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Sep 11, 2017VaughanPLAlyssia rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
There’s only one word to describe this book: A-DOR-A-BLE. The concept is great; I think everyone who learns about the European Grand Tour tradition falls in love with it, and it’s a concept RIPE for hijinks (why don’t more people write about it??). At heart this is an adventure story, and there’s never a dull moment. The writing is clever and vibrant, and Monty has one of the most fun voices I’ve read in YA. He’s a jerk with terrible impulse control, but he’s somehow still so lovable, which is a credit to the author. The characters are all well-drawn and believable, and their chemistry with each other is perfect, especially Monty and Felicity’s sibling relationship. Also kudos for the representation of mixed-race people in high society at the time! This is a subject that few people know about or write about, so I hope it sparks some curiosity in readers. There’s also a little more smuttiness than I anticipated (not a complaint!), so if that’s your thing, you’re in luck. I deducted half a star because I think Percy was a little too obviously in love with Monty—it strained credulity that Monty wouldn’t pick up on it. Their romantic tension dragged on a liiitttllee too long, but it did pay off. Fans of this book should read up on Lord Byron, a real-life 19th century poet/scoundrel who could give Monty a run for his money!