Cover Image: The Dachshund Wears Prada

The Dachshund Wears Prada

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Member Reviews

‘The Dachshund Wears Prada’ by Stefanie London was fun, sweet, spicy, and even a bit swoony with great characters (loved the dynamic between Isla and Theo), and the cutest dog who totally stole the whole book. ‘The Dachshund Wears Prada’ was an adorable, entertaining read—a romcom that’s absolutely perfect for summer—from beginning to end, and I absolutely recommend it!

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I really enjoyed this book. I wouldn't call it enemy to lovers but more of a sunshine and a grump. I'm a sucker for a main character who is a grump. I also absolutely love dogs so I loved that the dog was such a main character. Also it was hilarious that the dog is so spoiled and seen as evil. If you love dogs you know the little ones are always the evil ones, so I could totally visualize this little Daschund being evil. I loved the banter between the two characters too.

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I absolutely adore the Grump vs. Sunshine trope, and this book delivered!
Isla is holding onto her signature brand of optimism with every fiber of her being —- even though the world seems determined to throw her nothing but lemons and curveballs. She’s the victim of an unpredictable fiasco that cost her career, and she’s trying to pick up the pieces. But the fiasco was of epic proportions and now her name is synonymous with mud. She has obligations she needs to take care of, including a younger sister she’s responsible for. She needs a miracle.
Theo is reclusive because he has been taken advantage of so many times. And now he’s lost because one of the only people in his life that accepted him as he was, and genuinely, truly loved him is gone. And now he has custody of his grandmother’s temperamental diva of a dog, Camille. She dispatches every dog sitter he hires with an aplomb and grit that cannot be overexaggerated. When Theo and Isla meet in the park, it is serendipity. Camille warms to Isla, and Theo offers Isla the impossible dog-sitting gig. Despite all of his misgivings to the contrary, and his determination to remain unaffected, there’s something about Isla that pulls Theo in.
Isla is drawn to Theo as well… but her life isn’t exactly conducive to a romantic relationship. The fact that he’s her employer makes the entire situation even more conflicted.
Life has other plans for Theo and Isla. They are exactly the push and pull the other needs to edge out of their comfort zone, set aside their fears and let go and let be. Isla shows Theo how to be more receptive to others and Theo shows Isla how to spread sunshine from a place of strength as well as a place of vulnerability.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read an advance copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.

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I’m very pleased about Camilla’s role in the story, being ever-present; the dachshund traits has been well written. They also portrayed the phenomenon that this breed actually need a very specific personality & type of people.. They can be amazingly loving creatures in good hands, and can become snappy little devils in the wrong ones.

Our girl here sure has a personality, and I loved to read her reactions to things 🤣

Isla & her half-sister has such an amazing relationship; She’d do anything to give her younger sister what she deserves, and a chance to do what she truly loves (ballet) despite not being the richest. Seeing her comforting her sister after an abandonment scare was everything.. this is the kind of godmother i’d wanna be for my soon-to-be goddaughter; it was emotional and real.


Theo is damaged & mysterious, everything that I enjoy in my book boyfriends! The way they seem to have a secret spell onto each other, making him open up to her despite knowing it’s a bad idea- both knowing they’re playing with fire but absolutely doesn’t wanna stop- the thirst between them is 🔥🔥.

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The Dachshund Wears Prada was OK for me. I didn't love it and I didn't hate it. It was a bit predictable with average characters. I have never seen the movie that the title is based on, so the constant references to it were lost on me. I did like Isla and her positive, hard working attitude. She was a good role model for her sister. Theo really took me a long time to warm up to, but he had a lot of growth by the end so I ended up liking him. Isla was able to break down his barriers and show him that love was an option. It's fine and I would recommend if you are looking for a rom-com.

