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Needing to Score #2
There is No Try
Wanting a big change after a break up, Lucas Robinson leaves Australia to play for a newly established rugby team in Ireland. While he’s waiting for his new home to be built, he becomes temporary flatmates with Bridget O’Leary—his mate’s sister he was warned to stay away from.
After an amazing season, his immigration status is hanging in the balance, and they agree to a contract marriage to grant him citizenship. Except, both Lucas and Bridget have unresolved feelings for each other, complicating their friendship and his relationship with her brother. With everything out in the open, Lucas finally has the woman he’s always wanted. But when has a love story ever been that easy?
There is No Try is a deliciously spicy romantic comedy novella, intended for mature audiences. Just because it's a romcom, doesn't mean you should forget to check your content warnings...
After an amazing season, his immigration status is hanging in the balance, and they agree to a contract marriage to grant him citizenship. Except, both Lucas and Bridget have unresolved feelings for each other, complicating their friendship and his relationship with her brother. With everything out in the open, Lucas finally has the woman he’s always wanted. But when has a love story ever been that easy?
There is No Try is a deliciously spicy romantic comedy novella, intended for mature audiences. Just because it's a romcom, doesn't mean you should forget to check your content warnings...
- GenresAudiobook
134 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2024
4 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Irene Bahrd
50 books183 followersIrene 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
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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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 15, 2025
Edited to include ALC review:
Nathaniel Black and Sofia Lette were absolutely fantastic!! These narrators made me fall in love with Luca and Bridget all over again. And the accents... have I mentioned before how much I love accents? Because these two absolutely killed it with those accents.
----------
“Is that a light saber in your pocket?”
This was such a sweet and light-hearted read. It honestly had me feeling giddy almost the whole time
Lucas is an Australian rugby player who is not sure of what his next step in his career will be until he travels to Ireland for his mate's, Ronan, engagement and meets Ronan's sister Bridget.
The story is very straightforward, with no big conflicts. The only reason that Luc and Bridge don't get together sooner is because neither of them is sure if the other reciprocates their feelings, and they don't want to ruin the relationship between Lucas and Ronan.
One of the things I love about this story was how, unlike most books, it was the FMC and her son the ones who were first in line to make the tough decisions and all the sacrifices necessary to keep the MMC for forever. Tbh, the only complaint I have is that the story was so good that I wish it was a full-length novel.
Quote: “I want to marry you, pup, not just so I can continue to play for Cork. I love you and would be the happiest man on earth if you wanted to be with me until we’re old and grey.”
Nathaniel Black and Sofia Lette were absolutely fantastic!! These narrators made me fall in love with Luca and Bridget all over again. And the accents... have I mentioned before how much I love accents? Because these two absolutely killed it with those accents.
----------
“Is that a light saber in your pocket?”
This was such a sweet and light-hearted read. It honestly had me feeling giddy almost the whole time
Lucas is an Australian rugby player who is not sure of what his next step in his career will be until he travels to Ireland for his mate's, Ronan, engagement and meets Ronan's sister Bridget.
The story is very straightforward, with no big conflicts. The only reason that Luc and Bridge don't get together sooner is because neither of them is sure if the other reciprocates their feelings, and they don't want to ruin the relationship between Lucas and Ronan.
One of the things I love about this story was how, unlike most books, it was the FMC and her son the ones who were first in line to make the tough decisions and all the sacrifices necessary to keep the MMC for forever. Tbh, the only complaint I have is that the story was so good that I wish it was a full-length novel.
Quote: “I want to marry you, pup, not just so I can continue to play for Cork. I love you and would be the happiest man on earth if you wanted to be with me until we’re old and grey.”
February 11, 2025
And she does it again. Another super sweet wonderfully written short story. For any.
Body, who is in a slump after reading an epic story like onyx storm or something like that. Here's your cure the cure for you're slump. Honestly, the 2 books that I have reviewed.
