A Voice Without Reason

Love At All Cost #1

by Irene Bahrd

We all know the story…

Time stops.
They feel a zing course through their bodies.
The air crackles between them.
Their breaths hitch.

As a romance author, I’ve written my fair share of static electricity moments. But that’s fiction. No one actually finds their soulmate.

Or so I thought.

Meeting Julian was unexpected, wonderful, and… possibly fate? He makes me feel things I didn’t think happened outside the pages of my favorite books.

For us, true love isn’t only found on ink and paper. We could have a perfect epilogue ending… if he wasn’t under contract as my new audiobook narrator.

**A Voice Without Reason is a deliciously spicy romantic comedy, intended for mature audiences. Just because it's a romcom, doesn't mean you should forget to check your content warnings...**

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Comedy, Contemporary Romance

346 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 7, 2023

About the author

Irene Bahrd is a feisty Capricorn and one of the most avid readers you will ever meet. Her favorite genres to read or write include romantic comedies, political romance, romantasy, and the occasional contemporary dark romance.

She started her writing journey as a dare from a friend, after recounting dating stories from her early twenties. They inspired her to write spicy romantic comedies and parodies that feature a variety of book boyfriends—though most are cinnamon roll golden retrievers. Many of her stories contain LGBTQIA+, disabled, and neurodivergent characters.

Irene can be found on Instagram and TikTok under @irenebahrdauthor

Reviews

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recently read "A Voice Without Reason" by Irene Bahrd, and let me tell you, it was quite an experience! 😅This being my first book by the author, I had high hopes. The synopsis had me all excited for a sizzling and hilarious romance between a romance author and an audiobook narrator. And the beginning didn't disappoint! It was engaging, funny, and full of energy. I was hooked!🪝
But then, at the 30% mark (and for the next 50% of the book), things started to get a bit repetitive. The characters kept going on about their feelings and how they couldn't be together because of some contract. And how could they possibly be in love already, they just met. It felt like a broken record. Oh, and let's not forget the excessive "lady garden" eating scenes that seemed to be every few pages. Seriously, I was starting to wonder if they were trying to GROW a garden down there.
As if that wasn't enough, near the third act, the MMC went on a lawsuit filing spree. I mean, come on, buddy! Can we just take a breather and wait for the lawyer to arrive like everyone is telling you?!? ⛔️It seemed like he had a new idea to fix things every three minutes. Talk about a whirlwind of confusion!🌪️
Now, let's talk spice. 🌶️I'm all for a little (or a lot of) heat in my romance novels, but this one missed the mark for me. The terms they used and the conversations during intimate moments were just cringy. 🫣I mean, who calls their partner "My Becca" It sounds more like something out of a man with an Italian accent, not some dude from Cali. And don't even get me started on the line, "Can I take another from you?" (meaning the big “O”)If a guy said that to me, I'd be fully dressed and out of there in the blink of an eye. ⏱️
At first, "A Voice Without Reason" had a cute nod to the romance book community, talking about various tropes and how they fit into the FMC life. But then it took a sharp turn into romcom clichés and went overboard with them.
Now, I have to admit, when I thought this was the author's first book, I felt a tiny pang of guilt for not enjoying it as much and being a bit too critical. However, then I found out they are an experienced author, having written many other books, and I felt my review was justified. Plus, seeing all those people promoting it on Instagram made me think it would be amazing. Well, let's just say it didn't quite live up to the hype.🤷🏻‍♀️

[Neia Quaintance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely my 1st book of Irene's, but it's definitely not gonna be my last. I absolutely love her writing style it is amazing, and i love how she kept my interest. It was never a dull moment, and had me laughing throughout the book, especially the Daddy part loved it. Thank u so much for giving me this opportunity. 💖💖💖💖 You're an amazing writer, and I can't wait to read more of your books 💕💕💕


**I WAS PICKED AS AN ARC READER FOR MY HONEST REVIEW. THIS IS MY HONEST REVIEW**

[Taylor Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a slow to medium burn. It’s a romance book. TWs: praise, kinks, BDSM, and sexy time in public. It does have a playlist listed at the beginning. Becca and Julian are just wayyy too cute together! This was my first time reading a book by Irene Bahrd! I absolutely loved this book! It was unique, and absolutely incredible! It grabbed ahold of me and wouldn’t let go till I finished it. Becca writes romance books and it seems Julian does voice acting for fantasy books. The dynamic between these two and the sexual tension is through the roof! You just know from the start these two are made for each other!

