Book Review: Unleashing Mr. Darcy by Teri Wilson

Unleashing Mr. Darcy

By Teri Wilson

Release Date: December 31, 2013

Source: Library

Summary: It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single woman teetering on the verge of thirty must be in want of a husband.

Not true for Manhattanite Elizabeth Scott. Instead of planning a walk down the aisle, she's crossing the pond with the only companion she needs; her darling dog, Bliss. Caring for a pack of show dogs in England seems the perfect distraction from the scandal that ruined her teaching career, and her reputation, in New York. What she doesn't count on is an unstoppable attraction to billionaire dog breeder Donovan Darcy. The London tycoon's a little bit arrogant, a whole lot sexy, and the chemistry between them is disarming. When passion is finally unleashed, might Elizabeth hope to take home more than a blue ribbon?

Review: Jane Austen is probably my favorite author, so I love finding books that take her amazing novels and make something new and contemporary out of them. When I came across Unleashing Mr. Darcy, I knew I couldn't pass up a dog inspired Pride and Prejudice! 

After being forced to go on leave from her teaching job due to a scandal involving a parent trying to bribe her to raise his son's grade, Elizabeth is more than ready for a distraction. And what better distraction is there than moving to London to work as a dog nanny and help show dogs? Elizabeth gets more than she bargains for, though, when she discovers the incorrigible yet dashing Donovan Darcy, a dog show judge she met back in New York, just so happens to be her new neighbor. Elizabeth finds herself more and more drawn to Mr. Darcy, despite their tendency to argue whenever they're in the same room. But can Elizabeth learn to trust someone from such a wealthy society, when she's learned one too many times that she'll never fit into that life? 

Oh my, where to start? I absolutely loved how this book was so centered around the dogs and how Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy were in the dog show business. It was so cute how all of their dogs had their own personalities and Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy would sometimes walk their dogs together. It was definitely a fun take on the dog show world. Not to mention, who ever heard of a dog nanny? I think Elizabeth's life was definitely unique and a great way for her to try and escape the hurt her reputation took back home. Also, I absolutely love London, so reading about Elizabeth falling in love with London too made the story that much better. 

What I loved most about Pride and Prejudice was how Darcy and Elizabeth had such an entertaining relationship. They hated, yet loved each other at the same time. And Teri Wilson was definitely able to draw on that kind of tension with Elizabeth Scott and Donovan Darcy's relationship in this one. From the moment they meet, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy can't help but argue over pretty much everything. But their banter only seems to make them more drawn to each other; their relationship was just perfect and I loved it. 

Overall, this was an absolutely fantastic book that just makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. The romance grew over time and you found yourself really invested in Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy's relationship. Any fan of Jane Austen should definitely check this one out. You get a contemporary Elizabeth and Darcy romance with a dash of dogs thrown into the mix. What more could you ask for?