"It’s witty and romantic. With its characters falling outs and hidden love. I have literally burst into laughter a few times. I didn’t know I needed it and I love it."
- My comment on my first progress update when on Goodreads and I stand by it. Throughout this book it has always been 5 stars.

This review contains slight spoilers.

Overview:
Lord Henry Montague (Monty) is going on a year long Grand Tour of Europe with his friend Percy, before he is set to learn how to run an estate, before he inherits it from his Father. Monty drinks and gambles - a lot, and sleeps with both men and women - a lot. His father who abuses him does not agree with this and is giving him one last chance to prove himself. His sister - Felicity - an aspiring surgeon, is being sent with them, so they can drop her off at a finishing school. Monty's stealing of a box that he had no clue the value of turns their journey into a run as fugitives. The story turns to alchemical hearts and cure-alls, that former French Prime Minister the Duke of Bourbon is trying to get back for his own power gains. But Monty wants the cure for Percy, who after suffering from epilepsy for 2 years and not telling Monty, has a fit in front of him while on their trip.

This book tackles many important themes / issues, but despite this - the book is still a light-hearted read which melts the heart. This helps the audience learn about the issues but also shows that despite the rough parts of life, the good parts can still be kindled.

Homosexuality:
Running along and intertwining with the plot, is the two main characters exploring a homosexual romance with each other. This is the 18th century, where the words heterosexual and homosexual don't even exist as a male - female relationship is thought the only way. And the story begins in England where male - male relations are illegal and punishable up to death.

This was more interesting to read in a historical fiction than a story based in modern time, because homophobia is common place and it gives a different perspective. As such; Felicity struggles to understand her brothers want for men, especially in a romantic rather than sexual way. She's clever and sees it as science - which in 18th century saw only man and woman together as natural. She could understand male- male sexual relations as a 'vice' but not the romantic part. Felicity is a likable character and the companion book 'A Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy' is written in her perspective. So, to have this likable character with a view that is very problematic in the modern world is great and I think that's exactly why the author, Mackenzi Lee put it in there, to explore. This is a historical fiction, it's set in the early 1700's, even some of the 'nicest' people will have views that we don't agree with today with our better understanding of the world. What maintains Felicity as a character the audience like is that she is trying to understand her brother and never does anything against him and his romantic interests.

Racism:
Percy our second lead male character is biracial and its said multiple times that they are stopped from doing something as some people view his skin as just dark enough to be classed as lesser. Percy was raised by his aunt and uncle after his dad bought him back from abroad then died. He's raised in a wealthy family but is still excluded from some events, such as dinning when guests are around. A main theme in this story is him trying to teach Monty that he can't always defend himself but that doesn't mean he want's Monty to do that for him. Monty's lack of understanding and arrogance to others from his position as a wealthy white man set to inherit an estate is something he has to deal with through his journey. With those who are not white (Percy and the pirates/privateers they sail with), and not men (particularly his sister).

Sexism & Female Position:
Felicity travelling with the men also brings up difficult situations alike for Percy being biracial, such as not being allowed to stay at Inns. The full problem of lack of respect to females in the past isn't fully addressed in this book, situations arise but there is little conversation about it. But I can bet it will be in her companion novel which is great as its a different key theme to explore and too many developed themes in this book would hinder the plot.

Epilepsy:
Another issue Monty has to learn is that he cannot choose what is right for someone. He has to learn to love Percy for who he is and that his illness will not hinder that and he just needs to care for him. Epilepsy was hugely misunderstood in this time period and it's warming to see Monty not afraid Percy is possessed or contagious or should be shunned, but is just worried for him, even if he does first try to help in the wrong way.

Abuse:
The scale at which this story explores the depth, severity, consequences and affects of Monty's abuse from his father increases through the book, until raw emotion comes out and a healing process can start. This is the best piece I've read which tackles this subject.

Alcoholism:
Monty's drinking is his coping mechanism for his fathers abuse and his homosexuality. What is beautiful in this story is he isn't hated by Percy or his sister for his drinking - although, they do straight up tell him he's a mess. But they understood or where understanding the cause and knew they had to help him heal.