What do you think?
Washed Up
A handsome stranger and a stormy summer's day are the perfect ingredients for love at first sight. Well, almost…
When a hungover stranger is stranded on Frankie's tiny island during a storm, her only priority is getting rid of him as quickly as possible. Dylan is obnoxious, glued to his phone and, worst of all, claiming to be a famous musician. Frankie doesn't believe a word of it.
With the ferries cancelled and no way off the island, it's clear she can't escape him… but soon realises she doesn't actually want to.
Then, just as suddenly as he arrived, Dylan's gone again – back to a life Frankie doesn't fit into, leaving her heartbroken.
Island life continues, but everything feels different now. So when local fisherman Jake starts paying her attention, Frankie agrees to a date and tries to move on.
Until Dylan returns.
And this time, he's exactly where he wants to be. While Frankie struggles to hide her feelings, she finds herself torn between the quiet life she's always known – and safe, steady Jake – and the pull of something new and exciting with Dylan.
But what if love isn't as simple as it seems?
Washed Up is a fresh, feel-good opposites-attract romance about unlikely connections and unexpected love.
When a hungover stranger is stranded on Frankie's tiny island during a storm, her only priority is getting rid of him as quickly as possible. Dylan is obnoxious, glued to his phone and, worst of all, claiming to be a famous musician. Frankie doesn't believe a word of it.
With the ferries cancelled and no way off the island, it's clear she can't escape him… but soon realises she doesn't actually want to.
Then, just as suddenly as he arrived, Dylan's gone again – back to a life Frankie doesn't fit into, leaving her heartbroken.
Island life continues, but everything feels different now. So when local fisherman Jake starts paying her attention, Frankie agrees to a date and tries to move on.
Until Dylan returns.
And this time, he's exactly where he wants to be. While Frankie struggles to hide her feelings, she finds herself torn between the quiet life she's always known – and safe, steady Jake – and the pull of something new and exciting with Dylan.
But what if love isn't as simple as it seems?
Washed Up is a fresh, feel-good opposites-attract romance about unlikely connections and unexpected love.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2026
About the author
Nicola Knight
3 books16 followersNicola writes wholesome-ish commercial romantic comedy with plenty of heart, plenty of swoon and heavy on the comedy.
She was runner up in the Daily Mail First Novel competition in 2023 and her debut novel, The Night Before Christmas, a romantic comedy featuring giant penguins, rescued cats, and an unforgettable heroine, was first published in September 2024 by Bloodhound Books. It was shortlisted for Debut of the Year at the Romantic Novel Awards run by the Romantic Novelists Association. The sequel, The Day After Christmas, is out now, and her brand-new summer romance Washed Up is released on August 6th 2026.
Nicola lives in Norfolk with her husband, young daughter and three* chaotic rescue cats (*number correct at time of going to press) for whom she is the official door opener and designated spare human.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a charming novel. I think this is going to be my book of the summer.
Washed Up is a cosy, feel-good contemporary rom-com set on the tiny Channel Island of Herm, where just sixty-five permanent residents live alongside a steady stream of tourists. Our young heroine, Frankie Jacks, leads an uneventful, sheltered life working in holiday cottages until she discovers a mysterious stranger asleep in one of the beds.
He claims to be rock star Dylan Wright of The Misdemeanours, desperate to return to the mainland for a gig. Frankie, who has no interest in celebrity culture, doesn't believe him.
As their relationship develops, the story explores what happens when an ordinary woman falls for someone living an extraordinary life. I was really impressed with the way Nicola portrays the immediate chemistry between Frankie and Dylan, even though they initially find each other very annoying. Once he manages to get off the island in a rather dramatic way, Frankie becomes a bit of an online stalker. I found the way Nicola describes this very authentic – the way Frankie felt like such an idiot for being so obsessed with someone who logically wouldn’t want to be with her, she perfectly captures that irresistible urge to keep checking social media, searching for updates.
Nicola Knight paints a wonderful picture of the island; from its coastal walks, sandy beaches and puffin colonies to the realities of living in a tiny, remote community where even a GP has to travel from Guernsey.
Washed Up delivers all the chemistry, tension and escapism you'd hope for from a cosy contemporary romance. As a fellow finalist in the 2025 RNA Debut Romantic Novel of the Year award, I read and enjoyed Nicola’s first book, The Night Before Christmas. This is her third and I can definitely say she’s now really got into her stride as a writer. She sent me an ARC of this book which is publishing on 6th August but I’d happily have paid for a copy because this is a perfect summer read that I'd recommend to anyone looking for an uplifting romantic escape.
Washed Up is a cosy, feel-good contemporary rom-com set on the tiny Channel Island of Herm, where just sixty-five permanent residents live alongside a steady stream of tourists. Our young heroine, Frankie Jacks, leads an uneventful, sheltered life working in holiday cottages until she discovers a mysterious stranger asleep in one of the beds.
