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.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3GesY7Q
Blurb:
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 in the Bayside Heroes series!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3GesY7Q
This multi-author series continues with Screwed Up!
SCREWED UP by Harloe Rae
Release date: December 13th
Genre/Tropes: Opposites attract/No-strings arrangement
Cover photo: Perrywinkle Photography
Blurb:
“He might be wrong, but I’m tired of being right.”
The extreme focus on my career has led to a lonely existence.
I don’t make time for much beyond the hospital walls.
And the pressure is getting to me.
Those who know me best highly recommend I take the edge off by any means necessary.
As it turns out, the new security guard at Bayside Regional is just what the doctor ordered.
Dane Owens is a disaster waiting to happen.
Maybe that’s why I can’t look away.
He plays fast and loose with no plans of slowing down.
Especially when it comes to dating.
We’re polar opposites, which is precisely why this arrangement is temporary.
But there’s plenty to keep us occupied until our expiration date.
All I need is for Dane to follow the rules that long.
Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59487581
About the Author:
Kandi Steiner is a bestselling author and whiskey connoisseur living in Tampa, FL. 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. She started writing back in the 4th grade after reading the first Harry Potter installment. 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 die hard hopeless romantic, and likes to highlight all the challenges of love as well as the triumphs.
When Kandi isn’t writing, you can find her reading books of all kinds, talking with her extremely vocal cat, and spending time with her friends and family. She enjoys live music, traveling, anything heavy in carbs, beach days, movie marathons, craft beer and sweet wine — not necessarily in that order.
Connect with Kandi
Website: www.kandisteiner.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7319216.Kandi_Steiner
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kandi-Steiner/e/B00JDJOINE
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KandiSteiner/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/kandilandks/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kandisteiner/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KandiSteiner
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kandi-steiner
Book+Main: https://bit.ly/39u1KLs
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