Welcome, friends! Today, I’m giving you my honest review of Red White and Royal Blue. This book has been everywhere lately, so I picked it up with my book club (which, to be fair, is just me and my neighbor’s cat). I read every page, laughed way too loud, and even got a bit misty-eyed. But don’t worry, I’ll share both the sweet stuff and the bits that left me wanting more. Let’s get into what makes this romantic rollercoaster tick—and what made me nearly throw my bookmark across the room.
Red, White & Royal Blue: A Quick Peek
In a nutsheel
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston is a romantic comedy that takes you on a wild ride from the White House to Buckingham Palace. The book follows the First Son of the United States and the Prince of Wales as they start off hating each other but may not stay that way for long.
This is a story about secrets, family, and the pressure of living in the public eye. It’s packed with banter, texting, and a lot of heart. At its core, the book explores love, identity, and a decent bit of politics, but don’t worry, it keeps things fun. If you’re a fan of romance, laughter, and two very stubborn boys trying to figure life out, this one’s for you.
Chemistry That Sizzles: Alex and Henry in Red White and Royal Blue
Let’s talk about what makes Red White and Royal Blue so hard to put down—the spark between Alex and Henry. This is not your run-of-the-mill romance. Their chemistry is the kind you notice right off the bat, like when you eat a sour candy and your face does that thing. There’s a good amount of banter, eye-rolling, stubbornness, and, of course, undeniable attraction. I’ll be honest, I read through some scenes with a cheesy grin on my face. I’m not even a romantic type—my last date was with a cold pizza—but Alex and Henry made me root for them with every page.
It’s not just raw attraction either. The author gives us these small moments that really show their feelings growing. It’s like watching two friends realize they like each other, but instead of awkward teenage stuff, it’s the son of the U.S. President and a British prince. The pressure, the secrecy, the texting at weird hours… it all feels real, even if most of us can’t relate to royal drama (unless you count my cousin Maggie’s 2015 wedding, which, trust me, had more drama than Netflix).
Of course, it’s not perfect. Sometimes their flirty texting goes on a bit too long. I caught myself thinking, ‘Alright, you two, you’re not being paid by the word!’ But, hey, if you love chemistry that’s a mix of sweet, spicy, and downright funny, this book has it covered.
Next up is the humor and witty dialogue in Red White and Royal Blue. Spoiler: these two can throw shade better than my umbrella!
How ‘Red White and Royal Blue’ Nails Humor and Witty Dialogue
If there’s one thing I love more than cake at a birthday party, it’s a book that actually makes me laugh out loud. Lucky for us, Red White and Royal Blue packs enough wit and snappy one-liners to fill a royal ballroom. I swear, the way Casey McQuiston writes dialogue, you can almost hear the characters grinning as they throw words like confetti. Sometimes, I had to pause and re-read a line, not because I was confused, but because I wanted to chuckle all over again.
The banter between Alex and Henry is straight-up gold. It’s fast, clever, and just cheeky enough that you can picture them sending meme-worthy gifs in a group chat. But don’t think for a second that the humor is just for giggles—it’s also smart. Sometimes the best comebacks are loaded with meaning or hint at something deeper going on beneath the surface. I found myself rooting for these guys, not just because they’re cute together, but because their jokes made them so darn likeable.
But hey, not every joke lands like a royal parade. There are a few spots where the humor tries a bit too hard, making Alex sound almost too quippy for his own good. It’s like the author drank a gallon of Red Bull and channeled it into his mouth. Still, most of the jokes do stick and keep the story feeling light, even in some heavier moments.
So, if your funny bone is craving a workout, this book’s got you—just wait until you see how all this comedy fits into a world of politics and tiaras in the next section!
Politics, Pageantry, and Palaces: Setting the Stage in Red, White & Royal Blue
Let me tell you, reading Red, White & Royal Blue is like getting front-row seats to political drama and royal shenanigans, all from your crumb-covered couch. The book gives you a backstage pass to the White House and Buckingham Palace. I never felt so fancy in my pajamas!
Casey McQuiston gets pretty creative with the setting. Alex, the First Son of the United States, isn’t just hanging around DC eating too many tacos (though he probably does that too). He’s got secret service agents jumping out from behind stuff and more invitations to boring galas than I have socks with holes in them. And then there’s Prince Henry – a royal who looks like he’d faint if his tea went cold. But don’t let the tiaras and suits fool you! These aren’t stuffy rooms or characters with sticks… well… you know. The author gives us a royal family that feels almost as nutty as our own relatives, just with more rules and less yelling at Thanksgiving.
The best part for me was how McQuiston handled the politics. It felt real but wasn’t boring or preachy. There’s scheming, but also hope. The world’s big problems are there, but so are the people trying to fix things. I may not want to run for office, but I did want to visit the book’s world for a while.
Trust me, you’ll want to stick around—next, I’ll spill the royal tea on how this book tackles LGBTQ+ themes (no pinky fingers required)!
Red White and Royal Blue: A Colorful Take on LGBTQ+ Themes
If someone told my 16-year-old self that there would be a romcom where the First Son of America falls for a British Prince, I’d say, “Sure, right after pigs start running for Congress.” Well, here we are, and let me tell you, Red White and Royal Blue handles LGBTQ+ themes with the same spirit as a pride parade float blasting Lady Gaga: loud, proud, and full of heart.
The biggest win is how the story never reduces Alex or Henry’s identities to just being gay or bisexual. They’re whole humans with messy feelings, family drama, and careers that don’t stop because of who they love. I grew up on stories where coming out was a plot twist or a tragedy. This book? Sure, coming out is tough for both guys, but it’s not the whole story. For once, I got to laugh, cringe, and cheer for two dudes in love without reaching for tissues every five seconds.
You also get a look at how public life and culture shape their journey. The royal family isn’t exactly rainbow-friendly (shocker!), and American politics isn’t either, but the book still finds hope in all the drama. Honestly, I was rooting for Alex and Henry the same way I root for my fantasy football team, yelling at the pages like they can hear me. The happy ending actually feels earned, not just handed out like a participation ribbon.
Is it perfect? Nah. Sometimes, things tidy up a bit too neatly, and I didn’t buy every character’s support. But do I recommend it? Heck yes—I’d say it’s a love story worth putting on your shelf, right next to your rainbow socks.
Conclusion
Alright, that wraps up my review of Red White and Royal Blue. If you want a book with sharp humor, sweet romance, and characters who argue as much as they smooch, this is your ticket. Sure, some bits get tied up real neat and there’s a sprinkle of wish-fulfillment, but hey, we could all use a little hope now and then. I laughed, I rooted for Alex and Henry, and I even yelled at the book a few times (my cat judged me). Is it perfect? No. Is it fun and heartfelt? Absolutely. Give it a go, especially if you like your love stories with a side of politics and pop culture.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to convince my friends we need a British royal at our next game night.
