Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Read

Amazon

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, this book is delightful if you're the right age for it. It's a feel-good, escapist romance that delivers exactly what it promises: a charming love story between two appealing characters in a fantasy political setting where love actually can conquer all. The writing is sharp, the chemistry works, and it clearly struck a chord with readers hungry for joyful queer representation.

But let's be crystal clear: this is NOT a YA book, despite how it's sometimes marketed or shelved. The sex scenes are explicit and frequent. The language is adult. Common Sense Media says 16+, and honestly that's the floor, not the target. This is New Adult romance—think college-aged characters and content.

For older teens (16-17) who are into romance and ready for adult content, or for adults looking for a fun, hopeful queer love story, it's a solid pick. The representation matters, the themes about authenticity and courage resonate, and it's genuinely entertaining. Just don't accidentally hand this to your 13-year-old because the cover looks cute and it has 'Royal' in the title.

Age Fit

This is firmly for ages 16+ and honestly better suited for older teens and adults. The explicit sexual content and adult themes make it inappropriate for middle schoolers, despite the YA-adjacent marketing. If your 15-year-old is a mature reader who's already into romance novels, maybe—but know what you're handing them.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

72

Models a healthy, consensual romantic relationship between two young adults navigating identity, family expectations, and public scrutiny. The core relationship is built on genuine connection, humor, and mutual respect. Emotional tone is warm and hopeful, though the political/public pressure creates realistic tension. Not age-appropriate for younger readers due to explicit sexual content, but the emotional framework is sound for mature teens and adults.

Imaginative

68

Takes a fun premise—what if the First Son and a British Prince fell in love?—and runs with it in a wish-fulfillment alternate reality where America elected a Texan Democrat mom as President. The political backdrop is creative but light, more rom-com fantasy than serious speculation. Character dynamics are engaging and the fake-friendship-to-real-romance arc is well-executed, though it follows familiar romance genre beats. Invites readers to imagine a more accepting political world, but doesn't push boundaries beyond the romance genre conventions.

Safe

35

Multiple explicit sexual scenes between the two male leads make this definitively not safe for younger readers to encounter unexpectedly. Common Sense Media confirms 'multiple scenes of sexual activity between two 20-something men.' Also contains profanity throughout (kid reviews note 'too much swearing'). The sexual content is consensual and not gratuitous within the romance genre context, but would be inappropriate for a young teen to stumble upon. This is clearly adult/New Adult romance territory.

Enriching

75

Offers positive LGBTQ+ representation with two well-developed characters navigating coming out, identity, and the intersection of personal life with public duty. Explores themes of courage, authenticity, family acceptance, and choosing love despite institutional pressure. The political setting (even if fantastical) introduces readers to protocol, diplomacy, and campaign dynamics. Strong empathy-building as readers experience the characters' internal struggles with identity and visibility. The book became a cultural touchstone for queer romance and clearly resonated with readers seeking both representation and a hopeful love story.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely charming enemies-to-lovers romance with witty banter and emotional depth that made it a bestseller and cultural phenomenon
Positive, joyful LGBTQ+ representation featuring two well-developed characters navigating identity, coming out, and public life
Explores meaningful themes about authenticity, courage, family acceptance, and choosing personal happiness over institutional expectations
The alternate-reality political backdrop (female President, accepting administration) offers hopeful escapism while touching on diplomacy and public service
Became a gateway book for many readers into queer romance and sparked important conversations about representation in mainstream fiction

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What to Watch For

Multiple explicit sex scenes—this is New Adult romance, not YA, despite sometimes being shelved in teen sections
Frequent profanity throughout (characters are in their early 20s and talk like it)
The political elements are light rom-com fantasy, not realistic—don't expect West Wing-level accuracy
Some readers find the pacing slow in the middle or the political stakes underdeveloped compared to the romance

Conversation Starters

"What do you think it would be like to have your personal life constantly scrutinized by the media and the public?"
"Alex and Henry both struggle with expectations from their families and the world—have you ever felt pressure to be someone you're not?"
"The book imagines a world where a same-sex relationship between public figures is ultimately accepted—what do you think that says about progress and hope?"
"How do you think social media and constant connectivity changes the way public figures can have private relationships?"
"What did you think about the way the book handled coming out in such a public, high-stakes situation?"

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