Ready to Snap

Needing to Score #4

by Irene Bahrd

As the New York Cougars’ media director, Elle Davis has spent the past few years cleaning up Will Darling’s image. The quarterback doesn’t make it easy—arguing with Elle at every turn to mask his feelings for her. With clauses in both of their contracts prohibiting a romantic relationship, fighting their attraction isn’t just smart; it’s a necessity.

When a dating app matches the unlikely pair, Will makes the snap decision to risk everything for one night to prove worthy of her. But in the light of day, there’s more at stake than just their hearts. Resisting Will’s charm is no longer an option for Elle, but is she finally ready to choose the one man she’s always wanted?

Ready to Snap 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...

Genres: Audiobook, Sports Romance

Unknown Binding

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

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

~Alc Review~
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶

~Ready To Snap~Needing To Score Series #4~Irene Bahrd~

~Dual Narration~Lucy Rivers & Denver Adams~

~Production~High Gravity Production~

"Well, you can't fault a man for trying. You're easily the most powerful woman I've ever met, and it's not as if I can blame the dress. You could be wearing a fucking potato sack and I'd happily bend you over right here and eat you from behind just for the chance to hear you moan my name."

♡This was my first read by Irene & I loved every second of it! This was a spicy, quick, enemies-to-lovers sports romance & I devoured it! The relationship between Ella & Will is swoon-worthy & shows that if someone truly loves you they will do hard things in the name of love!

The dual narration for this audiobook was fantastic! Lucy is one of my favorite narrators & she did an amazing job at bringing our sassy & strong social media manager FMC Ella to life! Denver is a new to me narrator & he did an amazing job at bringing our equally sassy, dirty-mouthed quarterback Will to life!

If you enjoy quick & spicy sports romances with banter that will bring tears to your eyes look no further!♡

~As Always Happy Reading~

[Hayley Gallant · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars 🌟🌟🌟.5 (rounded up)

Thank you so much to High Gravity for my copy!

This was my first book by Irene and it definitely won't be my last.

I found this story to be a lot of fun, full of tension and spice. I think my struggles were with the connections I was missing from the previous books/characters as this is the fourth book in a standalone series.

I also had a hard time with the female narrator. BUT the story itself was great. It had wonderful pacing, it had insta love vibes even though the characters had known each other for wild, we frenemies of sorts, with hidden crushes on each other.

I love how they ended up getting together and I really enjoyed all the work that they put into their relationship. It had the most perfect ending too.

You get:
• Contemporary Romance
• Spicy
• Short Read
• Football Player MMC
• Mental Health Rep
• Forced Proximity
• Secret Crushes

I recommend starting with book one of this series and continuing on down! Available on KU, ebook, paperback, and audiobook.

[jenniferlea · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Irene Bahrd is an auto read author for me….doesn’t matter what the genre is, I’ve never disappointed…sometimes I wish her novellas were a little longer…this one was the perfect length….it may of been short but there was a lot packed into the few pages

Will & Elle were frenemies but not really…with a non fraternization clause in both of their contractions it’s just easier to be mean than show your true feelings…but you know the old saying…if a little boy pulls your pigtails it’s because he likes you…Will spent two years tugging on Elle’s pigtails before he decided enough was enough…but he has told her she would die single with a ton of cats….can he get her to see what that truly was & give him a chance at the life they both deserve???
We have been told this is the last novella in the series…I’m hoping some of the characters from this series make an appearance on future books

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Will. I thought I couldn’t love anymore more than Alex but I was wrong.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ready to Snap
Needing to Score #4
By Irene Bahrd
Narrated by Lucy Rivers, Denver Adams

Will has been getting under Elle's skin for several years. He is tired of the chase now and with a little ingenuity he is going to turn things around. Now the question is, will she take the bait and will their jobs still be in tact when it all comes down? This nugget is so much fun, as the entire series has been. The chemistry is sizzling, the banter is provocative and funny and their feelings real. Letting the players we love and are his friends tease and give him sage advice is just icing on the cake. Don't miss this final installment of the series, it's fabulous.

