I recently finished reading “Red, White & Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston and I have to say, this book absolutely blew me away. As someone who loves a good romantic comedy and appreciates stories that challenge societal norms, this novel checked all the boxes for me.

I first heard about “Red, White & Royal Blue” through BookTok, the bookish community on TikTok. So many people were raving about this heartwarming queer romance between the son of the U.S. President and a British Prince. The premise sounded both delightful and groundbreaking. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community myself, I’m always on the lookout for books that center queer love stories in a positive, normalized way. So I immediately added it to my TBR list.

When I finally got my hands on a copy and started reading, I was instantly hooked. The story follows Alex Claremont-Diaz, the charismatic First Son of the United States, and his rivalry turned romance with Prince Henry of Wales. After an incident at a royal wedding strains U.S.-British relations, Alex and Henry are forced into a fake friendship to do damage control. But as they spend more time together, real feelings begin to develop between them.

One of the biggest strengths of this book is the electric chemistry between Alex and Henry. Their banter is sharp, witty, and full of pop culture references that made me laugh out loud. But beneath the humor is a tender vulnerability as they both grapple with their growing feelings for each other. McQuiston does an incredible job of portraying the giddy excitement and aching yearning of falling in love, especially when it’s with someone you never expected.

I also loved how McQuiston seamlessly wove in heavier themes of identity, family expectations, and the courage to live authentically. Alex’s journey of coming to terms with his sexuality felt raw and relatable. This quote in particular really resonated with me:

“Straight people, he thinks, probably don’t spend this much time convincing themselves they’re straight.”

As a queer person, I’ve had moments of questioning and self-doubt just like Alex. Seeing his experience reflected on page was both validating and empowering. Henry’s struggle to balance his duty to the Crown with his desire to be true to himself was also poignant and moving.

In terms of the writing itself, I was blown away by McQuiston’s talent. Her prose is lush and evocative, painting vivid pictures whether she’s describing a heated encounter or a quiet moment of connection. And the way she captures her characters’ voices is masterful. I could hear Alex’s self-deprecating humor and Henry’s dry wit as if they were real people.

While I adored the central romance, I was also impressed by the well-rounded supporting cast. From Alex’s fiercely loyal sister June to Henry’s vivacious best friend Pez, every character felt fleshed out and three-dimensional. Their presence added welcome depth and nuance to the story.

Reading “Red, White & Royal Blue” was a joyful, affirming experience that I won’t soon forget. It made me laugh, cry, and believe in the power of love to overcome even the most daunting obstacles. In a world that can often feel bleak, this book was a beacon of hope and acceptance.

More than that, it made me feel seen. Growing up, I rarely encountered queer love stories, let alone ones that centered a happily ever after. “Red, White & Royal Blue” is the kind of book I wish I had as a young adult. It’s a reminder that everyone is deserving of love and their own fairy tale ending, regardless of gender or sexuality.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to any romance fan, but especially to my fellow LGBTQ+ readers. McQuiston has penned a truly special novel that will make you swoon, but also feel a little braver and a little more proud of who you are. It’s a must-read that I know I’ll be returning to again and again.