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Mine with Extra Lime

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Emma

He was everywhere, at every turn. I couldn't avoid him, even if I tried. How could I, when he looked at me like I was his whole world?

Until one day, he didn't.

Now he wants another chance, but I don't know if I can trust him with my heart a second time.

Dylan

She was perfect…and I lost her. By the time I figured out that she was the one, it was too late.

I never stopped loving her and I plan on doing whatever it takes, to make her mine again

Mine with Extra Lime is a sweet and steamy second chance romantic comedy that has on-page mature themes and content. It is intended for mature audiences. As an interconnected stand-alone, it is a complete story, following Dylan and Emma’s love story. To see more from other characters in this book, be sure to check out the rest of the Top Shelf Romances series!

For a closed-door reading experience, there’s a Mocktail Special Edition—all the steam, minus the spice.

267 pages, ebook

Published February 3, 2023

119 people are currently reading
554 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
90 (28%)
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95 (29%)
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89 (27%)
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34 (10%)
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12 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
Profile Image for Chaoticmama87.
27 reviews
January 20, 2023
YALL! This book. Was. So. Good. I am typically a dark romance/fantasy kind of gal so I wasn’t sure what to expect. From start to finish I literally could not put this down! Like I read this in 4 hours kind of couldn’t put it down. The story is adorable, the characters are relatable and fun, and I am so happy I found another author to add to my favorites list!!! I loved that there were characters on the spectrum and with ADHD and that there was bisexual character. All of the representation added to the plot and was beautifully written. And we just talk about the fact that these characters were not only out of their 20’s (WOOHOOO that never happens), but they were divorced with children?! That like never happens and I’m so happy it was in this book! Now the spice? The spice was perfection. Solid 4.5 on the chili pepper scale! Just do yourself a favor and go read this book!
Profile Image for Amanda Bentley.
Author 10 books83 followers
January 22, 2023
THIS IS A DAMN GOOD ROMCOM. And I don’t say that lightly. I’m not a huge fan of them, I have to be in a specific mood. But Irene freaking kiiiilled it. Funny? Check. Lighthearted, yet serious? Check. Mature, relatable characters? Yep!

This is exactly what a romcom should always feel like. The second chance aspect was great because we get to hear the telling of their fallout but we don’t go back into the past too much. The spice is excellent and Dylan’s got a way with words (and he’s such a giver).

You won’t regret reading this one!

PS- I need Ethan’s book yesterday.
6 reviews
January 22, 2023
This book was so cute!! Dylan is every girls dream and Emma is such a strong FMC!!! I also love how this book talked about neurodivergence! I love forward to the next book! I love ETHAN!
Profile Image for Barbara Huff.
136 reviews
January 21, 2023
This book was so incredibly good. I finished in less than a day. I couldn’t put it down. I fell in love with Emma and Dylan right from the beginning. They make you want to cheer for them all the way through.
Profile Image for Marianne Scott.
Author 9 books179 followers
January 23, 2023
This is so stinking cute!!

I’m not usually a second chance romance fan (your girl holds grudges), but I really enjoyed this read! It was so nice to read about an amazing, independent FMC who’s in her 30s. And the dirty talk in this book? *chefs kiss*

An amazing debut!
75 reviews
February 22, 2023
That's a no for me

This book is well written and I hate giving bad reviews but even more than that I always finish books no matter what but I didn't finish this one.

Spoilers Warning ⚠️


First Dylan and Emma date when she is 21. They date for a YEAR, that's right a whole YEAR and not only ghosts her but she finds out he is actually dating someone else.

