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Austen #4
Dashing into Disaster
Elinor Dashwood has found the perfect job. There’s only one little catch… her boss.
Edward’s gorgeous, kind, and taken. Well, maybe. There’s something odd about his engagement to the town’s sweetheart, and it seems like he wants Elinor to figure it out.
Nope. Detective Elinor is not on the case. She’ll just admire him from afar like every other sensible person with an unrequited crush.
Edward Ferrars was just fine pretending to be engaged until Elinor moved to town, started working for him, and decided to invade his thoughts. Now his fake fiancée has set her sights on Elinor as enemy number one, and Elinor is the last person who deserves to be called a homewrecker.
He’s ready to call off this out-of-control favor, but if he unleashes the wrath of his fake fiancée, will Elinor be along for the ride?
Dive into this modern take on Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility with all the characters you know and love.
Edward’s gorgeous, kind, and taken. Well, maybe. There’s something odd about his engagement to the town’s sweetheart, and it seems like he wants Elinor to figure it out.
Nope. Detective Elinor is not on the case. She’ll just admire him from afar like every other sensible person with an unrequited crush.
Edward Ferrars was just fine pretending to be engaged until Elinor moved to town, started working for him, and decided to invade his thoughts. Now his fake fiancée has set her sights on Elinor as enemy number one, and Elinor is the last person who deserves to be called a homewrecker.
He’s ready to call off this out-of-control favor, but if he unleashes the wrath of his fake fiancée, will Elinor be along for the ride?
Dive into this modern take on Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility with all the characters you know and love.
Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2023
142 people are currently reading
340 people want to read
About the author
Rachel John
51 books513 followersRachel John is the author of books filled with awkward humor and sigh-inducing romance. When not burning dinner or chasing kids, Rachel can be found working on family history, writing, reading, or putting off writing by staring at Facebook. She lives in Arizona with her husband, four crazy kids, and her desert tortoise.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
July 29, 2021
Moving to a new town, meeting a fun guy, guy becomes new boss, and, ugh, guy is engaged. Fun start to a new charmer from Rachel John's Austen Inspired Romantic Comedy series this time flavored by Austen's Sense and Sensibility.
Elinor is the organized, level-headed, nice girl and she lives with a lively, colorful, fun-loving pair of younger sisters and their mom. Starting over after losing everything after their dad and husband died has left them with each other, but they are determined to make a go of it. Marianne and her mom got jobs at the soda factory, Greta is in school and determined to help with her dog-walking job, and so Elinor has no excuse not to take the office assistant job for Edward's financial consultant office even if she can feel the strong attraction between them and knows how well they get on together from the first moment they met.
Edward is everything she could want in a guy except he's with someone else, um, sort of? Actually, Elinor doesn't get that relationship with Lucy at all and now Lucy wants to be besties. Meanwhile Marianne gains the attention of two very different men and she only wants the flashy, flamboyant one. Edward knows he has found just the woman for him, but he has to stick to his fake engagement as promised so Lucy's relationship book will sell. One more month isn't long... oh who is he kidding? It feels like an eternity now that he's met the right woman. And, exactly what is Lucy up to now...
Dashing Into Disaster was exactly on point for me. I went in expecting a light, charming, sometimes funny contemporary romance and that is exactly what I got. Elinor and Edward have some snags to work out as does the secondary romance in the background, but meantime, there is great sisterly moments, cute encounters, and the wise, wisecracking Rosa at the office was a scene-stealer.
An easy-going romcom that highlighted Austen's Sense & Sensibility by recognizable characters and a refreshing take on their story. Each book in the series are standalone so readers can start where they'd like. Recommend to those who enjoy sweet, light romantic comedies.
Elinor is the organized, level-headed, nice girl and she lives with a lively, colorful, fun-loving pair of younger sisters and their mom. Starting over after losing everything after their dad and husband died has left them with each other, but they are determined to make a go of it. Marianne and her mom got jobs at the soda factory, Greta is in school and determined to help with her dog-walking job, and so Elinor has no excuse not to take the office assistant job for Edward's financial consultant office even if she can feel the strong attraction between them and knows how well they get on together from the first moment they met.
Edward is everything she could want in a guy except he's with someone else, um, sort of? Actually, Elinor doesn't get that relationship with Lucy at all and now Lucy wants to be besties. Meanwhile Marianne gains the attention of two very different men and she only wants the flashy, flamboyant one. Edward knows he has found just the woman for him, but he has to stick to his fake engagement as promised so Lucy's relationship book will sell. One more month isn't long... oh who is he kidding? It feels like an eternity now that he's met the right woman. And, exactly what is Lucy up to now...
Dashing Into Disaster was exactly on point for me. I went in expecting a light, charming, sometimes funny contemporary romance and that is exactly what I got. Elinor and Edward have some snags to work out as does the secondary romance in the background, but meantime, there is great sisterly moments, cute encounters, and the wise, wisecracking Rosa at the office was a scene-stealer.
An easy-going romcom that highlighted Austen's Sense & Sensibility by recognizable characters and a refreshing take on their story. Each book in the series are standalone so readers can start where they'd like. Recommend to those who enjoy sweet, light romantic comedies.
August 26, 2021
I've read several of this author's books, and I'm impressed with how well she transforms Jane Austen's Regency romances into credible modern stories.
