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First Loves and Second Chances #1
Enforced Proximity
Fifteen years after their whirlwind college romance ended in heartbreak, Olivia Harris and Isaac Banks are no longer two hopeful students chasing impossible dreams. As the newly-elected Governor of California, she’s now a rising star with a reputation to protect. While she spent her time focused on serving her community, Isaac followed in his family’s footsteps, becoming the Canadian Prime Minister—never forgetting the girl who got away.
After years apart, a single phone call stirs up old feelings, but as they navigate political pressures and relentless scrutiny, a second chance with a first love seems impossible.
When the presidential inauguration and an international summit bring Olivia and Isaac back together, sparks reignite and old wounds reopen. In a world driven by optics and power, falling for each other again could threaten everything they’ve worked for, forcing them to choose between walking away a second time or risking it all to be with the one person they’ve always loved.
Enforced Proximity is a deliciously spicy, second chance romantic comedy. It is intended for mature audiences.
After years apart, a single phone call stirs up old feelings, but as they navigate political pressures and relentless scrutiny, a second chance with a first love seems impossible.
When the presidential inauguration and an international summit bring Olivia and Isaac back together, sparks reignite and old wounds reopen. In a world driven by optics and power, falling for each other again could threaten everything they’ve worked for, forcing them to choose between walking away a second time or risking it all to be with the one person they’ve always loved.
Enforced Proximity is a deliciously spicy, second chance romantic comedy. It is intended for mature audiences.
- GenresSecond ChanceRomance
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 13, 2026
About the author
Irene Bahrd
59 books194 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 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 21, 2026
This is definitely a “if he wanted to he would” story
Isaac (Canadian) wanted Olivia (American) in his life point blank period but felt like obligation to his country got in his way….Olivia felt the same way about Isaac but when he broke her heart she moved on….
15 years later Isaac made good on his promise to Olivia…that’s where their story took off….the only problem, Isaac not only broke Olivia’s heart he crushed her ability to love fully….can he repair what he broke & give her the happily ever after she wanted or will their careers get in the way???
I thought their story was going to start as a meet cute…it was more a love at first sight….it just took Olivia a little longer to see Isaac…I love their story though….so much life was lived between the two of them separately in that 15 years….& it helps that Jaclyn & Ileah was there to help pull some strings
I am ready for book two & see what shenanigans these two get into
Isaac (Canadian) wanted Olivia (American) in his life point blank period but felt like obligation to his country got in his way….Olivia felt the same way about Isaac but when he broke her heart she moved on….
15 years later Isaac made good on his promise to Olivia…that’s where their story took off….the only problem, Isaac not only broke Olivia’s heart he crushed her ability to love fully….can he repair what he broke & give her the happily ever after she wanted or will their careers get in the way???
I thought their story was going to start as a meet cute…it was more a love at first sight….it just took Olivia a little longer to see Isaac…I love their story though….so much life was lived between the two of them separately in that 15 years….& it helps that Jaclyn & Ileah was there to help pull some strings
I am ready for book two & see what shenanigans these two get into
September 15, 2026
had zero plot and it felt like i didn’t even know the characters or like the characters had any personality
March 16, 2026
♾️ 5 Prime Minister stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
3.5🌶
3.5🌶
Review of advance copy received from Author
Enforced Proximity by Irene Bahrd was such a fun and addictive read. From the moment I started this book I knew I was in for something special. It blends second chance romance, political tension, and undeniable chemistry in a way that keeps you completely hooked.
Olivia Harris and Isaac Banks have the kind of love story that lingers long after the pages end. Fifteen years after their college romance ended, they have both built incredibly powerful lives. Olivia is now the Governor of California and Isaac has become the Prime Minister of Canada. Seeing these two come back into each other’s orbit after all that time made every moment feel charged with emotion and history.
What I loved most about this story was the depth of their connection. You can feel that their love never truly faded. Every conversation, every lingering look, and every shared memory carried so much weight. The tension between them was fantastic because they are not just dealing with old heartbreak. They are also navigating the pressures of public life, political scrutiny, and the reality that their choices could impact far more than just their own hearts.
Irene Bahrd did such a great job balancing humor, heart, and heat. The banter between Olivia and Isaac is sharp and playful, but underneath it is this powerful emotional pull that makes you root for them the entire time. Their chemistry is undeniable and the spicy moments are written with just the right amount of intensity.
