What do you think?
Rate this book
Not for the Faint of Heart
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
616 people are currently reading
25988 people want to read
About the author
Lex Croucher
11 books2,837 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,427 reviews
dnf
December 20, 2024dnf @ 30%
i thought a sapphic Robin Hood retelling sounded like a slam dunk, but unfortunately i just wasn’t vibing with this.
i don’t really care for the militaristic spin on the merry men and got too bogged down by it.
might try this again in the future.
i thought a sapphic Robin Hood retelling sounded like a slam dunk, but unfortunately i just wasn’t vibing with this.
i don’t really care for the militaristic spin on the merry men and got too bogged down by it.
might try this again in the future.
July 3, 2025
Genuinely devastating that this book didn’t do much for me, considering how much I ADORE Gwen and art are not in love. The whole grumpy/sunshine x Robin Hood retelling x trauma was just so cheesy and haphazardly thrown together in my opinion. I didn’t buy the main characters’ attraction to each other at all. Their “banter” just seemed like annoying bickering and not much else, and each of our main characters’ core hang ups were so obvious and then resolutely dealt with that it felt unsatisfying and unearned. Anyway, this is like a 2.5 star book maybe
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. ,
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.
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...
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.
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! 🌟♥️🌟♥️🌟♥️
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.
February 25, 2025
Not for the Faint of Heart is an intrinsically charming read. I'd read Gwen and Art are Not in Love, a title by the same author, before this book, and while I liked it, I found that the more serious moments didn't blend well with the humour. However, I found that Lex Croucher balanced the tone of Not for the Faint of Heart perfectly. I instantly fell in love with both of the main characters of this book, as well as the cast of side characters. Some deep topics are addressed throughout the story, but the book also had me laughing out loud every chapter. I found the plot a little slow at times, but the characters are so engaging that I never lost the desire to pick up this book. Overall, I had an incredible time reading this book and urge others to pick it up. If you aren't already convinced that this is the book for you, then let me lure you in with the novel's first line: "The morning the Merry Men came for Rosie, Clem was trying to put a hat on a fox."
Thank you to the publisher and Macmillan Audio for the eARCs in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to the publisher and Macmillan Audio for the eARCs in exchange for an honest review!
April 25, 2025
**3.5-stars rounded up**
Mariel, granddaughter of the infamous Robin Hood, is a new Captain in the Merry Men. She's desperate to live up to her family legacy, which puts a lot of pressure on her.
Clem, a cheery backwoods healer, is taken prisoner by Mariel, and the MM, as retribution for Clem's guardian offering healing services to the Sheriff of Nottingham.
Forced proximity abounds as Mariel and Clem travel along together doing Merry Men things. Everything seems to mostly be going to plan, when Mariel's father, Jack Hartley, Commander of the Merry Men, is captured in an ambush.
Now Mariel and the remaining MM, including sweetly-innocent Clem, must try to get him back.
With the woods at war, not everyone believes in the Merry Men as they used too. Soon enough, even Mariel is questioning what they stand for.
Will they be able to get Jack back? And will the Merry Men continue on their current path, or switch things up for a new generation of bandits?
This is a cute story that showed off Croucher's signature witty writing style. I wouldn't say I connected to this one at the same level that I did with Gwen & Art last year, but it's still a solid Historical YA Rom-Com.
As with Gwen & Art, I did listen to the audiobook and definitely recommend that format. The accent of the narrator lends itself well to these stories, and truly helps to bring the action to life.
I appreciate how quickly Croucher can create characters I love. Both Clem and Mariel were so fun to get to know, though for different reasons. It definitely has a Grumpy-Sunshine element to it that evolved beautifully over the course of the story.
I particularly liked the journey for Mariel. As a member of an infamous family, she's had a lot of assumptions made about her and preconceptions made about who she is as a person.
She's had a real struggle trying to overcome those things and figure out what exactly her path is going to be.
I also enjoyed her learning more truths behind her famous family. Going in, I had forgotten this was connected to the legend of Robin Hood. I loved that inspiration.
I also really enjoyed, and was impressed by, how even though this is a magical and witty tale, Croucher again managed to seamlessly weave in some heavier topics. There's a lot here for Readers to enjoy.
For me though, as mentioned above, I never ended up connecting with this as deeply as Gwen & Art, and I'm not sure how memorable it will be for me long term.
With this being said, it's still a great YA book with a lot of important topics explored and representation. I'll keep coming back for all Croucher's future releases.
