Red, White & Royal Blue By Casey Mcquiston

This month the biopic ‘Finding Freedom’ was released, charting the relationship between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. As controversy and negative press continues to surround the couple it felt necessary to visit a story about a different royal couple who were able to receive a better reaction from the world. 

Casey McQuiston’s debut novel, Red, White & Royal Blue, was released last year and won Best Debut novel and Best Romance Novel at the 2019 Goodreads Choice Awards.

The book follows Alex Claremont-Diaz, the First Son of the US, who’s rocky relationship with Brit Prince Henry is forced into a PR crafted friendship and then later a secret and forbidden relationship. 

Whilst Alex’s mother campaigns for her second turn in office he must decide if following his heart is worth the risk of upending two nations on a global stage and potentially ruining his own political career before it has even begun. 

Casey Mcquiston’s inspiration for the narrative came whilst following the 2016 election and the complexities of the political race make a perfect backdrop for a modern love story.

The leading and supporting characters are fully fleshed out and will make you feel as though they are friends you have known your whole life. A soul-tying bond connects them all and is the reason for many joyous scenes – one particular taking place in a NewYork karaoke bar which will leave you beaming as you turn the page.

The author has been celebrated for creating a LGBTQ romance as the queer representation that is plentiful throughout feels honest, raw and authentic. 

These two men are able to be fragile and vulnerable with each other whilst journeying together to understand their sexuality. Whilst they’re coming out stories – to their families and mainstream media – are equally different, as a reader you hope and pray for them both the whole way through. 

Mcquiston’s next novel One Last Stop is set to be released Summer 2021. It is rumoured to centre around another queer relationship that blossoms in the subways of New York. It is eagerly awaited by critics and audiences alike.