Mundie Moms

Friday, November 17, 2017

The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee / Book Review


By: Mackenzi Lee
Published by: Katherine Tegen Books
Released on: June 27th, 2017
Series: Guide #1
Purchase from: Amazon | B&N
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Source: Purchased book

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.


Talk about an entertaining read! Monty's narration had my stomach hurting from laughing so much. I admit, this book was not at all what I was excepting. That's a great thing, because this is a light, fun, highly entertaining read chalk full of humor, plenty of sarcasm, that not only had me laughing out loud, but made it hard to put the book down once I started it. Mixed with one of my favorite elements, history. This is a historical romance that includes trouble, love, friendship, and adventure!

Monty's character is one I wasn't excepting to be so drawn to. There's something in the way that he just is, that made me both like him, and laugh at his sarcasm. He in some ways, he reminded me of another certain sarcastic, unapologetic character I love who's name starts with a J. Like that character, Monty doesn't make excuses for who is, or what he does. That is what lands him in a bit of a predicament. Hailing from a well known wealthy, high society British family, Monty's scandalous behavior has gotten him a bit of trouble. His carefree trip of seeing some beautiful parts of the world (I'm a little envious), with his sister and best friend, Percy, doesn't go quite as planned.

Not only did his father send a so called baby-sitter, name Mr. Lockwood on the trip to make to sure Percy halts his scandalous behavior, which let's be honest, didn't change a thing, his journey is also challenged by pirates, villains, and plenty of other trouble. To make matters worse, Monty's battling an internal war over his feelings for Percy. Percy and Monty have the kind of relationship that makes them more than friends, and something stronger than brothers. Monty can't help fighting the deeper feelings he has for him. Will it all be worth the risk? 

There is something about the way this book is written that I couldn't turn away from it. Monty's narration was down right comical! Mixed into his sarcasm, and his immature ways, which normally would have annoyed me to the point I would have stopped reading the book, this book is hilarious. There's something almost endearing about Monty that I couldn't help but like, and two, wanted to see if the real Monty would finally make an appearance. I swear half of his actions are because he wouldn't come to terms with the feelings he's hiding for Percy for so long.

Talk about entertaining! This book is hilarious. Yes, this book has some subjective humor in it, and some older reader themes, but it's also Monty's down right ridiculous actions that land him in trouble. It's not just Monty who ends up in trouble, but his sister and Percy as well. Maybe it's because I wanted to see what Monty would learn from the continuous trouble he gets into, or see if he would grow up, but it was much to entertaining watching someone continually make a fool of themselves, especially someone who hails from the British high society. His father's reaction to all Monty does is spot on. 

Mixed into the humor, I absolutely loved the historical content of this book. Okay, love might be an understatement. The other reason I kept reading, was because I felt like I stepped back into time. I LOVE history, and this book's rich 18th century European historical setting was perfect. Lee's vivid imagery makes you feel like you're there along side Monty and his crew. My favorite part of the book might have been her historical notes at the end of the book. I'm impressed with the amount of research that went into this book. 

Overall, this was a fun historical romance, with the right amount of adventure, mishap and humor. That ending.... Oh my heart. What a great ending. I'm really hoping we get more of this story, but from Monty's sister. I loved how accepting she is of Monty and Percy. I feel like there's so much more to this story that needs to be told.

*There is some topics in this book that may not be suitable for younger kids. There are some drunken shenanigans, and some well written sexual tensions & scenes. 

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