The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee is such as a lovely, unique and completely addictive read. It’s hilarious and romantic at the same time, and so fast paced. I finished the book in basically one sitting. From the very first page, the story just pulled me in and I could not put it down. I can’t put into words how much I love this book! ​All I can say is, you need to read this book. You really do!

On the surface this is a YA historical fiction book about a young gentleman in the 18th century doing a tour of Europe before assuming the duty to take over the family’s estate, but from the very first sentence of the book, you realize that there is so much more to it. (That opening paragraph must be one of the best ever, BTW. How can you not be intrigued and immediately drawn into a story that starts like this: “On the morning we are to leave for our Grand Tour, I wake in bed besides Percy. For a disorienting moment, it’s unclear whether we’ve slept together or simply slept together.” Got me hooked at once!) This book is so much fun, so emotional and just… utterly wonderful!

The writing is so addictive. The pacing is on point, as is the world-building; I loved the travelling parts all over Europe. What was supposed to be a culture tour of Europe, turns out to be the adventure of a life time, with pirates, and a kind of mystery to solve. But even though the plot is really fun and adventurous, it is the characters that make up this book. There’s so much depth and layers to these characters. And they are all adorable, in their own way.

The story is told from Monty’s POV. Henry “Monty” Montague being the spoilt heir, who has never been able to live up his father’s expectations or be the gentleman he’s supposed to be, but gets kicked out of all boarding schools and spends his time in gambling halls, with a bottle of spirits, or waking up in the arms of women or men. But even if Monty is a selfish ass and an absolute privileged bastard at times, his sassiness and vulnerability just makes it impossible not to love him (even though you often feel like slapping him). And to hear the story from his engaging, sassy voice just makes it downright hilarious.

And then there’s Percy. The love interest of Monty, and my absolute favorite. He’s just such a sweetheart. He’s gentle, wise and the rock keeping Monty at bay. My heart broke a little every time he had to deal with racial comments and discrimination.

And Felicity, Monty’s headstrong younger sister. I can so relate to her and how she’s not able to do what she really wants, as opposed to what society dictates she must do, but how she just ignores that and take up medicine studies on her own anyway. She's like Hermione Granger on speed or something...

And the romance! I think it’s one of the sweetest m/m romances ever, it’s simply heartwarming and gush-worthy.

I recommend this book with all my heart!

Find out more about the books and the author here: Mackenzi Lee

My reading tips this week is the lovely and intriguing Dying Thoughts – First Touch by Joey Paul. This is the first book in the Dying Thoughts series which follows a teenage girl with a very unique ability; she gets visions of how people died just by touching something of theirs. Such an intriguing and fresh story line! But that’s not all. There’s also mystery and suspense in the mix, and a very strong and sassy main character, that makes this book almost impossible to put down.

I love Joey Paul’s writing, it’s very personal, witty and so fast paced. The story just draws you in! And I love how she’s able to write from a teenager’s perspective with such great authenticity. Tara, the main character is so well portrayed that you really feel like you know her. I love the rebel in her, how she never tries to please anyone else and her self-depreciating dry humor, and also all her flaws. The “gift” (I really wouldn’t call it that though, more a curse…) makes it hard for her to have normal relationships and the way she’s socially awkward is described in such a realistic way that I believe a lot of young readers will really relate to.

The YA book is a very fast paced read (I read all of it in one sitting) and easy to get into, so it’s a great read for readers as young as Middle Grade, but also for older teens.

I would like to say a huge thank you to Joey Paul for giving me the opportunity to read her book. I can’t wait to continue with the rest of this series!

Find out more about the books and the author here: Joey Paul

A Court Of Wings And Ruin is the third book in the ACOTAR-series by Sarah J Maas. I thought ACOWAR would be a non-stop all-nighter read, but it actually took some time for me to finish it. It was a great read and I really, really liked it, but it was not quite as addictive as A Court Of Mist And Fury.

The story takes off where the last book ended, with Feyre back at Spring Court and the threat of war hanging all over Prythian. The plot of the third novel is darker than the first two books, and the main focus is on the war. I think it was all the strategy planning and fighting scenes that made it a bit of a slower read for me. I also felt that it dragged a little in the middle.

But what I absolutely did love was Feyre’s development in this book. I liked her in the first two ones, but now I found myself really falling in love with her! She’s really grown through the series and she’s still badass, but more humble and has come to accept herself with flaws and all.

And of course, Rhys is still my favorite book boyfriend…

“I missed having you in my bed, but missed having you as my friend even more.”

Love this quote and how he always pushes Feyre to make her own decisions, to be her own person and not someone’s pawn. So, no complaining there.

Beware, this might be a tiny bit spoilery: I’m also so happy about Lucien being back more in the story, and about Feyre’s sisters. In the first book I didn’t like them at all, but they’ve definitely grown on me too. I especially loved the friend/foe-relationship between Nesta and Cassian. I have such high hopes for a “Nessian” romance in ACOFAS. My heart really aches for Tamlin too, even though he acts like total jackass for most part of the book. But after the stunt he did in the end I sure hope that Sara J Maas has something good for him in store in the next book.

So, overall, I really liked this book and I’m anxiously waiting for a chance to get my hands on A Court of Frost and Starlight.
​
Find out more about the books and the author here: Sarah J Maas