The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue: {Review}

Publication date: June 27th, 2017
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Series: Guide #1
Format: e-Book
Source: Amazon
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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.

 Going into this book, I knew that I was in for a treat. I absolutely adore historical fiction books, especially the 18th century time period. It has it all: action, snarky characters, adventure, romance, funny times, near death experiences, pirates, alchemy, and more. But there are also dark parts lurking within the story: racism, sexism, homophobia, and there is also mention of deadly asylums that many people died in.

Monty was the most infuriating character for me. I understand why he was the way he was, because of his horrible father and how he grew up, but sometimes he was just so insufferable, especially around Percy. He never really thinks before he speaks which is why I wanted to throttle him so many times. But Percy and Felicity did a good job of putting him in his place when they could. He did experience a lot of character growth from start to finish though, so that was a good redeeming factor.

Percy and Felicity were wonderful though! Percy was so sweet and patient with Monty, even though he had no reason to be. He was a true loyal friend, and Monty was always too drunk or messed up to see that. I loved Felicity's stubbornness and sass. She did not want to be another woman stuck in her role as a wife and a mother so she found her own way to pursue her passion.

Sometimes historical fiction can be really boring, but this was enjoyable from start to finish. I loved the pacing and how there is always something exciting happening. It also helps that we get to read about Monty making an absolute fool of himself as a British high society man, much to the embarrassment of his total asshat of a father.

The ending was absolutely perfect and just what was needed for the story. I loved how Monty and Percy's super slow burn romance finally came to a head.

I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait for Felicity's story, which is next in the series.