Thank you to the publisher, Wednesday Books and Macmillan Audio, for providing me with copies to read and review. I love this kind of funny Historical romps, and hope Croucher continues writing them!
Mariel, granddaughter of the infamous Robin Hood, is a new Captain in the Merry Men. She's desperate to live up to her family legacy, which puts a lot of pressure on her.
Clem, a cheery backwoods healer, is taken prisoner by Mariel, and the MM, as retribution for Clem's guardian offering healing services to the Sheriff of Nottingham.
Forced proximity abounds as Mariel and Clem travel along together doing Merry Men things. Everything seems to mostly be going to plan, when Mariel's father, Jack Hartley, Commander of the Merry Men, is captured in an ambush.
Now Mariel and the remaining MM, including sweetly-innocent Clem, must try to get him back.
With the woods at war, not everyone believes in the Merry Men as they used too. Soon enough, even Mariel is questioning what they stand for.
Will they be able to get Jack back? And will the Merry Men continue on their current path, or switch things up for a new generation of bandits?
This is a cute story that showed off Croucher's signature witty writing style. I wouldn't say I connected to this one at the same level that I did with Gwen & Art last year, but it's still a solid Historical YA Rom-Com.
As with Gwen & Art, I did listen to the audiobook and definitely recommend that format. The accent of the narrator lends itself well to these stories, and truly helps to bring the action to life.
I appreciate how quickly Croucher can create characters I love. Both Clem and Mariel were so fun to get to know, though for different reasons. It definitely has a Grumpy-Sunshine element to it that evolved beautifully over the course of the story.
I particularly liked the journey for Mariel. As a member of an infamous family, she's had a lot of assumptions made about her and preconceptions made about who she is as a person.
She's had a real struggle trying to overcome those things and figure out what exactly her path is going to be.
I also enjoyed her learning more truths behind her famous family. Going in, I had forgotten this was connected to the legend of Robin Hood. I loved that inspiration.
I also really enjoyed, and was impressed by, how even though this is a magical and witty tale, Croucher again managed to seamlessly weave in some heavier topics. There's a lot here for Readers to enjoy.
For me though, as mentioned above, I never ended up connecting with this as deeply as Gwen & Art, and I'm not sure how memorable it will be for me long term.
With this being said, it's still a great YA book with a lot of important topics explored and representation. I'll keep coming back for all Croucher's future releases.
Thank you to the publisher, Wednesday Books and Macmillan Audio, for providing me with copies to read and review. I love this kind of funny Historical romps, and hope Croucher continues writing them!
December 10, 2024
3.5⭐️
YA RomCom • Robin Hood • Sapphic
Pub Date • 26 November 2024
Thank you @wednesdaybooks and @macmillan.audio for the free finished copy and 🎧 ALC!
Pick this one up if in the mood for...
➳ Cheeky, cozy, queer, medieval gallivanting around the woods with a band of merry men
➝ who are not all men it turns out...
➳ Robbing the rich ♔ to feed the poor and all that jazz
➳ YA romcom where scenes fade to black and the friendships take up as much space as the romance
This is a vibes book with campy humor, heartwarming moments, and a wholesome tale of getting lost and finding yourself again.
Mariel is the grumpy, stoic captain, granddaughter of Robin Hood, who by the way is in retirement somewhere in France it seems. Clem is a healer by trade who somehow gets abducted, and then inducted, into the band of “merry men” scoundrels.
But who are the good guys and who are the villains? The plot is a tad light as the merry men wander through the woods and into random towns, but in the second half a couple of rescue missions give the book the needed punch to keep it interesting until the end.
Robin Hood himself is largely absent from the book — but he does get a short cameo which was fun for me as a long time fan. Overall, a cute and wholesome read with a few sad moments, but ultimately a happy ending.
YA RomCom • Robin Hood • Sapphic
Pub Date • 26 November 2024
Thank you @wednesdaybooks and @macmillan.audio for the free finished copy and 🎧 ALC!
Pick this one up if in the mood for...
➳ Cheeky, cozy, queer, medieval gallivanting around the woods with a band of merry men
➝ who are not all men it turns out...
➳ Robbing the rich ♔ to feed the poor and all that jazz
➳ YA romcom where scenes fade to black and the friendships take up as much space as the romance
This is a vibes book with campy humor, heartwarming moments, and a wholesome tale of getting lost and finding yourself again.
Mariel is the grumpy, stoic captain, granddaughter of Robin Hood, who by the way is in retirement somewhere in France it seems. Clem is a healer by trade who somehow gets abducted, and then inducted, into the band of “merry men” scoundrels.
