By Casey McQuiston
Book is rated 4 / 5 stars.
I've never been so excited about a book turning into a movie. This was such a wonderful, interesting and creative storyline. The relationships built throughout the book had me in a chokehold, but nothing had me addicted more than Alex and Henry. I loved watching their hatred for each other blossom and Alex discovering more about who he really is. Amazing! There are spoilers ahead, so if you haven't read the book, be prepared.
Book Tropes
LGBTQ+, Enemies to Lovers, Opposites Attract, Forbidden Love, Secret Love, LDR, Political.
Spice Level: 2.5 / 5.
The Plot
I cannot stop gushing about this book; everything about it has me so elated about also being able to watch this come to life. Every second of this book was encased in spice, comedy and a coming out story all rolled into one. Everyone is a sucker for the enemies to lover storyline - this is no exception to the rule.
Alex and Henry had such chemistry from page one that I almost skipped through the pages that didn't have the pair of them on it. Though this book is in third person, I liked that the focus was coming from Alex. It was cute to see a bird's eye POV of his thoughts and the growth of his relationship with Henry. I loved that once they were together, the secret kisses throughout just became that much sweeter. Having a glimpse of their emails was such a delicious little appetizer of moments that would lead up to them seeing each other.
He guesses it makes sense - they've always been fixed points in each other's worlds.
The relationships between the side characters and their connection to the main boys was absolutely wonderful. Not to mention the plot twist romance between Zahra and Shaan. I loved how Ellen, though she was the President of the United States, was a mom first. She cared so much about her son and protecting him that it made me gush internally. She really is such a great mom character that not many b books have. Especially given her position.
But they were also supposed to have more time.
I love a good political drama, even if I don't always understand it; this book taught me some great things and also helped me see this through the eyes of a fan of West Wing and Chasing Liberty all at the same time. The drama beyond their relationships, like with Raf, had me screaming. I had suspicions but I really thought that the whole arc was really well done and it really came through in the end in a way that made me feel satisfied. Plus, Henry's mother standing up to the Queen and helping pave the way for a better future was WONDERFUL!
True Love isn't Always Diplomatic.
This book was peppered with perfect plot twists that constantly had me questioning my own sanity in the best of ways. I will definitely be re-reading this book. I loved everything about it and I will 100% be reading more books by Casey McQuiston.
What did you all think? What was your favorite part? Let me know in the comments!
Comments