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Dangerous When Wet: A Pride & Prejudice Variation

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Fitzwilliam Darcy gets the shock of a lifetime when sparks fly and he’s neck deep in water.

Perfectly tailored, confident, and smart enough to appear the gentleman under any circumstances, Fitzwilliam Darcy loses his composure and more when a heatwave strikes Hertfordshire.

Surely, no harm would be done from a brief dip in the chalk stream… until he hears a feminine gasp.

Elizabeth Bennet knows how to make a splash. Her playful banter and refreshing demeanor is a relief in the sweltering heat, but she's a danger to Darcy's heart.

Will Darcy’s defenses melt away until he takes the most daring risk of all?

Dangerous When Wet is a light-hearted, sweet Regency romantic comedy inspired by Jane Austen's timeless classic, Pride and Prejudice . It's novella-length and appropriate for all ages.

3 hrs. 13 min.

4 pages, Audible Audio

Published March 27, 2023

154 people are currently reading
81 people want to read

About the author

Jennifer Joy

45 books209 followers
When Jennifer isn’t busy dreaming up new adventures for her favorite characters, she is reading, baking, or chasing her twins around the park.

She believes in happy endings, sweet romance, and plenty of intrigue. She writes what she most enjoys reading, so expect lighthearted stories with happy endings and a few laughs.

Born on the beautiful Oregon coast, she traveled all around the world until she finally settled in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador with her husband and two kids.

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5 stars
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204 (32%)
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84 (13%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
Profile Image for Ree.
1,333 reviews78 followers
December 8, 2025
Just Ducky
Told from Darcy’s first-person POV, this novella was sooo much fun to read.  I absolutely loved it and smiled or laughed out loud the whole time. The humour and banter is simply delightful! Seeing Darcy, Richard and Bingley trying to stifle their laughter over Miss Bingley was just too good. Darcy allows his fun side to emerge and learns to laugh at himself.

Can’t wait to see who narrates the audio version for this brilliantly-written, fun-filled and lighthearted read. Zero angst, and clean and sweet. The perfect novella, and once you read it, you’ll understand my review’s title.

Most highly recommend.

I received an ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily providing a review. I also purchased the published version as well as the audiobook for my libraries.

March 27, 2023 - Audiobook
Harry Frost is the perfect narrator for this book as told from Darcy’s POV. Utterly delightful! Highly recommend the audiobook.

August 12, 2025 - Audiobook
Never gets old!
899 reviews70 followers
March 4, 2023

Hot and steamy...and that's just the weather!

"...I would rather boil in my breeches than allow it to be said that Fitzwilliam Darcy's appearance was anything less than exemplary." (quote from the book)

Are you in the mood for some laughter and banter that has some of our favourite characters making a splash? What could be more fun than a novella that conjures visions of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet swimming in the Longbourn/Netherfield chalk river? If so, then I highly recommend this fun-filled book by Ms. Joy! The question is: Who is the most dangerous when wet? I shall leave that to you to find out. Just be prepared for some ruffled feathers and a bit of rebellion!

I received an ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Profile Image for wosedwew.
1,337 reviews125 followers
March 9, 2023
We're having a heat wave,
A tropical heat wave,
Songwriter: Irving Berlin


Fitzwilliam Darcy is at his London home when he receives a desperate request from his friend Charles Bingley who has already arrived at Netherfield Park. “I am an absolute dolt! It is our first day at Netherfield Park, and already I have failed.”

Bingley’s failure, you ask. The icehouse is empty, and Hertfordshire suffers from unrelenting heat — that’s right, unrelenting heat in October!

Bingley’s need: ICE! ICE! ICE!

The temperature's rising,
It isn't surprising,
She certainly can can-can.
Songwriter: Irving Berlin


None of the Bennet sisters, including the athletic Elizabeth, will do the can-can in the course of this novella. However, the athletic Elizabeth does expose some — but not all — of the skin visible during that dance, certainly more skin than is the norm in Regency England. Even the equally athletic Fitzwilliam Darcy will have some exposure.

It turns out a river crossing both Netherfield Park and Longbourn has two deep and inviting swimming holes. One is noted as Darcy and his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, near Bingley’s leased estate.

