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Undeclared Heir

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What would happen if you woke up as the main character in your favourite book? Maybe not a dark romance story. Perhaps something a little less unalivey? A dash less stalkery? But still has a red flag book boyfriend…

Anna is living her best life as the heroine from the Regency novel she’s reading. Trapped in the book, she risks destroying the story she adores if she falls for James, the prince with plans to become King. Unable to enjoy her alternate reality, she must keep her wits about her—things aren’t always as they seem. This audiobook also contains Act II, Undecided Heiress

Audible Audio

Published November 27, 2024

2 people are currently reading
26 people want to read

About the author

Irene Bahrd

53 books188 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 58 reviews
Profile Image for XenyMarie.
616 reviews15 followers
April 10, 2024
If you're looking for a respectful regency MMC, look somewhere else because James... boy, the mouth on that man! 🔥🥵

This novella is Act 1 of a duet where Anna gets to live every bookish girl's dream, maybe... Anna falls asleep reading her favorite regency novel and wakes up IN it, taking the spot of the MFC and completely changing the story. James is immediately besotted with Anna, her attitude, and the way she doesn't tiptoe around him like everyone else.

If you've read some of Irene's work, inow rhat this novella is not as spicy, but just as fun as all her other stories. And that last chapter... I can't wait for Undeclared Heiress to come out to see how the rest of the story unfolds!

Quote: “In honour of all women who wish they were fucked by a fictional man, I let myself fall apart, grasping at his hair to pull him closer as I ride out my orgasm and come harder than I have in my life.”
Profile Image for jenniferlea.
382 reviews13 followers
April 13, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Ok I’m going to admit a little secret….one I’ve never told anyone & been serious about it….there have been a handful of books I’ve read where I’ve either wished I was the FMC or that I wished book events would happen in my life…enter Anna….that little heifer got to live my dream….well only kinda…it is still a book after all

this was a fun & quick read….I think I finished it in about an hour but there was a lot of story in a short amount of time….the twist at the end got me…I didn’t see it coming at all….now I’m ready for the next one…I need to see what kind of trouble Anna & James get into next
Profile Image for Roisin Robbins.
268 reviews12 followers
May 26, 2024
Undeclared Heir Review 
Irene Bahrd 

Rating 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 2 🌶🌶 

This novella is Act 1 in the  Expect the Unexpected romance series. Once again the Author has written a standout novella. I absolutely loved this Story and was so hooked I read this book in one sitting. 

It does end on a cliffhanger, so be prepared. That being said, I highly recommend you read this book. This author is fast becoming an auto read author for me. 
Profile Image for Bookish Rose.
152 reviews
May 1, 2024
"SMACK! My book hits my forehead and nose, narrowly missing my eye. I check the time, and, shit, how is it already two in the morning? I have work in four hours, but I need to know if James is going to take a fake wife… I already know. It’s the fourteenth time I’ve read this one... Fake dating is never fake. I’ve yet to read a book where they part ways to live their best lives separately and not madly in love."
At this point, I feel almost like an Irene Bahrd stan, but this is a side we haven’t seen of her we haven’t seen yet… and I love it. Of course, the usual “famous” Irene ingredients are present in this story, too. However, the comedy in this story was upped to the tenth degree. I mean, you wake up as a character in your favorite Regency-era romance and the swoony male main character now has eyes for you. What? Do you accept his “affection” (if you know, you know), or do you try to maintain the integrity of the original story? We shall see… but the cliffhanger here is criminal.
“’Right, yes. Of course. I am still tired. I meant a’—what the fuck is it called here?— ‘chamberpot...’ She retrieves what can only be explained as the fanciest porcelain bowl I’ve ever seen in my life. Do I squat? Do I hold it? ‘May I have some privacy?’ Damn, my accent is fucking amazing! Priv-ah-see. Whenever I wake up from this fever dream, I’m forever going to pronounce it this way.”
📖
As I said before, this cliffhanger was criminal! Irene totally warned us about it, but I wasn’t expecting THAT! (The series is aptly named... well done, Irene, well done.) Otherwise, this was such a fun read. I feel like everyone fantasizes about dropping into their favorite book, so to see that storyline play out was quite entertaining and mysterious. I simply cannot wait for Act II later this summer!!!
Profile Image for Jen.
1,091 reviews10 followers
April 12, 2024
Undeclared Heir is Act One in the Expect the Unexpected romance series. Anna wakes up inside her favorite regency romance and isn’t sure how to get out. She doesn’t want to ruin the plot of the story and become the main character, but Prince James is also so hard to resist. Will Anna be able to find her way out of this romance novel or will she be stuck in a fictional romance forever?

