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Unleashing Mr. Darcy
Now A Hallmark Channel Original Movie
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single woman teetering on the verge ofthirty must be in want of a husband.
Not true for Manhattanite ElizabethScott. Instead of planning a walk down the aisle, she's crossing the pond with the onlycompanion she needs—her darling dog, Bliss. Caring for a pack of show dogs in Englandseems the perfect distraction from the scandal that ruined her teaching career, and herreputation, in New York. What she doesn't count on is an unstoppable attraction tobillionaire dog breeder Donovan Darcy. The London tycoon's a little bit arrogant, a wholelot sexy…and the chemistry between them is disarming. When passion is finallyunleashed, might Elizabeth hope to take home more than a blue ribbon?
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single woman teetering on the verge ofthirty must be in want of a husband.
Not true for Manhattanite ElizabethScott. Instead of planning a walk down the aisle, she's crossing the pond with the onlycompanion she needs—her darling dog, Bliss. Caring for a pack of show dogs in Englandseems the perfect distraction from the scandal that ruined her teaching career, and herreputation, in New York. What she doesn't count on is an unstoppable attraction tobillionaire dog breeder Donovan Darcy. The London tycoon's a little bit arrogant, a wholelot sexy…and the chemistry between them is disarming. When passion is finallyunleashed, might Elizabeth hope to take home more than a blue ribbon?
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2013
146 people are currently reading
3149 people want to read
About the author
Teri Wilson
201 books1,629 followersNew York Times bestselling author Teri Wilson writes heartwarming contemporary romance with a touch of whimsy. Four of Teri's books have been adapted into Hallmark Channel Original Movies, including UNLEASHING MR. DARCY (plus its sequel MARRYING MR. DARCY), ROYAL-ISH, based on her book ONCE UPON A ROYAL SUMMER, THE ART OF US and NORTHERN LIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS, based on her book SLEIGH BELL SWEETHEARTS. She is also a recipient of the prestigious RITA Award for excellence in romantic fiction and a 2022 inductee into the San Antonio Women's Hall of Fame.
When she’s not writing, Teri enjoys visiting schools and health care facilities with her Cavalier King Charles spaniel Charm, a registered therapy dog and reading education assistance dog. Teri also loves pretty dresses, cupcakes, going to the ballet and following the British royal family. Visit her at www.teriwilson.net or on Instagram @teriwilsonauthor.
When she’s not writing, Teri enjoys visiting schools and health care facilities with her Cavalier King Charles spaniel Charm, a registered therapy dog and reading education assistance dog. Teri also loves pretty dresses, cupcakes, going to the ballet and following the British royal family. Visit her at www.teriwilson.net or on Instagram @teriwilsonauthor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 432 reviews
March 3, 2022
This was a cute Pride and Prejudice retelling, complete with dogs and dog shows! Elizabeth is working as a teacher in New York and entering her dog in shows for fun when she is suspended from her teaching job. She takes a temporary position as a “dog nanny” for Mr. Donovan Darcy, one of the judges at a dog show she recently entered. Needless to say, there were sparks and witty retorts during the competition. This was a cute P&P romance… recommended for dog lovers!
April 16, 2015
.5 stars, only because I don't give zero
Not to put to fine a point on it, but I thought this book was utter shite. Much as I cannot resist Austen retellings, they often bite me in the ass (see First Impressions above for another example). Unleashing Mr. Darcy is one of the worst of the bunch. The writing is bad, the plot terrible, and the characters show either a complete failure to understand Austen or a willful desire to use her fame to make people pick up this book. If the latter, to be fair, I wouldn’t ever have read this book otherwise, so goal accomplished, though likely the desired result would be for me to like this book.
The only thing I can offer in favor of Unleashing Mr. Darcy is that it is very frequently unintentionally hilarious. There’s something so bad I was dying with laughter on nigh every page. Mr. Darcy and Miss Scott have all the chemistry of two toys with their faces mashed together by a child going NOW KISS. They tip, with no logic, from hatred to love and back. Where Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Bennet go from hatred to love in beautiful character arcs, Donovan Darcy and Elizabeth Scott lust for one another but don’t actually seem to have anything in common but that lust and their love of dogs.
Did I mention that Elizabeth dreams of getting best in show for her Cavalier King Charles King Charles Spaniel, Bliss? Or that Mr. Darcy is a dog show judge? Did I forget that? MY BAD. Oh, also, Darcy, the wealthy British aristrocrat snob, has a female dog named Figgy. I COULD NOT MAKE THIS STUFF UP. Let’s also not talk about how Donovan is an Irish name originally, so it’s highly unlikely that an old British family would ever name their heir that.
There’s nothing charming or romantic in Unleashing Mr. Darcy. It’s awkward from beginning to end, that is when it’s not being creepy. On multiple occasions, Darcy and Elizabeth “flirt” during the dog show process for a seemingly endless span of time while everyone else watches. It’s deeply inappropriate. When they finally get in trouble for their relationship, they immediately get out of trouble because Donovan declares it was an emergency and the guy is just like “oh okay.” Spoiler: it was not an emergency. Also, Donovan is downright rapey at times, like when he literally picks her up to claim her as his prize after he wins a polo match. Again, not making this up.
If you’re an Austen fan and shake with righteous indignation when authors get Jane’s characters wrong, do not show up at this dog show.
Not to put to fine a point on it, but I thought this book was utter shite. Much as I cannot resist Austen retellings, they often bite me in the ass (see First Impressions above for another example). Unleashing Mr. Darcy is one of the worst of the bunch. The writing is bad, the plot terrible, and the characters show either a complete failure to understand Austen or a willful desire to use her fame to make people pick up this book. If the latter, to be fair, I wouldn’t ever have read this book otherwise, so goal accomplished, though likely the desired result would be for me to like this book.
The only thing I can offer in favor of Unleashing Mr. Darcy is that it is very frequently unintentionally hilarious. There’s something so bad I was dying with laughter on nigh every page. Mr. Darcy and Miss Scott have all the chemistry of two toys with their faces mashed together by a child going NOW KISS. They tip, with no logic, from hatred to love and back. Where Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Bennet go from hatred to love in beautiful character arcs, Donovan Darcy and Elizabeth Scott lust for one another but don’t actually seem to have anything in common but that lust and their love of dogs.
Did I mention that Elizabeth dreams of getting best in show for her Cavalier King Charles King Charles Spaniel, Bliss? Or that Mr. Darcy is a dog show judge? Did I forget that? MY BAD. Oh, also, Darcy, the wealthy British aristrocrat snob, has a female dog named Figgy. I COULD NOT MAKE THIS STUFF UP. Let’s also not talk about how Donovan is an Irish name originally, so it’s highly unlikely that an old British family would ever name their heir that.
There’s nothing charming or romantic in Unleashing Mr. Darcy. It’s awkward from beginning to end, that is when it’s not being creepy. On multiple occasions, Darcy and Elizabeth “flirt” during the dog show process for a seemingly endless span of time while everyone else watches. It’s deeply inappropriate. When they finally get in trouble for their relationship, they immediately get out of trouble because Donovan declares it was an emergency and the guy is just like “oh okay.” Spoiler: it was not an emergency. Also, Donovan is downright rapey at times, like when he literally picks her up to claim her as his prize after he wins a polo match. Again, not making this up.
If you’re an Austen fan and shake with righteous indignation when authors get Jane’s characters wrong, do not show up at this dog show.
April 14, 2017
4 Bliss stars!
I love dogs, and though I'm extremely allergic to those little cuties, I still have a dog named Lucky that I love so much.
I saw Unleashing Mr. Darcy the movie and decided to read the book. It's a little bit different which is totally normal but still it was enjoyable, steamy with a hot black haired-blue eyed breathtaking so sexy Donovan.
See! Told ya ;)
Unleashing Mr. Darcy is a happily ever after story of two people who share the love of dogs and who learned how to love each other -that is after they managed not to kill each other- get over all the obstacles that were trying to separate them.
“Her lips were generous, and when they released the softest of sighs, an unprecedented surge of heat shot through Donovan. That sigh carried him away as never before.
He’d become undone.
Untethered.
Unleashed.”
It's a sweet, funny and steamy book with an arrogant billionaire that you would want to hate but end up respecting so much.
I love dogs, and though I'm extremely allergic to those little cuties, I still have a dog named Lucky that I love so much.
I saw Unleashing Mr. Darcy the movie and decided to read the book. It's a little bit different which is totally normal but still it was enjoyable, steamy with a hot black haired-blue eyed breathtaking so sexy Donovan.
See! Told ya ;)
Unleashing Mr. Darcy is a happily ever after story of two people who share the love of dogs and who learned how to love each other -that is after they managed not to kill each other- get over all the obstacles that were trying to separate them.
“Her lips were generous, and when they released the softest of sighs, an unprecedented surge of heat shot through Donovan. That sigh carried him away as never before.
He’d become undone.
Untethered.
Unleashed.”
It's a sweet, funny and steamy book with an arrogant billionaire that you would want to hate but end up respecting so much.
December 22, 2014
In this contemporary re-imagining of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Teri Wilson has succeeded in updating this classic story by placing it in the dog show world in England. Her characterization are both fresh and reverent and the plot was as charming and romantic as the original. Brava!