Enforced Proximity is a beautiful reminder that first loves do not always fade and sometimes the right person finds their way back to you when the timing finally aligns. If you love second chance romance, powerful characters, and stories where love has to fight its way through real life obstacles, this book is absolutely worth reading.
A solid five star read for me. I was completely invested in Olivia and Isaac’s story and could not put it down.
Olivia Harris and Isaac Banks have the kind of love story that lingers long after the pages end. Fifteen years after their college romance ended, they have both built incredibly powerful lives. Olivia is now the Governor of California and Isaac has become the Prime Minister of Canada. Seeing these two come back into each other’s orbit after all that time made every moment feel charged with emotion and history.
What I loved most about this story was the depth of their connection. You can feel that their love never truly faded. Every conversation, every lingering look, and every shared memory carried so much weight. The tension between them was fantastic because they are not just dealing with old heartbreak. They are also navigating the pressures of public life, political scrutiny, and the reality that their choices could impact far more than just their own hearts.
Irene Bahrd did such a great job balancing humor, heart, and heat. The banter between Olivia and Isaac is sharp and playful, but underneath it is this powerful emotional pull that makes you root for them the entire time. Their chemistry is undeniable and the spicy moments are written with just the right amount of intensity.
Enforced Proximity is a beautiful reminder that first loves do not always fade and sometimes the right person finds their way back to you when the timing finally aligns. If you love second chance romance, powerful characters, and stories where love has to fight its way through real life obstacles, this book is absolutely worth reading.
A solid five star read for me. I was completely invested in Olivia and Isaac’s story and could not put it down.
June 8, 2026
This book is such a fun, emotional, and high-stakes second chance romance with a political twist that kept me hooked 😩📚
Olivia Harris and Isaac Banks’ story begins fifteen years after their college romance ended in heartbreak, and the tension between them is still very much alive. Now both in powerful political positions — she as Governor of California and he as the Canadian Prime Minister — their reunion feels impossible, complicated, and incredibly charged 🖤🔥
What I loved most is how their past and present constantly collide. Every interaction feels layered with history, regret, and everything they never got closure on. You can really feel that they were each other’s first love… and maybe still their only real one 😭
The political setting adds a unique pressure to their relationship. With media scrutiny, public image, and international responsibilities constantly in the background, even the smallest moment between them feels loaded and risky. It makes their chemistry even more intense because they are always one step away from everything falling apart 🖤
Isaac and Olivia together are pure second-chance magic. Their connection feels mature, emotional, and deeply rooted in who they were and who they’ve become. There’s a constant push-and-pull between duty and desire that makes their story so addictive to read 🔥
Overall, this is a spicy, emotional, and entertaining second-chance romance about love that never really disappeared — only paused. It’s heartfelt, intense, and surprisingly addictive from start to finish.
Olivia Harris and Isaac Banks’ story begins fifteen years after their college romance ended in heartbreak, and the tension between them is still very much alive. Now both in powerful political positions — she as Governor of California and he as the Canadian Prime Minister — their reunion feels impossible, complicated, and incredibly charged 🖤🔥
What I loved most is how their past and present constantly collide. Every interaction feels layered with history, regret, and everything they never got closure on. You can really feel that they were each other’s first love… and maybe still their only real one 😭
The political setting adds a unique pressure to their relationship. With media scrutiny, public image, and international responsibilities constantly in the background, even the smallest moment between them feels loaded and risky. It makes their chemistry even more intense because they are always one step away from everything falling apart 🖤
Isaac and Olivia together are pure second-chance magic. Their connection feels mature, emotional, and deeply rooted in who they were and who they’ve become. There’s a constant push-and-pull between duty and desire that makes their story so addictive to read 🔥
Overall, this is a spicy, emotional, and entertaining second-chance romance about love that never really disappeared — only paused. It’s heartfelt, intense, and surprisingly addictive from start to finish.
March 16, 2026
Thank you to the author for this ARC.
OMG—what a ride. This is the kind of love story that just grabs you and refuses to let go.
We’ve got second chances, long distance, high-stakes political lives… and tension that absolutely delivers.
Olivia and Isaac were beautifully built as characters. They met in college, where Isaac spent months quietly in love with her before finally making his move. Fast forward 15 years—Isaac is now the Prime Minister of Canada, and Olivia has just been appointed Governor of California. Two powerful people, two separate lives… until one phone call reignites everything.