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This was such a fun and heartwarming grumpy/sunshine story that managed to perfectly balance all the different aspects of the story. There is a lot of heart in this story, including why Theo is such a grump. He has suffered some devastating losses and has closed himself off to the world. Isla is not only trying to recover from an embarrassing professional moment but also trying to raise her teenage sister since their mom abandoned them years ago. And Camilla. Who, like Isla’s sister Dani, totally stole the scene whenever they were around. London is without a doubt a dog lover and her understanding and care for why Camilla is so unmanageable gave me all kinds of feels. But that didn’t take away from all the amusing dog moments in this story. I especially love the almost 101 Dalmatian way that Isla and Theo met.

I thought the romance was perfectly paced with the character growth of our characters and I loved all the interactions between Isla and Theo. The spicy moments between them were great but I also appreciated all the sweet moments between the two of them. The emotional connection that I had to both Theo and Isla was not something that I was expecting but I really identified with parts of both of their stories.

I’m excited that this is the first book in the Paws in the City series and I am already looking forward to book 2. I really hope that Dani, Isla, Camilla and Theo feature prominently in future books. I adore their little family unit and I can’t wait to see what they get up to in the future.

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A pure delight to read. A rom com with plenty of emotions, many laugh out moments but a few tears were shed (not all sad). A sizzling chemistry between Theo and Isla, both having to come out of their comfort zones. Loved the relationship between Isla and her younger sister, Dani (Isla is raising Dani). Add in the leading character, Camilla the temperamental dachshund that brings Theo and Isla together.

I highly recommend this book. The first book in the series but eagerly waiting to read Scout's story.

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Adorable Read! 4.5⭐️

This book was so cute! One of my favorite things about Stefanie London’s writing is that her characters feel so real. They’re perfectly flawed and it makes you want to meet them for a cup of coffee.

Theo and Isla are such a unique match. Their chemistry is immediate but the slow burn tension makes it absolutely delicious! There’s no shortage of steam between these two!

‘Who was this man? The beast, on first glance, who turned out to be complicated and layered and wonderful.’

So many heartfelt moments in the pages of this book. It’s a great read that will definitely give you all the feels!

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5 Doggie Day Care Stars
This is by far the best and only book I have read from this talented author. And that is being corrected now because I am currently reading Kissing Games.

I came for the book cover and stayed for Camilla. Yeah, my love of this book is all about, Camilla. And who is Camilla? She is the high-maintenance canine who acquires a personal assistant, Isla Thompson, a disgraced social media influencer. This is such a refreshing crazy fun read. I laughed so hard each time Camilla graced the pages.


Camilla’s pet parent Etna Garrison died and left her grieving. Theo Garrison is now her guardian because of his grandmother’s death. She needs a personal assistant who can last more than a week. Plus, her new pet parent Theo Garrison is a hot mess. He doesn’t spend time with her and is not affectionate with her either. Instead, he is reclusive and lives a hermit lifestyle despite being one of the richest men in Manhattan. He runs a publishing empire, has no friends, and decides to hire Isla to assist Camilla with her day spa grooming and treatments, playdates, pet psychics, and Vogue photoshoots. She has an hourly schedule of events for goodness’ sake.

While assisting Camilla, begins to garner a new social media adventure with the help of a secret Instagram account. While this can be her ticket back into the social media influencer space, it risks exposing her romantic future with Theo. She thrives on living life in the open and he demands living life in total privacy.

The more Isla and Camilla become close; the more Theo becomes fascinated with her throughout his day. Their slow-burn chemistry turns into a combustible romance. Their romance continues to build while the sexual heat continues to burn hotter and hotter. Don’t let the cute book cover fool you. This doggy romance packs a lot of heat. I loved how Isla tries to convince Theo there is a life he can enjoy despite being closed off from the world.

I will admit I love Camilla a little more than the romantic characters. In my opinion, Camilla is the main character; Isla and Theo are the secondary characters.
I can’t wait for the next book, Pets of Park Avenue, and judging by the book details this entire series is going to be fantastic. The Dachshund Wears Prada is a must-read for those who love romance and humor with a whole lotta pet love thrown into the mix.

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I will admit, the title had me a little nervous. It sounded a little fru fru for my tastes but let me assure you, the title fits this gem perfectly. Isla and Theo are incredible together, made for each other and find themselves meeting at just the perfect time in their lives.

