By Mackenzi Lee
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If you’re looking for a wholesome, cheery novel, complete with delightful characters and an absurd adventure, then pick up this book!
Genre: Historical Fiction
Recommended Age Level: 13+
First Book in a Trilogy (+1 novella)
Rating: 5/5
Synopsis
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.
A Review
As Monty would say, I abso-bloody-lutely loved this book! It’s silly and sweet, while also being able to perfectly balance darker topics surrounding mental health and chronic illness/disability. Each one of the characters brings something different to the crazy adventure, whether it’s Monty with his lovable idiotic nature, Percy, a human embodiment of sunshine and a pure heart, or Felicity, a brilliant, witty feminist who is somehow always able to save the boys from near disaster. Additionally, the research Lee put into the book really pays off, it provides the perfect historical fiction insight to the lives of underrepresented groups in history, and specifically, the 18th century. Overall, this book has hilarious dialogue, beautiful descriptions, and the perfect slow-burn romance, so I highly recommend it! Just be prepared to smile throughout nearly the entire book!
Similar Recommendations
The Gentleman’s Guide to Getting Lucky, The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy, and The Nobleman’s Guide to Scandal and Shipwrecks by Mackenzi Lee (rest of the books in the Montague Siblings Series)
Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
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