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Flexible Standards

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Coming Soon

ebook

Published April 26, 2024

1 person is currently reading
46 people want to read

About the author

Irene Bahrd

53 books187 followers
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

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
Profile Image for Nichole Johnson .
353 reviews15 followers
April 22, 2024
I absolutely loved this short little novella, and no I'm not biased because I love everything Irene writes! Who doesn't want to read a short spicy book about a divorced librarian and a Vegas trapeze artist?! I don't want to give too much away but I loved how some of Irene's previous books were mentioned as part of this story. It was really neat. I highly recommend this book if you need a easy and fun read with just enough spice!
Profile Image for Love.thebookshelf.
177 reviews3 followers
May 2, 2024
Honestly who doesn’t want to read a book about a Gorgeous librarian and sexy trapeze artist that is a secret plant daddy and spends his spare time reading. Honestly dream worthy guy!!

This novella was spicy in all the right ways and I absolutely loved reading about the perfect date being at home on the couch with a good book and a few organisms from a sexy book reading guy.

I’m a lover of anything Irene writes and this one definitely did not disappoint.
Profile Image for Jen.
1,096 reviews10 followers
April 26, 2024
After Isla catches her husband with his secretary, she sets up a new life in Vegas. She needs a change in scenery and living in the same city as her best friend is the best offer she could get. On the night of her friend’s bachelorette party, Isla is doing her to avoid the crowds and keep the night low key. Her plan works until she meets Sam, a fellow book nerd who has an irresistible British accent and entices Isla with a night of reading. When that night of reading turns spicy quick, Isla and Sam might be getting more than they bargained for.

Just like everything else I’ve read by Irene Bahrd, this was a quick and steamy read full of sweet and funny moments. I think this might be my favorite book by her so far. I really enjoyed the commonalities between the characters and their love for books. The way they this romance built off of that one thought of a night reading was creative and well done. I liked the two characters a lot and thought they were perfect for each other. If you are looking for a cute, quick read full of spice this book is worth the try!
Profile Image for Ari Loves All The Books.
385 reviews79 followers
May 4, 2024
This book hooked me... I mean who wouldn't want a hot guy to say forget the bar, let's have a book && chill date!

This is a novella, so it was short, smutty, and honestly.. not enough! I could read a full length book because it was this good!!
245 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2024
A Bookish Fantasy with a Steamy Edge

Irene Bahrd crafts a charming, spicy novella that taps into every book lover’s dream: meeting someone who shares your passion for reading in the most unexpected way. Flexible Standards blends humor, relatable characters, and sizzling romance into a quick and satisfying story perfect for fans of playful yet steamy reads.

📚 The Story:
After her husband leaves her for his secretary, Isla seeks a fresh start in Las Vegas. An uneventful bachelorette party brings her to a quiet casino bar, where she meets Sam—a suave, book-loving Brit who prefers novels to nightlife. Their shared love of reading sparks an instant connection, and what begins as a cozy, bookish evening quickly transforms into a steamy adventure. Sam helps Isla rediscover her confidence in ways that would make any smut novel blush.

🔥 Why You’ll Love It:

The setup is pure fantasy for readers who’ve ever dreamed of connecting with someone over books and having that connection evolve into something fiery and unforgettable.
Isla and Sam’s chemistry is electric, balancing playful humor with undeniable heat.
The novella is perfectly paced for an escape read, ideal for enjoying between heavier books or when you need something lighthearted and fun.
🎧 Narration Note:
While the male narrator delivers an engaging performance, the absence of a female voice leaves Isla’s perspective feeling less vivid. Dual narration could have added an extra layer of emotional depth to the story.

