The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue Review

I read this book after attending an author event with the wonderful Mackenzi Lee here at The Kings English on June 30th. It was the second time I’d met her, the first last summer for her release of This Monstrous Thing, and it was so much fun! I knew I had to read this book after that signing because it sounded like an adventure I’d never forget!

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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.

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My Review of The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue

 

This book was so adorable! The adventures found among this trio of friends is unforgettable. Monty, Percy, and Felicity go on quite a tour through Europe leading them to a mysterious family in Spain, sinking islands off the coast of Italy, and onto a ship of pirates who have a story of their own.

Monty is quite the character. He lives a privileged life as a nobleman’s son but dreams of a life where he gets to choose who he wants to be, and who he wants to be with. You will definitely be in for a ride when the young boy whose lot in life is to run an estate he despises takes you on the journey of a lifetime. He does a good job at disappointing his father at every turn whether being caught with a young miss, drinking to debauchery, or swiping the little things he finds in rooms he’s not supposed to be in. He is a witty drunk who enjoys kissing the lads and ladies while pining for the one person he cannot have. He can be compared to the oh so lovable Damon Salvatore!

Felicity has such a voracious appetite for educating herself in all things women in her era are not supposed to have any interest in. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine being caught up in one of her brothers shenanigans gone awry. I loved Felicity because of her drive to break through societies expectations of her as a woman in the 18th century. She is who I would hope to be if I were born during that time period.

Percy is the most level-headed of the three of them. I loved his character because despite the things he’s been made to endure throughout his life he not resentful, but grateful. Where Monty is selfish and impulsive, Percy is level-headed,  humble, and kind. He balances out the trio in such a way that you just can’t help but love him. He becomes the center of their journey but you can feel how much he doesn’t want to be. He has accepted who he is without any regrets and I think that is important because we often times forget that even when we don’t feel like we can be ourselves there are always those people who will support you in every way possible.

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Highlights from Mackenzi Lee’s Signing with McKelle George

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Have you read The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue? What about This Monstrous Thing?