From this author are fantastic short sweet and to the point and I love it. And when the Audiobook comes out.I highly suggest you listen to It.Really good listen.🌶🌶🌶
Body, who is in a slump after reading an epic story like onyx storm or something like that. Here's your cure the cure for you're slump. Honestly, the 2 books that I have reviewed.
From this author are fantastic short sweet and to the point and I love it. And when the Audiobook comes out.I highly suggest you listen to It.Really good listen.🌶🌶🌶
February 11, 2025
This was super cute 😍 I love how much that little boy loved him so much!
February 17, 2025
Audiobook review of There is No Try, written by Irene Bahrd, narrated by Sofia Lette and Nathaniel Black, produced by High Gravity.
Thank you High Gravity and Irene Bahrd for the advanced listener copy!
There is No Try is the second novella in the Needing to Score Series and I absolutely loved the first book, Kick Out of It, so I knew I was in for a good time with this book and it didn't disappoint!
I LOVE how Irene Bahrd writes the men in these books, and the MMC Lucas did not disappoint! He moves to Cork, Ireland, from Australia, to play professional rugby and moves in with Bridget (Ronan from Kick Out of It's sister) while he looks for somewhere to live... only he never moves out! Ronan warned Lucas not to get involved with his sister, who's a single mum, but Lucas can't help but to fall for her. He keeps this to himself until his Visa expires and the only way he can stay is by becoming a citizen and that isn't possible in the time he has. So he tells Bridget his feelings, hoping she feels the same and she and her son will go with him back to Australia.
There's so much more to this story, even though it's a Novella, and I loved it. It was such a nice pallet cleanser to pop in between two heavy books and just what I needed to cheer me up on a bad day!
The narration was fantastic - I loved Nathaniel Black's voice and will look out for more narrated by him. Both narrators did a great job voicing multiple different accents for different characters too and it was really easy to follow along and know who was who.
There is No Try is available on Kindle/KU and paperback now, with the audiobook coming out later this month!
Thank you High Gravity and Irene Bahrd for the advanced listener copy!
There is No Try is the second novella in the Needing to Score Series and I absolutely loved the first book, Kick Out of It, so I knew I was in for a good time with this book and it didn't disappoint!
I LOVE how Irene Bahrd writes the men in these books, and the MMC Lucas did not disappoint! He moves to Cork, Ireland, from Australia, to play professional rugby and moves in with Bridget (Ronan from Kick Out of It's sister) while he looks for somewhere to live... only he never moves out! Ronan warned Lucas not to get involved with his sister, who's a single mum, but Lucas can't help but to fall for her. He keeps this to himself until his Visa expires and the only way he can stay is by becoming a citizen and that isn't possible in the time he has. So he tells Bridget his feelings, hoping she feels the same and she and her son will go with him back to Australia.
There's so much more to this story, even though it's a Novella, and I loved it. It was such a nice pallet cleanser to pop in between two heavy books and just what I needed to cheer me up on a bad day!
The narration was fantastic - I loved Nathaniel Black's voice and will look out for more narrated by him. Both narrators did a great job voicing multiple different accents for different characters too and it was really easy to follow along and know who was who.
There is No Try is available on Kindle/KU and paperback now, with the audiobook coming out later this month!
August 12, 2025
Audiobook review on There is No Try by Irene Bahrd
⭐⭐⭐⭐
📖 – There is No Try
✍🏻 – @irenebahrdauthor
🎙 – @sofia.lette and Nathaniel Black
Thank you to @irenebahrdauthor and @highgravityaudiobooks for the ALC copy of There is No Try. All opinions expressed in this review are my own!
Irene once again amazes me with her storytelling in There Is No Try. This second installment in the Needing to Score series focuses on Lucas Robinson, Ronan’s friend whom we first met in Kick Out of It. The plot kicks off immediately, and Nathaniel Black’s distinctive voice—accent included—had me swooning right from the start. Plus, we are introduced to Ronan’s sister Bridgette, whose involvement intensifies the plot between her and Lucas as the story develops.
