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The Bayside Heroes
Washed Up
It was just another day in the Emergency Department -- until she was wheeled in through the doors.
Amanda Parks, my childhood best friend's mom who I may or may not have secretly kissed before leaving for college.
I haven't seen her in over a decade, and in so many ways, she hasn't changed.
Same killer curves.
Same hypnotizing eyes.
Same reaction from my heart when I see her.
But something new?
There isn't a ring on her finger anymore...
And I'm much more of a man than I was at eighteen.
Washed Up is a stand-alone age gap medical romance coming this winter!
Amanda Parks, my childhood best friend's mom who I may or may not have secretly kissed before leaving for college.
I haven't seen her in over a decade, and in so many ways, she hasn't changed.
Same killer curves.
Same hypnotizing eyes.
Same reaction from my heart when I see her.
But something new?
There isn't a ring on her finger anymore...
And I'm much more of a man than I was at eighteen.
Washed Up is a stand-alone age gap medical romance coming this winter!
314 pages, Paperback
Published January 27, 2022
554 people are currently reading
5478 people want to read
About the author
Kandi Steiner
80 books14.8k followersKandi Steiner is a USA Today and #1 Amazon Bestselling Author living in Tennessee. Best known for writing “emotional rollercoaster” stories, she loves bringing flawed characters to life and writing about real, raw romance — in all its forms. No two Kandi Steiner books are the same, and if you’re a lover of angsty, emotional, and inspirational reads, she’s your gal.
An alumna of the University of Central Florida, Kandi graduated with a double major in Creative Writing and Advertising/PR with a minor in Women’s Studies. Her love for writing started at the ripe age of 10, and in 6th grade, she wrote and edited her own newspaper and distributed to her classmates. Eventually, the principal caught on and the newspaper was quickly halted, though Kandi tried fighting for her “freedom of press.”
She took particular interest in writing romance after college, as she has always been a hopeless romantic and found herself bursting at the seams with love stories she was eager to tell.
When Kandi isn’t writing, you can find her reading books of all kinds, planning her next adventure, or pole dancing (yes, you read that right). She enjoys live music, traveling, hiking, yoga, spending quality time with her family (fur babies included) and soaking up the sweetness of life.
CONNECT WITH KANDI:
➜ NEWSLETTER: kandisteiner.com/newsletter
➜ FACEBOOK: facebook.com/kandisteiner
➜ FACEBOOK READER GROUP (Kandiland): facebook.com/groups/kandilandks
➜ INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/kandisteiner
➜ TIKTOK: tiktok.com/@authorkandisteiner
➜ PINTEREST: pinterest.com/authorkandisteiner
➜ WEBSITE: www.kandisteiner.com
Kandi Steiner may be coming to a city near you! Check out her “events” tab to see all the signings she’s attending in the near future:
➜ www.kandisteiner.com/events
An alumna of the University of Central Florida, Kandi graduated with a double major in Creative Writing and Advertising/PR with a minor in Women’s Studies. Her love for writing started at the ripe age of 10, and in 6th grade, she wrote and edited her own newspaper and distributed to her classmates. Eventually, the principal caught on and the newspaper was quickly halted, though Kandi tried fighting for her “freedom of press.”
She took particular interest in writing romance after college, as she has always been a hopeless romantic and found herself bursting at the seams with love stories she was eager to tell.
When Kandi isn’t writing, you can find her reading books of all kinds, planning her next adventure, or pole dancing (yes, you read that right). She enjoys live music, traveling, hiking, yoga, spending quality time with her family (fur babies included) and soaking up the sweetness of life.
CONNECT WITH KANDI:
➜ NEWSLETTER: kandisteiner.com/newsletter
➜ FACEBOOK: facebook.com/kandisteiner
➜ FACEBOOK READER GROUP (Kandiland): facebook.com/groups/kandilandks
➜ INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/kandisteiner
➜ TIKTOK: tiktok.com/@authorkandisteiner
➜ PINTEREST: pinterest.com/authorkandisteiner
➜ WEBSITE: www.kandisteiner.com
Kandi Steiner may be coming to a city near you! Check out her “events” tab to see all the signings she’s attending in the near future:
➜ www.kandisteiner.com/events
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 599 reviews
December 3, 2021
4 stars
I love a good age gap romance and it's been some time since I've read one with an older heroine/younger hero. This was a bit different from what Kandi normally writes, but it was still so good. I enjoyed it so much!
Amanda is in the process of getting divorced and restarting her life. At forty seven, she has an adult son, a terrible soon to be ex-husband, and was a stay at home wife/mother. Her first step is to go back to school and that's what she's doing.
Greg is an anesthesiologist at the hospital. Med school was a lot of work, but he's now back in his hometown/local high school and has been for two years. He's been here for 2 years and even though he has a great routine, it doesn't feel like home quite yet.
Everything is routine for Greg until he sees her. His biggest crush when he was a teenager, his high school best friend's mom, Amanda. What I loved most about this book is the friendship that Greg and Amanda developed. Before anything happened between them, you could just tell they were becoming each others best friends and it was so great.
Also, I loved watching Amanda change and grow. Even though she was older than Greg, she had a lot of growing to do and a lot of life to discover and live. These two were perfect together and the ending made me so happy! Another great Kandi Steiner read.
I love a good age gap romance and it's been some time since I've read one with an older heroine/younger hero. This was a bit different from what Kandi normally writes, but it was still so good. I enjoyed it so much!
Amanda is in the process of getting divorced and restarting her life. At forty seven, she has an adult son, a terrible soon to be ex-husband, and was a stay at home wife/mother. Her first step is to go back to school and that's what she's doing.
Greg is an anesthesiologist at the hospital. Med school was a lot of work, but he's now back in his hometown/local high school and has been for two years. He's been here for 2 years and even though he has a great routine, it doesn't feel like home quite yet.
Everything is routine for Greg until he sees her. His biggest crush when he was a teenager, his high school best friend's mom, Amanda. What I loved most about this book is the friendship that Greg and Amanda developed. Before anything happened between them, you could just tell they were becoming each others best friends and it was so great.
Also, I loved watching Amanda change and grow. Even though she was older than Greg, she had a lot of growing to do and a lot of life to discover and live. These two were perfect together and the ending made me so happy! Another great Kandi Steiner read.
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December 10, 2021Washed Up is NOW LIVE and in Kindle Unlimited!
👉 https://geni.us/WashedUp
I truly am so proud of this book and feel like it's some of my best writing EVER. I absolutely love Greg, and Amanda is perhaps my favorite heroine I've ever created. Eeeek!
𝘍𝘖𝘜𝘙 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥-𝘯𝘦𝘸, 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥-𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴,
𝘍𝘖𝘜𝘙 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘴,
𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘋𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳.
The Bayside Heroes series is a set of four interconnected STAND-ALONE medical romance novels that will have you panting, faking an injury for medical attention and begging for more.
𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟔𝐭𝐡: 𝗪𝐀𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐃 𝐔𝐏 by Kandi Steiner
❤️ Anesthesiologist
❤️ Older woman/younger man
❤️ Son’s best friend 😱
𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟑𝐭𝐡: 𝐒𝐂𝐑𝐄𝗪𝐄𝐃 𝐔𝐏 by Harloe Rae
❤️ Hospital Security Guard
❤️ Opposites attract
❤️ No-strings arrangement 😏
𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝐭𝐡: 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐔𝐏 by K.K. Allen
❤️ Firefighter/EMT
❤️ Single Parent
❤️ Workplace (Photographer/Firefighter Calendar 😏)
𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟕𝐭𝐡: 𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐋𝐄𝐃 𝐔𝐏 by Tia Louise
❤️ Smoldering Internist
❤️ Second-chance
❤️ Spicy romantic suspense 😮
👉 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞!
smarturl.it/BaysideLiveAlert
👉 Add to Goodreads:
Washed Up: bit.ly/WashedUpGR
Screwed Up: smarturl.it/ScrewedUpTBR
Fired Up: smarturl.it/fireduptbr
Tangled Up: bit.ly/3lsgWjw
And now, just for following me on Goodreads, here's a little sneak peek inside Washed Up...
“Dr. Weston, over here!”
My head snaps in the direction of my name being called, and another bloody gurney rushes toward me.
“She’s communicating pain in the upper left quadrant,” one of the resident nurses tells me. He’s new, young, and his eyes are wide as saucers as his voice shakes through the patient details. “There’s bruising. Accelerated heart rate. Dr. Simmons is calling an exploratory laparotomy after performing ultrasound and CT.”
I nod, reaching for my Vocera. “Exploratory Laparotomy, possible internal bleeding.”
There’s barely a pause before Dr. Banks voices back. “OR six.”
The young nurse looks at me, waiting for me to tell him if he should take the patient or if I will, but I’m shocked silent at the realization of who it is on the gurney.
Amanda Parks.
A flash of a night long ago hits me like a hammer to the head, and I see those honey eyes rimmed in black, tears staining her cheeks, bruises covering her arms. I feel her soft hair cascading over my shoulder as she leans into me, feel my heart hammering out of my chest as dangerous thoughts war in my head.
Kiss her. Comfort her. Take away her pain.
Stay still. Don’t move. She’s your best friend’s mom.
“Doctor?”
The nurse’s voice snaps me back, and I suck in a breath at the sight of Amanda’s bloody hair matted to her head, at the sound of her pained groans. Her hands twist in the gurney sheet over her stomach, and she curls in on herself.
“I’ve got her,” I tell the nurse, and then I’m off, wheeling the bed toward the elevator. “Tell Dr. Simmons it’s OR six.”
He nods and jets off in the other direction.
“Mrs. Parks, can you hear me?”
Amanda groans, nodding subtly, and my heart catches in my throat. She’s bruised, bloody, and weakening by the minute.
And it’s not the first time I’ve seen her this way.
“My name is Dr. Weston.”
“Weston…” she groans, her brows pinching together, but she doesn’t say anything more.
“Do you know where you are?”
“The hospital,” she murmurs as we wheel into the elevator. I punch the number for the seventh floor.
“Do you know why you’re here?”
She attempts a swallow. “Car accident.”
“Yes. You’re okay, Mrs. Parks. I’m taking you to the operating room. We’re going to look into that pain you’re feeling, okay?”
She nods, sweat beading on her forehead as another wave of pain takes her under. She groans, curling in on herself.
“I’m going to administer general anesthesia for this procedure. Do you understand?”
A weak nod.
“It’ll put you right to sleep and you won’t feel a thing,” I tell her when we hit the operating floor. I’m met by another team of nurses who take over the bed, and I rush alongside them still talking to Amanda. “Dr. Simmons will take care of you. You’re in good hands.”
