Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Received: Raincoast Books
Published: May 14th, 2019
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Recommended Age: 14+
Genres & Themes: Adult, LGBTQIA+, Politics, Royalty, Forbidden Love, Family Dynamics, Humor
REVIEW:
It feels as though the whole book world is talking about this book right now, so naturally I needed to find out what was so special about it. The idea of a first son and a prince falling in love is something new for me but a story that feels like it should have existed already, especially considering how many of us are enticed by forbidden love stories and the high amount of straight royal romances that surround us.
So this book needed to be published and the reason why it is popular is because it is very exciting. It does read like fan-fiction, in the sense that the 3rd person narrator seems to want us to remember that this is a fantasy, a wish-fulfilment, but that it’s a realistic one that could, potentially, happen… someday. It’s quite entertaining, as are the majority of stories that feature love-hate relationships and I was rooting for Alex and Henry to have a happily-ever-after the whole time.
One thing you need to know though is that politics are important to this story, since Alex is the First Son and his mother, the president, is running for re-election. This situation creates more problems for him, of course, since his family cannot afford a scandal. Yet a scandal will be pending if First Son Alex and Prince Henry continue with their very, very forbidden relationship. *evil smile*
I liked it a lot. The fan-fiction vibe is what keeps me from giving it five stars—perhaps a 1st person POV would have worked better—but as mentioned I am happy this story exists and I’m curious about this author’s future release. Now I’m thinking a lesbian forbidden romance between two princesses would be delightful. Don’t you think?
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Hit or Miss Books 
This one has been well publicized, have been curious if it would live up to the hype. The plot is on point, but would the story live up to it? Your review sounds as if you enjoyed it, might have to check it out. Thanks for sharing!
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It’s an engrossing book, lots going on besides the relationship between the two gentlemen but the author nailed the dialog and dynamics between people. It’s just the narration part that could have been stronger. Enjoy!
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Oh man I’m dying to read this book but I’m on a book buying ban 😦
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Damn!! I wouldn’t wanna be you right now. I hope your library has a copy!!
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I need to read this so bad! I’ve heard nothing but good things so far, and I can’t wait see for myself. It’s a bummer that it read so much like fanfiction because of the POV, although I’m glad it was still an enjoyable read for you. As always, lovely review!
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