Laurel Ann, Austenprose.com
Laurel Ann, Austenprose.com
February 6, 2016
4.5 stars! Dogs + Darcy + England = No Brainer!
Because of an unpleasant encounter that has forced her into a “temporary administrative leave,” Elizabeth Scott is wary of all men…especially men with money. Because men with money have power – and oftentimes will use their money and power in unethical and self-serving ways. When Elizabeth crosses paths with Donovan Darcy, an incredibly gorgeous dog show breeder judge, she immediately decides that he is arrogant, rude, entitled, and definitely someone she would do best to avoid. However, Elizabeth keeps encountering the sexy, brooding Mr. Darcy…and as fate would have it, she finds herself temporarily living in the same neighborhood as him. So much for avoiding the man…
Underneath their contentious first encounter and mistaken assumptions, there are sparks and a copious amount of super-charged tension between Elizabeth and Donovan. While they might be constantly crossing verbal swords, Donovan cannot help but feel attracted to Elizabeth and marvel at the fact that she doesn’t seem to be pursuing him for his money. And even though she feels the chasm between them to great to cross, Elizabeth finds herself falling for Donovan’s caring nature and knack for knowing how to make her happy. What happens when the media learns of Mr. Darcy’s new love interest? Will Elizabeth be able to let go of her preconceived notions and mistrust of all wealthy men?
This story is like a modern-day Austenesque fairy tale! Our heroine is a courageous woman of integrity and morals, who gets to travel to London and reside in posh town-home, all while she is pursued by a devastatingly handsome, sought-after cavalierkingcharlesspanielsf2bachelor! As you might guess it isn’t a point-by-point retelling of Pride and Prejudice; our beloved characters are integrated into the competing world of dog-shows. Elizabeth has a charming Cavalier King Charles spaniel named Bliss and travels to London to be assist and care for four adorable Border terriers during their dog show circuit. And in 001addition to judging dog shows, Don0van has established a very select and distinguished dog breeding kennel, Chadwicke Kennels. I loved hearing about these furry friends and seeing how devoted their humans were to their care and happiness. Elizabeth’s and Bliss’s relationship was very sweet to witness.
Other parts of the story I took pleasure in were the engaging supporting cast, the many ‘meet cutes’ between our main characters, their sizzling chemistry, and the vivid depictions of London’s fabulous sights and sounds. I loved being taken back to Harrods, Hyde Park, and Kensington Palace. I thought the Barrows were the sweetest couple, Henry (Charles) was appropriately carefree and happy, Jenna (Jane) awesome and supportive, and Helena (Caroline) so easy to despise! The dates and romantic exchanges between Elizabeth and Donovan were creative, memorable, and oh-so enviable! Elizabeth doesn’t realize how lucky she is!
If I were to quibble about anything, it would be that sometimes Donovan seemed most attracted to and focused on Elizabeth’s looks. A lot of his thoughts run along the lusty side, and while this isn’t necessarily undesirable…I would have liked to see Darcy dwell more on Elizabeth’s character and personality, than her physical features. In addition, even though Elizabeth was very likable, I sometimes felt she was a little stubborn holding onto her prejudices and mistaken assumptions for so long. However, both of these circumstances did not interrupt my pleasure in this fun and fantastic tale.
The judging results are in! Unleashing Mr. Darcy is a splendid specimen and exhibits all the exemplary qualities of the Austenesque breed in its finest form. With an impressive stack (premise), friendly temperament (tone), satisfyingly balanced gait (pacing), and attractive top coat (cover) Unleashing Mr. Darcy is definitely a champion in my book! I am sooooo looking forward to seeing the upcoming movie on the Hallmark Channel!
Note: There is one brief intimate scene towards the end of this novel and for that reason I’d recommend it for Mature Audiences Only.
Austenesque Reviews
Because of an unpleasant encounter that has forced her into a “temporary administrative leave,” Elizabeth Scott is wary of all men…especially men with money. Because men with money have power – and oftentimes will use their money and power in unethical and self-serving ways. When Elizabeth crosses paths with Donovan Darcy, an incredibly gorgeous dog show breeder judge, she immediately decides that he is arrogant, rude, entitled, and definitely someone she would do best to avoid. However, Elizabeth keeps encountering the sexy, brooding Mr. Darcy…and as fate would have it, she finds herself temporarily living in the same neighborhood as him. So much for avoiding the man…
Underneath their contentious first encounter and mistaken assumptions, there are sparks and a copious amount of super-charged tension between Elizabeth and Donovan. While they might be constantly crossing verbal swords, Donovan cannot help but feel attracted to Elizabeth and marvel at the fact that she doesn’t seem to be pursuing him for his money. And even though she feels the chasm between them to great to cross, Elizabeth finds herself falling for Donovan’s caring nature and knack for knowing how to make her happy. What happens when the media learns of Mr. Darcy’s new love interest? Will Elizabeth be able to let go of her preconceived notions and mistrust of all wealthy men?
This story is like a modern-day Austenesque fairy tale! Our heroine is a courageous woman of integrity and morals, who gets to travel to London and reside in posh town-home, all while she is pursued by a devastatingly handsome, sought-after cavalierkingcharlesspanielsf2bachelor! As you might guess it isn’t a point-by-point retelling of Pride and Prejudice; our beloved characters are integrated into the competing world of dog-shows. Elizabeth has a charming Cavalier King Charles spaniel named Bliss and travels to London to be assist and care for four adorable Border terriers during their dog show circuit. And in 001addition to judging dog shows, Don0van has established a very select and distinguished dog breeding kennel, Chadwicke Kennels. I loved hearing about these furry friends and seeing how devoted their humans were to their care and happiness. Elizabeth’s and Bliss’s relationship was very sweet to witness.
Other parts of the story I took pleasure in were the engaging supporting cast, the many ‘meet cutes’ between our main characters, their sizzling chemistry, and the vivid depictions of London’s fabulous sights and sounds. I loved being taken back to Harrods, Hyde Park, and Kensington Palace. I thought the Barrows were the sweetest couple, Henry (Charles) was appropriately carefree and happy, Jenna (Jane) awesome and supportive, and Helena (Caroline) so easy to despise! The dates and romantic exchanges between Elizabeth and Donovan were creative, memorable, and oh-so enviable! Elizabeth doesn’t realize how lucky she is!
If I were to quibble about anything, it would be that sometimes Donovan seemed most attracted to and focused on Elizabeth’s looks. A lot of his thoughts run along the lusty side, and while this isn’t necessarily undesirable…I would have liked to see Darcy dwell more on Elizabeth’s character and personality, than her physical features. In addition, even though Elizabeth was very likable, I sometimes felt she was a little stubborn holding onto her prejudices and mistaken assumptions for so long. However, both of these circumstances did not interrupt my pleasure in this fun and fantastic tale.
The judging results are in! Unleashing Mr. Darcy is a splendid specimen and exhibits all the exemplary qualities of the Austenesque breed in its finest form. With an impressive stack (premise), friendly temperament (tone), satisfyingly balanced gait (pacing), and attractive top coat (cover) Unleashing Mr. Darcy is definitely a champion in my book! I am sooooo looking forward to seeing the upcoming movie on the Hallmark Channel!
Note: There is one brief intimate scene towards the end of this novel and for that reason I’d recommend it for Mature Audiences Only.
Austenesque Reviews
March 25, 2014
This book started out kind of cute and I thought it had potential but I quickly became concerned when the author began throwing in language and sexual innuendo. From the reviews I read I figured it would be clean....but after reading about 40% of it I got tired of the characters taking the Lord's name in vain...and was concerned that it was headed in the direction of a "scene"...so I didn't finish it.
November 29, 2013
Caroline for www.bigbooklittlebook.com
Copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
It is no secret that I adore Jane Austin. What you might not realise is that far from placing her books on a pedestal, behind a velvet rope and insisting that they can only be admired reverently from afar. I am the kind of Austin fan who loves to consume books, movies and web serialisations, based on her works. When I saw Unleashing Darcy, a contemporary Pride and Prejudice retelling set in the world of dog shows, I couldn't prevent my huge smile, and I just had to request a review copy.
As a fan of Pride and Prejudice, I can recognise how Wilson has based her novel on the classic- all the important players are there and all the significant events are represented- however Wilson has taken the liberty of shuffling around the timeline to best suit her characters. She has also provided us with Darcy's point of view. As a result Unleashing Darcy, doesn't follow the original story line as closely as some other retellings.
Unleashing Darcy was every bit as fun as I had anticipated.One of the things that I loved about this particular retelling is the way Wilson managed to incorporate so many of the classic lines from Pride and Prejudice, very often with no alteration, without interrupting the feel of her very contemporary novel. I couldn't help but smile every time I recognised a line from the original text.
Verdict: A comforting, smiling inducing read for like minded Austin fans.
Copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
It is no secret that I adore Jane Austin. What you might not realise is that far from placing her books on a pedestal, behind a velvet rope and insisting that they can only be admired reverently from afar. I am the kind of Austin fan who loves to consume books, movies and web serialisations, based on her works. When I saw Unleashing Darcy, a contemporary Pride and Prejudice retelling set in the world of dog shows, I couldn't prevent my huge smile, and I just had to request a review copy.
