It is set in an alternate reality where the 2016 U.S. presidential election was won by a female Democratic aspirant. The story focuses on a member of the first family and that is Alex, the president’s son, who is biracial—Mexican and white. The other main character is the Prince of Wales, Henry, who has a public rivalry with the First Son.
This novel speaks on the social issues that were core matters during the real-life 2016 political race. The presidential election was marred with issues of racism, misogyny, intolerance, and hate towards minority groups in America. As such, the author imagines a world where the first family comprises a member belonging to one or more of these groups.
The narrative follows the ongoing feud between Alex and Henry as they attempt to create a fake rapport to mislead the media. However, their rivalry turns out to be unsolved romantic feelings for each other which they acknowledge over time. With the re-election of Alex’s mother on the horizon, the royalties cannot gamble having a family scandal that may affect it. The tabloids are working to find any truths about their relationship to spark public interest and outrage. They have to choose whether to risk it all including their family reputations and political careers to have a chance at happiness.
It is a romantic tale that takes the current social issues and a relationship that could have global consequences but with great hope in the end. Booklist reviewed “In between sweet and steamy love scenes, Red, White & Royal Blue allows readers to imagine a world where coming out involves no self-loathing; where fan fiction and activist Twitter do actual good; and a diverse, liberal White House wins elections.”