[Lea · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. I downloaded this book for free on stuff your kindle day but This is one of the first books ever I couldn’t finish.. I usually finish the book even if I don’t like it that much but I just couldn’t with this one.
At around 40% I just had to give up.
Becca seems like a nice character and I like the author aspect and her friends but I just absolutely can’t with Julien! And this whole instalove plot is killing me.
If someone ever acted like Julien does in real life I would file a restraining order and get the fuck away! And these sex scenes might even be worse and cringier than some I’ve read in bad Wattpad stories..
So a very hard no from me

[Lillie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75

This book was so much fun, and although the plot didn't take itself seriously sometimes, it was very fun to experience. I think I needed kind of book right now, and I cannot recommend it enough. It was like a breath of fresh air compared to other books that I've read lately. Although the books I read recently were all good, this one set itself apart.

[Brianas.bookhaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘: 𝟜 ⭐️'𝕤
𝕊𝕡𝕚𝕔𝕖: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝕄𝕖𝕖𝕥 ℂ𝕦𝕥𝕖, ℝ𝕠𝕞 ℂ𝕠𝕞

This was my first book I've ever read from Irene Bahrd, thank you to for recommending it! I really had needed a cute and funny read after a whole dark romance binge.

Julian and Becca meet on a plane ride to NYC, it's instant love for Julian.
Becca is a best selling author working on her audio book, and Julian is a narrator whom will do anything to be the man for Becca's book. Right off the back Julian's
pseudonym had me thinking he was Joe Arden by they way she described him from the mask to the how he did fantasy audios in a different name. Julian was perfect he would do anything for Becca plus he's a secret billionaire and that mouth of his🔥.

I really enjoyed the writing style of the book, the humor and the overall plot of the book was amazing as well.

[jenniferlea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becca & Julian

I read this one out of order...I read Not Her Villain first & had to go back & read this one....I needed to know Becca & Julians story & I'm not the least bit mad about it....I loved it....Becca & Julian are perfect for each other....their instant chemistry was perfection...give it a read...you won't be sorry you did

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5


A Voice Without Reason is my first novel by Irene Bahrd and it most definitely will not be my last. It was a deliciously spicy rom-com that had my laughing to the point of tears and fanning myself from the heat Becca and Julian were cooking up 🥵

A fated mates story about a spicy romance author and a very wealthy fantasy narrator with falling in love. This book had the spice, the tension, a ride or die girl squad, and a love story that makes your heart swoon. I devoured this book in less than 4 hours. I couldn’t put it down and if I had to I was dying to pick it right back up.

I couldn’t recommend this one enough. I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to read this ARC. I knew this book was going to be everything and more when the content warning had me laughing so hard I was wheezing. Iconic. 👏🏻

Please read if you like:
-cat’s named daddy (lol I see whatcha did there Irene 🤭)
-discovering new names for your lady garden
-books with interconnected characters
-Dual POV
-fated mates
-rom-coms
-ride or die besties
-career driven FMC

[Kimberly West · Rating 1 out of 5]

It’s been a long time since I’ve read about a character that was so intolerable. The FMC was rude, ridiculous, and abusive throughout the whole book. It takes a lot for me to side with a man but the whole book I couldn’t shake how much I thought Julian deserved better. He definitely had his ridiculous moments as well but at least he was kind and loving towards Becca. I can normally get down with some cheesy romance here and there but this was just painful. The entire book gave me second hand embarrassment and the “love” between them was far from believable. It seems like the author was more focused on cramming in as many tropes as possible rather than sticking with its intended plot. The synopsis for this book had great potential but that’s the best I can say about it.

[Laura Moss · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just.... I wanted to like it....

[Abigail · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. This ain’t it for me. I can suspend my disbelief but his obsession after meeting her on a plane and then getting his agent to broker narrating her audiobook for FREE makes little to no sense. And this isn’t a dark, j/p romance so I’m just too confused and pulled out of the story.

I saw this very much hyped on IG and had a very different experience.

[dina · Rating 2 out of 5]

um…yeah instalove is always at the forefront of not serving

[Jamie Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Irene Bahrd for giving me the opportunity to read your book prior to release day. Thank you for making me laugh daily with your unhinged canva videos, your Henry gifs and your fast quips.

I’ve only read the satire mafia novella Irene wrote Running From The Garden With Eden. (Which is hilarious, check it out) so I did not expect A Voice Without Reason to be completely different in every way, the writing style, being the biggest difference.

