FIRST AUDIOBOOK OF 2021

The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue 
by Mackenzie Lee
Katherine Tegen Books | June 27, 2017

    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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One expects an adventure to avoid the French Duke and find a miraculous cure-all will be an exciting tale, but I was bored by the prolonged journey. At first, I loathed Monty's stupidity and inability to consider others, but I began to warm up to him. He's not just a rake; he is awkward and has his own struggles. Even if his struggles belong to the most privileged. The journey to find the panacea is also a journey to become an actually decent human being. The adorable romance between Monty and Percy, Monty's charms, and Monty's blossoming sibling camaraderie with Felicity was a moment of respite during the lengthy journey, but it was such a dull journey... I honestly don't know what could have alleviated my boredom. Beautiful descriptions of their travels, discourse on the historical dress, or more of the three's bond wouldn't have made me any happier. I smiled here and there; however, I was more preoccupied with the end than the experience. There are wonderfully developed characters all readers will love. The writing (the dialogue and inner-thoughts) is fun and entertaining at times. There are many aspects that other readers would enjoy. I would recommend it; I just wasn't the biggest fan. 

I finally know the best simile for Monty and Felicity's sibling bond: Fleabag and Claire's relationship. They are not what we traditionally close siblings act, but they care for each other, and their unique dynamic lets each other know how they feel without explicitly stating anything.