertaining, and so quick and easy to read. It's a bit slower to start but once it got going, it was fast-paced and action-packed. I think that with all the plot going on, the romance does become a bit lost - but I still thought they were cute and I loved the plot - there were a couple of moments in particular that really shocked me and upped the stakes. It wasn't as funny as Gwen & Art Are Not in Love, but I love Lex Croucher's concepts and I'm excited to see what comes next!
November 3, 2024
4,5/5✨
J’ai adoré la vibe, les personnages, l’intrigue… ce roman est un véritable réconfort ! L’auteurice me fait toujours autant rire, ses répliques sont incroyables !
J’ai adoré la vibe, les personnages, l’intrigue… ce roman est un véritable réconfort ! L’auteurice me fait toujours autant rire, ses répliques sont incroyables !
June 26, 2024
thank you Bloomsbury, Scarlett and Imogen for the ARC! Another fun and very queer book that I know people will be eating up. I enjoyed it a lot for what it is but don’t think it’s a standout for me.
September 20, 2024
On my blog.
Rep: sapphic mc with PTSD, sapphic mc, Black side character, Japanese trans achillean side character, achillean side character, nonbinary side character
Galley provided by publisher
I have, from the beginning, always enjoyed Lex Croucher’s books, so I had no doubt that Not for the Faint of Heart would go the same way. And, broadly, it did! It was a quick fun read, a romance based on Robin Hood tales, and a book that I would recommend.
But I have to admit that, compared to the rest of their books, it would be my least favourite. I don’t mean this in an I-didn’t-like-it way, just that it felt like it was missing something compared to the others. I think it was most likely in the central relationship or the found family, in a way I can’t really put into words, but mostly that I just didn’t connect with them in the same way as in Croucher’s previous books. They were funny, they seemed to have everything (or, as becomes apparent, almost everything) that I might want, but there was just something missing. That was most clear towards the end with some big emotional scenes that I just didn’t feel emotional about. Maybe that’s my feelings about YA now finally coming to affect even the authors I thought it would never touch, or maybe not. Either way, it had an impact here. (Of course, that’s not to say I wouldn’t still continue to read Croucher’s books. Let’s just chalk this up to an anomaly.)
If this doesn’t put you off then, what you can expect is much like the other books: found family, some good humour (I think Croucher may be one of the only authors who can make me laugh out loud while reading), and a fast-paced adventure alongside the romance plot. It was, despite everything, still a fun read and one that I’d definitely recommend.
Rep: sapphic mc with PTSD, sapphic mc, Black side character, Japanese trans achillean side character, achillean side character, nonbinary side character
Galley provided by publisher
I have, from the beginning, always enjoyed Lex Croucher’s books, so I had no doubt that Not for the Faint of Heart would go the same way. And, broadly, it did! It was a quick fun read, a romance based on Robin Hood tales, and a book that I would recommend.
But I have to admit that, compared to the rest of their books, it would be my least favourite. I don’t mean this in an I-didn’t-like-it way, just that it felt like it was missing something compared to the others. I think it was most likely in the central relationship or the found family, in a way I can’t really put into words, but mostly that I just didn’t connect with them in the same way as in Croucher’s previous books. They were funny, they seemed to have everything (or, as becomes apparent, almost everything) that I might want, but there was just something missing. That was most clear towards the end with some big emotional scenes that I just didn’t feel emotional about. Maybe that’s my feelings about YA now finally coming to affect even the authors I thought it would never touch, or maybe not. Either way, it had an impact here. (Of course, that’s not to say I wouldn’t still continue to read Croucher’s books. Let’s just chalk this up to an anomaly.)
If this doesn’t put you off then, what you can expect is much like the other books: found family, some good humour (I think Croucher may be one of the only authors who can make me laugh out loud while reading), and a fast-paced adventure alongside the romance plot. It was, despite everything, still a fun read and one that I’d definitely recommend.
June 15, 2024
This has everything you would expect from a new release from Lex Croucher: Good humour, snappy writing and good characters. There is a lot to love in this Robin Hood setting: sapphic annoyances to lovers, found family and a big sprinkle of grumpy vs sunshine.
Despite all those clear wins, there is a distinct pacing problem in the 1st half of the novel. You meet many characters in quick succession and I had to push myself to reach the half point (where things pick up and the pacing improves).
I will admit that the Camelot/Arthurian setting interests me a lot more than Robin Hood but overall, Gwen & Art Are Not in Love felt like a much tighter book than this one. I would still recommend this one for any fan of Sapphic romance (remember that the 1st half is worth pushing through).