The question is—can Olivia truly forgive Isaac for how things ended? And even if she can… is there any realistic way to make this work now?
This story is steamy, emotional, and packed with that delicious, slow-burn tension. And Isaac? Swoony doesn’t even begin to cover it—add the glasses and it’s game over.
Also… the author’s note? Let’s just say the promises made there are very much fulfilled. (If you know, you know 👀)
This one is absolutely going on my recommendation list.
Go grab a copy… and maybe charge your buzz buzz in advance.
OMG—what a ride. This is the kind of love story that just grabs you and refuses to let go.
We’ve got second chances, long distance, high-stakes political lives… and tension that absolutely delivers.
Olivia and Isaac were beautifully built as characters. They met in college, where Isaac spent months quietly in love with her before finally making his move. Fast forward 15 years—Isaac is now the Prime Minister of Canada, and Olivia has just been appointed Governor of California. Two powerful people, two separate lives… until one phone call reignites everything.
The question is—can Olivia truly forgive Isaac for how things ended? And even if she can… is there any realistic way to make this work now?
This story is steamy, emotional, and packed with that delicious, slow-burn tension. And Isaac? Swoony doesn’t even begin to cover it—add the glasses and it’s game over.
Also… the author’s note? Let’s just say the promises made there are very much fulfilled. (If you know, you know 👀)
This one is absolutely going on my recommendation list.
Go grab a copy… and maybe charge your buzz buzz in advance.
May 26, 2026
ARC Review: 4.5⭐️
Enforced Proximity is book 1 in the First Loves and Second Chances series featuring Isaac banks & Olivia Harris.
Isaac & Olivia have a coffee shop meet cute in college and spend the next few months inseparable.
Now fifteen years later, Isaac is the Prime Minister of Canada and Olivia is running for the governor of California. He always told her he would be the first to call her when she was elected to office, so when it’s announced she will won he calls and leaves a voicemail.
Olivia calls him back and they have a conversation. They know they’ll both be seeing one another again soon after all these years and talking is almost like they haven’t missed anytime.
When they do see one another again, Isaac knows he can’t let her slip away again and will stop at nothing to finally be with her. When their relationship is revealed to the public, how will it be received and will it impact their future?
I absolutely loved Isaac & Olivia’s second chance romance and I binged it basically in one sitting! I loved getting to meet some of the side characters who will likely play a part in future books and also getting to check in on some past favourites!
Thank you Irene for the ARC, sorry for the delayed review!
Enforced Proximity is book 1 in the First Loves and Second Chances series featuring Isaac banks & Olivia Harris.
Isaac & Olivia have a coffee shop meet cute in college and spend the next few months inseparable.
Now fifteen years later, Isaac is the Prime Minister of Canada and Olivia is running for the governor of California. He always told her he would be the first to call her when she was elected to office, so when it’s announced she will won he calls and leaves a voicemail.
Olivia calls him back and they have a conversation. They know they’ll both be seeing one another again soon after all these years and talking is almost like they haven’t missed anytime.
When they do see one another again, Isaac knows he can’t let her slip away again and will stop at nothing to finally be with her. When their relationship is revealed to the public, how will it be received and will it impact their future?
I absolutely loved Isaac & Olivia’s second chance romance and I binged it basically in one sitting! I loved getting to meet some of the side characters who will likely play a part in future books and also getting to check in on some past favourites!
Thank you Irene for the ARC, sorry for the delayed review!
March 18, 2026
Olivia and Isaac have a history together because they were together for a semester in college. Their love story is a slow burn political romance that keeps you turning the pages until the very end. Olivia has a background of living with parents that go from paycheck to paycheck and she has everything to prove. Isaac is from Canada and grew up with a different lifestyle. Their love story is the kinda of love that you don't forget and second chances mean everything. Spending time together in college and taking different paths their love never died. After 15 years, it was just liked they were able to pick up and fall for one another all over again. In the story, you follow their rekindle with running parallel to their careers. The side characters helping them once they realize they can’t not be together will make you want friends just like that. Cant wait for book two in this series to come out.
I could keep going and telling you every reason why this story melts your heart and gives you love in a society where there is always something happening but love does concur all.
I could keep going and telling you every reason why this story melts your heart and gives you love in a society where there is always something happening but love does concur all.