As a fan of Pride and Prejudice, I can recognise how Wilson has based her novel on the classic- all the important players are there and all the significant events are represented- however Wilson has taken the liberty of shuffling around the timeline to best suit her characters. She has also provided us with Darcy's point of view. As a result Unleashing Darcy, doesn't follow the original story line as closely as some other retellings.
Unleashing Darcy was every bit as fun as I had anticipated.One of the things that I loved about this particular retelling is the way Wilson managed to incorporate so many of the classic lines from Pride and Prejudice, very often with no alteration, without interrupting the feel of her very contemporary novel. I couldn't help but smile every time I recognised a line from the original text.
Verdict: A comforting, smiling inducing read for like minded Austin fans.
September 13, 2014
After being suspended from her job as a teacher at the exclusive New York Barclay School, Elizabeth 'Lizzy' Scott flees to London where she has been offered a temporary job helping get a group of pedigree terriers ready for dog shows. Elizabeth is experienced at showing her own Cavalier King Spaniel, Bliss, who she takes with her to the UK with the aim of entering her in a few shows as well.
Just before she leaves New York she meets the English judge, handsome, sexy, Donovan Darcy, who she can't take her eyes off. He also breeds Cavaliers, is extremely wealthy and owns a large country estate. He has been guardian of his younger sister and of course he has a friend with a sister who is desperately trying to snare him in marriage. With the arrival of Lizzy's sister Jenna in London,the stage is thus complete for a modern version of "Pride and Prejudice".
I enjoyed the novel setting of this story in the world of dog shows. Darcy's reincarnation as a judge led to several excuses for confrontations with Elizabeth, many of them very humorous. Elizabeth's constant rapid switches from he loves me/he loves me not got a little tedious towards the end of the book but there were several good scenes (including one with a nod to the BBC version of P&P) that carried the book through to it's satisfying pre-ordained conclusion.
Just before she leaves New York she meets the English judge, handsome, sexy, Donovan Darcy, who she can't take her eyes off. He also breeds Cavaliers, is extremely wealthy and owns a large country estate. He has been guardian of his younger sister and of course he has a friend with a sister who is desperately trying to snare him in marriage. With the arrival of Lizzy's sister Jenna in London,the stage is thus complete for a modern version of "Pride and Prejudice".
I enjoyed the novel setting of this story in the world of dog shows. Darcy's reincarnation as a judge led to several excuses for confrontations with Elizabeth, many of them very humorous. Elizabeth's constant rapid switches from he loves me/he loves me not got a little tedious towards the end of the book but there were several good scenes (including one with a nod to the BBC version of P&P) that carried the book through to it's satisfying pre-ordained conclusion.
January 25, 2016
I truly love this book. This is the fourth time I've read it - this time in anticipation of the Hallmark movie that will be on TV tonight. (Sadly, I may not get to watch it, but that's another story.) Teri Wilson sets a lively, humorous tone throughout the book, the characters are well defined (including those of the dogs!), and it's a perfectly constructed story with lots of parallels to Pride and Prejudice. When she describes the Barrows' Border terriers as being pampered with their own TV that they probably use to watch the Home Shopping Network and so smart that they probably dial the phone with their paws to place orders, I can't help laughing out loud. They are also smart enough to hate Helena Robson (the Caroline Bingley-type character). But I digress.
Elizabeth Scott hates rich, influential men, ever since one of them get her suspended from her teaching job at a posh Manhattan school. She also is the loving owner of Bliss, a Cavalier spaniel that she's trying to mold into a show dog. She has difficulties with a very handsome dog show judge, Donovan Darcy, despite her strong attraction to him, and events move forward from there across the ocean to England, where she becomes a dog "nanny" to the aforementioned Border terriers. There's no Lydia and no Wickham in this story; instead the fly in the ointment is Grant Markham, the rich a**hole responsible for Elizabeth losing her job.
Ms. Wilson converts some of the P and P dances (gathering at Lucas Lodge, Netherfield ball) into dog-walking encounters between Elizabeth and Donovan, and it works beautifully. There's plenty of snogging, complicated by the rabid British tabloids that print photos of them together, which make for humorous consequences. Donovan has a Lady Catherine-type aunt promoting Helena Robson as an eligible match. Donovan's best friend is Helena's brother Harry, who is quickly smitten with Elizabeth's sister Jenna.
This is full of fun and romance and a heck of a satisfying HEA. It's probably the best contemporary version of Pride and Prejudice I've come across.
----
Was able to watch the movie after all. Disappointing. Another example of the book being much better than the movie. In this case, I'd say Ms. Wilson did a much better job converting Pride and Prejudice to contemporary chick lit than the Hallmark people did converting Unleashing Mr. Darcy to a made-for-TV movie.
Elizabeth Scott hates rich, influential men, ever since one of them get her suspended from her teaching job at a posh Manhattan school. She also is the loving owner of Bliss, a Cavalier spaniel that she's trying to mold into a show dog. She has difficulties with a very handsome dog show judge, Donovan Darcy, despite her strong attraction to him, and events move forward from there across the ocean to England, where she becomes a dog "nanny" to the aforementioned Border terriers. There's no Lydia and no Wickham in this story; instead the fly in the ointment is Grant Markham, the rich a**hole responsible for Elizabeth losing her job.
Ms. Wilson converts some of the P and P dances (gathering at Lucas Lodge, Netherfield ball) into dog-walking encounters between Elizabeth and Donovan, and it works beautifully. There's plenty of snogging, complicated by the rabid British tabloids that print photos of them together, which make for humorous consequences. Donovan has a Lady Catherine-type aunt promoting Helena Robson as an eligible match. Donovan's best friend is Helena's brother Harry, who is quickly smitten with Elizabeth's sister Jenna.
This is full of fun and romance and a heck of a satisfying HEA. It's probably the best contemporary version of Pride and Prejudice I've come across.
----
Was able to watch the movie after all. Disappointing. Another example of the book being much better than the movie. In this case, I'd say Ms. Wilson did a much better job converting Pride and Prejudice to contemporary chick lit than the Hallmark people did converting Unleashing Mr. Darcy to a made-for-TV movie.
Read
May 11, 2015Wow. 30 pages in and I just can't go on. I don't know if that has ever happened to me before. I wasn't expecting brilliance but this book is ridiculous. There is a quote from a Eminem song in it. . .so that's weird.
February 18, 2021
It is the opinion of this reviewer that Mr. Darcy, the real Mr. Darcy, would denounce Donovan Darcy as a womanizing cad devoid of honor.
The facts are these. Jane Austen's Elizabeth and Darcy were restrained individuals of decorum, Darcy mostly, but Elizabeth certainly. Their relationship focused on that restraint. In Teri Wilson's Unleashing Mr. Darcy the entire story is about breaking restraint, unleashing passion, etc. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it was not a complete and total reversal of character. Turning Mr. Darcy into a teeming sea of sexual passion set my teeth on edge as did upending Elizabeth's character so she seems more foolish than sprightly.
Literally, the tipping point was almost exactly at the halfway mark. Up until then there was some actual plot, some substance, albeit fluffy, to the book. After halfway, everything was about Donovan and Elizabeth stealing moments together so he could back her into a wall, kiss her breathless, and get his hands either under her skirt or on her blouse. Not to mention the absolutely ABSURD moments in the dog judging ring when he can't keep his eyes off her while she's bumbling around, making an absolute idiot out of herself because she's so distracted by the perfect Windsor knot in his tie.
Oh, but wait, they're not entirely sure they love one another. Because it's possible to be sexually attracted to a man you despise, not that I ever fully understood Elizabeth's so-called stance against the wealthy. Who cares if you lost your teaching job because of a wealthy man's attempts to abuse his power? NOT ALL WEALTHY MEN ARE LIKE THAT! Plus, am I wrong or weren't the Bennet family attempting to find wealthy husbands for their gaggle of daughters?! Pride & Prejudice to my recollection really didn't involve the evils of wealth. It has been quite a few years since I've read it, although I'm going to have to reread it now, just to get the bad taste of this pathetic retelling out of my mouth and off my brain.
Don't get me wrong. There were moments at the beginning when I found the story enchanting, simplistic and pure fluff, but still very engaging and fun. Up until the moment when every single encounter they had ended with Donovan being aroused and Elizabeth conflicted on whether she hated the man or not. I'll be honest, there is nothing more disturbing that an "aroused" Mr. Darcy who can focus on nothing but her "pillow pink lips." I'm shuddering in horror just remembering.
The much-dreaded SCENE occurs in chapter 21. To be honest, I'm amazed they got that far with their chastity still fairly in place with so much steam rising off the pages. I skimmed it just to see how graphic it would be and to be fair, Teri Wilson avoids certain words and descriptive phrases during the scene. But it was still a sex scene and all I could think of was how mortified the original Darcy and Elizabeth would be at such immodest and immoral behavior that cared so little for their reputations and honor. Who knew that a version of Darcy could ever become Wickham in my estimations, which he did. When Elizabeth describes the affront she felt when Grant Markham made insinuations against her, held her arm firmly, and kept his gaze wrapped around her breasts, Darcy is green with rage. Yet he does the exact same thing to her. Why is one man acceptable and the other isn't when the behavior of both men is equally insulting?!