This one, based on Sense and Sensibility, begins with the Dashwood sisters and their mother settling into a new town. Their father had lost most of the family's assets to a partner after making some poor business decisions. He died of a heart attack on the midst of the legal wrangling. Several years ago, Mrs. Dashwood inherited an old, long-neglected house in a small town called Dateville, and that's pretty much all they have left.
Edward Ferrars lives across the street. His office manager, Rosa, is in charge of hiring another office worker, and his new neighbor, Elinor Dashwood, turns out to be the best candidate. Although there's a strong mutual attraction between him and Elinor, he's being manipulated by his former girlfriend Lucy, who's written a self-help book about how to find and land a "nice guy." A year ago, he did propose marriage to Lucy and initially supported her writing project. Lucy received a huge advance check and is currently promoting the book, due to release soon, and sales would suffer if it became common knowledge that the "nice guy" had dumped her. Out of guilt, when he told her he wanted out of the relationship, he had agreed to pretend they were still engaged until the book was out. It wasn't a problem until he found himself falling for Elinor.
Elinor's sister, Marianne, is a free spirit who's a talented musician but despises the idea of using it beyond playing for her own enjoyment. When she learns that Brandon Rice (a relation and frequent house guest of their neighbors, the Middletons) writes commercial jingles, she dismisses him out of hand, especially once the swoony Will Abley starts paying attention to her.
Ms. John writes quite well, telling the story alternately from the perspectives of Elinor and Edward. Marianne's romantic drama plays out in the background. Characters are nicely defined, showing the ten-year-old Dashwood sister, Greta, with no verbal filter at all, and Marianne isn't much better. Elinor is far more thoughtful compared to her mother and sisters, and she's clearly the glue holding the family together. The plot develops with obvious parallels to JA's work but enough unpredictability to keep the reader guessing.
Excellent story! Content is clean.
This one, based on Sense and Sensibility, begins with the Dashwood sisters and their mother settling into a new town. Their father had lost most of the family's assets to a partner after making some poor business decisions. He died of a heart attack on the midst of the legal wrangling. Several years ago, Mrs. Dashwood inherited an old, long-neglected house in a small town called Dateville, and that's pretty much all they have left.
Edward Ferrars lives across the street. His office manager, Rosa, is in charge of hiring another office worker, and his new neighbor, Elinor Dashwood, turns out to be the best candidate. Although there's a strong mutual attraction between him and Elinor, he's being manipulated by his former girlfriend Lucy, who's written a self-help book about how to find and land a "nice guy." A year ago, he did propose marriage to Lucy and initially supported her writing project. Lucy received a huge advance check and is currently promoting the book, due to release soon, and sales would suffer if it became common knowledge that the "nice guy" had dumped her. Out of guilt, when he told her he wanted out of the relationship, he had agreed to pretend they were still engaged until the book was out. It wasn't a problem until he found himself falling for Elinor.
Elinor's sister, Marianne, is a free spirit who's a talented musician but despises the idea of using it beyond playing for her own enjoyment. When she learns that Brandon Rice (a relation and frequent house guest of their neighbors, the Middletons) writes commercial jingles, she dismisses him out of hand, especially once the swoony Will Abley starts paying attention to her.
Ms. John writes quite well, telling the story alternately from the perspectives of Elinor and Edward. Marianne's romantic drama plays out in the background. Characters are nicely defined, showing the ten-year-old Dashwood sister, Greta, with no verbal filter at all, and Marianne isn't much better. Elinor is far more thoughtful compared to her mother and sisters, and she's clearly the glue holding the family together. The plot develops with obvious parallels to JA's work but enough unpredictability to keep the reader guessing.
Excellent story! Content is clean.
March 15, 2021
This book was seriously so adorable! I really enjoyed the author's fun take on Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility. The main characters rang true to the personalities of Austen's story, but they also had a fresh contemporary take that had me grinning the whole time I read.
Edward was, simply stated, fantastic. I loved his character, (so grateful the book was in dual POV), and that he had integrity even though he was stuck between a rock and a hard place. The first kiss between him and Elinor was all the stars and the feels! The running club flyers, Grace, the whole thing was fun to read. I didn’t want it to end. I already want to pick this book back up and reread my favorite parts.
I highly recommend this book and genuinely just enjoyed the vibe I had while reading it. The content is totally wholesome; it's a clean romance that delivers the swoon and the laughs.
I received an advance reader copy of this novel, but will be getting a paperback, I loved it so much. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Edward was, simply stated, fantastic. I loved his character, (so grateful the book was in dual POV), and that he had integrity even though he was stuck between a rock and a hard place. The first kiss between him and Elinor was all the stars and the feels! The running club flyers, Grace, the whole thing was fun to read. I didn’t want it to end. I already want to pick this book back up and reread my favorite parts.
I highly recommend this book and genuinely just enjoyed the vibe I had while reading it. The content is totally wholesome; it's a clean romance that delivers the swoon and the laughs.
I received an advance reader copy of this novel, but will be getting a paperback, I loved it so much. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 25, 2021
Molto interessante questo retelling in chiave moderna di Sense and Sensibility, ambientato a Datefield, una cittadina americana in cui tutti conoscono tutti, con Edward Ferrars come vicino di casa delle donne Dashwood, impoverite e costrette a trasferirsi in una casa lasciata loro da una vecchia zia.
