RED, WHITE & ROYAL BLUE – Casey McQuiston
This might be my favorite book of the year. It was so good. When I wasn’t reading it, I wished I was reading it. I also think I had a dream about it last night. Anyways.
Alex is the first son of the United States, his mom the first woman president ever. He’s smart, handsome, part Mexican, and has the perfect plan for his future in politics. His one downfall is His Royal Highness Henry Prince of England: Alex has never liked him, hated him, even. After a cold conversation and a misunderstanding at Prince Philip’s royal wedding, they create a huge scene and threaten the reelection of Alex’s mom.
To save face with the media, Alex and Henry are forced to pretend they are friends. And of course, while they’re pretending, they fall in love. A love that is so tender, honest, sweet and true, and also… forbidden. So they see each other in secret. They take care of each other’s hearts, write emails to each other until they can see each other again. The growth and emotion of their relationship is one of the best I’ve ever read.
There was so much nuance written into each character. Unapologetic Alex, his protective and smart older sister June, their forever bestie Nora, along with Henry and his band of characters, are never only one thing. I felt like I knew each character, and wanted to be friends with them to get to know them even more.
LOVELIGHT FARMS – B.K. Borison
I loved this book! It had the perfect amount of Christmas whimsy, best friends, small town shenanigans and a sweet, sweet romance. Stella asks her best friend of 9 years, Luka, to be her fake boyfriend to win an Instagram contest. She needs this to go well, as the prize money will help her Christmas tree farm stay in business. I’ve read the fake relationship plot a few times and this was definitely one of the best. Since they started out as best friends, it really all just was a sweet and romantic situation. Luke is really a dreamboat, maybe the best book boyfriend I’ve ever read.
THE GUEST LIST – Lucy Foley
An eerie, moody, truly thrilling and unexpected read. Definitely one of my faves this year.
Power couple Jules and Will are getting married on a remote island with intense weather and rumors of ghosts. Their closest guests arrive the night before, battered and wet from the voyage on the sea, to start the celebrations. Festivities begin, spirits are high, the alcohol flows freely. The men morph back into their rowdy boyhood selves. There is a way about the island that makes people feel like they need to prove themselves. Makes people feel powerful. Makes people feel small.
Over the course of the weekend, some guests are celebrating, and some begin to learn that the people you thought you knew, aren’t always who you think they are. To say that I GASPED when it all came together. Still thinking and overthinking 24 hours later. It took a while before I could start a new book!