I suppose the inclusion of dialogue from Austen's masterpiece was intended to warm my heart and draw me closer to this poor rewrites. But it did not. Instead, my blood boiled at the injustice of having Austen's work so maligned. Remarkable as it might sound, I might be more interested in a story about Darcy and zombies where they at least get the characters right. And while I know Hallmark for some UNKNOWN reason has made this book into a movie, I fully intend to skip it. Why would I waste my time?
Unleashing Mr. Darcy is a travesty. Avoid it at all costs.
❤ Horror Worthy Quotes ❤
"This isn't the nineteenth century. Just because we slept together doesn't mean you have to marry me." - the soooooooo respectable Elizabeth Scott
"Whatever the two of them were feeling wasn't real. It could only be an illusion - just part of the afterglow of really great sex." - another agonizing quote by Elizabeth Scott
I'm leaving out all of the painful quotes about Donovan's fascination with Elizabeth's perfectly pink little tongue and her plump little lips.
The facts are these. Jane Austen's Elizabeth and Darcy were restrained individuals of decorum, Darcy mostly, but Elizabeth certainly. Their relationship focused on that restraint. In Teri Wilson's Unleashing Mr. Darcy the entire story is about breaking restraint, unleashing passion, etc. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it was not a complete and total reversal of character. Turning Mr. Darcy into a teeming sea of sexual passion set my teeth on edge as did upending Elizabeth's character so she seems more foolish than sprightly.
Literally, the tipping point was almost exactly at the halfway mark. Up until then there was some actual plot, some substance, albeit fluffy, to the book. After halfway, everything was about Donovan and Elizabeth stealing moments together so he could back her into a wall, kiss her breathless, and get his hands either under her skirt or on her blouse. Not to mention the absolutely ABSURD moments in the dog judging ring when he can't keep his eyes off her while she's bumbling around, making an absolute idiot out of herself because she's so distracted by the perfect Windsor knot in his tie.
Oh, but wait, they're not entirely sure they love one another. Because it's possible to be sexually attracted to a man you despise, not that I ever fully understood Elizabeth's so-called stance against the wealthy. Who cares if you lost your teaching job because of a wealthy man's attempts to abuse his power? NOT ALL WEALTHY MEN ARE LIKE THAT! Plus, am I wrong or weren't the Bennet family attempting to find wealthy husbands for their gaggle of daughters?! Pride & Prejudice to my recollection really didn't involve the evils of wealth. It has been quite a few years since I've read it, although I'm going to have to reread it now, just to get the bad taste of this pathetic retelling out of my mouth and off my brain.
Don't get me wrong. There were moments at the beginning when I found the story enchanting, simplistic and pure fluff, but still very engaging and fun. Up until the moment when every single encounter they had ended with Donovan being aroused and Elizabeth conflicted on whether she hated the man or not. I'll be honest, there is nothing more disturbing that an "aroused" Mr. Darcy who can focus on nothing but her "pillow pink lips." I'm shuddering in horror just remembering.
The much-dreaded SCENE occurs in chapter 21. To be honest, I'm amazed they got that far with their chastity still fairly in place with so much steam rising off the pages. I skimmed it just to see how graphic it would be and to be fair, Teri Wilson avoids certain words and descriptive phrases during the scene. But it was still a sex scene and all I could think of was how mortified the original Darcy and Elizabeth would be at such immodest and immoral behavior that cared so little for their reputations and honor. Who knew that a version of Darcy could ever become Wickham in my estimations, which he did. When Elizabeth describes the affront she felt when Grant Markham made insinuations against her, held her arm firmly, and kept his gaze wrapped around her breasts, Darcy is green with rage. Yet he does the exact same thing to her. Why is one man acceptable and the other isn't when the behavior of both men is equally insulting?!
I suppose the inclusion of dialogue from Austen's masterpiece was intended to warm my heart and draw me closer to this poor rewrites. But it did not. Instead, my blood boiled at the injustice of having Austen's work so maligned. Remarkable as it might sound, I might be more interested in a story about Darcy and zombies where they at least get the characters right. And while I know Hallmark for some UNKNOWN reason has made this book into a movie, I fully intend to skip it. Why would I waste my time?
Unleashing Mr. Darcy is a travesty. Avoid it at all costs.
❤ Horror Worthy Quotes ❤
"This isn't the nineteenth century. Just because we slept together doesn't mean you have to marry me." - the soooooooo respectable Elizabeth Scott
"Whatever the two of them were feeling wasn't real. It could only be an illusion - just part of the afterglow of really great sex." - another agonizing quote by Elizabeth Scott
I'm leaving out all of the painful quotes about Donovan's fascination with Elizabeth's perfectly pink little tongue and her plump little lips.
January 5, 2014
I'm not a big fan Austen. (please don't throw things at me) so I wasn't sure if I would really get into this story. I love the idea of the dog show world being the backdrop. It was a pleasure to find the character very real and their dialog fun to read. The story moved long at a good pace and I looked forward to going back to the pages to find out what they would do next. Wilson does a great job of making you feel as if you are in London from the moment Elizabeth steps off the plane. The Austen fans seem to be in love with this retelling, but I can say as a non-fan I loved it too.
January 5, 2014
What can I say? Cute cover, modern-day retelling of Pride & Prejudice, Darcy and Lizzy as show dog aficionados? Cuteness and curiosity won out so I grab this one up looking for a light, entertaining romantic read. And it was that. If Elizabeth was a bit more prejudiced and some of the parallel scenes and dialogue to the original story felt forced, it was not enough to ruin my enjoyment of the story. I would go bail that for someone who hasn't read Pride & Prejudice; some of the dialogue that is nearly a direct quote will read as an oddity in this modern story version because no matter how formal people are; they do not talk that way now. I chuckled each time it happened and enjoyed it in turn because though it was odd I loved seeing those very familiar quotes.
So about the story...
Elizabeth Scott is spending her thirtieth birthday away from home and family celebration to take her beloved dog to her first dog show. She is joined by her sweet older sister, Jenna, who has no interest in dogs, but doesn't want Lizzy to be alone on her birthday. They meet a very nice British couple who are there to show their dogs, but then she bumps into a not so nice Brit, Donovan Darcy, who just so happens to be the guest judge and also one of those rich snobs she hates.
Elizabeth has been put on leave because as a teacher in an exclusive private school for the privileged she dared give the star lacrosse player a failing grade only to have his dad first try to bribe her and then come on to her to change her mind. Not only did the school quietly not back her up because of who holds their purse strings, she was now under investigation for trying to blackmail the dad into the money. Yeah, rich people aren't high on her list right now and the austere and brooding Donovan Darcy with the too young beautiful girl on his arm gets the full blast of it.
Donovan can't believe the nerve of the sassy female who challenges him while he's judging at a show that he really didn't want to be at anyway. She looks on him with near disgust so why does he want to know her better? His little sister wanted a fun trip to go shopping in NYC so here they are and all he can think about is Elizabeth Scott the woman he has run into a few times and each time she bristles up and treats him like a diseased pariah. But he could at least pity her after getting a front row seat at the restaurant when her family descended on her to celebrate her birthday. Embarrassing didn't even cover their loud behavior.
With her job up in the air, Lizzy accepts Sue Barrow's offer to return to London with them and help her get her terriers ready for several shows that will last through the month. It's a lovely opportunity and she jumps at it bringing her own sweet King Charles along and the promise of Jenna joining her later. Too bad she didn't know that the Barrows were across the street neighbors with none other than Donovan Darcy. She starts to realize that he has other sides to his character than that at which first appeared and she did totally misjudge the situation about his sister so she loosens up a little to spend some time around him just like Jenna is spending time with his best friend. They get caught in pictures for the tabloids a couple of times when they give in to the physical attraction they share and Darcy has a deluded and determined female out to land him for a husband. Lizzy won't forget for a moment that he's one of those rich people who are impervious to the stuff that affect the rest of the people like what was happening to her through her job.
Donovan is both enchanted and terrified of what is developing between him and Lizzy Scott, but he can't help pursuing her. It's not until the moment he recognizes his full feelings that Lizzy's secret and her fears rise up to destroy his chances with her.
The dog show backdrop to this one had me interested not because I'm a particular fan of dog breeding and showing (I've only ever owned mutts from the shelter or strays), but because it was something different. I did find the dogs cute and loved the way all the owners interacted with them.
I enjoyed meeting and getting to know all the characters in the story. I found Donovan Darcy swoonworthy even though he had his moments when I just wanted to pop him in the back of the head. He really didn't get how his silences and frowns would be misinterpreted. There was a sensitivity in him that allowed him to see others though. He might not get why Lizzy was angry with him, but he did see the anger and tried to assuage it. He was pretty patient with her all things considered and saw potential where most people would have just seen Too. Much. Bother.
Lizzy was a mixed bag for me. I liked and was proud of her for having the guts to stand up to the pressure at the school where she taught and do the right thing. I enjoyed her feistiness in the first scene with Donovan when she gives him some snark for his grumpiness. Her adventuresome spirit that led her to accept Sue Barrow's invitation met with my approval, but...