A Voice Without Reason features Becca (Pen name Merlot) a romance author, single living in New York. She’s fairly new to writing but has made a name for herself, and has somewhat recently come out of a relationship with stupid head Bryan.

Julian who is a man of many trades, is a voice narrator. He specializes in Fantasy… but might be willing to try out Romance in order to spend some time with a certain someone.

This book has everything. The girl squad every woman wants, who have her back at all cost. The epitome of a perfect book boyfriend. He says all the perfectly swoony things, and it completely attentive. There’s a neighbor and of course stupid Bryan.

This book will make you laugh, make you say “Awe” more than a few times and it’ll captivate you from start to finish. Becca and Julian’s relationship is GOALS!

This may be my first Irene Bahrd romcom but it’s certainly not my last! ❤️

[Brittney Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! It had me laughing throughout the entire book. It kept me interested, entertained and wanting to know the ending. It was a fun read and I recommend it to anyone who needs a laugh! The author is also amazingly kind and so talented. ♥️

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

another one!

Another gem from this author!

Hilarious and smutty. Overall a super fun read and I enjoyed every single second.

The characters were likable, the dialogue was witty and seriously who doesn’t want to get handsy at Hamilton!

Filled with light, cheeky moments.

[Devon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adored the inside view of a romance author's world from a romance book. Plus, the added outright trope discussion and simultaneous avoidance of some of those same tropes? Yes, please! I'm already diving into the next one.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only insta-love I’ll accept

[Megneto♓️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this! I love Irene's writing style! The spice was just right for this type of book as well. Loved both Julian and Becs and how it was a story within a story - you will know what I mean when you read it 😂

Also the Daddy part was so funny! Not what i expected 😂 Can't wait to start the next one in the series!

[Kelsey Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Irene managed to combine laugh-out-loud funny moments with ones that made me blush. If you're an avid romance reader, or a writer, you'll love all the fun industry secrets that are peppered throughout A Voice Without Reason. Thank you to Irene for allowing me a chance at reading this early.

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Becca is a famous romance author while traveling home to NYC one weekend she meets Julian, a audiobook narrator with a sexy voice. They flirt and she agrees to go out with him that night. On Monday, Becca walks into a meeting to find out that Julian is her new narrator and as per her contract she will be required to sit in on his recordings of all the spicy scenes she wrote. And thus begins their complicated tension filled relationship.

This book is like mostly spice. I swear they kiss in like the first 30 pages and then they mostly spend time talking about how they never felt this with anyone or how sexy they find the other person. Honestly, if it wasn't a book and it wasn't in dual POV, I'd say he was love bombing her. I also found it mildly annoying how much they talk about book tropes. Like they say things like oh we know a miscommunication trope when we see one or it's our third act breakup. It's weird like I get that Becca and her friends are all authors, but that doesn't make you immune to misunderstandings and getting caught up in your feelings. I feel like the plot of this book could've been so much better if there was more substance in betweeen the scenes. I barely know the characters.

With all that being said, I did like the book and I did download the next book in the series. I will need to read a different book in between with more substance but I think these are fun spicy quick reads where you don't really have to dive into the depths of the characters.

Rating: 3.3/5
Spice Level: 3/5

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating 4.25, but since Goodreads limits us, I always round up :)!

This has to be my favorite Bahrd book yet! There is A LOT of spice in this one.



Summary

Becca is a romance author. Julian is a fantasy book narrator. Fate sits them together (first class, of course) and he falls first! Julian MUST get more time with Becca, so he fights to get the narrator spot on her most recent novel. Oh did I mention he is filthy rich?



My Thoughts

The spice was spicing. I really can't explain Bahrd's books. They are like a comedy X rated movie. One minute you are laughing and the next you are blushing... sometimes even at the same time.
AND THEN... she throws in an "Attagirl" at the hottest part and I want to throw my book across the room because I swear she did it just to make us cringe.



Becca and Bahrd both seem fun and don't take themselves to seriously. They have a great sense of humor, not afraid to say anything on their minds, and are spunky!

I could have lived the rest of my life happily without the last four lines of this book. I will be forever questioning … WHY?? We don't want / need to know this info.



If you like spice... If you like to laugh... If you like books that are crude (because these are pretty crude at times) and ridiculous... read these! Don't take it too serious and just buckle in for a good time!



Quotes

"I swallow hard, fear creeping in that she doesn't feel this, too. All I know is that, by some cosmic happenstance, we met... and now I need her, want her, and I am going to do everything in my power to keep her."

