A review by corsetedfeminist
Most Ardently by Gabe Cole Novoa

emotional hopeful 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? No

5.0

This is a retelling of Pride and Prejudice in which Elizabeth is actually a transman named Oliver and Darcy is very gay. 

It had never occurred to me how easy it is to reframe Darcy’s outward behavior as that of a gay man trying to hide his sexuality and being rather awkward about it, but it works very well, since there is a clear contrast between his behavior in spaces where he feels safe. 

Oliver is written quite well, with a strong emphasis in the book on his euphoria when dressed as himself and his close relationships with Jane and his father, which ended up being so wholesome and endearing. 

Extra points as well for describing the actual foundation garments of the period (short stays) and creating Oliver’s book long feud with the busk in his stays instead of using more stereotypical corsetry just because it’s more dramatic.

The author does a very good job at asking how various characters would respond to the changes that come with our new romance, and while this means there are quite a few plot changes they all make sense and are in character both for the classic characters and for the changes made in this account