The description of this book was so intriguing that I knew I had to read it. Who wouldn’t want to wake up in their favorite romance novel and have some fun? I am not usually a regency romance fan, but the fact that Anna seems to have fallen into her favorite genre made this regency romance appealing to me. After reading this, I am still not a regency romance fan, but I really did love this read. This first part of the series is short and super easy to read, but it ends on a cliffhanger that will have you cursing the author right along with me. The book ends at a pivotal point in Anna’s story and I can’t wait to see what comes next. I really loved this short, steamy read and I really can’t wait to see what comes next. If you are a romance fan and are looking for a short romance with a great twist, give this book a try!
Profile Image for A.
330 reviews24 followers
April 10, 2024
There are mysterious happenings afoot that Anna can’t explain. Prince James is also quite confused, but is totally rolling with the whole situation. There are twists upon twists. I love the ending and can’t wait for more! Irene Bahrd, you are quite diabolical…but I love it! Thank you so much for letting me ARC this. I hope that everyone gives this a read! 😄

This is a fast paced novella that hits you in the face with all of your favorite romance novel ideas in the span of a couple dozen pages! Irene, as usual, had me from the ‘content warnings’ section in the first page.

I have no idea what is going to happen in part two, but Undeclared Heir hooked me in. I don’t want to give too much away. It’s a quick, fun read, so take my advice and give it a shot! You’ll also be sucked in by Anna and Prince James.

👑 “Your brother is a twætwaffle who is entitled to the crown but unmarried.”
👑 “I’m a f***ing liar. He could absolutely have his way with me.”
👑 “My hips buck against him as this red flag royal feasts on me like a clichéd starved man.”
Profile Image for Emmi (bookish_redpanda).
848 reviews44 followers
April 11, 2024
Actual rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice level: 🌶️.5

Bahrd has done it again with another fun, quick novella read.

I'm not one for historical/period fiction - it's just something that I've never been able to get into - but Bahrd's unique, fun way of writing made me break my "I don't read it" rule, and boy, I'm glad she did. Because this one such a good read.

It combines Bahrd's usual mix of romance and comedy in the novella, but this time, leaving you with a cliffhanger where you just want more. I can't write too much of this review without giving spoilers - and it's such a quick read that I encourage you to pick it up if you're reading this review - but if you want a fun, light-hearted, regency based romance with a bit of "WTF" happened, a dirty-talking prince of the time (seriously, James, I need more) and a girl who is so determined to believe she's stuck in one of her novels (though I wouldn't be complaining if I was Anna), then definitely pick this one up.

Not all is as it seems, and I cannot wait for the second part in this little series.
Profile Image for Megan Snyder.
94 reviews
April 25, 2024
Okay, I absolutely LOVED this novella, HATED the cliffhanger, and just *adored* the characters❤️

Anna is reading in bed one evening doing what we all do during those late night moments: Just one more chapter.

With work looming over her in just a few hours, she goes to bed, but when she wakes up, it is not in her bed, let alone, her own timeline. Anna has found herself as the main character in her favorite romantic novel. As she tries to navigate how she will get home, she is suddenly engaged to a prince who needs this marriage in order to become king.

