The inviting cover of this book made me want to read it and I am glad that I did. Note that the main characters are all here as are books. What more could a reader hope for?
Most Ardently Yours is a novel that asks for substantial suspension of disbelief. However, readers who are willing to do just that will find much to enjoy in Sampson’s newest novel.
Protagonist Zoe believes very strongly in what romances offer to their readers. Early in the book, she reels off the names of many in this field, some of whom I did not know. (I need to look).
Zoe gets into an argument with bookshop owner Nick whom she faults for not stocking romances but rather what Zoe calls “dick lit.” (Readers will learn more about this) So, while in the store Zoe runs out with a copy of Pride and Prejudice (that she did not pay for) and sets the amazing events in motion.
Imagine, Zoe’s surprise when Fitzwilliam Darcy appears in front of her. How could he possibly have come to life? It will take a bit until Zoe fully understands what happened and the implications.
Sampson has fun with Will’s adjustment to modern life. Readers will watch as he and Zoe get to know one another. What will happen to them? Can a fictional character even have a long term relationship? And, what about grumpy Nick?
Find out as readers get to know Zoe and those around her. Enjoy the time lines.
Think about what it might be like to have a bookshop like Nick’s. Marvel about what books can do for people.
This was a delightful read. Those who enjoy women’s fiction, romance, this author and escapist reads will want to take a look.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks-Landmark for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 07 July 2026
Post first published on 26 January 2026
Description:
from the publisher
From USA Today Bestselling author Freya Sampson comes a swoon-worthy, laugh-out-loud romance inspired by Jane Austen’s beloved Pride and Prejudice that begs the question: what if your book boyfriend jumped from the pages of their story and into your life?
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single woman in possession of many romance novels, must be in want of a book boyfriend.”
Zoe Knight, a struggling romance writer, has sworn off men for good. At least…the ones in real life. Once a believer in a happily ever after, she now curbs her loneliness with the help of the best book boyfriends in literature – and there is no better man than Jane Austen’s Mr. Darcy. So when she stumbles into a classic London bookshop and argues with the annoyingly attractive store owner, Nick, who refuses to sell romance novels, she decides to liberate him of a dusty copy of Pride & Prejudice abandoned on a top shelf.
But this is no ordinary book.
After reading from the pages, Zoe finds herself in a remarkable situation: she has accidentally summoned the Mr. Darcy to the real world. Now, she’s face-to-face with the man she’s loved forever, and he’s everything she dreamed he would be. Handsome? Check. Brooding? Check. Talks like he swallowed a thesaurus? Check and check. But even in all his regency perfection, can he ever be as good as in the novel? And if he’s here, in her London apartment trying to figure out how to work a shower , what will happen to the literary world he came from? With Nick—the last man she could ever be prevailed upon to work with—urging her to send the fictional Darcy back to his own story, Zoe will have to decide what she really wants from a happy ending, before it’s too late.
Other books by the author:
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 
Oh I really fancy this one! It’s not out here till July.
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Maybe you can get it on NG
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