Despite all those clear wins, there is a distinct pacing problem in the 1st half of the novel. You meet many characters in quick succession and I had to push myself to reach the half point (where things pick up and the pacing improves).
I will admit that the Camelot/Arthurian setting interests me a lot more than Robin Hood but overall, Gwen & Art Are Not in Love felt like a much tighter book than this one. I would still recommend this one for any fan of Sapphic romance (remember that the 1st half is worth pushing through).
February 4, 2024
I received the sampler for this book and I CANNOT WAIT! I really enjoyed Gwen and Art are not in love, but this seems somehow even better?! I cannot wait to get my hands on the whole book! I really enjoyed our first interactions with our two female MC’s and really enjoyed the direction in which the first few chapters seemed to head.
October 12, 2024
3.75 stars
This is going to be super similar to my review for Art & Gwen because I feel very similar about it.
This was good! This book is a lot of things, some expected and some very unexpected. The expected were the cute relationships, especially the main grumpy-sunshine one; the story is both cute, sweet, and a bit heart wrenching.
The story is a bit slow for the most part, but the last 80% went crazy! I was not entirely expecting the bloody action movie it turned into, and what each of our characters had to go through. I definitely didn’t expect a certain betrayal. The ending was ultimately hopeful and sweet. But we definitely go through some super emotional moments to get there. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the preview. All opinions are my own.
This is going to be super similar to my review for Art & Gwen because I feel very similar about it.
This was good! This book is a lot of things, some expected and some very unexpected. The expected were the cute relationships, especially the main grumpy-sunshine one; the story is both cute, sweet, and a bit heart wrenching.
The story is a bit slow for the most part, but the last 80% went crazy! I was not entirely expecting the bloody action movie it turned into, and what each of our characters had to go through. I definitely didn’t expect a certain betrayal. The ending was ultimately hopeful and sweet. But we definitely go through some super emotional moments to get there. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the preview. All opinions are my own.
September 21, 2024
This was fun and gay! Wasn’t super convinced by the romance but I liked the ending and some of the elements were really great, genuinely I just don’t love love/know anything abt Robin Hood so you’ll enjoy it more if u do lmao
Want to read
October 8, 2024ARC received! Thank you, Wednesday Books!!!
I really enjoyed Gwen & Art Are Not in Love, so am looking forward to another romantic romp from this author!!
I really enjoyed Gwen & Art Are Not in Love, so am looking forward to another romantic romp from this author!!
August 24, 2024
First up, thanks publishers and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange of an honest review!
The TLDR? I enjoyed it, it’s a light-hearted and easy read, with lots of queer representation, and likeable characters. Although it feels slow until the 2/3 mark when it really comes into its own! I’m being brutal at 3 stars, confident 3.5.
The story follows Clem, an “apprentice” healer kidnapped by the Merry Men. And despite he name, the ragtag gang she finds herself in are queer as anything. Including their stoic leader, Mariel, the granddaughter of Robin Hood and daughter of the current gang leader.
I found the book started well, the kidnapping playing out quickly. But after that, the pace slumps. The Merry Men walk through the forest, go to camp, and Mariel has a lot of angst. Mariel has a huge chip on her shoulder, given her lineage, and does her best to act the hardened soldier. There are some cracks in the facade, but I found they were so tiny and infrequent it was hard to like her, although she is meant to be frustrating.
There is a slow-burn, grumpy one and sunshine one, romance. I found you can see it coming a mile off, but would have liked more build up before the eventual get/together. But at that point you are 2/3 through and the book finally finds its pace and runs easily and quickly to the end. Which I enjoyed much more, but means there isn’t much look at the couple as a couple.
As mentioned, the book really finds its feet at the 2/3 mark. From that point, I couldn’t put it down. The characters seemed their most rounded, and the action was quick. Before that, I did find the book quite slow.
As for the style, it’s typical to Croucher. The language is colloquial.
The dialogue feels very human and snappy. And the eclectic cast of queer side characters were a joy to know. I wish we got a slightly deeper look at each of them, but that might be because I liked them more than the FMC. Although I found the descriptions of them scant and struggled to visualise them.
Overall, it’s a fun, light-hearted, incredibly queer book. Lots of representation all across the spectrum!
However, I am also biased because I have read Croucher’s previous work. This one didn’t stand out as much as Gwen and Art, it feels softer and more vibey. Very much the same feel though, so fans will enjoy it a lot.