📖 Final Thoughts:
Flexible Standards is a delightful novella that hits all the right notes: bookish charm, relatable fantasies, and sizzling romance. Whether you’re craving a quick escape or a playful reminder of why you love romance, this story is a treat. Just be prepared for its heat—and to wish for more! 😉
Profile Image for Bookish Rose.
152 reviews
April 24, 2024
"I glance at her e-reader. 'I’d hardly call that a romantic comedy.'
'Are you book-shaming me?' she asks with an exaggerated gasp.
'Not at all. You could be reading paranormal erotica, a mafia romance, or even a nonfiction title, and I wouldn’t judge.' She shudders at the last suggestion. 'Now who’s judging?'
'I would never,' she feigns insult."
This is an unbelievably cute novella that was such a joy to read. Ditching your friend’s bachelorette party because Vegas can get to be “too much” and reading your book at a bar, sounds like my kind of evening. {And, if you’re a fan of Irene Bahrd, like I am, then you’ll pick up on a reference to a certain “hungry” gentleman completely head over heels for his Becca (hint, hint: it’s from the Love at all Cost series!)} But, to be discovered by a handsome man with a British accent, and asked to go back to his place to change into comfy PJs to continue reading in peace? That’s my kind of meet-cute! I loved the performance scene and bookish talk.
"This will either be an amazing adventure… or the biggest mistake of my life."
The only other thing I will add is just how much bookish fun this novella because I really was laughing through it. If you're looking for an entertaining, quick read... with a little bit of... spice (over plot). Then this one is for you!
"The sexy librarian and the Vegas performer. Quite the perfect pair, if you ask me."
Profile Image for Lena Marie.
14 reviews
May 13, 2024
I'm solo here but. . . ⭐


While "Flexible Standards" by Irene Bahrd explores themes of physical attraction and the themes of modern dating, I found the overall execution lacking. The story primarily revolves around the physical relationship between the characters, Sam and Isla, with limited depth or development in their emotional connection.

The plot seems to rely heavily on sexual encounters rather than meaningful character development or storyline progression. As a result, I felt disconnected from the characters and found it difficult to invest in their relationship beyond the surface level.

Additionally, I found the pacing to be uneven, with abrupt shifts between scenes and a lack of depth.

While there are hints at deeper emotions and possible conflicts, they are not fully explored or resolved, leaving the story feeling incomplete.

"Flexible Standards" has potential, I was disappointed by its weak characterization and lack of depth in exploring the dynamics of relationships. Readers seeking a more nuanced and emotionally resonant narrative may find this story lacking.

More like porn role play.
Profile Image for Megan Snyder.
94 reviews
April 26, 2024
4⭐️

What would you do if you met an extremely hot British man who would rather be at home reading than spending an evening on the town? The correct answer would be: Go home and read an excellent book with this strikingly hot guy!

Isla recently moved to Vegas for a new start after her divorce was finalized and while she was at a casino bar, she meets Sam, a book-loving Brit who wanted to get back home and read the book he hadn't quite finished yet.

Isla and Sam hit it off, but her insecurities and doubts messed with her ability to pursue anything with Sam. Instead of getting frustrated or pushing her to the side, he helped her regain her confidence in life and the bedroom.

I absolutely loved this novella! The characters had undeniable chemistry and were witty and absolutely adorable!
Profile Image for Emmi (bookish_redpanda).
854 reviews44 followers
April 27, 2024
Format: 📱 eBook 📱
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Another fun novella from Bahrd, with relatable MC's, some laughs, and plenty of spice that she is fast becoming well known for.

Isla has recently moved to Vegas after an unfortunate end to her marriage, and meets British hottie, Sam. The two hit it off, both preferring to stay in with a great book, than out drinking the night away. I instantly connected with them both on this level alone.

As is a staple with all Bahrd book-boyfriends, Sam has a mouth on him - in more ways than one. You can't help but fall for him, and wish the best for him and Isla in this short part of their lives we get to see.

I loved the mentions of Bahrd's other works in this book - makes me smile when an author references themselves.

A fun, great read with plenty of (okay, a LOT of) spice and a romance storyline you just feel good about.
Profile Image for Amy Pritt - Coffeeandbookobsessed.
545 reviews49 followers
December 10, 2024
📚⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
🎧⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🌶️🌶️🌶️

Dual narration performed by Melissa Barr & Chase Ivanhoe

• Strangers to Lovers • One Night Stand • Insta-love • Novella •

A quick little listen that’s full of fun! She’s a librarian, he’s a “cirque de soleil” type performer, they meet at a bar, and they immediately bond over their love of smutty books. I loved that their first night together literally consisted of them both reading in companionable silence for a while.