Quote from the book: A copse of trees bunched along a stream provided a more favorable target for our evaporating energies. Directing my horse to the shade of a sprawling oak with roots plunging into the water, I dismounted and let the gelding drink. Dipping my handkerchief into the water, I splashed my face and gloried in the cool liquid trickling down my neck and soaking into my wretched neck cloth. It was a lovely spot, complete with a rope dangling from a thick branch over the deepest part of the stream. Fifteen years ago, I would have been tempted to swing from it. The memory stirred in my breast.

Gee, her anatomy
Makes the mercury
Jump to ninety-three.
Songwriter: Irving Berlin


I must not forget about Jemima, the resident duchess — uh, duck-ess — who lives at the swimming hole. Jemima is a friendly duck but she does have preferences. Poor Caroline Bingley. That girl never gets a break.

I always enjoy a look at the relationship between a gentleman’s gentleman and his gentleman. Weller is a treasure, as Lady Catherine would say.

Quote from the book: For the third time this week, I saw Weller’s nostrils flare and his lips pinch. He did not utter one word. None were needed.

I loved this short book and chortled all the way!

The way that she moves
That thermometer proves
That she certainly can can-can.
Songwriter: Irving Berlin


The author gave me a free copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for James S.
1,430 reviews
March 17, 2023
The power of a swimming hole

The extended family of the Bennets and the newcomers of Netherfield meet at a swimming hole at the river boundary between Longbourn and Netherfield during a very hot autumn. Relaxed days of swimming enable Lizzie and Darcy to come together in an angst free environment.

Lots of original banter occurs between the two groups. Seemed a bit too much shapely wet clothing clinging to people occurred for the Regency Era but it’s better to overlook the unlikely fraternization.

There are kids and a duck for adorable scenes which all stories should have. A relaxing story.
Profile Image for Melanie.
202 reviews16 followers
August 10, 2025
A really hot October in Hertfordshire. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam are visiting Darcy’s friend Charles Bingley. He has recently leased Netherfield Park. It is so hot that the gentleman decides that only swimming in the nearby river can provide some cooling. At the river they get to know Bingley’s new neighbors, the Bennets. The second Bennet daughter, Elizabeth, who swims like a fish, is the reason that Darcy doesn’t feel cool afterwards. The next few days he sees her nearly every day at the river and it is only a matter of time that he likes her company and is thinking of something more. But will Elizabeth return his feelings? Do they have a chance of happiness despite their differences in society?
The author Jennifer Joy has a style of writing I like very much. I felt like sitting at the river, too, too hot to do anything, just watching what happened. It was wonderful. I like stories like that when everything is described as lively that I think I am right in the middle of it.

The story is told from Darcy’s point of view, you also get to know his thoughts and feelings. And so it is clear, that from the first moment he is captured by Elizabeth. I like that he is flirting with her and that she is as quick-witted as ever. They have some very lovely exchanges.

Darcy, Bingley and the Colonel are at their best, they are teasing each other all the time and it is so funny to read. I like it when they are so at ease and you get the feeling like you are part of their circle of friends.

I like that there are no real misunderstandings between Darcy and Elizabeth. That is very nice and the reason that this story is a relaxing short read.

If you like Darcy flirting with Elizabeth and a great amount of teasing between Darcy, Bingley and the Colonel you should definitely read this tale of hot October days.

Normally I would recommend the story and that you enjoy it with a hot pot of tea but I think in this case you better choose a cool drink.
________________
Addition for the audiobook:
The story is narrated by Harry Frost. Like always he has done a very great job. I like his way of giving every person a different voice. I'm at every part of the story able to recognize who is speaking without being told. And he shows the character trades by voicing them exactly the way he does. One of my favorites is definitely Caroline calling annoyed "Chahaharles" ... it is a loud-out-loud moment for me every time. And it covers Caroline's essence ... she is so far above all others, so haughty and thinks herself better than all the others.
With his lovely narration the story gets more depth and feelings. A wonderful improvement of a perfect story. One of the reasons he is one of my favorite narrators.
Profile Image for Gill M.
372 reviews27 followers
May 29, 2023
Review also posted on my blog

https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/...

Netherfield Park is let at last and the new tenant Charles Bingley, faces unseasonably hot weather for October.

Fitzwilliam Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam join the party, after riding from London in the stultifying heat.

Having spotted a very tempting stream as they rode across Netherfield’s land, they suggest a swim.

On arrival they hear voices and investigate. All five Bennet daughters are swimming, as Mr Bennet sits in the shade.