Lucy Rivers and Denver Adams bring the fun listen alive! They have great chemistry that pours through the story, adding the banter and keeping the feelings real. I enjoyed this one!

[Amour.Rebelle.Reads (Bran.d) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ready to Snap is another win in the Needing to Score series, and y’all … where can I sign up for this therapy group? 😂 The mix of heart, humor, and a little bit of longing is absolutely my vibe. Lucy Rivers and Denver Adams brought Will& Elle to life perfectly — Lucy nails the emotional beats and sass, while Denver delivers that perfect blend of charm and depth. I laughed, I swooned, and I might have even wished I could pull up a chair in one of their sessions;)

If you’ve been loving this series, Will & Elle will keep you hooked from start to finish.

[Jennifer Wycech · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enemies to lovers
Workplace romance

Dual narration - Lucy Rivers & Denver Adams
Fantastic voices they did really good.

A fast paced romance story. This is a quick easy listen. Will Darling is a perfect book boyfriend. Making us ladies swoon. Elle is our fiesty FMC and I am here for it.

The love story is built up over two years of flirting. I wanted more of that time to see the tension build just a bit more. However I still enjoyed the story. They went from hating each other to jumping each other quickly. But in the timeline not really.

[Neia Quaintance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will and Elle's love story is really good and fast-paced. And I like how the other characters from the other books are interconnected cause I really liked readin their stories too.

[XenyMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edited to include ALC review:
Another book I love, that's been leveled up by the narrator's performance in the audiobook. I absolutely loved Lucy Rivers and Denver Adams as Elle and Will. They did an excellent job of bringing the characters and the story to life. Re-reading this in the audio version felt like meeting up with old friends and catching up.

----------

“When was the last time you let someone choose you?”

I swear no one writes a cinnamon roll like Irene Bahrd. These men just keep getting better with each book, and I am honestly going to miss this bunch.

I know when we see "man obsessed" in a trope list we think red flag, dark romance, and all those yummy things, but honestly, Will is such a freaking green flag it's not even funny. But even so, the way this man is obsessed with Elle is just *chef's kiss*.

I really enjoyed the dynamics between Will and Elle and the way that they pretended to hate each other when in reality they were both head over heels. I also loved how Elle didn't rush in. Even when she decided to give a relationship with Will a chance, she didn't just jump in and instead took her time to explore their relationship and see where it would go.

Quote: “When I figured out it would be you tonight, I saw my opening and took it. You’re one in a million, and I’d be a fucking idiot to not go for it. Give me one chance to show you how you deserve to be treated.”

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ready to Snap is a steamy, quick-paced sports romance that will have you rooting for the enemies-to-lovers trope from the very first page.


As the media director for the New York Cougars, Elle Davis has spent the last few years cleaning up her team’s star quarterback's image. The only problem? Will Darling seems determined to make her job difficult, arguing with her at every turn to mask his feelings for her. With a non-fraternization clause in both of their contracts, fighting their attraction is not just smart—it's a necessity.

But you know the old saying: if a boy pulls your pigtails, it's because he likes you. After two years of Will's playful taunts, a dating app finally matches the unlikely pair. Will, a man who once told Elle she would "die single with a ton of cats," makes a snap decision to risk everything for one night to prove he’s worthy of her.

Their relationship is a perfect storm of sassy banter, undeniable chemistry, and swoon-worthy moments that prove someone who truly loves you will do hard things. This was my first read by Irene Bahrd, and I absolutely devoured it, loving the fast-paced, spicy dynamic between the strong-willed Elle and the equally sassy Will.

The dual narration for the audiobook, performed by Lucy Rivers and Denver Adams, was fantastic. Lucy brings our fiery media manager to life, while Denver perfectly captures the equally sassy and charming quarterback. If you're a fan of quick and steamy sports romances with banter that will make you laugh, look no further!

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kass · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ready to Snap is book four in the Needing to Score series and is the story of Elle and Will. This is a coworkers to lovers, football, mutual pining romance.

