If you’re a fan of Casey McQuiston’s debut novel, Red, White and Royal Blue, and are looking for similar books, this list is for you. These books feature epic love stories with enemies-to-lovers angles, LGBTQ+ representation, and royalty and politics. With amazing writing, heartfelt storylines, and wonderful characters, these books will definitely satisfy your craving for more romance novels like Red, White and Royal Blue.
1. Her Royal Highness by Rachel Hawkins
Her Royal Highness is a young adult romance novel that blends royal romance and enemies to lovers just like Red, White and Royal Blue but with two women. The story follows Millie Quint, who is heartbroken after discovering that her sort-of-best friend/sort-of-girlfriend has been kissing someone else. She decides to apply for scholarships to boarding schools, and soon she is accepted into one of the world’s most exclusive schools located in the rolling highlands of Scotland.
The only problem is that Millie’s roommate Flora is an actual princess of Scotland. At first, the girls can’t stand each other, but before Millie knows it, she has another sort-of-best-friend/sort-of-girlfriend. Princess Flora could be a new chapter in her love life, but Millie knows the chances of happily-ever-afters are slim because real life isn’t a fairy tale, or is it?
This book is perfect for fans of roommates to lovers stories, which are always fun to read. It also features LGBTQ+ romance, which is a refreshing change of pace from the typical heterosexual love stories. The book’s plot is intriguing, and the characters are well-developed, making it an enjoyable read for anyone who loves a good romance novel.
2. Hate Crush by Angelina M. Lopez
Hate Crush is a royal romance that features a fake relationship between Princesa Sofia Maria Isabel de Esperanza y Santos and Aish Salinger. The two had fallen in love ten years ago during a California harvest season, but their relationship ended when Aish broke Sofia’s heart.
Now, Sofia’s winery’s success and the future of her country depend on her ability to fake a relationship with the now-famous rock star. Both parties are in need of good press, with Aish trying to recover from a scandal and Sofia needing her winery to take off.
This romance novel is perfect for readers who enjoyed Red, White and Royal Blue and are looking for a diverse story that doesn’t center around an American character. Overall, Hate Crush is a captivating read that offers a unique twist on the fake relationship trope.
3. Love, Hate & Clickbait by Liz Bowery
Love and politics have always been intertwined, and the same can be said about hate and politics. In the book “Royally Matched” by Emma Chase, readers are taken on a journey through the complex world of political campaigning, where a fake relationship between two men becomes the talk of the town.
Thom Morgan, a political consultant, and Clay Parker, a data analyst, are constantly at each other’s throats. However, when a photo of them kissing goes viral, they are forced to play along with the fake relationship in order to secure the liberal vote. As they continue to push the boundaries of their fake relationship, their animosity towards each other slowly turns into desire, leading to a dangerous and real relationship.
Similar to “Red, White and Royal Blue,” “Royally Matched” combines the tropes of enemies to lovers and fake relationship. The book explores the complexities of politics and love, highlighting the blurred lines between the two.
For readers who enjoyed the presidential race theme in “Red, White and Royal Blue,” “Royally Matched” also offers a glimpse into the world of political campaigning. The book portrays the challenges and pressures that come with campaigning, as well as the personal sacrifices that individuals make for the sake of their careers.
4. Her Royal Happiness by Lola Keeley
Her Royal Happiness is a romantic novel that revolves around the story of Princess Alice, the first openly gay member of the British royal family, and Sara, a single mother and an education specialist. The book is a perfect match for fans of Red, White and Royal Blue, as it features a royal romance, LGBTQ+ romance, opposites attract, and fake relationship themes.
The encounter between Princess Alice and Sara goes viral when they meet for the first time. Sara is an opinionated woman who shares her views on all things, while Princess Alice is a tabloid darling. Later, when Alice asks Sara to help diagnose her young nephew’s learning difficulties, the situation becomes awkward. However, they discover that they click together beautifully.
To protect her nephew’s privacy and handle the press, they agree to claim they are dating. As their fake dates start to feel like much more, they must navigate having a real relationship in the public eye. Can they overcome their doubts for love? A love they can no longer hide?
The book offers a fresh take on the fake relationship trope by featuring two lesbians in the lead roles. It explores the challenges of maintaining a relationship in the public eye while keeping Sara’s daughter safe and happy and facing the Queen’s disapproval.
