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

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective 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? Yes

3.75

Characters: 8/10
Alex and Henry have some serious chemistry, and their dynamic is pure gold. Alex is that one friend who thinks he’s the smartest (and hottest) person in the room, and honestly, he’s not wrong. Henry is basically the human embodiment of a sad Spotify playlist in a perfectly tailored suit. Their banter is fantastic, their emotional growth is solid, and the side characters—Zahra, June, and Nora—steal scenes left and right. That said, some of them exist just to prop up Alex’s main character energy, but hey, at least they do it stylishly.
Atmosphere/Setting: 7/10
The book technically takes place in the White House, Buckingham Palace, and various fancy locations, but let’s be real—the setting is just here to make everything feel important while the actual story focuses on Alex and Henry flirting across continents. The political landscape is, shall we say, optimistic, but if I wanted gritty realism, I wouldn’t be reading a rom-com about a fictional First Son and a British prince secretly texting heart emojis.
Writing Style: 8/10
McQuiston’s writing is a delightful mix of snark, heart, and 21st-century chaos. The dialogue is rapid-fire, packed with quips, and occasionally too polished, but let’s be honest—nobody reads a book like this expecting gritty realism. The emotional beats hit hard when they need to, though sometimes the humor steamrolls over them a bit too quickly. Overall, it’s a fun, modern, and totally bingeable writing style that keeps things moving at top speed.
Plot: 7/10
Enemies to lovers? Check. Secret romance? Check. Political stakes that feel just high enough to create drama but never high enough to ruin the fun? Also check. The pacing is solid, though some of the heavier moments feel a little too neatly wrapped up. Is it predictable? Oh, absolutely. But is it also a great time? Yes. You know how this story is going to end from page one, but you’ll still be grinning like an idiot when you get there.
Intrigue: 8/10
Would I ignore my responsibilities to keep reading this book? Yes. Is it because of an unpredictable, high-stakes plot? Not even a little. The intrigue here is all about the romance—will they finally admit their feelings? Will they get caught? Will Alex send another aggressively flirty email that makes Henry malfunction? You’ll keep reading because you need to see them get their happy ending, and that’s the best kind of page-turner.
Logic/Relationships: 7/10
If you overthink the logistics of Alex and Henry’s relationship, your brain will short-circuit. The world reacts way too positively to their romance for it to feel realistic, and the royal family’s response is hilariously tame. But let’s be honest—if this book was realistic, it wouldn’t be nearly as fun. The relationships, though, are fantastic. Alex and Henry’s dynamic is chef’s kiss, and the friendships (even if they’re a little underdeveloped) bring a ton of warmth to the story. Just don’t ask too many questions about the actual politics, and you’ll be fine.
Enjoyment: 8/10
This book is like a really well-made rom-com: a little ridiculous, a little predictable, and a whole lot of fun. The romance is swoon-worthy, the humor is sharp, and the overall vibe is pure serotonin. It’s not perfect, but it knows what it is—an escapist, heartwarming queer love story with high stakes that don’t feel too high. If you’re in the mood for something charming, flirty, and just self-aware enough to make you laugh at the absurdity of it all, this book delivers.
Final Verdict: 7.5/10
This book is a warm, witty, political fairy tale that asks, what if the world was way nicer and a little gayer? If you love fast-paced romance, snarky dialogue, and a story that makes your heart happy, you’ll have a great time. Sure, it leans hard into wish fulfillment, but honestly? Sometimes we need that. 
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