But they of course find each other irresistible! And he’s such a pleasure Dom! It made for a fun read!

The narrators did a pretty good job. There were a couple times when the lines weren’t delivered correctly (just have the right inflection for the phrase for the context/punctuation). And I didn’t love the male narrator’s feminine voice.

Thank you, High Gravity Productions, for the ALC.
Profile Image for XenyMarie.
634 reviews15 followers
April 16, 2024
This novella tells the story of a couple that meets by chance at a bar and instantly connect over the fact that they both would much rather be at home snuggling with a book. Both MCs are super relatable to the point where Isla makes a comment that made me feel that it was written just for me because I've said something very similar about the books that are being referenced. And once again, Irene has given us a book boyfriend who is very good with his mouth.

This is a super fast-paced, spicy novella with very little plot, but it was still a very fun read, and it honestly left me wanting more. The moment I reached the epilogue, I screamed because I didn't want it to be over.

Quote: “An Englishman who reads smut and lives in Vegas... I don’t think that’s on my bachelorette bingo.”
Profile Image for Sharey.
90 reviews
April 27, 2024
So, let's talk about "Flexible Standards" for a minute. Isla's story is just what you need if you're looking for a feel-good read with a side of steam. I mean, who wouldn't want to escape to Las Vegas and find unexpected romance in a cozy casino bar? Bahrd nails it with her relatable characters and witty dialogue, making it easy to get lost in Isla and Sam's budding relationship.

What really stood out to me was Sam's character – a book-loving Brit with a penchant for staying in and cozying up with a good read. It's not often you come across an MMC like him, and I loved how he helped Isla rediscover her confidence, one pleasure moment at a time. My only gripe? I wish the story was a bit longer so we could dive even deeper into their romance. But hey, if you're short on time and looking for a quick and satisfying read, "Flexible Standards" has got you covered.
Profile Image for Natorious  Reading.
253 reviews5 followers
April 29, 2024
Isla and Sam meet in a bar where she is there to celebrate her friend’s upcoming marriage. He is intrigued by her reading in a bar, and when he takes a peek, he is surprised at the subject matter. The two hit it off and decide to go back to his place for a quieter place to read. This turns into a very memorable night for both of them.

I loved Sam, sweet and naughty all at once. He was gone from the moment he laid eyes on Isla. Isla had been beaten down a little about being divorced and the things her ex said to her, but Sam was quick to reassure her that she was perfect and her ex was an idiot. They had great banter throughout and good steamy scenes. This was a quick novella that I really enjoyed.

Thanks to author Irene Bahrd for the arc of this book.

Ratings:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
🌶️🌶️

Tropes:
💕Vegas Meetcute
🔥Instalove
💕Librarian x Trapeze artist
🔥Green flag book boyfriend
💕Novella
Profile Image for spicybookmama.
523 reviews16 followers
May 6, 2024
🖤Irene Bahrd is a master at writing fantastic spicy novellas. Each one has a plot full of so many feels and top shelf spice.
🖤Flexible standards is definitely one of my favorites. I absolutely adored and devoured this book. It made me smile, thigh clench, and giggle. Her characters ooze charisma, charm, always have an interesting backstory and are relatable. The banter both within themselves and with each other is perfection.
🖤Gin, books, sexual tension and comfy PJs, what more could anyone ask for. This is a fantastic, fun, spicy, dreamy read and per usual my only complaint is I want so much more.

PS If you are like me and typically do not read the trigger warnings or maybe skim over the beginning authors notes, make an exception for books because they are worth the read. IYKYK

Profile Image for Emily Johnston (Booked.Up.With.Emily).
1,640 reviews121 followers
December 6, 2024
I absolutely devoured this audiobook! Isla and Sam are completely different and the confidence that he brought out in her was SO beautiful.

After her husband was a typical cliche and left her for his secretary, Isla moves away to Las Vegas to be with her best friend and in doing so, she finds herself stepping completely out of her comfort zone.