He claims to be rock star Dylan Wright of The Misdemeanours, desperate to return to the mainland for a gig. Frankie, who has no interest in celebrity culture, doesn't believe him.
As their relationship develops, the story explores what happens when an ordinary woman falls for someone living an extraordinary life. I was really impressed with the way Nicola portrays the immediate chemistry between Frankie and Dylan, even though they initially find each other very annoying. Once he manages to get off the island in a rather dramatic way, Frankie becomes a bit of an online stalker. I found the way Nicola describes this very authentic – the way Frankie felt like such an idiot for being so obsessed with someone who logically wouldn’t want to be with her, she perfectly captures that irresistible urge to keep checking social media, searching for updates.
Nicola Knight paints a wonderful picture of the island; from its coastal walks, sandy beaches and puffin colonies to the realities of living in a tiny, remote community where even a GP has to travel from Guernsey.
Washed Up delivers all the chemistry, tension and escapism you'd hope for from a cosy contemporary romance. As a fellow finalist in the 2025 RNA Debut Romantic Novel of the Year award, I read and enjoyed Nicola’s first book, The Night Before Christmas. This is her third and I can definitely say she’s now really got into her stride as a writer. She sent me an ARC of this book which is publishing on 6th August but I’d happily have paid for a copy because this is a perfect summer read that I'd recommend to anyone looking for an uplifting romantic escape.
August 7, 2026
As soon as I realized this was the same author who wrote The Night Before Christmas - of giant penguin fame suit (if you know you know) - I snapped this book up post haste! I love that book, and its sequel, immensely, and I expected (and received) nothing less from Washed Up. I could not put this book down!!
Nicola Knight (what a fabulous writer name) crafts gorgeous (inside and out) heroines and quirky, delightful heroes that I, for one, can't help but root for. She's even managed to do the unimaginable, which is make me root for the new guy instead of the ever-loyal best friend, which is always my go-to. The best friends-to-lovers trope has been my jam since before I even knew what it was (hello Gordo and Lizzie, wink). But she writes charming new guys that make me swoon right alongside her heroines. Famous rock-stars falling in love with island girls? Sure, that's going to work out just fine. But Ms. Wright can absolutely make me a believer.
And this time, we learned that she can write atmospheric novels that are out of this world! I was delighted to find that the little island of Herm, population 65, was real! This book is like a beautiful tourist brochure for the island. I felt like I was right there with them, and I now really want to visit the island someday - especially to see the puffins. I live in the Southern United States, so a place with no cars just kind of blows my mind. Even small towns here have too many cars these days, especially since our public transportation isn't great. But no cars at all is just mindblowing!
But in addition to the lovely main characters, the author has built a beautiful cast of supporting characters that make me hope we'll eventually have another literary visit to Herm and this group of characters. Maybe someday we'll hear more about Sally or Jake or even Bobby. There are definitely lots of potential story veins to mine. Her writing is sweet, romantic, and often hilarious! I can't wait to read more!
Nicola Knight (what a fabulous writer name) crafts gorgeous (inside and out) heroines and quirky, delightful heroes that I, for one, can't help but root for. She's even managed to do the unimaginable, which is make me root for the new guy instead of the ever-loyal best friend, which is always my go-to. The best friends-to-lovers trope has been my jam since before I even knew what it was (hello Gordo and Lizzie, wink). But she writes charming new guys that make me swoon right alongside her heroines. Famous rock-stars falling in love with island girls? Sure, that's going to work out just fine. But Ms. Wright can absolutely make me a believer.
And this time, we learned that she can write atmospheric novels that are out of this world! I was delighted to find that the little island of Herm, population 65, was real! This book is like a beautiful tourist brochure for the island. I felt like I was right there with them, and I now really want to visit the island someday - especially to see the puffins. I live in the Southern United States, so a place with no cars just kind of blows my mind. Even small towns here have too many cars these days, especially since our public transportation isn't great. But no cars at all is just mindblowing!
But in addition to the lovely main characters, the author has built a beautiful cast of supporting characters that make me hope we'll eventually have another literary visit to Herm and this group of characters. Maybe someday we'll hear more about Sally or Jake or even Bobby. There are definitely lots of potential story veins to mine. Her writing is sweet, romantic, and often hilarious! I can't wait to read more!
August 9, 2026
Frankie finds a heavily sleeping and very hung over stranger in bed in one if her family’s holiday cottages on the island of Herm. When she finally wakes the man (Dylan) his general cockiness, his obsession with checking his phone, his constant need to try to get off her small island home and his self-confessed status of being a famous musician runs Frankie up the wrong way.
Dylan may be drop dead gorgeous, exciting and the first man Frankie has ever been attracted to but she is determined to get him back to the mainland and out of her life for good. Once Dylan is gone, Frankie wonders if she made a mistake to dismiss him so quickly and decides to contact him. As her hope of ever seeing Dylan again dwindles, a local fisherman called Jake makes his feelings known and Frankie agrees to go on a date with him in the hopes of moving on from Dylan. However, Dylan shows up again causing Frankie to question what she wants in life - should she stick to a quiet life with Jake or go after love, a more adventurous life and a chance at true happiness with Dylan?
