A scandalous romance, a diverse cast of characters, a plethora of pop culture references, a refreshing look at politics, and a basset hound named David Bowie – what more could you want? All this and more can be found in Casey McQuiston’s smash-hit new adult novel, Red, White, and Royal Blue.
On the White House roof, tucked into a corner of the Promenade, there’s a bit of loose paneling right on the edge of the Solarium. If you tap it just right, you can peel it back enough to find a message etched underneath, with the tip of a key or maybe a stolen West Wing letter opener. Alex discovered it within his first week of living there. He’s never told anyone how.
It says:
RULE #1: DON’T GET CAUGHT
The English-language cover of Red, White, and Royal Blue
The Book
Red, White, and Royal Blue follows Alex Claremont-Diaz – the son of the sitting president, Ellen Claremont. He is freshly into his twenties and is firmly invested in his mother’s re-election campaign. He is charming, handsome , and entertaining, making him a perfect figurehead for the first family. His older sister, June, is the calm and collected planner. The vice president’s granddaughter, Nora, makes up the other third of the “White House Trio” who are known for their stunning fashion choices and raging New Year’s Eve party. When Alex and June are diplomatically sent to the wedding of England’s Prince Phillip, they plan on staying under the radar, drinking some champagne, and heading home. What they don’t plan on is Alex getting into an argument with Prince Henry, his sworn enemy. And they certainly don’t plan on the argument turning physical, resulting in an international clusterfobble and destroyed wedding cake. In order to avoid international outrage, Alex and Henry are forced into a fake-friendship to satisfy the press. Everything spirals from there – add two headstrong individuals, international politics, and the press and romance is inevitable!
I was not expecting to like Red, White, and Royal Blue as much as I did – I normally prefer plot-forward novels over romance. However, there is still a plot in this book. President Claremont’s re-election is at the forefront of everyone’s mind as the novel progresses. The diverse cast of characters is refreshing – Ellen is a tiny, blonde, Texan woman who is the sitting president, her ex-husband (Alex and June’s dad) is a proud Mexican man, and Alex and June embrace both sides of their identity.
I would rate the book four out of five stars – it hits some points where the romance just seems like filler material, but otherwise is super engaging. The characters are so easy to love in all their three-dimensional glory and the pop culture references were absolutely hysterical. Plus, I don’t think any scene will ever top the President presenting a powerpoint to her son about how international sex scandals are a bad idea.
The Bop
Red, White, and Royal Blue‘s bop is “Heroes” by David Bowie. First off, Henry has a dog named David Bowie, so it’s apropos. Additionally, the song details a forbidden romance – an idea which is at the forefront of this book. Barring spoilers, the title is also perfect for Henry and Alex’s story as their relationship evolves from the shadows.
So – read Red, White, and Royal Blue. You will fall in love with the First and Royal families and all those that orbit around them and you’ll never be able to watch Star Wars again without thinking of Alex and Henry. Happy reading!
Alex reaches down into the front of his dress shirt and finds the chain with his fingers, pulls it out carefully. The ring, the key. Under winter clouds, victorious, he unlocks the door.