5. Royally Matched by Emma Chase
Royally Matched by Emma Chase is a royal romance novel that shares some similarities with Red, White and Royal Blue. The book features a prince, Henry, who is struggling with the demands of the monarchy and decides to participate in a reality TV dating show. Amidst the attention of twenty beautiful women, Henry finds himself drawn to a quiet girl who stands out from the rest.
Like Red, White and Royal Blue, Royally Matched also explores the theme of opposites attracting. Sarah, the commoner who catches Henry’s attention, is his complete opposite in every way. Their relationship develops in secret moments they share with each other, much like Alex and Henry’s in Red, White and Royal Blue.
The pressure of the monarchy is also a central theme in Royally Matched. Henry, like Alex, is expected to behave and act in a certain way, but he finds himself drawn to Sarah, who challenges his beliefs and expectations.
The book also features the challenge of navigating cameras and public scrutiny, as both Henry and Sarah have to deal with the attention that comes with being on a dating show. The book’s ending is also highly praised and considered one of the best endings in a romance novel.
6. Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren
Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren is a romance novel that features enemies-to-lovers and forbidden romance tropes. The story revolves around Bennett, who returns to Chicago from France to take on a crucial role in his family’s media business.
He is surprised to find that his assistant, Chloe, who had been helping him from abroad, is now working with him in the office. Bennett finds Chloe to be gorgeous, innocent, provocative, and completely infuriating. Despite his reservations about workplace hookups, Bennett is tempted by Chloe and is willing to bend or even smash the rules to be with her.
As their chemistry grows, Bennett and Chloe must decide what they are willing to lose to be together. The verbal sparring between Bennett and Chloe at the beginning of the book adds fuel to their attraction, much like the altercations between Henry and Alex in Red, White and Royal Blue. While Beautiful Bastard is not an LGBTQ+ romance, it shares similarities with the popular book by Casey McQuiston.
7. Playing the Palace by Paul Rudnick
Playing the Palace by Paul Rudnick is a gay royal romance novel that follows the story of Carter Ogden, an event planner who falls in love with the Crown Prince of England, Prince Edgar. This unlikely romance sets off media frenzy on both sides of the Atlantic, with everyone having an opinion on their relationship.
Carter, who had given up on love after his cheating ex, never thought he would meet the openly gay Prince Edgar, much less have a lot more with him. Their relationship faces intense pressure from the media and the Queen of England, who disapproves of their union. Carter and Prince Edgar fight for a happy ending that matches their glorious international beginning.
The novel explores the challenges that come with being in a relationship in the spotlight, especially when one of the partners is a member of the royal family. The story is full of sizzling chemistry, ferocious obstacles, and tabloid heaven.
Playing the Palace is a must-read for fans of Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston. The book is a perfect blend of gay romance, royal romance, and a relationship in the spotlight. It is a heartwarming story that shows that love knows no boundaries, and that even the Queen of England cannot stand in the way of true love.
8. Someday Someday by Emma Scott
Someday Someday is a gay romance novel that explores the themes of family pressure and opposites attract. The book follows the story of Max, a nurse who has spent the last ten years rebuilding his life after being kicked out by his family for being gay. Max has survived addiction and living on the streets, but he never expected to feel a spark when he meets the billionaire’s son, Silas. Silas is hiding secrets in order to inherit his family’s fortune and is also suffering under the pressure to hide his true identity.
The novel is similar to Red, White and Royal Blue in that it is a gay romance that explores the theme of family pressure. The characters in Someday Someday are relatable and their struggles are depicted in a realistic manner. The story is engaging, and the author’s writing style is captivating.
Overall, Someday Someday is a must-read for fans of gay romance novels. It is a moving story that explores important themes and is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers.
9. American Royalty by Tracey Livesay
In “American Royalty” by Tracey Livesay, readers are taken on a journey of a royal romance between an American rapper and a reclusive British prince. The book offers a refreshing take on the classic opposites-attract trope and explores the challenges that come with navigating a high-profile relationship.
The story follows rapper Danielle “Duchess” Nelson, who is on the brink of signing a lucrative deal in the music industry. However, her reputation is tarnished after an incident with a rising pop star goes viral, putting her deal in jeopardy. Meanwhile, Prince Jameson, a brilliant professor and member of the British royal family, is tasked with organizing a tribute concert for his late father. Out of his depth, he takes the advice of a student and signs up Duchess for the gig, hoping to generate some positive publicity.
