The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue

In general, I think books set in the 1700s are usually a lot of fun. It’s a really intriguing world of British nobility and high society, which makes it a beautiful setting for shenanigans

The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee follows Edward “Monty” Montague is the wayward son of an Earl. He was raised to be a gentleman and take over after his father, but Monty is the farthest thing from any of that. He’s a drinker, a gambler, and prefers spending his nights with beautiful men and women.

He also happens to be in love with his best friend Percy.

When the two boys, trailed by Monty’s sister Felicity and a rule-abiding chaperone, start their Grand Tour of Europe, things take a very terrible (yet amusing for us) turn.

What’s intruding about this setting is that homosexuality wasn’t really a common thing back in 1700 England. I mean, sex wasn’t really talked about, and relationships in noble homes were even more guarded. Monty, for example, isn’t ashamed that he loves boys. But his father (the Earl, who is also a dick) would happily disown his son. I mean, in Europe, homosexuality was a crime and a sin (which, I don’t know what was worse in 1700 Europe to be honest).

So, it’s interesting to have Monty who is kind-of-not-really but sort-of openly gay. I mean, he’s also been caught with women, but most people already have a pretty low opinion of Monty. Which is unfortunate, because he’s actually quite brave and intelligent. When his brain isn’t mush from overconsumption of alcohol.

But Percy and Monty are adorable, so who cares?

I really love their relationship. Percy is a sweetheart, and the two of them are just too cute. Even before Monty tells Percy how he feels, they’re very affectionate toward each other. And, despite Monty’s not-so-stellar opinion of his sister at the beginning of the book, I loved Felicity from the moment I met her. She’s fierce, intelligent, stubborn, and has a bloody backbone.

But, yeah. 18th century gay romances I feel aren’t really common, and this one was a fun one. It definitely didn’t go where I thought it would. And Felicity is going to have her own book, A Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy, which I am very excited about.