Do you sigh loudly every now and then, wondering if you will ever find a book as perfect as the one about a sassy First Son falling in love with a seemingly uptight Prince of Wales and their adorable hijinks that reads like a perfect NA rom-com of our time? If you are like me, then your answer is a resounding YES!
Well, I have a little treat for you! Here are five book recommendations (some you will already find on the bookstore shelves and some are only coming out this year) that will cure your Red, White and Royal Blue crave with an abundance of adorable characters, epic love stories, and grand gestures!
Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall
The first must-read book for all fans of the dashing Alex and Henry is definitely Boyfriend Material, a book that includes all the most beloved tropes, from fake dating to “there was only one bed” and it will draw you in instantly! When Luc, the ‘kind of famous’ son of an old rock legend, is put on the spot for a terrible misunderstanding, he can do one of two things: give up on his job or salvage his reputation by appearing in public with a respectable young man. In comes Oliver, a straightforward barrister and the perfect fake boyfriend. The only problem? They have nothing in common and can’t stand each other. Nevertheless they decide to stick together for the sake of the image… or is there more hiding behind their snarky comments and endless banter?
Playing the Palace by Paul Rudnick
The beauty that is Playing the Palace comes out on May 25th, but based on what we know so far it’ll be one hell of a rom-com where we root tirelessly for the main couple! When the lonely American event planner Carter stumbled upon the openly gay Prince Edgar, he never dreamed that the fairytale prince could really like him back. But when the chemistry proves to be more than the figment of Carter’s imagination, the two men are quickly thrown into the media thunderstorm where everyone has an opinion on the budding romance and the Queen of England disapproves of Edgar’s objet d’amour. Can they reach their happily ever after despite the whole world breathing down their necks?
What If It’s Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera
This cute and wholesome romance that takes place in New York will convince you with its relatable characters, lots of drama, and heart-to-hearts! When Arthur, a believer in grand romances, unexpectedly meets Ben at the post office, he is smitten straight away. But their meet-cute gets cut short when they are separated. Is that it for their “what if” or does the universe have bigger plans for the two boys? Arthur is determined to find out and make his Summer in New York unforgettable even if he has to jump through a few hoops along the way.
Buckle in for the kind of romance everyone dreams of with some awkward encounters that make the story that much more fun and infinite.
Her Royal Highness by Rachel Hawkins
Are you looking for a beautiful Red, White and Royal Blue-like romance but make it sapphic? If your answer was an enthusiastic YES then Her Royal Highness is for you! When Millie finds out her girlfriend is not who she thought, she decides that the only logical solution is to get as far away from her as possible even if that means applying to a fancy boarding school in Scotland. Millie is delighted upon receiving her acceptance letter and Scotland seems like everything she could’ve asked for until she realises that she’ll be sharing her dorm room with a princess. Flora is arrogant and high-maintenance and definitely not Millie’s type. Or is she? As the girls start growing closer, an age-old question gnaws at their blooming love: do happily ever afters actually exist?
American Royals by Katharine McGee
If your middle name is “loves drama” then American Royals is the book for you! In this fun YA contemporary we meet the American royal family and more specifically, the new generation of royals. Princess Beatrice has been preparing her whole life to one day take over the throne. But when she realises that the price the crown demands is love, she starts to wonder if this is really what she’s destined for. Can she forsake her heart and marry for the political alliance? Her soon-to-be husband is sweet, but he might also be in love with her younger sister Samantha. And let’s not forget about the dashing prince Jefferson, America’s sweetheart, caught between two women. Dive into the messy secrets of the American royal family and enjoy the wild (and emotional) ride!
