First Son Alex Claremont-Diaz is the closest thing to a prince this side of the Atlantic. With his intrepid sister and the Veep’s genius granddaughter, they’re the White House Trio, a beautiful millennial marketing strategy for his mother, President Ellen Claremont. International socialite duties do have downsides—namely, when photos of a confrontation with his longtime nemesis Prince Henry at a royal wedding leak to the tabloids and threaten American/British relations.
The plan for damage control: staging a fake friendship between the First Son and the Prince. Alex is busy enough handling his mother’s bloodthirsty opponents and his own political ambitions without an uptight royal slowing him down. But beneath Henry’s Prince Charming veneer, there’s a soft-hearted eccentric with a dry sense of humor and more than one ghost haunting him.
As President Claremont kicks off her reelection bid, Alex finds himself hurtling into a secret relationship with Henry that could derail the campaign and upend two nations. And Henry throws everything into question for Alex, an impulsive, charming guy who thought he knew everything: What is worth the sacrifice? How do you do all the good you can do? And, most importantly, how will history remember you?
If you’re a regular at my blog, you may be thinking you’re in the wrong place because I don’t read romances. And you’re right – I usually don’t. But with so many friends recommending this book, its outstanding reviews and amusing premise, I succumbed to peer pressure. As a bonus, it fulfilled a book club requirement!
There’s nothing I can say about this novel that hasn’t already been said. It’s an immensely enjoyable rom-com, and I totally want to join this family. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator (Ramon de Ocampo) does a fabulous job. Every character is so well done and adds to the depth of the story. You’ll cheer for Alex and Henry and laugh at their nerdy Star Wars references and witty banter. Ellen Claremont, Alex’s mom and the President, now holds the title of my favorite fictional mom. Yes, she’s POTUS, but when everything hits the fan, she’s a mother first, and I loved that about her. The strong themes of family, sibling relationships, and friendship are felt on every page.
No, I don’t often read romances, but Red, White, and Royal Blue was worth every minute and earns an easy five stars from me.
Books and Such 
I’m glad you enjoyed it! My daughter read it and was very critical but she tends to be a harsh critic. Great review!
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I really did, Tessa – it was a sweet, easy, amusing read. Loved these boys!
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I’ve been curious about this one- great review!
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Thanks, Jacquie! I highly recommend it – think you’d enjoy this one.
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All readers have said all good things about this book. Now I want to read it too. I’m glad you enjoyed it even though you don’t read this genre. Great review!
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It’s nice that when I step outside the box for a bit that I come across a gem like this one. Hope you enjoy it just as much, Yesha. Thanks!
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Thank you, Teri for the review.
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You’re welcome, John – thanks for visiting!
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Yay!! I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
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I sure did – a big thumbs up!
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It’s okay to succumb to peer pressure every now and then, Teri . Thanks for the review!
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In this case, I’m glad I did, Jill!
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Sometimes when there’s a lot of buzz on a book you just have to check it out. I’ve been known to do that a time or two as well. Glad you enjoyed it.
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True. A lot of buzz can make you dive in or remain skeptical. In this case, I’m glad I joined the crowd.
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Haha, you cracked me up starting your review with ‘you might think you’ve got the wrong blog’ – I did! It’d be like ME reading a rom-com. It just doesn’t happen. HOWEVER, you may have just won me over to give this one another look over. 🙂
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Yep – if you’re looking for romance reviews, this won’t be a frequent stop for you. You should give this one a try, Jessica. Such a fun read with a lot of laughs.
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I was wondering! But your review is delightful, Teri, and I can see myself reading this and having great fun with it. Thanks for branching out and sharing your recommendation.
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Thanks, Diana! Branching out requirement for this year met. Now I’m good for another year, lol. But really, I hope you give this one a try – it’s great for making you forget what’s going on in the world for a little while.
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I need that escape for sure. This has been a tough year so far and seems to be getting worse.
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I picked it up just now. I need the lift!
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Then you have a wonderful weekend of reading ahead of you! I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did such a great job with the voices – especially Alex’s mom, POTUS.
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Strangely, I don’t often read romances either, Teri. but I read two in a row last month. This sounds lovely.
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Sounds like we’re both stepping outside the box, Robbie. This one was a pleasure to read – maybe you should make it three in a row?
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I might, Teri. As soon as I get over the hump of my committed reads.
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I have that same hump, lol.
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