Sofia Lette and Nathaniel Black, who portray our FMC and MMC, do an amazing job bringing the characters to life. Their interactions are full of swoon-worthy moments that made me blush and giggle while listening to the audio. Despite being a novella, the story shows clear character growth as it develops. I’m looking forward to book 3 in the Needing to Score series, confident that Irene will deliver another amazing story.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
📖 – There is No Try
✍🏻 – @irenebahrdauthor
🎙 – @sofia.lette and Nathaniel Black
Thank you to @irenebahrdauthor and @highgravityaudiobooks for the ALC copy of There is No Try. All opinions expressed in this review are my own!
Irene once again amazes me with her storytelling in There Is No Try. This second installment in the Needing to Score series focuses on Lucas Robinson, Ronan’s friend whom we first met in Kick Out of It. The plot kicks off immediately, and Nathaniel Black’s distinctive voice—accent included—had me swooning right from the start. Plus, we are introduced to Ronan’s sister Bridgette, whose involvement intensifies the plot between her and Lucas as the story develops.
Sofia Lette and Nathaniel Black, who portray our FMC and MMC, do an amazing job bringing the characters to life. Their interactions are full of swoon-worthy moments that made me blush and giggle while listening to the audio. Despite being a novella, the story shows clear character growth as it develops. I’m looking forward to book 3 in the Needing to Score series, confident that Irene will deliver another amazing story.
February 16, 2025
There is No Try
Needing to Score 2
By Irene Bahrd
Narrated by Sofia Lette, Nathaniel Black
Another fun sports novella comes from Irene Bahrd! Crossing over from Kick Out of It, Bridget has a new flatmate. Lucas is her brother's friend and has come to play rugby. Needing a place to stay, he moves in with her and her son temporarily. But when immigration comes knocking, a new plan has to be put in place. A marriage of convenience. But is it really love? This is a fun listen! Lucas is all that and more. He is amazing with Bridget's son and as he reveals his feelings, it's impossible not tofall for this man. Bridget has some obstacles to overcome when it comes to love. Together, these two are passionate and real. Loved them and loved seeing Ronan again.
Sofia Lette and Nathaniel Black are phenomenal together. The mix of Australian and Irish accents are fabulous. These two had incredible chemistry as they portrayed the story, creating passion and spice! I enjoyed this one!
Needing to Score 2
By Irene Bahrd
Narrated by Sofia Lette, Nathaniel Black
Another fun sports novella comes from Irene Bahrd! Crossing over from Kick Out of It, Bridget has a new flatmate. Lucas is her brother's friend and has come to play rugby. Needing a place to stay, he moves in with her and her son temporarily. But when immigration comes knocking, a new plan has to be put in place. A marriage of convenience. But is it really love? This is a fun listen! Lucas is all that and more. He is amazing with Bridget's son and as he reveals his feelings, it's impossible not tofall for this man. Bridget has some obstacles to overcome when it comes to love. Together, these two are passionate and real. Loved them and loved seeing Ronan again.
Sofia Lette and Nathaniel Black are phenomenal together. The mix of Australian and Irish accents are fabulous. These two had incredible chemistry as they portrayed the story, creating passion and spice! I enjoyed this one!
March 5, 2025
Lucas and Bridget met through her brother, Ronan and when Lucas gets relocated to Ireland to play professional rugby, he ends up living with Bridget and her son Gavin while he gets settled. But what should've been a couple weeks ends up being a year of forced proximity and what should've remained a friendship turns into intense sexual chemistry and a budding love match.
When Lucas learns that something is wrong with his work visa and he will have to go back to Australia, they decide to get married to help him stay in Ireland. Navigating what's real and what's fake confuses Bridget as she is trying to protect her heart but Lucas is head over heels for her and her son. The story is a fun friends to lovers trope with lots of steamy scenes as well.
Sofia Lette and Nathaniel Black were great on this title. Their accent work is impressive, switching between different accents throughout the story. Wonderful work and fun storyline.