This was a slow burn romance but it was easy to see the attraction between Dylan and Frankie as their flirty banter and chemistry was so good from the start. But as they come from very different worlds the path to starting relationship wasn’t as clear cut for them as it might be for others. Dylan is in fact a famous musician who is constantly touring and lives on the main land. Frankie has never left her island home and worries about doing so while leaving her aging parents behind.
This story was an interesting mix of fun interactions between all the characters on the island (Frankie’s parents are a hoot), flirtatious moments together with deep emotional scenes as both Dylan and Frankie reevaluate their lives. This was the perfect summer read that created a beautiful backdrop with fascinating wildlife which left me wanting to visit the island myself. Overall, a lovely opposites attraction summer romance.
Dylan may be drop dead gorgeous, exciting and the first man Frankie has ever been attracted to but she is determined to get him back to the mainland and out of her life for good. Once Dylan is gone, Frankie wonders if she made a mistake to dismiss him so quickly and decides to contact him. As her hope of ever seeing Dylan again dwindles, a local fisherman called Jake makes his feelings known and Frankie agrees to go on a date with him in the hopes of moving on from Dylan. However, Dylan shows up again causing Frankie to question what she wants in life - should she stick to a quiet life with Jake or go after love, a more adventurous life and a chance at true happiness with Dylan?
This was a slow burn romance but it was easy to see the attraction between Dylan and Frankie as their flirty banter and chemistry was so good from the start. But as they come from very different worlds the path to starting relationship wasn’t as clear cut for them as it might be for others. Dylan is in fact a famous musician who is constantly touring and lives on the main land. Frankie has never left her island home and worries about doing so while leaving her aging parents behind.
This story was an interesting mix of fun interactions between all the characters on the island (Frankie’s parents are a hoot), flirtatious moments together with deep emotional scenes as both Dylan and Frankie reevaluate their lives. This was the perfect summer read that created a beautiful backdrop with fascinating wildlife which left me wanting to visit the island myself. Overall, a lovely opposites attraction summer romance.
August 11, 2026
Thank you to LBT for having me on this book review tour and for my gifted copy of this epub.
Firstly I have to say I love the cover of this book. It’s so fun and different. Loved it !!
This was a cute read. Really liked it and I got into it right away. This is a definite cozy feel good book and it makes you want to visit the beach. Well I mean it did me. The beach is my happy place and this island sounds Devine like holy cow. We are in the tiny Channel island of Herm. Gosh the way the author describes this place I seriously felt like I could feel the sun on my face and hear the water roaring and the sand between my toes. Yep. I dreamt of this book and being on this island. I always said I wanted to live on the beach.
So we follow Frankie Jacks. She lives quite the uneventful life and works in holiday cottages well she stumbles into someone asleep in one of the beds. Who is this stranger you may ask? He says he’s Dylan Wright a famous rock star of The Misdemeanours but here is the thing. Frankie doesn’t buy it I mean would you if it happened to you ?? I wouldn’t nope sure wouldn’t. But they do hit it off and by that I mean they find each other so annoying but that soon changes and Frankie finds herself stalking Dylan after he leaves the island. I mean I l love how the author does this and makes it so real and I mean who hasn’t done this to check to see when they were last on or active I mean I have. I have admitting that but I have. Maybe I’m crazy lol.
I just loved the writing of this book Ana how well done it is. And how just real it was portrayed!!
This is the type of book you can just keep on going through and hope it’s not 3am when you have fall asleep with this book !! Yes that’s me.so so good
I definitely can’t wait to check out more from this author. I’m sure her other work is just as amazing.
Overall loved this book go get this !!
Firstly I have to say I love the cover of this book. It’s so fun and different. Loved it !!
This was a cute read. Really liked it and I got into it right away. This is a definite cozy feel good book and it makes you want to visit the beach. Well I mean it did me. The beach is my happy place and this island sounds Devine like holy cow. We are in the tiny Channel island of Herm. Gosh the way the author describes this place I seriously felt like I could feel the sun on my face and hear the water roaring and the sand between my toes. Yep. I dreamt of this book and being on this island. I always said I wanted to live on the beach.
So we follow Frankie Jacks. She lives quite the uneventful life and works in holiday cottages well she stumbles into someone asleep in one of the beds. Who is this stranger you may ask? He says he’s Dylan Wright a famous rock star of The Misdemeanours but here is the thing. Frankie doesn’t buy it I mean would you if it happened to you ?? I wouldn’t nope sure wouldn’t. But they do hit it off and by that I mean they find each other so annoying but that soon changes and Frankie finds herself stalking Dylan after he leaves the island. I mean I l love how the author does this and makes it so real and I mean who hasn’t done this to check to see when they were last on or active I mean I have. I have admitting that but I have. Maybe I’m crazy lol.
