Dashing All the Way Summary, Characters and Themes
Dashing All the Way by Chelsea Curto is a steamy, winter-set romantic comedy that brings together an unlikely pair through a hilarious twist of fate and festive timing.
At its heart, the novel tells the story of Margo, a spirited young teacher determined to reclaim her confidence, and Finn, a brooding yet endearing paramedic with an unexpected flair for storytelling.
The catch?
Finn is the father of Margo’s ex-boyfriend.
Set against a snowy Chicago backdrop filled with Christmas lights, cozy cocoa dates, and sizzling passion, this book explores what happens when chemistry defies age, expectations, and social norms.
Summary
Margo Andrews is on a mission to prove something—to herself and to her ex-boyfriend Jeremy, who once mocked her dream of running a half marathon.
As the story opens, Margo is trudging through frigid winter air in Chicago, preparing for the Jingle Jangle Half Marathon.
She is not an athlete by any measure, but her stubborn spirit and desire for personal victory push her forward.
Meanwhile, Finn Mathieson, a 40-year-old paramedic, is gearing up for another day on the job.
While his gruff exterior and dry wit make him a dependable presence in emergencies, few know that he moonlights as a popular audiobook narrator for spicy romances—a secret he keeps closely guarded.
During the race, Margo crosses the finish line only to collapse moments later.
Finn is on duty and catches her, quite literally saving her in more ways than one.
Unbeknownst to her at the time, this charismatic paramedic is Jeremy’s father.
Their brief encounter leaves a lasting impression on both of them.
Later that evening, they unexpectedly meet again at a Christmas-themed bar.
Sparks fly almost instantly, and both are thrown off balance by the intensity of their attraction.
When Finn reveals he knows who she is, the revelation should be a dealbreaker—but Margo finds herself more intrigued than scandalized.
What follows is a passionate night at Finn’s place, where Margo experiences a level of sexual fulfillment and emotional attentiveness she’s never had before.
Far from being a regretful fling, their connection deepens quickly.
The next morning brings more than just pancakes and small talk—Finn shows Margo his hidden recording studio, where he narrates romance audiobooks.
Intrigued, Margo becomes an active participant in his world, even joining him in a particularly intimate recording session that further intensifies their budding relationship.
Their dynamic, full of trust and consensual power play, becomes more than just physical.
Finn begins opening up about his life—his past marriage, his regrets as a father, and his role in the lives of his ex-wife’s new children.
Margo is surprised to find herself falling not just for his body but also for his thoughtful gestures and emotional maturity.
Finn, in turn, sees in Margo a refreshing honesty and strength that he didn’t expect from someone so much younger—or from his son’s ex.
Margo begins confiding in her best friend Katarina, who initially reacts with disbelief but eventually supports her.
As their relationship becomes public, the looming threat of Jeremy discovering the truth casts a shadow.
That confrontation finally arrives when Finn runs into Jeremy and reveals the truth.
Jeremy responds with anger and disgust, branding the relationship as a betrayal.
Margo, though shaken, chooses to face him too.
She stands her ground, refusing to be shamed for her choices.
The aftermath of the confrontation leaves Margo feeling vulnerable, but Finn comforts her, not just with words but with genuine emotional intimacy.
They begin to openly share their dreams, fears, and hopes for the future.
Margo admits her anxieties about how fast things have progressed, while Finn reassures her with small but meaningful actions—holiday traditions, thoughtful gifts, and time spent with his close circle.
Their bond continues to strengthen through a shared love of running, holiday rituals, and mutual support for each other’s ambitions.
As Christmas approaches, they celebrate not only the season but also the unexpected joy they’ve found in one another.
Margo creates a heartfelt gift for Finn, while he makes a gesture that signals a long-term commitment.
Their story doesn’t conclude with a dramatic twist but rather settles into a hopeful and emotionally satisfying path forward.
In the epilogue, the couple is shown a year later, still in love and thriving.
Margo has authored a children’s book, and Finn has embraced his fame as a sultry audiobook voice.
They’ve weathered the judgment, the awkward family ties, and the initial shockwaves—proving that sometimes love finds you in the unlikeliest of places, like under twinkling lights with someone you never expected.
Characters
Margo Andrews
Margo begins the novel as a woman on a mission: to prove her worth—not just to herself, but also to her ex-boyfriend Jeremy, who belittled her by saying she could never run a half marathon. Her determination and grit shine in her decision to push through grueling training sessions in the freezing Chicago winter.