Elizabeth executes a daring, acrobatic swing into the river. Darcy is initially startled, as he thinks she is drowning, then captivated by the sight of Elizabeth in a wet dress.

The heatwave lasts about ten days, with more swimming and interaction with the Bennets. Darcy ends up losing his heart to Elizabeth.

The book ends at the Meryton assembly, where Darcy and Elizabeth dance and someone gets a wet and muddy comeuppance.

This book is wonderful!
No angst, very little Darcy pride and Elizabeth at her teasing best.

As a bonus we have Jemima, a duck of great discernment. She loves Elizabeth and Darcy, but attacks Miss Bingley (or possibly her hat)!

I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
3,424 reviews42 followers
March 10, 2023
Quite sweet

It's sweltering hot and the Bingley party meets the Bennets at the river. This was quite sweet although since it's all in Darcy's perspective I would have liked more conversation to get Elizabeth's point of view.
545 reviews21 followers
November 1, 2024
What a funny, fun story. If you feel down in the dumps, this story will pick you right up and you'll be smiling and laughing in no time. Pride? Prejudice? Everything got dumped into the stream and chased away by Jemima. Great novella.
Profile Image for J. W. Garrett.
1,736 reviews133 followers
January 14, 2024
“My morning swims have centered me and calmed the storm inside my mind. In the water, my memories lose their sharp edges, like river stones forced smooth.” –Thao Thai, Banyan Moon

SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***

>>Rating: teen but suggestive as someone peeked but didn’t describe
>>Angst Level: slight but closer to none
>>Source: Borrowed via KU 1-4-24: I volunteered to leave a review. A quick read at 16 chapters plus an epilogue.

I laughed my head off at the antics of Austen’s characters. A heatwave hit Hertfordshire and the residents were feeling it. A river, the border between Netherfield and Longbourn, had become the local swimming hole. Both estates shared sections of the river and when the heat became unbearable, the cool water was just too tempting. You knew things would happen. Jemima was my favorite.
Profile Image for Susannah Lawford.
6 reviews
March 9, 2023
Darcy and the Colonel head to Netherfield during an unseasonal heatwave. En route they happen upon the perfect swimming spot and the divine Jemima.

A return visit introduces Darcy to the Bennets and a certain pair of fine eyes.

There are aquatic adventures and mishaps aplenty. Miss Bingley and her sister are perfectly odious (which sensible Jemima knows from the first meeting).

A wonderful novella spanning the time between the arrival at Hertfordshire and the Meryton ball. Short and definitely sweet (and clean) and a must read for other fans of D&E.
Profile Image for Madenna U.
2,142 reviews1 follower
March 6, 2023
A late summer heat wave has everyone searching out a way to cool off and there is a pond, perfect for swimming, on the border between Longbourn and Netherfield. The water becomes a popular location for Charles Bingley, Fitzwilliam Darcy, and Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, to interact with the Bennet family and their guests, the Gardiners. Charles finds his beautiful angel, Jane and Darcy finds Elizbeth Bennet to be beautiful, kind, intelligent and guarded by a duck!

The story reads like a light and humorous romantic comedy told from Darcy’s point of view. There is no major tension or misunderstandings, but rather Darcy coming to grips with his feelings. Darcy’s valet and Mrs. Bennet are my favorite secondary characters. The situations the author creates are so much fun and many times unexpected as our dear couple finds their way to happily ever after.

The author gave me an early copy of this book with no promise of a review, good or bad.
Profile Image for Susan.
227 reviews7 followers
March 11, 2023
Funny, sweet, and delightful!

Things I loved:
Everyone is lovely save for Caroline.
No angst/low angst
Darcy not only behaves, but he FLIRTS from the beginning of his acquaintance

Things I didn’t love:
It’s a novella so it’s short
Profile Image for ana darcy.
313 reviews8 followers
May 12, 2023
Lovely novella. No angst and only happy things.

I have listened to the audiobook on Jennifer Joy's YouTube channel.
Profile Image for Patricia Edmisson.
148 reviews3 followers
March 10, 2023
Wetness Can Be Dangerous

Laugh out loud funny. This novella is told from Mr. Darcy's point of view. What an original idea, for our dear couple to meet at the river where many things occur. Inhibitions are lowered, and much embarrassment is had. Loved Bingley and Colonel Fitzwilliam as comic relief and his best buds. Much fun was had by all.