But what happens when feelings are caught with this fictional character?

-

So. Once again, I loved this book! I blew through it and definitely let out a shriek when I realized how quickly I finished it! I love Irene's witty writing and loved the way the characters captivated each other. I am so excited for the next book in this series and will (im)patiently wait for it to come out!
Profile Image for Sharey.
90 reviews
April 26, 2024
"Undeclared Heir" by Irene Bahrd earns a solid 4 stars from me. So, imagine waking up as the main character in your favorite book. Sounds cool, right? Well, for Anna, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Trapped in a Regency novel, she must navigate the treacherous waters of romance with James, the prince with questionable intentions. The plot twists keep you on your toes, and just when you think you've got it all figured out, bam! Cliffhanger alert. Can't wait for the next book in the series!

This book was a rollercoaster ride from start to finish. The concept of waking up in your favorite book is intriguing, and Bahrd executes it brilliantly. My only gripe? It was over way too soon! But hey, that just means I'll be first in line for the sequel. If you're in the mood for a fast-paced, action-packed read with a dash of romance, "Undeclared Heir" is the book for you. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!
300 reviews7 followers
April 17, 2024
I do not normally read the Content Warnings in books, but when reading Irene Bahrd, I have learned it is a must. When this one started using words like "low(ish) spice" and "vanilla" it almost ended up in the dnf pile. I am SO GLAD it didn't! I loved the concept of the story, it is original, and provides several opportunities for laughs and unexpected twists and turns. The characters are amazing. Anna the female main character is hilarious without even trying to be. Prince James is just lovable enough for me to lift my ban on regency romance novels. The only thing that upset me about this super quick novella read? The dang cliffhanger, I am impatiently waiting for the next Act in this duet.
If you are over 18 and can read, then you need to read this novella, like right now, it is funny and fabulous and worth turning off the tv for the next hour for.
Profile Image for Celina.
284 reviews8 followers
May 27, 2024
Imagine reading your favorite book and finally deciding at 2 am that you just can't read one more chapter. It's officially time for bed. Sad moment right? But wait! As soon as you close your eyes, you awaken and soon realize that you're in the 18th century and smack in the middle of your favorite book.

You pinch yourself because obviously this isn't real. Ouch that actually hurt. So now you just go with the flow since it's just a dream until you realize you have replaced the main character and her no your betroth is now awaiting for you.

This is exactly what happens to Anna and she's kind of trapped there. She can't seem to wake herself from this dream. She keeps saying this isn't real and it's a fairy tale and she can't marry the prince. How is she supposed to go back home? She can't change the story of her favorite book either. What is she going to do?
Profile Image for Cheryl.
6,647 reviews237 followers
April 10, 2024
This novella is another great example of Irene's writing. If you are already a fan like me or new to the author, you will enjoy this quick read. Although be warned as this book does end on a cliffhanger. I need the next one now as I need to know what happens!

While Anna may have her guard up about finding herself transported within the pages of her favorite Regency romance and about to marry a Prince, this sounds like a win to me. I mean, I would not fight too hard if I found myself as the love interest to a book boyfriend or Prince.

The bedroom scene is one spicy scene. Umm, James using that tongue and d!ck of his. Which I agree with Anna that the description of it was written by a woman. Not that I am complaining. Gimmie more.
Profile Image for Dea Farrell.
860 reviews12 followers
April 15, 2024
Anna has read her favorite Regency romance fourteen times. One night, she goes to bed and then wakes up in the middle of that book. Prince James needs to wed in order to become King, but that can't happen if Anna falls in love with him and changes the way the book is written. Not everything is not as it seems in Anna's own romance novel.

