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A review by crystalsea
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
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
3.75
"If Alex's head is a storm, Henry is the place lightning hits the ground."
I first watched Red, White & Royal Blue as a movie and was curious to get the full experience by reading the book—and I’m so glad I did! While the film was delightful, the book added layers of depth to the characters and story, making it an even more enjoyable experience.
This novel was incredibly sweet and cozy, with its perfect blend of heartwarming moments and humor. I love the enemies-to-lovers trope sand this really hit the spot! The tension between Alex and Henry, slowly unraveling into a tender and genuine relationship, kept me hooked. It was fun to see how they went from rivals to allies and, eventually, to something much more intimate and real. The author captured their chemistry in such a charming way that it was impossible not to root for them.
One aspect that stood out was the contrast between the political backdrop and the royal intrigue. I found the royal side of the story to be quite fascinating but the political aspect was a bit of a drag. As a Kiwi living in New Zealand, American politics just doesn't resonate with me as much (I don't even care for our politics!). I found myself not as invested in that side of the story. That said, I appreciated how the political context shaped the characters' decisions and their relationship.
However, once the personal conflicts were resolved, the final chapter revolving around the election felt like it dragged a little. After the emotional highs of Alex and Henry’s relationship reaching its peak, the political conclusion felt more like a formality. Still, I pushed through, and we got there in the end!
Overall, Red, White & Royal Blue is a warm, feel-good romance that I’m so glad I took the time to read. It delivered on the cozy vibes and gave me everything I wanted from this trope, with just enough twists to keep it interesting. While I could’ve done with less politics, the charm of the characters more than made up for it.
I first watched Red, White & Royal Blue as a movie and was curious to get the full experience by reading the book—and I’m so glad I did! While the film was delightful, the book added layers of depth to the characters and story, making it an even more enjoyable experience.
This novel was incredibly sweet and cozy, with its perfect blend of heartwarming moments and humor. I love the enemies-to-lovers trope sand this really hit the spot! The tension between Alex and Henry, slowly unraveling into a tender and genuine relationship, kept me hooked. It was fun to see how they went from rivals to allies and, eventually, to something much more intimate and real. The author captured their chemistry in such a charming way that it was impossible not to root for them.
One aspect that stood out was the contrast between the political backdrop and the royal intrigue. I found the royal side of the story to be quite fascinating but the political aspect was a bit of a drag. As a Kiwi living in New Zealand, American politics just doesn't resonate with me as much (I don't even care for our politics!). I found myself not as invested in that side of the story. That said, I appreciated how the political context shaped the characters' decisions and their relationship.
However, once the personal conflicts were resolved, the final chapter revolving around the election felt like it dragged a little. After the emotional highs of Alex and Henry’s relationship reaching its peak, the political conclusion felt more like a formality. Still, I pushed through, and we got there in the end!
Overall, Red, White & Royal Blue is a warm, feel-good romance that I’m so glad I took the time to read. It delivered on the cozy vibes and gave me everything I wanted from this trope, with just enough twists to keep it interesting. While I could’ve done with less politics, the charm of the characters more than made up for it.