I just loved the writing of this book Ana how well done it is. And how just real it was portrayed!!
This is the type of book you can just keep on going through and hope it’s not 3am when you have fall asleep with this book !! Yes that’s me.so so good
I definitely can’t wait to check out more from this author. I’m sure her other work is just as amazing.
Overall loved this book go get this !!
August 12, 2026
At first glance, this is a light rom-com that takes place on the island of Herm in the Channel Islands. It's a picturesque spot near Guernsey, accessible only by ferry, with just 65 permanent residents and a steady tourist trade during the summer season. No vehicle traffic is permitted on the island.
Our female protagonist, Frankie has lived a happy, idyllic life here, helping her parents run their holiday cottages. Her best friend Sally works in the island's only hotel and while she's well aware that obviously 'the rest of the world' exists, she doesn't need it intruding on her balanced, comfortable life.
Until the morning that she finds a complete stranger sleeping on one of the beds in one of their cottages!! He tells her his name is Dylan and that his fellow band-mates from a world-famous band, have played a cruel joke on him and dumped him there and that he needs to be back on the mainland urgently for their next gig.
'Ha-ha' says Frankie, determined not to fall for what she thinks is a joke, and not wanting to be taken for a simple country bumpkin. But she's stuck with Dylan when a storm hits the island and there's no ferry available for him to leave on. The attraction between them is instant and undeniable, and it's only once he's gone that Frankie realises she may have missed a big opportunity! She's not exactly sure for what ... but ... something!!
This is a gorgeous story with underlying themes of difficult sibling relationships, that typically irrational feeling one gets when thinking about approaching a new love-interest, self-confidence issues, and how to weigh up those tough choices we're often faced with.
The descriptions of Herm are beautiful, even though the realities of life in such isolated conditions aren't always simple.
This is a highly recommended read - perfect holiday reading too!
Our female protagonist, Frankie has lived a happy, idyllic life here, helping her parents run their holiday cottages. Her best friend Sally works in the island's only hotel and while she's well aware that obviously 'the rest of the world' exists, she doesn't need it intruding on her balanced, comfortable life.
Until the morning that she finds a complete stranger sleeping on one of the beds in one of their cottages!! He tells her his name is Dylan and that his fellow band-mates from a world-famous band, have played a cruel joke on him and dumped him there and that he needs to be back on the mainland urgently for their next gig.
'Ha-ha' says Frankie, determined not to fall for what she thinks is a joke, and not wanting to be taken for a simple country bumpkin. But she's stuck with Dylan when a storm hits the island and there's no ferry available for him to leave on. The attraction between them is instant and undeniable, and it's only once he's gone that Frankie realises she may have missed a big opportunity! She's not exactly sure for what ... but ... something!!
This is a gorgeous story with underlying themes of difficult sibling relationships, that typically irrational feeling one gets when thinking about approaching a new love-interest, self-confidence issues, and how to weigh up those tough choices we're often faced with.
The descriptions of Herm are beautiful, even though the realities of life in such isolated conditions aren't always simple.
This is a highly recommended read - perfect holiday reading too!
August 7, 2026
My Rating: 4⭐️
Tropes:
Opposites Attract
Forced Proximity
Small Island
Rockstar Romance
Summer Romance
Frankie finds Dylan half naked in her rental cottage. He claims he’s a rockstar and has no idea how he got there, as he was black out drunk after a music festival. Frankie has no idea what to believe and just wants rid of him but gets stuck on the island with the arrival of a massive storm.
This a perfect summer romance. Who needs small town vibes, when you can have small island vibes instead. I enjoyed Herm and I loved the map at the beginning of the book. It was fun reading about island life and the community there. I think I would enjoy the peaceful life.
Frankie and Dylan could not be more different. One living a quiet peaceful life, the other a famous rockstar. I loved their random meeting, the instant chemistry and tension. Frankie, bless her, is so cute and relatable. Dylan literally turns her life upside down. I really felt for Jake, he seemed lovely, but it looks like his future may have someone exciting in it after all. Special shout out to Blondie the dog. What a sweetheart.
I loved the drama, tension and twists. This was my first book by the author and I really enjoyed it. It’s easy to read, fun and exciting. I didn’t want to put it down.
Overall, I rate this 4⭐️
Tropes:
Opposites Attract
Forced Proximity
Small Island
Rockstar Romance
Summer Romance
Frankie finds Dylan half naked in her rental cottage. He claims he’s a rockstar and has no idea how he got there, as he was black out drunk after a music festival. Frankie has no idea what to believe and just wants rid of him but gets stuck on the island with the arrival of a massive storm.
This a perfect summer romance. Who needs small town vibes, when you can have small island vibes instead. I enjoyed Herm and I loved the map at the beginning of the book. It was fun reading about island life and the community there. I think I would enjoy the peaceful life.
