Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

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