Edward è fidanzato con Lucy Ferrars, ma la loro relazione ormai non funziona più da mesi; solo che lei lo costringe a restare insieme a lei perché ha scritto un self-help book che sta per essere pubblicato, sulle brave ragazze che trovano i bravi ragazzi, per cui Lucy ha già ricevuto cinquantamila dollari d'anticipo! Quindi non sarebbe molto producente se la relazione su cui Lucy ha basato il libro non esistesse più...
Per questo, Lucy costringe Edward a fingere, per lo meno fino a quando il libro non sarà pubblicato e non venderà così bene da superare gli introiti dei cinquantamila dollari d'anticipo. Edward è disposto a farlo... finché non incontra Elinor che, oltre a essere la sua vicina, diventa anche l'assistente della sua segretaria tuttofare, la latina e materna Rosa, che detesta Lucy e prende sotto la sua ala Elinor.
Intanto, anche Marianne incontra i suoi John Willoughby (Will Abley) e Colonnello Brandon (Brandon Rice), e Margaret (Greta) è una ragazzina molto simpatica, che lega molto con Edward.
Ci sono anche altri personaggi ispirati a Ragione e sentimento, naturalmente, tutti molto ben reinterpretati in chiave moderna.
L'unico rammarico è che il libro sia troppo breve e che la parte finale sia dunque un po' affrettata a mio avviso.
Edward è fidanzato con Lucy Ferrars, ma la loro relazione ormai non funziona più da mesi; solo che lei lo costringe a restare insieme a lei perché ha scritto un self-help book che sta per essere pubblicato, sulle brave ragazze che trovano i bravi ragazzi, per cui Lucy ha già ricevuto cinquantamila dollari d'anticipo! Quindi non sarebbe molto producente se la relazione su cui Lucy ha basato il libro non esistesse più...
Per questo, Lucy costringe Edward a fingere, per lo meno fino a quando il libro non sarà pubblicato e non venderà così bene da superare gli introiti dei cinquantamila dollari d'anticipo. Edward è disposto a farlo... finché non incontra Elinor che, oltre a essere la sua vicina, diventa anche l'assistente della sua segretaria tuttofare, la latina e materna Rosa, che detesta Lucy e prende sotto la sua ala Elinor.
Intanto, anche Marianne incontra i suoi John Willoughby (Will Abley) e Colonnello Brandon (Brandon Rice), e Margaret (Greta) è una ragazzina molto simpatica, che lega molto con Edward.
Ci sono anche altri personaggi ispirati a Ragione e sentimento, naturalmente, tutti molto ben reinterpretati in chiave moderna.
L'unico rammarico è che il libro sia troppo breve e che la parte finale sia dunque un po' affrettata a mio avviso.
January 27, 2024
I have a weakness for Rachel John's modern variations of Jane Austen's novels. Yes, they are a bit fairy-tallish, yet, each time I read them with joy and eagerness to see how she readapted the story.
Sense and Sensibility isn't easy to move into modern times. Still, the author managed it quite lovely. Although, I would have liked to see more between Marianne and Brandon.
By the way, I am pretty sure, I would have rated it lower if I hadn't had fun with finding in it the Austen's book.
[3.5 stars]
Sense and Sensibility isn't easy to move into modern times. Still, the author managed it quite lovely. Although, I would have liked to see more between Marianne and Brandon.
By the way, I am pretty sure, I would have rated it lower if I hadn't had fun with finding in it the Austen's book.
[3.5 stars]
October 6, 2021
I normally find Sense and Sensibility to be dull and tedious, mostly because I find Edward and Elinor dull and tedious.
.
This Edward and this Elinor are simply delightful. I really loved this spin on the classic.
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This Edward and this Elinor are simply delightful. I really loved this spin on the classic.
March 17, 2021
A very good modern retelling, if a bit short. RTC
June 2, 2025
enjoyed E&E
I thoroughly enjoyed this Sense and Sensibility adaptation. Sweet Elinor and gentle Edward touched my heart and made me smile. I cheered for them all the way through this book. All the familiar characters from S&S are in this adaptation, recognizable and true to the original story. Highly recommend this sweet and clean story :)
I thoroughly enjoyed this Sense and Sensibility adaptation. Sweet Elinor and gentle Edward touched my heart and made me smile. I cheered for them all the way through this book. All the familiar characters from S&S are in this adaptation, recognizable and true to the original story. Highly recommend this sweet and clean story :)
March 11, 2021
Light, flirty, and fun!
Moving to a new town when you're down on your luck isn't easy, but I loved watching Elinor and her mom and sisters settle in. A hilarious first encounter with Edward only triggered a series of chance meetings that left me swooning and smiling. There's a mystery surrounding this handsome man and it was so entertaining to watch what resulted from the big secret. But the biggest surprise was the amount of magnetism that drew me right in and left me feeling head-over-heels in love with this charming story.
John pulls off a very pleasant modern rendition of an Austen classic and I was attracted to the plot and wonderful characters from start to finish. This story was light, flirty, and silly fun, yet it was also grounded, if that makes sense. I haven't read the rest of the series, but you can bet they're in my TBR pile now!
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Moving to a new town when you're down on your luck isn't easy, but I loved watching Elinor and her mom and sisters settle in. A hilarious first encounter with Edward only triggered a series of chance meetings that left me swooning and smiling. There's a mystery surrounding this handsome man and it was so entertaining to watch what resulted from the big secret. But the biggest surprise was the amount of magnetism that drew me right in and left me feeling head-over-heels in love with this charming story.
