Romance Annotation

 

Author: Casey McQuiston

Title: Red, White, and Royal Blue

Genre: Romance

Publication Date: May 14th, 2019

Number of Pages: 423 pages

Geographical Setting: United States/England

Time Period: Present Day

Series: N/A

Summary:

Alex Diaz-Claremont is the son of U.S. President Ellen Claremont and when he meets Henry Fox-Mountchristen-Windsor, the Prince of England sparks begin to fly. But not the romantic kind. The two boys get caught up in an international scandal when leaked pictures of the boys having a heated argument causing a royal wedding cake to fall. This incident threatens the relationship between America and England. When the news begins to call the incident “Cakegate” the President requires Alex to fake a friendship with Prince Henry to save this international relationship with the help of his sister, June, and best friend, Nora. However, the lines between pretend and real blur as the relationship goes on. 

Subject Headings

• Lgbtq Life

• Friendship

• Wit and humor

• Drama

• Politics

Appeal:

Tone: The tone is a mix of humor and sincerity depending on the subject at hand. 

Characterization: 

• Alex is a smart fun-loving individual who shows plenty of impatience, repulsiveness, and restlessness throughout the book but also discovers a selfless side to himself and a change in his future path. 

• Henry suffers from loneliness and grief but begins to let go, gain confidence, and begin to be more comfortable with himself throughout the book. 

• Nora is a number and data genius who is obsessive about her work. She tends to be good at getting the truth out of any situation and is not afraid to say what she thinks about whatever she observes. 

• June is the protective sort when it comes to her brother and friends with a love of writing and wants to follow a career in journalism.

Setting: Present-day America and England, starting in the year 2016

Pacing: The pace of the book seemed fast but enjoyable. 

Short Review: This book is definitely good for people who don’t want to think too much and just want to enjoy some romance with humor mixed into it. The book, however, seemed a bit rushed in the end. 3/5 stars. 

Read-Alikes:

Hall, A. (2020). Boyfriend Material. Sourcebooks Casablanca.

Gonzales, S. (2021). If This Gets Out. Wednesday Books.

Cochrun, A. (2021). Title of work: The Charm Offensive. Atria.