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Trouble with a Twist

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Coming Soon

Kindle Edition

Published May 12, 2023

13 people are currently reading
96 people want to read

About the author

Irene Bahrd

50 books183 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
27 (45%)
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22 (37%)
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7 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Lakshmi Praveen.
452 reviews23 followers
April 27, 2023
Jason and Charlotte

To say I have been simping over Jason since book 1 is an understatement. Irene knows this. Cause in my head I had built up the perfect man and that was Jason , lo and behold she delivers!!!
Best friends, ex's step sister is Charlotte whom we meet in Mine with extra lime. Charlotte who has sensitivity issues due to being on the spectrum has been portrayed so beautifully that you can't but fall in love with her.
Circumstances and drunkenness have them married to each other. Dun dun duuunnn. Only J knows.

She has her quirks and issues nothing which Jason is not able to handle. He does so beautifully. Again you can't help fall in love with him . He is the perfect man and i love him so much. The way they navigate their relationship/marriage with the whole extended family and friends. How Jason helps Charlotte in overcoming her issues and Jason understanding that everything can't be fixed, brings about a lot of love laughs and sexy times. Can I just say 10, 10 ,10 ,10. That was fun freaking fantastic.

Want to know what that 10 is!!? Get the book and read!!
You can't help but fall in love with Jason. He is my perfect MAN!!!
Profile Image for Johanna.
1,246 reviews33 followers
December 25, 2024
Jason and Charlotte, such a unique pairing due to the circumstances surrounding their meeting.

She is his ex wife’s step sister due the parents marrying when both Emma and Charlotte were adults.

We find out Jason has a sweet side, a growly side, a TOTAL caregiver side.

Their love blossoms quickly once they finally admit they have had feelings for each other for years but didn’t want to break their friendship bond.

We get to interact with Ethan and Mel, Emma and Dylan and all the kids that are pre-teen to late teens by the end.

Jason is super swoony and it was fun to get into his head but Ethan remains my favorite. He is so vivacious it’s hard not to cling to.
Profile Image for Bookish Rose.
113 reviews
April 10, 2024
[At the suggestion of their friend, Jason becomes a book boyfriend to seduce Charlotte.]
“Taking cue from Ethan, I reach my hand up to rest it on the top of the door frame, leaning in slightly. ‘Forget your key, sweetheart?’
She takes a step closer, biting her lip. ‘You’re doing the doorway thing.’
‘Doorway thing?’ I say coyly. ‘Oh, you mean this?’
I wrap my free hand around her, pull her to me, then press her against the door jam, our faces inches apart.
‘Yeah, that,’ she says breathlessly.”
🍋
I don’t have much experience with autistic people (or “neurospicy”) people in my life, but it was a pleasure to follow Charlotte’s story in this romance. I feel like neurodivergence and mental health in general were represented well in this book. Both main characters, Jason and Charlotte, have a lot to learn about how best to communicate and love each other. It’s because of their love for one another that they go to therapy and continue to better themselves so they can be the best partner possible. I LOVE that!

Although this book has lots of feels in it, Irene makes sure to bring her classic comedic timing (especially from Ethan) and spicy content. Plus, Charlotte and Jason work through some intimacy challenges that both realistic and somewhat inspiring. May we all find someone who supports us, loves us unconditionally, and will work to better themselves while inspiring us to do the same. Jason and Charlotte are a great couple you’re sure to fall in love with!