Frankie and Dylan could not be more different. One living a quiet peaceful life, the other a famous rockstar. I loved their random meeting, the instant chemistry and tension. Frankie, bless her, is so cute and relatable. Dylan literally turns her life upside down. I really felt for Jake, he seemed lovely, but it looks like his future may have someone exciting in it after all. Special shout out to Blondie the dog. What a sweetheart.
I loved the drama, tension and twists. This was my first book by the author and I really enjoyed it. It’s easy to read, fun and exciting. I didn’t want to put it down.
Overall, I rate this 4⭐️
August 13, 2026
Frankie lives on the tiny island of Herm and is content with her life and the simple pleasures of island life - that is until she finds a handsome stranger asleep in her parents' holiday cottage claiming to be a famous rock star. Frankie has little interest in the world of celebrities and doesn't even own a smart phone so at first she thinks he's just winding her up. When the island is hit by a storm Dylan has no choice but to stay on the island until the ferry is running again. Frankie is surprised to find herself having a good time with him and when he leaves Herm she is bereft. Although she hopes he'll come back she accepts that their lives are incompatible and tries to move on with local fisherman Jake, who has fancied her for years. However, when Dylan returns to the island she has to make a decision between following her dreams or staying with the life she has always known.
This is a fun and easy read filled with likeable and relatable characters. As well as being a romance it's also a heartwarming depiction of island life and the bonds shared by a small community. I enjoyed the descriptions of Herm and now want to visit the Channel Islands!
This is a fun and easy read filled with likeable and relatable characters. As well as being a romance it's also a heartwarming depiction of island life and the bonds shared by a small community. I enjoyed the descriptions of Herm and now want to visit the Channel Islands!
August 30, 2026
This was such a sweet and uplifting read, perfect for summer. I loved how the story captured the charm of Herm Island tiny, remote, and full of character. The descriptions of the beaches, puffins, and the close‑knit community made me feel like I was right there alongside Frankie, experiencing island life with her.
Frankie was such a relatable heroine. She’s down‑to‑earth, funny, and not easily impressed by fame, which made her dynamic with Dylan even more entertaining. Their first meeting him passed out in her holiday cottage was chaotic and hilarious, and I enjoyed how their relationship grew from annoyance to undeniable chemistry. Frankie’s quiet life being turned upside down by a rockstar felt like the perfect “ordinary meets extraordinary” setup.
Dylan was compelling. Beneath the fame and bravado, he had a softer, more vulnerable side that came out the more time he spent with Frankie. I liked how their differences her sheltered island life versus his chaotic celebrity world created tension but also balance.
The community feel of Herm gave the book a cozy vibe, while the romance brought plenty of sparks and drama.
Frankie was such a relatable heroine. She’s down‑to‑earth, funny, and not easily impressed by fame, which made her dynamic with Dylan even more entertaining. Their first meeting him passed out in her holiday cottage was chaotic and hilarious, and I enjoyed how their relationship grew from annoyance to undeniable chemistry. Frankie’s quiet life being turned upside down by a rockstar felt like the perfect “ordinary meets extraordinary” setup.
Dylan was compelling. Beneath the fame and bravado, he had a softer, more vulnerable side that came out the more time he spent with Frankie. I liked how their differences her sheltered island life versus his chaotic celebrity world created tension but also balance.
The community feel of Herm gave the book a cozy vibe, while the romance brought plenty of sparks and drama.
August 1, 2026
Firstly, I want to thank the amazing @lovebookstours for selecting me to be part of the is tour. It’s been one of my favourites so far.
The perfect summer romance you didn’t know you needed!
Oh gosh I adored this from start to finish and wish I could read it all over again for the first time! This was like a hug on a rainy day and is perfect for either beach read this summer or a cosy night in. Herm is like a cute, peaceful home from home and it was clear why everyone loved it so much.
Dylan and Frankie don’t get off to the best start when she discovers him asleep in her cottage after a heavy night out sees him stranded on the tiny Island of Herm. With only one way on and one way off the Island, except in the event of a storm 🙊.
I laughed so much at how stubborn Frankie was, she was a little out of touch and old school in her ways and the way she has lived life on herm. She didn’t believe a word that Dylan said to her, about him, despite the reception he got from others on the island. This made their interactions even more amusing and picture Frankie’s curiosity, and we all know how it feels to send a message and be sat waiting for a reply.
The chemistry that developed between Frankie and Dylan was ridiculously cute, he showed up for her so many times, even when she wasn’t expecting it or realise that was what he was doing. When Dylan leaves the island, he seems to take a part of Frankie’s heart with her and leaves her questioning her once very secure life in Herm.
When Frankie and Jake started to spend some time together I shouted at my kindle 😂 honestly, not on my watch guys!
I thoroughly enjoyed how both characters grew throughout the book and really loved the ending. There are some heartfelt turn of events throughout the book and they were given the time and care that they deserved.