Elle is the media director for the New York Cougars football team and she has spent the past few years cleaning up the image of their star quarterback, Will. However, Will has fought her each step of the way and sometimes their fights feel more life foreplay. Unfortunately, there are clauses in both of their contracts prohibiting a romantic relationship so fighting their attraction isn't just smart, it is necessary. When a dating app random matches them for a date, Will makes the decision to risk everything to prove to Elle that their connection is worth fighting for.

This book was a short novella/audiobook that was sweet, spicy and a good way to spend a few hours getting lost in Will and Elle's story. Lucy Rivers and Denver Adams did a wonderful job narrating this audiobook and brought the characters to life very well and made you feel the connection and emotions perfectly. This audiobook was provided by High Gravity Productions and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[BookishLatinaJenn (Jennifer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ready to Snap, Neding to Score Series Book 4
🎧 Narrated by Lucy Rivers & Denver Adams
Thank you to Irene Bahrd & High Gravity Productions for this ALC! 💖

Enemies-to-lovers ✅
Sports romance ✅
Man obsessed ✅
Forbidden workplace romance ✅

Will Darling may be a dirty-mouthed, cocky quarterback, but underneath all that swagger is one massive green flag. His obsession with Elle? Chef’s kiss. This man said I need you? Bent over? While moaning her name (and 💦 in his pants?) Sir, please. 🫠 His level of dedication spoke to my SOUL.

Lucy Rivers crushed it as Elle, she is smart, sassy, and not afraid to put this QB in his place. Denver Adams was new to me, but his Will is pure panty-melting perfection. Together? 🔥🔥🔥 That banter had me cackling one second and fanning myself the next.

This novella is quick, spicy, and full of delicious push-pull tension. And the best part? Elle makes Will work for it, even in less under 3.5 hours. Because a man willing to risk it all and put in the effort? That’s the real touchdown. 🏈 We love a simpy down bad man!

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟/🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Format: Audiobook - Dual narration by Lucy Rivers and Denver Adams
Series / Standalone: Interconnected Standalone (Needing to Score, Book 4)
Tropes: Novella, Rom Com, Sports, Mental Health Rep, Grumpy/Sunshine

Thanks to High Gravity Productions and the author for this ALC - all opinions are my own

Elle and Will

I love the premise of this series with the MMCs being a part of an online therapy group for athletes. While I could tell this is part of an interconnected series, Elle and Will’s story can easily be read as a standalone. There is impressive relationship development for such a short story. My heart really went out to them both.

The narration was phenomenal. Lucy River’s has such a sweet sound to her voice, but her masc tone is impressive! It’s such a bonus for this dual-style audio. Denver Adams is new to me but I will definitely be looking out for more from him in the future. His skill at switching between accents caught my attention quick and he kept it throughout. Loved this and listened straight through.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

ღ BOOK REVIEW ღ
📖 Ready To Snap
✩✩✩✩

𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔~

Ella head of media relations and Will the quarterback that she has helped reform his image over the last two years. When there is a no fraternization policy what do you do but hide your feelings until enough is enough and throw a Hail Mary for the win. This was a short novella but is packed with everything you could want. The frienemies to lovers, banter, laughs and spice. I really enjoyed the continued mental health rep that we have seen in the previous books of the series.

If you haven’t read any of the others in this series that’s ok this can be read as a standalone but maximum experience and enjoyment would be to read in order.

..𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒂𝒍𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒘𝒓𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒅 𝒖𝒑 𝒊𝒏 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒂𝒈𝒆.