She is driven by both spite and a deeper yearning to reclaim her autonomy and confidence after a disempowering relationship. Margo’s arc is rooted in transformation.
From a woman nursing emotional wounds to one boldly entering into a provocative, taboo-breaking romance, she grows into someone who owns her choices with unapologetic clarity. Her ability to embrace and enjoy her evolving sexual identity with Finn—who is not just older but also her ex’s father—signifies her release from societal expectations and internalized shame.
Yet, Margo is not reckless; she deeply considers the emotional consequences of her actions, as seen in her nervous confession to her best friend Katarina and her vulnerable confrontation with Jeremy. A third-grade teacher by profession, she also reveals a nurturing, creative side that balances her sensual exploration.
Her gift to Finn—a handwritten journal of cherished moments—symbolizes her emotional maturity and romantic devotion. By the end of the book, Margo is not only in love but also self-assured, resilient, and brave enough to claim happiness on her own terms.
Finn Mathieson
Finn is portrayed as a confident, mature man in his forties, balancing an intense day job as a paramedic with a surprisingly spicy side gig as an audiobook narrator for erotic romances. From his first appearance, Finn embodies both emotional depth and charismatic masculinity.
He is responsible and gentle, evidenced by his continued involvement with his ex-wife Layla’s children and his thoughtful gestures toward Margo, such as cooking breakfast or planning romantic outings. What makes Finn compelling is his ability to blend dominant sensuality with tender care.
He leads Margo into a more liberated sexual experience but always within the bounds of enthusiastic consent and emotional sensitivity. His past, particularly his strained relationship with his son Jeremy and his failed marriage, weighs heavily on him, but rather than being jaded, Finn sees his relationship with Margo as a second chance.
He views their bond as an opportunity to love more openly and honestly. His vulnerability surfaces in key moments, such as revealing his narrator identity and confessing his love for Margo.
His character arc is one of redemption and emotional evolution. By the epilogue, Finn has not only maintained a loving partnership with Margo but has also embraced his quirky talents, becoming a semi-famous romance narrator.
He emerges as a figure who challenges the stereotype of the emotionally unavailable older man. Instead, he offers a portrait of mature love grounded in openness, fun, and deep emotional presence.
Jeremy Mathieson
Though not a central figure in terms of narrative presence, Jeremy plays a crucial role in shaping both Margo and Finn’s development. His role as the ex-boyfriend sets the initial emotional stakes.
He is the one who doubted Margo, sparking her journey of self-proving. Jeremy is depicted as emotionally immature and reactive.
His fury upon discovering Margo’s relationship with his father is fueled more by wounded ego and patriarchal entitlement than genuine betrayal. His outburst—labeling their relationship as “gross” and “a betrayal”—exposes his inability to process complex emotional realities.
Jeremy functions almost as a foil to Finn. Where Finn is grounded, open, and emotionally intelligent, Jeremy is judgmental, self-centered, and dismissive.
His presence in the story adds tension and social conflict, making Margo and Finn’s romance even more defiant and courageous. By the epilogue, he has cooled off and accepted their relationship, which adds a layer of closure and suggests that even Jeremy, given time, can grow past his own narrow views.
Katarina
Katarina, Margo’s best friend, provides comic relief and grounding support throughout the novel. She is initially shocked to learn that Margo is dating her ex’s dad, a reaction that reflects societal norms and expectations.
However, her shock doesn’t translate into judgment. Instead, she pushes Margo to trust her instincts and follow her heart.
She shows the kind of loyal friendship that doesn’t impose restrictions on love. Katarina’s role is essential in validating Margo’s journey.
As someone outside the romantic bubble, she represents the voice of reason and society’s gaze. Yet she quickly moves past her initial reaction to become an affirming force.
Through Katarina, the narrative explores the importance of female friendship, emotional honesty, and support in navigating unconventional paths.
Themes
Reclaiming Personal Power and Identity
One of the most resonant themes in Dashing All the Way is the journey of reclaiming one’s personal power and identity, particularly through the character of Margo. At the beginning of the story, Margo is driven by a desire to prove her ex-boyfriend Jeremy wrong—a man who dismissed her capabilities and undermined her self-confidence.
Her decision to run a half marathon in the harsh Chicago winter is not just a physical challenge, but a symbolic act of reclaiming control over her narrative. She isn’t just running against the cold or the mileage—she’s running against years of being diminished and dismissed.
As her relationship with Finn develops, this theme gains further complexity. Margo doesn’t just find someone who desires her—she finds someone who sees her fully, supports her ambitions, and respects her autonomy.
