Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Review by Lauren
source: e-book from Netgalley; personally bought a physical copy
Official Summary on Goodreads
Review: I got an e-book from Netgalley, but it was released before I could get too far into it so I decided to go ahead and buy my own, physical copy. I think this was the best choice for me as it’s a bit of a longer book and I like having a physical copy when that happens. But anyway – Red, White, and Royal Blue is about Alex (First Son of the United States – his mom is the president) and Henry (a Prince of England). The two are kind of “enemies” when the book starts, but they grow to be friends and then become a couple. Of course, they try and keep their romantic relationship a secret because Henry can’t be out and Alex doesn’t want to mess up his mom’s re-election.
I thought this was a really great book. It’s definitely a bit long, but I never found myself growing bored. It did take me longer to read than most books though, just FYI, if you’re not the quickest reader. I really loved both Alex and Henry. I thought their relationship was really good for both of them. I liked how they could be open and honest with each other, and that they often showed affection by insulting each other. Red, White, and Royal Blue was a really funny novel too, especially concerning Alex. There are love emails in the book too and these will surely make you swoon! The book does have a lot of politics, so it’s not just a romance. This didn’t really bother me, but again, just an FYI in case you didn’t already know.
Also, this book is an Adult novel, not YA. Nothing is terribly explicit when it comes to their physical relationship, but it’s probably more detailed than most YA. Oh, and the secondary characters are fantastic; from Alex’s sister, June, to Nora, the vice president’s granddaughter to Henry’s sister Bea, etc. All in all, I really loved this one and I’m glad I bought my own copy!
Two new #mmromance books: Made for You and Red, White, and Royal Blue #bookbloggers Share on X
Made For You by Anyta Sunday
Review by Lauren
source: copy from Netgalley; all opinions are my own
Official Summary on Goodreads
Review: Made for You is a really sweet age-gap romance. Ben is 24 and raising his 11-year old brother after their parents pass away in a car crash. Jack is 39 and Milo’s wood shop teacher at school. Jack and Ben meet at school and the two form a friendship. Ben finds it difficult to be in the main house after his parents’ death, so him and Milo are living in the guest house. He lets Jack move into the main house because he renovates houses and Ben has plans to sell the house after it’s finished. Living in close quarters brings Ben and Jack closer, especially since Jack is so helpful with Milo. They’ve essentially formed a little family.
I really liked Made for You, and I thought the age-gap romance worked because Ben did have to grow up a lot after his parents passed away. Jack was a really great guy and always willing to help. While they do eventually start dating, it’s definitely a slow-burn romance. Jack doesn’t want to take advantage and he also has to worry how people would react to him being with a student’s caregiver. I’ve read other books by Sunday, so they are definitely an author I will continue to read!
I just finished Red, White and Blue and oh my goodness, I smiled from beginning to end! I loved it!
So many people have loved the first book, I don’t think I’ve seen a bad review for it yet. Glad you enjoyed it as well!
I really thought Red White and Royal Blue was a YA novel, but it is in the adult romance section at the bookstore where I work. I really want to read it! It was highly sought by customers this past weekend, and we couldn’t find where it had been put for a while! Glad you enjoyed it! I sometimes like age gap stories, when the woman is older, but I’m not a fan of older man stories, but when you talk about the M/M
Red, What and Blue sounds delightful Lauren! Thanks for sharing. I like a slow burn romance so Made for You looks good too.
Hmm! A female president and the first son falling in love with an English royal named Henry – something tells me this is a fun read. I just hadn’t imagined it being quite so long.
Red, White, and Royal Blue is on my tbr list! The other book sounds sweet, too! RW&RB is giving me The Royal We vibes- lol!
I liked Red, White & Royal Blue and most people mentioned the length but, for me, it was the tone shifts that threw me off. But I liked it overall!
Karen @ For What It’s Worth
Wonderful reviews!! I’m so happy you liked red, white and royal blue, I enjoyed it a lot just as well, it was such a fun read and made me laugh and swoon sooooo much 🙂
I can’t wait to read Red, White and Royal Blue too Lauren, I love the romances being released lately, they’re all sounding like wonderful feel great reads and with such diverse characters and sexuality! It’s sounds quite a bit longer than usual for a contemporary romance, great for a rainy day weekend. I’m curious about Made For You though too. Brilliant reviews Lauren and so glad you enjoyed them
I really wish people would stop saying it’s YA–so I’m glad you included that note. I have a feeling it’s going to be one of those novels that is forever mistaken for YA. That being said, I’m glad you enjoyed this as much as you did. I’m about a quarter of the way through and I’m completely enamored with it! Great review, as always.
I’ve seen the first one around a lot!
I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed Red, White and Royal Blue. I loved that one too.
I really like the sound of the first novel. For one, it isn’t too far fetched to imagine a situation where someone in either the first family or royal family is gay. Also, I’m a sucker for a good love story!
Made For You sounds like a good book.
I just finished RW&RB yesterday and was so invested in both Alex + Henry’s relationship as well as the scandal and election. It all blended to make such a great story!
I guess a longer book where it hopefully leaves no unanswered questions is better than a shorter book that leaves you hanging, right?!
I can relate to reading a physical copy for longer books. Something about seeing my physical progress through the book helps me sort what I’m reading and remember when specific events take place.
I haven’t read either of these books, but the relationships sound well developed. I especially enjoy when characters are close enough to insult each other fondly.
I’ve been seeing a lot of love for Red White and Royal Blue and I’m still not sure it’s something I’d go for but it sounds like a good one and I would be interested on seeing how things played out… Hmm…
And I don’t know what it’s like in other parts of the world but in the UK insults are often a form of affection, lol. The more creative the insult the closer to the person you tend to be. 🙂
I listened to Red White and Royal Blue and definitely enjoyed it for the most part. I do agree that it was a little long, and I felt like the middle focused a bit too much on sex (for my tastes) without developing much of the plot. But I really liked the beginning and end of the book, and I agree that it was funny and that the secondary characters were awesome!