Alex is twenty-one and plans to run for Congress someday. He's also the son of the first woman President in the U.S., who's running for her second term. Henry is the grandson of the British queen. Both of these high-profile young men have little privacy. Alex hasn't minded that up to this point; he revels in the spotlight, having helped campaign for his parents and others. Henry seems rather more reserved. Alex hasn't gotten along with him when they've been together, thinking Henry is too snooty. After an unfortunate incident at Henry's older brother's wedding, their handlers go into damage control. Alex and Henry are directed to behave as friends in front of the media, to help showcase the good relations between their countries. When they find out that they are actually attracted to each other, that's when reality hits them: a gay relationship is sure to turn off voters in the U.S. and to strain the reputation of the monarchy in Britain.
Real politicians are mentioned by name, which makes the book more fun. We see the White House staff working hard behind the scenes. The dialog is fun, especially when the young men interact with Alex's sister, June, the Vice President's granddaughter, Nora, and Henry's sister, Bea. Watching them attempt to have a real life while watched over by security feels realistic. A lot of their conversations are carried on via text and email, which are particularly well-done. There's also some election intrigue that keeps one wondering. But my overall concern was how Alex and Henry could hope to have a continuing relationship, while they were so scrutinized by the public and the media, and the unfairness of their situation. I loved this book. (Kara and Regan have posted about it, too.)