Charlotte and Jason give us MAJOR Ross and Rachel season 5 finale/season 6 vibes (if you catch my drift). Plus, Charlotte’s autism and ADHD “neurospicy” personality is wonderfully approached and represented well. Tackling some very real-world challenges, the main couple’s relationship is forced to grow and adapt, which we can all relate to. But Irene’s spicy, comedic style remains present throughout… my favorite number might be 10 now 😉… and I loved the arc both Jason and Charlotte go through during this story. I just love them together!
🍋
"'I’ve been under her spell for so long, where do I start? She’s so [f***ing] smart, loves her job, loves her family—my family—with her whole heart. I love that she thinks about things I never would have thought of. Her autism and ADHD aren’t a disability, they make her who she is and I wouldn’t change a single thing about it. Sure, the sensory overload sucks, but her mind is so damn beautiful that I would hold her through any meltdown if it meant I still get to hear her tell me how excited she is about a new theme park ride she researched or sing songs off-key from Taylor Swift’s newest album.'”
Profile Image for Erin Stapel.
661 reviews18 followers
April 19, 2025
Audio Review:

Jason and Charlotte were something truly special in this book. Their relationship was not easy by any means in fact it was pretty complicated but isn't most relationships that are worth it in the end. Jason was not perfect, and that is okay it made this story even more real for me. Charlotte very in touch with her emotions and you can almost personally feel all of her emotions radiating throughout the writing. This perfect blend of realism, spice, and plot really made this read amazing. Narrators Emily Woo Zeller and Bradley Ford, with Victor Quixabas delivered a superb performance on all levels. They were the perfect selection for this audio book.

Blurb:
Charlotte

Love is absolutely like the fairy tales you read in books. He loves her. She loves him. He drops to one knee and an extravagant wedding follows. I’ve seen it happen first-hand for Emma, Melanie, even Eddie in his own way.

But that’ll never be my reality.

I’ve fallen for Jason. My neighbor, my best friend… my step-sister's ex-husband. If I tell him, I risk more than one friendship in my life.

After a night we can’t remember, and a twist of fate, I might have a chance at my own perfect epilogue ending, too.

Jason

I didn’t know how much trouble I’d be in when Charlotte moved in next door. I fell more in love with her with each passing day. She means the world to me and I’d do anything to make her happy.

While I wish things were different, I don’t dare to dream that she could love me back.

To be with her, I’d have to face my fear of losing her. But if I tell her everything, I’ll have a chance to give her the happily ever after she deserves.
Profile Image for XenyMarie.
447 reviews15 followers
April 3, 2025
“She’s my wife. She’s mine to take care of, Ethan.”

🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧

Jason and Charlotte's relationship is complicated, to say the least. They are best friends and neighbors, but Charlotte is also the stepsister of Jason's ex-wife.

After years of being next-door neighbors and secretly fighting their feelings towards each other, Jason and Charlotte get accidentally on a drunken night. Even though Jason found immediately out about their marriage, he decided to keep it from Charlotte, and it's not until months later that she learns that they've been married all this time.

I absolutely loved this story because of how real their relationship felt. Charlotte is neurospicy, and Jason would unconsciously coddle her in the same way he does his son, and I loved the way that Charlotte would always call him out on this. I also enjoyed the way that the importance of therapy was addressed in this story and how Charlotte manages her feelings and emotions. The narrators did a great job with this, btw.

I loved Charlotte and Jason's story so much. And I must say that this casting was perfect. Emily Woo Zeller and Bradley Ford were exactly how I imagined Jason and Charlotte would sound like, and I can't wait to hear more of Victor Quixabas as Robbie.