Despite their initial differences, Duchess and Jameson find themselves drawn to each other. However, their relationship is complicated by the intense media scrutiny and the interference of outside forces. Livesay skillfully weaves together the themes of love, family, and duty to create a captivating tale that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
The book offers a unique perspective on the American/British couple dynamic, which has been a popular topic in the media in recent years. Livesay’s portrayal of the relationship between Duchess and Jameson is both nuanced and realistic, and she does an excellent job of exploring the challenges that come with navigating a cross-cultural romance.
10. Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall
Boyfriend Material is a gay romance novel that features British men, bad publicity, and a fake relationship. The story follows Luc, whose job is in jeopardy due to compromising photos, and his one chance at redemption is to enter into a fake relationship with a respectable boyfriend to clean up his image. Oliver Blackwood, a barrister who is the opposite of Luc in every way, takes on the job of being Luc’s fake boyfriend.
As the two men fake-date, they begin to develop real feelings for each other, leading to complications and a struggle to keep their relationship purely fake. Luc’s friend cohort provides comic relief and a sounding board for him when he needs it.
If you enjoyed Red, White and Royal Blue, then Boyfriend Material is a great book for you. While Luc may be more of a trainwreck than the characters in Red, White and Royal Blue, the novel provides a similar opposites attract storyline with a gay romance twist.
11. The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun
The Charm Offensive is a debut novel by Alison Cochrun that has been compared to Red, White and Royal Blue due to its themes of gay romance, opposites attracting, and life in the spotlight. The story revolves around Dev Deshpande, a believer in fairy tales, who works on the reality dating show Ever After. This season, he faces his toughest challenge yet when disgraced tech wunderkind Charlie Winshaw is cast as the star.
Charlie is a stiff, anxious mess in front of the cameras, with no idea how to date twenty women on national television. Behind the scenes, he’s cold, awkward, and emotionally closed-off. As Dev fights to get Charlie to connect with the contestants on a whirlwind, worldwide tour, they begin to open up to each other. Charlie realizes he has better chemistry with Dev than with any of his female co-stars.
The Charm Offensive is a sweet slow burn between two opposites who meet on a reality TV show. Despite the challenges they face, they share their emotional burdens with each other in thoughtful ways, similar to Henry and Alex in Red, White and Royal Blue.
The book has received positive reviews and has been recommended as one of the best books to read if you loved Red, White and Royal Blue. The novel’s themes of gay romance, opposites attracting, and life in the spotlight, make it a great read for fans of the genre.
12. American Royals by Katharine McGee
American Royals by Katharine McGee is a novel that explores the idea of America as a monarchy, reimagining history where George Washington was offered a crown after the Revolutionary War. The House of Washington has been ruling America for two and a half centuries, and the story revolves around the current generation of royals.
The novel focuses on four main characters, two daughters of the Washington family, Princess Beatrice, who is next in line for the throne, and Princess Samantha, the spare. The other two characters are outsiders who become intertwined with the royal family, Nina and Daphne.
The book offers a cast of characters that are well-defined, each with their own unique personalities and motivations. Princess Beatrice struggles with the weight of her duty as the future queen, while Princess Samantha lives a more carefree life, except for her forbidden love interest. Prince Jefferson, the handsome prince, is adored by most of America, but he finds himself caught between two very different girls.
The pressure of the throne is a central theme of the book, as the characters navigate their responsibilities as members of the royal family. The novel also explores the politics of a monarchy, including the power struggles and alliances that come with it.
American Royals is a perfect read for those who enjoy royal romances. The book offers a fresh take on the genre, with its unique concept of America as a monarchy. The characters are relatable, and the plot is engaging, making it a page-turner.
13. The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas
The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas is a book that shares similarities with Red, White and Royal Blue. The book features the fake relationship, enemies to lovers, and pining romance tropes. The story follows Catalina Martin, who is in a dilemma. She does not want to attend her sister’s wedding alone with her ex and his new fiancé in attendance. To avoid this, she takes up her co-worker’s offer to travel to Spain and pretend to be her boyfriend.
