Reviews with content warning for Homophobia - Vermelho, Branco e Sangue Azul

Ok, yes, it's silly, totally unrealistic, and completely over the top. But really, it's romance; what do you expect when you go into it?

It's also very sweet, and hot, and a lot of fun. The characters are cute and well fleshed out. Nobody felt flat. The dialogue is mostly fun, though there are a few points where it gets cringey. The sex scenes weren't too gratuitous.

Sometimes you just want something hopeful and fluffy.

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sakeriver's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

The love story in this one is very sweet and often funny, and the dialogue sparkles throughout the book. But I think what really pulls me in with this one is the fantasy of what America and American politics could be. It reminded me a little bit of the movie The American President in that way, where we ultimately have a story in which the better angels of our nation actually win. And isn’t that what we would all truly love to see for a change?

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maybreads's review against another edition

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funny hopeful

Plot- or character-driven? A mix

2.75

“i saw her at the devils sacrament!!!” girl… what were YOU doing at the devils sacrament 👀

I spent formative years on tumblr and I suspect Casey did too.
My issues with this book are very related to the political narratives within. It feels like wish fulfillment. It feels naive. It feels a bit cringe.

Imagine instead of 2016 it's the 2020 election when Trump emerges.

And the power of gay love turns Texas blue and saves the day.

Due to the references to real political happenings from the past decade this feels like it has something to say. However it is too cutesy

and delusional

to feel anything close to realistic. The result is a sweet enough romance surrounded by

an but her e-mail server plot

, a weird mix that doesn't work for me.

You can't do escapism but the political commentary is soooo on the nose and wish fulfillmenty that you're also not reading something that has any real merit (in my opinion). Maybe some people do enjoy a fictionalized Trump as a villain in their gay escapism romance... I just rolled my eyes everytime that plotline showed itself.

Back to the romance. Henry and Alex work. They have banter, the have chemistry. They vibe very fast tbh and then it's just waiting for them to realize that they actually do have feelings beyond fwb. Enjoyable.

I'd recommend this to someone who can handle the cringe vibe of the politics.

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whenskiesaregrey's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

I loved this romantic, steamy, gay novel! A great read of two political icons falling in love and the kind of hope we can have for a better future.

While at times this novel appeared cheesy or overzealous and too idealistic on the real hate and obstacles that queer people face, it was still a charming read full of optimism.

I only wish the other supporting characters were more deeply explored! I felt they were relatively flat and one note in comparison to our main love interests.

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carlyjoann's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This was very cute. I enjoyed the build up of the friendship to lovers. I liked most of the supporting characters a lot as well.

I think Alex figuring out his sexuality felt very honest and real. I love their relationship and how Alex and Henry support each other fully. I want to live in this world where this could work.

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