The whole 'I hate you and your nothing because you are rich and you all treat non-rich people like peons' attitude toward Donovan just didn't settle with me. If anyone was ashamed by her origins, it was Lizzy. Donovan didn't care that her family was from New Jersey and ran a bridal shop business. An otherwise intelligent and warm woman who gets accosted by a true slimeball is a bad thing in my books and I get her dislike of that man and men like him, but the thing is- he's a slimeball because of his character not his money. Normal people get that. Lizzy didn't. Donovan was cranky with her when they first meet, but then that all changed and she even saw the changes and many other wonderful things about him, but every little thing he did and said was now being filtered through a truly skewed lens so that she attributed really out there interpretations on everything. Her sister and her friend tried to tell her she had it wrong, but she swept their words aside. She was rude and obnoxious making her extremely unattractive to me so I couldn't buy the love angle. The man gets down on his knee in the mud and tells her he loves her and she declares that he doesn't when there's nothing in it for him to lie. Yeesh! Denial, much?
Sorry, had to vent! It's very possible that I had a stronger reaction to her than others will.
In the end, no matter how annoyed I was with Madame Obtuseness, I thought this story very delightful. It was good stuff and I look forward to more like it from this author. If you enjoy the idea of a slightly spicy retelling of a classic romance in a contemporary setting or are a dog lover who loves the world of dog breeding and shows, then you'll not want to pass this one up.
My thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this one in exchange for my honest review thoughts.
So about the story...
Elizabeth Scott is spending her thirtieth birthday away from home and family celebration to take her beloved dog to her first dog show. She is joined by her sweet older sister, Jenna, who has no interest in dogs, but doesn't want Lizzy to be alone on her birthday. They meet a very nice British couple who are there to show their dogs, but then she bumps into a not so nice Brit, Donovan Darcy, who just so happens to be the guest judge and also one of those rich snobs she hates.
Elizabeth has been put on leave because as a teacher in an exclusive private school for the privileged she dared give the star lacrosse player a failing grade only to have his dad first try to bribe her and then come on to her to change her mind. Not only did the school quietly not back her up because of who holds their purse strings, she was now under investigation for trying to blackmail the dad into the money. Yeah, rich people aren't high on her list right now and the austere and brooding Donovan Darcy with the too young beautiful girl on his arm gets the full blast of it.
Donovan can't believe the nerve of the sassy female who challenges him while he's judging at a show that he really didn't want to be at anyway. She looks on him with near disgust so why does he want to know her better? His little sister wanted a fun trip to go shopping in NYC so here they are and all he can think about is Elizabeth Scott the woman he has run into a few times and each time she bristles up and treats him like a diseased pariah. But he could at least pity her after getting a front row seat at the restaurant when her family descended on her to celebrate her birthday. Embarrassing didn't even cover their loud behavior.
With her job up in the air, Lizzy accepts Sue Barrow's offer to return to London with them and help her get her terriers ready for several shows that will last through the month. It's a lovely opportunity and she jumps at it bringing her own sweet King Charles along and the promise of Jenna joining her later. Too bad she didn't know that the Barrows were across the street neighbors with none other than Donovan Darcy. She starts to realize that he has other sides to his character than that at which first appeared and she did totally misjudge the situation about his sister so she loosens up a little to spend some time around him just like Jenna is spending time with his best friend. They get caught in pictures for the tabloids a couple of times when they give in to the physical attraction they share and Darcy has a deluded and determined female out to land him for a husband. Lizzy won't forget for a moment that he's one of those rich people who are impervious to the stuff that affect the rest of the people like what was happening to her through her job.
Donovan is both enchanted and terrified of what is developing between him and Lizzy Scott, but he can't help pursuing her. It's not until the moment he recognizes his full feelings that Lizzy's secret and her fears rise up to destroy his chances with her.
The dog show backdrop to this one had me interested not because I'm a particular fan of dog breeding and showing (I've only ever owned mutts from the shelter or strays), but because it was something different. I did find the dogs cute and loved the way all the owners interacted with them.
I enjoyed meeting and getting to know all the characters in the story. I found Donovan Darcy swoonworthy even though he had his moments when I just wanted to pop him in the back of the head. He really didn't get how his silences and frowns would be misinterpreted. There was a sensitivity in him that allowed him to see others though. He might not get why Lizzy was angry with him, but he did see the anger and tried to assuage it. He was pretty patient with her all things considered and saw potential where most people would have just seen Too. Much. Bother.
Lizzy was a mixed bag for me. I liked and was proud of her for having the guts to stand up to the pressure at the school where she taught and do the right thing. I enjoyed her feistiness in the first scene with Donovan when she gives him some snark for his grumpiness. Her adventuresome spirit that led her to accept Sue Barrow's invitation met with my approval, but...
The whole 'I hate you and your nothing because you are rich and you all treat non-rich people like peons' attitude toward Donovan just didn't settle with me. If anyone was ashamed by her origins, it was Lizzy. Donovan didn't care that her family was from New Jersey and ran a bridal shop business. An otherwise intelligent and warm woman who gets accosted by a true slimeball is a bad thing in my books and I get her dislike of that man and men like him, but the thing is- he's a slimeball because of his character not his money. Normal people get that. Lizzy didn't. Donovan was cranky with her when they first meet, but then that all changed and she even saw the changes and many other wonderful things about him, but every little thing he did and said was now being filtered through a truly skewed lens so that she attributed really out there interpretations on everything. Her sister and her friend tried to tell her she had it wrong, but she swept their words aside. She was rude and obnoxious making her extremely unattractive to me so I couldn't buy the love angle. The man gets down on his knee in the mud and tells her he loves her and she declares that he doesn't when there's nothing in it for him to lie. Yeesh! Denial, much?
Sorry, had to vent! It's very possible that I had a stronger reaction to her than others will.
In the end, no matter how annoyed I was with Madame Obtuseness, I thought this story very delightful. It was good stuff and I look forward to more like it from this author. If you enjoy the idea of a slightly spicy retelling of a classic romance in a contemporary setting or are a dog lover who loves the world of dog breeding and shows, then you'll not want to pass this one up.
My thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this one in exchange for my honest review thoughts.
January 20, 2014
Originally posted
HERE
.
Unleashing Mr Darcy is a book you shouldn’t read unless you’re familiar with the basics of Pride and Prejudice – not if you want to get the most out of the story. The characters are based on the Pride and Prejudice characters, and some of the dialogue is very close to the source material. I can’t imagine what it would be like to read this and not know the original work. I’m sure you’d get by, but you’d miss out on the many, many in-jokes.
Additionally, to recreate Pride and Prejudice in the present day, there have to be tweaks with modern society. Some of the formal language, so similar to the original, might seem odd to someone who didn’t understand this is a retelling of a classic.
This book is going to have a much larger appeal to US readers than to people from countries in the British Commonwealth. While people from Commonwealth countries will be able to enjoy the book’s light-hearted tone and all those Pride and Prejudice references, they’re going to be left bemused by all of the let’s learn about the different culture and terminology lessons. Young British men might find it pretty amusing to learn they apparently spend all day taking tea and sipping Pimm’s! And I’ve got to say, London might be many things, but clean certainly isn’t one of them!
Though Unleashing Mr Darcy begins in the United States, where our heroine, Elizabeth Scott is from (it took me a bit to stop thinking of the bestselling YA author with the same name!). She meets visiting English dog judge, Donovan Darcy. A series of misunderstandings later and he is left besotted while she is left thinking he doesn’t like her.
We move fairly swiftly to England, where by coincidence (or, rather, careful plotting of the secondary characters) the two turn out to be temporary next door neighbours. (We’ll pretend UK quarantine laws don’t exist, which means our heroine’s dog can just waltz on into England!) They live on this fairly run-of-the mill London street:
Which in the book is home to people rich enough to have butlers!
I’m actually going to say this in a book review, but if you can’t muster the effort to read Pride and Prejudice, at least give a film version a go. Most of the fun of the story comes from picking out characters and situations from the source material. Though I must say Mr Darcy in this one is much less of a snob than the Mr Darcy of any other version!
I used to live in a fairly touristy area of London, and Unleashing Mr Darcy reminds me of the tourists I used to run into, the people who ventured out of their hotels dressed in tweed and funny hats, coming to visit the city under the misapprehension they’d entered the world of Sherlock Holmes. The London of the book is the Hollywood fantasy of England rather than the reality.
The author has gone to a lot of effort to educate readers on the different culture and terminology, though some Americanisms have still slipped through the cracks. I think a valiant effort was made to get the British-speak correct, and this is something that will no doubt be of more interest to readers across the Atlantic.
The novelty of Unleashing Mr Darcy comes from the source material. This is a Cinderella story for anyone with Mr Darcy fantasies. If you’re a fan of all those modern day Jane Austen books, movies and shows, this will be a story you’ll love to pieces.
Review copy provided by NetGalley.
‘I’ll give you £100 for every guy with a bowler hat and umbrella you see walking the streets of London who’s not going to a fancy dress party. My generation weren’t saying, “I can’t wait to grow up so I can put on a pin-stripe suit and go to an office”. They were piercing their ears and learning to play the guitar. If you want to define a modern Englishman, you might as well look at Keith Richards, Johnny Rotten [John Lydon] or Ray Winstone, rather than John Major or Prince Charles.’
