I recently finished Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston, and I’m still buzzing from the heartwarming and hilarious story. The story kicks off with a diplomatic disaster at a royal wedding. Alex, known for his quick wit and rebellious spirit, clashes with the more traditional Prince Henry during a cake-decorating competition. Their public feud threatens to escalate into a diplomatic crisis, forcing them to fake a friendship to save the day.
However, as they spend more time together, their initial hatred gradually transforms into a genuine connection. A secret romance blossoms between them, filled with stolen glances, late-night phone calls, and a shared passion for cheesy rom-com. But their love is forbidden, a secret they must keep hidden from the world.
Red, White & Royal Blue is a celebration of love, acceptance, and friendship. It’s a story that will make you laugh, cry, and cheer for the happy ending
A Royal Clash
Alex Claremont-Diaz, the First Son of the United States, finds himself at odds with Prince Henry, the Prince of Wales. Their animosity comes to a head at a royal wedding, where a clash between the two leads to a very public (and messy) incident involving a ruined wedding cake. To prevent a diplomatic crisis, they’re forced to put on a show of friendship for the media
I couldn’t help but chuckle at the initial clash between Alex and Henry. Their contrasting personalities and cultural backgrounds set the stage for a hilarious and engaging dynamic. Alex’s quick wit and rebellious spirit were a refreshing counterpoint to Henry’s reserved demeanor.
Critique: The Abrupt Transition in Alex and Henry’s Relationship Development
While the initial clash between Alex and Henry is well-executed, I find the subsequent development of their relationship a bit rushed. The transition from enemies to lovers feels somewhat abrupt, and the depth of their connection could have been explored further.
A Secret Romance
Once Alex and Henry are forced to play nice for the cameras, we see the magic of their relationship start to unfold. What begins as awkward photo ops and forced conversations gradually evolves into something more genuine.
“I thought, ‘this is the most annoying person I’ve ever met,’ and now I can’t imagine life without you.” is a simple line from Alex, but it encapsulates the transformation from enmity to affection in such a heartfelt way.
There’s something so intoxicating about those early stages of a relationship when everything feels new and intense. McQuiston nails that feeling, making their romance feel not just believable but inevitable. I was grinning like an idiot at their banter, and my heart ached for them when things got tough.
Critique: Secret Romance Feels a Bit Forced
The way their relationship grows is touching and feels real, but their secret romance sometimes feels a bit forced. The need to constantly hide their meetings creates tension, but some readers think the story could use more direct challenges beyond just keeping their love a secret.
Navigating Public Scrutiny
Navigating the complexities of their relationship while under constant public scrutiny is no easy task. As the First Son and a Prince, their every move is watched closely, making it difficult to maintain their secret. They can’t go on a date without it making headlines; they can’t even text without worrying about leaks.
I’ve seen firsthand how damaging public opinion can be on relationships, especially when there’s so much at stake. The fear of coming out, of defying societal expectations, is very real.
Critique: Overlooks the Serious Risks if Their Relationship Is Discovered
The way the novel shows their struggles is engaging, but I think it overlooks the serious risks they could face if their relationship were discovered. The story keeps a lighter tone, even though the stakes are high, which does not appeal to those wanting a more realistic take on the situation
Forbidden Love and Self-Discovery
At its heart, “Red, White & Royal Blue” is a story about self-discovery and the courage to live authentically. For Alex, this means coming to terms with his bisexuality and what it means for his future. Henry, on the other hand, struggles with the expectations placed on him as a prince. He’s been taught to prioritize duty over personal happiness, and his relationship with Alex challenges everything he’s ever known.
Their love is forbidden not just by society, but by the roles they’ve been forced into. Watching them navigate this and choose to embrace their identities despite the consequences was inspiring and emotional.
The theme of forbidden love in this novel brought me back to a couple I once knew who had to fight against their families’ expectations to be together.
Critique: Optimistic Take on Coming Out and Public Roles
Some readers feel that the book’s handling of these themes is idealistic, especially given the complex realities of coming out and living authentically in such public roles. The story leans towards optimism, which feels unrealistic to some.