Nicola, you have written such a beautiful romance! Thank you 🥹
The perfect summer romance you didn’t know you needed!
Oh gosh I adored this from start to finish and wish I could read it all over again for the first time! This was like a hug on a rainy day and is perfect for either beach read this summer or a cosy night in. Herm is like a cute, peaceful home from home and it was clear why everyone loved it so much.
Dylan and Frankie don’t get off to the best start when she discovers him asleep in her cottage after a heavy night out sees him stranded on the tiny Island of Herm. With only one way on and one way off the Island, except in the event of a storm 🙊.
I laughed so much at how stubborn Frankie was, she was a little out of touch and old school in her ways and the way she has lived life on herm. She didn’t believe a word that Dylan said to her, about him, despite the reception he got from others on the island. This made their interactions even more amusing and picture Frankie’s curiosity, and we all know how it feels to send a message and be sat waiting for a reply.
The chemistry that developed between Frankie and Dylan was ridiculously cute, he showed up for her so many times, even when she wasn’t expecting it or realise that was what he was doing. When Dylan leaves the island, he seems to take a part of Frankie’s heart with her and leaves her questioning her once very secure life in Herm.
When Frankie and Jake started to spend some time together I shouted at my kindle 😂 honestly, not on my watch guys!
I thoroughly enjoyed how both characters grew throughout the book and really loved the ending. There are some heartfelt turn of events throughout the book and they were given the time and care that they deserved.
Nicola, you have written such a beautiful romance! Thank you 🥹
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is my third book by Nicola and it's another cutesy read! I hadn't heard of Herm before reading this and now I want to visit! It sounds beautiful!
The places described sound amazing and the fact it's only visitable by ferry makes it even more inviting!
I loved Frankie! She's like me in a way, not very out there, loved the same place her whole life, not really explored etc. When Dylan is discovered in one of her family's cottages, her life takes a new turn. Everyone knows who Dylan is, except Frankie. Sometimes that's better as there is less pressure!
I love how the story progresses, Jake's story is relatable to some and I really liked Sally. All cute in their own way! I sometimes miss the life I had when I had an older phone, before the smartphone days when the Internet wasn't as accessible, makes you appreciate the Now more and not being able to just Google someone has its advantages!
The places described sound amazing and the fact it's only visitable by ferry makes it even more inviting!
I loved Frankie! She's like me in a way, not very out there, loved the same place her whole life, not really explored etc. When Dylan is discovered in one of her family's cottages, her life takes a new turn. Everyone knows who Dylan is, except Frankie. Sometimes that's better as there is less pressure!
I love how the story progresses, Jake's story is relatable to some and I really liked Sally. All cute in their own way! I sometimes miss the life I had when I had an older phone, before the smartphone days when the Internet wasn't as accessible, makes you appreciate the Now more and not being able to just Google someone has its advantages!
August 12, 2026
When I saw this author had a new book out I absolutely jumped at the chance of reading it, having loved the previous two, and this one was wonderful too.
The setting was beautiful and so well described, you felt you were there on the island of Herm too.
I loved all the different characters and how they developed throughout, but also the uncertainty of where the story might end. Does our careful main character decide to stay with the safe option of her best friend or take a chance with this new ‘washed in’ man? I honestly didn’t know which way it would go and loved being pulled in different directions until the end.
A side from our main characters, all the others are wonderful too, from Frankie’s dad to her best friend, to Jake and especially Blondie the dog.
This author really knows how to draw you in, keep you entertained with lots of laugh out loud moments, but also with sweet moments too.
All in all the perfect read to escape into.
The setting was beautiful and so well described, you felt you were there on the island of Herm too.
I loved all the different characters and how they developed throughout, but also the uncertainty of where the story might end. Does our careful main character decide to stay with the safe option of her best friend or take a chance with this new ‘washed in’ man? I honestly didn’t know which way it would go and loved being pulled in different directions until the end.
A side from our main characters, all the others are wonderful too, from Frankie’s dad to her best friend, to Jake and especially Blondie the dog.
This author really knows how to draw you in, keep you entertained with lots of laugh out loud moments, but also with sweet moments too.
All in all the perfect read to escape into.
August 8, 2026
Washed Up by Nicola Knight was such a cute, read! 🩷🩵 It’s a slow burn lovers to enemies storyline that feels like every girl’s teenage dream having a member of a boyband washed up on your island and finding him in your families cottage’s — it would just help knowing who this boy is and what band he is in.
I loved watching the relationship unfold and seeing all those little moments of chemistry, tension and awkwardness between the two main characters Frankie and Dylan.
The book also explores the awkwardness of teenage love, relationships, friendships and life dynamics - balancing crushes and your friends.
There is also the theme of isolation and aspiration of more, even though Herm Island sounds beautiful with its landscape, beaches & coves and puffins. Sometimes you can’t help but wonder “what if there’s something.. or someone else”
August 9, 2026
This is the third book from this author and I have loved them all. As I was familiar with the author I obviously wanted to read this, but if I hadn't been I would still have wanted to based on the cover, its soooo pretty! I love the colours, it gives such perfect summer vibes!