Colin Firth
Unleashing Mr Darcy is a book you shouldn’t read unless you’re familiar with the basics of Pride and Prejudice – not if you want to get the most out of the story. The characters are based on the Pride and Prejudice characters, and some of the dialogue is very close to the source material. I can’t imagine what it would be like to read this and not know the original work. I’m sure you’d get by, but you’d miss out on the many, many in-jokes.
Additionally, to recreate Pride and Prejudice in the present day, there have to be tweaks with modern society. Some of the formal language, so similar to the original, might seem odd to someone who didn’t understand this is a retelling of a classic.
This book is going to have a much larger appeal to US readers than to people from countries in the British Commonwealth. While people from Commonwealth countries will be able to enjoy the book’s light-hearted tone and all those Pride and Prejudice references, they’re going to be left bemused by all of the let’s learn about the different culture and terminology lessons. Young British men might find it pretty amusing to learn they apparently spend all day taking tea and sipping Pimm’s! And I’ve got to say, London might be many things, but clean certainly isn’t one of them!
Though Unleashing Mr Darcy begins in the United States, where our heroine, Elizabeth Scott is from (it took me a bit to stop thinking of the bestselling YA author with the same name!). She meets visiting English dog judge, Donovan Darcy. A series of misunderstandings later and he is left besotted while she is left thinking he doesn’t like her.
We move fairly swiftly to England, where by coincidence (or, rather, careful plotting of the secondary characters) the two turn out to be temporary next door neighbours. (We’ll pretend UK quarantine laws don’t exist, which means our heroine’s dog can just waltz on into England!) They live on this fairly run-of-the mill London street:
Which in the book is home to people rich enough to have butlers!
I’m actually going to say this in a book review, but if you can’t muster the effort to read Pride and Prejudice, at least give a film version a go. Most of the fun of the story comes from picking out characters and situations from the source material. Though I must say Mr Darcy in this one is much less of a snob than the Mr Darcy of any other version!
I used to live in a fairly touristy area of London, and Unleashing Mr Darcy reminds me of the tourists I used to run into, the people who ventured out of their hotels dressed in tweed and funny hats, coming to visit the city under the misapprehension they’d entered the world of Sherlock Holmes. The London of the book is the Hollywood fantasy of England rather than the reality.
The author has gone to a lot of effort to educate readers on the different culture and terminology, though some Americanisms have still slipped through the cracks. I think a valiant effort was made to get the British-speak correct, and this is something that will no doubt be of more interest to readers across the Atlantic.
The novelty of Unleashing Mr Darcy comes from the source material. This is a Cinderella story for anyone with Mr Darcy fantasies. If you’re a fan of all those modern day Jane Austen books, movies and shows, this will be a story you’ll love to pieces.
Review copy provided by NetGalley.
December 29, 2013
In many ways, this is one of my favourite romances I have read this year. I was actually quite surprised by how much enjoyment I got out of this book. What the characters were based on put aside, I loved the originality of the cast. When you read a lot of romances, they all tend to blend together after a while, so it was nice to see some characters that really made me want to root for their success.
I really loved Elizabeth's character. She was intelligent, emotional and just all around the kind of character that you want to learn more about. I understood why she felt the way she did and respected her for being different than the average female character who meets the rich, handsome bachelor.
Donovan was well written and the dialogue he brought to the story was better than the average romance lead character drama. I laughed out loud in multiple places at his observations of the other characters and the situations he found himself in.
The dog shows were well described and I loved that Elizabeth had such a soft spot in her heart for Bliss and for Sue's companions.
Romance-wise, this story was paced well and the characters didn't fall in love and end up in bed together within the first chapter. The author allowed them time to build a relationship before she embarked on much intimacy and this made me feel closer to them. I liked that we got to know more about them as individuals before they became a single unit. The sex scene itself was also tasteful and more romantic than gross for those of you who don't like really explicit descriptions.
I will say, that as much as it made me giggle at times, if you are English, the MANY references to what English people and English men in general are like will either make you laugh or drive you mad. In some places the cliches were so abundant it nearly reminded me of one of those "what American's think we do" memes you find on the internet.
There is a bit of imagination stretching to get around things like passports, visas and the ability to simply decide to stay in a country other than your own, but the story warranted a bit of belief suspension and that was okay. I thought the characters were worthy of it.
That and the repeated use of the phrase "Storm clouds gathered in his eyes" were the reason I gave this four stars rather than five. Still, this was a really fun way to pass the hours and I got a lot of enjoyment out of it, more so even than I had expected.
If you are a fan of the lighter romance with a good back story and lots of reasons to smile, this book will be just your thing.
This review is based on a digital ARC from the publisher and provided through Netgalley.
I really loved Elizabeth's character. She was intelligent, emotional and just all around the kind of character that you want to learn more about. I understood why she felt the way she did and respected her for being different than the average female character who meets the rich, handsome bachelor.
Donovan was well written and the dialogue he brought to the story was better than the average romance lead character drama. I laughed out loud in multiple places at his observations of the other characters and the situations he found himself in.
The dog shows were well described and I loved that Elizabeth had such a soft spot in her heart for Bliss and for Sue's companions.
Romance-wise, this story was paced well and the characters didn't fall in love and end up in bed together within the first chapter. The author allowed them time to build a relationship before she embarked on much intimacy and this made me feel closer to them. I liked that we got to know more about them as individuals before they became a single unit. The sex scene itself was also tasteful and more romantic than gross for those of you who don't like really explicit descriptions.
I will say, that as much as it made me giggle at times, if you are English, the MANY references to what English people and English men in general are like will either make you laugh or drive you mad. In some places the cliches were so abundant it nearly reminded me of one of those "what American's think we do" memes you find on the internet.
There is a bit of imagination stretching to get around things like passports, visas and the ability to simply decide to stay in a country other than your own, but the story warranted a bit of belief suspension and that was okay. I thought the characters were worthy of it.
That and the repeated use of the phrase "Storm clouds gathered in his eyes" were the reason I gave this four stars rather than five. Still, this was a really fun way to pass the hours and I got a lot of enjoyment out of it, more so even than I had expected.
If you are a fan of the lighter romance with a good back story and lots of reasons to smile, this book will be just your thing.
This review is based on a digital ARC from the publisher and provided through Netgalley.
December 1, 2013
E-galley received through Netgalley for review.
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single woman teetering on the verge of thirty must be in want of a husband.
This is not true for Elizabeth Scott, teacher at an elite private school in Manhattan. She's perfectly happy with her job and with taking her puppy Bliss at dog shows. However, when a scandal forces her into temporary leave from her job, Elizabeth is forced to reconsider. She meets a nice couple at a dog shows and is offered a job caring for their dogs at their home in London. Her next door neighbour is Mr Donovan Darcy, a wealthy businessman, dog breeder and snobbish judge at dog shows.
In spite of a rocky start, Elizabeth and Darcy hit it off and start a relationship. But Elizabeth's past threaten to come back and humiliate her.
Unleashing Mr Darcy is a witty, modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice set in the world of dog shows. Both Elizabeth and Darcy are dog owners and passionate about dog shows. Darcy breeds his own dogs; Elizabeth's dream is to have her dog win the best prize in a show. Their first meeting is embarrassing for Elizabeth, but it is soon clear that Darcy is smitten with her.
The Jane/Bingley subplot is quite shortened, as Elizabeth's sister and Darcy's best friend get engaged in a short time, without interferences from Darcy. The Scott family is quite embarrassing to Elizabeth, all right. They own a wedding dress company, Scott Bridals, and Elizabeth's mother would want her to go back and model wedding dresses. But Elizabeth knows she would never be happy with that job; she's not accomodating like her elder sister.
The Lydia/Wickham subplot is also changed; the scandal now regards Elizabeth alone and her job as a teacher. Her integrity in failing a student who deserved a bad grade is threatened by the student's father, who first tries to bribe her, then accuses her of asking money for a pass grade.
The whole novel is quite amusing and endearing. There are plenty of swoon-worthy moments, and the banter between Elizabeth and Darcy is very well done. I'd recommend this one, and would like to read another Jane Austen retelling by this author.
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single woman teetering on the verge of thirty must be in want of a husband.
This is not true for Elizabeth Scott, teacher at an elite private school in Manhattan. She's perfectly happy with her job and with taking her puppy Bliss at dog shows. However, when a scandal forces her into temporary leave from her job, Elizabeth is forced to reconsider. She meets a nice couple at a dog shows and is offered a job caring for their dogs at their home in London. Her next door neighbour is Mr Donovan Darcy, a wealthy businessman, dog breeder and snobbish judge at dog shows.
In spite of a rocky start, Elizabeth and Darcy hit it off and start a relationship. But Elizabeth's past threaten to come back and humiliate her.
Unleashing Mr Darcy is a witty, modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice set in the world of dog shows. Both Elizabeth and Darcy are dog owners and passionate about dog shows. Darcy breeds his own dogs; Elizabeth's dream is to have her dog win the best prize in a show. Their first meeting is embarrassing for Elizabeth, but it is soon clear that Darcy is smitten with her.