Quote: “She may be my friend, but she doesn’t hold a candle to you, sweetheart. I never loved her the way I love you. I buried how I feel about you for years, I won’t do it anymore.”
Profile Image for Michelle Bailey.
164 reviews4 followers
March 26, 2025
Charlotte and Jason are absolutely divine together. They are best friends with strong family connections and a fantastic group of friends. They have been in love with each other for years but have never pursued a relationship. They are now lovers and are actually accidentally married-but only Jason knows. I’ll let you figure out that conundrum by reading/listening to this story.
Jason the “lumbersnack” is so sweet and caring towards Charlotte. He deals with all of her issues wonderfully. Charlotte, as we know from Mine With Extra Lime, is neurodivergent and has ADHD. She is beautiful, quirky and perfect for Jason. There are quite a few obstacles along the way with a few twists and turns before we get to their HEA.
The narration of this audiobook by Emily Woo Zeller, Bradley Ford and Victor Quixabas(as Robbie) was stupendous. Emily Woo Zeller was absolutely superb in her performance as Charlotte. You could feel all of Charlotte’s angst, fear, uncertainty, lust and love through her voice. Bradley Ford’s portrayal of Jason was exceptional. He was sweet, calm and even commanding at times with Charlotte. I loved him saying give me a number between one and ten! Victor Quixabas was an excellent choice for Robbie. I am looking forward to Harriett and Robbie’s story.
This is now my favorite audiobook from Irene. I highly recommend listening. If anyone comes across the photo of Jason is his gray sweatpants(sans shirt) please email or text me!!
40 reviews
April 26, 2023
I absolutely loved each character in every book in this series starting with the first. It's been a wild ride reading all of their shenanigans and sexcapades. While Tyler will always be my favorite book boyfriend, Charlotte and Jason's relationship is probably my favorite. The dynamic between the two is beautiful. And don't when get me started on Robbie. I've never been a cougar but I would be for him!

This book has the perfect balance of spice and plot that I am sure both spice lovers and plot lovers will enjoy. Of the four main books in the series I would say this is my favorite.

Charlotte is both autistic and has ADHD. As a neurospicy woman myself I felt really connected to the character. I love the positive portrayal of the neurodivergent community that is woven into all of Irene's books. I also love how she brings other characters from other books into her stories. If you have a favorite character you can rest assured that you will see them again in another book. Which is why I am not too sad about this being the last full novel in the series.

I can't wait to see what these characters get into in the future novellas.
163 reviews
June 2, 2025
🎧 Loved the voices. Emotional, real sounding, mean whisper game from both of them. Definitely voices I will want more books from.

❗️ Disclaimer : My rants, ramblings, and incoherent thoughts below might be considered spoilers by some. Also, often, I do not read trigger warnings or blurbs.

🎧 This was one of the stories that I didn't particularly liked the MMC, for my own personal reasons. But. The whole situation of going through what goes on in her head was very interesting to me. It takes them through the whole book to figure things out and to me that is more realistic. We get the whole thought process. With the ups and downs. No perfection here from them. Going to therapy and having them not 100% cooperative at first with it was interesting to read. :D

🎧 A book takes a more personal take when I find characters that voice my own "thoughts", so when a main character thinks "No matter how happy I am, I'm always waiting for the other shoe to drop. It's too perfect".. count me invested on wanting to know how they handle things.
Profile Image for Amanda.
380 reviews22 followers
October 19, 2023
Love, Love , Love

So I had a few choice words for Jason throughout this book! But dang he came around and did the right thing! I will definitely say this man has me saying 10 out of 10 every time! 😉
I’m so glad this books has such wonderful representation of neurospicy people and the day to day struggles we may come into contact with. This sweet lighthearted book hit a special place in my heart because of that. I love that this author tries to incorporate real life daily struggles that aren’t the norm in modern day romances. I absolutely loved this series and can’t wait for the spin off! Let’s go!
Profile Image for Jennifer Wycech.
604 reviews19 followers
March 18, 2025
***audiobook review ***
This is book 4 in the top shelf romance series

Best friends to lovers
Ex wife’s step sister
Mutual pining
Romcom vibes
Dual narration

This story is Jason and Charlottes story.

Jason was married to Charlottes step sister. They are divorced now and Charlotte and Jason are great friends who spend a lot of time together.

Charlotte has had a crush on Jason for a long time but feels she can’t act on it due to him having been married to her step sister.

The story is both emotional and funny. These two characters have a lot to learn throughout this book and I enjoyed their story. I really like the narrators for this one.
750 reviews22 followers
April 28, 2023
This is Jason’s and Charlotte’s story! I wanted to know more about Jason since the first book. This author didn’t disappoint at all. I will also keep on saying how much I love that the character’s from previous books appear in her new ones! I love that sooo much! I can’t get enough of all the character’s. To be honest I usually don’t like books with the history of Jason’s and Charlotte’s. How he was married and had children with her stepsister. But… the way it was written, I really enjoyed it! Can’t wait to read more books by this author.
Profile Image for Sofia.
9 reviews3 followers
May 7, 2023
Dnf 30% in. It’s the worst female character ever! I don’t know many people with autism, but the characterization don’t seem to be real at all.

