Last Updated on November 30, 2023 by Louisa
What I loved about Red White and Royal Blue was how Casey McQuiston cleverly created two lovable main characters, who were total opposites but was also clearly made for each other.
After devouring this novel in a few short days, I was desperate to find some other opposite-attract romance books like Red White and Royal Blue that could get me to believe in love in unlikely scenarios.
But it wasn’t just the opposites attracting that made this book so heartwarming.
The fake relationship was another theme that kept me hooked to see how it ended, plus the witty humor throughout had me chuckling. I’m also a bit of a sucker for political intrigue books, too.
If you’re looking for similar books to Red White and Royal Blue, then you have come to the right place, as I have listed many of my favorites below…
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through any of these links.
Quick Answer: Top 3 Picks!
Need a book fast but don’t have much time? Here are my top three favorites!
Our Favourites!
#1 Best Highly Acclaimed Novel
They Both Die At The End by Adam Silvera
- International Bestseller
- A Kirkus Best Book of the Year
- A story of two men who have one day left to live and one last adventure
#2 Best in LGBTQ
The Song Of Achilles by Madeline Miller
- About an exiled young man who falls in love with a demigods son
- New York Times Bestseller
- Winner of The Women’s Prize for Fiction in 2012
Summary of Red White and Royal Blue
Before I get into the top similar books to Red White and Royal Blue, here’s a quick low down of the story so you can get an idea of the themes and storylines to expect in the similar titles. Don’t worry, I won’t reveal any spoilers!
If you enjoy LGBTQ rom-com novels or books with a political romance, then you’ve probably been recommended Red White and Royal Blue.
The story follows Alex, who is the first son of the first female president.
Overseas in Britain, there is Henry, who is part of the royal family.
For many years they were each other’s biggest nemesis. And when Alex gets the perfect chance to sabotage Henry, it becomes a PR nightmare, so their management team force them into a fake relationship to smooth over their public image.
However, what started out as hard feelings, turns out could be an attraction after all.
Red White and Royal Blue is a romantic comedy story about opposites attracting, entering a fake relationship, political romance, and of course, LGBTQ romance.
Books Like Red White and Royal Blue
Now you have had a little recap of the story, it’s time to show you the best books like Red White, and Royal Blue. These books all have themes of opposites attracting, fake relationships, and in some cases, LGBTQ romance.
1. They Both Die At The End – Adam Silvera
If you liked the contrast between the two protagonists in Red White and Royal Blue, then you’ll love They Both Die At The End.
Set in an alternate world, Death-Cast is a company that brings people up and lets them politely know that their impending death has come, and it will be within the next 24 hours.
This gives them time to say goodbye to loved ones, experience bucket list activities, or tie loose ends. In the book, we follow two lads, Rufus and Mateo, as they traverse the streets, spending the few hours they have left in the world together.
A fabulous concept and one that keeps you intrigued to the very end, even though, quite humorously, the title gives it away.
They Both Die At The End is a must-read for anyone looking for LGBTQ books like Red White and Royal Blue.
View it on:
Related Post: The Best Books Like They Both Die At The End
2. Heartstopper – Alice Oseman
I love the connection between LGBTQ characters in Red White and Royal Blue. That’s why I couldn’t get enough of Heartstopper by Alice Oseman.
The story follows Charlie who was outed at the beginning of the school year and experienced a lot of bullying.
Nick has always noticed Charlie but never had the opportunity to meet him. He thought he would never have the chance to meet or be with him.
Fate has a way of bringing people together.
This is a classic romance book about opposites attracting that I couldn’t put down. It’s a refreshing and realistic depiction of modern romance, representing love in all its varied forms and complexities.
View it on:
3. The Song of Achilles – Madeline Miller
If you enjoyed the themes of acceptance, self-discovery, and learning to trust oneself in Red White and Royal Blue, then you should check out The Song of Achilles, which has these themes expertly woven throughout the novel.
Patroclus, a young prince, has been sent to the kingdom of Phthia after murdering another boy.
Falling in love with Achilles, the son of a Greek Goddess, Patroclus is everything Achilles is not.
Growing up together, they form an irrevocably deep bond and soon comes the beginnings of the Trojan War.
Helen of Sparta is kidnapped and persuaded by the promise of a future full of glory, Achilles joins the monumental effort to get Helen back, with Patroclus joining too.
Told from his perspective, Miller’s exquisite writing style allows us to venture into the life and mind of Patroclus and see his worship for Achilles and the horrors of war.
The Song of Achilles is a coming-of-age LGBTQ book with fantastical elements and a hint of romance.
View it on:
4. Love, Hate & Clickbait – Liz Bowery
Fans of LGBTQ romance and enemies-to-lovers tropes will find much to enjoy in this heartwarming and thought-provoking novel, Love, Hate & Clickbait.
Cutting-edge political consultant Thom Morgan is sailing smoothly on the governor of California’s presidential bid.
If only there weren’t any pesky, hot, and incredibly distracting men to distract Thom! Clay Parker is that infuriatingly smug data analyst whose presence never fails to get under his skin like he’s part of his professional duties!
