Book Review: Washed Up by Kandi Steiner

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Washed Up is the first book in The Bayside Heroes series that released throughout December of last year. Written by Kandi Steiner, this age-gap romance story quickly became an emotional rollercoaster. Last month, I reviewed the second book in the series, Screwed Up by Harloe Rae. For the rest of the month, I’ll be reviewed the other 3 books in the series.

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Washed Up by Kandi Steiner, Bayside Heroes

Initial Thoughts

Other than Screwed Up, I tried to not read any reviews or excerpts from the other books in The Bayside Heroes series. I wanted to go in completely blind. I’m especially glad I did with Washed Up, because I don’t know that I would have read it otherwise. I knew it was an age-gap romance, and that’s just not a trope I’m into at the moment.

But, a few chapters into the book and I was fully hooked. The history between the characters makes the slow burn excruciating to read – but in the best way. There’s so much longing and obvious passion.

Amanda is a strong as hell 47-year-old woman, and you instantly feel connected to her. You’re rooting for her from the very beginning. Greg, who is 34-years-old, is such a well-written character. He’s beyond kind, generous, and is hard-working and dedicated to his career as an anesthesiologist.

Final Verdict on Washed Up by Kandi Steiner

This isn’t your typical age-gap romance (or what at least what I’d describe as typical). Greg was childhood best friends with Amanda’s son, David. This would normally turn me off immediately. But, when I realized that Amanda had David as a teenager, my mindset changed. Amanda is in the process of finalizing her divorce from David’s father, an abusive alcoholic, and is back in school to earn a degree in psychology. She really does embody the “age is not important” attitude.

When Greg and Amanda are out on their ‘adventures,’ the age difference doesn’t exist. They already had a connection years ago, and it’s like they pick up right where they left off. Passion and angst included. They joked together, experienced new things together, and found it easy to be open with one another. The ups and downs of Amanda and Greg’s friendship and romantic relationship goes through pretty much every extreme imaginable.

I’m so glad I didn’t let the age difference prevent me from reading this book. I’ve never read anything written by Kandi Steiner, but I will absolutely be exploring more of her titles this year. If you’re looking for a slow, slow, slow burn, Washed Up is absolutely for you!