Most Ardently by Gabe Cole Novoa

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Note: While this is filed in Spicy Romance, it’s only because I don’t have a YA romance section. This is an above the neck romance , as is fitting for a YA audience.

A heartwarming trans/queer retelling of Pride and Prejudice that should be required reading.

I waited to read this book until I thought I could handle the trauma of what it would be like to be a trans/queer person in Regency-era England, but I should not have waited. This book is a a warm hug. I assumed Oliver would be alone and ostracized but Gabe Cole Novoa has created this beautifully rich story where our main character is surrounded by love and support, while still navigating his identity within society. While Oliver is misgendered by some characters, both the narrator and his support system never do.

Oliver Bennett is the second eldest Bennet sibling who his mother and society at large refers to as Elizabeth. Oliver's older sister knows he is her brother, and he has a lesbian best friend who keeps his male clothes at her house so he can change and be in public as Oliver. When Oliver is at a ball, forced into a gown, he meets Mr. Darcy who is cold and distant. However, when Oliver meets Darcy as himself later in the book, sparks fly.

We see Oliver consistently pushing back against society's expectations, and knowing his own value and worth right from the beginning, which I loved best of all.

At the end of the book there is a short write up about what life was like for queer and trans people during this period in England. I had never heard of Molly houses, or the term Molly. I learned a lot and am disappointed it's taken me this long to know more about it. Don't skip this part of the book!

Let's also take a moment to recognize the amazing voice work done by narrator Harrison Knights. The way he created tension (both hot and cold) between Oliver and Darcy had me holding my breath. I also laughed with joy on how he approached Mr. Bennett (the family patriarch), trust me you'll love him.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this advanced listener copy.

This book is best read at your favourite queer-friendly pub, just after slow dancing with your crush.