Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is one of those YA books that actually delivers on the hype. It's funny, romantic, adventurous, and manages to tackle serious themes about identity and self-acceptance without feeling preachy. The 18th-century setting is a clever backdrop rather than a barrier—Mackenzi Lee writes with a modern voice that makes the whole thing feel immediate and engaging.

The queer representation is genuinely good here. It's not a tragedy, not a 'very special episode,' just a romance that happens to be between two guys, set against an adventure plot with actual stakes. For teens who need to see themselves in historical fiction, or who just want a fun romp with real heart, this hits the mark.

That said, it's definitely for older teens. The sexual content isn't gratuitous, but it's there and described in enough detail that you wouldn't want your 12-year-old stumbling into it unprepared. The drinking and reckless behavior are portrayed as character flaws, but they're still part of the story. If your teen is 14+ and ready for mature YA, this is a solid pick that's both entertaining and meaningful.

Age Fit

Best for readers 14 and up who are ready for YA romance with sexual content and mature themes. The contemporary voice and adventure plot make it accessible, but the makeout scenes and drinking mean it's not for middle schoolers unless they're on the older/more mature end.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

72

Models genuine friendship, self-acceptance, and growth around identity. Monty starts as a self-absorbed, hedonistic character but develops empathy and maturity. The central relationship is healthy and affirming, showing that same-sex love is valid and worth celebrating. However, the protagonist's initial behavior includes drinking, gambling, and reckless decisions that drive the plot—these are portrayed as flaws to overcome rather than celebrated, but they're still present. The tone is ultimately positive about personal growth and accepting yourself.

Imaginative

84

A creative mashup that takes the 18th-century Grand Tour tradition and injects it with modern sensibilities, queer romance, and adventure-novel pacing. The premise itself—what if a bisexual British lord had a rom-com adventure across Europe in the 1700s?—is fresh and inventive. Multiple starred reviews and comparisons to contemporary YA hits suggest it successfully blends historical setting with contemporary voice. The 'manhunt' plot twist adds mystery and stakes beyond the romance, keeping readers engaged with unexpected turns.

Safe

62

Common Sense Media confirms 'generous amount of sexual content' including two same-sex makeout scenes described in detail. The book also includes drinking, gambling, violence (the 'manhunt' element), and mature themes around sexuality and identity. This isn't graphic or gratuitous, but it's definitely not something you'd hand to a 10-year-old without context. For the intended YA audience (14+), these elements are age-appropriate and handled thoughtfully, but younger readers stumbling upon this would encounter content beyond their readiness. No surprise graphic violence or trauma, but the sexual content and mature themes merit parental awareness.

Enriching

81

Tackles significant themes: LGBTQ+ identity in a historical context, self-acceptance, the harm of trying to 'fix' who you are, friendship evolving into love, and personal growth. The 18th-century setting provides historical context while the contemporary voice makes it accessible. Winner of Stonewall Honor and multiple starred reviews for good reason—it offers representation that many teens desperately need, showing queer love as romantic, adventurous, and worth celebrating. The adventure plot keeps it entertaining while the character development provides substance. Readers gain both empathy and insight into navigating identity, plus a window into historical Grand Tours.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely funny with contemporary voice that makes 18th-century Europe feel accessible and fun rather than stuffy
Provides much-needed queer representation in historical fiction—shows same-sex love as romantic, adventurous, and completely valid
Character growth that matters: Monty starts as a mess and actually learns to be better, tackling themes of self-acceptance and identity
Adventure plot with mystery and danger keeps it from being just a romance—there's actual plot momentum and stakes
Multiple starred reviews, Stonewall Honor winner, and genuine buzz suggest it delivers on both entertainment and substance

⚠

What to Watch For

Sexual content including two detailed same-sex makeout scenes—not graphic but definitely present
Drinking, gambling, and reckless behavior by the protagonist (he's supposed to be flawed, but it's there)
Violence and danger elements as the Grand Tour becomes a 'manhunt'
Best for teens 14+ who are ready for mature YA content and romance

Conversation Starters

"Monty starts out pretty self-absorbed and makes a lot of bad choices. When did you start to see him change, and what do you think caused it?"
"The book is set in the 1700s but feels modern in how it talks. Did that work for you, or did it feel weird?"
"What did you think about how the book handled Monty's feelings for Percy? Did it feel realistic to you?"
"If you could go on a Grand Tour of Europe, where would you want to go and who would you bring?"

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