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keyaunnalb's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
one of my favourite reads of this year so far. i really enjoyed that this book maintained a respectable and engaging portrayal of the trans experience in a regency setting. oliver is such a lovable protagonist and deserves all the love in the world. the only thing i wish was more developed was oliver’s acceptance of darcy’s apology. regardless, this was wonderful.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deadnaming, Homophobia, Transphobia, Outing, Sexual harassment, and Classism
eldervampire83's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I adore Oliver Bennet. Throughout the beginning of the story, he was doing his best in a world that reviled people like him. Coping with the life that he was dealt was not easy, and taking a glimpse into his life and how his dysphoria affects him was shown well. The author showed an accurate depiction of the views and opinions of a culture with such strict expectations for men and women, but he also allowed the audience to hope for the best in both Oliver and Darcy's situations.
I loved the way Fitzwilliam Darcy was depicted in this adaptation. It hit all the right notes in his personality, but he was humanized in such a sweet way. He was adorable, though rough around the edges. Just like a hedgehog!
The life that he was dealt forced him to live in fear, and it was palpable.
Wickham's motivations and deception were far less subtle, but this story was all the better for it. He was a cruel antagonist in the source material, and seeing him unmasked from the jump was a choice that I didn't expect but also appreciated. I also did like Collins being seen as an antagonist, though it makes me wonder how Oliver's friendship with Charlotte would be after what we learn about his scheming in the climax. If I was Oliver, I would be wary of her after something like that.
Despite the world around him trying to force him to assimilate, Oliver showed defiance to the system and in the end refused to live in fear. We need more protagonists like Oliver Bennet. I cannot bear not living as my true, authentic self, and I'm glad that Oliver refused to accept settling. It was not the fate that he deserved.
What made me give this book 5 stars was the love and support shown throughout the book.Yes, this time period was a difficult one for people like Oliver and Darcy, but the Bennets being accepting and the both of them having strong support systems warmed my heart. I love stories that have angst with happy endings. And now, Darcy and Oliver can be happy love authentically together!
This is an entirely new take on the source material. I absolutely loved the direction that it took, from start to finish. Most Ardently stands out on its own, overall. The message came from a genuine place of warmth. Reading this felt like a tender hug. I waited a long time for a story like this, and I am so pleased that it both exists and was done so superbly.
I loved the way Fitzwilliam Darcy was depicted in this adaptation. It hit all the right notes in his personality, but he was humanized in such a sweet way. He was adorable, though rough around the edges. Just like a hedgehog!
The life that he was dealt forced him to live in fear, and it was palpable.
Wickham's motivations and deception were far less subtle, but this story was all the better for it. He was a cruel antagonist in the source material, and seeing him unmasked from the jump was a choice that I didn't expect but also appreciated. I also did like Collins being seen as an antagonist,
Despite the world around him trying to force him to assimilate, Oliver showed defiance to the system and in the end refused to live in fear. We need more protagonists like Oliver Bennet. I cannot bear not living as my true, authentic self, and I'm glad that Oliver refused to accept settling. It was not the fate that he deserved.
What made me give this book 5 stars was the love and support shown throughout the book.
This is an entirely new take on the source material. I absolutely loved the direction that it took, from start to finish. Most Ardently stands out on its own, overall. The message came from a genuine place of warmth. Reading this felt like a tender hug. I waited a long time for a story like this, and I am so pleased that it both exists and was done so superbly.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deadnaming, Homophobia, Transphobia, Sexual harassment, and Dysphoria
Moderate: Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Outing, and Classism
dezzella's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This was a very sweet retelling of Pride and Prejudice, but with an achillean relationship and a trans main character. We follow Oliver who is trying to become himself while having to face some of the restraints of society, as well as the fact he is still in the closet.
I loved the romance, I thought it was super sweet however there are definitely moments that hit my heart hard - seeing Oliver struggle with his identity, family, and place in society. I thought the writing was nice and this book is fairly fast paced.
Overall this was very sweet and I really enjoyed the story and characters.
Spoiler Thoughts:
The fact his dad was so supportive of his identity when the dad found out about Oliver was so wholesome. As well as the support Oliver had from the few friends/family that knew about his identity to start. I loved that, Oliver deserves that level of support and so do any others who might be in a similar situation, so it's good to see that in books.
I loved the romance, I thought it was super sweet however there are definitely moments that hit my heart hard - seeing Oliver struggle with his identity, family, and place in society. I thought the writing was nice and this book is fairly fast paced.
Overall this was very sweet and I really enjoyed the story and characters.
Spoiler Thoughts:
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny
Moderate: Homophobia and Transphobia
shaylacasey99's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deadnaming and Dysphoria
Moderate: Homophobia and Sexism
Minor: Outing
lindsayreads21's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
This is a Pride & Prejudice remix where the lead is a trans man named Oliver (although only a few people know him as himself). I honestly never finished Pride & Prejudice because I was so bored through it all. I never felt that way with Most Ardently. It was an absolutely delightful story and I really appreciated getting to see the world through Oliver’s eyes. It’s so important to see the world through different perspectives - especially now, when there are attempts to erase trans people and squash their rights. Most Ardently was recently awarded a Stonewall Honor Books for Young Adult Literature and I can see why. I enjoyed every. single. page.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Misogyny, and Transphobia
rolliollie's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deadnaming and Transphobia
Minor: Homophobia
julieuhh's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Reads like fanfiction but in a good way lol. Celebrate queer joy!! Especially right now, it’s very important for books like this to exist. I found the representation to be very good :)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia
Moderate: Homophobia and Outing
acozykettleoffish's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
"I can't imagine," Darcy said, "that you could ever be unextraordinary."
I never liked romances until I read this book! It made me giggle like a squeal like an infatuated teen!
I never liked romances until I read this book! It made me giggle like a squeal like an infatuated teen!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Dysphoria
Minor: Homophobia and Transphobia
anjens's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This was such a cute spin on pride and prejudice! I liked the changes that the author made to the original story and as someone who originally is not that huge of a pride and prejudice fan, I still appreciated how close it is to the original story, the research that was done to make it believable for a queer relationship to thrive in high society the Regency period. Oliver was such a fun character to follow!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Deadnaming, Homophobia, Misogyny, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, and Transphobia
booksandfomo's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
(Content/Trigger Warnings also include: Misgendering, Forced Outing, Body Dysmorphia, and Gender Dysmorphia)
Since I've never read Pride and Prejudice, I don't have thoughts on how the story was retold. Regardless, I thought this was a lovely story! The moments between Darcy and Oliver were sweet and full of banter. I just wish there was more of it! And of course, the drama that comes with historical romances is always greatly appreciated. Besides the romance, seeing Oliver be his authentic self in a society that wasn't accepting of trans people and the queer community was special.
Since I've never read Pride and Prejudice, I don't have thoughts on how the story was retold. Regardless, I thought this was a lovely story! The moments between Darcy and Oliver were sweet and full of banter. I just wish there was more of it! And of course, the drama that comes with historical romances is always greatly appreciated. Besides the romance, seeing Oliver be his authentic self in a society that wasn't accepting of trans people and the queer community was special.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deadnaming, Homophobia, and Transphobia