How do I even begin this review? Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston was an absolute gem. The story played out like a film in my head, and it just flowed right off of the page. I don’t cry over books, but I was in tears at the family bonds and friendships our main characters had. It had me giggling inappropriately in the breakroom at work while I was reading and by the end, I couldn’t wipe the smile from my face. It was an incredibly satisfying read I didn’t know I needed and I honestly cannot recommend this book enough. You’ve got swoon worthy characters, enemies turned lovers, politics, and all the scandalous drama you could possibly want! The only thing that would make this ten times better is if it was actually made into a movie!
There’s no summary that I can give that will quite do it justice, but let’s give it a go anyway: First Son Alex Claremont-Diaz is arguably the closest thing to a prince in the United States. Along with his sister, and the Vice President’s genius granddaughter, they make up the White House Trio, a millennial marketing strategy implemented by Alex’s mother President Ellen Claremont. Unfortunately there are downsides being a highly sought after international socialite, namely run-ins with Alex’s long-time nemesis, Prince Henry of Wales.
After a harrowing international incident involving the Prince Henry and a 75,000 dollar wedding cake, it’s determined that the pair must do some damage control…by pretending to be best friends on camera. Behind the scenes, Alex starts to notice there’s definitely more to Prince Henry than the uptight facade he keeps up; a man with quick wit and an eccentric sense of humour. As Alex’s mother’s re-election campaign begins, the two find themselves in a secret relationship that could jeopardise both the election and the monarchy. Alex will find himself questioning who he is, what he stands for, and how much of yourself do you sacrifice for the good of the people?
From the summary, I could tell this wasn’t going to be a traditional romantic comedy and I was so happy to be right! Alex is hilarious, sassy, and has a confidence that’s bordering on arrogant while Henry seems all polished and full of British charm. The initial clash between these two boys is spectacular, and gives readers an amazing frame for the story to set up in. The world is very well-developed and gives enough details for the reader to feel like they’re truly stepping into an alternative United States. Honestly, I much preferred the politicians in this story than the ones in true life. Also, who knew international relations could get so interesting, or so steamy?
If world-building isn’t your thing, then I can definitely guarantee you’ll love the character development in this story. McQuiston has taken exquisite care to craft characters that didn’t just have the sterling traits we all wish we could have, but also portrayed their anxiety, fears, and flaws so incredibly well. You’ll inevitably find yourself connected to Alex and Henry as you get to know the dark memories that haunt or even cause their personality traits to manifest in the way that they do.
Not only will you love the main characters, but the side characters in this story were also carefully cultivated and I really enjoyed getting to know more than just Alex and Henry. It helped cement friendships that would have seemed superficial otherwise, and will definitely give readers more than one favourite character to choose from. I have to say, my favourite character aside from Alex and Henry is definitely Pez (though I do believe he’d have words about being relegated to a side character, haha)!
Aside from a sweet and dramatic romance, you’ll also see the story of two young men coming to terms with their “unnatural” relationship to their families, with two very different reactions. I won’t spoil the story, but there was a scene that I read that made me weep in happiness at the support one of our main boys received. I’ve never related so much to a character or to the reaction the parent had toward their child. It was fierce. It was so undeniably the love that every child/adult/human being coming out to anyone should receive.
Of course, you can’t have a good romantic comedy without some scandal and drama. This is delivered to readers in measured doses, and it’s just the right amount for the book. You also have the big scandal that sucker punches you and will have you outraged and wanting so badly to fix it for Alex and Henry; you’ll be turning the page to find out what could possible happen to them next.
The pacing was fast, but not breakneck, so it made this book very enjoyable. I finished in a day because I just couldn’t put it down, sneaking it in any break I could manage. The ending was very realistic. I won’t spoil this either, but it’s very satisfying. Everything about this story gave me warm and fuzzy feelings that won’t be leaving anytime soon. This is the kind of story I would love to see.
I can’t express just how much this story meant to me. This wasn’t a romance where everything was roses and rainbows, again, adding to that element of reality. It was dramatic, sassy, and hilarious, but also adding the dose of seriousness. The story also has fun references, and some of the sweetest quotes from some famous authors, movies, and plays. If any of these things resonate with you, I highly recommend picking this up. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
This story is a 10/10 for me. There was not a single thing I could think of that would have made this story better, aside of course, from turning it into a movie!
Red, White, and Royal Blue is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers.
Have you read Red, White, and Royal Blue? Tell us in the comments below!
Synopsis | Goodreads
A big-hearted romantic comedy in which First Son Alex falls in love with Prince Henry of Wales after an incident of international proportions forces them to pretend to be best friends…
First Son Alex Claremont-Diaz is the closest thing to a prince this side of the Atlantic. With his intrepid sister and the Veep’s genius granddaughter, they’re the White House Trio, a beautiful millennial marketing strategy for his mother, President Ellen Claremont. International socialite duties do have downsides—namely, when photos of a confrontation with his longtime nemesis Prince Henry at a royal wedding leak to the tabloids and threaten American/British relations.
The plan for damage control: staging a fake friendship between the First Son and the Prince. Alex is busy enough handling his mother’s bloodthirsty opponents and his own political ambitions without an uptight royal slowing him down. But beneath Henry’s Prince Charming veneer, there’s a soft-hearted eccentric with a dry sense of humor and more than one ghost haunting him.
One Comment