Author: Mackenzi Lee
Format: Hardcover
Rating: 5 Stars
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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.
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There is nothing I don't love about this book! Every single page of this book is pure gold.
The story itself has pirates, highwaymen, thievery, and love - so much love!
So, let's just be honest here: Monty is potentially unlikable at best. He is a cad and rather selfish. He drinks too much (he's an alcoholic. Let's just call a spade a spade.) and the only person he seems to truly care about other than himself is Percy. Despite his feelings towards and love for Percy, he's still very selfish even in that relationship. That being said, Monty is an essential part of the main trio in this book. And I do love him because I feel like he does change and grow a bit by the end of the book (if you disagree, I'd love to here why.) I think he still has a lot of growing up to do, but I do see him making an effort.
Percy is just so amazing! Percy and Felicity are tied as my two favorite characters in this book. Percy deals with a lot shit because he's black. He was born in England, but it's the 1700's so of course everyone assumes he's from Africa. (Of course, people still make those assumptions in 2018 - and we need to stop that!) So, Percy deals with a lot of racism because of his skin color. And he deals with it in such a classy manner - Percy is the true definition of a gentleman. He also deals with having epilepsy, and with people thinking he's like possessed or that there is something wrong with him. I like that the author included this!
AND FELICITY! She is so, so amazing. She is fierce, and she wants to be a doctor - which I am sure you know was impossible for women at that time. Felicity is a feminist, in a time when people probably didn't even use that word. She is so kind as well. She stands up for what is right, and she doesn't allow other people to tell her she can't dream!
I love that the trio deals with so much and comes out on the other side stronger and more sure of who they are. They lose their bear-leader, get hijacked by highwaymen, stowaway on ship and get napped by pirates, and so much more.
The story is so well-developed and well written as well. It's fun, and funny at times. I have heard that some people are describing this book as fluffy - don't believe a word of that! There may be moments of smush, but this is not a fluffy book.
If you haven't read this book yet - get out to the bookstore or library and get a copy right now!
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