March 22, 2026
“I’d rather be your friend than spend another fifteen years not speaking.”
I love a book where the characters need to work for their hea, and this was just that. Add to that the second chance trope, and the Irene Bahrd romcom and you knownyou can't go wrong.
I absolutely loved all the sneaking around in this book. I found it absolutely hilarious how one moment both Isaac and Olivia would talk about how they need to be careful and stop sneaking around, and then 5 minutes later they're getting called out for not being careful.
Honestly, Olivia and Isaac are perfect. I love how supportive they are officially each other's careers, and how, no matter how much time has passed, they never stopped loving each other, and their love for each other is just as intense as when they first met.
Quote: “What if I fall more in love with you each day? What if you let me spend the rest of my life giving you the balance in your life that you crave? Out there, you’ll change the world for the better, but at home, you let me take care of you.”
I love a book where the characters need to work for their hea, and this was just that. Add to that the second chance trope, and the Irene Bahrd romcom and you knownyou can't go wrong.
I absolutely loved all the sneaking around in this book. I found it absolutely hilarious how one moment both Isaac and Olivia would talk about how they need to be careful and stop sneaking around, and then 5 minutes later they're getting called out for not being careful.
Honestly, Olivia and Isaac are perfect. I love how supportive they are officially each other's careers, and how, no matter how much time has passed, they never stopped loving each other, and their love for each other is just as intense as when they first met.
Quote: “What if I fall more in love with you each day? What if you let me spend the rest of my life giving you the balance in your life that you crave? Out there, you’ll change the world for the better, but at home, you let me take care of you.”
April 5, 2026
Thank you to Dragonfly Design and PR and Irene Bahrd for the Advanced Reader Copy of this book. This is my honest opinion of the book and is in no way influenced.
Okay, so much just happened in this book. Olivia and Isaac meet in college and have a heated relationship, but he leaves her behind in the USA to go back to his home in Canada. Fast forward 15+ years and he's Prime Minister of Canada and he hears the news that she has just won Governor of California and it's all hot and heavy from there! Wow! I'm actually not that much of a spicy book person, but for some reason I didn't mind this one. It was well written. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters. Olivia is a strong woman in a very strong political role. I love that the author threw in female president and vice president of the USA. Very cool. Female leader power! Loved it! So, there was more to the story than just the spicy romance. The ending was really great too! Can't wait to ready about Aubrey and James's story next!
Okay, so much just happened in this book. Olivia and Isaac meet in college and have a heated relationship, but he leaves her behind in the USA to go back to his home in Canada. Fast forward 15+ years and he's Prime Minister of Canada and he hears the news that she has just won Governor of California and it's all hot and heavy from there! Wow! I'm actually not that much of a spicy book person, but for some reason I didn't mind this one. It was well written. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters. Olivia is a strong woman in a very strong political role. I love that the author threw in female president and vice president of the USA. Very cool. Female leader power! Loved it! So, there was more to the story than just the spicy romance. The ending was really great too! Can't wait to ready about Aubrey and James's story next!
March 18, 2026
Loved, loved, loved this. Isaac's and Olivia's romance had me from the start. I really felt the connection, the angst, and the joy they experienced throughout the story.
This book was really hard for me to put down. I truly felt the heartbreak between them, and the stress of trying to hide things once they found their ways back together. It became absolutely necessary for me to know how things were going to work out!
There's great banter, a fantastic BFF (Aubrey), and plenty of fun schmexy times. On top of all that, the politics and the goals they were talking about really gave me a bit of hope, which I desperately needed, given the current state of things. Overall, I finished the read feeling satisfied, giddy, and uplifted, and I really can't ask for anything else in a romcom.
I always enjoy Irene's spicy books, and I feel so fortunate to have had the chance to read an advanced copy. Thank you to the author for having me on your ARC team. I am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
This book was really hard for me to put down. I truly felt the heartbreak between them, and the stress of trying to hide things once they found their ways back together. It became absolutely necessary for me to know how things were going to work out!
There's great banter, a fantastic BFF (Aubrey), and plenty of fun schmexy times. On top of all that, the politics and the goals they were talking about really gave me a bit of hope, which I desperately needed, given the current state of things. Overall, I finished the read feeling satisfied, giddy, and uplifted, and I really can't ask for anything else in a romcom.
