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

The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on June 20th 2017
Genres: Historical Fiction, YA, LGBTQIA
Goodreads

An unforgettable tale of two friends on their Grand Tour of 18th-century Europe who stumble upon a magical artifact that leads them from Paris to Venice in a dangerous manhunt, fighting pirates, highwaymen, and their feelings for each other along the way.

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.

Witty, romantic, and intriguing at every turn, The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue is a sumptuous romp that explores the undeniably fine lines between friendship and love.

I received a copy of this novel for review, this does not influence my thoughts on this novel or this review.

I really enjoyed Lee’s debut This Monstrous Thing so when I heard that the pitch for her sophomore novel is a bisexual European road trip, I knew I had to read it. And I’m so happy to report that it did not disappoint at all. Historical fiction is usually not my style at all, but I really loved this one.

Monty is about to head out on his tour around Europe. A last hurrah before he’s made to take care of his father’s estate. He’s just looking to have a relaxing fun summer with Percy, his best friend and crush, but things along the way get complicated, to say the least. The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue is a uniquely fun novel that I highly recommend.

Monty’s journey around Europe was entirely delightful and I loved reading every part of it. If you’re looking for a historical fiction novel that challenges common assumptions about the past (i.e. that it was all straight and white), I recommend this one.