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Voice Without Reason is the first book in Bahrd's Love At All Costs series. I read the second book, Not Her Villain, earlier this year and was kicking myself for not having picked this one up even though it was in my digital library. I have finally corrected this!

AVWR is a contemporary romance featuring Becca (aka Merlot Bennet) and Julian Evans. Becca is a spicy romance author. Julian is an audiobook narrator. They meet on flight to NYC where Becca is trying to use every moment to meet a looming deadline and work on edits to her book. Julian is instantly captivated by her and keeps trying to engage her in conversation.

Julian desperately wants to spend time with her and convinces Becca to join him at a coffee shop where she can continue to work while he can be in her presence and enjoy her company. He is a man of means, and uses said means to wiggle his way into a contract to perform the narration for the male character in her book allowing him to spend more time with her.

This was a fun read between two people who were obviously meant to be together. I love how Julian spoiled Becca and treated her like a queen. I has previously been introduced to Amanda and Layla but I definitely enjoyed revisiting those two, especially Layla, and the amazing friendship between the three authors.

Unexpectedly Ruined is the third (and last?) book in the series. It looks like it is coming in January 2024 and I suspect it will be Amanda's love story.

I would definitely encourage you to pick up Bahrd's work. In addition to these books, there are several side story novellas that I'll be reading as soon as possible.

[Maxine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute Insta-love book where the MMC falls first, and falls heard and works to pursue the FMC.

Becca is a romance author who is under deadline for an audio book she is working on. While on a plane she meets an attractive stranger who turns out to be an audio book narrator. They get to talking and there is immediate chemistry.
Julian who has recently broke up with his cheating GF is completely enraptured by Becca and to make it so they meet again he has his agent get him the job as the male narrator on her project that he offers to do for free just so he can have a forced proximity with her and continue to pursue her. Now when she finds out she is a little pissed thinking he is making a joke of her career, but Julian quickly reassures her that all he wanted was to be close to her.
This book was so cute with all Julian's big attempts to win her over and protect her and to support her. He is very into the big gestures even though they sometimes come back to bite him in the butt. The banter between the two was so cute and endearing and as they are both book lovers there was some fun book banter mixed in like using tropes to compare to their life scenarios. The author did say this was a slow-med burn, but I did not see the slow burn at all. It was def a med to full burn for me and the spice was enjoyable to read. If you're looking for a sweet comedy he falls first this is your book.

[Janelle Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

No one writes instalove soulmates like Irene Bahrd! This is a spicy interconnected stand alone series. It’s a slow-to-medium burn romcom - to name a couple of items for your shopping list we get praise and spicy time in public settings.

I absolutely adore the references to book tropes and that Becca is a successful spicy, contemporary romance author. She is independent, career driven, and witty! Julian is every bit book boyfriend worthy as a voice actor (loved this pairing so much). He’s possessive, would do anything for his girl, and passionate. His nickname for Becca isn’t my fave but I do love how she plays off of it back to him. I’m obsessed with the girl gang and I can’t wait to read more about Layla (I’ve read Amanda’s story already trust me you don’t want to miss out)! Irene writes super relatable characters and I love that about Irene’s work - you can really envision yourself as part of the crew. I do wish we got more description of the other characters prior to their books though.

We get lots of oral sexy time and other spicy moments but I think the spice to plot ratio is great! The forced proximity was giving! I love a good dual POV. I also enjoy a good forbidden love, workplace romance now and again! The Daddy aspect of this had me giggling so hard! This is a fairly light, fluffy, read that was giving me R rated Hallmark movie!

[Lauren Bridgeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reasonably Obsessed

4.5⭐️4🌶️

Becca - sexy romance author - is about to meet her perfect hero… only he’s got to be too good to be true, right?! A series of fortunate events lands her in first class sitting next to a swoon worthy, flirty, sexy audiobook narrator. The zing moment cannot be explained away. Those kismet, insta-love moments she writes about, can’t actually happen in reality, right?!

Julian - fresh from a break-up that didn’t break him, cannot take his eyes off the bombshell sitting next to him. She’s stunning and witty. He’ll do anything he can just to spend another few moments with her - including getting her current top-dollar narrator booted from his contract. No one said his was the voice of reason… She’ll be his, she just doesn’t know it yet.

I consumed this book in a single sitting. Just couldn’t put it down. Becca is a slight skeptic because her douche of a ex. Julian is the best hero with a delusional ex of his own. All they needed was to find each other… and deal with all the drama raining down. I cannot wait to pick up more of Irene’s books!

A huge thank you to Irene for the ARC Ebook!