The Jane/Bingley subplot is quite shortened, as Elizabeth's sister and Darcy's best friend get engaged in a short time, without interferences from Darcy. The Scott family is quite embarrassing to Elizabeth, all right. They own a wedding dress company, Scott Bridals, and Elizabeth's mother would want her to go back and model wedding dresses. But Elizabeth knows she would never be happy with that job; she's not accomodating like her elder sister.
The Lydia/Wickham subplot is also changed; the scandal now regards Elizabeth alone and her job as a teacher. Her integrity in failing a student who deserved a bad grade is threatened by the student's father, who first tries to bribe her, then accuses her of asking money for a pass grade.
The whole novel is quite amusing and endearing. There are plenty of swoon-worthy moments, and the banter between Elizabeth and Darcy is very well done. I'd recommend this one, and would like to read another Jane Austen retelling by this author.
November 14, 2013
Elizabeth is a wonderful teacher who loses her job after a parent tries to bribe her into changing his son’s grade. In the process of standing up for herself she is put on suspension, leaving her job-less and unable to afford her apartment.
Lucky for Lizzy she met a wonderful couple at a dog show (while showing her gorgeous dog Bliss) and they ask her to come look after their dogs in England during show season. Who would say no to that? So Lizzy packs up, and is whisked away to wonderful London.
Unfortunately for Lizzy (or is it?), she runs into Darcy, Donovan Darcy that is. Breeder and judge – who she’s run into just recently in New York! It wasn’t exactly love at first sight for these two, it was definitely dislike or annoyance at first sight.
As a fan of Pride and Prejudice, I really enjoyed this modern take on the story. It had some great funny moments with the Scott family and their escapades as well as Lizzy and Donovan trying to fight the growing feelings and completely botching it.
This was a really cute novel, that had me hooked from page one until the end. It was a quick light read that I needed at that moment, and it made me smile. I look forward to seeing what else author Teri Wilson has coming next.
Lucky for Lizzy she met a wonderful couple at a dog show (while showing her gorgeous dog Bliss) and they ask her to come look after their dogs in England during show season. Who would say no to that? So Lizzy packs up, and is whisked away to wonderful London.
Unfortunately for Lizzy (or is it?), she runs into Darcy, Donovan Darcy that is. Breeder and judge – who she’s run into just recently in New York! It wasn’t exactly love at first sight for these two, it was definitely dislike or annoyance at first sight.
As a fan of Pride and Prejudice, I really enjoyed this modern take on the story. It had some great funny moments with the Scott family and their escapades as well as Lizzy and Donovan trying to fight the growing feelings and completely botching it.
This was a really cute novel, that had me hooked from page one until the end. It was a quick light read that I needed at that moment, and it made me smile. I look forward to seeing what else author Teri Wilson has coming next.
January 14, 2016
This is a cute, modern re-telling of Pride and Prejudice. I imagine the author had as much fun writing this as I did reading it. ;) Looking forward to the movie.
April 10, 2017
Obwohl sich das Buch grob an 'Stolz und Vorurteil' orientiert, wird die Geschichte hier ganz neu erzählt. In den Hauptrollen, wie gewohnt Elizabeth, die so ihre Vorurteile gegen die Reichen dieser Welt hegt und einem Donovan Darcy, der so richtig schön arrogant sein kann. Nun ist Mr. Darcy ist Hundezüchter und Elizabeth, eine Lehrerin mit einem süßen King Charles Spaniel.
Mir hat dieser Roman aus der Welt der Hundeausstellungen sehr gut gefallen.
Mir hat dieser Roman aus der Welt der Hundeausstellungen sehr gut gefallen.
August 18, 2019
Sweet and sexy read!
I have been on a Pride and Prejudice reading binge lately. I saw the Hallmark movie based on this book and enjoyed it so much I had to read the book ;) The book did a great job of adapting P&P to modern times. I really enjoyed Elizabeth's and Mr. Darcy's verbal sparring. The book is written in dual viewpoints of both the main characters which I really enjoyed getting to see what Donovan Darcy was thinking. His love a d adoration for Lizzy was spellbinding...
Sigh.... There was a sex scene so I would be careful letting young readers read it. Overall the book was highly romantic and I highly enjoyed it and recommend it!
I have been on a Pride and Prejudice reading binge lately. I saw the Hallmark movie based on this book and enjoyed it so much I had to read the book ;) The book did a great job of adapting P&P to modern times. I really enjoyed Elizabeth's and Mr. Darcy's verbal sparring. The book is written in dual viewpoints of both the main characters which I really enjoyed getting to see what Donovan Darcy was thinking. His love a d adoration for Lizzy was spellbinding...
Sigh.... There was a sex scene so I would be careful letting young readers read it. Overall the book was highly romantic and I highly enjoyed it and recommend it!
June 18, 2021
For the most part, I really enjoyed Unleashing Mr. Darcy. In particular, I liked all the dog show parts. It was very interesting to get a first hand account of showing a dog, not to mention how much cuteness they all added to the story. Elizabeth was a solid character and I liked her spunkiness. All the side characters were charming and funny. My main issue was with Donovan Darcy. For being such a charming and gallant English gentleman he was manipulative, which didn't seem to match with his character. Elizabeth certainly put him into him place from time to time, but he definitely got a way with some questionable behavior.
dnf
February 6, 2019I don't know how to feel about this book. I spoiled myself for the ending and I hate it so I don't want to continue. I might give it another chance but I don't know.
June 30, 2021
Unleashing Mr.Dacey is written by Author Teri Wilson. This book is so much better then the movie and I was very happy to have read it. I couldn't help falling in love with the story from the moment I picked the book up. I absolutely couldn't get enough of Elizabeth Scott and her dog Bliss. I loved the Blanter between Elizabeth and Donovan Darcey. I liked how they meet throught dog showing and throughout the story they took you through the process of dog showing throught Elizabeth's point of view through and then from Donovan's Point of view through his judging. I loved how Donavon and Elizabeth story progressed throughout the book and I honestly couldn't get enough of the story with them in it. I can't wait to find more books by Teri Wilson.
February 8, 2016
Rating: 4.5 Stars!
What do you get when you create a modern day version of Darcy and Elizabeth but add adorable dogs to the mix? Absolute fun! I wont go into the premise of the book as the book jacket tells it all. However, you know a book is going to be good when you are chuckling before the first chapter is done! The chemistry between Elizabeth and Darcy is electrifying but Elizabeth is very wary of rich men after being suspended from her teaching job at a posh private school and fights her attraction tooth and nail. The dog shows in New Jersey and England have some of the best repartee between Darcy and Elizabeth. Who knew dog standards could be so sexy! The laugh out loud moments were many, the tender moments were so touching and the build up to their 'can't keep their hands/lips off each other' scenes were tastefully written. I loved how Darcy described Elizabeth 'A pastry dusted with sugar and spice'. He didn't like freckles until he met Elizabeth!
You have some of your usual characters and their eccentricities...Mrs. Bennet was still loud and outspoken but you are only given one taste of that. Though I must say that the livelihood given to the Bennet's couldn't have been better...a bridal shop! Jenna (Jane) works at the bridal shop but goes over for a wedding show to London and spends time with her sister where she meets Henry (Charles) who is Darcy's lawyer. Sue and Alan (the Gardiners in my opinion) are a delightful rather well-off couple who hire Elizabeth after she has been suspended from her teaching job to care and help show them in England. Darcy's sister, Zara (Georgiana) is a true teenager and I found her confident and playful. Darcy's Aunt Constance (Lady Catherine) is not as overbearing as I was expecting. However, Helena (Caroline Bingley) was ruthless. Unfortunately, she is described as having a 'whippet-like figure', which may be true, but being a past proud owner of a Whippet, I was insulted for the breed! LOL! There is no Wickham but Grant Markham more than makes up for him being missing and not in a good way. Oh and I can't forget Mr. Collins! Now there is a laugh out loud over the top moment!
This is a fun engaging story with a more prejudiced Elizabeth and a bit of less proudful Darcy. My only quibble would be the ending. It was too abrupt. I wish there was a wedding and that the rest of the Bennet clan came over to help or at least be there for it. The reference to the bridal shop was prevalent throughout the book that I felt it would have been a 'perfect fit'!
What do you get when you create a modern day version of Darcy and Elizabeth but add adorable dogs to the mix? Absolute fun! I wont go into the premise of the book as the book jacket tells it all. However, you know a book is going to be good when you are chuckling before the first chapter is done! The chemistry between Elizabeth and Darcy is electrifying but Elizabeth is very wary of rich men after being suspended from her teaching job at a posh private school and fights her attraction tooth and nail. The dog shows in New Jersey and England have some of the best repartee between Darcy and Elizabeth. Who knew dog standards could be so sexy! The laugh out loud moments were many, the tender moments were so touching and the build up to their 'can't keep their hands/lips off each other' scenes were tastefully written. I loved how Darcy described Elizabeth 'A pastry dusted with sugar and spice'. He didn't like freckles until he met Elizabeth!
