My rating: 4.5 stars

Honestly, this might be the best book I've read in 2019. You won't believe how good this is! If you're in the mood for an LGBT, coming-of-age, hate-to-love story, you can't miss this one.

Alex is the son of the first female president (elected in 2016!!!!) of the United States. He and his sister are very close and with the granddaughter of the Vice President, the three of them make up the White House Trio. These three have political jobs that must be upheld, especially during this period of the re-election campaign.
Alex HATES Prince Henry of Wales - he finds him "as compelling as a wet ball of yarn." He decides, after drinking quite a bit, that he's going to speak that truth right into Henry's pretty face at the Royal Wedding. However, this doesn't go over too well, and the boys end up ruining the cake. To save face, they have to appear to be best friends to the media for a while, so it looks like they were just rough-housing and not causing a scene.
Let the fun begin! 
Throughout the course of this novel, Alex and Henry get to learn not only all about each other, but about themselves as well. There's great representation of politics, both American and English, and the LGBT community as well! We get to see the difficulty in non-hetero sexualities and how they interact with government jobs.
This book is hilarious! I usually try to avoid laughing out loud while reading and looking like a maniac, but that was impossible with this one! Alex is a hilarious person by himself, but his interesting dynamic with each of the other characters brings in its own dose of humor to ever single scene! 
I fell in love with everyone in this book. I'm used to falling in love with the actual love interest of a story, but everyone was so lovable! Not just the main characters either, but even the assistants and secret service had depth. Just waiting for Casey McQuiston to announce a whole series of sequels about each character! Especially the relationship details between N*** and J*** because we all know it's there and WE NEED MORE!

I don't even know what I can say about this book other than READ IT! I would recommend it to anyone and everyone that thinks they might be interested in it. It won't disappoint!

Blog post goes live 5/13
Youtube Review 5/13 

When I picked up Red, White & Royal Blue at Apollycon 2019 I knew I was interested in the book’s plot, but I didn’t realize how much I needed it in the current climate. Casey McQuiston acknowledges she started this before 2016’s election and it gives the idea of a future much different than today’s. It’s full of hope and love something we need more of every day. 

We follow Alex Diaz-Claremont and his journey of self discovery and love with none other than His Royal Highness Prince Henry (HRH). I have to say that  Casey McQuiston really delivers the angst in a fast paced and delightful story. I at the very least experienced a lot of emotions in my reading of this book. The act of discovering one’s sexuality and coming to terms with it was very real for me. It resonated in so many ways. 

I will say this book hits more of the new adult category than adult romance. It’s angsty it’s that age of inbetween (21-23) with a lot of self discovery. I don’t think people who generally don’t read YA and romance would enjoy it. I really found it bridging the gap between the two for me. 


I’ve marked up my book and I can’t wait to read this one again and again. If you need a little hope and joy right now I can’t recommend Red, White & Royal Blue eough. 


HEA/HFN: Yes!
Representation: Mixed Race, LGBTQIA+
Content Warnings/Trigger Warnings: Child Abuse (off page), drug abuse (off page talk of rehab too), deceased parent

This book is an absolute delight. It is light and adorable and such fun. If I had to summarise this debut with one word, I would choose: pure. However, don’t let that fool you; there is angst that will make your heart ache. Within the space of a mere few paragraphs, or sometimes sentences, you’ll go from laughing to finding yourself metaphorically punched in the gut by the emotions.

Red, White & Royal Blue is a trope-filled romp. Enemies-to-friends-to-lovers. Having to talk to one another because you’ve been locked in a closet. Reluctant royals. Fake friendship. Fake dating. You name it, it’s likely in this book – and aren’t we all suckers for tropes?

McQuiston delivers to the readers a wonderful and diverse cast of characters in all aspects. She masterfully captures in written form the essence of being a twenty-something, in both speech and text/emails. Reading the exchanges in the group chat felt like scrolling through the messages of my own group chat. More than that, I’ve always found it important for the reader to see themselves reflected in at least one character within a story, whether it be through personality or journey. In Red, White & Royal Blue there is a character for everyone whether they be main or side.