Isla has been raising her younger sister since their Mom decided she was better off without them. When an unfortunate situation strips Isla of all the comfort she knows and provides she isn't quite sure what to do next. Fate steps in and hands her a dachshund named Camilla.

Theo needed help taking care of the dachshund his grandmother left behind when she died. The dog was unique, and that was putting it mildly. He liked his privacy though so finding someone trustworthy was going to be an issue.

The meet cute was perfect, the background characters and of course Camilla he dachshund contribute amazingly to the story. Another home run for Ms London.

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What an amazingly fun rom-com! Such a nice break from the thrillers that I have been reading lately. The romance between Isla and Theo is such a delicious slow burn. I really thought these characters were perfect for each other and was rooting for them the entire time. If you’re looking for a sweet and fun story, this is for you.

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Social media consultant Isla becomes unemployable after an unfortunate viral video. Isla takes the only job she can get—as a pet sitter for the spoiled dachshund of a reclusive billionaire. It soon becomes clear that all three are suffering from abandonment issues. Despite the way they bristle at each other, they're meant to be a family—if only they can learn to trust again.

This book is every bit as good as the cover promises it will be. It's a strong rom com with a ton of heart and endearing characters. Dachshund Camilla is more than just a prop—she's a fully fledged character in her own right, with her own arc. It's very sweet and a little heartbreaking.

Hero Theo was so relatable—he has the kind of wealth and fame that make it impossible for him to trust people. Isla's combination of aloofness and compassion is exactly what he needs to come out of his shell. He's starved for love, and Isla makes him want to feel again.

Isla is sweet and funny, strong and scared—doing her best to make a life for herself and her teenage sister. She knows falling for her boss is a mistake, but the job is supposed to be temporary after all. She does her best to stick to her principles and rebuild her dreams, even when it's hard.

This book is fun and heartwarming, moving seamlessly between the two. If you love rom com, don't miss this one.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

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London stole my heart ... with a snooty, opinionated dog! With the first book in the new Paws in the City series I was delighted to meet Camilla the dachshund who stole the show and warmed my heart. I was quickly hooked with attention grabbing characters, storylines and witty banter. Adorable, sweet, emotional and let's not forget the steamy goodness all rolled into one addictive read! I cannot wait for more to come in this series.

Isla's conundrum kicks off the book and sets the stage for her interaction with adorable Camilla. She was easy to like and heartwarming.

Theo tried his best to come across as gruff and unfeeling, but his depth was there from the very start. I really liked him and felt for his situation.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an animal playing a large part in the meeting of the core couple and a mixture of humor, emotion and happily ever after throughout.

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The Dachshund Wears Prada by Stefanie London is the first book in her Paws in the City series. This adorable romance has a high maintenance and delightful dachshund named Carmen that steals the show.

Isla Thompson just suffered a career-ending blow when a video goes viral of her interview with a Disney princess. Isla has been caring for her younger sister, Dani for the past several years, and built her influencer business up from nothing. But after the viral interview, she doesn’t know how she’ll be able to support herself and her sister, as nobody will hire her after that video.

Theo Garrison just lost his grandmother, his only family, and has inherited her misbehaving dachshund named Carmen. Exasperated with Carmen’s shenanigans, he takes the dog out for a walk in the park where he runs into Isla and Dani. Carmen takes an instant liking to both women and Theo is amazed that the dog is so calm with them. He offers Isla a job as a dog sitter for Carmen. Will Isla be able to tame Carmen and Theo?

This is a cute and charming, but predictable story. Carmen makes the story a bit more interesting with all her high-end spa treatments and photo shoots. The romance between Theo and Isla was good and a bit steamy. I loved the relationship between Isla and her sister, Dani. They have a horrible mother, so they depend on each other very much, and I enjoyed watching them figure out how to add a romance to their dynamic.

I also enjoyed the Theo and Carmen relationship. They were both grieving their grandmother, and both were acting out in their own ways to keep their broken hearts from breaking any more.

