A review by devination
Most Ardently by Gabe Cole Novoa

emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-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

This is such a perfect queer retelling in so many ways. I don't feel like Novoa is trying to be Austin, so if you expect a Austin mimic this ain't it - but to me it made the story more approachable. It feels like a YA take on a maybe heavily historical novel, and it feels well researched as well as well communicated to a modern audience. There are times where I feel like some parts are assumed to be familiar to the reader and skimmed over, such as the dancing, but that might just be a pet peeve of someone interested in ballroom dancing. My one annoyance is with the main character, and it might be a personal opinion thing, but he reminds me so much of Mar from Novoa's debut novel, but that might just be a result on being based on Elizabeth Bennet? I will admit I don't know the original story well enough to know, only ever before having seen adaptations, but I am now curious to try to read it. And generally I REALLY enjoyed this book! I don't think I've ever read such relatable experiences of dysphoria and fears of acceptance, and the romance made me squeal in happiness. 
Absolutely recommend! 
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