Can you believe I’ve gone this long without mentioning the romance? Let it be said that I do not actively sort out romance, but it would not be an exaggeration to say that McQuiston brings to the table a new standard. Polar opposites bonding over Star Wars. Flirting over exchanges of historical love letters. Late night conversations over jaffa cakes. Sneaking off together amid bustling events. All of these moments between Alex and Henry accumulate in a relationship that is beautiful and supportive – a true ‘your OTP could never’. It would not be an exaggeration to suggest that I will be gushing about these two forever.

Brush away the politics and the social expectations and you will find that the heart of this book beats for two twenty-something men who are tentatively finding their place in the world. It is about overcoming the obstacles that stand in the way of growth, personal and relationship related. It is about finding something worth fighting for and defending it with everything you have. It is about love, in all it’s iterations.

5/5 Stars !!!
It has been a while since I have read a feel-good book. The one that fills you up after reading. You think about it for a while even after you are done. It sparked my love for reading even more. This was such an amazing book. Put in politics from the U.S and Britain, this was the perfect mix. 

We meet with Alex and Henry. Alex is the first son of U.S president who happens to be Latino and a woman. Then we meet Henry who is the Prince of Wales.  It is an enemy to lovers book, but I don't think they were true enemies. I would say more " I was attracted to you, but you were too full of yourself first meet" feeling if that makes any sense. 

I also really liked the two U.S. and royal politics clashing together yet the foundation of running a nation is so similar. I would like to call this book true escapism. It creates a world for you that seems so much better than what's going on. It reflects love, family, race, etc. And the best part is that love doesn't need to define a certain gender, role, or, be socially acceptable because then we are caging love in labels. Alex and Henry gave us a love story that shows that when it comes to love even a whole nation can't try to taint it. Love is love, Love is pure. As Alex says, "Love is Shakespearean".


******ARC Review********

4.5 Stars
If you have heard the hype surrounding this book and wondering "Is it really as good as people say it is?" , the answer is a big ol'
Absolutely 
This book filled me with hope and warmth. 
The relationship is swoon worthy and adorable, but the message runs much deeper. 
If you are queer, read this book.
If you are biracial, read this book.
If you are disheartened by our current political leaders in the US, read this book.
If you have a heart at all, please please read this book.

The only reason this did not receive a five star rating from me is that the pacing is a little off for me at some times. It is a quick moving story in general, so keep that in mind. This does not take away from the wonderful story at all.

5 stars, no question about it. This book should be shelved under "fantasy," because it's so far-fetched in today's world, but oh how I wish it could be true. The narrator and first MC Alex is the half-Latino son of the female, divorced, progressive President of the United States. His BFF is the Jewish granddaughter of the Veep. The President's closest advisers include a Muslim chief of staff and a transgender Secret Service Agent. 

Oh, and Alex doesn't know it yet as the story begins, but he's in love with the grandson of the Queen of England, the very royal Prince Henry of Wales. 

This is one of those books that you can't put down because it's so engaging, but at the same time you want to put it down because you need it to last longer. The writing is sharp and clever, and debut author Casey McQuiston creates a hilarious, sweet and swoony enemies-to-friends-to-lovers romance that hits all of the emotional feels in a perfect arc (no Big Misunderstandings, no long separations, no rehashing the same issues over and over). Plus she sets it in a world in which goodness triumphs and crooked politicians go down in flames. If only! 

Alex is a wonderful MC, ambitious, loyal, snarky as all get out, but it's really Henry who steals the book with his wounded heart and quiet courage. He has the tougher obstacles to overcome - as he says, Alex can choose a different career besides politics, but Henry will always be a royal, with all of the obligations that involves. I couldn't help wishing that some of the chapters were told from Henry's POV. I'm not a fan of duologies that show the same events from different perspectives, but in this case I think it might actually be warranted. Either that, or I just want to spend more time with these delightful characters.