After Thom and Clay get into a very heated argument in public, a journalist takes their picture, only it’s framed to look like they’re making out. The photo goes viral, so the governor asks them to enter a fake relationship to help his campaign.
Thom is about damage control, so he’ll smile and wave and take on this challenge like any other. But soon, the boundaries start to get pushed too far.
There is a line between “giving the people what they want” and pushing something into something deeper.
Can they keep up appearances, or will their fake relationship cause the campaign to derail? costing them not just their jobs but their hearts.
This book is a refreshing and realistic depiction of modern romance, representing love in all its varied forms and complexities.
View it on:
5. Boyfriend Material – Alexis Hall
If you’re looking for another fake dating romance book with LGBTQ themes, then you will love Boyfriend Material.
Luc O’Donnell is somewhat famous. When he was young, his rock star parents split. The father he’s never met spent the next twenty years sailing in and out of rehabilitation programs.
Luc’s return to the public eye has led to him being targeted by the media, who are quick to exploit any compromising photo.
Luc needs to clean up his image to improve it. He can do this by finding a nice, normal relationship with someone like Oliver Blackwood.
Mr. Blackwood is an ethical vegetarian and has never been involved in scandalous behavior. In other words, he would be the perfect boyfriend for Luc.
Unfortunately, besides being gay, single, and needing a date for a big event, Luc and Oliver have little in common. So they strike a deal. Be publicity-friendly boyfriends, and then go their separate ways after the dust settles.
When you engage in fake-dating, it can feel a lot like dating in real life. And that’s when you get used to the person. You may start falling for them, and you will find it hard to let them go.
What I loved about this fake relationship romance novel was that it offers a thoughtful commentary on the societal pressures and expectations surrounding sexual orientation and identity.
The character development is nuanced and rewarding, as the two leads discover and embrace their true selves and desires.
View it on:
6. Simon Vs The Homosapiens – Becky Albertalli
If you’re looking for something a little more young adult and has the same level of wit and humor as Red, White and Royal Blue, then you’ll love Simon Vs The Homosapiens.
Simon is a 16-year-old angsty, not-so-openly gay teenager who prefers to stay out of the dramas of high school.
But when the wrong people get hold of an email, his secret is at risk of being exposed.
Simon has to step out of his comfort zone and work out how to find his place in the world without alienating his friends or blowing it with the adorable guy he likes.
This is a funny but also heartwarming coming-of-age and coming-out story that will have you rooting for the main characters, just like you do with Red, White, and Royal Blue.
View it on:
7. Call Me By Your Name – André Aciman
Call Me by Your Name is a coming-of-age novel by André Aciman, which tells the story of a blossoming romantic relationship between a smart, precocious, and curious 17-year-old American-Italian Jewish boy.
Elio Perlman and a 24-year-old American Jewish doctoral student, Oliver, who is visiting their house over the summer.
Set in the 1980s, this book has been praised for portraying Elio’s interior life and the complexities of same-sex relationships in the 80s.
Winner of the Gay Fiction category at the 20th Lambda Literary Awards.
View it on:
8. The Hating Game – Sally Thorne
The Hating Game is a Tiktok sensation and was also turned into a Hollywood movie in 2021. It also follows an enemies to lovers romance about two people who are polar opposites.
Lucy and Joshua love to hate each other—they’ve created an endless competition in their shared workplace, caught in a deadlock in Sally Thorne’s The Hating Game.
The two are at opposite ends of the spectrum, Lucy with a laid-back, easygoing attitude, and Joshua who stays reserved throughout.
It’s a high-stakes game for Lucy, who’s gunning for an upcoming promotion.
Still, she looks forward to more than just that as the situation progresses—and it all comes crashing down when they share a passionate kiss during an elevator ride.
This is both funny and lighthearted, with a romance that burns with the same intensity as the competition in the story.
View it on:
9. Nick and Charlie – Alice Oseman
Nick and Charlie is a short novella based on Alice Oseman’s debut novel Solitaire.
Charlie and Nick have been dating for two years and their relationship is boring. Everyone thinks they’re the perfect couple, and inseparable.
But Nick is leaving for university, and Charlie is left behind. Will they stay together, or is the time to say goodbye nearing closer?
This is the heartbreakingly warm story of two young first lovers trying to make it work long distance.
Written by the author of the Bookseller’s Young Adult Book Prize in 2021 for her novel, Loveless.
View it on:
10. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe – Benjamin Alire Sáenz
If you’re looking for something that’s less light-hearted than Red, White and Royal Blue, then you might enjoy Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe next.
Aristotle is a volatile teen harboring resentment towards his incarcerated brother, while Dante is an egotistical lad with a unique perspective on life. They have nothing in common, except they are both loners.
When they meet in a swimming pool, they discover despite their differences, there is a connection there.
They develop a special friendship, one that lasts forever, and through it, they learn the importance of friendship, family, and trust.
