A review by elskabee
The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee

adventurous emotional funny mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 The hype for this has well and truly died by the time I've gotten around to it, but I can see why it was hyped at the time (and honestly maybe should still be!). Well-rounded, flawed but growing characters are the highlight of this book in my opinion. Monty is an asshat, but he also kind of knows it and his sister and best friend do their best to badger some sense into him. Give me flawed and messy main characters! I love them! 

I also really loved (and was joyfully frustrated by) the angsty friend-to-lovers/idiots-to-lovers plotline. Plus we even get some (I believe) aroace rep in Monty's sister Felicity. Considering that she's firmly a side character and we also see her through the eyes of her brother who does not really get along with her, she was still well characterised enough that I still felt like she was a character with complexities and nuance. I also loved her arc!

I think where this book fell from its possibility of a five star was in the plot. It was okay and kept the characters active, but I just didn't care that much and towards the end felt a little rushed maybe in a haste to wrap things up.

The narrator was excellent and I highly recommend picking up the audiobook for this one! 

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