Fast forward 16 years both are divorced and they start dating again. And of course he's all in let's pickup where we left off, and she's like no I don't want to but her body just can't help it. And he claims he named his kids after her love of Jane Austen, and claims she was always the love of his life. But he wasn't even man enough to actually break up with her. Then, THEN she finally ask like why did you ghost me and he basically says because you are marriage material and I want to date around. So yeah that is a no for me. You don't treat people you love like that and wait 16 years to make it right. And he wasn't even the one who reached out she was
40 reviews
April 14, 2023
I received an ARC copy of this book. It was a fun, sweet and spicy read.It is definitely one of those books you start reading and can't put down. This book has a diverse cast including several neurodivergent characters. I can't wait to read Ethans story!
22 reviews
January 20, 2023
I devoured this book. It was sweet, funny and I loved all of the characters. While I hated Dylan for about 5 minutes for his mistake it was something we all have seen or experienced and was 100% relateable. I really enjoyed how there was no "villian" in this. It showed mature relationships, understanding and forgiveness with some sass. I read the sneak peak of the next book and it looks to be just as good if not better. I did receive an arc for this book and I am so glad I did. New author added to my last to keep an eye out for new books.
Profile Image for Tiffany Edmonds-Clapp.
75 reviews
January 30, 2023
Definitely check this book out! Second chance romance with some nice spice! I read this in one sitting because I needed to know what happens next!
Profile Image for Tara Nolan.
Author 2 books7 followers
February 1, 2023
A cute second chance rom com! This debut novel was full of spice and chemistry.
Profile Image for Jenny.
98 reviews1 follower
August 23, 2023
Ugh I am so conflicted about this book! I have serious love/hate feelings about Dylan. I’m on the fence about second chance romance books in general but it basically comes down to the reasons that it didn’t work the first time. His reasoning sucks. At first I thought ok they dated for a bit and it didn’t work out…fine. But no. They were together for nearly a year and he just ghosts her with absolutely no explanation and starts dating someone else. And he talks about how much he regrets it and has always loved her. No he couldn’t have loved her because you don’t treat someone you love like that. And despite him going on about his regrets he doesn’t actually apologize til almost halfway into the book. She’s open to the idea of dating him again but wants to take it slow but he just bullies her into doing what he wants because he’s decided that they’re going to be together. If this story had been about a second chance with her BFF Ethan (They also dated briefly but decided to stay friends) I would’ve been all about it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Brittany Gonzalez.
52 reviews6 followers
December 19, 2023
“𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘, 𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝑰 𝒔𝒂𝒘 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒄𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒓𝒐𝒐𝒎, 𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒂 𝒇𝒖𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒏. 𝑰 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒆𝒚𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒚 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑰 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒄𝒂𝒏’𝒕.”

Emma and Dylan had a young love romance that would make everyone jealous. Until one day Dylan falls off the face of the earth and leaves Emma behind.

Years later fate brings them back together. But things are different now, they both are recently divorced with kids. But Dylan is determined to get Emma to forgive him for the past and start anew.

Trying desperately to win the heart of the one who got away.

“𝑫𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒂 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒐 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆? 𝑰𝒕’𝒔 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑵𝒐 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒄𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒆.”

THIS BOOK WAS SO STINKIN CUTE!!!! Another great read from Irene! There is some autism representation in this book(FMC child) and it was done respectfully and beautifully. I usually don’t like huge gaps in time but this author did it so well. You weren’t left wondering what the heck happened during that time difference. Definitely worth a read!

Profile Image for Shelby.
518 reviews
July 11, 2023
If I could rate this 1000 stars, I would.

IRENE, YOU ARE INCREDIBLE! I read this book in 3 HOURS. I have NEVER in my life devoured a book that fast. This was an absolute chef's kiss, sweet little baby angel masterpiece. My god, Dylan fricking Alexander is just 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵 Except for his absolutely atrocious decision to ghost Emma when they first dated. I'm just going to pretend that didn't happen because this man is FOOOOOOIIIIIIINNNNEEEE!!!!!! All caps. Thousands of exclamation points.

The spice 🌶🌶🌶🌶 IMPECCABLE
The humor 😂😂😂😂 INCREDIBLE

Please read if you love:
-Second Chance Romance
-Romantic Comedies
-Gallons of Spice
-One Bed
-He Falls First
-Ride or Die Besties
-Buffalo Plaid
-Jane Austen
-Gin & Tonics (extra lime 😏)

I cannot wait to read the rest of the Top Shelf Romances 😍😍
Profile Image for DG. .
112 reviews
April 8, 2023
Uhm, helllooooo. Where can I find a Dylan? 🥵

This book brought out allll the feelings. The gasps, the giggles, the squeals. I devoured it in hours. There is the perfect mix of characters each with the perfect amount of backstory. S/O to the author on all of the book references but above all being so inclusive with characters on the spectrum as well as LGBTQ 😏 (I see you Ethan)

A solid 4 star book - a great debut novel and I’m SO excited to devour the rest. (Changed my review to 5 stars bc I loved it so much 😭)

