A review by mirandyli
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

Pros of this book: 
  • A main character who is the embodiment of bisexual disaster. Love me some bisexual representation.


    Cons of this book: 
  • Said bisexual disaster is a poc, but written by a white person. There is also a token Black best friend who mainly exists as evidence that the prince isn't racist.
  • Also, why does every gay enemies-to-lovers book have a rich, blonde, Draco Malfoy-esque white boy as the love interest (who is also a bottom)? I'm so tired of this trope.
  • The most unrealistic part of this book was the part where the inbred British royal family produced physically attractive people. But I guess if their dad played James Bond, that could be plausible that they turned out somewhat attractive. 
  • The most realistic part of this book was the rampant racism and homophobia in the royal family. And how British and American imperialism were casually mentioned and then brushed off. White authors love to seem socially aware by mentioning the genocidal atrocities of their ancestors, and then wrap it up in the form of a lighthearted, funny rom-com.

This book had an unrealistic premise with a lot of tropes. It was an ok read, but I don't understand the hype. Also, don't read if you can't stomach flippant mentions of British and American genocidal imperialism. 
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