This is a sweet, coming-of-age, clean romance book about two opposites attracting.
View it on:
11. D’Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding – Chencia C. Higgins
If you’re looking for another exciting romantic comedy book that will have you laughing but also gripped by a storyline that is fast-paced and well-developed, give D’Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding a try!
D’Vaughn and Kris have just six weeks to make their dream wedding happen – except it’s not a dream because the relationship is fake.
Kris Zavala is close to becoming an influencer, and to elevate her career, she agrees to a reality TV stint to help promote her brand. And a $100,000 prize pot is a sweet reward too!
D’Vaughn Miller is the opposite. She’s quiet and shy and is just trying to come out of her shell. She is yet to come out to her mom and decides to do it at a big, flashy wedding.
The task is simple – convince their friends and family that they will get married in six weeks, but if anyone suspects their relationship is fake, they are out of the competition.
The pair must sell their chemistry on camera, which comes surprisingly easy. But each week, the competition heats a notch, and soon it’s not just the prize money at stake.
I loved how the two main characters, despite their differences and initial misgivings, have strong chemistry that permeates the entire novel.
View it on:
12. Her Royal Highness – Rachel Hawkins
If you’re looking for another funny royal romance book like Red White and Royal Blue, then you’ll love Her Royal Highness.
Millie Quint has just learned that her best friend/sort-of-girlfriend has been seeing someone else. Now heartbroken, Millie decides it’s time to change things up, so she starts applying for scholarships to boarding schools.
When she is accepted into one of the world’s most exclusive schools in Scotland, she jumps at the opportunity.
The school is so different from what she’s used to in America – it’s covered in ivy and surrounded by countryside, but she loves it there.
The only problem is that her new roommate is a princess.
Millie and her roommate Flora can’t stand each other at first, but soon, they become best friends and into something more.
But can she have a happily ever after with a real princess?
This is very similar to Red, White and Royal Blue, but set in the UK and with female leads instead.
View it on:
13. I’m So (Not) Over You – Kosoko Jackson
If you love fake relationship romantic comedies then you should consider checking out I’m So (Not) Over You.
The story follows aspiring journalist Kian Andrews who receives an urgent text from his ex-boyfriend, Hudson, who he hasn’t seen in months. Thinking he wants to apologize, he meets him at a cafe, where he has a favor to ask.
He wants Kian to pretend to be his boyfriend, just for a short while when his parents are in town. Not how he thought the meeting would go down, but he agrees.
But the dinner doesn’t go to plan, as Kian has just been made a plus one to a huge wedding.
Hudson comes from wealth, where reputation is essential. Kian is there to help Hudson keep up appearances, and he also gets the chance to network with media hotshots.
But their fake relationship starts to crumble, and soon they must both confront their true feelings.
The book’s portrayal of a fake relationship turned genuine romance is both heartwarming and compelling.
View it on:
14. Playing the Palace – Paul Rudnick
Are you looking for another regency happily-ever-after novel about royals from England? Then take a look at Playing the Palace by Paul Rudnick.
Carter Ogden has been cheated on and is afraid that love is not in store for him.
Although he remains optimistic he will find love again, he never imagined he’d meet, let alone fall in love, with the Crown Prince of England.
Growing up, he had always dreamed about the handsome, openly gay Prince Edgar, and when they meet at a party, the sizzling chemistry is undeniable.
The unlikely romance then sets off a media frenzy, which puts pressure on their relationship when it has been cast in the spotlight.
Carter must fight for his Happily Ever After, even overcoming the disapproval of the Queen of England. But Carter and Price Edgar are prepared to fight for what they have.
Fans of LGBTQ romance and rom-coms will find much to enjoy in this charming and heartfelt novel.
View it on:
15. Love & Other Disasters – Anita Kelly
Love & Other Disasters is about the first openly nonbinary contestant on a beloved cooking show who falls in love with a clumsy competitor. It was also turned into a movie in 2006.
Dahlia Woodson is recently divorced and broke. Her only way to redemption is by competing in the reality cooking competition, Chef’s Special.
Her entrance to the show goes down badly, with her falling over her feet and sending fish tacos soaring.
The incident captures everyone’s attention, including London Parker. They’re there to prove to the trolls, and her dad, that they can do this. They didn’t expect to fall in love.
As London and Dahlia battle it out for the prize fund, reality becomes a fairy tale dream. Their relationship turns hot, in and out of the kitchen.
But when the competition ends, will they be able to make it together?
I loved the humor in this novel. The dialogue is sharp and witty, creating moments of both humor and genuine emotion.
View it on:
Like this post? Don’t forget to save it on Pinterest!
Final Word on Books Like Red White and Royal Blue
So there you have it, those are the best books like Red, White and Royal Blue with themes of political intrigue, LGBTQ romance, fake relationships, and opposites attracting.
As you can see, there’s a lot of variety here, so I hope you’ll be able to find something that interests you on this list and gave you some inspiration for what to read next.
If you think I’ve missed anything, let me know in the comments!
Related reading: Books with a color in the title and what they represent
