5/5 (audiobook)

I absolutely adore the Montague Siblings series, and the novella was just what I needed this week.

The romance between Monty and Percy is pure and absolutely fun! I love how Mackenzi Lee makes their relationship realistic and relatable. Lee does not glorify anything about the duo for their romance, which is a nice change from most young adult romance.

Multiple times I found myself laughing at Monty, who stayed the goofy, awkward yet confident, and slightly arrogant character I fell for in The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue. And of course, there was Percy who remained the gentle, loving, caring young man who always brings logic to a situation. This is a nice side story to see more of their blossoming relationship.

The story commenced with a fun scene where Percy is swimming with the shipmates, and Monty and Felicity are discussing how Monty should set up a romantic night to have his "first time" with Percy. As the siblings continue in their awkward banter about this, Percy remains totally innocent and adorable.

There are plenty of awkward moments throughout the story that made me want to hide my face. The first attempt at their "first time" was so painfully awkward and full of mishaps that turned into an argument, but as uncomfortable as it got, it was real. So many young adult novels glorify sex or make it seem "perfect", but Lee wrote it in such a way that it felt real-life.

I also want to say that Scipio is amazing. He walks in on Monty and Percy half-naked, with Monty covered in blood, and doesn't bat an eye. He jumps in to help get the room cleaned up and Monty to Felicity for more stitches. Then, after all of this, the big burly guy sits Monty down and tells him that he supports him and his decisions 100%, something Monty never received from his own father. This just made me fall even more in love with this story, and I got all gushy and I think everyone needs a Scipio in their life.

Anyway, if you haven't read this series, you should!