But who are the good guys and who are the villains? The plot is a tad light as the merry men wander through the woods and into random towns, but in the second half a couple of rescue missions give the book the needed punch to keep it interesting until the end.
Robin Hood himself is largely absent from the book — but he does get a short cameo which was fun for me as a long time fan. Overall, a cute and wholesome read with a few sad moments, but ultimately a happy ending.
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
March 4, 2025
Not my fav Lex Croucher, (I like their adult stuff better and am not really into YA books generally these days) but this continuation of the Robin Hood story featuring his granddaughter was a lovely adventure fantasy romance. The premise is that in Hood's retirement, the Merry Men have lost their way and are a bit too much like the bad guys they claim to be fighting. It has the found family vibes now signature for Croucher’s novels, as well as a great blend of humour and seriousness. The romance is very grumpy / sunshine!
did-not-finish
January 8, 2025dnf @ 29% that’s to the publisher for sending me a copy but i can’t babes
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.
December 2, 2024
Star Rating: ➳ 4.5 Stars
Lex Croucher is freaking magical at writing retellings! Kills it every time!!
Lex Croucher is freaking magical at writing retellings! Kills it every time!!
February 20, 2025
i love it when a book gets me out of my reading slump. i also love found family. what i didn't love all that much was the romance, but the adventure and banter make up for it 🫶🏻
January 23, 2025
the perfect book after a year long reading slump.
August 22, 2025
This book was such a delight! I kept alternating between laughing at Clem's antics, being a bit annoyed at Mariel (let's be honest, she was very uptight), judging Jack Hartley, and later being a bit sad.
I absolutely loved the setting, Robin Hood's granddaughter and a healer, + her band of Merry men? It has it all, adventures, romance, witty banter and fights with the dreadful sheriff of Nottingham.
I only wish we had a novella or a prequel about Robin and Will.
I absolutely loved the setting, Robin Hood's granddaughter and a healer, + her band of Merry men? It has it all, adventures, romance, witty banter and fights with the dreadful sheriff of Nottingham.
I only wish we had a novella or a prequel about Robin and Will.
March 20, 2025
✩ 4.5 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓻𝓼 🗡️🍃👩❤️💋👩
~
i will eat anything robin hood related up
especially
if it’s sapphic
~
i will eat anything robin hood related up
especially
if it’s sapphic
Read
June 7, 2025I got to 30/40% and I'm just not vibing with it, it's a dnf for now
November 25, 2024
thank you to wednesday books and st. martin’s press for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
lex croucher the author that you are!!
while GWART will always hold a supremely special place in my heart due to my pure love for anything arthurian, getting to experience their work in another retelling that i have less of an attachment to was truly a lovely experience. they made me laugh and fall in love with characters i never really thought i would ever fall in love with. and reading this book shortly before going to their publishing event in nyc and seeing them explain just why they picked certain moments or aspects of the story made me enjoy the story even more.
lex truly just has a way to imbue peak british humor completely throughout their stories. i was laughing the whole time at clem’s jokes. i was laughing at how serious mariel took herself even when there was no! need! to! the two of them becoming one of my favorite grumpy x sunshine pairings to date says a lot. genuinely, lex just has a way to make your soul feel lighter and fuller when reading their books. genuinely, i had the widest smile throughout the whole story. and it just reminded me why i loved their writing so much when i was introduced with them last year for GWART.
as many others have said, don’t go into this book expecting it to be plot based. we’re here for the vibes of riding around (often blindfolded in the back of a cart) throughout sherwood forest. we’re here for a rag-tag crew of misfits that are just doing their best to make the merry men crew proud. and if you can accept that it’s all vibes, little plot, i think you will truly love this book. it was just so fun. and sometimes that just what we need, ya know?
i can’t wait to see what other english mythological/historical figures they decide to write about next, but i will sure as hell be right there waiting to pick it up!
lex croucher the author that you are!!
while GWART will always hold a supremely special place in my heart due to my pure love for anything arthurian, getting to experience their work in another retelling that i have less of an attachment to was truly a lovely experience. they made me laugh and fall in love with characters i never really thought i would ever fall in love with. and reading this book shortly before going to their publishing event in nyc and seeing them explain just why they picked certain moments or aspects of the story made me enjoy the story even more.
