Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for this ALC!

- I loved this!! I’m a huge fan of Pride and Prejudice, so reading this was a treat!
- I enjoyed trying to puzzle through how certain plot points would be adjusted while reading! It made it so interesting to see what changes were made.
- I loved the way making Darcy gay added depth to some of his decisions (such as the proposal, his rudeness, and his dislike of Wickham).
- having Wickham and Collins interact was so incredibly painful and well done!
- I wish we’d gotten more friendship between Oliver and Charlotte early on, and I think that would’ve helped make some decisions make more sense.
- The addition of Lou was such a great and interesting change!
- watching Oliver live a second life caused so much tension in the story, and it was such a great change!

4.5 Stars

This retelling of Pride & Prejudice is so well done and such a joy to read. I have the privilege of listening via audio and the narrator makes the characters come alive and I fuses so much personality into Oliver.

Born as Elizabeth, Oliver Bennet has to keep his true identity inside and sneak off to feel like himself, because regency era England wasn’t a safe place for our trans hero. With all of the classic plot points from our beloved original, Oliver’s story of self discovery and subsequent romance with Darcy is an absolutely stunning story. I loved the moments within the plot that were adjusted to fit this narrative (Wickham is still truly a villain, but not necessarily for what we originally knew him to be a villain before, and Collins…still just as annoying).

While the story does touch on tougher moments including body dysmorphia and feelings of claustrophobia within one’s own body, this book is so far from anything that would be depressing or hard to read. It’s pure trans joy and a much needed retelling!

I REALLY enjoyed this adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Having a trans main character is a wonderful take on the story and it was so endearing to see the dynamic between Darcy and Oliver.

This was so heartfelt and delightful. Oliver Bennet is trying to figure out his place is this Pride & Prejudice retelling. All of our favorite characters are here, Wickham is a dick, Collins is insufferable, Jane is sweet and lovely, and Oliver has all the wit and charm we expect from a Jane Austen lead.
I loved the ending, I loved watching Oliver and Darcy banter, I loved how emotionally vulnerable this story felt.

Another version of Pride & Prejudice? Yes, but a lovely and interesting spin on the classic. Readers get to experience the familiar characters and plots through the lens of Oliver Bennet, a trans boy, who is getting pressured to dress like Elizabeth, attend balls, and be courted with intention to marry. Without spoiling the twists and turns of Oliver's relationships, Mr. Bennet, Oliver's father, is the best part of this book. This book was written with a level of compassion with which many readers will find healing.

This is a cute YA retelling of Pride and Prejudice. Oliver Bennet is as clever and feisty and sparklingly defiant of society's expectations as the famous Elizabeth Bennet he is based on, and his relationship with Darcy is one you will root for and cheer for over the course of the novel.

in this story Oliver is a trans teenager whose identity is hidden most of the time, and is known to his family and his social world as Elizabeth. Darcy is a queer teen boy (who doesn't really resemble the adult Fitzwilliam Darcy of the original, but he's very likable). Like the original, this is a PG rated love story, sweet not steamy.

My favorite parts of the story were Oliver & Darcy's adventures through the queer spaces of Regency England, and Oliver's relationship with his supportive father. This book is like a warm hug in a lot of ways.

The things that took me out-- with the asterisks that the things I didn't love WON"T matter to some readers -- are:
- The characters are aged down quite a bit and it doesn't make sense that teen boys would feel pressure to marry, at all.
- The characters often behave in ways that I found so out of touch with regency manners, like Mr and Mrs Bennet discussing the rejection of a marriage proposal in front of the man whose proposal was rejected. Also I expected the dialogue to read more "modern" than the original but sometimes it was too much.
- This is a pretty short book not interested in the social dynamics of aristocrats vs landed wealth vs military (which is fine) but that leads to all the least likable characters becoming sort of a team of Scooby Doo villians when really they shouldn't know each other?

The big thing I missed from this book is the sparkling wit of the original, but Oliver's tension with living as a girl is so much more to bear than Elizabeth Bennet dealt with.

I hope it is no spoiler to say the ending, like the original's ending, left me smiling.