I greatly enjoyed it. I encourage others to take a couple or four hours to read this delightful story.
Profile Image for Barbara K..
757 reviews21 followers
March 11, 2023
This novella-length Pride and Prejudice variation is just right for when you want something light and quick to read but are not in the mood for too much longing or angst in a romance. There is definitely romance, but the humor is key. The letters and epilogue don't seem particularly necessary to me, but the main story is great fun.
189 reviews10 followers
March 21, 2023
I listened to this book at the authors page on YouTube. A 3 hour 18 minute video. A fun, enjoyable read.
Fitzwilliam and the Colonel visit Bingley at Neitherfield to bring ice because they are experiencing a heatwave. Attempting to get some relief from the heat , the trio stumble across the Bennets swimming in the lake. Fun times splashing and swinging from a tree rope makes Darcy see Elizabeth in a different light. Will the romance fizzle from the heat? Read it and enjoy.
Profile Image for Deb Hughes.
314 reviews2 followers
March 9, 2023
What a delightful variation.

I laughed out loud several times. Such fun with much humor and sarcasm between cousins and Bingley! And Elizabeth was adorable in this reading! Brava! Jennifer Joy!!
53 reviews
March 10, 2023
Fabulous, funny, great plot, so enjoyable!
Already a favorite!!
Profile Image for Rosava Doshchyk.
420 reviews74 followers
March 13, 2023
Хех, мило) Дуже літня й спекотна книжка, коли хочеться поплавати в річці.
1,382 reviews10 followers
March 2, 2023
Dangerous When Wet,
is feel-good, funny & touching
book. Darcy & Elizabeth, meet
under different circumstances.
It makes for many hilarious
moments. Along with a very
insightful duck, who definitely
dislikes the snobbish shrew.
I enjoyed reading this sweet
story told!
1,189 reviews29 followers
March 15, 2023
Wonderful

A sweet and fun short story, so much fun that I wish it were longer. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam visit Bingley at Netherfield during an unusually hot streak of weather in October, so hot that the best way to endure it is to swim in the local stream. The three men's first excursion to the stream has them interrupting the five Bennett daughters and Mr Bennett, and Darcy is immediately captivated by Elizabeth and her graceful abilities on a rope swing and in the water. He encounters her there several more times, and his attraction increases. Of course, Caroline Bingley disapproves of swimming, and she's made to look ridiculous and churlish by her haughtiness.

This story is completely lacking in all of the acrimony that usually accompanies the development of a relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy. Darcy is much quicker to capitulate, and Elizabeth is disposed to like him almost from the start. The role played by Jemima the duck is cute and funny, and even Darcy's valet Weller gets into the act.

The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly for a light, amusing way to pass a few hours.
Profile Image for Jean Stillman.
1,027 reviews13 followers
March 11, 2023
This book is so cute! It is a short , very humorous read that is sure to please. In the book, the author tells the story from Darcy's point of view, which happens rarely. There are many from Elizabeth's, and many from both character's POV. And, from his POV, we were able to read his witty, charming side. I loved some of his inner dialog regarding Caroline. So much of the book keeps you chuckling or just plain laughing.

In this book, which is part of a series, Darcy and Elizabeth get a little help from Jemima the Duck, queen of the river. It's such a funny little character addition. I only wish the book had been longer!
Profile Image for Gratia.
225 reviews6 followers
March 11, 2023
A sweet snack of a story

This was a well-written, short, and fun read. Without Wickham, Collins or de Bourghs, there is no angst except within the depths of Darcy's own mind when debating himself about the merits of Elizabeth. Ms Joy's mostly sunny story was a welcome and humourous break from the doldrums of winter.
47 reviews1 follower
March 11, 2023
Best Jaff ever!

Miss Bingley gets hers at the pind and the assembly. I laughed out loud!

Filled with humour and well crafted, the story never lags!

I heartily recommend this book!
Profile Image for Eliska.
105 reviews2 followers
March 12, 2023
definitely read this

I laughed so hard my kids were laughing with me, even though they had no idea why. But it’s clean, so I might just suggest it to my eldest, who is just starting to read “adult” books. If you are in the mood for a quick, light read, particularly one that highlights Darcy’s sense of humor, this one is for you.
Profile Image for Mariska.
661 reviews2 followers
March 13, 2023
Very Delightful!!

I loved the extremely playful nature of this story. The complete lack of angst coupled with the humor and humanity given to minor characters make them feel alive, and help make this a joy to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews

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