I recommend The Dachshund Wears Prada to anyone who enjoys a good romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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**4.5 STARS**

Content Warning: Parental Neglect

I absolutely loved this book because it’s got romance and a dog with an attitude!

Isla is trying to recover from a shattered career as a social media consultant because she messed up really bad with her last client. Theo is one of the richest men in New York City, who’s beloved grandmother has passed and left him with her very challenging dog, Camilla, who is a dachshund that thinks she runs the world. He’s gone through many pet-sitters only to run out of luck until he meets Isla.

Isla is miss sunshine. She holds her head up even after the most disastrous career mistake ever, but she moves on because she has no choice. Isla is in her 20’s but is an older sister/mom to her younger sister – their mom deserted her so it fell to her to be Dani’s caretaker and guardian. I love their sisterly bond and you can just feel in the book that Isla is a good person. Theo on the other-hand is anti-social. He has his reasons and abhors social media. He has had to deal with losing his parents at a young age, and now his grandmother ,who took him in when he was an orphan. He has lost everyone he’s loved so naturally he is protective of himself. Theo is known as a hermit because know one really knows him or has seen him around.

When Isla and Theo meet and interact, the attraction grows quickly. I like how her friendly nature got him to come out of his shell. They are perfect for one another. They go through some challenges in the end but nothing major. I thought their romance was very sweet and spicy.

Camilla the dachshund is something else! But we learn she has a history too and all she was reacting to was missing the person who showed her love. Her antics were hilarious though and I thought Isla’s instagram account of her was clever. Who doesn’t love pets on social media?

I love that they become this small little family in the end.


Why you should read it:
*sunshine girl and anti-social rich guy falling for one another
*there is a dog with an attitude who just made me laugh a lot – and I love dogs
*cute love story, lots of laughs but also heartwarming moments between family and friends

Why you might not want to read it:
*the relationship might seem like it happens fast but I think because it’s a quick read I had no problem with it – but other readers might want more of a buildup

My Thoughts:

I love this story – it has everything I could want in a romance: humor, heartwarming moments between family and friends, a little spice between Isla and Theo, a dog with trust issues and a Vogue cover shoot, and a happily ever after. If you want a light hearted, romantic comedy that features romance and a sassy little dachshund then you will enjoy this book!

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London’s new book is about a devil diva dog named Camilla. But it turns out to be so much more than that. It’s about family, starting from scratch, tenacity, and living again. I loved the scenario behind the first meeting Of Isla and Theo. When Isla began her new account just for kicks and grins, I knew the outcome.
The main characters has good development and growth. I liked the integrity both had. However, it was the prissy demanding dog that stole the entire story. I love to read about animals with an attitude!
Take your eyes off social media long enough to read this book.

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In Stefanie London’s “The Dachshund Wears Prada”, Isla Thompson is a social media consultant for the rich and famous, but after a media debacle with a teen actress, Isla gets fired and loses chances to obtain new clients. Struggling to manage finances while raising her 14-yr-old sister, Dani, Isla ends up taking a dog-sitting position with New York’s famous grumpy zillionaire, Theo Garrison.

Known as a mysterious recluse, Theo lost his celebrity parents when he was young, and then his grandmother raised him in Manhattan’s “royal” society. But after her recent passing, Theo is left with the family’s company and legacy, thereby continuing to place him in the spotlight, which he abhors. In hopes to keep his family name sacred and untainted, Theo avoids media attention, hence isolating himself from having any personal connections…

…until Isla.

She inadvertently peels away the layers of this complicated man. In the same way, Theo brings a side of Isla into light that she didn’t think was possible; however, she, too, has reservations of getting intimately close for being a parent to Dani comes first. Isla and Theo are a perfect challenge for each other. I loved their communication especially during the expected conflict. They are so super sweet together that I wouldn’t have minded a few more scenes with them.

What first brings Isla and Theo together is Camilla, Theo’s grandmother’s dachshund. This little snob is something else. Whether it’s getting spa treatments or getting consultation from a psychic, this little “monster” stirs trouble but also brings readers to abrupt giggles.

