I really wanted to like this book. I really wish it was better. It's such a fun concept! But the execution is kind of... lacking.

Maybe I've been reading too much YA, but I'm starting to notice that a lot of books sound the same. And I realized it because we're seeing a generation of writers raised on Harry Potter and then going on to write fanfic, and they're emulating Rowling's style, consciously or unconsciously. And, as much as I enjoyed the Harry Potter series, Rowling isn't that great of a writer style-wise. So to see it propagate into other books, unchecked by editors, is a bit disheartening. There's an internet joke about "read another book!" And this is yet another reason why.

So yes, I got that distinct sameness reading this particular novel, probably somewhere around the use of the word "numpty," which I see in fanfics and Harry Potter-inspired novels but have never heard from the mouth of an actual British person, even though I work with several. That's not enough to condemn the book, but it certainly set off an alarm. Also the use of the Mexican Spanish word "vato." I mean, it's a thing people say but something about it here felt forced. A lot of the Mexican references did.

Did the author ever visit England? She's from Louisiana, so I have to assume she's been to Texas. What about Washington DC? There's just so much that didn't feel genuine here; all book research and assumption but no lived experience. I could be wrong, but it just felt less than real.

Double that for the weird mix of fake politicians and fake royals. Somehow fake politicians bothered me less than fake royals. I think it might be because anyone can be elected to office, but the royals are descended from real people, real people that she still mentions in the book. So there's a weird break that happened somewhere in this alternate history. I get there was no way to get the plot to work with real people (also legal issues, also squick).

I was infuriated when emails came up. Yes, a private email server happens in this book too. It goes how you expect it to go. If this is some lighthearted fantasy, why are we still dwelling on the stupidest controversy of 2016?

If you pick up this book because you want to see lots of boy kissing and then some, congrats! It's got plenty of it, and it's delightful to read. Those shmoopy bits are pretty enjoyable, and I was going to give the book a higher score on the strength of them alone. But sigh, then the whole plot happened. ( )

This was wonderful. I cried. This book is so romantic, funny, genuinely emotional, with a lot of good people in it and it gives you hope and makes you believe that a brighter future is possible. ( )

4.5 stars

This book deserves all the praise it gets!

Read it.. ( )

It's not a bad book, I just personally didn't enjoy it. But it was a nice experience. :) ( )

My mom-of-a-gay-son heart.

My funny bone.

My over-flowing pride for author Casey McQuiston's courage to write this book.

If you have ever believed in love between two people. If you have ever felt the weight of your family, keeping you from being who you are. If you have ever felt the pressure to conform and fit in. READ THIS BOOK.

First Son of the United States, Alex, is born to a Mexican father and white mother, who happens to be the first woman president. Alex and his sister, June, are the most loveable, hair-pulling, in-each-others'-business, typical siblings. Throw in Nora, granddaughter to the VP, and you have the three hottest 20-year-olds in the country.

When the three are in London to attend Prince Phillip's marriage, Alex runs headlong into his arch-nemesis, Prince Henry. Wedding cakes are toppled, photos are leaked, drama ensues and a spicy web is woven. The tabloids pick up on things, and their tongues wag, always a step behind as Nora is seen with Princess Bea, June is hanging out with the BF of Prince Henry, and Alex and Henry, well, they are just Henry and Alex, the Prince of England and the First Son. But nothing is as it seems.

Written in relevant, youthful dialogue woven into rich, complex thoughts about society, family, and duty and steeped in deep romance (with a lot of steamy sex), Casey McQuiston puts the rights of all people front and center, and she does it beautifully. Did I mention it is wicked funny?

Red, White and Royal Blue is not a 'gay' love story. It is not a story about being gay. It is a story about two individuals who find each other, fall in love, and happen to both be men.

This may well be my absolute favorite book read in 2023. #loveislove ( )