24 Books Like Red, White & Royal Blue
“Red, White & Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston captivated readers with its charming blend of romance, politics, and humor.
If you’re craving more stories with the same heartwarming vibes and engaging characters, here are some books that capture the essence of “Red, White & Royal Blue” and will keep you swooning and smiling until the very last page.
Best Books Like Red, White & Royal Blue
1. “The Royal We” by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan
“The Royal We” follows the story of Bex Porter, an American student at Oxford, who falls in love with Nick, who is none other than the future king of England. The novel explores their relationship’s challenges, including media scrutiny, family obligations, and personal sacrifices. It’s a heartwarming and humorous tale of love against the odds.
Major Similarities: Both books delve into romances with royal figures, blending humor with the pressures of public life and the complexities of love in the spotlight. They share a contemporary setting and explore themes of identity, love, and the balance between personal desires and public duties.
2. “Boyfriend Material” by Alexis Hall
“Boyfriend Material” is about Luc O’Donnell, who, to clean up his image, decides to fake-date Oliver Blackwood, a barrister with a seemingly perfect life. As they navigate their fake relationship, genuine feelings start to emerge. The book is filled with witty banter, touching moments, and a deep exploration of personal growth.
Major Similarities: Both novels feature fake relationships that evolve into something real, with a strong emphasis on humor, personal growth, and the complexities of public perception versus private reality.
3. “Her Royal Highness” by Rachel Hawkins
In “Her Royal Highness,” Millie Quint is whisked away to a boarding school in Scotland, where she ends up rooming with Princess Flora. Despite initial clashes, their relationship grows into something more. It’s a sweet story of unexpected love, set against a backdrop of royal responsibilities.
Major Similarities: This book shares the theme of a royal romance with a same-sex couple, set in a unique educational environment. It emphasizes themes of love, identity, and the challenge of blending different worlds.
4. “One Last Stop” by Casey McQuiston
From the same author as “Red, White & Royal Blue,” “One Last Stop” is a magical, sapphic romance that follows August as she falls for Jane, a girl mysteriously stuck on the subway since the 1970s. It’s a blend of romance, mystery, and a touch of magic, with richly drawn characters and a heartwarming plot.
Major Similarities: Written by Casey McQuiston, this novel also combines humor, heart, and a unique romantic premise. It explores themes of time, identity, and community, with a strong LGBTQ+ focus.
5. “Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda” by Becky Albertalli
Simon Spier is a not-so-openly gay high school junior who prefers to save his drama for the school musical. But when an email falls into the wrong hands, his secret is at risk of being thrust into the spotlight. It’s a story about identity, love, and the courage to be yourself.
Major Similarities: Both novels feature young LGBTQ+ characters navigating their identities while dealing with the complexities of love and acceptance. They share a humorous, uplifting tone and a contemporary setting.
6. “They Both Die at the End” by Adam Silvera
In a world where people get a phone call on the day they’re going to die, two boys, Mateo and Rufus, find each other through an app called Last Friend. They spend their final day together, living a lifetime in a single day. It’s a poignant story about making the most of every moment.
Major Similarities: While thematically different, both books explore deep connections between characters, the importance of living authentically, and feature LGBTQ+ protagonists.
7. “Carry On” by Rainbow Rowell
“Carry On” is a fantasy novel that follows Simon Snow, the chosen one, as he navigates his final year at a magical school. Alongside battling the evil Insidious Humdrum, Simon grapples with his complicated relationship with his roommate Baz, who might just be a vampire and his nemesis.
Major Similarities: This novel combines elements of fantasy with a central LGBTQ+ romance, focusing on the dynamics between seemingly opposed characters, similar to the political and personal contrasts in “Red, White & Royal Blue.”
8. “The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue” by Mackenzi Lee
Monty embarks on a Grand Tour of Europe with his best friend (and secret crush) Percy and his sister Felicity. The trip quickly turns into a harrowing adventure that tests their friendship and forces Monty to confront his feelings for Percy.
Major Similarities: Both novels feature LGBTQ+ protagonists, a historical setting with a modern sensibility, and themes of adventure, love, and self-discovery.
9. “What If It’s Us” by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera
Arthur and Ben meet-cute at a New York City post office but get separated before they can exchange information. What follows is a series of missed connections and the universe pushing them together. It’s a hopeful, romantic story about fate and the possibilities of love.
Major Similarities: This novel shares the theme of young love with humorous, serendipitous encounters. It emphasizes themes of fate, identity, and the rollercoaster of finding love in unexpected places.
10. “You Should See Me in a Crown” by Leah Johnson
Liz Lighty has always believed she’s too black, too poor, too awkward to shine in her small, rich, prom-obsessed midwestern town. But when she’s thrust into the spotlight of her high school’s prom queen race, she starts to see herself in a new light. It’s a story of self-acceptance, love, and the courage to stand out.
Major Similarities: This book focuses on themes of identity, acceptance, and challenging societal norms, with a heartwarming LGBTQ+ romance at its center. It’s about overcoming obstacles and embracing who you are.
11. “The Upside of Unrequited” by Becky Albertalli
Seventeen-year-old Molly Peskin-Suso knows all about unrequited love. But when her twin sister Cassie gets a new girlfriend who comes with a cute, hipster-boy sidekick, Molly might finally have a chance at her own love story. It’s a sweet, funny look at the complexities of teenage love and family dynamics.
Major Similarities: Like “Red, White & Royal Blue,” it explores themes of love, identity, and the journey to finding oneself, with a strong emphasis on LGBTQ+ characters and relationships.
12. “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Set in 1987, this novel follows two boys, Aristotle and Dante, who are seemingly opposites but develop a deep friendship that evolves into something more. It’s a beautiful exploration of identity, family, and the profound connections that shape our lives.
