DASHED by Amanda Quain is a Young Adult contemporary romance retelling of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility. This was a fun, heartwarming, and touching story that I really enjoyed.

The novel is set mostly on a cruise ship, and there are various ports of call. Told from the perspective of Margaret "Mags", it begins when Marianne shows up as Margaret, Elinor, and Edward are boarding. Declaring that she's broken it off with her long-term boyfriend, Brandon, Marianne announces that she's joining them. Margaret, who'd been looking forward to a summer of reading and relaxation, determines that the only way to keep Marianne from crying for the whole trip is to get her another boyfriend. Aided by the hottie McTech guy she accidentally meets, Gabe, she determinedly interviews and sets up double dates with Marianne and a date, and Gabe and Margaret fake dating. The problem is, even though Margaret decided not to date until her life was settled after college, she begins to have feelings for Gabe. Will Mags succeed and ensure Marianne's happiness? Will Mags and Gabe turn into something more? You'll have to read to find out.

What I loved most about this book:
- the fake dating trope here is so well-executed
- Gabe Monteiro. Let's just start with the fact that he's a tech guy for the ship's shows. Big plus. He's just the right guy for our heroine and I appreciated his patience with Margaret's challenges. People who speak the truth, no matter how difficult it might be to hear, are gems.
- the novel addresses the dynamics of sisterhood in a really touching way. Margaret struggles to find identity. On one hand, she wants to be like her responsible, respectable sister, Elinor. On the other hand, she wishes she could be the free spirit that is Marianne. Things that happened in their past have created challenging dynamtics between the three sisters, and the author does not shy away from how difficult and painful it can be. - Edward Ferrars being so Edward Ferrars. I've always loved this character.
- The way Mags tries to protect her heart is very relatable and understandable, given the trauma of her past
- Tons more! Seriously, I loved this book.

What didn't work:
- Can't think of a thing, which is why this is a five. Bravo!

DASHED is a touching, entertaining, and well-executed YA retelling of Sense and Sensibility. I highly recommend it. Run, don't walk, to pre-order this excellent novel!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press Wednesday Books for providing me with an eARC of this book for my honest feedback.

I really adired this book with the sister vibes!

This had lots of emotions but also makes you laugh out loud on other parts. I liked the billing of the characters as well.

Will read more by this author

Thanks NetGalley for letting me read and review!

Great story with sense and sensibility vibes. Well built characters. I felt immersed in the story. Would be great for book clubs.