I always enjoy Irene's spicy books, and I feel so fortunate to have had the chance to read an advanced copy. Thank you to the author for having me on your ARC team. I am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
March 22, 2026
Irene definitely knocked this second chance political rom-com out of the park! I was highly anticipating this read because I loved her Love & Politics Series, and I definitely wasn't disappointed. Olivia and Isaac's chemistry was off the charts from the first time they met. Their lives were moving in two different directions, and after 15 years the universe brought them back together. I loved the the whole storyline so much. Isaac is so swoon-worthy. He was so determined to make Olivia his, once and for all. I loved his caring, protective side, especially the little things he did for her. Olivia is a baddie all the way around. I loved she was a leader through and through, but could relax and let go with him. The little cameos of characters was awesome. Ill forever love Ned. This book had it all. Amazing banter, heat, yearning, and an amazing second chance at a happily ever after!
August 2, 2026
This was such a quick, cute, political adjacent, second-chance romance. Olivia and Isaac got together months before he returned to Canada and couldn't make the long-distance work. Fast forward 15 years, he is Prime Minister of Canada, and she is the newly elected governor of California. He had promised her he would call her when she was elected and made good on that promise. He is the love of her life and she is his and they had been pining for each other since they broke up. I really enjoyed that they had so many people in their corner, not just trying to protect them from outsiders, but also from each other. They got there in the end and I will definitely be reading the others in the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC reader here! This is the second book I’ve read by Irene Bahrd, and all I can think about is the fact I need to read all of her books! This book was sweet and spicy, though shorter than I had hoped (I want every book to just go on forever though). Olivia and Isaac are just perfect. So cute. I love them. Isaac is just so devoted and absolutely enamored with her. It’s clear he would do anything and everything for Olivia. I hope we get to see more of them! I stayed up late to finish; I say late rather loosely because I’m normally in bed about 8:30-9, but I stayed up until 10. It was worth it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A delightful, slow burn romance that stretches years with desire, yearning and political tension. I was hooked from the dedication and the prologue so be sure to not skip over that. The plot and romance builds right from the beginning and turns strong to the very end. We have dual POV and changing timelines to keep you interested in the build up.
Pick this up if you enjoy a slow burn romance that never faded over the years and if you enjoy a political plot line.
Thank you to @irenebahrdauthor for the early copy of the book.
#EnforcedProximity #IreneBahrd #romance #contemporaryromance #forcedproximity
Pick this up if you enjoy a slow burn romance that never faded over the years and if you enjoy a political plot line.
Thank you to @irenebahrdauthor for the early copy of the book.
#EnforcedProximity #IreneBahrd #romance #contemporaryromance #forcedproximity
August 14, 2026
I loved that Isaac and Olivia had that second chance at love despite all those treats they’d been apart. Their connection was instant like time never happened. And the fact that these two were able to make things work even though they both had busy jobs. These two were sweet and spicy with a few great laughs in between. I really enjoyed reading this one.
March 15, 2026
✔️dual first person pov
✔️spice
✔️second chance slow burn
✔️angst
I wanted to love it and loved them together so much but the back and forth and literal 15 years absence and her marrying someone else wtffff it annoyed me to no end.
✔️spice
✔️second chance slow burn
✔️angst
I wanted to love it and loved them together so much but the back and forth and literal 15 years absence and her marrying someone else wtffff it annoyed me to no end.
August 12, 2026
love a sweet romance
Everything I love reading in an escape romance was here. Olivia and Issac were long lost lovers who never stopped loving each other. I loved there was no angst or breakups despite them having very important jobs. Truly where there’s a will there’s a way
Everything I love reading in an escape romance was here. Olivia and Issac were long lost lovers who never stopped loving each other. I loved there was no angst or breakups despite them having very important jobs. Truly where there’s a will there’s a way
August 14, 2026
This author was new for me! I have also never read a political romance! I may be changing that!
This book of second chances was SO good! I love how they figured it out and were able to get their HEA! Very well written! Looking forward to the next book!
This book of second chances was SO good! I love how they figured it out and were able to get their HEA! Very well written! Looking forward to the next book!
May 24, 2026
Good read.
August 13, 2026
Irene’s books are always a fun blend of sweet and spicy mixed with a little bit of ridiculous and I’ve loved all of them. Super cute and spicy romance between two former loves.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews