Title: Red, White and Royal Blue
Author: Casey McQuiston
Copyright Date: 2019
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Alex wasn’t born into the spotlight in the same way that his nemesis, Prince Henry, was born into the royal British family. Being the son of the US President brought changes to Alex’s life and a never ending entourage of followers willing to spend hours capturing his every move–like his very public fight with Prince Henry that ended in both of them wrestling atop an expensive cake. When Alex gets himself tangled in the fallout from the fight, he decides to make it up to his mother and her campaign by fabricating a friendship with the Prince.
From an optics standpoint things were clearing up between the young enemies, but upon closer inspection things were only becoming more complicated. All of this time spent together to repair their images turned into more than a bromance, and put two young sons of power in the center of a battle for their own hearts. Alex tried to cautiously enter into a courtship with a Prince, but they both find out that a casual relationship is out of the realm of possibility–they were destined for one another.
In this story of finding love in unlikely places, Alex and Henry must weigh their own happiness against the expectations of two nations that rest upon them. And when keeping their relationship hidden is no longer an option, Alex and Henry must face the consequences of being true to themselves.
Although I found the premise of this story to be a bit cliche and unrealistic there were still some cute scenes that kept me reading. I loved the fact that the President of the US was a progressive female and that the two countries represented in this love story are the same two that are part of my own love story with my husband. This tale also exposes the politics that are so entangled with issues of sexuality that keep people in power from honoring their true selves for the sake of keeping a clean image.
Overall, I would rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. I am looking forward to checking out the 2023 film based on this book, because I have heard a lot of praise from friends and on social media.
I’m re-emerging to the world of writing after having my third child. It’s been a while since I reviewed a book, but in 2024 there will be more to come! Follow me on Goodreads to stay up-to-date with what I’m reading and to see my recommendations.
The Ameri Brit Mom
The Ameri Brit Mom 