While the sexual dynamic between her and Finn includes elements of dominance and submission, it is entirely consensual and rooted in mutual respect. Ironically, it is through that consensual structure that Margo feels even more empowered.
She chooses how far to go, when to stop, and what risks to take. Her vulnerability becomes a source of strength.
Over time, Margo grows from a woman trying to prove something to someone else into a woman who lives on her own terms. She finds joy, fulfillment, and strength not in rebellion but in authenticity.
Her final gestures—sharing a journal of treasured moments, accepting a key to Finn’s place—are not acts of dependence. They are celebrations of the identity she has fought to define and embrace.
Love Beyond Social Norms
The unconventional romance between Margo and Finn highlights a theme that challenges societal expectations. Their love flourishes despite age gaps, familial connections, and preconceived roles.
Margo, a young woman in her twenties, falls deeply for Finn, a man in his forties and the father of her ex-boyfriend. What might initially seem like an erotic or vengeful affair gradually evolves into a nuanced exploration of what it means to love someone deeply despite the taboos that surround the relationship.
The novel doesn’t shy away from the awkwardness or conflict their romance generates. Jeremy’s anger, the hesitation in telling friends, and the scrutiny they face all reflect real-world discomfort with relationships that defy normative scripts.
However, the beauty of the theme lies in how both Margo and Finn confront those external judgments with internal certainty. They trust the sincerity of their bond, and over time, the age difference fades in relevance.
Finn does not play the stereotypical older man seeking youth to feel alive. Instead, he is a man who has matured through his past mistakes and finds a partner who meets him with emotional honesty and passion.
Margo is not a woman seeking revenge or validation. She discovers that true connection often looks nothing like what others would expect.
Their love story defies expectations. It also models how deeply satisfying relationships can be when two people are honest, attentive, and fearless enough to pursue happiness on their own terms.
Emotional Healing and Second Chances
Another powerful theme in Dashing All the Way is that of emotional healing and the possibility of second chances. Finn, in particular, embodies this theme as a man who has spent much of his adult life making up for the emotional unavailability he displayed during his first marriage and as a father.
The Finn we meet is not simply a confident, sexy older man. He’s a complex individual who carries the weight of regrets, particularly related to how he parented Jeremy.
His reflections on past shortcomings reveal a man deeply interested in change and redemption. With Margo, he finds an opportunity not to erase his past, but to begin again with more clarity, vulnerability, and kindness.
His nurturing nature—whether through pancake breakfasts or bedtime readings—indicates his commitment to building something meaningful and sustainable. He’s not looking for a fleeting thrill but for connection and intimacy that last.
Margo, too, is on a healing journey. Her past relationship with Jeremy left her feeling unseen and unvalued.
With Finn, she experiences what it’s like to be genuinely cherished. She is not valued for how she looks or what she can prove, but simply for who she is.
Their physical intimacy becomes a channel for emotional repair. It allows both of them to experience care, attention, and joy without fear or shame.
As the narrative progresses, the couple’s growing trust and love provide a space where past wounds can slowly close. The story suggests that second chances are not only possible but can be incredibly healing when approached with humility, openness, and the courage to try again.
The Intersection of Sexual Freedom and Emotional Intimacy
The novel offers a frank and celebratory depiction of sexual exploration. But it never reduces intimacy to physicality alone.
Instead, it establishes a compelling theme around how sexual freedom can coexist with—and even enhance—emotional closeness. Margo and Finn’s relationship begins with a spark of physical attraction that leads quickly into explicit encounters.
What makes these scenes stand out is the level of trust and emotional depth involved. Margo’s enthusiastic consent and Finn’s respect for her boundaries create a safe space for experimentation.
Through voice, touch, and role play, their physical relationship becomes a language through which deeper truths are expressed. For Finn, who spends his days dealing with trauma as a paramedic, this sensual world offers a release and a reminder of beauty and pleasure.
For Margo, it is an awakening. It’s a way to feel desirable, powerful, and intimately connected to someone who truly sees her.
This kind of intimacy, layered with tenderness and communication, reinforces the idea that sex can be a profound act of emotional expression. Their erotic connection becomes a conduit for honesty.
It opens up pathways to talk about past pain, future hopes, and the evolving nature of their feelings. By refusing to separate the physical from the emotional, the novel paints a holistic picture of love.
One that is sexy, yes, but also deeply humane and respectful. It challenges the reader to reconsider the idea that sexual relationships are inherently shallow or unserious, instead showcasing how they can be a critical foundation for emotional growth.