I would 100% recommend this for those who adore the four-legged cuddles, a NYC romance, a grumpy sunshine duo, and a precocious teen.

Oh - and this was steamier than I had expected. Don’t let the cover fool you. It was such a lovely surprise.

Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin for an advanced copy.

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As cute as this summary was, I just could not connect to anything in this book. The characters were not that relatable and the whole opening part did not really help me want to read this. So disappointed.

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This hilarious book is about Isla’s fall from working with top level celebrities to being a dog babysitter. The dog has a very strict schedule and does not like most people. Her owner is a very rich and powerful man who hates the spotlight.

I felt this was two books in one. In the first half of the book Isla is finding her footing again and charming everyone, the dog and her owner. The second half of the book has a different tone. I would have loved a different ending. I highly enjoyed the book but would have loved it more if the first half continues for the full book.

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TLDR; this book is a delightful and charming rom-com with Sex in the City vibes.

It's been some time since I've read a book that features an animal as a plot device. I'm not a fan of Sex in the City, but I could tell that this book gave off similar vibes. Fans of the grump-sunshine trope will enjoy this book. In a rare turn of events (at least to me), we meet the male lead first. Theo Garrison is the son of a Hollywood actress and a member of New York's upper crust. Orphaned at a young age after his parents died vis à vis a car crash while fleeing persistent paparazzi. This loss and trauma lead Theo to become a very private person and earned the moniker, the Hermit of Fifth Avenue. He hates the paparazzi with a vengeance and will go out of his way to keep his private life private. Following the death of his beloved, if not eccentric, grandmother, Theo inherits his family's publishing house and his grandmother's spoiled Dachshund, named Camilla. Camilla goes through dog sitters like water. After the last one quits, the agency that Theo hired, "fired" the pair as clients. While still grieving the loss of his last family member, Theo has to deal with a spoiled dog that exhibits destructive behaviors.

Our female lead, Isla Thompson, is a social media consultant. She's confident, empathetic, and observant, which makes her good at her job as a social media consultant. Unfortunately, her story starts off with her career (and that of her client) going up in smoke after her client vomits all over her Met Gala-esque dress on Instagram live. Yikes! After she is blacklisted from every marketing firm in the city, Isla is desperate for a job to help pay for her sister's ballet classes and keep a roof over their heads. I love Isla! She's responsible and rolls with the punches, but at the same time, she's relatable. Her family history is so sad. Spoiler: her mom had Isla at a very young age and is most definitely not parent material. Isla was barely an adult when her mother abandoned her and Dani to run off with a man. Being abandoned like that definitely left scars on both sisters but in different ways. I liked how the trauma was portrayed in each sister. For Isla, she was already accustomed to the realization that her mother never wanted her and accepted the fact that their mother wasn't coming back. For Dani, the fear of abandonment and being forgotten is rooted deep, and even after years of therapy, Dani still has panic attacks and crying jags whenever she cannot get ahold of Isla.

About the main couple, Isla and Theo meet at a park when Camilla manages to slip out of her leash. Isla, who happened to work as a dog sitter in high school. Theo, in desperate need of a dog sitter, hires Isla on the spot. Their relationship is not insta-love, but close. The time period between their initial interaction to them becoming intimate was in the span of a couple of months. Over the first few weeks, they slowly get to know one another. Isla, in particular, gets under Theo's skin real fast. I think it's safe to say that he fell first. Their "complicated" relationship implodes when Theo finds out about the Instagram account that she made for Camilla. Theo, who has been betrayed in the past by an ex-girlfriend, immediately falls back on his tried and true methods of not dealing with his emotions and cuts off contact. This is the only thing I did not like about this book. Eighty to eighty-nine percent of the book was about how their relationship formed and how it changed Theo. He developed some self-awareness of how much he liked being with someone again. I thought he overreacted to the Instagram account but at the same time, I understand where he's coming from. Post-break-up, Theo does develop some more self-awareness of how lonely it was to be by himself all the time. He even connected with Camilla and their shared grief. There is a redemption arc for Theo with assistance from Dani. The ending was equal parts satisfying and expected. 4.5 stars

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