💃 Book Review: To Dance a Reel: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Hailey Jones (Kindle Edition, The Netherfield Collection)
A sweet, low-angst “what if” retelling that imagines Elizabeth Bennet accepting Mr. Darcy’s invitation to dance at Netherfield—Hailey Jones offers a gentle, romantic twist on Austen’s classic courtship.
🧠 Overview
Published on August 22, 2025, To Dance a Reel is a 39-page novella in The Netherfield Collection, a series of short Pride & Prejudice variations. The premise is simple but charming:
In Austen’s original, Elizabeth declines Darcy’s awkward offer to dance a reel at Netherfield. In this variation, she says yes. That single choice shifts the tone of their early acquaintance, allowing for a warmer, more open exchange between them.
From that dance onward, Darcy realizes his feelings sooner, and Elizabeth begins to reassess her first impressions more quickly. The story follows their easy, accelerated courtship during the Netherfield stay, with fewer misunderstandings and more moments of mutual respect and attraction.
💘 Key Themes & Highlights
- 💃 Alternate timeline romance: A small change leads to a softer, swifter love story
- 🕊️ Low drama, high sweetness: Focuses on mutual understanding rather than conflict
- 🏡 Netherfield setting: Keeps the action intimate, centered on the house party atmosphere
- 💬 Faithful to Austen’s tone: Light, witty dialogue and Regency manners remain intact
- 📖 Bite-sized read: Perfect for a cozy afternoon with tea
“What if Elizabeth accepted Darcy’s awkward offer to dance a reel at Netherfield? Thus begins To Dance a Reel…”
💬 Reader Reception
- ⭐ Early readers of The Netherfield Collection praise these shorts for being comforting, romantic, and true to Austen’s spirit
- 📖 Fans enjoy the “happy from the start” approach, calling it a palate cleanser between angstier variations
- 🧾 Some note that the brevity means less tension and fewer subplots, but that’s part of the novella’s charm
⚠️ Considerations
- 📄 Short format: At 39 pages, it’s a vignette rather than a full reimagining
- 📚 Best for fans: Works best if you already know the original Pride & Prejudice, as it skips broader context
- 🧠 Minimal conflict: Readers seeking drama or major plot twists may find it too gentle
🏁 Final Verdict
To Dance a Reel is a light, heartwarming “what if” that rewards Austen fans who enjoy seeing Darcy and Elizabeth find their way to each other with less friction and more smiles. Hailey Jones keeps the tone affectionate and the pacing brisk, making this Kindle edition a lovely, low-stakes addition to any P&P variation shelf.
