I love Pride and Prejudice, so seeing it in a new and different light with a spin on it was nice to see. I think the story stays true and respectful to the material while also adding a new level of witty and modern humor on top of the new array of topics, such as gender identity, that it brought to the story.

This is my first time reading a book from the remix series, and I plan to explore them more and see what other spins have put on some of my favorite classic novels.

Pride and Prejudice is easily one of my favorite books of all time, so when I saw this book, I knew I had to read it. Keeping that in mind, I had high expectations when I started the story.

Things I liked: the storytelling immediately drew me in. It was familiar in the way that a beloved chair is after moving homes: there's a lot that's the same but also so many new things to discover. Oliver is someone I could easily root for, and I just wanted him to get everything he wanted and deserved.

I really liked how easy Darcy and Oliver's friendship was; however, Bingley seemed more like an afterthought. It would have been interesting to see his friendship with Oliver also explored.

"I won't deny that my desire to make you happy was the strongest of my motivating forces. I thought only of you." This was SO sweet and a beautiful spin on the original line.

A couple issues I had: the story laid out all of this information, and the author seemed a bit in a rush to wrap it all up. I was getting close to the end and there were still things that had yet to happen, and I found myself wondering when they'd happen. Also, I'd have liked to have known what happened to Charlotte (especially with that ending) and also what became of Lu. They both seemed more like convenient plot devices than two of his close friends.

Back to the positives: I thought the ending was fitting and just ambiguous enough that it wasn't left on a cliffhanger. I like to think that everything worked out in Oliver's favor and that he spent the rest of his life in unimaginable happiness.

Overall, it wasn't quite what I expected, but I really enjoyed this book. It was a beautiful spin on a beloved classic.

It's a brave writer that tries to rewrite Jane Austen. For the most part they succeed here. There are some clunky parts that squeeze in original quotes and then suddenly dialogue changes to more modern phrases.

I do really like that Darcy is aged down in this story. Makes for a sweet YA Romance. My biggest complaints are 1.- Mrs Bennet. Her character does a complete turn around. It's not believable. And 2, while the ending was sweet, my practical nature can't help but wonder how Oliver and Darcy make their HEA work.

* Not sure if this is meant to be or a typo. But every time Pemberley is mentioned its spelled Pemberly. Makes me crazy. I yell at book: It's Pemberley!!!"

Friends, I loved this book.

So far, this Remix Classics collection has been all hits, no misses, and the second I heard that Novoa was writing one, I immediately proceeded to lose my mind. I feel like P&P has been done almost to death, but this is a delight. At their best, the installments in this series act as love letters to the original novels, and Novoa uses the familiarity of this story to his advantage.

I feel like I have to think about these books on two levels: as standalone works in their own right, and as homages to the novels they're based on, and this one works on both levels. The ending was very "and it all worked out!" which might have been a bit too chipper if it wasn't a direct descendant of, like, the grandmama of all modern romance novels. I loved Oliver's 3rd person POV, and how the various elements of the original novel got tweaked and repurposed for this edition. One downside: there's one character who we stop hearing from before the finale, and I do feel bad for her, and/or wish we'd gotten a bit of a follow-up. But I'm VERY happy with how the ending came together, because I didn't think it would end the way it did, and I'm so happy that we weren't expected to be happy for Oliver settling for partial happiness. as with The Wicked Bargain, I loved the author's note on the historical aspects.

I can't wait to see what Novoa does next. Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of this book in its ARC format. I'm sure I'll end up buying it in hardback when it's out so that it can sit with all of its Remixed Classics friends on my shelf. While we're at it, LOOK AT THAT COVER.

I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to read Most Ardently! In this queer pride and prejudice retelling, the Elizabeth Bennet character is actually a trans boy named Oliver. He’s bound by all sorts of societal conventions, the son of a forceful, meddling Mrs. Bennet, and must walk through society often presenting as the daughter he is not.