Recommend to all contemporary/billionaire romance readers.

[Natorious Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book started off quick and dirty. We meet Becca as she flying home to NYC. She’s seated next to Julian, and the chemistry is evident and instant! She’s an author, who is editing her book and Julian just happens to oversee what she’s writing. The banter flys quickly and they are just so comfortable with each other. Turns out, he’s an audiobook narrator and she finds his voice very sexy.

They find that they can’t stay away from each other. He is smitten right off the bat and makes plans to keep seeing her. She can’t resist his charm and advances, but she is cautious because this is her career on the line. If people know they’re together, it could be disastrous for her and her livelihood. Plus, she’s been burned by a similar situation before.

Still, they manage to sneak around and go on getaways and have fun together. This man would do anything for “My Becca”, and showed her at every turn. I loved him so much!

Pretty sure Julian is the CEO of the Dining Out Club. Anywhere and everywhere. There’s one scene that almost took me out 🥵.

I loved that they worked through things together and didn’t let outside influences or people get in their way of being together. This book definitely had soulmate vibes.

[Raeann Wolfley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Becca and Julian’s story! What a incredible, amazing, hilarious, hot, spicy, and fun read! I’m addicted to her books 📚 I love her writing style so much, she never disappoints! I have read all her books so far and I can honestly say she became one of my favorite Author’s!!! Becca is amazing and so are her friends in this book! They will definetly make you laugh. I can’t wait for their books hint hint 😂 Then there is Julian a hot sweet alpha that calls Becca, My Becca! Can I just say SWOON!!! I want my own Julian please😭 😂 On another topic I want to say bravo 👏 to Irene how she fits in the other character’s so perfectly that we fell for in her previous books! Just perfection in my opinion. I was in a bad mood when I started reading this book and I can tell you honestly that this book put my frown upside down 😂 Seriously for the rest of the night I was in a good mood! That’s how good she is! I’ll never get enough of her books. Let me just stop my rambling, because I could talk all day long about her books! Just read the book, okay? Your Welcome!

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love, love, love Becca and Julian’s story!! It’s so freaking cute (and hot!) and I honestly don’t know why I waited this long to read it.

Becca is a romance author, travelling back to New York after a trip, she gets an upgrade to first class and who does she have sitting next to her?! A sinfully hot guy, who is VERY interested in getting to know her. They shake hands and ZING they feel a SPARK. Urgh. Per-fec-tion!!!!!!!

Julian is so intrigued by Becca he lands the gig to narrate her upcoming audiobook release. He is a man OBSESSED with her. But in a protective, caring way - this is not creepy! Also let’s talk about his nickname for her - my Becca… SWOON!!!!!!

Unfortunately the audiobook contract means they are not supposed to fraternise - leading to many liaisons in secret, so many dates under the radar and, well, a lot of orgasms 😂

This cute, sexy, banter and love filled story made my heart sing! That’s not to say that there isn’t angst - there is also lots of angst! But all in all a 5* read!!!!

[ShawskiBookBestieee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am now a romcom reader!

This author was constantly being referred to me by TikTok and I finally caved. I was smiling reading every page from the very beginning. This book is sweet, funny and FAST SPICE! 🌶️🌶️🌶️ This is insta love/ soulmate vibes, possessive/obsessive MMC, cute meet, work romance, forced proximity and kind of a billionaire romance. If you love being told to “be a good girl and do as I say” but his follow through is pleasure and romancing - you will love Julian. The concept of book world romance coming to life was everything for me! It felt like I was living out every romance readers dream, without the trigger warnings and red flags. This book is a very refreshing “palette cleanser” for my dark romance readers and is spicy enough that it balances out the sweetness perfectly! One of my favorite reads this year and I will be reading all Irene Bahrd books!

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becca is a best-selling author who's working on her audiobook as she flies to NYC. Sitting beside her is Julian, a narrator who is ready to do anything to be the narrator for her new book. He definitely falls first and makes his interest in her known, as well as the fact that he's going to be her new narrator. What Becca doesn't know is that he's a billionaire who will spend as much as is necessary to make it happen. Irene Bahrd manages to give us the perfect blend of heat and sweet and hot chemistry and also gives us moments which will make us laugh out loud. I was given an arc of this book by Booksprout but I enjoyed the story so much I have purchased it for my collection as I know I will want to read it again.
The narration was very well done by Amy Hall. Her dynamic, emotional voice and solid pace and modulation of the story are perfect from start to finish and the characters feel alive.