Undeclared Heir is a recgency romcom with a bit of a twist. Anna thinks she wakes up in the middle of her favorite book, and the handsome Prince James is trying to marry her. She doesn’t want to ruin the author's book, so she's doing everything in her power to prevent that from happening. But Prince James is not only handsome, but he's highly persuasive. Just when things are starting to get good, bam! What a cliffhanger!
Profile Image for Rachel.
427 reviews2 followers
April 9, 2024
Thank you Irene for an early copy of Undeclared Heir. This is Act 1 in the Expect the Unexpected Series. A short and sweet novella available on April 12, 2024.

Anna does what every reader can only dream of, and that’s fall into the story of the book she’s reading. She thinks it’s all dream, when she awakes to a time period unlike her own. She does her best to keep from destroying her favorite book … but Prince James is determined to get what he wants. Ends in a cliffhanger!

4.5⭐️
1🌶️

Tropes:
Regency period
He falls first
Instalove
Cliffhanger

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Laura Gerez.
421 reviews12 followers
April 10, 2024
ARC Review of Undeclared Heir by Irene Bahrd 👑

This book had me on the edge of my seat for the whole 30 minutes it took me to finish it!

Basically to sum it up, Anna while rereading her favorite book gets sucked into the story which is not quite the same as before and she’s experiencing the story herself.
I legit thought this was genius, I am definitely rooting for them and the last chapter had me GASPING!

Bear with me but it ends in a cliffhanger, still worth every minute tho! Ecstatic for the next book already!!😍

This novella is coming out April 12th on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️/5

@ReadingLaurasLibrary
#Happyreading
Profile Image for Lulu.
575 reviews
April 14, 2024
URGH Cliffhangers! So this is a duet, book out will be out in august!!! 🥺). Y’all know how I feel about cliffhangers!!! It’s a crime to make us wait! 😭😭😭

BUT it’s also a privilege that I get to read Irene’s books in advance so I can’t complain too much! 😂😅. And dannngggg!!! For all those who love those open door scenes 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🔥🔥🔥🔥

I mean this was a novella BUT I WANTED IT TO BE A FULL ON BOOK! For us dreamers with out book boyfriends, Anna’s came true!?! How fun is that?!? Please go read this now!

𝗧𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽𝗲𝘀:
💙Romantic Parody
💙He falls first
💙Instalove
💙Regency Novella
💙Spicy

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Julia Rick.
104 reviews
April 15, 2024
Waking up as the main character in your favorite book sounds like a dream come true, except when the MMC starts going off script. What do you do, try to get the book back on track or just go with it? I’m with Anna give in and enjoy! This book is hilarious and had me laughing out loud so much. It is a fast paced wild ride. This is definitely every Brigerton fans dream come true. There is not a lot of spice but oh the spice it has is fantastic. Trust me you will want a piano after. I love James because who doesn’t want a man who knows who he wants. Be warned oh what a cliff hanger we get left on but totally worth it.
Favorite Quote “It’s mine now. “
Profile Image for Nichole Johnson .
350 reviews14 followers
April 9, 2024
As always, Irene did not disappoint with this little romantic comedy novella. The plot is unlike anything I have ever read and I think it is so awesome and creative. I don't want to say too much and spoil anything. It has lots of great banter between the main characters, which is always a plus. Irene even threw in some of her signature "spice", IYKYK!! I highly enjoyed everything about this novella, except the cliffhanger! I mean who really loves cliffies? I highly recommend giving this short novella a read, I promise you will want to read more!
Profile Image for Tiffany.
824 reviews19 followers
April 11, 2024
What would you do if you ended up in one of your favorite books as a character? Would you go along with it? Would you express what is suppose to happen out loud to the other characters?! That is what happened here and it was so fun!
The last chapter had me longing for more!

Always a fun surprise when an Irene Bahrd ARC shows up in my inbox! I can always expect banter, tension and sexy times.
This book hit all of those!

Spice 2/5
Profile Image for Jenny .
379 reviews6 followers
April 13, 2024
Oh my gosh, I absolutely devoured this story! Irene knows just how to grab your attention and keep it. The characters are great, the banter is hilarious, and the spice is capital H o t!! Now I have to keep myself distracted while I wait for Undeclared Heiress to be released...