John pulls off a very pleasant modern rendition of an Austen classic and I was attracted to the plot and wonderful characters from start to finish. This story was light, flirty, and silly fun, yet it was also grounded, if that makes sense. I haven't read the rest of the series, but you can bet they're in my TBR pile now!
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
March 15, 2021
Absolutely and completely delightful! I have enjoyed all the books in this series and this one was no exception. The plot was a fantastic modern adaptation of the original and I loved the characters - their personalities were so true to the originals! You can't help but love Edward and Elinor, get slightly annoyed with Marianne, feel bad for Brandon, and detest Lucy.
The romance was sweet but swoony (the first kiss scene was fabulous!) and there were some great laughs. Highly recommend this book as well as the entire series!
I received a complimentary copy from the author but a positive review was not required.
The romance was sweet but swoony (the first kiss scene was fabulous!) and there were some great laughs. Highly recommend this book as well as the entire series!
I received a complimentary copy from the author but a positive review was not required.
September 21, 2021
3.5 stars. Sense and Sensibility is probably my least favorite Austen book, so it would make sense that this book just didn't quite do it for me. Not that the author didn't do a great job of modernizing the story: she certainly did! I just found myself bored at times, like I do with Sense and Sensibility.
May 10, 2022
So much of Marianne’s story was missing, and the least of this series like the Austen original, but still well written and fun.
July 29, 2021
Only made it the 2nd chapter
Written by a middle school kid, for middle school kids, I can only assume.
This is the caliber of books I find when I search ‘romance’ in KU. Is there a different word, to get different results? It seems to be this childish drivel, or porn. Is there no in-between anymore? No writer who cares enough about their reader to even hire an editor?
This is just terrible writing. I barely made it to the 2nd chapter. I suppose the search continues.
Written by a middle school kid, for middle school kids, I can only assume.
This is the caliber of books I find when I search ‘romance’ in KU. Is there a different word, to get different results? It seems to be this childish drivel, or porn. Is there no in-between anymore? No writer who cares enough about their reader to even hire an editor?
This is just terrible writing. I barely made it to the 2nd chapter. I suppose the search continues.
June 27, 2021
Such a great book! Rachel John does such an amazing job at keeping enough elements of the orignial Jane Austen story to make it recognizable while also making necessary changes to keep it more modern and also make it not a direct copy and paste story. If you've read Sense and Sensibility, you'll definitely recognize the main characters and see the connections in the overall plot line. If you haven't read Sense and Sensibility, you can still enjoy it for what it is, a well written rom com book.
There is great chemistry between Edward and Elinor in the way that they are cute together but also have an adorable level of awkwardness together. There's almost instant attraction, but Edward is taken. Right? Or is he?? I was wondering how the secret/fake engagement with Lucy was going to play out in modern terms, but I think it worked well and certainly flowed in a way that didn't feel forced just to mirror an existing plot point. And ugh, Lucy Steele! She was just as nasty and vile as the original version.
Rachel John's books are among my favorite retellings, especially in the realm of Jane Austen. These modern books based on classics are especially good at helping to bring clarity to plotlines that may be more difficult to understand because the original language is different from modern writing.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I'm leaving an honest and voluntary review.
There is great chemistry between Edward and Elinor in the way that they are cute together but also have an adorable level of awkwardness together. There's almost instant attraction, but Edward is taken. Right? Or is he?? I was wondering how the secret/fake engagement with Lucy was going to play out in modern terms, but I think it worked well and certainly flowed in a way that didn't feel forced just to mirror an existing plot point. And ugh, Lucy Steele! She was just as nasty and vile as the original version.
Rachel John's books are among my favorite retellings, especially in the realm of Jane Austen. These modern books based on classics are especially good at helping to bring clarity to plotlines that may be more difficult to understand because the original language is different from modern writing.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I'm leaving an honest and voluntary review.
March 11, 2021
I have really enjoyed this series! I love Jane Austen’s novels and I really enjoy a good clean Rom-Com so when I can combine the two (or is it technically three?) of these things then I can’t help but get excited. I have discovered some Austen inspired books that are not my cup of tea but Rachel John’s books have never left me disappointed in this regard.
She has such a great style of combining the essence of Jane Austen’s original story with a fun modern day setting. I’m always intrigued with which elements she will include and just how she will incorporate them into her stories. I always find them fun and enjoyable.
Sense and Sensibility is one of my favourite Austen novels so I was excited to read this book. I think for anyone who reads a story that is inspired by an old favourite, we learn to be a little cautious, but I didn’t have that feeling with this one. The story is inspired by Austen’s novel so we know it will be different, I think the author has done a fantastic job of adapting her story and hitting all the key points from the original story that, I think, will keep all Austen fans happy and yet still brought an original/modern flavour to the mix.
As all true Austen fans will appreciate, this is a clean read and one that I am happy to recommend.
I received an ARC of this book from the author however this in no way influenced my opinion and I am under no obligation to leave this review.
She has such a great style of combining the essence of Jane Austen’s original story with a fun modern day setting. I’m always intrigued with which elements she will include and just how she will incorporate them into her stories. I always find them fun and enjoyable.