Can we also mention the spice? Holy heck, this is NOT what I expected. But I’m most definitely not mad, actually very impressed. 🤝🏻 Only thing, I would’ve LOVED to read more of Dylan and Emma’s relationship at the beginning. And I’m not a fan of the book
cover. 🙃
Profile Image for Wendy Trevino.
3 reviews
January 30, 2023
The is not a your typical second chance romance, it’s so much more. The story is refreshing and so much fun. No over the top drama. Just a sweet love story of a couple who need a second chance to get things right. Make sure to listen to the music play list, you’ll understand as your reading! Great book, I’m looking forward to Ethan’s story.
Profile Image for Jessica Houseman.
158 reviews5 followers
March 27, 2023
I loved this book so much!!! It made me laugh and Ethan is my spirit character! I related to this book on a personal level with blending families. This was such a cute, light, delicious book. Yes it even has a little spice.
Profile Image for W.A. Edwards.
Author 1 book64 followers
February 20, 2023
I really enjoyed this story, I wasn't sure they were going to make it.
Loved the characters I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books.
Profile Image for CJ.
379 reviews38 followers
July 28, 2023
3.5 Rounded up to 4

Emma met Dylan at a work function and fell hard. Flash forward 16 years and they are both newly divorced and giving it a second chance.




This book sounds pretty boring and the cover (in my opinion) is blah, but this book was SPICY. I was shocked. It didn't give me the ick either which is about a 50/50 shot on these books.



I should issue a warning that Dylan has no respect for boundaries and love bombs like I have never seen... it bothers me and at the same time doesn't because I was just here for a good time. Just like Emma who pretends she wants to take it slow.. but then never does.



Overall this book was smut. I was here for it. I would have given it more stars if not for the following:

- A cell phone got purposely thrown into a body of water and I DO NOT stand for that
- Emma wears a pencil skirt on a first date
- The MANY editing errors - I found over a dozen - At one point Dylan takes Emma's UNDERWATER off. Very intriguing.



"You can fight it all you want, and we can try to take this slow, but you and I both know where this is headed. I'm all in, Emma. So I'll wait for you to catch up."

"Because I more than just missed you. I need you more than I need to breathe. I don't want to be a gentleman, and I sure as hell don't want to take things slow right now. I swear, I can't think straight when I'm with you. When it's just you and me nothing else exists."

"I know, but I have more money than I know what to do with, and I want the chance to dote on you. I like taking care of you, and it means more to me because I know you can take care of yourself."

Profile Image for Momof3.
246 reviews6 followers
February 3, 2023
This is the first book I've read by this author and I can honestly say it was so worth the read. This was a really great second chance romcom book. Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. I felt like I was right there with the characters as the story went along. I absolutely loved how Emma and Dylan come together again after all the years apart. The side characters were great especially Ethan. I seriously can't wait to read his book. If you are looking for a really great second chance romance you can't go wrong with this book.
769 reviews22 followers
February 3, 2023
One of the best Romcom’s I have read! I loved everything about Emma! Well Dylan was on my bad list for a minute lol I still fell in love with him also!!! I loved the fact that these characters weren’t in their 20’s! I’m not giving no details, because that’s how good it is! You have to read it like now!!! Once I started I didn’t stop until it finished! I’ll probably read it again that’s how good it is! It gave me all the feels that’s for sure! Also everyone needs a Ethan in their life! Omg I love him!!!!
Profile Image for Emily Keesee.
99 reviews1 follower
March 29, 2023
Oh my goodness.
I absolutely loved this one with my whole heart. This really is a second chance romance that I adored. I love Dylan & Emma, they are my favorites. Between the comedic banter and spicy banter, I was very much entertained.
I stayed up all night to read and I don’t regret a single minute of it.
I can’t wait to read Ethan’s book!

