A review by steca2
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

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

5.0

RWRB is one of my favorite, feel good escapist reads. It’s funny, heartfelt, and, even if some of the references are dated, it’s still one of my favorite pop culture reads. It’s my go to recommendation for new to rom-com readers since it’s not fade to black but it’s definitely not too spicy. The spice is definitely 3rd to the character development and plot. Henry and Alex are  truly a delight — probably one of my favorite book couples. The supporting characters are funny and lovable (and leave so much room for potential spin offs!). My only wish is that the author slowed down the ending a little. It didn’t feel rushed really but it was a quick come down from such a climatic moment of

Ellen winning the election and then Alex and Henry just have a quiet moment of approaching Alex’s Austin house

which was sweet and poignant but left me feeling satiated but not full if that makes sense. Like it was great but I wish for more. I’m excited for the new collector’s issue though bc it will have an epilogue! Plus the new edits (the author removed all the Harry Potter references) so I’m likely going to buy that too and  own two copies of RWRB!

Update 10/12 — read the new Henry POV/epilogue and it was exactly what the book needed! Wrapped everything up just so perfectly. Seriously love Alex and Henry — I really hope they incorporate the new scenes in the movie (whenever that comes out).