When Lucas learns that something is wrong with his work visa and he will have to go back to Australia, they decide to get married to help him stay in Ireland. Navigating what's real and what's fake confuses Bridget as she is trying to protect her heart but Lucas is head over heels for her and her son. The story is a fun friends to lovers trope with lots of steamy scenes as well.
Sofia Lette and Nathaniel Black were great on this title. Their accent work is impressive, switching between different accents throughout the story. Wonderful work and fun storyline.
February 8, 2025
Lucas and Bridget are so great together. I love that Lucas helps Bridget become more comfortable with herself in voicing what she wants/needs from Luc. There is nothing sexier then when you can express with your partner what you want from them.
Besides Luc's love for Bridget, the interactions he shares with her son, Gavin are endearing. I love that he incorporated him in helping to pick out the engagement ring.
Irene always has me becoming emotionally attached to her characters. That is what I loved the most about this book, is the emotional attachment that I felt for Luc and Bridget. This is one not to be missed!
"In this life and the next, he'll be mine, and I can't wait to spend forever with him."
Besides Luc's love for Bridget, the interactions he shares with her son, Gavin are endearing. I love that he incorporated him in helping to pick out the engagement ring.
Irene always has me becoming emotionally attached to her characters. That is what I loved the most about this book, is the emotional attachment that I felt for Luc and Bridget. This is one not to be missed!
"In this life and the next, he'll be mine, and I can't wait to spend forever with him."
April 19, 2025
ALC review
I really enjoyed the narrators' accents for this story. It is dual narration, but I really thought they brought great emotions into their performances.
The book is okay. It is a quick novella, with a basic storyline, with some drama thrown in for good measure. If you're into sports romances, this doesn't have a ton of the sport involved, just a sports player. Single mom, which played more of a role in the plot... since it's a novella, it makes sense to have the time jumps, but I found myself wishing for a bit less of that. It felt rushed because there's a lot to pack into 100ish pages. I still recommend the book if the blurb sounds good to you.
The ALC was provided by High Gravity Productions. I borrowed the ebook via Kindle Unlimited.
I really enjoyed the narrators' accents for this story. It is dual narration, but I really thought they brought great emotions into their performances.
The book is okay. It is a quick novella, with a basic storyline, with some drama thrown in for good measure. If you're into sports romances, this doesn't have a ton of the sport involved, just a sports player. Single mom, which played more of a role in the plot... since it's a novella, it makes sense to have the time jumps, but I found myself wishing for a bit less of that. It felt rushed because there's a lot to pack into 100ish pages. I still recommend the book if the blurb sounds good to you.
The ALC was provided by High Gravity Productions. I borrowed the ebook via Kindle Unlimited.
February 5, 2025
Lucas & Bridget were one of those meant to be couples….we met them both briefly in Kick Out of It
Lucas is a rugby player in the same online counseling group with Ronan….Ronan just happens to be Bridget’s brother….what could possibly happen when Lucas gets traded to the rugby team in Cork??? Oh did I forget to mention he needs a place to live “temporarily” & Bridget offers up her guest bedroom
You are in for a fun ride with this sports novella…good friend’s sister, forbidden, he falls first…what more could you ask for….oh maybe a little twist you don’t see coming….I’ll leave that one for you to read about
Lucas is a rugby player in the same online counseling group with Ronan….Ronan just happens to be Bridget’s brother….what could possibly happen when Lucas gets traded to the rugby team in Cork??? Oh did I forget to mention he needs a place to live “temporarily” & Bridget offers up her guest bedroom
You are in for a fun ride with this sports novella…good friend’s sister, forbidden, he falls first…what more could you ask for….oh maybe a little twist you don’t see coming….I’ll leave that one for you to read about
February 15, 2025
This is book 2 of the series for full character experience. Ur gonna wanna read Kick Out Of It
Lucas is an Australian rugby player and is in therapy classes online and has meet some other athletes from all over the world and his friend Ronan is gonna get married in Ireland and Lucas travels there for his engagement and meets Ronan's sister Bridget a single mom and Ronan told Lucas she is off limits. After meeting, Bridget Lucas falls fast and hard for her and her 12 year old son Gavin. Lucas moved to Ireland and played rugby there, but Bridget was the only reason he made the move, not the money. This is a ver good fast-paced novella. I can't wait to read more in this series.
