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

emotional funny 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? Yes

4.5

I genuinely just want to turn around and read this book for the first time again. Alas, since we have yet to invent time travel, I'll say this -- McQuinstin created an incredibly heartwarming, relatable novel about coming to terms with your own queerness and what it means to build a legacy. I absolutely cherish Alex and Henry, who are realisticly portrayed as normal boys in difficult situations and so clearly make each other better. Their love story is adorable and sucks you in -- I legitimately could not put it down. If you like queer love stories mixed with a bit of political intrigue, do not skip this one.

Do note that this novel has even more sexual content than a typical romance novel -- if you're uncomfortable with reading sex scenes, you'll be skimming a couple of chapters. That being said, I want to applaud McQuinston on so easily integrating the emotional and physical relationship between Alex and Henry. It was very clear from the beginning that although the boys are VERY physically intimate, their emotional intimacy is given just as much importance.
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