A Celebration of Diversity and Love
Red, White & Royal Blue is more than just a love story. It’s a celebration of diversity, self-acceptance, and the power of human connection. Through the eyes of Alex and Henry, we explore themes of forbidden love, coming out, and the complexities of growing up in the public eye.
McQuiston’s portrayal of Alex’s journey of self-discovery is one of the novel’s most heartwarming elements. The novel challenges societal expectations and celebrates the importance of being true to oneself. The ending of the novel is particularly satisfying, offering a hopeful message about the power of love to overcome adversity.
As a relationship expert, I believe self-acceptance is essential for building healthy and fulfilling relationships.
Critique: Missing Depth
While the novel effectively celebrates diversity and challenges societal expectations, it could have explored the complexities of Alex’s experience. The book touches on the challenges he faces as a young LGBTQ+ person in the public eye, but it would have benefited from a more nuanced exploration of the unique pressures and biases he encounters.
Who I Recommend This Book To
Red, White & Royal Blue is a delightful and heartwarming novel that will appeal to a wide range of readers. Here are some groups of people who will particularly `enjoy this book:
- Fans of romantic comedies: If you love a good love story with plenty of humor and charm, Red, White & Royal Blue is a must-read.
- LGBTQ+ readers: The novel features a heartwarming same-sex romance between the First Son of the United States and the Prince of Wales. It’s a great representation of LGBTQ+ love and relationships.
- Fans of contemporary fiction: Red, White & Royal Blue is a well-written and engaging contemporary novel with a unique and compelling premise.
- People who enjoy feel-good stories: This book is filled with humor, romance, and a heartwarming message. It’s a perfect choice for anyone looking for a feel-good read.
- Teenagers and young adults: The novel is appropriate for teenagers and young adults, and it’s a great way to introduce young readers to important themes like love, acceptance, and friendship.
Readers’ Thoughts About Red, White & Royal Blue
Red, White & Royal Blue” has been widely praised for its engaging storytelling, charming characters, and witty dialogue. It has resonated with many for its heartfelt exploration of love and identity, offering a refreshing and optimistic take on the genre.
Ben, 24: “This book is an absolute delight! Alex and Henry’s romance is so well-written and genuine. I couldn’t put it down. It’s a perfect blend of swoon-worthy moments and real emotional depth.”
Robert, 41: “I loved how the story interwove political drama with romance. It added a unique twist that made the novel stand out.”
Some people also criticized certain aspects of the book.
Lisa, 30: “Though Alex and Henry are likable characters, I felt that secondary characters were underdeveloped. A deeper exploration of these supporting characters might have added more layers to the story.”
David, 29: “While I enjoyed the book overall, some political aspects felt idealistic. The resolution seemed too neatly wrapped up, but it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story.”
Rating
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston generally received high ratings from readers and critics.
- Goodreads: 4.5/5
- Amazon: 4/5
- LibraryThing: 4.2/5
I’d give it 4 out of 5 stars. A must-read!
Final Thoughts
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston is a delightful read that combines romance with political intrigue. At its heart, the story is about the charming love affair between Alex Claremont-Diaz, the First Son of the U.S., and Prince Henry of Wales. Their journey from rivals to lovers is heartwarming and engaging, with witty dialogue and humor that keep the pages turning.
The characters are well-developed and relatable, making their story even more compelling. The novel also explores how their high-profile relationship impacts their personal and public lives thoughtfully. Overall, it’s a feel-good story that’s sure to leave you smiling.
As a married wife, founder, and editor of SpouseMag.com – these guides are based on my own personal experiences, observations, research and insights. I am transparent about being inspired by the life and work of the two greatest experts in the relationship space – Dr. John and Julia Gottman, and Harville and Helen. They two are some of the strongest couples, researchers, authors, and counselors when it comes to marriage and relationships. My advice and guides are based on my insights and research, and they are not an alternative to professional advice.
