The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue

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The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue

by Lee, Mackenzi

Henry Monty Montague is a disaster of a young nobleman, drifting through 18th-century Europe with a penchant for drinking, gambling, and ignoring his responsibilities. His Grand Tour is supposed to be the final attempt to make him a respectable heir, but things go sideways the moment he decides to turn the trip into one last hedonistic romp. The stakes escalate quickly when a simple mistake turns his vacation into a frantic, high-stakes manhunt. What makes this book shine is the way it balances a breezy, laugh-out-loud tone with genuine emotional stakes. The relationship between Monty and his best friend Percy is the heartbeat of the story, shifting from unspoken longing to something much more profound. If you enjoy historical settings that feel modern and accessible, or if you love characters who are messy, flawed, and deeply loyal, this is your next favorite read.

10 Books similar to 'The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue'

Since you enjoyed the chaotic charm and emotional resonance of Monty and Percy’s journey, I have curated a list that highlights the specific elements that make this book so special. Whether you are looking for more witty banter between friends who are secretly in love, or you crave that specific feeling of a road trip that changes everything, these titles share the same DNA. I focused on stories that prioritize found family dynamics and the sharp, irreverent humor that keeps the stakes high even when the romance takes center stage.

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Carry On
Carry On

by Rainbow Rowell

Like Monty and Percy, Simon and Baz navigate a complicated, high-stakes relationship while dealing with magical chaos and their own insecurities. It captures that same blend of witty banter, intense emotional longing, and a deep sense of loyalty found in found-family dynamics.

A Marvellous Light
A Marvellous Light

by Freya Marske

This historical fantasy features a reluctant protagonist thrust into a dangerous, hidden world, echoing Monty's journey into the unknown. The chemistry between the leads and the blend of sharp wit with high-stakes mystery will feel very familiar to fans of Lee's series.

In Other Lands
In Other Lands

by Sarah Rees Brennan

The protagonist, Elliot, is a cynical, witty outsider who disrupts the status quo, much like Monty. This story subverts traditional fantasy tropes with humor and heart, focusing heavily on the evolving relationships between a trio of friends.

The House in the Cerulean Sea
The House in the Cerulean Sea

by TJ Klune

While less action-packed, this book shares the core appeal of a journey that leads to unexpected love and the creation of a 'found family.' It offers the same warm, character-driven emotional payoff that readers loved in the relationships within the Gentleman's Guide series.

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A Lady's Guide to Fortune-Hunting
A Lady's Guide to Fortune-Hunting

by Sophie Irwin

If you enjoyed the historical setting and the charming, slightly chaotic protagonist of Lee's work, this Regency-era romp delivers similar energy. It balances social maneuvering with genuine heart and a fast-paced, entertaining narrative.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

This novel captures the intense, introspective, and emotional journey of two boys discovering their identities and their feelings for one another. It mirrors the tender, slow-burn romance and the deep bond that develops between Monty and Percy.

Red, White & Royal Blue
Red, White & Royal Blue

by Casey McQuiston

Fans of Monty's privilege-meets-messy-behavior dynamic will appreciate Alex's similar trajectory of self-discovery and political entanglement. The banter is sharp, the romance is central, and it delivers that same addictive, high-energy reading experience.

The Magicians
The Magicians

by Lev Grossman

For readers who enjoyed the darker, more cynical edges of Monty's personality and the 'fish out of water' feeling of being thrust into a larger world, this series offers a more mature, gritty take on the fantasy adventure trope.

My Lady Jane
My Lady Jane

by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows

This book shares the exact same irreverent, modern, and humorous tone applied to a historical setting. It is a wild, fun ride that doesn't take itself too seriously while still providing a compelling romance and adventure.

Captive Prince
Captive Prince

by C.S. Pacat

While significantly darker and more intense than the Gentleman's Guide, this series is the gold standard for 'enemies-to-lovers' arcs involving royalty and political intrigue. Readers who loved the tension and stakes of Monty and Percy's dynamic will find much to obsess over here.