Amanda’s eyes creak open when we fly into operating room six, and the team gets to work prepping her for the laparotomy. Through the chaos, her golden eyes lock on mine.
And then, she bolts upright. “Greg?!”
The nurses immediately help her lie back down as she covers what I can only imagine is a pretty nasty headache with her hand.
Her left hand.
Her left hand that’s missing a small gold band it used to wear.
She grimaces as they help her down, and once she’s recovered, her eyes open into mere slits.
“Hi, Mrs. Parks,” I say with a smile, trying not to overanalyze that missing ring. Maybe it’s getting cleaned. Maybe that piece of shit husband of hers is finally upgrading her after all these years.
“What are you doing he—oohhh!”
Amanda writhes in pain, her skin ashen, eyes pinched in pain.
With the calm efficiency only years of training can provide, I prepare the Propofol for IV as one of the nurses preps the oxygen mask.
“It’s okay, everything will be alright. Just try to relax. I’m going to help with the pain,” I tell her. A nurse covers her mouth with the mask as I administer the drug through the IV.
Amanda slowly stops writhing, her eyes popping open wide and finding mine before her eyelids become heavier and heavier.
“Greg…”
Another flash of that night, of my name on her lips just like that…
“I’m here, Mrs. Parks,” I promise through the knot in my throat.
She smiles faintly, her hand reaching up for me but falling limp soon after.
“Glad to see you’re still as hot as you were at eighteen,” she mutters.
A surprised laugh bubbles out of me, and as if she realizes what she’s said, her eyes go wide. But the Propofol takes her under before she can speak, and then it’s just the soft sounds of machines whirring and nurses buzzing around the room.
One of the nurses, Whitney, smirks at me as Dr. Simmons rushes in for surgery.
“You better believe I’m getting that story out of you when this all settles down,” she says, one eyebrow arching up.
I try to smile back, try to make light of the situation, but all emotion is frozen as I take in the sight of Amanda sleeping soundly now. Her lips, as plump and bowed as I remember them, are parted slightly, stained with blood, and her bruised eyes are closed, chest swelling slowly with each new breath.
I swallow, taking her hand in mine even though I know she can’t feel it.
“You’re going to be okay,” I whisper.
And I don’t know if I’m trying to convince her or myself.
👉 https://geni.us/WashedUp
I truly am so proud of this book and feel like it's some of my best writing EVER. I absolutely love Greg, and Amanda is perhaps my favorite heroine I've ever created. Eeeek!
𝘍𝘖𝘜𝘙 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥-𝘯𝘦𝘸, 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥-𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴,
𝘍𝘖𝘜𝘙 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘴,
𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘋𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳.
The Bayside Heroes series is a set of four interconnected STAND-ALONE medical romance novels that will have you panting, faking an injury for medical attention and begging for more.
𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟔𝐭𝐡: 𝗪𝐀𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐃 𝐔𝐏 by Kandi Steiner
❤️ Anesthesiologist
❤️ Older woman/younger man
❤️ Son’s best friend 😱
𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟑𝐭𝐡: 𝐒𝐂𝐑𝐄𝗪𝐄𝐃 𝐔𝐏 by Harloe Rae
❤️ Hospital Security Guard
❤️ Opposites attract
❤️ No-strings arrangement 😏
𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝐭𝐡: 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐔𝐏 by K.K. Allen
❤️ Firefighter/EMT
❤️ Single Parent
❤️ Workplace (Photographer/Firefighter Calendar 😏)
𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟕𝐭𝐡: 𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐋𝐄𝐃 𝐔𝐏 by Tia Louise
❤️ Smoldering Internist
❤️ Second-chance
❤️ Spicy romantic suspense 😮
👉 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞!
smarturl.it/BaysideLiveAlert
👉 Add to Goodreads:
Washed Up: bit.ly/WashedUpGR
Screwed Up: smarturl.it/ScrewedUpTBR
Fired Up: smarturl.it/fireduptbr
Tangled Up: bit.ly/3lsgWjw
And now, just for following me on Goodreads, here's a little sneak peek inside Washed Up...
“Dr. Weston, over here!”
My head snaps in the direction of my name being called, and another bloody gurney rushes toward me.
“She’s communicating pain in the upper left quadrant,” one of the resident nurses tells me. He’s new, young, and his eyes are wide as saucers as his voice shakes through the patient details. “There’s bruising. Accelerated heart rate. Dr. Simmons is calling an exploratory laparotomy after performing ultrasound and CT.”
I nod, reaching for my Vocera. “Exploratory Laparotomy, possible internal bleeding.”
There’s barely a pause before Dr. Banks voices back. “OR six.”
The young nurse looks at me, waiting for me to tell him if he should take the patient or if I will, but I’m shocked silent at the realization of who it is on the gurney.
Amanda Parks.
A flash of a night long ago hits me like a hammer to the head, and I see those honey eyes rimmed in black, tears staining her cheeks, bruises covering her arms. I feel her soft hair cascading over my shoulder as she leans into me, feel my heart hammering out of my chest as dangerous thoughts war in my head.
Kiss her. Comfort her. Take away her pain.
Stay still. Don’t move. She’s your best friend’s mom.
“Doctor?”
The nurse’s voice snaps me back, and I suck in a breath at the sight of Amanda’s bloody hair matted to her head, at the sound of her pained groans. Her hands twist in the gurney sheet over her stomach, and she curls in on herself.
“I’ve got her,” I tell the nurse, and then I’m off, wheeling the bed toward the elevator. “Tell Dr. Simmons it’s OR six.”
He nods and jets off in the other direction.
“Mrs. Parks, can you hear me?”
Amanda groans, nodding subtly, and my heart catches in my throat. She’s bruised, bloody, and weakening by the minute.
And it’s not the first time I’ve seen her this way.
“My name is Dr. Weston.”
“Weston…” she groans, her brows pinching together, but she doesn’t say anything more.
“Do you know where you are?”
“The hospital,” she murmurs as we wheel into the elevator. I punch the number for the seventh floor.
“Do you know why you’re here?”
She attempts a swallow. “Car accident.”
“Yes. You’re okay, Mrs. Parks. I’m taking you to the operating room. We’re going to look into that pain you’re feeling, okay?”
She nods, sweat beading on her forehead as another wave of pain takes her under. She groans, curling in on herself.
“I’m going to administer general anesthesia for this procedure. Do you understand?”
A weak nod.
“It’ll put you right to sleep and you won’t feel a thing,” I tell her when we hit the operating floor. I’m met by another team of nurses who take over the bed, and I rush alongside them still talking to Amanda. “Dr. Simmons will take care of you. You’re in good hands.”
Amanda’s eyes creak open when we fly into operating room six, and the team gets to work prepping her for the laparotomy. Through the chaos, her golden eyes lock on mine.
And then, she bolts upright. “Greg?!”
The nurses immediately help her lie back down as she covers what I can only imagine is a pretty nasty headache with her hand.
Her left hand.
Her left hand that’s missing a small gold band it used to wear.
She grimaces as they help her down, and once she’s recovered, her eyes open into mere slits.
“Hi, Mrs. Parks,” I say with a smile, trying not to overanalyze that missing ring. Maybe it’s getting cleaned. Maybe that piece of shit husband of hers is finally upgrading her after all these years.
“What are you doing he—oohhh!”
Amanda writhes in pain, her skin ashen, eyes pinched in pain.
With the calm efficiency only years of training can provide, I prepare the Propofol for IV as one of the nurses preps the oxygen mask.
“It’s okay, everything will be alright. Just try to relax. I’m going to help with the pain,” I tell her. A nurse covers her mouth with the mask as I administer the drug through the IV.
Amanda slowly stops writhing, her eyes popping open wide and finding mine before her eyelids become heavier and heavier.
“Greg…”
Another flash of that night, of my name on her lips just like that…
“I’m here, Mrs. Parks,” I promise through the knot in my throat.
She smiles faintly, her hand reaching up for me but falling limp soon after.
“Glad to see you’re still as hot as you were at eighteen,” she mutters.
A surprised laugh bubbles out of me, and as if she realizes what she’s said, her eyes go wide. But the Propofol takes her under before she can speak, and then it’s just the soft sounds of machines whirring and nurses buzzing around the room.
One of the nurses, Whitney, smirks at me as Dr. Simmons rushes in for surgery.
“You better believe I’m getting that story out of you when this all settles down,” she says, one eyebrow arching up.
I try to smile back, try to make light of the situation, but all emotion is frozen as I take in the sight of Amanda sleeping soundly now. Her lips, as plump and bowed as I remember them, are parted slightly, stained with blood, and her bruised eyes are closed, chest swelling slowly with each new breath.
I swallow, taking her hand in mine even though I know she can’t feel it.
“You’re going to be okay,” I whisper.
And I don’t know if I’m trying to convince her or myself.
June 11, 2023
4.5 A reverse age-gap with a sweet doctor
But, sadly, no doctor kink lol! I guess I can only keep wishing lol (jk). He might be sweet, but he knows what he wants, and he wants his best friend’s mom 😈.
Amanda’s (47) divorcing her physically/mentally/emotionally abusive husband after a two-year battle. She’s on the phone with her lawyer when she comes across a very foggy scene and finds herself braking too late before she crashes. She’s rushed to the hospital where she comes face-to-face with her past. Greg (34), her son’s childhood’s best friend has grown-up to be even more handsome and muscular than 16 years before, and she wants him.
Greg lives very clean life, no alcohol, no coffee, very little vices, works out nearly every day, watches what he eats, and doesn’t date or go out that much. He’s an anesthesiologist who’s married himself to his job way too much and knows . Until he sees Amanda again, and he realizes that his teenage crush has the potential to be more now that he’s older and she no longer has a wedding ring on her finger. Life doesn’t always give us second chances, and he’s going to take it 😈. Amanda’s hesitant, not only because of her age, but because she needs to get on her own two feet, without relying on anyone- plus, her son isn’t going to approve 😬 and her ex-husband’s not going to make it easy for her either.
What I liked- possible SPOILERS
—The notion that age is nothing but a number. Plus, women, of all ages, want to know that they’re wanted, and Greg’s always willing to show her 🥰🔥.
—How persistent Greg was. Amanda could try to find excuses left and right, but he found a way of weaseling himself back into her life 😉.
—The goals/bucket lists they created. Greg and Amanda found a common ground- they’ve dedicated their lives to others and need to think about themselves, and crossing off things from their lists is something we should ALL be doing.
—How swoony Greg was- after being married to a narcissist who constantly gas-lighted her, Greg was everything Amanda needed in her life.