This is the first book I’ve read with a trans character perspective, and I learned so much from it. Oliver is resilient and creative and hopeful, and from page one I wanted him to find his happy ending—a life where he can be himself and his loved ones know and support him. A surprising side-effect of the LGBTQIA+ spin on the classic tale was that many plot points the story is known for played out completely differently. For example, the infamous first encounter between Lizzie and Darcy feels completely different. When Darcy says Oliver (dressed as Lizzie) is “not handsome enough to tempt me,” the cutting remark affects Oliver differently. He’s offended at Darcy’s rudeness, but he is a bit relieved because he doesn’t want to dance with anyone while he is dressed as a girl, and he also agrees on some level—because he doesn’t like his own appearance when he’s dressed as someone he’s not.

These subtle and sometimes more blatant plot changes kept me reading late into the night. I needed to know what would happen next! I still can’t believe an author found a way to surprise me with a Pride and a prejudice retelling, after I have read and watched so many other adaptations. That is a testament to the innovation and skill with which the story is told.

I greatly enjoyed this book. I will definitely look up Novoa’s other books and watch for more in this series!

I did not enjoy this retelling of Pride and Prejudice as much as others have seemed to.

First off, it is no easy feat to take Austen and add to it. I think the book does an admirable job of keeping many of the essential story beats of Pride and Prejudice and balancing the rotating cast of characters. The way in which a trans MC and facets of queer history were added to the story fit pretty well, and I appreciated the ways in which the author updated some narrative details for modern audiences.

However, what really lacked for me was the wit of the narrative itself. The book is far from poorly written, but it just didn't have that same magic as the original. There were several moments in the book where the emotional beats didn't quite resonate with me, like where Oliver came out to Mr. Bennett. His father's quick acceptance of him was sweet, but the scene was over before the characters or the reader had time to explore its implications or revel in that feeling of joy. I think the story could have benefited from expanding on the larger story beats (particularly the ending) and character motivations.

Overall, while I love to see trans and queer joy in stories--especially historical ones--I wish I could like this book a bit more.

This was a clever and engaging retelling of Pride and Prejudice, remixed here with queer and trans protagonists. The setting remains Regency and this book gives an emotional and poignant account of being queer and trans in that period of history. It was illuminating in that aspect and quite compelling in the detailed experiences Oliver has with dysmorphia and gender expectations--with his family, social circle, and society in general.

The story centers around Oliver Bennet, the second child in the Bennet family. Oliver is trans but cannot live openly as himself. The story closely follows the narrative of Pride and Prejudice and the major named characters are all here, but this is Oliver's story. His journey of self-discovery, his search for his place in this rigid society, his yearning for his place in this world, and his own encounter with romance are all addressed in a nuanced and immediate way. It also allows Darcy's story to unfold in a new and more immediate way.

And Wickham comes off as repugnant, if not more so, than in the original.

The writing channels Austen's style and wit, but adds a sprinkle of some more modern terminology and ideas regarding gender and identity. The heart of the book remains, the themes maintained and expanded upon.

Overall this was a very clever and well-done remix of Pride and Prejudice. The historical details regarding inheritance, birth certificates, Molly Houses, and gender expectations of the time added to the narrative.

This is a great book and highly recommended for anyone but I do think those who love Pride and Prejudice and Regency settings will definitely find much to love here.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this digital ARC. This is my honest review.

When I heard about a book that was not only a retelling of Pride and Prejudice, but also Elizabeth was a trans boy, I knew I had to read this book. While I expected this book to be a cozy and sweet romance, I did not expect to learn so much about the struggles of transgender individuals, especially in a historical setting where it was harder to express one’s gender identity. As a cisgender reader, I might understand that transgender people struggle with gender dysmorphia and expectations. However, reading about Oliver’s frustration at being forced to conform to the female gender expectations allowed me to get better insight on the small nuances that cisgender people might miss. In addition to the informative telling of the transgender experience, this book was just a great introduction to Pride and Prejudice. I appreciate the happy ending the story provides and I appreciate that Oliver’s family was supportive of him. I think it is great that transgender people can have a book that provides them with the comfort and safety that the real world might not always give. I also want to say I appreciate the author’s research and note the historical inaccuracies that are in the book.

"Most Ardently" by Gabe Cole Novoa is a remarkable and poignant reinterpretation of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice," skillfully remixed through a queer and trans lens. Set in a Regency-era London, this retelling subverts traditional gender norms and societal expectations, placing queerness and authenticity at the heart of the story. Novoa's adept storytelling breathes new life into a beloved classic, creating a narrative that is both heartwarming and empowering.

The novel follows the journey of Oliver Bennet, a young trans boy who yearns for the freedom to live openly as his true self. The intricate web of social conventions and familial expectations that surround him is portrayed with sensitivity and insight. Oliver's struggle to reconcile his true identity with societal norms forms the emotional core of the story, making his journey one of self-discovery, courage, and love.

Novoa's writing captures the essence of Austen's wit and charm while infusing the narrative with modern perspectives on gender, sexuality, and identity. The blossoming relationship between Oliver and Darcy is a testament to the power of connection and authenticity. Their interactions are marked by genuine emotion, and the slow-burn romance between them is both tender and heartrending.

"Most Ardently" is a celebration of self-acceptance, resilience, and the pursuit of love in the face of adversity. Novoa seamlessly weaves in themes of empowerment and societal change, creating a resonant story that honors its source material while forging a unique and important narrative of its own.

This reinterpretation stands as a testament to the importance of diverse voices in literature and the impact of representation. "Most Ardently" is a must-read for fans of Austen's original work and anyone seeking a heartfelt and transformative tale of love, identity, and the courage to be oneself. Gabe Cole Novoa's skillful reimagining not only pays homage to a classic but also adds a vital new perspective to the literary landscape.

I've only read one other book in the Remixed Classics series (Self-Made Boys), and I had high expectations for this book (mostly because of my love of P&P).

This book was EVERYTHING I could have wanted and more. I really loved the new dynamics between Oliver and his sisters, between Oliver and Charlotte, and Oliver/Darcy/Bingley. My only complaint was that the ending felt a little bit rushed, but it did not hinder my experience as a reader at all. I was also super interested in reading all the historical detail regarding Molly Houses and birth certificates in England during the Regency period, as this was all history and information that I never knew about before. This is a great addition to the Remixed Classics series, and January cannot come soon enough!

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy!

In this queer retelling of Pride and Prejudice, our protagonist, Oliver, is the only Bennett son, though almost everyone in the story still calls him Elizabeth. Oliver's navigation of being a trans man even as he is forced into the feminine expectations of the day highlights the pain of not being able to live as oneself. Though I found it interesting to read this perspective, I can imagine it might be difficult for some readers, though the story is ultimately hopeful.

Most Ardently mirrors the beats of the original Pride and Prejudice while highlighting the current fight for trans rights. This would be a great book for teens to read in conjunction with Pride and Prejudice or for anyone who loves a good literary remix.

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Children for giving me an ARC of Most Ardently.

Most Ardently is a remixed version of the classic by Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice. Here we see Oliver trapped by the dresses and expectations of the society to be the woman they think he is, Elizabeth. Oliver doesn't want to marry someone that does not see him as he truly he is. The few times he gets to be himself is when he sneaks away from his family with the help a select few who keep his secrets. On one of his outings he runs into Darcy, a man who met him as Elizabeth and was down right to him. But meeting him as Oliver, Darcy is sweet and shows he has warm heart. With Darcy, Oliver begins to believe that he can have love and the freedom to honestly be who he is.

I came into this book with high hopes and Novoa delivered. If I didn't have work I would have finished this much sooner, I could not put it down. Though this was a time that being queer was not accepted, it was nice to see people accepting Oliver for who he was. The support that he gets from friends and family was such an uplifting part of the book for me. The moments when Mr. Bennet and Mrs. Bennet accepted Oliver for who he is brought tears to my eyes. And though the ending is not historically accurate, sometimes we just need a happy ending for our queer characters regardless of the time period.

I never thought I could hate Wickham more but Novoa shows that yes I can. The sheer misogyny of the man to think a woman just needs a strong man to guide her just infuriates me. The many times that Oliver puts him in his place is truly wonderful.

I cannot recommend this book enough. For fans of the classic or fans of retellings this book is so good. Novoa tells a story with such care to queer characters and an appreciation of the original source material. This is a 5 out of 5 stars for me.

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that I love Pride and Prejudice and any of its iterations. Most Ardently is no exception. This was such a beautiful book and I found it so hard to put the book down at any given moment. This was such a fresh take on the story and it genuinely felt so sincere. I can’t wait to recommend to other P&P lovers!

