A review by amarreth
Most Ardently by Gabe Cole Novoa

funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

This book is cute and fun, wistful and endearing - but it is also barely “Pride and Prejudice”. The day-players are all here, but the story is still mostly unique. Overall, I think this is nice, as it gives Oliver his own story, rather than simply switching some names around and calling it a day. Additionally, there is a wash of queer-positivity in the story. Societal issues with queerness and transness are referenced and known, but the characters are still surrounded by love and acceptance. Is this historically accurate? No. But I very much don’t care. The transphobes are villains, and we are not asked to give them sympathy or further complication that this. 

Reading Oliver and Darcy’s love story was delightful way to spend an evening.
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