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mishy 's review for:
Red, White & Royal Blue
by Casey McQuiston
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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:
Yes
I just have to get it off my chest that it has been 7 days since I’ve finished this book and I haven’t stopped thinking about it. They have literally not left my mind, I thought I needed 3-5 business days to process this but turns out I don’t think I’ll ever get over Alex and Henry and their unrequited love for each other finally breaking through the surface. So let’s begin.
Alex’s character has to be my favorite within the book. His confidence makes me so happy, even though getting to know him further in the book you notice his small moments of weakness, he is relatively sure of himself at all moments; even when he begins questioning himself. The way his sexuality is explored in this is honestly so refreshing and amazing. Instead of him discouraging it and saying, “No! I’m straight! I can’t like this!” he instead questions it as more of a, “Oh I like the way that feels and I want to do it again. But what does that mean?” He doesn’t just shove it off to the side, he wants to explore further into it and give himself some answers. When he is vulnerable however, it’s nice to see those open parts of him come to life, and I just adore him. He is very inspiring and he has a magnetic personality.
Henry on the other hand is a very internal dweller. He acts stoic and the epitome of royalty to the outside world, but really he is just a soft little emo boy that wants nothing but to be loved the same way he does; unconditionally. He doesn’t feel seen by his family, and having this friendship turned relationship with Alex, someone who swore hated him (which I believe was just Alex’s feelings hidden in jealousy) was just the thing he needed to boost himself up and show him he can be himself and that’s beautiful. Henry’s character is just one I personally resonated with the most. I love Alex but Henry is just a different story and I want to give him a hug.
Their love for each other the rest of the book focuses on from “rivals” in the media, to friends, to revealing their true feelings and the aftermath after was just enchanting. I want the love they have and honestly my standards just got higher. I loved the family dynamics because they were both very different but strong. I love how you slowly see Alex fall for Henry. He would quite literally do anything for him. The pet names made me swoon and the emails were so unique and just the icing on top.
But it’s not without it’s hurdles of course which those made me want to rip my heart out on multiple occasions. And the freaking “I love you” scene in London?? Lemme just say chefs kiss.
Honestly, I cannot find a complaint about this book besides maybe that I wish there was more June and Nora. That’s about it.
This was a solid read for me. 5/5 and the fact it impacted me so much to the point where I’ve wanted to ignore the rest of my responsibilities and just reread it is so tempting. It’s definitely my favorite read of the year, and a book I highly recommend if you want a soft version of the enemies to lovers trope with some small spice and literally heart melting moments. I don’t think you’ll ever not be going “aW” after chapter 3.
*After my most recent reread, all of this still holds up, and I adore it even more now upon my second read. What an incredible love story.
Alex’s character has to be my favorite within the book. His confidence makes me so happy, even though getting to know him further in the book you notice his small moments of weakness, he is relatively sure of himself at all moments; even when he begins questioning himself. The way his sexuality is explored in this is honestly so refreshing and amazing. Instead of him discouraging it and saying, “No! I’m straight! I can’t like this!” he instead questions it as more of a, “Oh I like the way that feels and I want to do it again. But what does that mean?” He doesn’t just shove it off to the side, he wants to explore further into it and give himself some answers. When he is vulnerable however, it’s nice to see those open parts of him come to life, and I just adore him. He is very inspiring and he has a magnetic personality.
Henry on the other hand is a very internal dweller. He acts stoic and the epitome of royalty to the outside world, but really he is just a soft little emo boy that wants nothing but to be loved the same way he does; unconditionally. He doesn’t feel seen by his family, and having this friendship turned relationship with Alex, someone who swore hated him (which I believe was just Alex’s feelings hidden in jealousy) was just the thing he needed to boost himself up and show him he can be himself and that’s beautiful. Henry’s character is just one I personally resonated with the most. I love Alex but Henry is just a different story and I want to give him a hug.
Their love for each other the rest of the book focuses on from “rivals” in the media, to friends, to revealing their true feelings and the aftermath after was just enchanting. I want the love they have and honestly my standards just got higher. I loved the family dynamics because they were both very different but strong. I love how you slowly see Alex fall for Henry. He would quite literally do anything for him. The pet names made me swoon and the emails were so unique and just the icing on top.
But it’s not without it’s hurdles of course which those made me want to rip my heart out on multiple occasions. And the freaking “I love you” scene in London?? Lemme just say chefs kiss.
Honestly, I cannot find a complaint about this book besides maybe that I wish there was more June and Nora. That’s about it.
This was a solid read for me. 5/5 and the fact it impacted me so much to the point where I’ve wanted to ignore the rest of my responsibilities and just reread it is so tempting. It’s definitely my favorite read of the year, and a book I highly recommend if you want a soft version of the enemies to lovers trope with some small spice and literally heart melting moments. I don’t think you’ll ever not be going “aW” after chapter 3.
*After my most recent reread, all of this still holds up, and I adore it even more now upon my second read. What an incredible love story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Outing
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Grief
Minor: Death of parent