The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee

The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee is the second book in the Montague Siblings series. I have done a post on the first in the series, The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue, and recommend reading that first to avoid any potential spoilers if you haven’t read it yet.

It’s been a year since Felicity got home following the disastrous grand tour she took with her brother, Monty, and she’s got big plans! The first of which is to avoid becoming a housewife, popping out children left and right. Secondly, become a physician in a world dominated by men.

Felicity learns that her idol is marrying an old friend in Germany. Following the wedding, he is going on an expedition that would provide the perfect internship to begin her medical education. Her only way there is with the company of a mysterious stranger disguised as her maid. What could go wrong?

Felicity is a very unlikable character. She is snarky, opinionated, and will step on anyone’s toes who dares get in her way of becoming a doctor.

Many book reviewers I trust (and generally agree with), have rated this book 1-2 stars for this reason. I, however, read Felicity as a self-conscious young lady who is out of her depths. I read her snarky comments, and standoffish behaviour as her being incredibly insecure. There is character development throughout the book, but I do feel there should have been more.

This book also tackles some important issues. Felicity is asexual, and fighting for women’s rights and stigmas.

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