Book 19 Red, White, and Royal Blue

 

Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston fulfilled the category “A Book Set in Multiple Countries” for the PopSugar 2021 Reading Challenge. The novel takes place in Washington D.C., England, and Texas. Okay, so it’s only slightly multiple countries. But it works for the prompt as these characters live in different nations and must travel to see each other.

I almost didn’t read the novel. It had a hugely positive reception when it first came out, but a few good friends of mine disliked the book for various reasons. (I can’t remember what they were now.) So, I put it on my “Maybe Someday” shelf in my head. I cannot tell you why I picked up for the challenge this year. Probably because I loved Boyfriend Material so very much and wanted more like it. It’s not as wonderful as that title, but it comes close.

Red, White, and Royal Blue delves into the world of the “First Children” the kids of the President. I loved how the book had a female president who was all action and a real person. But this story is about Alex Claremont-Diaz, the Latino child of the President. He’s a bit of a wild thing, playing in politics and with all the ladies he can find. His nemesis, His Royal Highness Prince Henry is the bane of Alex’s existence. The two men do not get along from the start. Because of Alex’s bad choices, he is forced to create some positive PR between himself and Prince Henry. The two pretended to be best friends. (Hmmm, it does sound like Boyfriend Material.) Instead of friendship, the two men fall in love but must hide it from the world.

Forbidden love is a wonderful thing. The book is a coming-out story for both main characters. Alex realizes he’s bi-sexual. Henry already knows who he is but cannot come out because of his title. Both men must contend with the logistics, the fame, and the complications of their political positions to find their happily-ever-after. And it’s a fun ride. There are other plot points such as Alex’s mother’s reelection campaign, Alex’s journey to find his true self, and Henry’s dealing with being a royal. The plot was rich, the romance was heavenly, and I truly enjoyed the book.

As per my usual, I listened to the novel on audio. The reader did a wonderful job in creating the characters with just his voice. He handled the nuances of a modern story well, and by that I mean, reading out the emails and text messages without bogging the reader down with the heading. He said them with a quick, clipped tone and made them disappear like the word “said.” Though I giggled every time he said the screen name Alex gave Henry, which included a poop emoji.

If you’re looking for a “new adult” romance without all the trauma, check out this title.

I give Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston Five Silly Emojis.