• romantic comedy • novella • slow burn • mental health rep • sports romance • accidental blind date • Frenemies to lovers

[Michelle Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:
Story: 4.5 stars Narration: 5 stars Overall: 4.5 stars

Welcome back to the Needing to Score series. This is the story of Will and Elle. These two have been “salty” with each other since Will joined the team. The main reason? Mutual attraction. Of course this is forbidden by team rules. What happens when they are matched on a dating app? Well, don’t just sit there-listen and find out!!
The dual narration by Lucy Rivers and Denver Adams was extraordinary. Lucy Rivers captured Elle’s “take no prisoners” attitude perfectly. Her sweet yet sassy tone was brilliant. Denver Adams(new to me narrator) was spectacular. His portrayal of cinnamon roll, obsessed Will was divine. He had a delightful sexy tone that was just for Elle. Their chemistry was palpable. They brought these characters, as well as all of the cameos, to life beautifully. I highly recommend listening to this audiobook.
Thanks to the author and High Gravity Productions for this ALC.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elle and Will’s story is so funny and entertaining. They banter every day at work. She has to help him clean up his image because she’s the relations coordinator at the team he plays for. He acts smart every time and bickers so he annoys her incessantly.

It’s always banter filled and at some point he wants that to change. And so the opportunity arises when they match on a dating app, for him to make his move.
They have a no fraternization policy going on and it’s gonna be a challenge for them for sure.
This is such a fun Novela Elle and Will’s story for sure closes up the whole series in the best way, and it’s all these characters are so fun and amazing and yeah if you don’t read Irene’s books you are seriously missing out on one of life’s joys. because yeah if this isn’t the perfect romcom with a lot of spice, I don’t know what is.

[Victoria Shelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing, literally read within a few hours. Will is the last man in the therapy group and you finally get to see him find his happily ever after. Will finally with the help of his friends and therapist push him to finally put his feelings towards Elle out there and tell her how he feels about her. Both are on the same dating app site, Will figures out that he got matched with Elle first. Their interaction at the bar had me rolling laughing the entire time. The penthouse action was hot, let me just say, Mr. Darling will have you thinking is there a man out in the real world like him or his tongue. The banter between both is hilarious.. I absolutely recommend this entire series to anyone. The ending was perfect.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect way to round out the Needing to Score series! I absolutely LOVED this story and the chemistry between Elle and Will. I loved the heat and the passion and seeing them finally get together after the hints sprinkled in the previous books. AND OH MY GOD THE SPICE.

These four books are absolute perfection and Ready to Snap is the perfect ending to this series bringing together the strands of the interconnected romcoms together in the most satisfying fashion. Elle and Will are fantastic together. We get a workplace romance, frenemies to lovers, he falls firsts, mental health rep, and oh the mouth on this man because OF COURSE ... he's written by Irene Bahrd after all! If you haven't been reading this series? What are you waiting for!

[Lauren Curley]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 4 Stars
🌶🌶 - Spice Level

🎧 - Lucy Rivers
🎧 - Denver Adams

This was a quick read about the PR director Elle, who's been cleaning the QB's (Will) image for years. Both have been pinning for each other for those years disguised as love/hate. When they are finally matched on a blind date app and finally get their chance to tell the truth. They have a spicy night together, and feelings are admitted. Very sweet ending.

I enjoyed the narrators bringing this quick read together as each main character comes to terms with being each other's forever. Both are new to me narrators, but not the last I'll have them read to me.

Thank you, author and High Galaxy, for the ALC. Coming soon to audiobook catalogs.

[Nichole Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

With each book in the Needing to Score Series, I thought I found my favorite MMC. Oh boy, was I so wrong. I wasn't prepared for Will Darling! Will is absolutely swoon-worthy. He is such a sarcastic pain, but he met his match with the fiesty media relations director, Elle. Elle is always cleaning up his messes, but what happens when they both find themselves in a mess?! This was such a fun, quick read. You get all the fun tropes like forbidden workplace romance, just one night, and a grumpy cinnamon-roll MMC who absolutely loves to eat (IYKYK)! I highly enjoyed this book and absolutely loved each book in this series.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to agree with Elle that "Bill" is not a name that I really would be thrilled to say in the bedroom. Thank goodness that William goes by Will. Although, I loved then Elle called Will by his last name, Darling.

Will is a sweetheart. He actually is down to earth and really cares and protects the ones he loves. Will having such a close relationship with his mom is very endearing. Him sending her flowers every time that he missed Sunday family dinner.