Sam and Isla's meet cute was so adorable - I loved that he was just ready to spend time with her, no matter what that entailed. And then the spicy times were HOT HOT HOT!!

Melissa Barr and Chase Ivanhoe do a great job bringing the heat with these two! Chase's accent had me swooning so hard!

Thank you to High Gravity Productions and the author for the ALC.
Profile Image for Laura Gerez.
422 reviews12 followers
April 15, 2024
ARC Review of Flexible Standards by Irene Bahrd📚💘🎪🎰🇬🇧🇺🇸

OMG! This was such a cute novella, a hot trapeze Vegas performer who is a smut reader!? How can we not be completely obsessed with him!? Isla and Sam are just too cute!
Their first date was just a dream! Literally every reader’s has had this dream for a first date, iconic. This was such a beautiful story!
10/10 would definitely recommend for a quick and smutty read, definitely will not disappoint!

Super grateful to Irene for the ARC and being able to read, enjoy and share her books💘

‼️Book coming out April 26th on Amazon and Kindle unlimited‼️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

@ReadingLaurasLibrary
#Happyreading


Profile Image for Olivia Rick.
40 reviews
April 18, 2024
🌟 ARC REVIEW 🌟
Another absolute banger of a novella by Irene Bahrd. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 I was pleasantly surprised to receive this ARC as @irenebahrdauthor is quickly becoming a must-read author of mine! Thank you for allowing me to read and review your newest book, Irene! ❤️

She always delivers on funny, smutty, rom-com stories! In Flexible Standards, we meet Sam and Isla and they’re basically plot-less smut/meet cute. I sat down and read this in one sitting and am definitely wishing we got a little bit more from their story as I wasn’t ready for it to end. 😍

🌶️🌶️🌶️
If you are looking for a quick, fun, steamy, romantic read I 💯 recommend you give this one a try!
Profile Image for jenniferlea.
387 reviews13 followers
April 20, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

This novella was sweet & smutty….both were unlucky in love….Isla was recently divorced from her cheating husband….Sam just kept finding all of the wrong ones….a chance meeting at a bar after both of their nights didn’t go as they expected & that’s all she wrote….figuratively not literally
The story between them only last for a couple of days but love that in the epilogue we get a glimpse of their future

It is a novella….so a very quick read…if you are looking for a short, smutty but also funny read between a couple of long books give this one a read…Sam & Isla are super cute….if only things like this happened in real life
Profile Image for Jasmine Acena.
258 reviews8 followers
April 29, 2024
Short, sweet and the perfect amount of smut.
That is my most accurate description of Isla and Sam’s story, and I’m not even close to mad about it.
A man who would rather be home, reading smut vs out and about in Sin City?
Sign me up!
These MCs are so incredibly perfect for each other and I love the meet-cute/fated-meet aspect. Neither were really looking for anything permanent but that’s what they found in each other.
And the smut? Well, I can’t dive into that or I’m just going to give it all away😏😬
Profile Image for Lora Smith.
80 reviews4 followers
May 3, 2024
Librarian Isla meets British trapeze artist Sam while avoiding the crowds at her friend's Vegas bachelorette party. They return to his place for a hot night of reading books (swoon) and eventually orga$ms. This is a quick read and has the perfect amount of spice. Irene Bahrd's books never disappoint, with their MMCs with sexy accents who know how to use their mouths in more ways than one.
It definitely left me wanting more of this couple's story but in all fairness, it wrapped things up nicely; i just loved them and would have read a whole book with these characters.
Profile Image for Jenny .
379 reviews7 followers
May 8, 2024
This story is like a decadent chocolate truffle. Short, sweet, and absolutely perfect. I always love Irene Bahrd's stories, and this novella was no exception. The characters are fun, the spice is hot, and the MMC is a bookworm's dream. I loved the little nod to A Voice Without Reason. It's like a story within the story while also feeling like an inside joke.

Irene Bahrd has cemented her place as an auto-buy author for me, and I can't wait to read whatever she writes next!