Sense and Sensibility is one of my favourite Austen novels so I was excited to read this book. I think for anyone who reads a story that is inspired by an old favourite, we learn to be a little cautious, but I didn’t have that feeling with this one. The story is inspired by Austen’s novel so we know it will be different, I think the author has done a fantastic job of adapting her story and hitting all the key points from the original story that, I think, will keep all Austen fans happy and yet still brought an original/modern flavour to the mix.
As all true Austen fans will appreciate, this is a clean read and one that I am happy to recommend.
I received an ARC of this book from the author however this in no way influenced my opinion and I am under no obligation to leave this review.
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August 16, 2021Nominated for a 2021 Swoony Award, to vote click here: https://tinyurl.com/y593ce67
May 9, 2022
I really really enjoyed this. Having not read Sense and Sensibility I really went into this fresh and with no expectations.
Edward and Elinor have an instant spark when they meet however Edwards relationship is complicated since he's pretending to be engaged to his ex and can't disclose this to anyone.
My main beef with books recently has been stories that don't move past their premise. The amount of books I've read in the last couple of months where the story starts and ends in very nearly the same place is infuriating. I was so relieved (and also vindicated) when this story was a clear example of how a story should move.
From the jump there's clear chemistry with Edward and Elinor, but he avoids entering villain territory by immediately mentioning he's in a relationship. Rather than spending the rest of the book in angsty limbo, or (and even worse) wondering what Edward's complicated relationship status is for the rest of the book, the plot moves. We immediately find out from Edward why he's technically engaged (huzzah, and also an excellent use of dual POV). We also invest great real estate in still furthering the relationship between Edward and Eilinor in a believable, rootable and non-icky way.
We see them become actual friends (and not superficially or clearly as a plot device) while navigating their growing feelings for each other. I often reflected on how well Rachel John was able to walk that line between building chemistry while not making Edward and Elinor bad people. It helped that she had the perfect villain in Lucy (and even then Lucy still got a little bit of nuance as well).
It's not a slam dunk read for me because I felt the very last little but dragged a little bit and I started to grow frustrated with Edward.
Rachel John is a super talented writer and I'll be sticking around for more.
Edward and Elinor have an instant spark when they meet however Edwards relationship is complicated since he's pretending to be engaged to his ex and can't disclose this to anyone.
My main beef with books recently has been stories that don't move past their premise. The amount of books I've read in the last couple of months where the story starts and ends in very nearly the same place is infuriating. I was so relieved (and also vindicated) when this story was a clear example of how a story should move.
From the jump there's clear chemistry with Edward and Elinor, but he avoids entering villain territory by immediately mentioning he's in a relationship. Rather than spending the rest of the book in angsty limbo, or (and even worse) wondering what Edward's complicated relationship status is for the rest of the book, the plot moves. We immediately find out from Edward why he's technically engaged (huzzah, and also an excellent use of dual POV). We also invest great real estate in still furthering the relationship between Edward and Eilinor in a believable, rootable and non-icky way.
We see them become actual friends (and not superficially or clearly as a plot device) while navigating their growing feelings for each other. I often reflected on how well Rachel John was able to walk that line between building chemistry while not making Edward and Elinor bad people. It helped that she had the perfect villain in Lucy (and even then Lucy still got a little bit of nuance as well).
It's not a slam dunk read for me because I felt the very last little but dragged a little bit and I started to grow frustrated with Edward.
Rachel John is a super talented writer and I'll be sticking around for more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2021
I was so impressed with how Rachel contemporized Sense and Sensibility. Jane Austen retellings can be tricky. People are often are so invested in the original story that they have strong opinions on even minor details.
I was a little curious how she was going to swing the whole, he's secretly engaged thing, and I thought it was so clever! I was a little bummed that Edward's situation was known so early, part of the depth of the novel I always thought came from Elinor's emotions be held onto so tight for so long. Rachel won me over very quickly with her spin on things. The emotions were still there, raw and real. Rachel wrote with fantastic romantic tension and excellent plot set up.
There were so many details that the author made sure to include in her retelling that made it resonate with the original. Her characters were spot on. Lucy was fabulous, adding the perfect amount of manipulation and doubt to the story. The Marianne, Will, Brandon love triangle was really well done; I loved the multiple points of view. The only character I struggled with a little bit was Edward. One of my favorite things about him in Sense and Sensibility is that even though he fell for Elinor, he never crossed a line. I get that this is contemporary and the different set up lent for different characterization, but it didn't seem true to the Edward that I love. (In case you're wondering I've always been more of an Edward fan than a Darcy fan, so that might have something to do with it. I know, crazy but true.)
All in all though, I thought this re-telling was done remarkably well, and I would highly recommend it to Austen lovers and Contemporary Romance lovers alike.
I was a little curious how she was going to swing the whole, he's secretly engaged thing, and I thought it was so clever! I was a little bummed that Edward's situation was known so early, part of the depth of the novel I always thought came from Elinor's emotions be held onto so tight for so long. Rachel won me over very quickly with her spin on things. The emotions were still there, raw and real. Rachel wrote with fantastic romantic tension and excellent plot set up.
There were so many details that the author made sure to include in her retelling that made it resonate with the original. Her characters were spot on. Lucy was fabulous, adding the perfect amount of manipulation and doubt to the story. The Marianne, Will, Brandon love triangle was really well done; I loved the multiple points of view. The only character I struggled with a little bit was Edward. One of my favorite things about him in Sense and Sensibility is that even though he fell for Elinor, he never crossed a line. I get that this is contemporary and the different set up lent for different characterization, but it didn't seem true to the Edward that I love. (In case you're wondering I've always been more of an Edward fan than a Darcy fan, so that might have something to do with it. I know, crazy but true.)