Lucas is an Australian rugby player and is in therapy classes online and has meet some other athletes from all over the world and his friend Ronan is gonna get married in Ireland and Lucas travels there for his engagement and meets Ronan's sister Bridget a single mom and Ronan told Lucas she is off limits. After meeting, Bridget Lucas falls fast and hard for her and her 12 year old son Gavin. Lucas moved to Ireland and played rugby there, but Bridget was the only reason he made the move, not the money. This is a ver good fast-paced novella. I can't wait to read more in this series.
March 8, 2025
Narrators Nathaniel Black and Sofia Lette deliver this sweet romantic audio book by Irene Bahrd. Lucas may have Married Bridget to help stay in Ireland, but that didn't mean his feelings were any less for Bridget. Lucas loves Bridget and it's evident. Bridget loves Lucas, but it isn't until the fear that he will have to leave Ireland that they are pushed to express their feelings for one another. They have such a good relationship with one another and even though their story is told in a short novella Irene packs it full of love, emotions, and sexy scenes . The narrators did a great job delivering this story and their accents are to die for.
February 7, 2025
If I didn’t already want a rugby player this book would definitely do it. I absolutely love Lucas and how he completely owns his feelings. And can we talk about the nickname he has for Bridget, the absolute cutest!! This is another fun and fast read and one you don’t want to skip on. I adore their relationship and how much love Lucas has for Gavin. This one is definitely going to have you looking up where the closest Rugby club is to you. ENJOY!
February 8, 2025
I loved this short read with a marriage of convenience with a bit of forbidden vibes. Of course, the feelings were there and they wanted more. There’s plenty of building up and longing and the spice level was perfect. I enjoyed Lucas and Bridget’s story. This is book two in the series but can be read as a standalone.
Thanks to Irene Bahrd for the arc.
Ratings:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
🏈Australian rugby player
⚽️Irish football mum
💕Flatmates-to-lovers
💍Marriage of convenience
🔥Brother's best friend
Thanks to Irene Bahrd for the arc.
Ratings:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
🏈Australian rugby player
⚽️Irish football mum
💕Flatmates-to-lovers
💍Marriage of convenience
🔥Brother's best friend
February 24, 2025
Lucas and his thic thighs will make your panties melt. Bridget is a single mom to a teenage son, she is the sister of one of Lucas’s therapy participants. The guy told him one rule, never sleep with his sister. Lucas moves to be closer to his friend and meets the sister and his feelings were shut off to anyone but her. Lucas wants only her forever. This read is a fast paced spicy rugby novella. The author wrote a fantastic read and absolutely loved the characters.
#rugbyfever
#rugbyfever
February 28, 2025
Audiobook Review
Lucas and Bridget were cute. Everyone knows the forbidden fruit is always tempting so Ronan warning Lucas off Bridget was just a waste of his time. They fell in love quite quickly but did not act on their urges straight away, not until Lucas needed Bridget. Their love story was one for the sxmutty ages.
Sofia Lette and Nathaniel Black were amazing, specially with so many accents.
Lucas and Bridget were cute. Everyone knows the forbidden fruit is always tempting so Ronan warning Lucas off Bridget was just a waste of his time. They fell in love quite quickly but did not act on their urges straight away, not until Lucas needed Bridget. Their love story was one for the sxmutty ages.
Sofia Lette and Nathaniel Black were amazing, specially with so many accents.
February 14, 2025
Nice, sweet, and a little spicy quick, light-hearted read. It is a short read but you get the connection between the characters, and not just the MC’s but also friends and family. This was a good one as I wasn’t really feeling like getting into a longer in-depth read, so it was great to just pick up and have a spot of warm fuzzy joy.