It's rare that I read a book that lives up to the hype, but Red, White & Royal Blue does that and more. If you have been heartbroken since November 2016, this book ease your pain, at least for a little while.

ARC gratefully received from Net Galley in exchange for honest review.

Imagine Veep political drama meets Christina Lauren 🔥 romance but the cast is made up of the whose who of British royalty and America’s first family. Alex Claremont-Diaz has grown up in American politics. He’s the son of Ellen, a Texan Democrat that climbs her way all the way to the White House and who is divorced to Oscar, a Hispanic Senator. Henry is the gay Prince of England but has been forcefully closeted by the Queen his whole life. Alex has never really questioned his sexuality until Henry. This is a story of American diversity, the fears of coming out, the pressures of politics, and, above all, love. The entire cast is so endearing. In the words of the author, it is an “escapist trauma-soothing, alternate-but-realistic reality” to our current American political situation. I didn’t know I needed this story, but it was such a fun read and I couldn’t get enough.

I wasn't overly sure how I would feel about this book. I've made a rule of not reading a book that is written by the opposite gender of queer fiction, tired of reading a fetished version of a relationship written by people who don't understand being queer. But thanks to looking it up and seeing that the author is nonbinary and queer, it made me relax. And I'm happy that I gave it a chance without worrying about what it might be. All in all, it was an amazing read with a enemies to lovers, an open discussion of being queer and how living in the spotlight can leave those traumatized due to the lack of protections for their privacy. This book really got down to what it means to be queer as well, and I feel like that was one of the biggest things to come away with along with what people of color face and bigotry. 

Alex, first son of the US hates Prince Henry. But after an incident that forces the two of them together as ‘friends’ brings out a real friendship with them, to sex with benefits, and then a full fledge relationship. This story is a slow burn that deals with emotions in an amazing way that will leave you in tears by the end just like me. It deals with the fact neither men were able to be fully out without hurting the other. Alex’s mom, the president, is up for reelection. Henry is second in line to throne and is expected to produce an heir in case his brother doesn’t. Both are supposed to be seen as a shining example of happy heterosexuals. But that wasn’t their truth. Thankfully, despite some homophobic characters, there are more that are accepting and let them be themselves. It shows the change in values in England and America, and the rest of the world when it comes to queer rights. And the fact this book has a number of queer characters, from a trans character, to bisexual, pansexual, gay, and so on. 

The story of this book, what it brings to the table has been something I think a lot of us who are queer have needed. It’s sweet and brings together an amazing love story that gives all of us hope. And for that, I’m thankful and why this has quickly become a personal favorite for me.

No surprise, but I forking loved this book. Listen. Contemporary romance books ("chick-lit", as it were) get the same rap as rom-coms in film. Fluffy, no substance, etc. But when they are done RIGHT, there's truly nothing better, more subtly deep, or moving. This is the gay modern equivalent of a You've Got Mail or When Harry Met Sally. I can't wait to read it again and again.

Okay. Hear me out when I tell you, you NEED this book in your life okay? You might think 'pfffft, it's probably not even that good'. Well, dear friend, I can tell you it absolutely is. 

This book has sad and happy points and for FUCK'S SAKE someone give Casey a fucking award. RWRB will have you hooked from page one and if yall don't, Henry and Alex's story is so so amazing and I literally cannot review this book without giving spoilers so I'll say this: if you want a fluff that will literally make you swoon and still has a splash of drama and angst this book is for you.

If you want to enjoy this book even more follow Casey on Spotify for some book related playlists!!

The story of the Presidents son (Alex) and his 'rival' the Prince of England (Henry). 
Alex and Henry have a long history together going back to their pre-teen years. Alex always has to comment on anything related to the Prince. They both are in attendance at a royal wedding where they cause a raucous. This starts the relationship that they build on .... they must get to know each other and pretend to be the best of friends. This is not something that either of them wants to do!
Through the course of forced friendship, they both come to terms with exactly how they feel for each other. This will not be easy...