Set on the island of Herm, the descriptiveness of the setting is stunning, I've never been but I would absolutely love to visit as it just sounds beautiful!
I loved all of the characters, and seeing Frankie finally put her wants and needs forward was so powerful.
It's a really sweet romance with nothing explicit - I forgot how much I enjoy this having been on a bit of a run of spicy reads. The heart is absolutely in it though and is full of swoon moments.
I found this a really quick read that felt perfect for a summer escape. I think fans of small town romcoms will absolutely fall in love with this tale.
Set on the island of Herm, the descriptiveness of the setting is stunning, I've never been but I would absolutely love to visit as it just sounds beautiful!
I loved all of the characters, and seeing Frankie finally put her wants and needs forward was so powerful.
It's a really sweet romance with nothing explicit - I forgot how much I enjoy this having been on a bit of a run of spicy reads. The heart is absolutely in it though and is full of swoon moments.
I found this a really quick read that felt perfect for a summer escape. I think fans of small town romcoms will absolutely fall in love with this tale.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
It's been a while, but I loved my last two reads from this author and after two festive, winter stories, I was well ready for a bit of sunshine and summer fun.
I loved this front cover with the pastel colours and the beach setting.
The perfect read to add to those summer tbr stacks.
I loved the premise and setting for this story.
The isolated island life that Frankie loves so much is thrown in the air when megastar Dylan arrives with his obsession for staying connected and angry to be stuck in such a quiet place.
But soon a bond forms and when Dylan leaves again, Frankie returns to the quiet and dependable life she knew.....only something is missing.
I always love hearing about these isolated islands and seeing how life for the community is.
I'm torn because on the one hand, I'd love this kind of peaceful existence - but on the other, could I really leave behind the only life I've ever known.
The landscape and descriptions were so beautiful though, it's so tempting.
This was your typical romcom with relatable characters and definitely a storyline that you know where it's heading - but isn't that the fun of this genre.
A nice and easy, fun read that I absolutely flew through.
I loved this front cover with the pastel colours and the beach setting.
The perfect read to add to those summer tbr stacks.
I loved the premise and setting for this story.
The isolated island life that Frankie loves so much is thrown in the air when megastar Dylan arrives with his obsession for staying connected and angry to be stuck in such a quiet place.
But soon a bond forms and when Dylan leaves again, Frankie returns to the quiet and dependable life she knew.....only something is missing.
I always love hearing about these isolated islands and seeing how life for the community is.
I'm torn because on the one hand, I'd love this kind of peaceful existence - but on the other, could I really leave behind the only life I've ever known.
The landscape and descriptions were so beautiful though, it's so tempting.
This was your typical romcom with relatable characters and definitely a storyline that you know where it's heading - but isn't that the fun of this genre.
A nice and easy, fun read that I absolutely flew through.
August 7, 2026
Washed Up is the perfect feel-good romance to escape into! Set on a beautiful island Herm, it combines forced proximity, opposites attract, and plenty of heart, making it a story that’s both cosy and uplifting. Frankie is an instantly likeable FMC, and watching the relationship between her and Dylan unfold was full of witty banter, emotional moments, and undeniable chemistry. I loved how the stunning island setting became a character in its own right, adding so much warmth and charm to the story. While the romance is at the heart of the book, there’s also a lovely message about finding the courage to step outside your comfort zone and deciding what really matters in life. It had me smiling, rooting for the characters, and happily turning the pages.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Such a charming and entertaining story!
I loved the setting, so wonderfully described, I had not heard of Herm Island, but now it’s on my list of places that I want to visit!
Such a fantastic idea to have a famous person get stranded on a tiny island and to meet someone who really doesn’t recognise him. It was fun to see the sparks fly between them!
It was also intriguing to witness Frankie discovering that she had feelings for him, we can all identify with the constant checking of our messages!
So much things going on with her family and other potential love interests, this really kept the story following well.
A perfect summer story that was filled with brilliant characters and lots of action.
I loved the setting, so wonderfully described, I had not heard of Herm Island, but now it’s on my list of places that I want to visit!
Such a fantastic idea to have a famous person get stranded on a tiny island and to meet someone who really doesn’t recognise him. It was fun to see the sparks fly between them!
It was also intriguing to witness Frankie discovering that she had feelings for him, we can all identify with the constant checking of our messages!
So much things going on with her family and other potential love interests, this really kept the story following well.
A perfect summer story that was filled with brilliant characters and lots of action.
August 6, 2026
This was an unputdownable romance. It featured Frankie, who has to decide which man she perfers, Dylan (a rock star who is stranded for a short time in the island town of Herm where she lives), or Jake (an oyster fisherman who is in Herm for the oyster season). The story has many twists and turns, leaving the reader in suspense. This is the third book that I've read by Ms. Knight, and I look forward to reading more. I highly recommend this book to other romance readers. I received an ARC of this book, and the opinion expressed is strictly my own.