Thanks to Macmillian and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

This read like fanfiction (positive) in a lot of ways. It was a deeply charming queer twist on Pride and Prejudice, but it was also a book that depended on the reader's knowledge of the book. If someone who hadn't read the original book read this, they might have felt more lackluster on the pacing and the development of the central relationship. It was a book that served as a sort of comfort read in a lot of ways— something soft and accommodating, that had me covering my face with a pillow because of how overcome it made me. It's a perfect beach read, or something to read when you want to lull yourself into a gentle and soft stupor, and for that I appreciate it.

I'm not a Jane Austen fan, but when I saw a queer, trans remix of her most famous book I was immediately intrigued. The author did a great job updating the story to the modern era, and it was nice reading the same story without the gross patriarchal elements.


***Thank you to Netgalley and McMillan Children Press for an eARC of this book in exchange for a remote. ***

This book was a fascinating retelling. Definitely not something I have read before.
Oliver is a trans man in a family of sisters. His mom is determined to marry them all off and that is not feasible for Oliver.

Thank you to the publishers for early access to this book,

This is the book I wanted when I heard there was a queer rewrite of Pride and Prejudice. I am nervous about the trend in the past decade to revamp or retell well-known properties, a well-known trend in Hollywood. A retelling will most always be overshadowed by the original work. Most Ardently, however, is wonderful.

Gabe Cole Novoa writes profoundly sympathetic trans characters with nuance and goals and flaws. Seeing Elizabeth Bennet - an already lovable character - retold as a young trans man named Oliver (still in the Regency!) is fascinating and heartbreaking, and ultimately euphoric. The characters stay relatively close to Austen's writing, with the exception of a rather amiable Darcy at times. I was pleasantly surprised by Novoa's characterization of Charlotte, which I would love for any young reader to see.

I will recommend this to any of my students who have difficulties interpreting historical English text but still have an interest in the time period, or students who just need more LGBT representation in their books. I personally enjoyed this title quite a bit.

Elizabeth Bennet hates himself and mainly because most of the world only knows him as Elizabeth instead of his true name--Oliver. Oliver fills his days waiting for the few moments he can slip away, put on his own clothes, and stroll down the street as a man. Obviously, his mother has other plans for him (you know, marriage, dresses, babies, and hopefully soon.)

So, when Oliver meets William Darcy who is rude to 'Elizabeth' but friendly with him...the world doesn't seem quite so mundane. Suddenly, he feels as if someone sees him for him. But with his mother's urging and his odious cousin coming to call, Oliver's choices aren't being considered. Can he find his true love and be the person he's always been?

A brilliant re-mix of Pride and Prejudice, Gabe Cole Novoa hit it out of the park! The same story we're all familiar with but it's so much more. Queer stories need representation and this one will live with throughout my days because I honestly didn't think I could hate Collins any more than I already did but this took the cake.

Plus, this cover is to die for! All the cover art love.

My thanks to NetGalley, and MacMillan Children's Publishing Group for this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Sweet, incredibly soft trans and gay retelling of the famed classic. Darcy and Oliver's love will sweep you off your feet. I absolutely adored Oliver's moments of gender euphoria and tender moments growing to know Darcy as himself. A must read for lovers of pining, scathing banter, and the rain scene.

trans main character | gay love | slow burn | classic retelling | regency romance

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book! This was my first exposure to the remixed classics series, and I adore the concept / execution. Giving communities historically excluded or reduced to background characters (POC or members of the LGBTQ+ community) the limelight gives us a voice in a realm that has historically excluded us. I will put the disclaimer here that it has been a minute since I’ve read Pride and Prejudice, but if you’re going into this expecting the same scene by scene recapture, then you have the wrong expectations. Our story follows Oliver Bennett, born Elizabeth Bennett, as he attempts to navigate a world that would shun his mere existence, a society that does its best to shove the role of wife on him, and just the simple human longing for love. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that this book is exceptional or groundbreaking, but honestly, just having a book that focuses on trans joy and queer love through what is considered to be one of the greatest romance novels is enough to give me the warm and fuzzies. It’s something I wish younger me had had the opportunity to read, and I’m glad that others will now have that option.