(book review)

 “History, right?”
– Alex Claremont-Diaz

Red, White & Royal Blue is a charming, swoon-worthy romance that pairs two seemingly incompatible worlds: the White House and British royalty. Written by Casey McQuiston, this debut novel combines heartfelt moments, humor, and social commentary with an irresistible love story, making it a standout read in contemporary romantic fiction.

The story follows Alex Claremont-Diaz, the ambitious and somewhat cocky son of the first female President of the United States, Ellen Claremont. Alex’s world is turned upside down when a highly public feud with Prince Henry of Wales (the younger, often reclusive son of the British royal family) spirals into a diplomatic incident. To smooth over the situation, the two are forced into a staged friendship to improve their image—an arrangement that, predictably, leads to much more than either of them could have anticipated.

As they begin to spend time together, the tension between them turns from mutual dislike to undeniable attraction, resulting in a secret and very steamy romance that they must keep under wraps. The story explores themes of identity, family dynamics, public vs. private lives, and the weight of expectations, all while maintaining a lighthearted, fast-paced narrative.

In addition, I lacked something unusual in the plot, for example, more disclosure of secondary characters. The sister of one of the main characters can only sympathize in the book, and the other sister was not even revealed to us.

McQuiston’s writing is witty, clever, and full of heart. The tone is light and engaging, with plenty of humor and sharp dialogue, but also sincere moments that ground the story in its emotional stakes. The pacing is quick, making it a page-turner that balances humor with the weightier themes of love, identity, and self-realization. The book’s structure allows for plenty of banter and the development of the romance at a natural pace. My rating is 9/10.