Casey McQuiston

Casey McQuiston is an American author of romance novels who gained prominence with their 2019 debut "Red, White & Royal Blue," which became a New York Times bestseller and was later adapted into a film. Their work spans both new adult and young adult fiction, focusing on LGBTQ+ themes and contemporary romance. McQuiston's writing career includes three major novels: "Red, White & Royal Blue," "One Last Stop" (2021), and "I Kissed Shara Wheeler" (2022). Their recognition includes being named to Time magazine's 2022 Time 100 Next list, marking their significant impact on contemporary literature. Born in 1991 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, McQuiston holds a journalism degree from Louisiana State University and worked in magazine publishing before becoming a novelist. They currently reside in New York City and identify as queer and non-binary.

Readers connect strongly with McQuiston's portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships and coming-of-age experiences. Reviews highlight the humor, banter between characters, and integration of social issues into romance plots. What readers liked: - Fast-paced dialogue and witty humor - Authentic representation of queer characters and relationships - Strong emotional development of main characters - Balance of romance with deeper themes "The characters feel like real people I know," notes one Goodreads reviewer What readers disliked: - Plot pacing in middle sections - Some find the writing style overly casual - Political elements in RWRB seen as unrealistic by some - Secondary characters sometimes underdeveloped Ratings across platforms: - Red, White & Royal Blue: 4.2/5 (Goodreads, 1.2M ratings) - One Last Stop: 4.1/5 (Goodreads, 330K ratings) - I Kissed Shara Wheeler: 3.9/5 (Goodreads, 130K ratings) - Amazon ratings average 4.5/5 across all books

Red, White & Royal Blue (2019) A romantic comedy following the First Son of the United States who falls in love with a British prince, leading to political complications and personal revelations across two continents.

One Last Stop (2021) A romance set in New York City about a cynical 23-year-old who falls for a mysterious woman who is inexplicably displaced in time from the 1970s on the Q train subway line.

I Kissed Shara Wheeler (2022) A young adult novel about a high school valedictorian candidate who searches for her rival Shara Wheeler through a trail of cryptic notes, uncovering unexpected truths about their small Alabama town.

Alice Oseman writes young adult fiction centered on LGBTQ+ characters navigating relationships and identity. Their "Heartstopper" series and standalone novels feature similar themes of self-discovery and romance that McQuiston readers appreciate.

Becky Albertalli creates contemporary young adult novels focusing on coming-out stories and LGBTQ+ romance. Her work includes "Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda" and features the same blend of humor and heart found in McQuiston's books.

Taylor Jenkins Reid writes contemporary fiction that mixes romance with complex character development and alternate timelines. Her books share McQuiston's ability to weave past and present narratives while maintaining focus on central relationships.

Emily Henry produces contemporary romance novels featuring writers and creative professionals as main characters. Her books contain similar elements to McQuiston's work: witty dialogue, complex relationships, and characters in their twenties discovering themselves.

Christina Lauren writes romance novels that combine humor with contemporary settings and strong character development. Their books feature similar relationship dynamics and modern dating scenarios that appeal to McQuiston's readership.