Book Review: The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee

Henry “Monty” Montague was born and bred to be a gentleman, but he was never one to be tamed. The finest boarding schools in England and the constant disapproval of his father haven’t been able to curb any of his roguish passions—not for gambling halls, late nights spent with a bottle of spirits, or waking up in the arms of women or men.

But as Monty embarks on his Grand Tour of Europe, his quest for a life filled with pleasure and vice is in danger of coming to an end. Not only does his father expect him to take over the family’s estate upon his return, but Monty is also nursing an impossible crush on his best friend and traveling companion, Percy.

Still it isn’t in Monty’s nature to give up. Even with his younger sister, Felicity, in tow, he vows to make this yearlong escapade one last hedonistic hurrah and flirt with Percy from Paris to Rome. But when one of Monty’s reckless decisions turns their trip abroad into a harrowing manhunt that spans across Europe, it calls into question everything he knows, including his relationship with the boy he adores.

What can I say that hasn’t already been said about this magnificent book? The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue is hands down one of the most fantastic books to drop in 2017 and it will top MANY favorites lists of the year, including yours truly!

What I Loved:

The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue is a hilarious journey through 1800s Europe in the company of the finest characters I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. Monty, Percy, and Felicity suddenly find themselves being chased through all of Europe by power-hungry people after Monty steals a small box that seemed inconsequential at first sight. After learning that this box holds the key to helping Monty’s best friend (and secret crush) to stay at his side, they decide to fight their way through (in the most gallant way, of course) until reaching their ultimate destination.

It’s hard to write this review with a straight face and think things clearly because all I want to do is fangirl about the characters and everything that happens to them in all these 500+ pages. It’s just that it’s SO FUNNY how everything that could go wrong, happens to them, especially to Monty. Caught kissing with someone you shouldn’t? Yup. Caught running around naked at a party? Yup. Stealing THE MOST important object from a private parlor full of objects? Yup. And this is only the beginning. Whatever you imagine happening to Monty, Percy, and Felicity probably happens and it was hard to not giggle at their misfortunes. Just you wait!

Monty is a one-of-a-kind character and so precious to me. While he is reckless and has inappropriate vices, his heart is gold and deserves all the hugs. His crush for his best friend, Percy, is ADORABLE and I was constantly looking forward to their small, private moments. Oh, and Percy … ugh, such an amazing guy! Despite all of the challenges he has had to face in this world, beginning with being POC and discriminated in a society that still approves of slavery, he charges through it all with his head held high. So admirable. Gosh, I love him. I love them both and I SHIP THEM SO HARD.

BUT FELICITY. She’s Monty’s younger sister and one that should be preparing herself to join society as a complacent young woman, but NOPE. Our Felicity is ready to tackle the world and not let society define her. I didn’t think I would love her as much as Monty and Percy, but I was wrong. Her character is everything and I’m so excited to read more about her!

This book is my first from author Mackenzi Lee but it certainly won’t be my last! Her writing style is amazing and she clearly transported me inside the story. I wasn’t reading about Monty’s adventures with his two traveling companions, I was LIVING it with them. That’s when you know a book is done right.