I requested this book thinking this would be a great easy read for spring....but what I found was a whirlwind of emotions and ups and downs. I absolutely loved this book. I started reading and didnt stop until I finished it.

One of the best books Ive read this year!

There are simply not enough stars to rate just how much a loved Red, White & Royal Blue. I realized relatively early on that this one was going to tick all boxes. And to think this is Casey McQuiston’s debut novel. Easily top five of 2019 for me! 

The premise is fantastic and the characters are phenomenal. The writing is sharp, quick witted and filled with hilarious banter. This book has so much heart! Alex and Henry are sublime and the unfolding of their relationship is absolutely one of my favorites ever told. They’re so unbelievably beautiful in their discovery of who they are and who they we’re always meant to be. The supporting characters are equally superb and neither Alex or Henry would be who they are without them. 

I truly enjoyed every moment of Red, White & Royal Blue and I look forward to not only the praise McQuiston is sure to receive but future books from her as well.

Claremont 2020, if only ♥️

I LOVED this book!  Since the characters are out of high school and there are sex scenes (and a lot of cussing), I wouldn't recommend this for my middle school students, but otherwise, it's fantastic!  I'm still feeling the feels and thinking about Alex and Henry (the two main characters).  

Alex is the son of the President of the United States (the first female president, nonetheless).  When he's invited to a royal wedding in England, he crashes, literally, into his rival, Prince Henry.  In order to avoid an international incident, the two must pretend to be best friends.  Friendship soon turns to something more and the two young men have to figure out how to be happy with the person they love while still doing the right thing for their respective countries.

As previously mentioned, I adored this book.  I read it in just a few hours and couldn't even stop for a soda or a snack.  I would recommend this for readers 16 and older, and for anyone who wants to read a good love story.

This wonderful, wonderful book is about Alex Claremont-Diaz, the First Son of the United States, whose supposed arch-enemy is Prince Henry of Wales. After they both cause a massive fuck up at a royal wedding, as damage control they have to pretend to be besties. The best romance of the 21st century ensues.

No, I’m not kidding. This is one of the most well-written romances I’ve ever read. It’s cute, it’s sexy, it’s funny, it’s angsty. Alex and Henry are both such damn lovable main characters and you can’t not root for their relationship to succeed. In fact, every main character is so damn lovable. There’s June, Alex’s aspiring journalist sister; Nora, June and Alex’s numbers-obsessed bisexual best friend; Ellen, Alex and June’s mum and also the President; Bea, Henry’s hilarious sister with a troubled past; Rafael Luna, the first openly gay person elected to the senate; and so many others that I can’t name because then this review would just become me gushing about how much I love these characters.

This book is also hilarious. I would found myself laughing aloud every couple pages because of something funny a character had said, or something Alex had thought. And the humour never comes across as try-hard; it’s all very natural, which is really fucking hard to do, so I tip my hat to you, Casey McQuiston.

Asides from being an amazing romance and one of the funniest books I’ve ever read, this book is also filled with fantastic political commentary. With Alex’s mum being elected in 2016, this is obviously a world different from our own, and while it is political escapism it’s still our world. There are still absolutely terrible people doing and saying absolutely terrible things; these people just aren’t in the White House in the books timeline. Casey McQuiston also somehow got me so fucking invested in a fake election, to the point where I started crying and cheering when they got Texas??

This is going to be one of my favourite books of the year, calling it now. This book is amazing and I would highly recommend it, even if romcom’s aren’t usually your bag.

Red, White & Royal Blue is a fun, heartwarming story about two young men under a worldwide spotlight that discover their hatred might be covering up something more. This book has a very modern take on humor and banter, which I loved, and being in Alex's head was a much-needed break from reality. Alex has struggles, he's not perfect, but what endeared me most to him was that he genuinely kept at it until he felt satisfied with himself. He's charming, fun, and relatable. 

