Full review will be posted to https://www.kinziethings.com on April 14, 2019.

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I read “Red, White & Royal Blue” in one day and I’m pleased to admit that I cried through the last quarter of it. This book is exactly the balm that my poor, battered, immigrant-Canadian heart needed.

It’s probably not lost on anyone that the past few years have been a challenging time to survive if you’re open-minded, left-leaning and a believer in love and human kindness. Clearly, the author is on Team-Love-Wins and hopes for a better world.

If you want to have a cry over an honest-to-goodness digital age fairy tale complete with handsome Prince Charming, pop culture references and political intrigue, then this is the book for you.

Whip-smart Alex Claremont-Diaz is a Mexican Texan blazing a trail as American’s First Son. Just like his mom, first woman POTUS, Alex’s career trajectory is politics and he’s got it all planned out. He’s sarcastic and hilarious, flawed and… he has a nemesis. Prince Henry – yes, the Queen of England kind of Prince – and he’s been rude to Alex since the first moment they met. Of course, Alex keeps an eye on HRH because he’s the primary contender for the title of global media darling.

A Royal Wedding takes Alex to England and he has a run-in with Prince Henry. A photo of the two young men having an altercation ends up in the tabloids and some serious steps are undertaken to put a positive spin on things.

Alex is forced into a contracted, fake, bromance with the prince. They are to be seen in public being friendly at all the right places in order the repair the publicity nightmare they have unwittingly created.

Soon, Alex realizes that there’ more to Prince Henry than he thought. Through a series of uncomfortable events, texts and emails, their fake bromance slowly blossoms into something more. I don’t care if you think you might have read something similar before because you haven’t.

McQuiston’s story unfolds cleverly through witty prise, historical quotes, interview transcripts, speeches, group texts, and emails. Have I mentioned that Alex’s sister June, their friend Nora… when combined with Prince Henry and his business mogul besties, Pez (like the candy) is like an upgraded Breakfast Club for 2019.

There are ups and downs in the story of these two fellahs. Alex and Henry have a lot of roadblocks between them. More than once, my heart ached for Henry and his perfectly planned out life… that seemed nothing like what he actually wanted. But, McQuiston handles the story with gentle, poetic prose that helps to soothe the hurt that can arrive with great love.

This book filled me with joy. Can the glorious future in this novel become a reality, please? I have hope again. Thanks Casey McQuiston. I ♥ you and your book.

First off, I would like to thank the publisher and author for providing me this ARC to review. Please note that the version I read was an advanced copy, and certain events/language may be changed in the published edition. While the copy was provided for free, all opinions are honest and my own.

FSOTUS Alex (First Son of the United States) and Prince Henry have always had strong feelings for each other. They have been arch-enemies since the first time they met, after all. But when their latest interaction goes horribly wrong, at a royal wedding no less, the two are forced to spend time together in order to convince the public they’re actually the best of friends. But will their fake friendship become real? Or maybe even something more?

I requested this ARC because it seemed like a super cute gay romance and we honestly need more of that in YA. What I got was exactly that, and so, so, much more. This book honestly has it all, but a cute yet healthy relationship to issues that are relevant to today’s society, all of it packaged in wonderful writing.

I honestly don’t even know if I can discuss my feelings for Alex and Henry, and all the other characters of this book, without devolving into incoherent screeching. From the very first chapter these characters were fantastic, and by the end, I loved them all deeply. The bond you make with these characters in this single novel is deeper than some bonds you make with characters you read 5+ books on, and there are some very good reasons for that. First off, all the characters feel utterly and extremely real, from Alex and Henry to the side characters, Nora, June, Pez, Bea, etc. They all have unique passions and dreams that play a large role in the story, as well as real and sometimes debilitating flaws. It allows McQuiston to fully real human experience on the page while making us care very deeply for the events and emotions of the characters. Then on top of all that technical stuff, all the characters were such pure wholesome people? Like yes, the book has quite a bit of smut but this book is far from a “sexy” book, the relationships and characters are all just so cute and lovely, and I am endlessly sad that this book is over and I’m not sure if I’ll get more of them. If you like supportive friendships and pure relationships, fully fleshed characters and relatable emotions, this book is already for you.

Then there’s also how McQuiston writes these characters, the style she uses to describe these people and events. I was honestly blown away. I can honestly say that the writing is this style is simply beautiful, that it goes above and beyond just telling you and showing you a story. While it isn’t lyrically beautiful, in the fairy tale style of authors like Laini Taylor and Naomi Novik, it is emotionally beautiful, the type of writing that seems to directly transfer emotion on to the page and allows the reader to experience the story alongside the characters. There are some moments where the emotions of the characters are written so beautifully that I wanted to stop and reread certain paragraphs over and over again. This book is the definition of an emotional rollercoaster, and Mcquiston’s writing makes sure you feel ever magical and magnificent part of it.

On top of all that, you’re getting more than just a wonderfully written gay romance story. You’re also getting commentary on American society, as well as a bit on British. This story does still partially follow the re-election campaign of the first female president, of characters that are struggling with their sexuality and identity while in the public sphere, of a mixed First Son and First Daughter of the United States. It manages to comment on all of this throughout the story, especially the American political sphere of today. Since this book is parallel to the recent election, playing out similar scenarios in the 2020 election that takes place in the book, there are moments that just plain hurt, that connect so strongly to emotions you, as a reader, have felt in terms of Trump and other terrible, horrendous things that have happened recently. It shows the fragility of the love and fame of a nation, as well as the love of a family, how that can hinge on you continuing to follow the path that they have set aside for you. It’s a book that will sucker punch you in the gut. But it’s also the book that shines a light on the beauty of the world, on the strength and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community and just how much love there is out in the world for each other. In this sense, the novel also perfectly represents our society, the combination of pain and fresh hurt that exists on a global, national, and local level to the hope that penetrates through it all.

If it’s not clear by now, I really, truly, deeply love this book. It’s a story that’ll stick with me for a long time to come, characters that will never truly leave my mind and my heart. It’s a book that is important now and will stay important for years to come. It’s a book I really think you all should preorder, read, listen to, any and all of it. I know it’s a book I’ll be ecstatic to have on my shelves.

The second I read the synopsis for this book I knew it'd be a new favorite, little did I know it would still manage to exceed my expectations. This book was so sweet and funny and a story I really didn't know I needed. I was thoroughly entertained from page 1 and I genuinely didn't want to put it down.

Let's start with the main characters, Alex and Henry (the prince, obviously). They were such a joy to read and their dialogue and chemistry were so well done. The author had a way of making everything they said so natural. This book is on the longer side for a contemporary romance, over 400 pages, which I was so grateful for because it not only allowed me to be with these characters for as much time as possible, but it also made their relationship grow at a very believable pace and let everything happen organically, a very good choice on the author's part. They both had such interesting stories and personalities which this book being longer helped us explore. I can't remember the writing blowing my mind but it was very easy to read and I think it definitely worked with the story. The plot was very well placed and as I said earlier it allowed everything to flow more naturally. The emails and texts made me laugh and swoon and honestly, I think the author did such a good job with that aspect of the story.

Being honest I can't remember lots of the side characters vividly but I do remember that they were genuinely important to the story and had their own backstories we got to explore, which I thought was nice to see. This book really is the perfect romance book, it's witty, sweet, and refreshing. There were so many deeper themes throughout this book and the added political element made it all the more interesting. This is NOT a book to miss out on and one of my new favorite LGBTQ+ romances. It honestly warmed my heart so many times, broke it, then pieced it back together. I really hope more people pick this up when it comes out, it was everything I hoped for and more.

*These quotes are from an ARC and are subject to change before the publication date*

Alex throws his head back and laughs handsomely, loud and false.
“Go fuck yourself.”
“Hardly enough time,” Henry says.
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I’m just going to hit the ground running here by saying that this is now one of my favorite books of all time. I honestly don’t even know how I’m supposed to review this?? Other than to just do my usual fangirl flail and hope I properly can get my feelings across to all of you about this wonderful, beautiful book.
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“Prince Henry is a biscuit,” Nora says, “let him sop you up.”
“I’m leaving.”
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The first thing you guys need to know to get into the proper mind frame for this book is that it’s based in an America that, instead of having Trump as our 45th president, we have a woman named Ellen Claremont who has two children, Alex and June, who are biracial. What that means is basically this is a dream America that I hope to someday actually live in. ANYWAY. Alex is our local FSOTUS prince charming and is “mortal enemies” with another prince charming across the pond in England, named Henry. SHLKGSEIOGHWOPEBEOPGHSEIOGHEBSIGFSIEG. I don’t know how many of you have seen Umbrella Academy but personally I pictured Alex as the guy who played Diego (David Castañeda). They even have bits of similar personality traits, too. HENRY. Henry. Henry is THE EPITOME of a SMOL cinnamon roll who is too. Good. For. This. Earth. You can even quote me on that. Their relationship together is….so damn good you guys. They start out as “enemies,” become tentative friends, to best friends, to….so so so much.
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The song crossfades into another buh-duh dum-dum-dum, dum-duh-dum duh-duh-dum--
“Shut up,” Alex yells, cutting off whatever else Henry was saying, “shut your dumb face this is my shit!” He throws his hands up in the air as Henry stares at him blankly, and around them, people start cheering too, hundreds of shoulders shimmying to the shouty, Lil Jon-flavored nostalgia of “Get Low.”
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^^The quote above is from one of my favorite scenes of the book (well basically they are all favorites but…you get it) and leads me to the cast of supporting characters. June, Nora, Pez, LITERALLY EVERYONE is soo good. I love June and Alex’s relationship, and their friendship with Nora, and Henry and Pez ugh. Like I have never been a partier, and especially not now after having a baby but let me tell you, I would go out to the bar for some karaoke and dirty dancing with these idiots ANY TIME. Good lord they know how to have a good time. I just want them all in my real life.
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He tilts the phone over towards the driver’s seat. “Say good morning to your strumpet, Henry.”
“Good morning, strumpet,” Henry says, glancing away from the road to wink at the camera.
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It’s really hard for me to believe that this is McQuiston’s first book. Her writing was ADDICTING. Her story, dialogue, characters—all of it. I have already put her on an auto-read/buy list because of this book. I don’t even know how to express how happy this book made me. On the first day that I read a huge chunk I literally walked around all day with a huge-ass stupid smile on my face that wouldn’t leave for anything. I finished the book and felt so light. My heart was ten times bigger than it was when I started. I told one of my blog-mates, Cassie, who has also read it, that it’s one of those books where after you’ve read it you just know that your life had been missing out on something and you didn’t even know it until right at that second when you finish. It just has everything. It has great LGBTQIA rep, it has the FIRST FEMALE PRESIDENT, it has politics (both American and English), it has people struggling with their identities in a hundred of different ways that the average person can relate to, it has sexy e-mails, it has FAMILY, and it has one of the greatest, sweetest love story I’ve ever read. What more could you ever ask for? Please please PLEASE, I’m down on my knees, begging you to read this book once it comes out. You won’t regret it.
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June plucks away at “Annie’s Song,” you fill up my senses like a night in a forest, and the breeze keeps moving to meet the highest branches of the trees, and the water keeps rising to meet the bulkheads, and Henry leans down to meet Alex’s mouth, and Alex is. Well, Alex is so in love he could die.
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HUGE thank you to St. Martin’s Griffin and NetGalley for allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review! ♥

Smart and sexy romantic comedy perfect for readers who want swoon with substance. McQuiston's debut could be ripped straight from the headlines, but ultimately ends on a high note. Political buffs will enjoy the historical facts sprinkled liberally throughout including the presidential stories and the White House descriptions. Will appeal to older teens and New Adults.

”It’s unpredictable and it’s intoxicating and it’s fun, because Alex has never met a challenge he didn’t love, and he—well, Henry is a challenge, head to toe, beginning to end.”

*swooning*

I love love loved this. It was steam-lite which usually isn’t my thing, but the MCs’ connection was so palpable that it really didn’t take anything away to not get all the nitty gritty. This author has has perfected the slam-me-against-the-wall-I-have-to-have-you-now trope and I was LIVING for it!

Another huge plus for me is good secondary characters and this story had that in spades. All hilarious and very well developed.

Also, banter for days! I’m a sucker for sarcasm and Alex was a perfect cocky sarcastic angel.

And Henry, sweet, sweet Henry. He was such a beacon of light and love. I literally melted right along with him every time Alex called him baby.

These two fought long and hard for their happy ending, and I couldn’t have rooted for them harder. I never really wanted their story to end and I’d love to see more from them down the line.

”You and me and history, remember? We’re just gonna fucking fight. Because you’re it, okay? I’m never gonna love anybody in the world like I love you.”

*ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

I just really loved this book. I was expecting a lighthearted romance, and it was that, but it was also so much more. I devoured it in two sittings, and it took a LOT of self-control not to stay up all night to read it in one (I still stayed up until 1 a.m., though).

First of all, I loved the characters. They were so real and developed. They weren't perfect, they weren't caricatures, they were just legit, flawed, relatable, and delightful. They made decisions, they made mistakes, they showed up for each other, they were good friends and caring people, and it was impossible not to root for them.

Second of all, the chemistry between Henry and Alex is so well done. I loved how McQuiston gave them sexual physicality but also real, emotional connection. It made sense. It was deep and developed. You understood why the two of them were drawn to each other, not just physically but in terms of their character, who they are, how they match up, what they want out of their lives. Again, you can't help but root for them, both individually and together.

Lastly, I appreciated the diversity, the politics, the feminism, the messaging of the whole thing. We went into a parallel universe that frankly I wish we could actually be living in. It was almost escapist. McQuiston gets into race, gender, sexuality, all of it, without making it a main focus but without shying away from it either. She really dives into politics and policy and why we do what we do, and how we help and support others. Which is a lot from what is, ultimately, a romantic comedy. But she does it expertly, and it gave the whole book an extra dimension.

In short, this book was incredibly enjoyable and overall very satisfying, and I can't wait to read more from McQuiston.

This book is amazing!

I wasn’t sure if I wanted to read this; premise sounded great, but I wasn’t sure if I would be into a queer romance. Spoiler, I totally was!!!!

Casey does such a great job getting you to feel all these great emotions about falling in love and you don’t really think about it as specifically between two guys, we’ll except for when Alex is thinking it.

This is equal parts ridiculous and steamy and touching. I loved the hijinks they all got into, I loved that everyone seemed to love everyone, I loved that hate turned into love and then the realisation that it wasn’t hate, but actually a huge crush the whole time!

I am so overwhelmed with love for this book, I laughed, I cried, I grinned to myself; this book was amazing. This is currently my favourite book of 2019 and I’m going out in a limb and saying it might even reign supreme as my favourite book of 2019 at the end of the year. I cannot wait for Casey McQuiston to publish her next novel!

I read the advance copy eBook of this in one sitting on a plane to Japan and then, instead of reading any of the other dozens of books I'd downloaded for the journey, reread it intermittently on trains. This book is like a new dessert you've just discovered and can't help but go back for seconds and thirds of. First of all, it's definitely NOT a YA book. Between the filthy language and the very, very hot sex scenes, it is definitely an Adult book. But what an adult book! The characters jump off the page and take up residence in the imagination, sparkling with wit and aching with unspoken longing. Henry and Alex lodged themselves in my heart promptly, and Nora and June (amazing how an M/M romance can have multidimensional, well-written female characters!) are different shades of Goals.

My poor bisexual heart exploded in joy and satisfaction watching Alex wrestle with his sexual identity and land on bi. His whole internal monologue as he reflects on his life and the people he's been attracted to spoke directly to my soul. Add in a soft but badass trans Secret Service agent and a host of folks of color and this book is representation heaven.

Moreover, it's romance heaven. Casey McQuiston hit me with her best tropes, and I delighted in watching enemies become fake friends become real friends become lovers-but-we-won't-catch-feelings then realize (spoilers, but not really) oh shit we caught feelings. Littered with alternatively poetic and hilarious episotolary elements, biting humor, healthy emotional development, and sweetly heartfelt moments, and set against a softer alternative political universe, this is the perfectly crafted cross-continential romance novel we all need to heal our souls. Or at least, I needed it to heal mine. 500/10; I can't wait to force everyone I know to read this once it's out.

Red, White, & Royal Blue is a unique spin on so many of my favorite book tropes. You have the enemies turned friends who find love with each other, you have the misunderstandings that lead to international incidents, you have loving family relationships that include affection and teasing. It's literally all of favorites in one story. Alex, son of the America's president, and Prince Henry are not fans of each other, but due to an international incident involving a wedding cake and several tabloid photographers they have to forge a fake friendship. Between mending the United States/United Kingdom divide and learning more about each other, the friendship might not be for the cameras any more.

I don't even know how to start this review... I adored this book. Like, really adored. It's so far my favourite book of the year. I had a feeling I'd really enjoy it, and it was better than I'd expected.

For some reason, I thought Alex and Henry were going to be forced to fake date, not be fake friends? I must've miss-heard something. But the basic premise is enemies-to-friends-to-lovers with some other twists thrown on top.

A lot is packed into the story. The romance is the main focus, but there is a lot of political elements thrown in. That does affect the eventual romance, since a romantic relationship between an English Prince and the First Son of the United States would have a certain amount of political consequences. That does play a role in the story, as well as the fact that Henry is a prince and being gay wouldn't be ideal to his grandmother. It's not necessarily angsty, but it does play a role in the story.

I loved both Alex and Henry as characters. Their dynamic was overall great. Their pre-existing relationship really added to their romance. I love romances where the characters have some sort of history. It made it really entertaining to see Alex and Henry attempt a friendship really enjoyable.

Alex was a great main character. He was a really enjoyable character to read about. I also loved his interactions with his sister June and the Vice President's granddaughter Nora. They're known as the 'white house trio'. For side characters, both Nora and June were really fleshed out. I adored both of them. I kind of want a book that just followed the both of them.

I also adored Henry. He was a really endearing character, and probably my favourite. He made a lot of comments about being gay, which made me love him even more. He also really grows throughout the book and figures out how he can be both openly gay and a prince.

I absolutely adored the romance part of the book. It could be really fluffy at times and I was so happy reading it. Their romance was cute in its purest form.

If I were to have any gripes with this book though it was the way the chapters were structured. These chapters were needlessly long. Usually chapters cover a few events and end on a natural note. The way they were structured here though was that the chapters and a lot happened in one chapter. Like, weeks worth of things. And you know how usually chapters have scene breakers and what not? This didn't have many, a new scene just started through a paragraphs. That was annoying, and I wish it was structured a bit better.

Overall, I loved this romance. It's definitely my favourite book of the year and I can't recommend it enough.

I requested this book because it sounded like a fun, light read that I could enjoy over a weekend. After picking it up, I became immediately obsessed with Alex and Henry's story and couldn't put it down until I found how how it all ended! This book is everything I didn't know I wanted in a romance novel and I completely binge-read it. I literally ran to my computer to write this review so that I could get all my giddy, happy thoughts written down to share what I loved about it.

One of My Favourite Love Stories
I feel like this book was such a breath of fresh air and I absolutely fell in love with Alex and Henry's love story. Reading about them stumbling through their friendship and getting to know each other, Alex coming to understand himself better, their emails (THEIR EMAILS!!), the way their relationship progress, and all of the sexy scenes in between just made my heart so happy. They seem like such opposites until they dig under the surfaces of their public images and really get to know each other, and I'm so happy that we got to see them go through that. They are both massive public figures and watching them trying to figure out how to have a relationship, and what that relationship actually means, makes for a fabulous love story.

Witty and Fun
I was honestly grinning throughout so much of this book. Alex is somewhat self-centred but completely not self-aware, which leads to some pretty great revelations for him when he starts to understand aspects of his life better. I love his entire relationship with Henry and the many, many hilarious antics they get into, either alone or with their friends. Alex really forces Henry out of his shell, and Henry calls Alex out on his intensity. Even the sexy moments are a battle of wits, making them both adorable and funny to read! Because this is an ARC, I can't quote from the book, but I've seriously written down so many funny moments and quotes that all the characters do or say in this book.

