Book Review: Red, White, & Royal Blue

The latest book club book was Red, White, & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston. I’d seen this book floating around a lot on social media the last few months so we put it on our list of books to read.

Alex Claremont-Diaz is in his early 20s, a college senior with political aspirations. He’s also the son of the President of the United States. When he gets into a little confrontation with Prince Henry of England it becomes a huge tabloid fiasco with claims that they hate each other, straining international relations. The truth is, Alex really doesn’t like Henry because of a slight from a few years ago. The White House and The Palace are on damage control and stage a few social outings for Alex and Henry to show the world they really are good friends.

Forced to spend time together, they get to know each other better and realize they don’t really have a reason to hate each other. Moreover, they are actually very attracted to each other.

The novel follows Alex and Henry as they navigate their feelings for each other while trying to keep it a secret. Would the world be ready for a gay relationship between the son of the President and the grandson of the Queen of England?

I really liked the novel. It was something different and I thought the relationship between Alex and Henry was sweet. The only reason I didn’t love the book is because I thought there could have been more. I thought the novel really just skimmed the surface of the relationship and while there were moments and glimpses of their deeper feelings and support for one another, it relied too much on the physical aspects of their relationship. I was also a little confused as to what the relationship was between June (Alex’s sister) and their best friend, Nora (granddaughter to the Vice President). There were a few hints that they had hooked up, but it was confusing.

Other than those little things, I did like the book!