Thanks, again, Irene, for having me on your ARC team. I'm always excited to see what you come up with next!

Thanks for my gifted copy. I am voluntarily writing and sharing my honest review.
Profile Image for Barbara Huff.
138 reviews
April 15, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is act one in Expect the Unexpected romance series. I just loved how this book was written. Anna has fallen into her favorite regency romance and finds herself involved with James. From there, the story has such an interesting turn of events. This ends on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to find out what develops between these characters. If you love a short romance with a lot of story, then give this a read. You won’t be disappointed.
Profile Image for Lora Smith.
80 reviews4 followers
May 3, 2024
Ah, Anna & James, what a pair! When Anna finds herself trapped in the pages of her favorite romance novel with the rakish Prince James, she decides to just go with it. Delicious sexy times ensue. It’s difficult to review a novella without spoilers, so just take my word that it’s fantastic and pick up a copy.
Warning: this story is divided into two acts and ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. I’ll be devouring act II as soon as it’s available.
772 reviews22 followers
April 10, 2024
Ooo how much I loved this Novella! It was such a quick, funny, steamy, read!!! Love Anna and James. Hate to admit it but, I can honestly say I’m jelly of Anna for sure lol You can’t blame though… The way it ended I gasped like what? I can’t wait for the next part. I will be patiently waiting…. Maybe not patiently, but you get it lol
Profile Image for Morgan Young.
241 reviews12 followers
April 11, 2024
Irene does it again, absolute QUEEN of quick spicy novellas. This is such a fun little read, Anna gets what every female reader dreams of…thrown into the book with the hot prince. The plot is fast paced and both funny and relatable.

Thank you to the author for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! ✨
Profile Image for Danielle Coon-Davis.
202 reviews7 followers
April 11, 2024
Ok, for anyone that has seen my other reviews, they know that I absolutely love Irene. However, this cliffhanger is just unfair, even if I did know about it! Of course, this has signature Irene spice that is undeniable. I absolutely loved James and Anna and loved the play on the fictional man that we all wish was real life. I cannot wait for book 2.

Thanks for letting me read this early!
23 reviews
April 12, 2024
ARC REVIEW

If you're expecting your usual spice with Irene's books, this book has SOME spice, but not too much. I'd say it's about 2/5 rating for spice. If you're in Regency Romances that is on the bit more tame side, this book is for you!

I loved the romance between Anna and James. It is a quick read and be prepared for a cliffhanger as there will be a part 2!
Profile Image for Claire.
590 reviews11 followers
April 13, 2024
This was such a fun story and a wonderful regency era parody. Anna and James were so great together and I loved the banter they had and the spicy moments were great. That cliffhanger was unexpected, but I am very much looking forward to the next book to see how everything ends up. Thank you to Irene Bahrd for the ARC of this hilarious and spicy ARC.
Profile Image for Neia Quaintance.
486 reviews10 followers
April 13, 2024
Omgoodness lol Anna is so funny she is trapped inside her favorite book and doesn't know how to get out. Prince James is supposed to get married, and he takes to a likin, Anna. This novella has lots of laughs and is so good. This novella leaves on a cliffhanger, and I can't wait to read the next one.
Profile Image for Dani.
55 reviews
April 16, 2024
This novella was amazing. It was spicy, flirty, very unexpected, but another amazing book from the also amazing Irene Bahrd.

I cannot wait for the second of this little novella to come out later this year! I cannot believe that Irene left us like that. The wait will truly be killer, but the second will surely be worth the wait.
Profile Image for Brie Reilly.
67 reviews4 followers
April 20, 2024
This was a funny Pride and Prejudice type feel and I loved that it brought it to real life as well. I was laughing and sitting on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what was next! Irene Bahrd you did it again, you create everything that I love to read and it is so quick and easy to pick up your books!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews

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