—The intensity of their love scenes💦- we might only get a couple of them, since this is slow burn, but the ones that are in the book are 🔥🥵. Jeeeezus, Greg is ALLLLL about pleasing Amanda, and with the lackluster smexxual life she had before, he shows her that he might be young, but he has the stamina of a stallion, and the skills of a master 💦😅.
—the flashback scenes showing us their connection from the past. It also showed us a glimpse of what Amanda went through.
—the growth and spine Amanda had- she’s no longer going to stand by and let life pass her by, and she’s learning everyday that she has power in her decisions ❤️
—THE BONUS EPILOGUE- if you sign up for the author’s newsletter, you get a cute and STEAMY scene when they’re getting their tattoos. Gahhh 🔥💦Greg proves, once again, that he can take on his woman’s weight… ON HIS FACE 😉🥵
What I wish it had more of:
—smexxxy scenes- Greg’s liked her since he was a teenager, give me MORE lol. This is me being greedy, but dang it, all the buildup had me tighter than a guitar string 😂
—I wouldn’t have minded if Greg had been more j/p… maybe he needed to hit the OM she went on a date with… maybe her ex too 💅🤷🏻♀️ give me some OMD fights 😂
—I would’ve appreciated if Greg had been a little more conniving with how he convinced Amanda, or more like persuaded her to do stuff 😈. Fiiiiine, I get it, he’s trying to be respectful and give her choices, but dang it- couldn’t he have been a *little* disrespectful when it came to some smexxxy scenes? Lol 😂😂😂
Overall, I really enjoyed this ❤️.
⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating/owd/sharing
-domestic abuse- it’s in the past, not graphic/detailed but it’s referred to and summarized
-the h gets rescued by OM when she almost falls at stadium event. H gets pissed (nothing happens but OM flirts with h). The OM asks her on a date 😬. She kisses him on date but then he reminds her she’s 47 and the date ends 😬
-the h’s ex becomes a small nuisance, but it gets handled (in a civil, legal way 😏 lol. I read too many mafia books😂)
-no condoms. Both clean. It’s been a while for both of them
-HEA/epilogue
But, sadly, no doctor kink lol! I guess I can only keep wishing lol (jk). He might be sweet, but he knows what he wants, and he wants his best friend’s mom 😈.
Amanda’s (47) divorcing her physically/mentally/emotionally abusive husband after a two-year battle. She’s on the phone with her lawyer when she comes across a very foggy scene and finds herself braking too late before she crashes. She’s rushed to the hospital where she comes face-to-face with her past. Greg (34), her son’s childhood’s best friend has grown-up to be even more handsome and muscular than 16 years before, and she wants him.
Greg lives very clean life, no alcohol, no coffee, very little vices, works out nearly every day, watches what he eats, and doesn’t date or go out that much. He’s an anesthesiologist who’s married himself to his job way too much and knows . Until he sees Amanda again, and he realizes that his teenage crush has the potential to be more now that he’s older and she no longer has a wedding ring on her finger. Life doesn’t always give us second chances, and he’s going to take it 😈. Amanda’s hesitant, not only because of her age, but because she needs to get on her own two feet, without relying on anyone- plus, her son isn’t going to approve 😬 and her ex-husband’s not going to make it easy for her either.
What I liked- possible SPOILERS
—The notion that age is nothing but a number. Plus, women, of all ages, want to know that they’re wanted, and Greg’s always willing to show her 🥰🔥.
—How persistent Greg was. Amanda could try to find excuses left and right, but he found a way of weaseling himself back into her life 😉.
—The goals/bucket lists they created. Greg and Amanda found a common ground- they’ve dedicated their lives to others and need to think about themselves, and crossing off things from their lists is something we should ALL be doing.
—How swoony Greg was- after being married to a narcissist who constantly gas-lighted her, Greg was everything Amanda needed in her life.
—The intensity of their love scenes💦- we might only get a couple of them, since this is slow burn, but the ones that are in the book are 🔥🥵. Jeeeezus, Greg is ALLLLL about pleasing Amanda, and with the lackluster smexxual life she had before, he shows her that he might be young, but he has the stamina of a stallion, and the skills of a master 💦😅.
—the flashback scenes showing us their connection from the past. It also showed us a glimpse of what Amanda went through.
—the growth and spine Amanda had- she’s no longer going to stand by and let life pass her by, and she’s learning everyday that she has power in her decisions ❤️
—THE BONUS EPILOGUE- if you sign up for the author’s newsletter, you get a cute and STEAMY scene when they’re getting their tattoos. Gahhh 🔥💦Greg proves, once again, that he can take on his woman’s weight… ON HIS FACE 😉🥵
What I wish it had more of:
—smexxxy scenes- Greg’s liked her since he was a teenager, give me MORE lol. This is me being greedy, but dang it, all the buildup had me tighter than a guitar string 😂
—I wouldn’t have minded if Greg had been more j/p… maybe he needed to hit the OM she went on a date with… maybe her ex too 💅🤷🏻♀️ give me some OMD fights 😂
—I would’ve appreciated if Greg had been a little more conniving with how he convinced Amanda, or more like persuaded her to do stuff 😈. Fiiiiine, I get it, he’s trying to be respectful and give her choices, but dang it- couldn’t he have been a *little* disrespectful when it came to some smexxxy scenes? Lol 😂😂😂
Overall, I really enjoyed this ❤️.
⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating/owd/sharing
-domestic abuse- it’s in the past, not graphic/detailed but it’s referred to and summarized
-the h gets rescued by OM when she almost falls at stadium event. H gets pissed (nothing happens but OM flirts with h). The OM asks her on a date 😬. She kisses him on date but then he reminds her she’s 47 and the date ends 😬
-the h’s ex becomes a small nuisance, but it gets handled (in a civil, legal way 😏 lol. I read too many mafia books😂)
-no condoms. Both clean. It’s been a while for both of them
-HEA/epilogue
December 10, 2021
I never thought that I would feel so much for these characters, but I did and this is why this author is my go to when it comes to romance books. Washed Up was the exact type of book that I was looking for at this moment. It was comforting, slow and easy, wth the perfect mix of forbidden desire that you didn't know you were craving.
Forty seven year old Amanda has sacrificed a lot over the past thirty years but through it all the one bright light has been her son. After being in a tumultuous marriage that redefined her life, she’s now looking forward to getting her life back on track. But when an accident derails her plans and brings someone back from her past, life as Amanda knows it is about to get real complicated.
For the past ten years Greg has been going non stop when it comes to achieving a career in medicine. Now a highly respected doctor, he’s now looking forward to putting down roots and calling a place his own. Seeing his best friend’s mom after all these years was something that caught him by surprise but if you were to ask him if he’s upset with that, he’ll kindly smirk and tell you that’s the best thing that's ever happened to him since graduating med school. But what happens when the lines are blurred between a new found friendship and an impending forbidden romance?
I really enjoyed this one and I liked that it was more of a slow burn romance and you saw the development of their friendship, felt their connection towards each other and saw the passion that was looming. Everything wasn't always perfect and I did have a few issues some things but overall this was a really good read for me. If you’re looking for a slow burn forbidden romance, I highly recommend you go with this one.
December 5, 2021
Mixed feelings
I absolutely loved this swoony hero, but the whole book is about the age gap, and that's just tedious after awhile. This series starter kicks things off with a forbidden romance that's VERY slow burning, angsty, and almost laidback. It's Kandi taken down a notch - yes, there's angst and drama, but I didn't feel the same level of tension that I usually do while reading her books, which is usually what grips me. Maybe that's because our hero is smitten from the start, or maybe it's because the same topic was discussed again and again and again. I liked some parts of this a whole lot and it introduces the characters from the next three books in a way that makes me want to read them, but I found the focus on the "we can't do this" storyline to be exhausting.
The story follows Amanda, a 47-year-old woman (and grandmother) who has finally left her abusive husband. Amanda got pregnant at 15 and became a mom before she was ever an adult, and she made excuses for her husband's alcoholism and abuse for years. When Amanda gets into a car accident, she comes face-to-face with a blast from the past - her son's childhood best friend, Greg. He's no longer the cute teenager that she once knew; Greg is now a 34-year-old, hot doctor... and he seems to want her. Greg had a crush on Amanda in his teens, and he knows all about her troubled history - which just makes him want her even more. But Amanda is just learning to live by herself (she's not even divorced yet), and starting up something between them would be trouble for everyone involved.
Greg is easily the best part of this book - I loved him the whole way through. It's so refreshing to read about a successful, steady, and sexy guy who is ready and willing to start a relationship. There's a great friends to lovers dynamic here with an undercurrent of more, and I think I could've loved the whole book with some tweaks. First, there's just way too much focus on the age difference. There are only so many times you can bring it up before it gets repetitive and boring. It also didn't help that the slow burn was soooo slow, with barely any sexual tension until late in the book. Amanda is also really unsure of herself, and I just didn't like how she strings Greg along - yes, there is some OM drama. Ultimately, I'm not sure this was the best book to kick off the series, but I'm definitely interested in checking out the others. I'm curious about all of the other characters, and it does a great job teasing the relationships in those.
I absolutely loved this swoony hero, but the whole book is about the age gap, and that's just tedious after awhile. This series starter kicks things off with a forbidden romance that's VERY slow burning, angsty, and almost laidback. It's Kandi taken down a notch - yes, there's angst and drama, but I didn't feel the same level of tension that I usually do while reading her books, which is usually what grips me. Maybe that's because our hero is smitten from the start, or maybe it's because the same topic was discussed again and again and again. I liked some parts of this a whole lot and it introduces the characters from the next three books in a way that makes me want to read them, but I found the focus on the "we can't do this" storyline to be exhausting.
The story follows Amanda, a 47-year-old woman (and grandmother) who has finally left her abusive husband. Amanda got pregnant at 15 and became a mom before she was ever an adult, and she made excuses for her husband's alcoholism and abuse for years. When Amanda gets into a car accident, she comes face-to-face with a blast from the past - her son's childhood best friend, Greg. He's no longer the cute teenager that she once knew; Greg is now a 34-year-old, hot doctor... and he seems to want her. Greg had a crush on Amanda in his teens, and he knows all about her troubled history - which just makes him want her even more. But Amanda is just learning to live by herself (she's not even divorced yet), and starting up something between them would be trouble for everyone involved.
Greg is easily the best part of this book - I loved him the whole way through. It's so refreshing to read about a successful, steady, and sexy guy who is ready and willing to start a relationship. There's a great friends to lovers dynamic here with an undercurrent of more, and I think I could've loved the whole book with some tweaks. First, there's just way too much focus on the age difference. There are only so many times you can bring it up before it gets repetitive and boring. It also didn't help that the slow burn was soooo slow, with barely any sexual tension until late in the book. Amanda is also really unsure of herself, and I just didn't like how she strings Greg along - yes, there is some OM drama. Ultimately, I'm not sure this was the best book to kick off the series, but I'm definitely interested in checking out the others. I'm curious about all of the other characters, and it does a great job teasing the relationships in those.
December 8, 2021
4.25 Stars!
Well, color me happy, my first Kandi Steiner read and it was wonderful! The age gap when it is older woman/younger man is a little tricky for me. I've only read two. The Pool Boy which I LOVED and All Grown Up which I did not.
This is the first book in the new Bayside Heroes series in which each of the books will be written by a different author. Amanda is going through a nasty divorce from her toxic ex, when she gets in a car accident and lands herself in the hospital. Add to that, her anesthesiologist is none other than Greg, her son's childhood best friend who was there at some key times in her past.
Washed Up had ALL the forbidden romance that I love so much and some amazing chemistry between the H/h. Greg is such a good man who has obviously been harboring some very strong feelings for Amanda for years. He's a dedicated doctor whose life has become all work, so he convinces Amanda that they'll be friends who help each other complete adventures off of their bucket lists.
This was angsty and a slow burn as we see Amanda and Greg reconnect as adults and then go from friends to more. The push and pull was CRACKLING!! Like, if these two didn't hook up soon, I was going to die!
The second half of this story was so damn swoony! I do wish it would've been a little longer and that we would've had more page time with Greg and Amanda together. Other than that, I seriously loved it.
Washed Up is a sexy, forbidden, age gap romance about a woman who is trying to start over, and her son's best friend who never stopped caring about her. It was emotional, sweet, romantic, and hot. I can't wait to read more of this author's work!
I received an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I do not own the images featured in this review.
“You’re not washed up,” he whispers, and I taste every word, his lips moving against my own — warm and soft and heartbreaking. “And if I never get the chance to show you that, to make you feel it, to prove to you with every touch I’m lucky enough to steal that it’s true… I need you to promise me you’ll believe it for yourself.”
Well, color me happy, my first Kandi Steiner read and it was wonderful! The age gap when it is older woman/younger man is a little tricky for me. I've only read two. The Pool Boy which I LOVED and All Grown Up which I did not.
This is the first book in the new Bayside Heroes series in which each of the books will be written by a different author. Amanda is going through a nasty divorce from her toxic ex, when she gets in a car accident and lands herself in the hospital. Add to that, her anesthesiologist is none other than Greg, her son's childhood best friend who was there at some key times in her past.
Washed Up had ALL the forbidden romance that I love so much and some amazing chemistry between the H/h. Greg is such a good man who has obviously been harboring some very strong feelings for Amanda for years. He's a dedicated doctor whose life has become all work, so he convinces Amanda that they'll be friends who help each other complete adventures off of their bucket lists.
This was angsty and a slow burn as we see Amanda and Greg reconnect as adults and then go from friends to more. The push and pull was CRACKLING!! Like, if these two didn't hook up soon, I was going to die!
He’s just it for me.
As fucked up and inconvenient as it is, he’s the one my heart wants, the one my body craves, the one who sees the me no one else ever has. And I know I’m it for him, too.
The second half of this story was so damn swoony! I do wish it would've been a little longer and that we would've had more page time with Greg and Amanda together. Other than that, I seriously loved it.
Washed Up is a sexy, forbidden, age gap romance about a woman who is trying to start over, and her son's best friend who never stopped caring about her. It was emotional, sweet, romantic, and hot. I can't wait to read more of this author's work!
"You'll always be enough for me." I shake my head. "More than enough."
I received an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I do not own the images featured in this review.
December 1, 2021
I’m not a big fan of the older woman - younger man trope, but I must confess, this won me over!
Amanda was finally stepping out on her own. She’s not really sure how to get herself out there again, or if she even wants to spread herself too much. But when an accident brings back the one man she shouldn’t be attracted to, she starts to try new and exciting things. I loved the growth I saw in her as she yielded to Greg’s persuasion.
Greg was one hot hero in every way. He knew just how to handle Amanda and her insecurities. His knowledge and perception of who she was so many years ago and his thoughts concerning her during those days had me loving him. He saw who she truly was and loved her for it even as he longed to save her from her situation. This had a great way of him dealing with one of the issues that separated them and the maturity of the action was pure perfection.
This had a little bit of everything in it. It was fun to read about their little adventures. Their banter was cute and humorous, making me smile the whole time. They also had some heavy angst as their relationship had so many reasons why it couldn’t/shouldn’t continue. But holy heck! When they were together, they were fire! Who knew a pinkie finger could cause my glasses to steam up so much?!
My first book by this author and I’m very glad I had the opportunity to try her. I’ll definitely be checking her other works out.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Amanda was finally stepping out on her own. She’s not really sure how to get herself out there again, or if she even wants to spread herself too much. But when an accident brings back the one man she shouldn’t be attracted to, she starts to try new and exciting things. I loved the growth I saw in her as she yielded to Greg’s persuasion.
Greg was one hot hero in every way. He knew just how to handle Amanda and her insecurities. His knowledge and perception of who she was so many years ago and his thoughts concerning her during those days had me loving him. He saw who she truly was and loved her for it even as he longed to save her from her situation. This had a great way of him dealing with one of the issues that separated them and the maturity of the action was pure perfection.
This had a little bit of everything in it. It was fun to read about their little adventures. Their banter was cute and humorous, making me smile the whole time. They also had some heavy angst as their relationship had so many reasons why it couldn’t/shouldn’t continue. But holy heck! When they were together, they were fire! Who knew a pinkie finger could cause my glasses to steam up so much?!
My first book by this author and I’m very glad I had the opportunity to try her. I’ll definitely be checking her other works out.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
December 14, 2021
OMG 😍 I just finished reading this beauty and WOW. I just love Kandi and her way with words so much. I’ve never read an age gap like this. If you love a good slow burn with wonderful storytelling and captivating characters, then you need this right now. I fell SO hard for Greg and Amanda. Greg is all the swoon. And Amanda is just a badass who has been through so much. Together…. OMG. JUST READ IT ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
November 29, 2021
Ahh, I loved this book so much. Amanda's world has been rocked, she's starting over, she's alone, and she's not 25 anymore. Or even 30... She's feeling a little washed up (get it?) Then Wham-o (seriously!) a car crash puts her face to face with a young man from her past. (her son's best friend--omg) And he's all grown up and VERY HOT and VERY interested! This book is sexy, it's funny, it's inspirational, and so SO GOOD!!! It's How Stella Got Her Groove back, but with the BEST HEA--you're going to LOVE IT so much... Are you ready to get this party started?
December 14, 2021
Perhaps Kandi Steiner's most intimate and tender story to date. Not only is Washed Up a beautiful and swoony forbidden love story of a woman and her son's best friend, but it is also a emotively resonant and charming tale of a broken woman's renaissance, a woman finding herself in ways she never expected. The sincerity of this story is it's greatest triumph, and it most certainly will touch your heart.
I really loved that this story is a reverse age gap focusing on an older woman- it’s an underutilized trope, and one that often feels more salacious (courgarized) than sincere, but Kandi gives this one a lot of authenticity and depth. Amanda is almost fifty, but it feels like she’s starting her life anew. After years being trapped in a loveless and abusive marriage and sacrificing all of herself for her son, she’s rebuilding her life as a single woman learning to date again and finding a new career. An unexpected car accident reconnects her with her son’s former best friend Greg, but he’s no longer the sexy 18 year old she shared a forbidden moment with- he’s now a successful doctor and he’s all man. And he’s determined to pursue his long buried feelings with the one that got away.
The story is really more sweet- and is a super slow burn. I would have loved a bit more steam, but Amanda is cautious given the forbidden nature of their connection. They spend a lot of time bonding and connecting as friends- and it was really cute to see Greg helping Amanda life again as they tackle experiences on their bucket lists. While I’m not quite Amanda’s age just yet, I’m closer to her age than most romance heroines, and I found it so refreshing to embody the mind and spirit of an older woman who is redefining herself. Love and experience have no age- and I found myself quite touched to see a character like her who has lost so much- love and life experience- blazing a new path for herself.
There is a bit of drama- a bit on the predictable side because of the trope (it’s son’s best friend, so you can piece together what the drama is), but fortunately Kandi didn’t milk it for too long and gives Amanda her much deserved HEA. It’s a super sweet, swoony, and charming start to this exciting new series- and bonus in meeting the characters we’ll get to adore in the other authors’ upcoming stories.
I really loved that this story is a reverse age gap focusing on an older woman- it’s an underutilized trope, and one that often feels more salacious (courgarized) than sincere, but Kandi gives this one a lot of authenticity and depth. Amanda is almost fifty, but it feels like she’s starting her life anew. After years being trapped in a loveless and abusive marriage and sacrificing all of herself for her son, she’s rebuilding her life as a single woman learning to date again and finding a new career. An unexpected car accident reconnects her with her son’s former best friend Greg, but he’s no longer the sexy 18 year old she shared a forbidden moment with- he’s now a successful doctor and he’s all man. And he’s determined to pursue his long buried feelings with the one that got away.
The story is really more sweet- and is a super slow burn. I would have loved a bit more steam, but Amanda is cautious given the forbidden nature of their connection. They spend a lot of time bonding and connecting as friends- and it was really cute to see Greg helping Amanda life again as they tackle experiences on their bucket lists. While I’m not quite Amanda’s age just yet, I’m closer to her age than most romance heroines, and I found it so refreshing to embody the mind and spirit of an older woman who is redefining herself. Love and experience have no age- and I found myself quite touched to see a character like her who has lost so much- love and life experience- blazing a new path for herself.
There is a bit of drama- a bit on the predictable side because of the trope (it’s son’s best friend, so you can piece together what the drama is), but fortunately Kandi didn’t milk it for too long and gives Amanda her much deserved HEA. It’s a super sweet, swoony, and charming start to this exciting new series- and bonus in meeting the characters we’ll get to adore in the other authors’ upcoming stories.
December 11, 2021
There wasn't really anything wrong with this, it's an age gap older woman/younger man (best friend's mom) but this took me a little longer than normal to get thru. There was something missing which made it hard to keep my attention at times.
August 4, 2023
тут:
• жінка старша ( на 13 років🫣)
• мати найкращого друга ( але яка ж 😍🔥)
• наслідки від багаторічного насилля з боку чоловіка (колишнього)
• головна героїня починає все спочатку у 45, а в 47 зустрічає друга свого сина до якого мала почуття 16 років тому
• боротьба з страхами, невпевненістю, які були навʼязані колишнім
але! хоча син і був проти ( уявіть, який шок - друг і мама🥲), він не відвернувся від мами; зміг прийняти їх стосунки ( ну, якщо вони будуть не ближче ніж 10 фунтів один від одного у його присутності 😂), поговорити з другом та допомогти мамі бути щасливою 🥺
головний герой - Грег, мені сподобався, такий весь крутий лікар- анестезіолог 😋( по факту), круто, що його не лякала різниця, і він допомагав Аманді прийняти те, що вона заслуговує на щастя
головна героїня - Аманда, неймовірно сильна, стати мамою в 15, терпіти чоловіка алкоголіка і тирана, виростити хорошого сина, і нарешті дати шанс собі на щастя
🕊️
«Посеред ночі, з її волоссям, що розсипалося по моїх грудях, і тихим звуком її рівномірного дихання, що заколисує мене, я дивлюся в стелю, прокручуючи в голові все, що сталося між нами. Я провів півночі, розмірковуючи над тим, чи кожна болюча мить у нашому житті призвела до цього моменту, чи це є причиною того, що все відбувається не просто так.
Може, так і є. Може, це просто везіння. Можливо, всесвіту просто подобається грати з нами, безсилими пішаками, і я ніколи не мав жодного контролю.
Все, що я знаю, це те, що якщо це означає, що в кінці кінців я отримаю її, я переживу кожну болючу мить знову.
Я цілую її в чоло і випускаю довге, насичене зітхання, мої груди зігріває лише одна думка, яку я не можу втриматися, щоб не прошепотіти вголос.
— Дім, милий дім.»
• жінка старша ( на 13 років🫣)
• мати найкращого друга ( але яка ж 😍🔥)
• наслідки від багаторічного насилля з боку чоловіка (колишнього)
• головна героїня починає все спочатку у 45, а в 47 зустрічає друга свого сина до якого мала почуття 16 років тому
• боротьба з страхами, невпевненістю, які були навʼязані колишнім
але! хоча син і був проти ( уявіть, який шок - друг і мама🥲), він не відвернувся від мами; зміг прийняти їх стосунки ( ну, якщо вони будуть не ближче ніж 10 фунтів один від одного у його присутності 😂), поговорити з другом та допомогти мамі бути щасливою 🥺
головний герой - Грег, мені сподобався, такий весь крутий лікар- анестезіолог 😋( по факту), круто, що його не лякала різниця, і він допомагав Аманді прийняти те, що вона заслуговує на щастя
головна героїня - Аманда, неймовірно сильна, стати мамою в 15, терпіти чоловіка алкоголіка і тирана, виростити хорошого сина, і нарешті дати шанс собі на щастя
🕊️
«Посеред ночі, з її волоссям, що розсипалося по моїх грудях, і тихим звуком її рівномірного дихання, що заколисує мене, я дивлюся в стелю, прокручуючи в голові все, що сталося між нами. Я провів півночі, розмірковуючи над тим, чи кожна болюча мить у нашому житті призвела до цього моменту, чи це є причиною того, що все відбувається не просто так.
Може, так і є. Може, це просто везіння. Можливо, всесвіту просто подобається грати з нами, безсилими пішаками, і я ніколи не мав жодного контролю.
Все, що я знаю, це те, що якщо це означає, що в кінці кінців я отримаю її, я переживу кожну болючу мить знову.
Я цілую її в чоло і випускаю довге, насичене зітхання, мої груди зігріває лише одна думка, яку я не можу втриматися, щоб не прошепотіти вголос.
— Дім, милий дім.»
December 8, 2021
Classic Kandi Steiner angst + lighthearted fun? Instant classic.
Washed Up is more like a tsunami, a forbidden romance that will have you hanging on to your life preserver while Greg and Amanda are pushed together and pulled apart by the storm between them: she's his best friend's mom. He's her son's best friend. And although they're old enough that their age gap doesn't matter, it's their history that proves both their blessing and their curse.
I don't want to spoil anything, but if you love Kandi Steiner's books, you are going to want to immerse yourself in this story until you happily drown in swoons. Don't miss this new release from one of the best romance writers out there!
Washed Up is more like a tsunami, a forbidden romance that will have you hanging on to your life preserver while Greg and Amanda are pushed together and pulled apart by the storm between them: she's his best friend's mom. He's her son's best friend. And although they're old enough that their age gap doesn't matter, it's their history that proves both their blessing and their curse.
I don't want to spoil anything, but if you love Kandi Steiner's books, you are going to want to immerse yourself in this story until you happily drown in swoons. Don't miss this new release from one of the best romance writers out there!
March 21, 2022
A poignant story with complex characters and real life struggles.
As hero Greg is younger than heroine Amanda (10+) they had many problems and obstacles to overcome. If that wasn’t enough Greg was Amanda’s son David’s best friend. But the author made it work. I didn’t feel any icky factor.
I loved Greg. He was such a perfect guy. It wasn’t lust at first sight for him. And he was always respectful of all of the heroine’s choices and understood her without words. They had a deep connection.
Because I loved him so much, my problem was with Amanda. Though I liked her and she was strong, courageous and a survivor I just wish she was a little more loving towards the hero. To me it felt like Greg had to do all the work. And she constantly chose everything other than him. But to be fair it was an impossible situation for her.
I loved the way she took back the control of her life and how hard she worked.
Hero was the main pursuer in the book. For those who wanna know about safety, (minor spoiler ahead)
heroine goes on a date and kiss OM once, before they (H/h)officially get together. I didn’t like it, as hero was hurt by it. But I understood heroine’s stand. Hero was faithful.
Cutest epilogue and recommended.
As hero Greg is younger than heroine Amanda (10+) they had many problems and obstacles to overcome. If that wasn’t enough Greg was Amanda’s son David’s best friend. But the author made it work. I didn’t feel any icky factor.
I loved Greg. He was such a perfect guy. It wasn’t lust at first sight for him. And he was always respectful of all of the heroine’s choices and understood her without words. They had a deep connection.
Because I loved him so much, my problem was with Amanda. Though I liked her and she was strong, courageous and a survivor I just wish she was a little more loving towards the hero. To me it felt like Greg had to do all the work. And she constantly chose everything other than him. But to be fair it was an impossible situation for her.
I loved the way she took back the control of her life and how hard she worked.
Hero was the main pursuer in the book. For those who wanna know about safety, (minor spoiler ahead)
heroine goes on a date and kiss OM once, before they (H/h)officially get together. I didn’t like it, as hero was hurt by it. But I understood heroine’s stand. Hero was faithful.
Cutest epilogue and recommended.
December 24, 2021
Kandi Steiner is one of my “go-to” authors; she could pretty much rewrite the phonebook and I’d read it. I knew that going into WASHED UP, I’d need to be prepared for the angst and strap myself in for the emotional rollercoaster ride. Kandi didn’t disappoint. This had everything that I’ve come to love from one of her books; I truly adored Amanda and Greg.
Age-gap romance generally seems to be older man/younger woman, so I loved that this story was in the reverse. Not once did I think that this couple weren’t suited or that the age difference was too much; I was rooting for them right from the beginning. Greg was wise beyond his years, even at 18, and I think he was evenly matched with Amanda.
This was a fantastic story and I’m looking forward to reading the other books in the series.
Age-gap romance generally seems to be older man/younger woman, so I loved that this story was in the reverse. Not once did I think that this couple weren’t suited or that the age difference was too much; I was rooting for them right from the beginning. Greg was wise beyond his years, even at 18, and I think he was evenly matched with Amanda.
This was a fantastic story and I’m looking forward to reading the other books in the series.
December 21, 2021
3.5 The Attraction Was Always There Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
I love interconnected books between favorite authors. It allows me to meet new voices, it allows me to get the feel of what is connecting each of the books, and to look forward to the next ones. Kandi Steiner, Harlow Rae, K.K. Allen, And Tia Louise all got together, thought up a concept, and ran with it. The results are four complete novels intertwined yet able to read completely on their own. Yay!
With Washed Up, we have a situation that is as old as time and just as compelling. It is the idea of someone who lit up your life without even trying, who made you feel needed, and somehow you were always there for them even if it was just by making sure they weren't alone.
That the woman you felt this feeling for was the mom of your best buddy may have caused some confused feelings but deep down you never forgot this woman. Now you are a full-grown man, the woman lands in your ER, and you need to help handle the injuries brought on from a huge highway accident.
Was Fate playing a joke on you or was this the real opportunity to reconnect with this woman and see what happens.
This is the premise and all those that love an age gap romance from the other perspective, women older than the man, will be captivated.
Washed Up by Kandi Steiner
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Screwed Up by Harloe Rae
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Fired Up by K.K. Allen
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Tangled Up by Tia Louise
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
November 8, 2021
How Exciting Can It Be...
When Four Talented Authors Decide...
To Work Together On An Interconnected STAND-ALONE Medical Series!
Bestselling Authors Kandi Steiner, Harloe Rae, K.K. Allen, and Tia Louise...
Bring Us The Bayside Heroes!
First, Washed Up By Kandi Steiner...
Per Kandi:
❤️ Anesthesiologist
❤️ Older woman/younger man
❤️ Son’s best friend 😱
Can't Wait To Be...
Washed Up-December 6, 2021
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
I love interconnected books between favorite authors. It allows me to meet new voices, it allows me to get the feel of what is connecting each of the books, and to look forward to the next ones. Kandi Steiner, Harlow Rae, K.K. Allen, And Tia Louise all got together, thought up a concept, and ran with it. The results are four complete novels intertwined yet able to read completely on their own. Yay!
With Washed Up, we have a situation that is as old as time and just as compelling. It is the idea of someone who lit up your life without even trying, who made you feel needed, and somehow you were always there for them even if it was just by making sure they weren't alone.
That the woman you felt this feeling for was the mom of your best buddy may have caused some confused feelings but deep down you never forgot this woman. Now you are a full-grown man, the woman lands in your ER, and you need to help handle the injuries brought on from a huge highway accident.
Was Fate playing a joke on you or was this the real opportunity to reconnect with this woman and see what happens.
This is the premise and all those that love an age gap romance from the other perspective, women older than the man, will be captivated.
Washed Up by Kandi Steinerhttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Screwed Up by Harloe Raehttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Fired Up by K.K. Allenhttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Tangled Up by Tia Louisehttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
November 8, 2021
How Exciting Can It Be...
When Four Talented Authors Decide...
To Work Together On An Interconnected STAND-ALONE Medical Series!
Bestselling Authors Kandi Steiner, Harloe Rae, K.K. Allen, and Tia Louise...
Bring Us The Bayside Heroes!
First, Washed Up By Kandi Steiner...
Per Kandi:
❤️ Anesthesiologist
❤️ Older woman/younger man
❤️ Son’s best friend 😱
Can't Wait To Be...
Washed Up-December 6, 2021
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
December 7, 2021
When Amanda came into the ER after a car accident, the last person she expected to see was Greg, her son’s childhood best friend who is now an anesthesiologist. Before he put her under for surgery, she let it slip just how attractive she thought he was. The truth of the matter is, when he was 18-years old and she was 31, they shared a single kiss. And seeing Greg again made Amanda flustered beyond belief.
After having her son young at 15 and now finally divorcing her abusive soon to be ex-husband, Amanda is trying to find herself. Her mind is telling her that giving into Greg is the last thing she should be doing, but Amanda’s heart & body is telling her otherwise.
Greg hasn’t been able to kick his teenaged crush on Amanda and his feelings for her are stronger than ever. Now that she’s finally single and he’s ready for a real relationship, he knows now’s his chance. But if things go south between them, he could not only lose the love of his life, but his lifelong friend, too.
Washed Up by Kandi Steiner is the first book in the Bayside Heroes series; the series includes four books written by four different authors. I was stoked to read this romance because A) I love Kandi’s books and B) I’m a sucker for hospital romances. This intrigued me even more because it’s a forbidden older woman/younger man romance, too. I was surprised that this is a rather slow burn romance, and wasn’t as taboo as I thought it was going to be. Greg & Amanda worked great together and their relationship made sense. If you like the DeLuca/Meredith relationship on Grey’s Anatomy, you’ll love Greg & Amanda! 4/5 stars.
After having her son young at 15 and now finally divorcing her abusive soon to be ex-husband, Amanda is trying to find herself. Her mind is telling her that giving into Greg is the last thing she should be doing, but Amanda’s heart & body is telling her otherwise.
Greg hasn’t been able to kick his teenaged crush on Amanda and his feelings for her are stronger than ever. Now that she’s finally single and he’s ready for a real relationship, he knows now’s his chance. But if things go south between them, he could not only lose the love of his life, but his lifelong friend, too.
Washed Up by Kandi Steiner is the first book in the Bayside Heroes series; the series includes four books written by four different authors. I was stoked to read this romance because A) I love Kandi’s books and B) I’m a sucker for hospital romances. This intrigued me even more because it’s a forbidden older woman/younger man romance, too. I was surprised that this is a rather slow burn romance, and wasn’t as taboo as I thought it was going to be. Greg & Amanda worked great together and their relationship made sense. If you like the DeLuca/Meredith relationship on Grey’s Anatomy, you’ll love Greg & Amanda! 4/5 stars.
May 4, 2022
I really liked this one. Kandi is a fantastic writer and I love a well done age gap book, especially when the heroine is the one that is older. This hero not only knows what he wants, but is also extremely swoony. There's a forbidden aspect since the son of the heroine and the hero are good childhood friends. I really loved the story and the flow. I did feel like it was missing some of the angst that are usually present in Kandi's book, but it was a great read nonetheless. The audiobook is fantastic>
November 29, 2021
From the moment this series was announced, I have been awaiting these books and lord, does Washed Up hit every single thing I love about romance! I love age gap romances, and factor in an older woman with her son's best friend?! I was drooling to get my hands on this book! Kandi's writing is next level in this book, and I absolutely fell in love with Greg and Amanda! They're steamy, swoony, and the love between these two...perfection! You can feel it coming off the page. I couldn't put this book down...these two had me turning the page, needing to know what happens! And as much as it was about the romance, I loved the healing Amanda does throughout the story. What a strong, badass babe she is! Greg and Amanda were the perfect fit for one another, and I honestly cannot gush enough about how much I loved this story! The perfect kickoff to what will no doubt be a magnificent series by four amazing, badass authors!
December 9, 2021
I had all intentions of hoping to fall in love with this story, but I was really disappointed. The characters not only brought to light the obstacles that they faced, but the continual addressing of their age gap with sarcastic jokes really took away any chemistry that I could have felt between Greg and Amanda. They made their small age gap feel like they were 30 years apart rather than just 13.
To be honest, I had a hard time connecting with Amanda. I know she wasn’t in a good place emotionally, but with every negative connotation towards her age took away any progressive strides she was making to be whole again. I didn’t feel any chemistry between Greg and Amanda because the progression of the story really felt stagnant for me. I didn’t feel any of the major issues were addressed, but rather just glossed over and the journey of Amanda’s growth was really lacking. There were times the plot didn’t make sense and where the characters' action didn’t match the story. For as much as I did enjoy Greg, overall this story was a huge miss for me
To be honest, I had a hard time connecting with Amanda. I know she wasn’t in a good place emotionally, but with every negative connotation towards her age took away any progressive strides she was making to be whole again. I didn’t feel any chemistry between Greg and Amanda because the progression of the story really felt stagnant for me. I didn’t feel any of the major issues were addressed, but rather just glossed over and the journey of Amanda’s growth was really lacking. There were times the plot didn’t make sense and where the characters' action didn’t match the story. For as much as I did enjoy Greg, overall this story was a huge miss for me
December 6, 2021
HOLY FEELS ALERT!
As always, Kandi Steiner delivers an exceptional romantic experience while adding new twists and unique spins. An absolute MUST READ and getting shelved on my favorites for this year!
If you're in the mood to swoon, fall hard for a good guy hero, and be swept away by incredibly writing, then Washed Up NEEDS to be your next read. The chemistry between Greg and Amanda is combustible. That slow burn melts so sweet and hot. Phew! Each scene flows effortlessly into the next, leaving me reading late into the night. I couldn't put this one down if I tried!
As always, Kandi Steiner delivers an exceptional romantic experience while adding new twists and unique spins. An absolute MUST READ and getting shelved on my favorites for this year!
If you're in the mood to swoon, fall hard for a good guy hero, and be swept away by incredibly writing, then Washed Up NEEDS to be your next read. The chemistry between Greg and Amanda is combustible. That slow burn melts so sweet and hot. Phew! Each scene flows effortlessly into the next, leaving me reading late into the night. I couldn't put this one down if I tried!
June 21, 2022
3 Stars
I wished I liked this older women, younger man romance. For some reason, I just felt so bored while reading this one. You could see the conflict coming from the beginning of the book so it was just waiting.
I wished I liked this older women, younger man romance. For some reason, I just felt so bored while reading this one. You could see the conflict coming from the beginning of the book so it was just waiting.
December 5, 2021
I wasn’t sure what I expected, but I ended up feeling a lot for Amanda and Greg. Their struggles touched me even though my life couldn’t be more different–that’s how well the characters were written. They felt real.
A love story between a young man and an older woman is always a delight because of all the stigma around it. To top it off, here the young man is a friend of the woman’s son. And the woman is not yet divorced from her abusive husband. Let’s just say that there’s so much potential for heavy drama.
But, even though sad things happen and not everything is rainbow and sunshine, it isn’t a depressing story. Mostly because the focus is on the building of the relationship between Amanda and Greg. From past acquaintances, to new friends, to potential lovers, you see the minute changes every step of the way. You really see them creating new connections. Of course, there’s a strong attraction right from the start, or even right from the past, but neither act on it until they start hanging out and have meaningful conversations. Be warned, this book is kind of a slow burn.
With Greg losing himself in his work, and Amanda building a life for herself after her husband took everything from her, they clearly need each other. But the many obstacles they face make the story, while they overcome one after another. The medical part of the romance takes a step back, to be honest.
Though the interactions with other characters are very limited, we meet with the heroes and heroines of the next stories in the series, as well as some important characters in Greg and Amanda’s lives. Those little scenes and conversations still highlight the various relationships, bringing even more life to the characters.
Real characters with real struggles who build a beautiful relationship, highly recommended.
Quickie
- Series: Bayside heroes #1 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #medical romance #reverse age gap #best friend’s mother #second chance
- Triggers: alcoholism, domestic abuse, technically cheating
- Main couple: Amanda Parks & Greg Weston
- Hotness: 3/5 (kind of a slow burn)
- Romance: 5/5
- + I loved their friendship before they became a couple
- – David’s reaction to his mother’s love life, while understandable, annoyed me some
A love story between a young man and an older woman is always a delight because of all the stigma around it. To top it off, here the young man is a friend of the woman’s son. And the woman is not yet divorced from her abusive husband. Let’s just say that there’s so much potential for heavy drama.
But, even though sad things happen and not everything is rainbow and sunshine, it isn’t a depressing story. Mostly because the focus is on the building of the relationship between Amanda and Greg. From past acquaintances, to new friends, to potential lovers, you see the minute changes every step of the way. You really see them creating new connections. Of course, there’s a strong attraction right from the start, or even right from the past, but neither act on it until they start hanging out and have meaningful conversations. Be warned, this book is kind of a slow burn.
With Greg losing himself in his work, and Amanda building a life for herself after her husband took everything from her, they clearly need each other. But the many obstacles they face make the story, while they overcome one after another. The medical part of the romance takes a step back, to be honest.
Though the interactions with other characters are very limited, we meet with the heroes and heroines of the next stories in the series, as well as some important characters in Greg and Amanda’s lives. Those little scenes and conversations still highlight the various relationships, bringing even more life to the characters.
Real characters with real struggles who build a beautiful relationship, highly recommended.
Quickie
- Series: Bayside heroes #1 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #medical romance #reverse age gap #best friend’s mother #second chance
- Triggers: alcoholism, domestic abuse, technically cheating
- Main couple: Amanda Parks & Greg Weston
- Hotness: 3/5 (kind of a slow burn)
- Romance: 5/5
- + I loved their friendship before they became a couple
- – David’s reaction to his mother’s love life, while understandable, annoyed me some
December 6, 2021
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
It was just another day in the Emergency Department- until she was wheeled in through the doors. Amanda Parks, my childhood best friend's mom who I may or may not have secretly kissed before leaving for college. I haven't seen her in over a decade, and in so many ways, she hasn't changed. Same killer curves. Same hypnotizing eyes. Same reaction form y heart when I see her. But something new? There isn't a ring on her finger anymore. And I'm much more of a man than I was at eighteen.
This is a standalone age gap romance that I fell so hard for while reading it. And when I say age gap I know you're thinking older man younger woman. But this one is a older woman younger man and I loved that so much about this book. This is the story of Amanda and Greg.
Amanda is a forty seven year old woman who is in the process of getting a divorce from the most horrible husband ever. She also has an adult son and is trying to put her life back together and figure out what she is going to do to restart her life. Her entire marriage she was a stay at home mother and wife. Now she has no idea what she wants to do but she is going to have to go back to school she knows that. Greg was her sons best friend when they were growing up and he left and went off to med school and is not the anesthesiologist at the local hospital. He really is trying hard to adjust to being back in his hometown but he's been gone for two years and it still just doesn't feel like home for him again yet. He has a good routine but that routine gets blown out of the water one night at the hospital when he sees a woman he has not seen for a while. His high school best friends mom is right there and she is the last person he kissed before he left town. What is going to happen between these two now?? You have to read and find out. But I can tell you that I loved reading this book. I loved the friendship that developed between Amanda and Greg. It was beautiful to watch it grow and blossom. This is a romance book that I would recommend to anyone. Kandi Steiner really blew this book out of the water.
It was just another day in the Emergency Department- until she was wheeled in through the doors. Amanda Parks, my childhood best friend's mom who I may or may not have secretly kissed before leaving for college. I haven't seen her in over a decade, and in so many ways, she hasn't changed. Same killer curves. Same hypnotizing eyes. Same reaction form y heart when I see her. But something new? There isn't a ring on her finger anymore. And I'm much more of a man than I was at eighteen.
This is a standalone age gap romance that I fell so hard for while reading it. And when I say age gap I know you're thinking older man younger woman. But this one is a older woman younger man and I loved that so much about this book. This is the story of Amanda and Greg.
Amanda is a forty seven year old woman who is in the process of getting a divorce from the most horrible husband ever. She also has an adult son and is trying to put her life back together and figure out what she is going to do to restart her life. Her entire marriage she was a stay at home mother and wife. Now she has no idea what she wants to do but she is going to have to go back to school she knows that. Greg was her sons best friend when they were growing up and he left and went off to med school and is not the anesthesiologist at the local hospital. He really is trying hard to adjust to being back in his hometown but he's been gone for two years and it still just doesn't feel like home for him again yet. He has a good routine but that routine gets blown out of the water one night at the hospital when he sees a woman he has not seen for a while. His high school best friends mom is right there and she is the last person he kissed before he left town. What is going to happen between these two now?? You have to read and find out. But I can tell you that I loved reading this book. I loved the friendship that developed between Amanda and Greg. It was beautiful to watch it grow and blossom. This is a romance book that I would recommend to anyone. Kandi Steiner really blew this book out of the water.
October 30, 2023
3.5/5
Якщо чесно, то я трохи розчарована. Можливо книга потрапила не в той час, але мені було нудно. Але давайте спочатку про хороше.
З плюсів:
📍Неймовірно здорові, комфортні стосунки з підтримкою, турботою прагненням до вдосконалення і досяганням нових висот.
📍Класний посил книги, про те, що не потрібно боятися починати заново життя після 40, якщо є бажання і стимул, навчатися ніколи не пізно.
📍Мені сподобалося ставлення головної героїні до життя і до себе в цілому, сподобалося, що вона розуміла свої психологічні проблеми і робила кроки для їх вирішення, сподобалася її сміливість і бажання розвиватися, відкривати і досліджувати щось нове для себе.
📍Головний герой звісно ж весь такий ідеальний, гора мускулів, для якого головне, щоб героїня була щаслива( бажано з ним).
Здавалося, чого ще треба. Але, мені не вистачило якоїсь перчинки, вогню можливо, все відбувалося максимально спокійно і адекватно, що я читала, аби дочитати. Також хотілося більше описів стосунків героїв, саме коли вони стали парою, а то не встигли зійтися, як про все дізналися, і почалася драма. По суті, всю книгу, нас підводили до їхніх відносин, показували їхнє зближення, потім бац драма, примирення і кінець. Коротше, я не відчула героїв як пару, чомусь не проникнулася до них симпатією і не хвилювалася за їхні стосунки. А ще хотілося побачити більше вкладу Аманди, в їхні взаємини, проте вона вийшла дуже цікавою особистістю, тоді як Грег для мене взагалі ніякий, я не зрозуміла, чи є в нього якісь цілі чи мрії, що не стосуються головної героїні😅.
З усієї книги мені найбільше сподобався момент, коли син Аманди дізнався про їхні відносини😂, то було смішно і неочікувано, взагалі стосунки між матір'ю і сином тут дуже теплі і милі.
Ця книга підійде тим, хто хоче відпочити від емоційних гойдалок і прочитати про спокійні, рівні вілносини з максимально адекватними героями, які є звичайними людьми, а не мільйонерами із модельною зовнішністю (забудемо про гору мускулів😅).
Якщо чесно, то я трохи розчарована. Можливо книга потрапила не в той час, але мені було нудно. Але давайте спочатку про хороше.
З плюсів:
📍Неймовірно здорові, комфортні стосунки з підтримкою, турботою прагненням до вдосконалення і досяганням нових висот.
📍Класний посил книги, про те, що не потрібно боятися починати заново життя після 40, якщо є бажання і стимул, навчатися ніколи не пізно.
📍Мені сподобалося ставлення головної героїні до життя і до себе в цілому, сподобалося, що вона розуміла свої психологічні проблеми і робила кроки для їх вирішення, сподобалася її сміливість і бажання розвиватися, відкривати і досліджувати щось нове для себе.
📍Головний герой звісно ж весь такий ідеальний, гора мускулів, для якого головне, щоб героїня була щаслива( бажано з ним).
Здавалося, чого ще треба. Але, мені не вистачило якоїсь перчинки, вогню можливо, все відбувалося максимально спокійно і адекватно, що я читала, аби дочитати. Також хотілося більше описів стосунків героїв, саме коли вони стали парою, а то не встигли зійтися, як про все дізналися, і почалася драма. По суті, всю книгу, нас підводили до їхніх відносин, показували їхнє зближення, потім бац драма, примирення і кінець. Коротше, я не відчула героїв як пару, чомусь не проникнулася до них симпатією і не хвилювалася за їхні стосунки. А ще хотілося побачити більше вкладу Аманди, в їхні взаємини, проте вона вийшла дуже цікавою особистістю, тоді як Грег для мене взагалі ніякий, я не зрозуміла, чи є в нього якісь цілі чи мрії, що не стосуються головної героїні😅.
З усієї книги мені найбільше сподобався момент, коли син Аманди дізнався про їхні відносини😂, то було смішно і неочікувано, взагалі стосунки між матір'ю і сином тут дуже теплі і милі.
Ця книга підійде тим, хто хоче відпочити від емоційних гойдалок і прочитати про спокійні, рівні вілносини з максимально адекватними героями, які є звичайними людьми, а не мільйонерами із модельною зовнішністю (забудемо про гору мускулів😅).
November 27, 2021
Kandi Steiner has done it again. She's hit me with All. The. Feels. with her latest romance, Washed Up.
This is a forbidden, age-gap romance - emphasis on the word ROMANCE. Amanda is an almost 50-year old woman who finds herself starting over after a divorce. When she ends up in the ER, she comes face-to-face with her son's best friend, but he's not the hot teenager that he once was. Nope. Now, he's a full grown man and an anesthesiologist. Greg has dedicated his life to his work, and he hasn't thought much about Amanda since he was a teenager. Seeing her again brings on a lot of new feelings, and he notices that she no longer wears a ring on her finger. He wants her, but there are a few obstacles in his way. Big obstacles like the fact that she's 13 years older than him and his best friend's mom.
I absolutely LOVE the chemistry and the connection between these two characters. This is a slow burn with such a build up that you're about ready to combust. You really do get to watch this friendship turn relationship bloom into something beautiful, and I found myself getting so emotional at times over their story. This wasn't an ugly cry kind of emotional, but just reading with tears in my eyes and an occasional leak down my cheek. You just FEEL the heartache, the uncertainty, and the conflict that this couple experiences right along with them.
Washed Up is the first book in the Bayside Heroes series, each interconnected book written by a different author. While I don't always read all of the books in such a series, I am really intrigued by all of the Bayside characters and want to see where their stories go. If this one is any indication, it's going to be a must read series.
This is a forbidden, age-gap romance - emphasis on the word ROMANCE. Amanda is an almost 50-year old woman who finds herself starting over after a divorce. When she ends up in the ER, she comes face-to-face with her son's best friend, but he's not the hot teenager that he once was. Nope. Now, he's a full grown man and an anesthesiologist. Greg has dedicated his life to his work, and he hasn't thought much about Amanda since he was a teenager. Seeing her again brings on a lot of new feelings, and he notices that she no longer wears a ring on her finger. He wants her, but there are a few obstacles in his way. Big obstacles like the fact that she's 13 years older than him and his best friend's mom.
I absolutely LOVE the chemistry and the connection between these two characters. This is a slow burn with such a build up that you're about ready to combust. You really do get to watch this friendship turn relationship bloom into something beautiful, and I found myself getting so emotional at times over their story. This wasn't an ugly cry kind of emotional, but just reading with tears in my eyes and an occasional leak down my cheek. You just FEEL the heartache, the uncertainty, and the conflict that this couple experiences right along with them.
Washed Up is the first book in the Bayside Heroes series, each interconnected book written by a different author. While I don't always read all of the books in such a series, I am really intrigued by all of the Bayside characters and want to see where their stories go. If this one is any indication, it's going to be a must read series.
December 6, 2021
4 Stars
Washed Up is a book that is part of the Baysides heroes series that bring together stories from various authors that are somehow connected, and here we have the story of Amanda and Greg, a sweet and sexy story from beginning to end.
These characters address the age difference, with a hint of forbidden romance, but what I found cool here is that the Heroine is older in the relationship since in most books it's always the opposite. Amanda is recently divorced and trying to start over, I really liked how the author treated her character, she showed us that it's never too late to start over. It was really cool to see her growth over the pages. Greg is an anesthesiologist at the hospital, is best friends with Amanda's son who as a teenager had a course in her, now years later the paths of both cross bringing a new dynamic to this relationship.
I enjoyed watching these characters' relationship develop, it was sweet to see Greg helping Amanda regain her confidence and open up to love again after everything she's been through. The forbidden element here is light, as the focus of the book was more on seeing their relationship grow, as well as Amanda's personal growth (which was my favorite part of the book).
Washed Up is a book that brings a romantic story that gives readers the message that it's never too late to start again.
➖➖
Washed Up é um livro que faz parte da série Baysides heroes que reúnem histórias de vários autores que de certa forma estão conectadas, e aqui temos a história de Amanda e Greg, uma historia doce e sexy do começo ao fim.
Esses personagens abordam a diferença de idade , com uma pitada de romance proibido, mas o que eu achei bacana aqui é que a Heroína é mais velha da relação já que na maioria dos livros é sempre o contrário. Amanda está recem divorciada e tentando começar de novo, eu gostei muito de como a autora tratou a personagem dela, nos mostrou que nunca é tarde para recomeçar . Foi muito bacana ver o crescimento dela ao longo das paginas. Greg é um anestesiologista do hospital, é melhor amiga do filho de Amanda que quando adolescente tinha um curso nela, agora anos mais tarde os caminhos de ambos se cruzam trazendo uma nova dinâmica a essa relação .
Eu gostei de ver o desenvolvimento do relacionamento desses personagens , foi doce ver Greg ajudando Amanda a recuperar a confiança de volta e se abrir novamente ao amor depois de tudo que ela passou. O elemento proibido aqui é leve , já que o foco do livro foi mais em ver o crescimento da relação deles, assim como o crescimento pessoal de Amanda ( que foi minha parte preferida do livro).
Washed Up é um livro que traz uma história romântica que passa aos leitores a mensagem que nunca é tarde para recomeçar
I Received an unreleased copy of this book
Washed Up is a book that is part of the Baysides heroes series that bring together stories from various authors that are somehow connected, and here we have the story of Amanda and Greg, a sweet and sexy story from beginning to end.
These characters address the age difference, with a hint of forbidden romance, but what I found cool here is that the Heroine is older in the relationship since in most books it's always the opposite. Amanda is recently divorced and trying to start over, I really liked how the author treated her character, she showed us that it's never too late to start over. It was really cool to see her growth over the pages. Greg is an anesthesiologist at the hospital, is best friends with Amanda's son who as a teenager had a course in her, now years later the paths of both cross bringing a new dynamic to this relationship.
I enjoyed watching these characters' relationship develop, it was sweet to see Greg helping Amanda regain her confidence and open up to love again after everything she's been through. The forbidden element here is light, as the focus of the book was more on seeing their relationship grow, as well as Amanda's personal growth (which was my favorite part of the book).
Washed Up is a book that brings a romantic story that gives readers the message that it's never too late to start again.
➖➖
Washed Up é um livro que faz parte da série Baysides heroes que reúnem histórias de vários autores que de certa forma estão conectadas, e aqui temos a história de Amanda e Greg, uma historia doce e sexy do começo ao fim.
Esses personagens abordam a diferença de idade , com uma pitada de romance proibido, mas o que eu achei bacana aqui é que a Heroína é mais velha da relação já que na maioria dos livros é sempre o contrário. Amanda está recem divorciada e tentando começar de novo, eu gostei muito de como a autora tratou a personagem dela, nos mostrou que nunca é tarde para recomeçar . Foi muito bacana ver o crescimento dela ao longo das paginas. Greg é um anestesiologista do hospital, é melhor amiga do filho de Amanda que quando adolescente tinha um curso nela, agora anos mais tarde os caminhos de ambos se cruzam trazendo uma nova dinâmica a essa relação .
Eu gostei de ver o desenvolvimento do relacionamento desses personagens , foi doce ver Greg ajudando Amanda a recuperar a confiança de volta e se abrir novamente ao amor depois de tudo que ela passou. O elemento proibido aqui é leve , já que o foco do livro foi mais em ver o crescimento da relação deles, assim como o crescimento pessoal de Amanda ( que foi minha parte preferida do livro).
Washed Up é um livro que traz uma história romântica que passa aos leitores a mensagem que nunca é tarde para recomeçar
I Received an unreleased copy of this book
Want to read
November 9, 2021i’m not into the older woman/younger man trope ESPECIALLY best friend’s mom trope, but man am i intrigued 👀👀
i may be reading this, not sure yet. I’m curious to see how Kandi handles this, I’ll report back 🥴
i may be reading this, not sure yet. I’m curious to see how Kandi handles this, I’ll report back 🥴
November 29, 2021
Washed Up by Kandi Steiner is a slow-burn, contemporary, age-gap romance, and the first book in the Bayside Heroes series—a series of four interconnected standalone medical romances by the following bestselling authors: Kandi Steiner, Harloe Rae, K.K. Allen, and Tia Louise.
Washed Up
is told in first person, dual POV, as it follows the relationship between Amanda, a soon-to-be-divorced 47-year-old college student, and Greg, a 34-year-old anesthesiologist who is also her son’s childhood best friend.
[Soapbox Note: I LOVE that Kandi has not used the phrase “reverse age gap” in her description for this story. I’ve seen many people refer to romances that feature the older woman/younger man trope as “reverse age gap” romances, and I’d love to see that label disappear. I, personally, refuse to use it because it’s deeply rooted in misogyny. The phrase displays a clear and inherent implication that states a relationship with a significantly older man is the norm or the standard, while one with an older woman is an abnormal oddity or anomaly. There is nothing inherently male (or female) about a relationship age gap, so there’s really no such thing as a reverse age gap—it’s a nonsensical phrase. We live in a world where most societies are patriarchal, and Romance stands out as a feminist genre that not only puts women on equal footing with men, but often gives them the upper hand. When we use labels like reverse age gap, our internalized misogyny shows, but awareness can help us do better. *Steps off soapbox and goes back to writing the review.*]
I loved Amanda and Greg’s story! As characters, they were realistic, relatable, well-developed, likeable, and flawed. I quickly and easily fell in love with both of them. I adored the connection and chemistry they shared along with the slow burn simmering beneath the surface, burning brighter and hotter as they tried to deny their feelings for each other while developing a secret friendship. Greg and Amanda’s age difference, coupled with his relationship to her son, brings an inherent element of conflict and lends a delicious, forbidden vibe to a relationship that otherwise might not have felt off-limits.
If you’re familiar with Kandi Steiner’s work, you know she does a fabulous job of writing angsty stories that will shatter your heart into smithereens and then put it back together again. This story definitely has its fair share of angst, but it’s not the brutal rip-your-heart-out-while-your-Kindle-drowns-in-a-sea-of-your-tears kind of angst. It’s more of a steady, low-key ache that permeates the story, the constant throb underlying pain that exists beneath the surface when two people who want to be together don't believe it's possible. Amanda and Greg have a bond that transcends their age difference and perceived obstacles. It will have you rooting for them to fight for their relationship and reach their happy ending.
Washed Up is emotional, romantic, and hopeful. It’s a story about new beginnings, second chances, and true love. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***
[Soapbox Note: I LOVE that Kandi has not used the phrase “reverse age gap” in her description for this story. I’ve seen many people refer to romances that feature the older woman/younger man trope as “reverse age gap” romances, and I’d love to see that label disappear. I, personally, refuse to use it because it’s deeply rooted in misogyny. The phrase displays a clear and inherent implication that states a relationship with a significantly older man is the norm or the standard, while one with an older woman is an abnormal oddity or anomaly. There is nothing inherently male (or female) about a relationship age gap, so there’s really no such thing as a reverse age gap—it’s a nonsensical phrase. We live in a world where most societies are patriarchal, and Romance stands out as a feminist genre that not only puts women on equal footing with men, but often gives them the upper hand. When we use labels like reverse age gap, our internalized misogyny shows, but awareness can help us do better. *Steps off soapbox and goes back to writing the review.*]
I loved Amanda and Greg’s story! As characters, they were realistic, relatable, well-developed, likeable, and flawed. I quickly and easily fell in love with both of them. I adored the connection and chemistry they shared along with the slow burn simmering beneath the surface, burning brighter and hotter as they tried to deny their feelings for each other while developing a secret friendship. Greg and Amanda’s age difference, coupled with his relationship to her son, brings an inherent element of conflict and lends a delicious, forbidden vibe to a relationship that otherwise might not have felt off-limits.
If you’re familiar with Kandi Steiner’s work, you know she does a fabulous job of writing angsty stories that will shatter your heart into smithereens and then put it back together again. This story definitely has its fair share of angst, but it’s not the brutal rip-your-heart-out-while-your-Kindle-drowns-in-a-sea-of-your-tears kind of angst. It’s more of a steady, low-key ache that permeates the story, the constant throb underlying pain that exists beneath the surface when two people who want to be together don't believe it's possible. Amanda and Greg have a bond that transcends their age difference and perceived obstacles. It will have you rooting for them to fight for their relationship and reach their happy ending.
Washed Up is emotional, romantic, and hopeful. It’s a story about new beginnings, second chances, and true love. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***
November 30, 2021
Oh wow, if this story is any indication, I’m going to love every minute I spend in this Bayside Heroes series! I adored Greg and Amanda and I’m already half in love with the upcoming characters. And with this stunning quartet of talented authors, there's no way we can go wrong!
Amanda Parks is starting her life over at forty seven. Having finally shed herself of her worthless husband, mostly, Amanda has returned to college and wants to become a therapist. Her focus is on her studies, her son and his wife, and her new grandbaby. Being involved in an auto accident throws a monkey wrench in her plans, but an even bigger game changer is seeing her son's best friend from high school, now Dr. Greg Watson, who's tending to her in the emergency room.
And this is where things get a little sticky. Greg kind of had a crush on Amanda when he was eighteen, and those old feelings come roaring back the more he spends time with Amanda. But hello, best friend's mother (a bit problematic) and he's a decade plus younger than her. But as we all know, the heart wants what the heart wants.
Sticky or not, I love these two together so much! We can feel Amanda’s uncertainty and fear about starting over, but Greg motivates her to get out of her comfort zone, try new things and actually live. He's calm, caring and supportive as Amanda takes control of her life and finds her confidence, something no one else has ever encouraged her to do. They’re just so perfect for each other it was all I could do to read through my heart eyes!
I easily devoured this in one sitting and can’t get enough of these amazing characters and inviting book world! It's humorous but poignant and tender but empowering. It's exactly the satisfying escape you need to warm you up on a cold winter's night, and I know you'll love it as much as I did!
Amanda Parks is starting her life over at forty seven. Having finally shed herself of her worthless husband, mostly, Amanda has returned to college and wants to become a therapist. Her focus is on her studies, her son and his wife, and her new grandbaby. Being involved in an auto accident throws a monkey wrench in her plans, but an even bigger game changer is seeing her son's best friend from high school, now Dr. Greg Watson, who's tending to her in the emergency room.
And this is where things get a little sticky. Greg kind of had a crush on Amanda when he was eighteen, and those old feelings come roaring back the more he spends time with Amanda. But hello, best friend's mother (a bit problematic) and he's a decade plus younger than her. But as we all know, the heart wants what the heart wants.
Sticky or not, I love these two together so much! We can feel Amanda’s uncertainty and fear about starting over, but Greg motivates her to get out of her comfort zone, try new things and actually live. He's calm, caring and supportive as Amanda takes control of her life and finds her confidence, something no one else has ever encouraged her to do. They’re just so perfect for each other it was all I could do to read through my heart eyes!
I easily devoured this in one sitting and can’t get enough of these amazing characters and inviting book world! It's humorous but poignant and tender but empowering. It's exactly the satisfying escape you need to warm you up on a cold winter's night, and I know you'll love it as much as I did!
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