Everyone Needs a June or Paz in Their Life
Ahh June and Paz; it's hard to say who I loved more when it came to secondary characters (Zahra and Nora were also in the running, but June and Paz ultimately made the top of the list). June is the protective and supportive big sister that everyone wants. As an older sister, I loved everything she did to support Alex and how their relationship is such a big part of the book. Although she and Alex are really different personalities, they are such close siblings and I loved reading at it. Likewise, everyone needs a best friend like Paz (Henry is so lucky)! Someone who brings out the best in us, isn't afraid to be themselves, and is a genuinely amazing person to have in their lives. We don't spend a ton of time with him, but any moment with him (specifically when him and Henry are road-tripping to Wales ) is amazing.

Not YA, But Not A Traditional Adult Romance
I want to be clear that this is not a Young Adult book (despite the adorable cover) but it's also not a traditional Romance. I feel like that needs to be clarified because I was a bit confused about age-range when I was reading. The characters are in their 20s and do have sex, so it seems like this book falls under the new title of "New Adult" that I've started seeing on Goodreads. I would definitely recommend it to adults over teens if that helps with the distinction.

I absolutely adored reading it and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys Romance, LGBTQ+, or just a funny story about two men falling in love. Red, White & Royal Blue comes out on May 14th and I'm so excited for it to get here so everyone can love it as much as I do!

I'm calling it right now: best YA contemporary of 2019.

This book has everything: romance, humor, scandal, international politics, and lots of parties and booze. Toss in a dash of uptight Brit and hang ten American and you've got the best literary cocktail I've devoured in ages. Stunning.

*This ARC was given to me via NetGalley for an honest review*
This book is everything I want our world to be. It’s the alternative reality I wish existed. It’s what I pray will be our future.

RED, WHITE, & ROYAL BLUE is the most romantic book I have read in years. I laughed until I cried. 

Alex is a smart mouth son of the President of the US, he is smart as a whip and pretty much lives off coffee. His arch nemesis, the Prince of England Henry. But Henry isn’t what Alex thought he was—boring, generic, stuck-up, and handsome—well maybe that last one. ;-)

I love this story and I want everyone to read it. It‘s not only romantic, but it‘s also thought-provoking and genuine. If you don’t pre-order this today, you seriously have no idea what you are missing.

This is the gay romance the LGBTQ world deserves! It has everything I love about romantic comedies: charismatic leads, funny dialogue, sexy scenes, diverse characters... Two thumbs up!

I have not been so enamored with a book in like 2 years. I'm a pretty fast reader and I can usually rip through a great read in a day. However, this book was SO GOOD that I just wanted to make it last as long as possible. Doling out the chapters like a stingy kid who doesn't wanna share her cookies.

ANYWAY - Alex and Henry. I had hearts in my eyes not just for the two of them but for everyone around them. All their friends and their families were simply wonderful. The banter, which is always a win for me, was fantastic.

I read a lot and rarely does a book affect me like this one did. Everything about this was fun, poignant, loving and fantastic.

First Son Alex and HRH Prince Henry of Wales couldn't be more different which is probably why every time they meet their animosity grows until a giant cake disaster at a royal wedding changes everything. Now forced to spend time together and pretend to be friends to fix the PR nightmare, Alex and Henry find more common ground than even they thought possible. They also find their relationship growing in unexpected, and steamy, ways.
This enemies to friends to lovers romance is incredibly sweet and fun with a wicked sense of humor too. The supporting cast of Alex's family and Henry's friends add great dimension to the twists and turns of young love between two young men caught in the spotlight and family obligation. The dialogue was fun and fast-paced and emails between the two secret lovers added so much heart to the story. A great read for fans of first loves, political intrigue and happy endings.

"Red, White & Royal Blue" tells the story of The First SOn of US and Prince Henry. First of all, I would like to thank the publisher for granting my wish and allowing me to read this funny, charming rom-com. I absolutely adored it.

The characters of this book are funny and well fleshed out I was not only interested in the two main characters but also their close ones. With some of the "grown ups" I did feel like they were not very believable (a lot of swearing in a professional setting) but overall I liked the book.

