It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews)
My new book are from the Harper Collins Canada #FrenzyPresents event that happened last Sunday. If you missed my recap here are the delight goodies that I left that blogger preview with.
They Both Die At The End by Adam Silvera (goodreads)
If There's No Tomorrow by Jennifer L Armentrout (goodreads)
Zenith by Lindsay Cummings and Sasha Alsberg (goodreads)
The Last Namsara by Kristen Ciccarelli (goodreads)
They also had a blind date with a book giveaway where you selected a wrapped book without knowing what was inside. I immediately recognized the pictures on this one and snagged myself a copy because it was a book I had read and loved but had not gotten for myself yet.
The Gentleman's Guide To Vice and Virture by Mackenzi Lee (goodreads)
Thank you again to Harper Collins Canada for the lovely afternoon!
What goodies made their way into your mailbox this week? Let me know!
An unforgettable tale of two friends on their Grand Tour of 18th-century Europe who stumble upon a magical artifact that leads them from Paris to Venice in a dangerous manhunt, fighting pirates, highwaymen, and their feelings for each other along the way.
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.
Witty, romantic, and intriguing at every turn, The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue is a sumptuous romp that explores the undeniably fine lines between friendship and love.
I love books that are based around some kind of journey or trip. Especially ones set in Europe. I also love romances, and stories filled with adventure. Luckily, The Gentleman's Guide To Vice and Virtue has all of this and more. It's the kind of novel you'll want to immediately push onto others, and the type that makes you want to read it again once you've turned that last page.
This story is less fluffy than I anticipated. I didn't expect it to have the levity and weight that the story has. It's much more thoughtful and thought provoking than it might appear at first glance. It is still a whole lot of fun with some epic adventures within these pages, but it also tackles deeper issues with equal skill. It is the type of book you'll to discuss with others, because of the topics handled within these pages, as well as the feel good feeling it leaves you with.
Monty is a charming rogue who you will spend equal time wanting to smack and kiss. He both infuriates and invokes sympathy in equal measure. I appreciated how complex Mackenzi Lee made this character. He could have easily been a caricature, but instead we have a great example of character growth without losing what makes the character special. Monty never looses his spark, even as he comes to terms with his faults.
Percy is a character that I wish I had gotten to know a little more. We learn quite a bit about him, but I find his part of the story arc to be something I really wanted more of. Race, racism, and class structure are all examined through this character and the ways in which others view and treat him. His character is so incredibly sweet that you instantly feel protective of him because he really is just a decent young man.
Felicity ends up stealing every scene she is in. She's determined, focused, and caring. She is just so vivid, and her voice really jumps off the page. She is a character who follows the path they choose, even when it seems impossible to do so. I predict many readers will love her just as much as I do.
The romance is everything I hoped it would be. It is grin inducting, and swoon worthy. It has a delightful tension to it. There is the push and pull that exists in large part due to the 'will they/won't they' nature of the romance. It ultimately leaves you rooting for them both as a couple, and own their own. It really is the heart of the novel, and I anticipate plenty of people will feel the same way I do. They're really easy to ship together, and the relationship is one of the sweetest payoffs of the story.
There are so many action adventure type scenes within the novel. I was surprised at the amount of these scenes within this novel. It could easily be a movie with it's blend of action, humour, romance and strong characters. The action scenes add an element of danger, and risk to the story that is definitely welcome. It really makes this a grand adventure in all meaning of the word, and it is (perhaps) the most eventful Grand Tour that has even been written.
My slight issue with the novel was that I would have preferred this to be a series. There is so much more I want from this novel that I wish we had more time with this story. I wanted some characters to be explored more, I wanted some plot points to have more details. It really is a testament to how wonderfully this novel is written that it left me wanting more.
This is the book that I never knew I wanted. It's filled with fantastic characters, big adventures, and wonderful character development. It's left me eager to return to this world and I can only hope that Mackenzi Lee will return to this world, and these characters again and again.
It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews)
Lots of exciting things made their way into my mailbox this week.
First up, the lovely people at Harper Collins Canada sent me some book that made me squeal with happiness. A huge thank you to them for sending these to me.
Midnight At The Electric by Jodi Lynn Anderson (goodreads)
The Gentleman's Guide To Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee (goodreads)
Jodi Lynn Anderson is one of my most favourite authors so I am really excited to have a new book by her and I am very excited about Mackenzi Lee's newest!
The awesome people at Bloomsbury sent me a set of the buttons available as a pre-order perk for Samantha Shannon's The Song Rising. Expect some fun photos between now and when the pre-order campaign ends.
A huge thank you to Bloomsbury for these! I am excited to share some photos and help with the countdown to The Song Rising's release.
Lastly, I purchsed some new Funkos for my collection! I am very excited to have added two different versions of Eleven from Stranger Things to my collection.
I love that she has Eggos! I have pretty much the whole set pre-ordered so expect to see more soon.
My next selection for this event is a book with a seriously swoon worthy cover. It is a cover that makes other covers want to sexy wink at it. It also happens to have a European trip, boys falling for each other, pirates, and lots of debauchery (of the 18th Century variety) within its pages.
A novel that will most likely fill you with wanderlust and have you packing your bags to head off to Europe and so much more!
After reading the Goodreads synopsis it is pretty much impossible to not want to read this book.
An unforgettable tale of two friends on their Grand Tour of 18th-century Europe who stumble upon a magical artifact that leads them from Paris to Venice in a dangerous manhunt, fighting pirates, highwaymen, and their feelings for each other along the way.