Thank you to the author for my gifted ARC. I am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
6,661 reviews238 followers
April 15, 2024
Another fast and spicy read form Irene. I can't get enough of her books. As soon as a new one comes out, I am instantly reading it. Readers who have always dreamed of playing the sexy librarian, here is the book for you.

Isla and Sam's first meeting was perfect. Who wouldn't fall for a guy who not only reads but can talk the book lingo. Also, Sam is easy on the eyes, so that is a bonus. Sam and Isla brought the HEAT. I know what I will be dreaming about.

Warning: Smexy scenes!
Profile Image for Rosalyn Butler.
136 reviews4 followers
April 17, 2024
Wow where can I get me a Sam !!! He’s perfect in all ways I could ever imagine. Everyone need a Sam in their life !!
This is a very quick but spicy read Irene seems to be able to build these men that we just fall in love with every time no matter the size of the book!!
A man who loves smutty books ropes of many kinds and can put on a good show !!!
Your definitely gonna fall in love with this book highly recommend!!
Profile Image for Amanda.
418 reviews25 followers
April 26, 2024
Oh my gosh yes! I didn’t know I needed a book about this kind of couple! The bookish qualities, the romance, and the little twist we got about the MMC 😈. I love this adorably cute and spicy read! I apparently need a trip to Vegas to find myself a performer! What happens in Vegas makes you stay in Vegas! I love the happy ending in this story! I love this couple so much I could have had a full novel of this book I didn’t want it to end!
Profile Image for Between The Covers .
470 reviews13 followers
April 26, 2024
This was an amazing, short, and steamy novella and I devoured it! I didn't want it to end!I love the chemistry and spice between Sam and Isla. Their instant connection, the steam, all of it! They're perfect for each other. Another amazing read by Irene!

Isla is a divorced librarian who goes out with her friend for her bridal party where she meets Sam who's a trapeze artist. They both are lovers of books and things take a steamy turn after heading back to his place for the night.
Profile Image for Claire.
591 reviews11 followers
April 26, 2024
I absolutely adore all the stories that Irene writes and this one is no exception. Isla and Sam were so great together and the premise of a librarian needing a break from her life that had taken a couple of hits and a Vegas trapeze artist was amazing. The spice and the banter were both top notch as usual. Would highly recommend this story. Thank you to Irene Bahrd for the ARC of this wonderful story.
23 reviews
April 27, 2024
ARC REVIEW

If you like cute romantic stories with some smut in there, this is the book for you! This book is about Isla and Sam, two people who are unlucky in love with previous relationships. They run into each other and things start to hit off when Isla moves to Vegas. Most of all, Sam is British, so we get to hear that sexy British accent.

If you're looking for a cute book to read, this book is for you!
Profile Image for Michelle Bailey.
308 reviews12 followers
December 6, 2024
Flexible Standards is a short spicy eroticom novella featuring Isla and Sam. Isla has moved to Las Vegas for a fresh start after a divorce. At her best friend’s bachelorette party she decides to sneak away to read. She meets Sam, a kindred spirit at a bar and they hit it off. And-well, the rest is history. Listen to this spectacular audiobook for their story. Phenomenal narration by Melissa Barr and Chase Ivanhoe. I highly recommend this audiobook.
Profile Image for Erin Stapel.
751 reviews17 followers
December 17, 2024
Sort and spicy! I love this author little novella's they are packed filled with heat. This book was a perfect read of a sexy librarian and an even sexier trapeze artist. It was a perfect pallet cleanser before I continue on my reading journey. Narration wise: Chase Ivanhoe and Melissa Barr did a great job helping bring these two characters to life. It was my first audio book with these narrators, and I look forward to more with them.
Profile Image for Jessica Nassiff.
440 reviews
December 23, 2024
This was a super fun spicy story. Melissa and Ivan did such an amazing job narrating this and I love discovering new to me narrators. I love the Vegas setting and that he is a performer in a show bc it instantly made me think of the shows I’ve been to in Vegas and is connected me more to the characters. This isn’t a deep read obviously but it was still a thread to latch on to. Need a quick spicy fix then look no further. This audiobook was seriously fun!
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