Don't read this looking for Austen, read this for a lovely queer romance in the 1820s that explores body dysphoria deftly and sensitively , and you will have a good time.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by the author, who did a good job with different voices and characterizations. I got a kick out of Lydia Bennet's lisp.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan audio for the chance to read this before publication.

WOW WOW WOW I will love any Pride and Prejudice retelling but this is my all time favorite without a doubt✨

The author wrote Oliver’s character so well, and truly did an amazing job showing the trails queer men face✨

Mr.Bennett as per usual is THAT GUY in this story✨

I will only accept gay Darcys from now on thank you 😂✨

This book truly had me kicking my feet and giggling through the whole story ✨

The historical note at the end about the history Of queer men was amazing and a great detail to Oliver’s story✨

A fantastic queer retelling of Pride & Prejudice. Novoa created a perfect blend of the original story and timeline with queers representation woven throughout very seamlessly. A beautiful book with interesting characters, the narrator was fantastic!

Thank you Net Galley for the ALC copy! This review contains mild spoilers.

The novel makes its themes and the overall message very clear to me, and I would say it’s successful at communicating the subject of an optimistic Regency-era romance for LGBT youth. I believe the strongest aspect here is the clear interest the author has in LGBT history and in incorporating it into this novel, and the weaker aspect is the conflict. Ultimately, I think a couple more rounds of line editing and tightening up the plot could have done it some good. The flow is natural and straight-forward. The exposition is relatively well-done, with the brevity that I think does very well for “younger” prose. The information is given to us when it’s relevant and it doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb; info-dumping isn’t an issue in this. There’s a degree of repetition in verbiage, particularly towards the end, that bogged down some sentences.

I found the character dynamics very compelling. Regarding Mrs. Bennet’s dynamic with Oliver, I can understand that some people may have difficulty suspending their disbelief in a historical narrative in which someone who was pressuring their child to be a “respectable lady” accepts their transgender son. However, the particular kind of parent to trans children that Mrs. Bennet here falls into isn’t often portrayed, and I think trans youth need to see a wider breadth of familial dynamics in our media. Mrs. Bennet here reminds me of someone in my life who had difficulties accepting who I am out of fear for how people would treat me and my prospects in the world. I think if I had seen representation of such a dynamic when I was a closeted teenager, I might have had more hope for my own familial relationships surviving that particular strife. Mr. Bennet, who is much more accepting, reminds me so much of my father, one of the people who has stood by me the most in my transition, and I was very glad to be able to see a dynamic like that reflected here.

Taking believable historical dialogue and making it accessible to a modern reader was achieved here. It maintains a Regency ‘feel’ without sacrificing the quick, modern writing style. While I doubt it’s 100% accurate to the conventioms of the era, it reproduces the concept of historical speech well without being jarring. It seems like the author put a lot of effort into walking the line of portraying LGBT history and writing a positive story for modern LGBT youth. I was giddy to hear references to actual pieces of our history, such as Molly Houses woven into the narrative, and I was also impressed that the story overall takes an optimistic tone on portraying the complexities of historical trans and gay relationships.

The note at the end where the author talks about personally hoping there are many trans people in history who we simply don’t know existed because they weren’t outed is something that I really appreciate: there have been extremely difficult times for us, but there have also always been people who found each other and forged community regardless. I would definitely recommend this to any trans young adult looking for a sweet historical romance that has some of our own history woven throughout it, as well as for someone looking to gift an appropriate and inclusive book to a young trans loved one. Overall, I felt a little too grown for the aged-down aspect of the novel, but I know if this book had been around ten years ago, it would have meant a lot to me. I’d definitely be interested in checking out the author’s other work.

This one wasn't for me, but I'm glad I read it so I can get into the hands of people who need it. The rep was great!!

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the eAudiobook ARC! Most Ardently is the latest in the Remixed Classics series and retells Jane Austen's classic, Pride and Prejudice. Oliver Bennet feels trapped by his place in society. No one sees who he really is and his mother is pushing for marriage. She sees Oliver as Elizabeth and is determined to see him settled. But as Oliver's path continues to collide with that of the stoic Darcy, Oliver can't help but feel attracted yet frustrated. Can the two open up to one another and live the lives they desire or will society get in the way? This retelling refocuses the message of the original tale (and trims quite a bit as well), but offers a lot of heart.

