Unleashing Mr. Darcy - Teri Wilson

Unleashing Mr. Darcy by Teri Wilson
Publisher: Harlequin HQN
Publication Date: December 31, 2013
Source/Format: Netgalley (Thank you, Harlequin!) || e-galley
[I received this book from the publisher. This in no way affects the thoughts expressed in my review.]

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? (from Goodreads)

Unleashing Mr. Darcy is a book that arrived in my hands at precisely the right moment. I was in the mood for something fluffy (pun intended), and this story delivered. It was an entirely adorable and sweet take on the tale of Pride and Prejudice!

I only read the original Pride & Prejudice in 2010, but it's one of those classic novels that I truly enjoyed. The way Austen so clearly defines the relationship that Darcy and Elizabeth have, riddled with judgment and pride as it may be, is done beautifully. The same tense, push-and-pull relationship is showcased in Unleashing Mr. Darcy, albeit executed with a lighter hand. 

This is easily one of the most enjoyable romances I've read. It certainly has a good amount of swoon, but it's generally how reading about Elizabeth and Darcy made me feel utterly happy that got to me. I was, obviously, rooting for them from beginning to end! I was dying during each of their interactions, and so invested in their story. Even though readers will know what the outcome is from the beginning, how they get to that point is really what makes this book fun.

It's the dogs that make Unleashing Mr. Darcy extra delightful. It was an interesting choice for this updated version of P&P, but it certainly worked. Reading about the dogs - from grooming, to walking, to shows, and so much more - was a bonus to an already cute story. Plus, it doesn't hurt that both Elizabeth and Darcy love dogs and that helps them understand each other a little bit better too!

Unleashing Mr. Darcy is a great take on a classic tale. Even though the characters are simply updates from the originals, the story was charming (and certainly had me swooning). This is definitely the book for the reader looking for something light, fluffy and fun to read.