It’s bad written and the plot: dating other people to prove what?! The use of word like sweetheart and babygirl by a 42 years old man?

It’s impossible to read this book without reading the others.

0⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for W.A. Edwards.
Author 1 book63 followers
September 26, 2023
There are so many reasons they shouldn't be together but they have both been in love with each other for so long.
Can they get past the age gap, or the fact that he was married to her step sister.
That might be hard but when she discovers he has been keeping secrets has he gone too far.
They had an uphill battle but they get there in the end.
I have enjoyed this series.
Profile Image for Neia Quaintance.
436 reviews7 followers
November 10, 2023
Absolutely love Jason

Before reading this one, ur gonna wanna read Royally On The Rocks for the best experience.

This book is absolutely adorable. Jason is so caring and thoughtful he is everyone's dream man. Char is a sweetheart. If u haven't read these books, u should they are so good.
Profile Image for Amour.Rebelle.Reads (Bran.d).
1,425 reviews17 followers
March 23, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! Irene Bahrd does a great job with Charlotte, who is neurodivergent, making her character feel real and relatable. The friends-to-lovers story with Jason is sweet, and I loved how their feelings built up over time. The audiobook narration by Bradley Ford and Emily Woo Zeller was also fantastic and brought the story to life. Definitely worth a listen!
Profile Image for Kristina.
260 reviews
June 1, 2025
This may have been my least favorite of the series, and had everything to do with me, not the story. Jason was constantly overstepping, Charlotte was constantly ignoring her own needs… both characters learn and grow together which I loved, but it just landed differently for me. There's a huge element of adult autism and ADHD in this book, which I valued. I can't speak to it being "well done" or not because these labels do not align to my own life experience, but I do think it's important to note that it IS represented here.

This is a dual narration performance by Emily Woo Zeller, Bradley Ford, and Victor Quixabas. The ALC was provided by High Gravity Productions. I borrowed the ebook via Kindle Unlimited.
659 reviews
June 12, 2025
Audiobook Review
4.5 stars

Neuro-Spicy, lambersnack, fun and smexy.
Jason and Charlotte’s book had it all.
Emily Woo Zeller and Bradley Ford were chef’s kiss as our main characters. Jason was an amazing book boyfriend, sporty and great with his kids. Charlotte brought her neurodivergent struggles to the forefront of the book showing that you can be on the spectrum and live a full life.
Profile Image for Barbara L.
118 reviews
April 27, 2023
Irene did it again!!! She has an incredible way of bringing 2 characters to life and making sure you completely connect with them. Charlotte and Jason are a great book couple and you can’t help but route for them during the entire story. This is definitely a 5 star read for me.
Profile Image for Jessica Houseman.
152 reviews5 followers
May 7, 2023
I had the honor of being a beta reader for this book!! It is the final book of her series and it didn’t disappoint!! Definitely a must read!!! If you like spice and comedy these are for you!! The dugout scene was pure perfection!
Profile Image for Patricia.
199 reviews2 followers
March 22, 2025
I can not imagine a more fitting title for this book. The twist, the turns, holy mackerel. Irene, you did it again.This is going to be another one of those that lives in my head rent-free.
Profile Image for Kristen Stier.
201 reviews
April 22, 2025
There was so much missing this could have been the best story but all the time gaps just didn’t do it at all.
10 reviews
May 13, 2024
I've been waiting for this one!!

I loved every minute of this story! Age gap and best friends, um, yes, please. This one will have you smiling and laughing through the whole thing. I've come to love all of these characters, and Jason and Charlotte are my new favorites for sure. Jason, the lumbersnack, has loved Charlotte for years and never wanted to give it a chance because he didn't want to risk losing his best friend. But things change once they get married.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

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