This was such an enchanting retelling of Pride and Prejudice with queer representation. It stayed pretty true to the story with minimal plot changes while still emphasizing the character's struggles within the historical context.

Thank you NetGalley for an opportunity to listen to this advanced audiobook copy in exchange for an honest review.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
I've always been a fan of the 2005 Pride & Prejudice movie and love to see twists and adaptations of the story in print. This is a LGBTQ+ retelling with a trans main character. I'm not sure how accurate this story is to the original (I haven't read it...sue me). But I think the author tried their best to make it as accurate as it can be with queer characters in that time period. It is very refreshing to read a story about the queer people who have been around since the beginning of time, but have been snuffed out by our rewritten history.
I'm sure they didn't talk like this, I'm sure all of the clothing or customs mentioned in this book are not 100% correct. But that isn't what we asked for. We asked for a queer P&P and that is what was delivered. Low stakes Pride & Prejudice with a beautiful ending and something to give us hopes for our future.

Full review on Pages n' Pages podcast (episode post date 1/16/24- Chapter 133).

This was wonderful! It was so well written and so well read. The characters were don justice beautifully

I’ve read several books in this Remixed Classics series and enjoyed every one of them. This is hands down my favorite retelling of Pride and Prejudice.

Many readers are familiar with the character of plucky, intelligent Elizabeth Bennett. In this retelling, Elizabeth is really Oliver. Only a handful of people are aware of his real identity, including his sister, Jane, and best friend, Charlotte. Much of the story remains the same – Jane and Bingley’s romance, Mr. Bennett (one of the best fictional dads ever) wanting his children to marry for love, Mrs. Bennett caring more about her children making good matches, the annoying Collins, and insufferable Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Bad guy Wickham slinks around every corner, but there’s a different spin on his character.

And then there’s Darcy. He’s still arrogant, aloof, and unapproachable, but Oliver gets to see a side of him that Elizabeth never could. Their path to romance is full of potholes, but it’s no less compelling than in the original novel. The author does an excellent job in telling Oliver’s story, and I nearly needed a tissue at one point. Trust me, it takes a lot for that to happen.

This is a joy to read, and I loved the mixture of the original story with the new take. I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator is fabulous. Highly recommend for fans of retellings.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Most Ardently" is an absolute delight for any Jane Austen fan and literature enthusiasts alike! Gabe Cole Novoa's refreshing remix of the timeless classic "Pride and Prejudice" brings a modern twist to the beloved story, capturing the essence of the original while introducing innovative and captivating elements.

The narrative is a seamless blend of wit, charm, and the timeless allure of Austen's characters. Novoa's writing style is masterful, maintaining the integrity of the source material while infusing it with a fresh perspective. The characters are vibrant, multi-dimensional, and wonderfully true to the spirit of the original work, making it a joy to revisit their world.

Harrison Knights' narration is nothing short of brilliant. His expressive delivery and impeccable timing breathe life into each character, allowing listeners to immerse themselves fully in the story. Knights' voice is a perfect match for the elegant prose, making the audiobook an absolute pleasure to experience.

The chemistry between Novoa's writing and Knights' narration creates a synergy that elevates "Most Ardently" to new heights. The pacing is impeccable, the character voices distinct, and the overall production quality is top-notch. Whether you're a fan of classic literature or someone new to the world of Pride and Prejudice, this audiobook is a must-listen.

In conclusion, "Most Ardently" is a masterpiece that pays homage to the timeless appeal of Jane Austen's work while offering a fresh and engaging take on the beloved story. Gabe Cole Novoa and Harrison Knights have crafted a truly enchanting experience that will leave listeners utterly captivated. This audiobook deserves every bit of its 5-star rating and is highly recommended for anyone seeking a delightful literary journey.

“Most Ardently” by Gabe Cole Novoa is a retelling of Pride and Prejudice. Oliver feels trapped in the gender role he was assigned to. He no longer wants to live as Elizabeth but himself, as Oliver. During one of the times, he snuck out to be Oliver in the world he runs into Darcy. As they become close Oliver hopes for the future, he has dreamt of starting to grow as well.

