What happens when the president’s son and a British prince realize their snarky rivalry feels a lot more like love? Readers swoon. Yes, I’m absolutely talking about Red, White & Royal Blue. Witty quips, pop culture references, and odes to queer joy — there’s a reason fans adore all of Casey McQuiston’s books.
If you loved Red, White & Royal Blue (and its movie adaptation) and have wondered what to read next, look no further than these books. You’ll find more royal sparring and LGBTQ+ romance, plus many fan favorite tropes, among other highlights.
My top recommendation is Boyfriend Material, but each book here is a regal read. Don’t be surprised when your TBR list gets a whole lot longer.
1. Love, Hate & Clickbait by Liz Bowery
Enemies-to-lovers, fake dating, and a political spin — Love, Hate & Clickbait has all the trappings of a Red White & Royal Blue readalike.
Political consultant Thom Morgan and data analyst Clay Parker work for the same California governor-turned-presidential-candidate, who encourages a fake romance between the two to boost her liberal ratings. Thorn and Clay’s mutual animosity soon transforms into passion of another kind.
2. One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
McQuiston became a writer to watch in 2019, and she hasn’t let us down since. When deciding what to read after Red, White & Royal Blue, her sophomore novel is a natural choice.
One Last Stop brims with queer love, friendship, and … time travel? It follows August, who falls for Jane, but there’s one problem: Jane’s from the punk rock ’70s, and she’s stuck on a subway car caught between past and present.
3. Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall
Boyfriend Material is our go-to for books similar to Red, White & Royal Blue — not only for the plot, but also because of Hall’s witty writing style.
Luc O’Donnell, the slightly famous son of a rock star, hopes his new “boyfriend” will make him look more respectable. Misunderstandings and a panoply of annoying (but helpful) friends make this slow-burn, fake dating romance entirely engrossing.
4. A Tale of Two Princes by Eric Geron
Geron’s YA charmer includes queer romance from a royal perspective when Edward Dinnissen, the prince of Canada, discovers he has a twin who grew up in rural Montana. By secretly switching identities, the brothers get to experience life like never before (including an exciting new romance for Edward).
5. The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun
Opposites attract when Charlie, an awkward tech genius, agrees to star in a bachelor-esque reality show produced by romance enthusiast Dev Deshpande. Before long, Charlie’s more inclined to spend time with Dev than his co-stars.
Another M/M romance for fans of Casey McQuiston, Cochrun’s debut is an affecting story of identity exploration.
6. The Reality of Us by Vanessa North
North’s excellent characterization shines in this grumpy/sunshine story about a prickly aloof man and his constantly happy coworker. Paired up for a team-building exercise, they’re forced to learn more about one another and overcome challenges, which leads to unexpected friendship — and something more.
7. Icebreaker by A.L. Graziadei
Similar to Red, White & Royal Blue, Icebreaker explores what it means to be true to yourself when much is at stake.
Graziadei’s award-winning story follows Mickey, an elite hockey player destined for the NHL, and his competitive roommate, Jaysen. A slow burn enemies-to-lovers romance, LGBTQ+ representation, and a focus on the importance of mental health make for a sweet and satisfying novel.
8. The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
This fun, lighthearted M/M romance is historical where Red, White & Royal Blue is modern, but it packs similar themes and tropes (including a royal spin). Sparks fly when two friends embark on an 18th-century European road trip, complete with a bisexual young lord, highwaymen, and pirates.
9. What If It's Us by Becky Albertalli
Albertalli and Silvera’s sweet meet-cute story is the breezy queer romance you’ve been waiting for after reading McQuiston’s novel. Arthur and Ben regret not getting each other’s contact info when they meet at the post office. Chance encounters (or is it fate?) and multiple first dates ensue.
10. Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers
Practical, scientific-minded Grace lets loose in Vegas to celebrate earning her PhD in Astronomy — only to wake up the next morning married to a woman she just met.
Frustrated by the discrimination she faces in her career field, she doubles-down on her impulsive marriage and moves across the country to take a chance on love with her new wife. Honey Girl revels in self-discovery amid the pressure to live in confining boxes.
11. American Royalty by Tracey Livesay
Though Livesay’s novel is a M/F romance, it has the same modern royal flair readers love about Red, White & Royal Blue, along with the opposites-attract trope. A reclusive prince hires American rapper Danielle “Duchess” Nelson to perform at a benefit concert, not realizing her stage name doesn’t mean she’s polite and polished like his uptight family.
12. The Queen's Game by Carla de Guzman
A princess who’s been living a paparazzi-rich life has to return to her home country after her father’s death — but the country’s administrators don’t think she’s ready to rule. They choose a local prince to pose as her finacé in a fake relationship designed to build public trust.
Guzman’s royal romance is a lot of fun, with unexpected twists and a princess worth rooting for.