Very well done, and highly recommend.
Profile Image for Brianna McAnally.
38 reviews1 follower
January 25, 2023
This is a good book, the characters are cute, funny and inspiring in the fact that sometimes a second chance can be the best thing that happens to you. It was definitely the best thing that could happen for Dylan and Emma. The romance might have been a slow burn (or more like a speed walk of a slow burn), but once it picked up, the spice came in. It’s a good book and anyone who likes second chance romance, should definitely check it out.
Profile Image for jenniferlea.
365 reviews12 followers
October 29, 2023
Emma & Dylan

This is what a second chance romance should always look like…boy meets girl, both fall in love & boy F’s it up big time
So much love the first time around but when everything looks to perfect on the outside one of them gets to in their head & messes everything up…usually it’s the her but with these two it was most definitely him….16 years, 2 divorces & 5 kids later they are still each others one true love…but can they make to end game without any hiccups

& then there’s Emma’s BFF Ethan…such a sh!t disturber that one but in the best possible way….you have got to love him & his nicknames for Dylan 🤣🤣🤣

& if you have ever read any of Irene’s book you know they are going to be spicy 🥵🥵🥵 just prepare yourself
Profile Image for Jenn ✨.
9 reviews5 followers
July 6, 2023
I’m going to be completely honest here… this is hands down one of the best Rom Com’s I’ve read!!! I finished it in one sitting I just couldn’t put it down!!!

Emma is such a strong FMC that truly represents how easily trust can be broken and how hard it is to regain.

Dylan… jeez what can I say? I loved him from the beginning, faults and all. He knew what to say, when to say it, what to do and when to do it.

The spice in this book was 10/10 and I highly recommend this if you love Rom Coms and second chance tropes.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for Amanda.
412 reviews25 followers
October 16, 2023
Absolute Perfection!

Oh my gosh I loved this story so much! I don’t normally read second chance romances but when I saw it was written by Irene, how could I not! This was the cutest book and I adore all of the characters! I can’t wait to read the next book ASAP! I’m completely obsessed with anything by Irene! I can’t wait to read more!
Absolutely an adorable story with perfect second chance romance! Dylan and Emma have a special little place in my heart! I love all the Harry Potter references! A woman after my own heart! 🖤
Profile Image for NELLA.
435 reviews12 followers
July 31, 2023
Ok so this is …

A hard book for me to review. Before I get into it let me just say, it was written well, and the story is good. It did however give me 2 new icks that I can NOT eve read again. But these are personal preferences. I will probably be spoiling the plot so stop reading this review now if you don’t want to know the spoilers/icks.

1. I can never ever ever read a spicy scene with the MMC saying “Attagirl”. 🤮 it doesn’t remind me of spicy times at all but instead I think of little league or something equally non spicy. And our MMC used it a lot! So I cringed too many times and it ruined the moment for me. Just…no.

2. I love second chance romances however, the reason for the one is now on my Do Not ever read list. The MMC Dylan states that he simply figures she is so amazing he wonders who else he can pull so he ghosts her after almost a year of dating and just disappears. He then very publicly starts dating a blonde chick and our girl is obviously devastated. Fast forward 15 years later when his wife the 2nd girl he dated after leaving our girl, leaves him and his 2 teenage daughters for another man. Mind you they got married because she got knocked up so he really played himself. Then he loses it all and suddenly omg I never should have left my 1st love. 😣 I can not! Yuck. This is a hard one for anyone who has been ghosted to read. Seriously after almost a year of being deeply in love and him knowing she is the best by his own admission, he wanted to see if he could pull better and can’t even be man enough to break up with her! Gross! So yeah, then after 1 meetup he is all still in love after 15 years and plotting to make her his. It was so yuck for me. I had a very hard time rooting for Dylan because of this. He did her absolutely dirty.

Oh and considering they have 5 kids between themselves, I always feel like they should have prominent roles in the story. Like you can just mention the kids especially ones with a disability or other issue then not make them a main part of the story especially when blending the two families!

That being said, it was not a bad book just my personal ick apparently has been unlocked after reading hundreds upon hundreds of book. The spice scenes were repetitive in nature so after reading 1, they were all basically the exact same so I didn’t get into them.

I will read the next book. I am invested in this friend group now. And I pray there aren’t anymore new icks to unlock. I like the authors voice, just the trope gave me hives.
Profile Image for Bookish Rose.
140 reviews
April 11, 2024
(The Dedication)
“To anyone who ever felt like they were not enough. You are extraordinary, magnificent, exquisite, and will change the world. Your goals might take longer than expected, but whatever you do, don’t give up. You’ll get there.”
🍋‍🟩
Irene knows how to write “hungry,” devoted, swoon-y male main characters and Dylan is no exception. To balance out this energy, Irene always writes strong, independent female main characters who own their desires and work hard to never settle less than their worth. Emma is the epitome of that character and I loved her. Plus, as is typical with an Irene book (which apparently began with her debut), there is tons of comedy, specifically troupe-centered comedy. It’s hilarious and I love it! In this case, Dylan’s oblivious to terms like “golden retriever energy” and the “one bed troupe,” which makes me giggle.

