Bookbub’s Top 25, reviewed: Red, White & Royal Blue
Another review from Bookbub’s Top 25 Best Romance Novels of All Time. This is a book I’ve had on my to be read (TBR) list since it came out in the fall but this list was the push I needed to read it, and I am so glad I did. Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston is a fantastic read, emotionally intense and delicious in the way that some books are. It pulled me in and stayed with me long after I finished.
Unlike many romance novels, Red, White & Royal Blue is told entirely from Alex’s point of view, lending a definite kick to the interactions between Alex and Henry because you’re left with no more idea than Alex what is going on in Henry’s head but you have this in-depth insight into the chaotic feelings that threaten to overwhelm Alex as he discovers that he’s definitely not straight and also that his “sworn enemy” might actually be his favorite person in the world. Their relationship develops over the course of almost a year, from official functions with intense backroom makeouts to vulnerability over tacos at Alex’s father’s Texas lakehouse. The threat of exposure causes them to evaluate whether what they have is worth international scrutiny and political damage (spoiler alert: it is!) and their love for each other practically glows off the page.
“If Alex’s head is a storm, Henry is the place lightning hits ground.”
Henry is such a lovely character, a wonderful calm foil for Alex’s manic energy but with his own turmoil that swirls below the surface. McQuiston does a great job of developing Henry’s character through the lens of Alex’s relationship with him, especially with her use of texts and emails to give voice to their more private thoughts. In some ways, because they’re long distance and their physical intimacy is written in relatively vague terms, I feel like this is a wonderful gateway novel into the world of LGBT romance for those who haven’t explored that side of the romance genre yet. This novel is so charming and full of heart that I challenge anyone to deny the sweetness and rightness of Alex and Henry’s happily ever after.