lex truly just has a way to imbue peak british humor completely throughout their stories. i was laughing the whole time at clem’s jokes. i was laughing at how serious mariel took herself even when there was no! need! to! the two of them becoming one of my favorite grumpy x sunshine pairings to date says a lot. genuinely, lex just has a way to make your soul feel lighter and fuller when reading their books. genuinely, i had the widest smile throughout the whole story. and it just reminded me why i loved their writing so much when i was introduced with them last year for GWART.
as many others have said, don’t go into this book expecting it to be plot based. we’re here for the vibes of riding around (often blindfolded in the back of a cart) throughout sherwood forest. we’re here for a rag-tag crew of misfits that are just doing their best to make the merry men crew proud. and if you can accept that it’s all vibes, little plot, i think you will truly love this book. it was just so fun. and sometimes that just what we need, ya know?
i can’t wait to see what other english mythological/historical figures they decide to write about next, but i will sure as hell be right there waiting to pick it up!
Read
February 4, 2025This was a delightfully fun puff pastry of a novel featuring a lot of wacky gay characters with a charming Sapphic romance in the center, mixed with the best of the found family trope. Exactly the sort of sheer, exuberant escapism I've needed lately, in this horrible news climate, with Southern California burning around my ears.
December 22, 2024
From its loveable ragtag group of characters, to the top notch banter, to the brilliantly fun plot, I adored everything about this book. This is the second of Lex Croucher’s books I’ve read and I can’t get enough of their sense of humour and the way it shines through in their writing. As a life long Disney Robin Hood fan, this was such an enjoyable reading experience.
what to expect:
- slow burn
- grumpy x sunshine
- sapphic romance
- found family
- 10/10 humour
- merry men hijinks
what to expect:
- slow burn
- grumpy x sunshine
- sapphic romance
- found family
- 10/10 humour
- merry men hijinks
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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.
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 27, 2024
Not For The Faint Of Heart is a heartfelt and delightful novel that touches upon the legacy of Robin Hood, the difficulties of parental expectations and the hijinks-with a dash of romance-that ensue following the kidnapping of an optimistic healer who employs some unorthodox methods to assist others.
Told from the perspectives of the two female leads: Clemence-known as Clem-a perky healer with a strong desire to help people and a joke often at the ready and Mariel, the reserved granddaughter of Robin Hood, who struggles to earn the respect of her father, the uncompromising Commander of the Merry Men.
Following an ambush that leads to the kidnapping of Mariel’s father, Clem soon grows closer to the other members of group. The secondary characters presented are interesting and diverse-Josie and Morgan were particularly my favorites. Mariel’s relationship with Clem is a bit of slow-burn romance, but it is wonderful to witness her gradual softening towards her as her feelings begin to grow.
If I were to to discuss them using tropes, I believe the grumpy and sunshine descriptors would be quite accurate. And in an instance, there is also only one bed.
While amusing banter occurs frequently, Not For The Faint Of Heart also doesn’t shy away from the serious reprecussions of Mariel’s leadership decisions. There is some violence and death, but they aren’t gratuitous and serve a role within the story.
The narrations by Kat Griffiths and Olivia Dowd are fantastic and they play off one another wonderfully whether amidst Clem and Mariel’s verbal sparring or during the more serious moments. Their voices for their characters are quite distinct and are a pleasure to listen to.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Wednesday Books and NetGalley for access to this audiobook. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Told from the perspectives of the two female leads: Clemence-known as Clem-a perky healer with a strong desire to help people and a joke often at the ready and Mariel, the reserved granddaughter of Robin Hood, who struggles to earn the respect of her father, the uncompromising Commander of the Merry Men.
Following an ambush that leads to the kidnapping of Mariel’s father, Clem soon grows closer to the other members of group. The secondary characters presented are interesting and diverse-Josie and Morgan were particularly my favorites. Mariel’s relationship with Clem is a bit of slow-burn romance, but it is wonderful to witness her gradual softening towards her as her feelings begin to grow.
If I were to to discuss them using tropes, I believe the grumpy and sunshine descriptors would be quite accurate. And in an instance, there is also only one bed.
While amusing banter occurs frequently, Not For The Faint Of Heart also doesn’t shy away from the serious reprecussions of Mariel’s leadership decisions. There is some violence and death, but they aren’t gratuitous and serve a role within the story.
The narrations by Kat Griffiths and Olivia Dowd are fantastic and they play off one another wonderfully whether amidst Clem and Mariel’s verbal sparring or during the more serious moments. Their voices for their characters are quite distinct and are a pleasure to listen to.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Wednesday Books and NetGalley for access to this audiobook. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
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.
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.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,427 reviews