Irene scores another winner with this book! I absolutely love this book. Irene brings both the humor and spice that I love about her books. Just like the title of the book, you better be "ready to snap" up this book!

[Janelle Sequin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love reading Irene Bahrd books anything she writes is a must read for me.

We met Ellie & Will in this book, Will is a quarterback and Ellie is the media director for the team that Will plays football for. She is also spent the last few years cleaning up Will’s mange. When the unlikely thing happens and they get matched up on a dating app Will makes the decision that he is ready to prove himself for one night only but they have a really good connection between each other and are they willing to risk it all.


I really enjoyed reading Ellie & Will story.

[Julia Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect finish to my favorite novella series. Who knew sports romance could be so fun! Will and Elle get more than they bargained for signing up for a dating app. I LOVE their dynamic it’s fun, flirty, and honest besides who doesn’t want someone who can call you on your BS. It’s a fun quick wild ride that gives you all the good cinnamon roll vibes. I am absolutely going to miss these guys but love how even Will meet his match and yet didn’t seem to dibble the ball. Don’t be shy come on and hit the showers with these 2.

[Erin Stapel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio:

I always love these little listens. They are shorter, but that doesn't mean the story lacks tension, fun, and spice. Lucy Rivers and Denver Adams were fantastic to listen to. The chemistry is delivered through the story, and it shows they do an excellent job narrating together. Will and Elle are more of a match than they realized. Banter and teasing that gives us the frenemies vibe that has me laughing while waiting to see what happens next. I love this little series and the characters as we get to revisit them from time to time.

[Johanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so much fun to read!

I loved the dynamic between the guys!

I love that even though they went from “enemies” to lovers FAST and their relationship timeline was sped up due to years of flirting the story seemed plausible and real.

I loved how he treated her with so much respect and tenderness while still being a typical alpha football player lol

They were really good together ❤️

[Ainsley Rhodes · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ This was quick, witty & spicy! 🌶

"When was the last time you let someone choose you?" 🤍

My first Irene Bahrd, but definitely not my last - time to go read all the others in this series! This was a sports romance, but also a forbidden workplace love, that I enjoyed more than I thought I would. The audio was a well done duet style narration and the boyfriend is top notch. Honestly just wish it were longer!

"I'm going to spend the rest of my life choosing you" 🤍

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ready to Snap is a super quick, flirty, and fun novella with great banter and an adorable story. I really enjoyed these two and how they turned an unlikely pairing into forever.

On audio, Lucy Rivers and Denver Adams did a great job voicing these characters and bringing out the fun in their relationship. While it was quick, it was really enjoyable.

Thank you to Irene Bahrd and High Gravity Audio for the ALC.

[Joy Parsons · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book truly captivated me with its compelling narrative and the richly developed, deeply engaging characters that populated its pages. I was particularly impressed by the narrators, who were exceptionally well-suited to their respective roles, flawlessly bringing the story to life and significantly enhancing the overall listening experience, making it a truly memorable read.

I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Britni Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75, I feel like I should have read the first 3 books before this one. But I was sent an ALC of this, and jumped right in.

Narrated by Denver Adams & Lucy Rivers.

I just have to say, Mr. Adams, I LOVE your voice. Listening to you narrate was a pleasure. Thank you.

This book is spicy and definitely worth the listen just for Denver's voice alone.

[Melanie Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review: 4.5⭐️
Ready to Snap is book 4 in the Needing to Score series featuring Will Darling & Elle Davis.

Will & Elle haven’t seen eye to eye over the last few years as Elle has had to clean up a number of Wills mistakes as the PR director for his football team.

When they’re matched by a dating site, Will decides it’s time to convince Elle that the line between love and hate is fine and that they are perfect for one another.

With no fraternization clauses in their contracts, will they risk being involved with one another even if it could end one or both of their careers ?

This was a spicy little novella that packed a lot of punch! I couldn’t wait for Will & Elle and Irene did not disappointment with them!

Thank you Irene for the ARC, I can’t wait to see what comes next !