The TLDR? I enjoyed it, it’s a light-hearted and easy read, with lots of queer representation, and likeable characters. Although it feels slow until the 2/3 mark when it really comes into its own! I’m being brutal at 3 stars, confident 3.5.
The story follows Clem, an “apprentice” healer kidnapped by the Merry Men. And despite he name, the ragtag gang she finds herself in are queer as anything. Including their stoic leader, Mariel, the granddaughter of Robin Hood and daughter of the current gang leader.
I found the book started well, the kidnapping playing out quickly. But after that, the pace slumps. The Merry Men walk through the forest, go to camp, and Mariel has a lot of angst. Mariel has a huge chip on her shoulder, given her lineage, and does her best to act the hardened soldier. There are some cracks in the facade, but I found they were so tiny and infrequent it was hard to like her, although she is meant to be frustrating.
There is a slow-burn, grumpy one and sunshine one, romance. I found you can see it coming a mile off, but would have liked more build up before the eventual get/together. But at that point you are 2/3 through and the book finally finds its pace and runs easily and quickly to the end. Which I enjoyed much more, but means there isn’t much look at the couple as a couple.
As mentioned, the book really finds its feet at the 2/3 mark. From that point, I couldn’t put it down. The characters seemed their most rounded, and the action was quick. Before that, I did find the book quite slow.
As for the style, it’s typical to Croucher. The language is colloquial.
The dialogue feels very human and snappy. And the eclectic cast of queer side characters were a joy to know. I wish we got a slightly deeper look at each of them, but that might be because I liked them more than the FMC. Although I found the descriptions of them scant and struggled to visualise them.
Overall, it’s a fun, light-hearted, incredibly queer book. Lots of representation all across the spectrum!
However, I am also biased because I have read Croucher’s previous work. This one didn’t stand out as much as Gwen and Art, it feels softer and more vibey. Very much the same feel though, so fans will enjoy it a lot.
October 30, 2024
I received this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Incredible. no notes.
jk, i have SOME notes.
first, let me say, it is very difficult, in my opinion, for lex croucher to produce anything bad. and they still haven’t. i received and reviewed an arc of Gwen and Art are not in Love last year and fell in love with their writing immediately. Croucher’s characters, no matter who they are or what they believe, are complex and multi-layered that it’s hard to decide whether to like them or not, hero or villain. and i think that’s so important. to show every facet of a character instead of reducing them to a trope.
Mariel. she’s hard, she’s jaded, she seeks approval from her father, she’s a captain. but in the end she’s just a kid forced to make grow up decisions to stay alive. and she was written so beautifully.
and Clem. oh my god i love clem. she’s witty, she’s smart, she’s caring, and she holds steadfast to her code of honor. she deserves so much.
clem and mariel together felt like a stretch at the beginning. i couldn’t see mariel breaking down her walls enough for clem. but the way their relationship developed was so fitting and perfect. endless love for them.
and the company! baxter, josey, kit, morgan. incredibly family dynamics. love them to pieces.
ok that’s the end of my notes. everyone read lex croucher.
Incredible. no notes.
jk, i have SOME notes.
first, let me say, it is very difficult, in my opinion, for lex croucher to produce anything bad. and they still haven’t. i received and reviewed an arc of Gwen and Art are not in Love last year and fell in love with their writing immediately. Croucher’s characters, no matter who they are or what they believe, are complex and multi-layered that it’s hard to decide whether to like them or not, hero or villain. and i think that’s so important. to show every facet of a character instead of reducing them to a trope.
Mariel. she’s hard, she’s jaded, she seeks approval from her father, she’s a captain. but in the end she’s just a kid forced to make grow up decisions to stay alive. and she was written so beautifully.
and Clem. oh my god i love clem. she’s witty, she’s smart, she’s caring, and she holds steadfast to her code of honor. she deserves so much.
clem and mariel together felt like a stretch at the beginning. i couldn’t see mariel breaking down her walls enough for clem. but the way their relationship developed was so fitting and perfect. endless love for them.
and the company! baxter, josey, kit, morgan. incredibly family dynamics. love them to pieces.
ok that’s the end of my notes. everyone read lex croucher.
September 16, 2024
What I adore so much about authors like Lex and Lex themself, is retellings of classic stories we know and love. As a kid I wasn’t the biggest fan of Robin Hood but, after reading Lex’s first book about King Arthur, I was very much excited to see how this book would turn out. I was not disappointed!
This is honestly one of my favorite enemies to lovers story as you can naturally see why Mariel and Clem fall for each other. At first we are made to think Mariel is a one dimensional ass but we grow to realize why she is the way she is. I LOVE when this book trope is done right!
