Most Ardently: A Pride & Prejudice Remix

A trans boy searches for a future—and a romance—in which he can live and love openly as himself in this heartwrenching YA reimagining of Pride & Prejudice, the ninth book in the Remixed Classics series.

London, 1812. Oliver Bennet feels trapped. Not just by the endless corsets, petticoats and skirts he’s forced to wear on a daily basis, but also by society’s expectations. The world–and the vast majority of his family and friends–think Oliver is a girl named Elizabeth. He is therefore expected to mingle at balls wearing a pretty dress, entertain suitors regardless of his interest in them, and ultimately become someone’s wife.

But Oliver can’t bear the thought of such a fate. He finds solace in the few times he can sneak out of his family’s home and explore the city rightfully dressed as a young gentleman. It’s during one such excursion when Oliver becomes acquainted with Darcy, a sulky young man who had been rude to “Elizabeth” at a recent social function. But in the comfort of being out of the public eye, Oliver comes to find that Darcy is actually a sweet, intelligent boy with a warm heart. And not to mention incredibly attractive.

As Oliver is able to spend more time as his true self, often with Darcy, part of him dares begin to hope that his dream of love and life as a man could be possible. But suitors are growing bolder–and even threatening–and his mother is growing more desperate to see him settled into an engagement. Oliver will have to choose: Settle for safety, security, and a life of pretending to be something he’s not, or risk it all for a slim chance at freedom, love, and a life that can be truly, honestly his own.

What others are saying:

“Novoa’s interpretation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is a testament to the power of queer spaces and community. … Brimming with wit and chemistry, this queer revision of a much-beloved source text is nothing short of masterful. A must-purchase.” –School Library Journal, starred review

“The minute I finished, I knew this book had already replaced the original Pride and Prejudice in my heart. Gabe Cole Novoa has infused this timeless love story with so much care for its transgender protagonist, so much reverence for its queer love story, that I’d happily hand him my whole stack of classics to remix. A beautifully crafted novel, and a gift to those of us still looking for a home in literature’s most celebrated tomes.” –Tehlor Kay Mejia, bestselling author of We Set the Dark on Fire

“This triumphant queer and trans retelling of Pride and Prejudice holds and cares for its readers, offering a gentle story during an especially difficult period in history for those outside the norm. The relationship between Darcy and Oliver is tender and rooted in mutual compassion. For every reader who fell in love with Pride and Prejudice but wished it was a little more queer.” –Booklist

“A beautiful blend of wit, romance, and self discovery, Most Ardently is a must read.” –Kels, bookseller at Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore (San Diego, CA)

“Fleshing out the familial and platonic love found in the original novel, Most Ardently is an ode to historical LGBTQ+ people and a hopeful queer future, providing a thoughtful exploration of solidarity and the rebellion of authenticity.” –Grace Enright, bookseller at The Bookstore of Glen Ellyn (Glen Ellyn, IL)

“At times heartbreaking and full of warmth, this retelling is everything it promises to be. It is a charming and wonderful read for anyone who enjoys classic literature, Regency romances, and LGBTQIA+ works. … This book is certainly ‘sweep you off your feet’ worthy.” –The Historical Novel Society

“Entertaining and fast paced.” –Kirkus Reviews