February 24, 2025
Second book in the Needing to Score series follows Lucas, an Australian rugby player, and Bridget, Lucas’ teammate’s sister. Irene Bahrd does so much in so few pages with these characters that you would think you were reading a full length novel. The character development is phenomenal. The narrators were excellent. Highly recommend this book on audiobook. Worth the listen!
February 8, 2025
Very cute and quick read! Absolutely loved Bridget and Lucas together, they were so adorable. I honestly wanted this to be a full book because I just never wanted their story to end. Thank you to Irene Bahrd for the ARC of this story.
February 17, 2025
There is No Try is the second book in the Needing to Score series. Lucas is an Australian rugby player who comes to Ireland for Ronan and Nora’s engagement where he meets Bridget. He then comes to Ireland to play rugby and lives with Bridget and Gavin while his house is under construction. Due to some immigration issues, these two decide to get married. Lucas is wonderful with Gavin. Throw in a few complications, a few moves, some twists and turns and then a HEA. Nathaniel Black and Sofia Lette were both fabulous in their roles. Nathaniel Black was perfect as Lucas, Gavin and Ronan. His Australian and Irish accents were superb. Sofia Lette was absolutely fabulous as Bridget. Her Irish accent was brilliant. They brought this wonderful story to life. I highly recommend listening.
February 4, 2025
Yes yes yes!!!! I never wanted this one to end!! Irene has knocked it out again with these men and I’m left panting!
February 12, 2025
New to me author & narrators and I am hooked!! I loved everything about Lucas & Bridget…their friendship, their story, their family…gah and their ACCENTS!
I’m off to lookup Rugby players now😉
I’m off to lookup Rugby players now😉
March 31, 2025
This was about brig and lucas. This was so straightforward, and no surprise, it was a great palette cleanser.
August 13, 2025
5/5⭐️
3/5🌶️
Omg I love Lucas and Bridget so much! This is a little marriage of convenience, single mom and who doesn’t love a thick rugby player! Plus I loved all the Star Wars references!!!
3/5🌶️
Omg I love Lucas and Bridget so much! This is a little marriage of convenience, single mom and who doesn’t love a thick rugby player! Plus I loved all the Star Wars references!!!
April 25, 2025
🎧 Since I have listened and enjoyed book 1 in the series, I had to listen to this one as well.
🎧 I could listen to a whole book with Ms. Lette's Irish accent. Nathaniel Black is someone I will keep my ears open for more books narrated by him for sure.
🎧 This story was more on the cutsy side, in contrast with the other stories I have listened to from Ms. Bahrd, that were a bit more spicy. The spice was there, just a bit tamer. :D I liked the big gesture at the end and from who it was as opposed to what usually happens in romcoms.
🎧 There is no third act break up here, but the wicked author did manage to make me halt by business while listening to this and slide into her DMs with my "Whats?"
🎧 I believe this will be out in audio from High Gravity Productions (thank you for this) this month.
🎧 I could listen to a whole book with Ms. Lette's Irish accent. Nathaniel Black is someone I will keep my ears open for more books narrated by him for sure.
🎧 This story was more on the cutsy side, in contrast with the other stories I have listened to from Ms. Bahrd, that were a bit more spicy. The spice was there, just a bit tamer. :D I liked the big gesture at the end and from who it was as opposed to what usually happens in romcoms.
🎧 There is no third act break up here, but the wicked author did manage to make me halt by business while listening to this and slide into her DMs with my "Whats?"
🎧 I believe this will be out in audio from High Gravity Productions (thank you for this) this month.
July 13, 2025
Thanks so much to Irene Bahrd for the gifted ARC! As always, I very much enjoyed another one of Irene’s spicy novellas. A hot footballer moves in with his teammates’ sister and slowly falls for her and her son. My heart ♥️
If you like tropes like brother’s best friend, golden retriever x black cat, and forbidden romance, as well as well written spice, then I am confident you’ll love There Is No Try 🙃
If you like tropes like brother’s best friend, golden retriever x black cat, and forbidden romance, as well as well written spice, then I am confident you’ll love There Is No Try 🙃
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews