Audiobook Sample
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- Title: Red, White & Royal Blue: A Novel
- Author: Casey Mcquiston
- Narrator: Ramon De Ocampo
- Length: 12:17:12
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 14/05/2019
- Publisher: Macmillan Audio
- Genre: Romance, General, LGBTQ, Rom-Com
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
It reminds me of a time when I was crisscrossing the cobblestone streets of Lisbon, an audiobook humming in my ears, the narrator’s voice weaving a tale as vivid as the azulejo tiles lining the walls. There’s something about a well-told story that turns a fleeting moment into a journey, and Casey McQuiston’s “Red, White & Royal Blue”, narrated by the masterful Ramon de Ocampo, does just that. This isn’t just an audiobook experience – it’s a passport to a world where love defies borders, both literal and figurative, and where the stakes feel as high as a diplomatic summit yet as intimate as a whispered confession.
When I first pressed play, I was sprawled across a hammock in Oaxaca, the same town where I once listened to a grandmother spin tales of love and rebellion under a starlit sky. That memory flickered back as Alex Claremont-Diaz, America’s First Son, and Prince Henry of Wales stumbled into my headphones – two young men caught in a web of tabloid scandals, political machinations, and a faux friendship that blooms into something achingly real. You can almost feel the weight of their titles pressing down, the way the White House and Buckingham Palace loom like characters in their own right. McQuiston, with her MFA-honed knack for emotional storytelling, crafts a romance that’s tender, hilarious, and sexy – everything I crave when I’m stealing moments to listen on a dusty road or a crowded subway.
The story unfolds like a dish you’ve never tasted before but somehow know by heart. Alex, all charisma and sharp edges, is the son of the first female U.S. President, a millennial poster boy whose life gets messy when he clashes with Henry, the reserved prince across the pond. What starts as a staged truce – complete with Instagram-worthy photo ops – spirals into a secret love affair that could topple empires or, just maybe, mend them. It’s a rom-com with teeth, biting into questions of identity, duty, and the courage it takes to let your true colors shine through. As someone who’s spent years chasing hidden histories and human connections, I found myself nodding along to Alex and Henry’s struggle to reconcile who they are with who the world expects them to be. It’s a universal ache, wrapped in the glitter of royal courts and campaign trails.
Now, let’s talk about Ramon de Ocampo’s narration, because this audiobook experience wouldn’t be half as enchanting without him. His voice is a warm current, pulling you under with every inflection. You can hear the smirk in Alex’s quips, the tremble in Henry’s quiet revelations. It’s the kind of performance that reminds me of those Oaxacan evenings – the pauses are as telling as the words, the timing impeccable. De Ocampo brings out the humor, the heat, and the heart, making the 12-hour runtime (a breezy 0.511944444 days, if you’re counting) feel like a conversation with a friend. The audio quality is crisp, Macmillan Audio delivering a production that lets every laugh and longing land just right. For romance fans, LGBTQ listeners, or anyone who loves a good enemies-to-lovers arc, this is a listening experience that sticks with you.
That said, it’s not flawless. The pacing occasionally dips, especially in the political subplots that can feel like a detour from the central romance. As someone who’s trekked through sprawling narratives in travel memoirs, I didn’t mind – there’s a richness to the world-building that rewards patience. But if you’re here strictly for the swoon, you might fidget during those stretches. And while McQuiston’s dialogue sparkles, some secondary characters (looking at you, Zahra) feel more like seasoning than fully cooked dishes. Still, these are minor quibbles in a feast this satisfying.
Compared to other rom-coms – like, say, “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”, which I devoured on a flight over the Andes – this one stands out for its blend of levity and depth. Taylor Jenkins Reid called it “outrageously fun,” and she’s not wrong; it’s got the fizz of a summer fling but the soul of something lasting. NPR dubbed it “effervescent and empowering,” and I’d add that it’s a celebration of love as an act of defiance – a theme that resonates whether you’re listening in a Chilean desert or a Brooklyn café.
If you’re new to audiobooks or just dipping into the romance genre, “Red, White & Royal Blue” is a perfect entry point. It’s got the wit of a classic rom-com, the inclusivity of modern LGBTQ storytelling, and a narrator who makes every chapter a treat. And here’s the kicker: you can often snag this gem as a free audiobook through services like Audiobooks.com – check the sample at their site and see if it hooks you like it did me. For fans of character-driven tales with a side of political intrigue, this is a must-listen.
Reflecting on it now, this audiobook feels like a companion from my own adventures – a reminder that love, like a good story, can sneak up on you when you least expect it. It’s the kind of tale I’d share over mezcal with that Oaxacan family, watching their eyes light up as Alex and Henry find their way. McQuiston’s debut proves that true love isn’t always diplomatic, but it’s always worth the fight.
Until our next tale unfolds, with wanderlust and warm regards,
Marcus Rivera