What started as a fairytale romance, resulted in him ghosting her after a blissful (almost) year of dating… sixteen years later, they’re back in each other’s lives. But can heartbreak from the past keep them from a future together? When Dylan and Emma reunite, he goes after her HARD, desperately trying to prove he’s always been in love with her and he would never leave her again. And, whew, does this man know how to sweep a woman off her feet. It’s hard to dislike him for his past mistakes and not root for their second chance. If you’re a fan of true second chance romances, this one’s for you because you’ll instantly fall in love with both main characters and their families.

This book is sweet, spicy, and everything in between. Having started with her second series, Love at all Cost, it’s so much fun to meet characters I know post-happily ever afters, before falling in love with their people. It feels like traveling back in time. So, whether you read the other series, are new to Irene Bahrd, or are just looking for a fun, yet satisfying, romance you should read Mine with Extra Lime!
"... You were always enough. I was just too young and dumb to see that what I had was absolute perfection... I want to prove to you that I’m a different man, a better man—one that deserves you.”
222 reviews1 follower
March 17, 2025
A Sizzling Second-Chance Romance You Won’t Want to Miss!

✨ Tropes & Themes:
✔ Second-Chance Romance
✔ Single Dad
✔ Dominant Hero
✔ Playful Banter
✔ Steamy & Sweet
Irene Bahrd delivers yet another captivating, spicy romance with Mine with Extra Lime! This book is the perfect mix of heat, humor, and heart, making it an irresistible second-chance love story.

💘 Emma & Dylan:
Emma thought Dylan was her forever—until he walked away. Now, he’s back, determined to win her heart again. But can she trust him not to break it this time? Dylan, now a devoted single dad, is ready to fight for the woman he never stopped loving. And let’s just say… he fights dirty in the best way possible.

🔥 What I Loved:
✔ Deliciously Steamy: Irene Bahrd doesn’t hold back on the spice!
✔ Strong Narration: I wasn’t familiar with the narrators before, but they nailed it!
✔ Playful & Alpha Hero: Dylan knows exactly what he wants—and isn’t afraid to take charge.
✔ Sweet & Sexy Balance: Passionate moments blend seamlessly with heartfelt emotions.
✔ Great Second-Chance Romance: Their connection feels real and raw, with just the right amount of tension.

📖 Final Thoughts:
If you love second-chance romance with sizzling chemistry, alpha male energy, and just the right amount of tension, Mine with Extra Lime is a must-listen. It’s short, steamy, and oh-so-satisfying!

💬 Favorite Quotes:
• “I’m entirely too attracted to the fact that he can go from caring dad to dominating me in such a public place.”
• “Are you going to be my good girl and let me take care of you?”
• “Be my good little wife.”

Thank you to High Gravity Productions for the ALC access that made this review possible!
Profile Image for Caroline.
56 reviews1 follower
October 7, 2023
I have mixed views on this book!!

At the start it was lacking something and I think it was description. I was being told and not having anything described to me so the places, characters were pretty meh once I realised... I had a little bit of hope in the present day and yet it failed.

Dylan and Emma used to date. He went ghost and got with someone else, breaking her heart.

16 years later, her friends message Dylan and they're back in contact. Fine.

I know normally the whole ghosting thing is a no-no but some people can change as their age increases... not necessarily growing up.

They re-connect and the sparks are still there. Dylan went from 0 to 5000 in a heartbeat, Emma is trying to be careful... understandable. but as the book progresses I feel like he was pushing forward, she was going with him and then after, she walked in another direction.

The other characters helped in places to move the plot along but that's it. Ethan felt like he was an afterthought half way through the book.

and this book made me realise I have a new ick! Baby!

I swear it's said a thousand times a chapter and I can no longer stand it! I'm sorry.

There is ALOT of potential for this book. And I mean alot!
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