Review of advance copy
It was very interesting to read about the island of Herm and the life of people who live there. This is a light summer read, with some unusual situations and plot twists. Frankie is resigned to a relatively lonely existence on the island, looking after the holiday cottages and acting as general dogsbody. The last thing she expects is to find a rock star washed up and asleep in a bed in one of the cottages. And novel idea, but for me it was rather sickly sweet and I couldn’t warm to it.
July 31, 2026
Having read this author’s first 2 novels, I just knew I’d like this one & I wasn’t wrong! Lovely rom com where island dweller Frankie meets worldwide megastar Dylan & her life will never be the same again. Lovely story that keeps you wanting to read on to see what happens next. If you are a fan of this genre, you will not be disappointed.
Review of advance copy
This is a great lighthearted summer book. I enjoyed it . It was nice learning about the island of Herm and its people. There is just 65 people living on the island, but what they get up to is unbelievable .
Great characters and storyline especially when you get a washed up rockstar asleep in one of the cottages . This book really cheered me up. Well worth a read.
Great characters and storyline especially when you get a washed up rockstar asleep in one of the cottages . This book really cheered me up. Well worth a read.
August 20, 2026
Washed Up offers a charming mix of romance, humour, and unexpected connection. The island setting adds an appealing sense of escapism, while the contrasting personalities and forced proximity create plenty of opportunities for emotional tension and character development. It should appeal to readers who enjoy lighthearted contemporary romance with an atmospheric setting.
September 15, 2026
Washed Up is feel good contemporary romcom and love-letter to the island of Herm - it's impossible to read this and not want to visit the location as a result! Windswept, sun-bleached Herm is a perfect setting for this opposites-attract romance, which includes a love triangle that kept me guessing all the way through! A lovely, escapist read.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is a great read. The setting is stormy literally and figuratively. It is sweet and fun with two characters who are complete opposites but somehow the attraction is electric and mutual. I felt it was cosy like wrapping up in your favourite sweater.
June 23, 2026
Frankie can’t believe her luck when she finds a good looking stranger asleep in her holiday cottage but she seems to be the only one on the island who doesn’t know who this stranger is. A lovely story unfolds amid the trials they face.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A hunky fisherman and a sexy rockstar—what more could a girl want?! An unlikely romance that keeps you guessing right up to the end. A thoroughly enjoyable feel-good story. And Derek and Dave the donkeys almost steal the show!
September 2, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Get swept away with the wonderful Washed Up! A great summer romance with plenty of twists and turns along the way. Featuring forced proximity from the start, you'll want to follow Frankie and Dylan right through to the last page.
Get swept away with the wonderful Washed Up! A great summer romance with plenty of twists and turns along the way. Featuring forced proximity from the start, you'll want to follow Frankie and Dylan right through to the last page.
July 1, 2026
4.5 cute story. Each evening I couldn’t wait to see what Frankie was going to be up to next. Love certainly isn’t simple. But the heart wants what the heart wants.
August 11, 2026
Charming, cosy and so romantic, I would love to be stranded on an island with a handsome rock star.
A swoony, love story set in an idyllic setting.
The perfect Summer Getaway.
A swoony, love story set in an idyllic setting.
The perfect Summer Getaway.
August 14, 2026
4.75. Loved it!! Needed more depth, but still really loved it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I already knew from reading the author’s other books how fantastic her writing is. Nicola has a way of drawing you into the story with realistically written, loveable characters. Even though she made some silly decisions and was often rather naive, Frankie was so sweet. She’s someone you want to make friends with!
The island of Herm is a beautiful setting for the story. I could picture the quaint place with no roads, no cars and everyone having a sense of community. The way it was described, especially the beaches, had me dreaming of escaping there too.
Frankie’s quiet life is rocked when she discovers a passed out world famous musician in her family’s holiday cottage. So begins a slow forming relationship between the unlikely pair. The romance is very light with the book having more of a focus on island life and Frankie’s gradual awakening to the fact that there is more world out there than just Herm.
It’s a gentle paced, escapism read. I felt relaxed reading the book. There are also some really funny moments. A lot of these arise from the array of quirky side characters. I highly recommend Nicola’s writing.
The island of Herm is a beautiful setting for the story. I could picture the quaint place with no roads, no cars and everyone having a sense of community. The way it was described, especially the beaches, had me dreaming of escaping there too.
Frankie’s quiet life is rocked when she discovers a passed out world famous musician in her family’s holiday cottage. So begins a slow forming relationship between the unlikely pair. The romance is very light with the book having more of a focus on island life and Frankie’s gradual awakening to the fact that there is more world out there than just Herm.
It’s a gentle paced, escapism read. I felt relaxed reading the book. There are also some really funny moments. A lot of these arise from the array of quirky side characters. I highly recommend Nicola’s writing.
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