Major Similarities: Both books focus on the evolving relationship between two young men, exploring themes of identity, acceptance, and the impact of societal and family expectations on LGBTQ+ individuals.
13. “Date Me, Bryson Keller” by Kevin van Whye
Bryson Keller, the most popular boy in school, takes on a dare to date the first person to ask him out each week. When Kai Sheridan, a closeted junior, takes the dare, what starts as a fake relationship quickly turns into something real and complicated.
Major Similarities: This novel explores themes of coming out, self-discovery, and the dynamics of a relationship that starts as a challenge but grows into genuine affection, echoing the fake-dating trope and LGBTQ+ romance of “Red, White & Royal Blue.”
14. “The Love Hypothesis” by Ali Hazelwood
When PhD candidate Olive Smith makes a fake relationship pact with hotshot professor Adam Carlsen to convince her best friend that she’s dating, things get complicated as their fake feelings start to turn real. It’s a smart, witty romance set against the backdrop of academia.
Major Similarities: Like “Red, White & Royal Blue,” this novel features a fake relationship that evolves into something more, with a focus on humor, the tension between personal and professional lives, and a contemporary setting.
15. “Fence” by C.S. Pacat (Graphic Novel Series)
“Fence” follows Nicholas Cox, an outsider who dreams of becoming a fencing champion, as he faces challenges and rivalries at an elite boys school. It’s known for its diverse cast, exploration of sportsmanship, and developing relationships, including LGBTQ+ themes.
Major Similarities: Both “Red, White & Royal Blue” and “Fence” explore themes of competition, personal growth, and LGBTQ+ relationships, set against a backdrop of elite schooling and high stakes.
16. “The Extraordinaries” by T.J. Klune
In a world where superheroes are real, Nick Bell, not extraordinary himself, writes fanfiction about his favorite hero. But when he gets the chance to meet his idol, things start to change, and Nick begins to discover his own worth and potential.
Major Similarities: This book combines humor, LGBTQ+ romance, and a unique take on the superhero genre, focusing on self-discovery and the line between fantasy and reality.
17. “Written in the Stars” by Alexandria Bellefleur
After a disastrous blind date, Darcy Lowell and Elle Jones fake a relationship to appease their families. Despite their initial misgivings, they begin to develop real feelings for each other. It’s a delightful romance that plays with the tropes of astrology and opposites attracting.
Major Similarities: Like “Red, White & Royal Blue,” it features a fake relationship and explores themes of love, identity, and the journey to understanding one’s true self.
18. “Only Mostly Devastated” by Sophie Gonzales
This novel is a modern take on “Grease,” featuring Ollie and Will, who have a summer romance that they think will end once school starts. But when Ollie moves and attends the same school as Will, he finds that Will is not the same guy he fell for. It explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the complexity of high school relationships.
Major Similarities: Both novels deal with the challenges of a hidden relationship, identity, and the tension between public persona and private self, with a contemporary LGBTQ+ romance at its heart.
19. “If I Was Your Girl” by Meredith Russo
Amanda Hardy is the new girl in school, carrying a big secret. She’s transgender and moving to a new town hoping for a fresh start. As she gets closer to Grant, she wonders how much she can trust him with her heart and her history. It’s a powerful story about love, identity, and acceptance.
Major Similarities: This novel shares themes of love, identity, and the fear of acceptance, focusing on a transgender protagonist navigating a new environment and relationships, resonating with the themes of personal growth and acceptance in “Red, White & Royal Blue.”
20. “Something to Talk About” by Meryl Wilsner
When Hollywood showrunner Jo and her assistant Emma are photographed together, rumors start to fly, suggesting they’re dating. As they spend more time together to combat the rumors, their friendship begins to deepen into something more. It’s a slow-burn romance that explores themes of media scrutiny, workplace dynamics, and love.
Major Similarities: Both books delve into the impact of media on personal relationships, featuring a slow-burn romance that develops against the backdrop of public scrutiny and personal growth.
21. “Lie With Me” by Philippe Besson
Set in France during the 1980s, this novel tells the story of Philippe, a high school senior, and his secret relationship with Thomas, a classmate. It’s a poignant story of first love, loss, and memory, beautifully capturing the intensity and heartbreak of young love.
Major Similarities: Like “Red, White & Royal Blue,” this novel focuses on a secret relationship, the complexities of coming out, and the deep emotional impact of a first love, set in a specific socio-political context.
22. “The Music of What Happens” by Bill Konigsberg
Max and Jordan couldn’t be more different, but when they end up working together on a food truck one summer, they discover the magic of first love and the importance of facing their personal demons. It’s a heartwarming story about friendship, resilience, and self-discovery.
Major Similarities: Both novels feature a summer romance that helps the characters confront personal challenges and grow, set against a contemporary backdrop with themes of identity and acceptance.
23. “Autoboyography” by Christina Lauren
Tanner Scott, a bisexual teen, falls for Sebastian Brother, a Mormon prodigy who is feared to be beyond his reach. Their relationship becomes a profound journey of self-discovery and love, challenging both to confront their beliefs and desires.
Major Similarities: This novel explores the complexities of a forbidden love, the tension between faith and identity, and the journey towards acceptance and self-expression, echoing the themes of love against the odds.
24. “Heartstopper” by Alice Oseman (Graphic Novel Series)
Charlie and Nick meet at an all-boys school and quickly discover that their friendship is growing into something more. It’s a story about love, friendship, and the journey of coming out, beautifully presented in graphic novel format.
Major Similarities: Both “Red, White & Royal Blue” and “Heartstopper” explore young LGBTQ+ romance, the importance of acceptance, and the journey of self-discovery, featuring engaging characters and a contemporary setting.
