A review by zydecovivo
Most Ardently: A Pride & Prejudice Remix by Gabe Cole Novoa

adventurous emotional inspiring fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

I first saw this book on Goodreads. I believe it was recommended after finishing a different LGBTQ historical fiction book. While I was starting to write off all historical romance books due to my boredom with the genre, Most Ardently has given me hope to keep trying. 

 As the title specifies, the book basically follows the premise of Pride & Prejudice. However, our narrator is Oliver, a trans man struggling to find his way in Regency society while still in the closet. I think this layer of complexity is what I needed, both to reinvigorate my interest in historical romance and to better enjoy Pride & Prejudice. Basically all of my dislikes of the source material were resolved. This includes: Lydia being forced to marry Wickham, Mr. Bennett seeming uncaring & aloof towards his children, Elizabeth never really spending time with Darcy before “falling in love”, and Mr. Collins and Wickham never facing any repercussions. All of these are fixed. In fact, the Wickham/Lydia subplot is basically entirely removed (thank goodness). I do think the resolution and ending came a bit quickly, and there wasn’t really a resolution as far as how Oliver and Darcy will continue their relationship. But it’s still a historical romance, so who cares?

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and think it would be a great discussion to compare the two stories in a classroom setting. I’m now going to try more of the Remixed Classics series. 
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