All in all though, I thought this re-telling was done remarkably well, and I would highly recommend it to Austen lovers and Contemporary Romance lovers alike.
March 16, 2021
The Daswoods have only just moved to town and Elinor needs a job desperately. She finds the perfect job, too - only her boss is the neighbour she's already met and begun to fall for, and he's engaged. But though Elinor has no intention of pursuing an engaged man, something seems funny with the engagement. Then Lucy turns up, and sees Elinor as a threat to her engagement to Edward and goes on the attack by befriending her for as long as she thinks it will help. When she decides to move to the next stage and start threatening, will Edward go along with her, or break with her once and for all to pursue Elinor? Is a happily-ever-after possible, or does disaster await?
I'm often not a fan of variations, retellings etc of Austen's stories, but I've enjoyed other books by the author in the past, so I thought I'd give this one a go. I'm glad to say that I wasn't disappointed. Despite using many of Austen's names, the storyline itself was different enough that it didn't feel too predictable and have me constantly comparing the two. In fact, if the names were changed, I probably wouldn't notice the similarities, though they're definitely there. Putting all that to one side, I enjoyed the story, though I'm very glad that people don't do things like that to me on my birthday! There's plenty of clean humour in there, as well as characters to enjoy getting to know - and some I'd rather avoid... A good read, recommended.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
I'm often not a fan of variations, retellings etc of Austen's stories, but I've enjoyed other books by the author in the past, so I thought I'd give this one a go. I'm glad to say that I wasn't disappointed. Despite using many of Austen's names, the storyline itself was different enough that it didn't feel too predictable and have me constantly comparing the two. In fact, if the names were changed, I probably wouldn't notice the similarities, though they're definitely there. Putting all that to one side, I enjoyed the story, though I'm very glad that people don't do things like that to me on my birthday! There's plenty of clean humour in there, as well as characters to enjoy getting to know - and some I'd rather avoid... A good read, recommended.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
March 24, 2024
I enjoyed this adaption of "Sense and Sensibility!" It depicts the awkward tension between Elinor and Edward perfectly. How they cautiously danced around each other trying to ignore their undeniable attraction. This was also a clever way to integrate an office romance trope. One of my favorite parts of the book was the buildup toward their first kiss. I just adored how the whole scene was written and I admit to rereading it.
Romance aside, "Dashing into Disaster" was probably one of the funniest books from this author's Austen adaptions. I laughed out loud during the "Midnight Running Club" chapter and got a great laugh out of the butter mishap scene as well.
On an unrelated note, I appreciate how John modernizes the complicated engagement between Edward and Lucy. And my goodness was that woman manipulative! I think I disliked Lucy more in this novel than I did in the original.
Because this story was only from Elinor and Edward's POV, I wish there was a sequel from Marianne and Brandon's perspective. I would like to see more on how their relationship developed and what occurred before it between Marianne and Will. I did however love the way Elinor and Brandon's friendship was portrayed (and Edward's initial jealousy haha.)
Overall, this was another win from Rachel John's Austen collection!
Romance aside, "Dashing into Disaster" was probably one of the funniest books from this author's Austen adaptions. I laughed out loud during the "Midnight Running Club" chapter and got a great laugh out of the butter mishap scene as well.
On an unrelated note, I appreciate how John modernizes the complicated engagement between Edward and Lucy. And my goodness was that woman manipulative! I think I disliked Lucy more in this novel than I did in the original.
Because this story was only from Elinor and Edward's POV, I wish there was a sequel from Marianne and Brandon's perspective. I would like to see more on how their relationship developed and what occurred before it between Marianne and Will. I did however love the way Elinor and Brandon's friendship was portrayed (and Edward's initial jealousy haha.)
Overall, this was another win from Rachel John's Austen collection!
December 19, 2022
3 stars is a little generous but it was ultimately reasonably enjoyable. Once again, this is what I get for paying for fanfiction instead of reading it for free online. But hey, you don't see many stories about this Austen pairing.
I struggled to get the vibes a bit, or get a sense of where it was set. I thought the way in which Edward was tied up in a romance he didn't want to be in was reasonably credible and makes him a better person than the source material (is he garbage or merely compost? Listen to Pod and Prejudice to find out!).
But overall it just felt a bit dull, and a little bit puritanical? Not sure if that is the right word or if it's even a word, but it was very PG and chaste (if I want PG Austen romance, I will read Jane Austen), and the fact that Edward was just this very small town insurance/finance guy who apparently needs two office assistants? I suppose it's fairly true to form to the book - he's a little boring. I thought it a bit weird that the main character, who has a degree in business, was a receptionist.
I was keen to read these because I am an Austen nerd, but it was a little flat and underwhelming. Probably won't bother picking any of the others unless I see them in the library.
I struggled to get the vibes a bit, or get a sense of where it was set. I thought the way in which Edward was tied up in a romance he didn't want to be in was reasonably credible and makes him a better person than the source material (is he garbage or merely compost? Listen to Pod and Prejudice to find out!).