The book’s slow burn romance is one of its strongest points, making it a perfect read for those who enjoyed Red, White, and Royal Blue. The enemies to lovers trope is also present, with one main character secretly pining for the other.
Readers who loved the aspect of pining in Red, White, and Royal Blue will find The Spanish Love Deception an enjoyable read. The book’s plot is well-crafted, and the characters are relatable, making it a must-read for fans of the romance genre.
14. If This Gets Out by Sophie Gonzales and Cale Dietrich
If you enjoyed reading Red, White and Royal Blue, you might want to give If This Gets Out a try. This book features a gay romance and a hidden relationship, just like the former.
The story revolves around Ruben Montez and Zach Knight, two 18-year-old members of the popular boy-band Saturday. While they are teen heartthrobs in front of the cameras and best friends backstage, privately, they are in a romantic relationship. The pressure to stay in the closet forces Ruben to confide in Zach, and their close friendship evolves into a romance. However, when they decide to tell their fans and live freely, they realize that they will never truly have the support they need.
The book explores the challenges of fame and how it can limit someone’s life while opening doors at the same time. It is an MM romance that features teenage rock stars, making it an excellent choice for fans of Red, White and Royal Blue.
The authors, Sophie Gonzales and Cale Dietrich, have done an excellent job of creating a compelling story that keeps the readers engaged. The book is well-written and has a clear and neutral tone. It is a must-read for anyone who loves romance, music, and drama.
If you are looking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat and tug at your heartstrings, then If This Gets Out is the perfect choice for you.
15. The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood is a must-read for fans of Red, White and Royal Blue. The novel features a fake relationship and opposites attract storyline that will give readers all the feels.
The protagonist, Olive Smith, is a third-year Ph.D. candidate who doesn’t believe in lasting romantic relationships. However, when her best friend challenges her to prove that she is capable of dating, Olive kisses the first man she sees – Adam Carlsen, a young hotshot professor and well-known jerk.
Despite his reputation, Adam surprisingly agrees to keep Olive’s dating charade a secret and be her fake boyfriend. As they attend a big science conference together, Olive’s career is put in jeopardy, but Adam surprises her again with his unyielding support and even more unyielding…six-pack abs.
The Love Hypothesis is a slow burn romance that will keep readers hooked as they witness the evolution of Olive and Adam’s relationship. The novel’s fake relationship trope is similar to the one found in Red, White and Royal Blue, where Henry and Alex are thrown together in a fake friendship after an oops moment.
16. Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur
Written in the Stars is a novel by Alexandria Bellefleur that has similarities to the popular book Red, White and Royal Blue. This book features a fake relationship and an LGBTQ+ romance that brings together two opposite characters.
The main characters, Darcy and Elle, have completely different personalities. Darcy is an actuary who is tired of her brother’s attempts to set her up on dates. On the other hand, Elle is a care-free astrologer who is searching for her soulmate. After a disastrous blind date, Darcy lies to her brother and tells him that she and Elle are a match. When Elle finds out about the lie, she agrees to Darcy’s plan to fake date through the holidays.
As the two spend more time together, they start to realize that they may have feelings for each other. The novel explores the concept of opposites attracting and how a fake relationship can lead to real love.
17. Everything for You by Chloe Liese
Everything for You by Chloe Liese is a captivating MM romance novel that will leave readers spellbound. This novel is an excellent pick for readers who enjoyed Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston. The book features a forbidden romance between two men on the same sports team, with a strong enemies to lovers vibe.
The story follows two teammates, Oliver Bergman and his captain, who have been at odds for two years. However, when they are appointed co-captains, they are forced to work together, and the captain finds it increasingly difficult to keep his distance from Oliver.
The novel is a fantastic opposites attract love story that will keep readers hooked from the first page to the last. The author does an excellent job of portraying the characters’ emotions and the challenges they face as they navigate their relationship.
Summary
Looking for books similar to “Red, White, and Royal Blue”? Here are some recommendations:
- “The Royal We” by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan
- “The Heir Affair” by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan
- “Boyfriend Material” by Alexis Hall
- “The Kiss Quotient” by Helen Hoang
- “The Hating Game” by Sally Thorne
These books feature LGBTQ+ romance, political intrigue, and witty banter. Perfect for fans of Casey McQuiston’s beloved novel.