This is honestly one of my favorite enemies to lovers story as you can naturally see why Mariel and Clem fall for each other. At first we are made to think Mariel is a one dimensional ass but we grow to realize why she is the way she is. I LOVE when this book trope is done right!
October 1, 2024
AB/PB|🇬🇧
4,5🌟
I love found family 🥰
4,5🌟
I love found family 🥰
November 1, 2024
4.25/ ✨️
It was good, warm, gay soup for the heart 💚
It was good, warm, gay soup for the heart 💚
Read
September 3, 2024I started reading this and another title when I thought the SMP boycott was over. I'm not too sure what's happening with that atm so rating withheld until I know more
October 5, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up. This book (like Gwen & Art Are Not in Love) is pure escapism. It’s sweet, funny, and has some great action. I love the queer representation and diversity of the cast of characters. It was a little slow to get going, but the second half made up for that and got me interested. It’s fun, and now I really want to rewatch Disney’s Robin Hood.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 29, 2024
I loved Gwen and Art Are Not In Love, I thought it was quite funny with just the right amount of romance and even a few fight scenes here and there. While I appreciate what Lex Croucher was trying to do with this book, I found it lacking slightly.
I found Clem and Mariel’s romance quite weird overall. I was excited for a wlw Sherwood Forest romance, but the pace of them getting together was very strange in my opinion. But are they a cute couple? Yes, and by the end of the book I do quite like them together. But I wish they had a bit more flirty banter before their sudden get together.
Old Rosie was not talked about much apart from vague references to her and Clem healing people who worked for the Sheriff or even the Sheriff’s son. I think it would have been interesting to include her story a bit more too, I think a feisty old lady could have been quite funny, though I understand why she would have been difficult to write in seeing as the gang moved around almost constantly throughout the book.
One of my favourite parts about this book is Mariel’s ‘Men’. I loved loved loved Morgan, Josey, Kit and Baxter! They all had really good character designs and I could picture them all clearly, even if it did take me a good 80 pages before I could imagine them properly.
The action scenes in this book were really well paced, and I enjoyed reading about the gang plotting and scheming before a raid or a rescue mission. Robin’s return at the end of the book was a nice surprise, and I think it is a fitting end to a book who’s characters developed so much, and with them, the very idea of the Merry Men. Overall it was a fun read, I wish this book just had a little bit more oomph, that’s all.
I found Clem and Mariel’s romance quite weird overall. I was excited for a wlw Sherwood Forest romance, but the pace of them getting together was very strange in my opinion. But are they a cute couple? Yes, and by the end of the book I do quite like them together. But I wish they had a bit more flirty banter before their sudden get together.
Old Rosie was not talked about much apart from vague references to her and Clem healing people who worked for the Sheriff or even the Sheriff’s son. I think it would have been interesting to include her story a bit more too, I think a feisty old lady could have been quite funny, though I understand why she would have been difficult to write in seeing as the gang moved around almost constantly throughout the book.
One of my favourite parts about this book is Mariel’s ‘Men’. I loved loved loved Morgan, Josey, Kit and Baxter! They all had really good character designs and I could picture them all clearly, even if it did take me a good 80 pages before I could imagine them properly.
The action scenes in this book were really well paced, and I enjoyed reading about the gang plotting and scheming before a raid or a rescue mission. Robin’s return at the end of the book was a nice surprise, and I think it is a fitting end to a book who’s characters developed so much, and with them, the very idea of the Merry Men. Overall it was a fun read, I wish this book just had a little bit more oomph, that’s all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2024
4.5 stars
It was a fun adventure and entertaining throughout. Each character, even the background characters were highlighted and likeable. I do wish there was a little bit more tension built up between Mariel and Clem, maybe an almost kiss for the first encounter, not just get right into it without much build up. I like waiting for the love interests to get together until much closer to the end especially in an enemy to lovers type trope. If you take out all the romance there is still a really solid plot and good story. I enjoyed how the story didn't rely on romance.
It was a fun adventure and entertaining throughout. Each character, even the background characters were highlighted and likeable. I do wish there was a little bit more tension built up between Mariel and Clem, maybe an almost kiss for the first encounter, not just get right into it without much build up. I like waiting for the love interests to get together until much closer to the end especially in an enemy to lovers type trope. If you take out all the romance there is still a really solid plot and good story. I enjoyed how the story didn't rely on romance.
July 6, 2024
can surely see myself recommending this to a gay teenager
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