I like this book, but it felt forced in some parts. I was confused at the beginning with the gender, it took me a hot minute to figure out he was a boy trapped in a female anatomy body. I liked that there were other queer couples in the book too. 3 out of 5 stars.

A thousand times yes!

And actually my only criticism of this book was that it didn’t include that poignant line.

I love an Austen retelling and am absolutely obsessed with this trans boy as the second Bennett child version. And Darcy as a gay man just makes so much sense.

While it wasn’t as angsty between Darcy and Oliver as the original, I’m happy about that because honestly the angst about his mother was GRIPPING, I was in a chokehold for the entire book.

If you like an Austen retelling you cannot skip this one!

I loved this so Pride & Prejudice remix so much! I think the audiobook definitely improved on the story.

Most Ardently showcases Oliver, a trans boy living with his family in 1812 London. Though he has some close friends and family members who know who he truly is, he is still living in dysphoria pretending to be a girl out of fear of his mother’s reaction. His mother is still pushing him to go to balls, meet suitors, and eventually accept a marriage proposal and become the ideal housewife. Things start to change when he is out as his true self and runs into Mr. Darcy…

As someone who never truly enjoyed Pride and Prejudice, this remix was a wonderful LGBTQIA+ spin on it. The character relationships are well flushed out, the banter is spectacular, and the slow burn…. I was kicking my feet giddily throughout most of the second half.

I highly highly highly recommend Most Ardently!!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, Macmillan Young Listeners, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Feiwel & Friends, Gabe Cole Novoa, and Harrison Knights (audio narrator) for the opportunity to read and listen to the audiobook of Most Ardently: A Pride & Prejudice Remix in exchange for an honest review.

Most Ardently: A Pride & Prejudice Remix is a retelling of Jane Austen's classic, Pride and Prejudice. Having specialized in Austen studies for part of my degree, I can say with a heavy personal opinion that Pride and Prejudice is her most interesting work. To have a chance to read a Remixed Classics version is an absolute treat. This novel takes the core essence of the original and twists it into something exciting and passionate, maintaining the 1812 setting while making for a delightful novel for a contemporary young adult audience. This retelling is everything it should be an more, going above and beyond expectation.

This intoxicating retelling of the literary classic follows the story of Oliver Bennet, a transgender man who must hide his true identity from his family and formal society, dealing with being addressed by his dead name and the wrong gender constantly. He is expected to go to balls dressed as a woman, and his mother wants nothing more than for him to find a man to marry. Oliver has other ideas. He goes out as a man in secret, enjoying the few moments he can explore being himself.

When the Bennet's meet Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy, the eldest Bennet child, Jane, is lovestruck from the first moment. There is something to be said about Bingley's not-so-charming friend, Darcy. When Darcy and Oliver have a chance meeting at the ball, Darcy all but claims Oliver not handsome enough for his tastes. This, of course, is when Oliver must parade as a woman. When he goes to a festival as a man, with a chance meeting with Darcy and Bingley, Darcy's reception of Oliver is quite different, charming even. But Darcy doesn't know it's the same person from the ball! 

Getting to explore what the world of men is like, Oliver indulges in Darcy's company, as well as mingling with other men of the community. He learns about disconcerting rumors, as well as clubs that are for those interested in others of the same sex. While it seems scandalous, Oliver soon learns these are safe places for him to truly be himself, and finds that his feelings for Darcy are everything from only his wildest dreams. Now Oliver just has to find the courage to tell his whole family (some already know) so that he can truly live as himself in the world.

The audio narrator, Harrison Knights, is an absolute joy to listen to. He really add to the character of Oliver and makes for a thrilling audio listening experience. A brilliant novel, something easily devoured in one sitting. All of the Remixed Classics have been exceptionally well-written stories, though I believe Most Ardently: A Pride & Prejudice Remix is easily the best one so far (and that's saying something, considering they are all amazing works). I highly recommend this novel to LGBTQ+ readers, educators, fans of retellings, lovers of classics, and anyone who seeks a truly exciting story.