You have some of your usual characters and their eccentricities...Mrs. Bennet was still loud and outspoken but you are only given one taste of that. Though I must say that the livelihood given to the Bennet's couldn't have been better...a bridal shop! Jenna (Jane) works at the bridal shop but goes over for a wedding show to London and spends time with her sister where she meets Henry (Charles) who is Darcy's lawyer. Sue and Alan (the Gardiners in my opinion) are a delightful rather well-off couple who hire Elizabeth after she has been suspended from her teaching job to care and help show them in England. Darcy's sister, Zara (Georgiana) is a true teenager and I found her confident and playful. Darcy's Aunt Constance (Lady Catherine) is not as overbearing as I was expecting. However, Helena (Caroline Bingley) was ruthless. Unfortunately, she is described as having a 'whippet-like figure', which may be true, but being a past proud owner of a Whippet, I was insulted for the breed! LOL! There is no Wickham but Grant Markham more than makes up for him being missing and not in a good way. Oh and I can't forget Mr. Collins! Now there is a laugh out loud over the top moment!
This is a fun engaging story with a more prejudiced Elizabeth and a bit of less proudful Darcy. My only quibble would be the ending. It was too abrupt. I wish there was a wedding and that the rest of the Bennet clan came over to help or at least be there for it. The reference to the bridal shop was prevalent throughout the book that I felt it would have been a 'perfect fit'!
January 31, 2014
Elizabeth Scott is spending her thirtieth birthday away from home and family celebration to take her beloved dog to her first dog show. She is joined by her sweet older sister, Jenna, who has no interest in dogs, but doesn't want Lizzy to be alone on her birthday. They meet a very nice British couple who are there to show their dogs, but then she bumps into a not so nice Brit, Donovan Darcy, who just so happens to be the guest judge and also one of those rich snobs she hates.
Elizabeth has been put on leave because as a teacher in an exclusive private school for the privileged she dared give the star lacrosse player a failing grade only to have his dad first try to bribe her and then come on to her to change her mind. Not only did the school quietly not back her up because of who holds their purse strings, she was now under investigation for trying to blackmail the dad into the money. Yeah, rich people aren't high on her list right now and the austere and brooding Donovan Darcy with the too young beautiful girl on his arm gets the full blast of it.
Donovan can't believe the nerve of the sassy female who challenges him while he's judging at a show that he really didn't want to be at anyway. She looks on him with near disgust so why does he want to know her better? His little sister wanted a fun trip to go shopping in NYC so here they are and all he can think about is Elizabeth Scott the woman he has run into a few times and each time she bristles up and treats him like a diseased pariah. But he could at least pity her after getting a front row seat at the restaurant when her family descended on her to celebrate her birthday. Embarrassing didn't even cover their loud behavior.
I really enjoyed this one. Teri Wilson was able to write a modern, fun book that perfectly borrowed personality traits and themes from Jane Austen's classic Pride and Prejudice. It's a delightful romance and I certainly recommend it.
Elizabeth has been put on leave because as a teacher in an exclusive private school for the privileged she dared give the star lacrosse player a failing grade only to have his dad first try to bribe her and then come on to her to change her mind. Not only did the school quietly not back her up because of who holds their purse strings, she was now under investigation for trying to blackmail the dad into the money. Yeah, rich people aren't high on her list right now and the austere and brooding Donovan Darcy with the too young beautiful girl on his arm gets the full blast of it.
Donovan can't believe the nerve of the sassy female who challenges him while he's judging at a show that he really didn't want to be at anyway. She looks on him with near disgust so why does he want to know her better? His little sister wanted a fun trip to go shopping in NYC so here they are and all he can think about is Elizabeth Scott the woman he has run into a few times and each time she bristles up and treats him like a diseased pariah. But he could at least pity her after getting a front row seat at the restaurant when her family descended on her to celebrate her birthday. Embarrassing didn't even cover their loud behavior.
I really enjoyed this one. Teri Wilson was able to write a modern, fun book that perfectly borrowed personality traits and themes from Jane Austen's classic Pride and Prejudice. It's a delightful romance and I certainly recommend it.
November 26, 2013
I've read other works by Ms. Wilson and enjoyed them so I was excited to read an ARC of this book.
One of the reasons I've loved her other works (Harlequin Love Inspired Line: Alaskan Hearts and Alaskan Hero)is because she writes a funny heartfelt romantic story. And as a dog lover, I adore that her books feature dogs.
Unleashing Mr. Darcy is pure magic. It made me smile and cry and sigh with pure joy. She is truly a comfort read. And this book is just as funny, heartfelt and romantic as the other's I've read. Oh, and it has LOTS of dogs. And Ms. Wilson made the world of show dogs interesting and informative for someone who was pretty clueless on the topic.
Additionally, her characters are well developed. The scenes between Donovan and Elizabeth sparkle proving that explicit sex and language aren't a necessity to write a truly caring and romantic couple. In fact that is one of the reasons I love Ms. Wilson's books so much. And to be clear I do read many other authors that write very explicitly and I don't mind that in those instances.
Trust me when I say you will want to read the book in one sitting. Ms. Wilson will continue to remain on my keeper shelf and auto-buy list.
One of the reasons I've loved her other works (Harlequin Love Inspired Line: Alaskan Hearts and Alaskan Hero)is because she writes a funny heartfelt romantic story. And as a dog lover, I adore that her books feature dogs.
Unleashing Mr. Darcy is pure magic. It made me smile and cry and sigh with pure joy. She is truly a comfort read. And this book is just as funny, heartfelt and romantic as the other's I've read. Oh, and it has LOTS of dogs. And Ms. Wilson made the world of show dogs interesting and informative for someone who was pretty clueless on the topic.
Additionally, her characters are well developed. The scenes between Donovan and Elizabeth sparkle proving that explicit sex and language aren't a necessity to write a truly caring and romantic couple. In fact that is one of the reasons I love Ms. Wilson's books so much. And to be clear I do read many other authors that write very explicitly and I don't mind that in those instances.
Trust me when I say you will want to read the book in one sitting. Ms. Wilson will continue to remain on my keeper shelf and auto-buy list.
September 27, 2013
Snapped this puppy off of NetGalley today because I've been eager to read it for quite some time. I always hate reading books by friends, because I'm afraid I'm going to hate it and then I will have to avoid the subject when they ask if I liked the book, because I don't want to hurt their feelings, and I don't want to lie either. Fortunately, this was not the case with Teri's book. I was absolutely enraptured! Perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon. To steal a quote from Austen, as Teri did, "I am certainly the most fortunate creature that ever existed!" At least that's how I feel on the high after putting the book down. Really a feel good read. She also gives such a good taste of London that my longing to visit has grown. I really really enjoyed this book, and it's been a while since I've been so satisfied with the story. She does a fabulous job of following the lines of Austen but completely making it her own. Absolutely lovely!
April 6, 2015
Honestly, I might not recommend this book as a Pride and Prejudice retelling. It's a fun interpretation of the original, but there was something missing for me. If I wasn't comparing the two in my mind, I probably wouldn't have minded a number of things that ended up not really working for me. I love Austen retellings, but I can definitely be more critical of them than I would be with a regular read.
However, as a contemporary romance, I really liked this book! It was a funny, warm and enjoyable little escape. It would be perfect tossed in a beach bag or read by the pool! I found myself grinning while I read it - just waiting to see how everything would develop and excited about how it would all play out. That's what I wanted when I started it, so I'd say it was a win on that front.
See my full review on So Obsessed With!
However, as a contemporary romance, I really liked this book! It was a funny, warm and enjoyable little escape. It would be perfect tossed in a beach bag or read by the pool! I found myself grinning while I read it - just waiting to see how everything would develop and excited about how it would all play out. That's what I wanted when I started it, so I'd say it was a win on that front.
See my full review on So Obsessed With!
February 18, 2014
Teri Wilson's Unleashing Mr. Darcy is a wonderful retelling of the world's most beloved novel, Pride & Prejudice. I was pleasantly surprised with just how closely the novel followed Ms. Austen's story while still maintaining it's own uniqueness. Wilson does an excellent job bringing back to life Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth and adding a fun modern twist. Donovan Darcy is very much swoon worthy. I felt myself falling in love with Austen's characters all over again, except this time I felt an even deeper connection through Wilson's storytelling. I think my only critique of this story is that during certain parts the story line dragged a bit, but overall, I really don't think you could pick a better retelling of Austen's novel. I look forward to reading more from Teri Wilson and I do hope she continues to reinvent Ms. Austen's novels.
December 31, 2013
Light, sweet, funny and just delightful are a few words I would use to describe Unleashing Mr. Darcy. Very easy to read, I fell into this story quite fast. Of course it helps that I am a fan of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice which this book is modern take on. I love the unique dog show aspect of it; I thought it made a different and interesting plot for this romance.
Now don’t expect this story to follow along the original perfectly. It doesn’t, the author changed it up a bit and I think it made the story a bit more unexpected. I also like how it was just a little bit naughtier than Ms. Austen’s version and yet very tastefully done.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good Jane Austen retelling. I know I am looking forward to any more books like this one by this talented author.
Now don’t expect this story to follow along the original perfectly. It doesn’t, the author changed it up a bit and I think it made the story a bit more unexpected. I also like how it was just a little bit naughtier than Ms. Austen’s version and yet very tastefully done.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good Jane Austen retelling. I know I am looking forward to any more books like this one by this talented author.
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