History, huh?

To be honest, I wasn't expecting to love Red, White & Royal Blue. I mean, this is Casey McQuiston's first book, and it's written in present tense (ugh), but love it I did. I loved it HARD.

Red, White & Royal Blue was everything I was looking for and more.

My reading experience was simply me laughing, crying, or swooning in a continuous cycle. Sometimes all three at once. It's been a long, long time since I've wanted to melt into a puddle of goo on the floor because the romance!!! Holy god, this story was the romancey-romance of your dreams.

I'm a sucker for a few things in a romance book, and this story has nearly all of them. We get a sexual awakening (can I get a halleloo?!), an enemies-to-lovers (with all the glorious damn, your face, bruising kissing that I could dream up), witty banter for daaaaaaaaaaays, and a romance with a literal (okay, fictional... but still) PRINCE OF MOTHER FORKING ENGLAND. Did Casey McQuiston worm her way into my brain and pull out my deepest fantasies?!?!?!

I wanted to take a nap inside these pages. I took pictures and screenshots of my Kindle of the Uber-romantic email exchange to swoon over later. I cried and laughed like a lunatic on my couch, huddled in a prison of tea and reading of my own making. I fell asleep with the imprint of my Kindle on my face at 3 am.

Even though I don't like reading about politics or political games, even though present tense makes me feel itchy (did I mention that yet??), and even though the sex scenes are suggestive but still fade-to black I wanted to read this book FOREVER.

The dialogue is something I will remember for a long time. The humor was absolutely everything and elevated this book from good to unbelievably amazing. The feelings were so intense I felt like my heart was going to jump out of my chest.

Red, White & Royal Blue is worth all the hype and more. It's worth your time and your money, and it's worth it to read something so fun and heartfelt and rare that it made it's way on to my elusive favorites list. With literally thousands of romances under my belt, this one still stands out.

And nothing will matter but just we two, we two longing loves at last come together.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

**I received an ARC in an exchange for an honest review.**
Y’all better hang on because this review is about to be all over the place.
I have to start by saying how much I LOVED this book!! It was so much better than I ever expected and I will be looking to see if this author has other works because I want to read the ALL. (If there aren’t any, I may have to twitter stalk until I have something else in my hands.).
Ok here comes the gush. I love books with romance in them. I love the sweet ones. I love the angsts ones. I love the historical ones. I love the dark ones. However, there are a lot of books that I liked but that would have been so much better if they took some time to develop the characters and set up the story before hitting me with the DRAMA. This book does that PERFECTLY. These characters jump off the pages. Even the ones who are not front and center are very clearly defined. I feel like I properly “met” them all. The family relationships were so delicious. The friendships were fantastic, even when things went awry. The nods to real life individuals was fun.
I am a sucker for wit and good banter. This book had both in spades. It gave such a richness to all the relationships.
I am not a person who chooses or avoids a book specifically because of a characters sexual orientation. I know it’s a hot button for more diversity but if you write a good love story, I’m in regardless of the genders of the couple. Having said that, I loved that there were characters who were still unsure about their sexuality into their 20’s. We’re often made to believe we should have this all sorted out by the end of our college years and sometimes it takes longer. The relationships in this book overlap and weave together and manage to work.
It’s also hate to love. That trope can really be messed up. This book gets it right. It’s gradual and confusing and often surprising.
There’s are also love letters (emails). And they are fantastic. So swoony and snarky and worth stealing.
This book has steamy bits but they are not graphic. For me, it was perfect for this story.
So, other things to love:
A British Prince
An international incident involving cake
A female POTUS who is divorced and her biracial children
A boy who is surprised by an attraction
Star Wars references, a Harry Potter reference, fan fic references, a Seinfeld reference
A bar named the Tipsy Grackle
A comparison of British baking shows and American Cooking shows
A comparison of Turkeys and Raptors
A divorced couple who drive each other crazy but put their kids first
An election with shady practices
Bravery
Diversity
And mostly LOVE
In summation, I adored this book! I hope there will be companion novels because I have some questions about the friends and siblings.
If you love a good romance that makes you laugh, and smile, and just warms you up, this is one to read.