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.
Witty, romantic, and intriguing at every turn, The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue is a sumptuous romp that explores the undeniably fine lines between friendship and love.
If this hasn't made you desperate to get your hands on this novel perhaps Mackenzi's brilliant teaser video will. This video not only shows how insanely talented she is, but makes this book sound INCREDIBLE.
Mackenzi has also kindly taken the time to answer a few questions about The Gentleman's Guide To Vice And Virtue.
Describe The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue using only emojis.
🇬🇧➡️🇫🇷➡️🇪🇸➡️🇮🇹➡️(I cannot for the life of me make the Greek flag emoji work but that’s what should be here :)
♥️♣️♦️♠️
⚓
️
2 If someone were to make a signature drink in honour of your book, what might be included?
Funnily enough, I don’t really drink. But my main character, Monty, does. A lot. And in spite of being a classy rich boy, Monty’s also the sort who would drink whatever cheap, crappy booze gets him drunk fastest.
So I’d probably say the drink would be an old fashioned, with whiskey and citrus and cherry….except the ice cube would be infused with vodka, so as it melted the drink got boozier.
It gets you wasted fast but you look super classy drinking it. 3 Your book revolves around two gentleman taking the Grand Tour. Which countries would be on your own Grand Tour of Europe?
I am really lucky because I actually got to take a grand tour of Europe when I was in college, and I visited everywhere Monty, Percy, and Felicity go on their tour. The place I most wanted to see while I was abroad that I missed out on was Prague, so definitely it would be on the list, and definitely Edinburgh (which I get to visit very soon and I’m so very excited!). But also, can I just go everywhere!? Even countries I’ve already explored I feel like have so much more to see! It can get very overwhelming very fast when you think of how mind-blowingly huge and amazing the world is. 4 Name a song you listed to for inspiration while writing this novel (if you didn't listen to music let me know and I can quickly send another question)
Since Monty is sort of an eighteenth century party boy, I listened to a lot of the music I thought he’d like if he were alive today. Which meant I wrote this book to pop music I would never, ever have listened to otherwise, like Sia, Lady Gaga, Fergie, Miiike Snow, Jessie J--even Uptown Funk was on my list.
But also “Paris” by Kate Nash, “Ship to Wreck” by Florence + The Machine, “A Question” by Bombadil, “Ne Me Quitte Pas” by Regina Spektor, “Keep Yourself Warm” by Frightened Rabbit, “Outlaws” by Alesia, and “This Year” by the Mountain Goats. All of which is much more to my usual taste. 5 I am guessing a lot of research went into this novel, particularly in regards to the time period this is set in. What was the most surprising thing you discovered while researching?
But the most surprising thing about reading these journals was, in spite of the aforementioned crazy luxury and privilege, how much I could relate to the sentiments of these tourists. In spite of having several hundred years and a fortune separating us, and both of us living lives that on the surface the other couldn’t possibly seem to relate to, I read their journals and found so much emotion I could relate to. Things like obsessive crushes and depression and anxiety and preoccupation with your future--just further proof that the world may change, but it really doesn’t change that much. 6 What 2017 release are you most anticipating?
I have to just pick one?! That seems cruel.
I am aggressively excited about THE PEARL THIEF by Elizabeth Wein. Because ZOMG MORE VERITY. I’m fine. 7. If not too spoilery, can you share the first line of The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue
On the morning we are to leave for our Grand Tour of the Continent, I wake in bed beside Percy. For a disorienting moment, it’s unclear whether we’ve slept together or simply slept together.
Anyone else itching to plan a Grand Tour of their own? I haven't even read the book and I am ready to pack my bags. I can only imagine the wanderlust that will hit when I actually get to read this book.
The Gentleman's Guide To Vice And Virtue is scheduled for release on June 20, 2017! It will be required reading for anyone heading to Europe for the summer (and the perfect beach bag accessory).
It is available for pre-order from your favourite retailer right now, and I highly recommend doing so.
You can also follow Mackenzi on Twitter, visit her website, and the publisher website for all the details about The Gentleman's Guide To Vice And Virtue.
What countries would be a must visit on your own Grand Tour? Do you love travel inspired stories? Let me know in the comments.
And if you're wanting to chance to read this book early... I recommend visiting again near the end of the event for a giveaway that will include an eARC!
Be sure to stop by tomorrow to find out the next book that made this year's list!
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. Witty, romantic, and intriguing at every turn, The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue is a sumptuous romp that explores the undeniably fine lines between friendship and love.
I love Eurotrip stories and this happens to sound like the best Eurotrip story ever. Pair this amazing sounding synopsis with that very swoony cover and you have an instantaneous "OMG! NEED IT NOW" reaction from pretty much everyone.
The wait for this is going to be rough though because it doesn't come out until June of next year. Join me in pining for Monty and Percy's story. We'll create a support group or something.
The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.
Lots to be excited about this week and I predict lots of people will be excited about this week's inclusions. BOOK Cover of Mackenzi Lee's The Gentleman's Guide To Vice and Virtue (goodreads)
This cover will immediately turn you into a swoony mess. Don't say I didn't warn you.
This is Monty and I am already very excited to 'meet' him in this book! I cannot wait to get my hands on this one. Just read the synopsis and prepare to wait in agony with me for this to release. OTHER Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Tea
I stumbled across this tea on the Adagio Tea website. It sound entirely delicious and I am going to be ordering myself some immediately. I hope it is as delicious as it sounds because it could easily become my newest obsession.