But overall it just felt a bit dull, and a little bit puritanical? Not sure if that is the right word or if it's even a word, but it was very PG and chaste (if I want PG Austen romance, I will read Jane Austen), and the fact that Edward was just this very small town insurance/finance guy who apparently needs two office assistants? I suppose it's fairly true to form to the book - he's a little boring. I thought it a bit weird that the main character, who has a degree in business, was a receptionist.
I was keen to read these because I am an Austen nerd, but it was a little flat and underwhelming. Probably won't bother picking any of the others unless I see them in the library.
June 12, 2021
Super cute modern retelling of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility set in Datefield, California.
I really the casting of Lucy as an author, scheming to keep Edward around solely for her book promo needs, and Edward's brother Robert as a high-powered attorney who cares only for himself (he's only briefly mentioned but was written so well I was thrilled to know, via Austen's original, that he and Lucy wind up together). Lucy is still someone completely unlikable, detestable even, but not unbelievably so.
Elinor, Marianne, and their family were also well done. Mrs. Dashwood was as delighted by Marianne's wild schemes and deep passions as ever. The younger sister, Greta, was frank and loyal, just as I appreciated her in Austen.
I typically skim over kissing passages (just as I preferred my friends to skim quickly over their kissing moments when recounting their dates in college), but there are kissing scenes enough to delight those who love those moments. And all kept out of the bedrooms.
Overall, playful, witty, and contemporary fun.
I really the casting of Lucy as an author, scheming to keep Edward around solely for her book promo needs, and Edward's brother Robert as a high-powered attorney who cares only for himself (he's only briefly mentioned but was written so well I was thrilled to know, via Austen's original, that he and Lucy wind up together). Lucy is still someone completely unlikable, detestable even, but not unbelievably so.
Elinor, Marianne, and their family were also well done. Mrs. Dashwood was as delighted by Marianne's wild schemes and deep passions as ever. The younger sister, Greta, was frank and loyal, just as I appreciated her in Austen.
I typically skim over kissing passages (just as I preferred my friends to skim quickly over their kissing moments when recounting their dates in college), but there are kissing scenes enough to delight those who love those moments. And all kept out of the bedrooms.
Overall, playful, witty, and contemporary fun.
August 14, 2021
Great read
Elinor has just moved to town and on her first outing she meets the unavailable Edward. He confuses her with his relationship status.is he available or not? What does he mean “nobody would care if he fell in love”? Odd.
In this Jane Austin inspired read, love is hard. Especially when those who want to love can’t, while others choose wrong. The perfect person could be right in front of you. But can you take the plunge.
Sooo….this one wasn’t my favorite in the series. That doesn’t mean it was bad or terrible, it just means the story just didn’t get to me like the others did.
Overall this was a great book, but the story almost irritated me a tad. I liked where the author was going with the plot, but I felt the delivery could have packed more punch considering the plot.
The characters were cute and it had the sweetness factor there. I just felt like the plot needed a tad more fine tuning.
This book is a great story with interesting characters. It is by no means a bad book, it just wasn’t my favorite in the series.
Elinor has just moved to town and on her first outing she meets the unavailable Edward. He confuses her with his relationship status.is he available or not? What does he mean “nobody would care if he fell in love”? Odd.
In this Jane Austin inspired read, love is hard. Especially when those who want to love can’t, while others choose wrong. The perfect person could be right in front of you. But can you take the plunge.
Sooo….this one wasn’t my favorite in the series. That doesn’t mean it was bad or terrible, it just means the story just didn’t get to me like the others did.
Overall this was a great book, but the story almost irritated me a tad. I liked where the author was going with the plot, but I felt the delivery could have packed more punch considering the plot.
The characters were cute and it had the sweetness factor there. I just felt like the plot needed a tad more fine tuning.
This book is a great story with interesting characters. It is by no means a bad book, it just wasn’t my favorite in the series.
April 9, 2023
Sadly disappointed
This is the first Rachel John book I did not like, which has me sad. It's not her writing thats bad its the story itself. I suppose I should read the original to figure out if it waa a bad story to start with but....yeah, this was a no for me.
I've said this a million times, but, yeah, I don't care what the circumstances are....there is something about a woman going after a taken man that bothers me. Also, I hate men that are that easily manipulated! Or that even start something without handling their business before kissing another woman.
This kind of scenario would never happen irl, no man would put up with a Lucy. Let alone make his girl be the one to shut her down. The whole situation took every ounce of romance out of the story for me. Didn't help that her sister Marianne was also being dumb about her own love life. Leaving everything behind for a man who never even said he loved her!
At least their little sister Greta was cute and fun. Brandon was a man of honor and Rosa was such a sweetheart! 💕
This is the first Rachel John book I did not like, which has me sad. It's not her writing thats bad its the story itself. I suppose I should read the original to figure out if it waa a bad story to start with but....yeah, this was a no for me.
I've said this a million times, but, yeah, I don't care what the circumstances are....there is something about a woman going after a taken man that bothers me. Also, I hate men that are that easily manipulated! Or that even start something without handling their business before kissing another woman.
This kind of scenario would never happen irl, no man would put up with a Lucy. Let alone make his girl be the one to shut her down. The whole situation took every ounce of romance out of the story for me. Didn't help that her sister Marianne was also being dumb about her own love life. Leaving everything behind for a man who never even said he loved her!
At least their little sister Greta was cute and fun. Brandon was a man of honor and Rosa was such a sweetheart! 💕
March 15, 2021
First I must say that I adore all the covers in this series. They are so good at showing the personalities of the main characters and their relationship. I just love them.
