Red, White & Royal Blue: A Novel Cover
Red, White & Royal Blue: A Novel book image
  1. Red, White & Royal Blue: A Novel Cover
  2. Red, White & Royal Blue: A Novel book image

Red, White & Royal Blue Review

Red, White & Royal Blue offers a charming love story mixed with political intrigue. The characters grow well, though the dialogue can feel forced. Overall, it’s a fun and engaging read.
  • Characters and their development
  • Plot and pacing
  • Humor and dialogue
  • Romantic elements and chemistry
3.6/5Overall Score

A charming review of 'Red, White & Royal Blue.' Love, politics, humor blend, despite some forced dialogue. Engaging characters. Worth reading.

Specs
  • Year released: 2019
  • Author: Casey McQuiston
  • Genre: Romantic Comedy, Political Fiction
  • Pages: 421
  • Formats: Paperback, Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook
  • Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
  • ISBN: 978-1250316776
  • Language: English
  • Setting: USA and UK
Pros
  • Charming characters
  • Witty dialogue
  • Feel-good romance
  • Engaging plot
Cons
  • Predictable plot points
  • Some over-the-top drama
  • Few slow chapters
Disclaimer: Buying from our links may result in us earning enough for a new reading adventure, but not enough to quit our day jobs as amateur literary afficinados.

Buckle up, folks! Today, we’re talking about Red, White & Royal Blue, a book that’ll take you on a wild ride through love, politics, and chuckles! This review will give you the lowdown on the characters, plot, humor, and romance. Spoiler alert: It’s got some high highs and a few hiccups. So, grab a cup of coffee (or tea if you’re fancy like a royal), and let’s get to it!

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Review of Red, White & Royal Blue

In a nutshell

If you’re into romance with a side of political drama, Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston is your go-to book. Imagine the First Son of the United States falling for a British prince. Yeah, chaos ensues but the delightful kind!

You’ll get humor, heart, and a bit of international intrigue all wrapped into one. The book tackles themes such as identity, love, and responsibility. Expect witty banter, emotional moments, and a story that keeps you turning the pages.

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Character Development in ‘Red, White & Royal Blue’

So, I was reading ‘Red, White & Royal Blue’ and lemme tell ya, the character development is top-notch! You start off with Alex Claremont-Diaz, the First Son of the United States. At first, the guy seems like your average 20-something with a touch of arrogance and a bucket full of charm. But as the pages keep turning, he becomes so much more. It’s like watching your friend grow up right in front of your eyes. And Prince Henry? Oh man, this guy starts off as a royal snob, but as the layers peel back, you see a kind, caring man who’s dealing with a ton of pressure.

The author, Casey McQuiston, really knows how to flesh out characters. Alex and Henry aren’t just two pretty faces. They have complex emotions, very human flaws, and the kind of growth that makes you root for them. At one point, I remember my dog looked at me funny because I was giggling like a schoolgirl. But it’s not just Alex and Henry who get the spotlight. The secondary characters—like June, Nora, and even Zahra—add more depth to the story. They each bring something unique and help push the main characters to evolve.

One thing though, sometimes it feels like the dialogue tries too hard to be witty and ends up sounding a bit forced. But hey, nobody’s perfect, right? The overall development makes up for those tiny hiccups. So, if you love your characters well-rounded and ever-evolving, this book is gonna be a joyride.

Buckle up, because next we’re heading into the twists and turns of the plot and pacing!

Plot and Pacing in Red, White & Royal Blue

Let me tell you, folks, Red, White & Royal Blue takes you on a small rollercoaster ride with its plot. The story kicks off with a bang—literally, a cake gets destroyed at a royal wedding. Talk about starting with a tasty mess! From there, we follow the First Son of the United States, Alex Claremont-Diaz, and his hilariously tricky love-hate relationship with Prince Henry of Wales. It’s like a modern fairy tale with a twist.

The plot’s pacing is quick, with twists and turns that keep you hooked. But, like my attempts at cooking, not everything comes out perfect. At times, it feels rushed, like the author packed too much into too little space, leaving you a bit breathless. Also, certain parts could have used more detail, like why Henry never seems to run out of perfectly tailored suits. The romantic tension, though, is spot on and will have you flipping pages faster than I flip through TV channels during commercials.

The political backdrop adds an interesting layer, giving extra stakes to Alex and Henry’s relationship. It almost made me want to get into politics—almost. However, some subplots feel like they’re just there to get us from point A to point B, missing the emotional depth they could have had. Yet, overall, the plot remains engaging, with just enough highs and lows to keep you emotionally invested.

Next up, let’s chat about the humor and dialogue, which will have you snorting your coffee more than once!

Humor and Dialogue in ‘Red, White & Royal Blue’

Oh boy, the humor in Red, White & Royal Blue is like having a slice of cake after a tough day. It’s sweet, unexpected, and makes you feel good. The banter between Alex and Henry is top-notch. These boys throw words like professional comedians tossing pies. I swear, at one point I had to put the book down because I was laughing so hard.

However, not all jokes landed like Olympic gymnasts. Sometimes, the humor felt a bit too forced, like trying to fit into skinny jeans after Thanksgiving dinner. There were a few lines that made me roll my eyes rather than laugh.

The dialogue between the characters is sharp and witty, but occasionally, it felt like I was reading a script from a sitcom. People don’t always talk like that in real life. Yet, the banter often hit the right notes and made the characters feel more alive.

If you enjoy fast-paced, witty exchanges, this book will delight you. The playful and flirtatious communication between Alex and Henry is a highlight. You get the feeling that the author had a blast writing these scenes.

Despite the occasional hiccup, the humor and dialogue add a lot of flavor to the story. It’s like adding just the right amount of spice to a dish. Stay tuned, because next, we’re diving into the romantic elements and chemistry between our two lovebirds. And, trust me, it’s sizzling!

Red, White & Royal Blue: Romantic Elements and Chemistry

Ah, romance. It’s what makes the heart flutter and the pages turn, right? ‘Red, White & Royal Blue’ by Casey McQuiston has romance written all over it. You could say it’s as smooth as butter on toast. Well, mostly!

The chemistry between Alex, the First Son of the United States, and Henry, the Prince of Wales, is quite something. Their relationship starts with a hefty dose of rivalry. I mean, what could be more classic than two good-looking guys hating each other’s guts and then falling head over heels?

McQuiston does a fine job of showing their evolution from antagonists to lovers. It’s like watching a rom-com, only on paper. Their sneaky text messages and secret meetings will keep you hooked, no doubt.

But let’s be honest, it’s not all rainbows and unicorns. Sometimes, the romantic gestures feel a bit over the top, like watching a soap opera where everyone cries every ten minutes. Also, the love scenes are a bit too steamy at times. I’m no prude, but I did have to fan myself a couple of times!

One of the best parts? The awkward and adorable moments. Like the time Alex tries to impress Henry and ends up looking like a dork. We’ve all been there, right? It makes the characters feel real and relatable. However, a little more subtlety wouldn’t hurt.

So, should you read it? If you’re a sucker for romance with a side of political drama, absolutely! Just be prepared for some eye-roll moments along the way.

Conclusion

Wrapping up this review, ‘Red, White & Royal Blue’ by Casey McQuiston is a delightful read. The characters evolve with charm, and despite sometimes feeling forced, the dialogue is witty. The plot keeps you engaged, although it can feel rushed at times. If you enjoy a mix of political drama and romance with humor sprinkled in, this book is worth your time. It’s got heart, laughs, and a fair share of over-the-top moments. Dive into the world of love and politics, but don’t expect perfection.

3.6/5Overall Score
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Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!