Surprisingly, so is the Prince of Wales. Of the male leads, Henry is the more complex of the two, but his worries and concerns aren't alien despite his royal status. He's got the same worries as Alex, as any person his age, even if his stakes are a bit higher than most people's. Of the two, I personally found Henry more compelling from a character standpoint -- I found myself thinking 'what's with this guy' and 'what's his deal' much more than I did Alex. Since we're reading Henry from Alex's point of view, we see him as Alex does -- mysterious, changing, and not quite what he seems on the outside. 

RW&RB is a great read, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good modern romance. However! This is definitely a book for adults, rather than teens. I was on the fence about the intended audience from the cover, but the sexual content is definitely present (and well-written!), so I'd say this comes down on the 'adult' side of the line. 

4/5 Stars.

** i received a digital ARC copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review **

actual rating: 4.8/5

remember when i said one of my least favourite genres is NA romance? reading this book just shoved my principles down the drain. god, i'm absolutely rooting for Alex and Henry!!! 😭😭😭

• the plot: 75/100. it's quite cliché and predictable but it's a romcom!!! so fuck it!!!
• the writing style: 85/100. it's just how i like my coffee 😌👌
• the characters: 90/100. god, i really really REALLY love Bea, Nora, Pez and of course, June. i love me some good friendships!!
• the diversity: 98/100. nuff said???

i can't do fucking maths but overall: 999999888888/10000000000 stars and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED INDEEEEEED

This book was everything I was hoping it would be and more!  The writing was witty and hilarious and the characters were charming.  I loved Alex and Henry’s hate to love relationship.  I loved watching them get to know each other and being there for each other while dealing with their responsibilities and their families.  And I loved all the female characters that were fierce and unapologetic, but still amazingly kind.  Overalls, I sincerely loved everything about this book and I already want to read it again!

**I received a digital ARC copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**

4.5 stars 

This book was lovely! The romance was sweet, the characters were lovable and felt realistic, and the plot kept me engaged from start to finish.

     I would have to say my absolute favorite part of this book was the way Alex and Henry's relationship develops. A lot of the time in romance books we either spend the entire book waiting for the main characters to get together and then get 5-10 pages of their actual relationship at the end or they jump into a relationship with little to no reason as to why they even like each other. RW&RB gives us a great balance getting to see them get to know and fall for one-another and how their relationship grows and changes after becoming a couple. I feel like it was natural and actually made sense that they would be interested in each other, rather than the two of them just being thrown together for the sake of plot. 

     Also worth mentioning is the way the dialogue was written. The bulk of the main characters are 20-somethings and, as a 20-something, I feel like their dialogue is very authentic to how people our age actually talk without coming across as cheesy. 

     Overall, if you're looking for a romance that will make you laugh out loud and feel all the feelings, this just might be the one for you!

What an adorable book! Whilst it relies quite heavily on British stereotypes (we’re not all emotionally stunted!), the happy ever after was just what i needed! A lovely, lighthearted read with great LGBT+ representation

I cannot, in any way whatsoever that resembles anything coherent, express to anyone on this planet how deep my desire runs to take every single copy of this book that’ll ever exist on this planet and build an obelisk to rival that of the Washington Monument to make the biggest, gayest point I could ever have and elect this book into the next presidential campaign, buttons and posters and all. 

I also, despite never wearing yellow because it makes me look like I rolled out of a coffin more than normal by highlighting my colorless complexion and hollow eyes, would like to own a bright yellow t-shirt that says ‘History, huh?’ because god have mercy on me and my weak heart, this book made history to me. 

Let me put it like this: if the promise of humor that makes you laugh aloud, dramatic gay romance that includes hotel rooms and horse stables (don’t ask me), and a dumbass bi narrator that is fluent and talented in making theatrical declarations and dumbass decisions that literally could give Draco Malfoy a run for his money in Strictly Heterosexual, I Swear, Hatred for a kid that never really wronged him in any way other than that one time in Rio doesn’t appeal to your curiosity, know that the ‘enemies to lovers’ trope was so good, I almost cried. It was appalling. Disgusting. Truly and magnificently gay.