The focus of this story, which is based on Sense and Sensibility, is on Elinor and her relationship with neighbor and boss Edward. Marianne's relationship woes are there too but not the main focus. Ms. John does a good job in modernizing the story and making Edward and Lucy's relationship work in a modern society setting.
Each of the books in this series is a fun way to revisit Austen's works in a contemporary setting. They are clean, light hearted and entertaining.
No sex, language or violence
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
The focus of this story, which is based on Sense and Sensibility, is on Elinor and her relationship with neighbor and boss Edward. Marianne's relationship woes are there too but not the main focus. Ms. John does a good job in modernizing the story and making Edward and Lucy's relationship work in a modern society setting.
Each of the books in this series is a fun way to revisit Austen's works in a contemporary setting. They are clean, light hearted and entertaining.
No sex, language or violence
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
March 20, 2021
Elinor is the new girl in town attracted to her neighbor Edward, but he's her boss and engaged to someone else. Elinor and her family lived a leisurely life until her father's actions caused him to lose their business and his life. She did work for the family company, but it has to be a step down for her mother and sister to work in factory and her to be a secretary. I loved her precocious no filter ten year old sister Greta with her bunny Bappity. She likes to tell jokes and provided some of the funniest moments in the book. Edward's finance is a self-centered manipulative girl trying to sell herself as a successfully engaged woman and later wife and mother. I didn't like her from the beginning, but he kept caving to her all the while secretly showing Elinor he's attracted to her.
June 8, 2022
I love these books!! This is a fantastic addition to the series and a clever retelling of Sense and Sensibility.
I love Elinor in this book. She captures her character so well from the original Austen novel. And I love getting in her head as she starts to care for Edward. We see her passion and excitement for life under her sensible exterior.
Edward is also so easy to cheer for. The engagement with Lucy Steele is cleverly brought into the modern era. And I enjoyed getting inside his head and seeing how his attraction to Elinor grows as they get to know each other.
Great to see favorite supporting characters like Marianne, Greta ( youngest sister Margaret), Brandon, and even Will(oughby).
These have been so fun to read, easy to get into and clever retellings. Loved them all!
I love Elinor in this book. She captures her character so well from the original Austen novel. And I love getting in her head as she starts to care for Edward. We see her passion and excitement for life under her sensible exterior.
Edward is also so easy to cheer for. The engagement with Lucy Steele is cleverly brought into the modern era. And I enjoyed getting inside his head and seeing how his attraction to Elinor grows as they get to know each other.
Great to see favorite supporting characters like Marianne, Greta ( youngest sister Margaret), Brandon, and even Will(oughby).
These have been so fun to read, easy to get into and clever retellings. Loved them all!
March 17, 2021
Dashing Into Disaster by Rachel John is a cute retelling of Sense and Sensibility. This story is short and sweet with an adorable love story.
One thing after another falls in place for them yet they resist at every turn. Elinor can tell something is fishy with Edwards “engagement” and tries to stay away but he’s incredible.
There are such lovable characters and a fun little street if neighbors. We have amazing neighbors and it warms my heart to have others enjoy that friendship that comes along with that.
This was my first Rachel John book and I enjoyed it. Now I need to go read the rest of the retellings in this series!
One thing after another falls in place for them yet they resist at every turn. Elinor can tell something is fishy with Edwards “engagement” and tries to stay away but he’s incredible.
There are such lovable characters and a fun little street if neighbors. We have amazing neighbors and it warms my heart to have others enjoy that friendship that comes along with that.
This was my first Rachel John book and I enjoyed it. Now I need to go read the rest of the retellings in this series!
April 15, 2021
3.75 stars
A fun and fairly fluffy Sense & Sensibility retelling. Honestly, Brandon was probably my favorite character; he's just such a good guy. I've always gotten annoyed with Edward in the original novel for not being willing to break off his secret engagement to Lucy despite knowing they don't love each other and it would be a miserable marriage, and this Edward was very similarly aggravating. Elinor was responsible and sympathetic, sometimes too much so for her own good, but likeable nonetheless.
cw: one character creates an advertisement for an evening running club that's either accidentally or "accidentally," it's left unclear, full of innuendo.
A fun and fairly fluffy Sense & Sensibility retelling. Honestly, Brandon was probably my favorite character; he's just such a good guy. I've always gotten annoyed with Edward in the original novel for not being willing to break off his secret engagement to Lucy despite knowing they don't love each other and it would be a miserable marriage, and this Edward was very similarly aggravating. Elinor was responsible and sympathetic, sometimes too much so for her own good, but likeable nonetheless.
cw: one character creates an advertisement for an evening running club that's either accidentally or "accidentally," it's left unclear, full of innuendo.
June 5, 2021
I loved pretty much everything about this re-telling, from the deliciously palpable romantic tension and chemistry between Edward & Elinor, to Marianne & Greta's hilarious lines and personalities, to Elinor & Brandon's friendship, to the way the Marianne/Brandon/Will triangle played out in the background through Edward & Elinor's eyes (though, not going to lie, I would have LOVED just a little more focus on them nearer the end when she FINALLY gets a clue and realises her romantic feelings for him!) Thanks to this story, I'm definitely looking forward to experiencing what Rachel's magic touch has done with one of my two all-time favourite Austin stories, Persuasion :) - Rating: 4.8
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