OMG do I love Beth O'Leary books. This one is no different. I just love her stories and the way that she writes them. I have read a similar book recently and this one was just so much better. Beth O'Leary has been one of my favorite authors and this one doesn't change that. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a complex, not everything is lovely dovey kind of love story.

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced ebook of this book.

Thank you @BerkleyRomance for the free book and thank you @PRHAudio for the #gifted listening copy of Swept Away! #BerkleyBookstagram #BerkleyIG #berkley #PRHAudioPartner #PRHAInfluencer #berkleyromance #SweptAway #betholeary

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐲
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐎’𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐲
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬: 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐛𝐞𝐤𝐚𝐡 𝐇𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐲: 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

𝟒★

Two strangers, Zeke and Lexi, meet in a bar while Zeke is in town for the weekend to buy make is father’s houseboat. Their casual hookup on a houseboat takes an unfortunate turn the next morning when they discover that no one tied the houseboat to the dock the night before, and they are miles from the dock. With few provisions, the two must work together to figure out how to get back home. Over the course of the next few days, the two learn about one another and their past. Suddenly, what was once a one night stand turns into much more.

I really enjoyed this one! I loved the beginning and the end of the book the most. I did find the middle to be a little slow at times, but otherwise, I really adored this one!

⚓️Romance & Adventure
⚓️Reverse Age Gap
⚓️Lost at Sea
⚓️Forced Proximity
⚓️House Boat
⚓️One Night Stand
⚓️Dual POV

🎧I alternated between the physical book and the audiobook, which was narrated by Connor Swindells and Rebekah Hinds. I thought they were both perfect for Zeke and Lexi. I did need to slow my narration speed down a bit from my normal speed, but once I adjusted, I loved these two and my time listening!

Posted on Goodreads on April 2, 2025: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/144922955?ref=nav_profile_l
**Posted on Instagram - Full Review- on or around April 2, 2025: http://www.instagram.com/nobookmark_noproblem
**Posted on Amazon on April 2, 2025
**-will post on designated date

I’m middle of the road on this book. The premise was very unique and I enjoyed the twist on a forced proximity trope. There was a lot of action but it seemed super farfetched at times which took me out of the story. I liked the heartfelt talks between the two main characters but also felt it was kinda of instalove. Yes they learned about each other but they also had no choice. Finally, the ending twist was unnecessary to me and just made the story convoluted. Overall, it was a fun romance story with a unique plot but there were some flaws.

I’ve been a big fan of Beth O’Leary ever since reading 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 and was so excited to read this one! First off, this cover is absolutely stunning, and I am slightly obsessed with all the different versions that are available! The story felt true to Beth O’Leary’s usual style, while also feeling quite unique and standing out from her other novels (definitely recommend reading them all!). Two strangers, a one-night stand, and an epic adventure, lost at sea...that plot alone was an instant must-read for me! I think initially I was thrown off because my expectations were that it would be basically a continuation of 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲, which obviously it is not. As I got to know Lexi and Zeke, and follow their adventure, lost at sea, I fell in love with them individually but also together. I definitely teared up at some moments later on in the story!

I am such a fan of Beth O'Leary's work, and am so happy to say SWEPT AWAY is another standout!

After meeting each other at a local pub, Zeke and Lexi have a fun one-night stand together in a rickety houseboat. The next morning, however, they are both shocked to find the houseboat has drifted out to sea, leaving them stranded with little provisions and no cell service.

The concept of this book completely intrigued me and it did not disappoint. I loved seeing Zeke and Lexi get to know each other, especially in such a unique (stressful!) situation. They balanced each other out so well, while also encouraging growth and change in one another.

There is an age gap between Zeke and Lexi (she is 8 years older), but thankfully it did not give me the ick. (I tend to not like big age gaps!) Maybe it's because of the characters' personalities, or the fact 8 years isn't <i>too</i> big of a difference, or the fact that the woman is the older one. Whatever it was, the gap didn't bother me. These two felt very much like equals and evenly matched.

I was worried that being with only two characters for the majority of the book would get stale, but the unpredictability of them being on a stranded houseboat added a great pull to the story where there was never a dull moment.

You might need to suspend your disbelief a bit at times, but I thought the story was very well done. I can't wait to see this one come to life on the big screen.

Unfortunately this one wasn’t for me—I was a bit surprised by how intense the at-sea part was, but I think people who want a little more thrill/drama might love this one!

Thank you to Berkley for the eARC!

Swept Away starts with a unique meet-cute. After meeting in the bar Lexi mother used to own and her best friend now runs, they choose the houseboat because each thinks it's theirs, Lexi to use since her friend owns it, Zeke because he just bought it. Drunk and lust-driven they don't realize their misunderstanding. They also don't correctly follow the neighbor's instructions on retying the boots lines. They wake to find themselves out to sea. They're completely alone on a boat meant for living in at the dock not navigating the open ocean. Even if they had the right equipment, which they don't, neither is trained in sailing. The hours turn into days and they are forced to learn to survive their situation. All the while, finding they actually enjoy each other even though they've agreed not to have relations again (not being prudish just don't want to get censored, lol).

While I wondered if a houseboat could really drift that far overnight from where is moored, that nagging question wasn't important enough to make me not enjoy the story as it unfolded. Can these two figure out how to survive with limited food and water rations, the merest medical supplies and no way to make their way back home? As the days drag on it seems the odds are stacked against them, especially after Lexi accidentally slices Zeke's belly open. Lexi is faced with taking on his care and abject fear he'll die on her. Their rescued seagull was a fun diversion. Will he make it? Will they?

The story was interesting, the characters realistic and likable, the growth intriguing and their ability to cope and their will to survive were inspiring. A trip to an oil rig was a chance to eat, have a little fun together, try to get an SOS out and eventually, when all seems lost, to actually facilitate their rescue. I think you'll find it entertaining as well.

Thanks to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC.

Swept Away:⁣
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Thank you @prhaudio @berkleyromance for my gifted copies! #PRHAudioPartner #BerkleyPartner ⁣
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I’m going to say this in the nicest way possible. This book was so good, I’m talking 4-5 ⭐️ material. Then it crashed into a 2 ⭐️ with one swift sentence. I don’t know, that twist really ruined it for me. Like girl, wut. I just can’t get over it, that’s all. ⁣
⁣
While they were on the boat, I was invested. Are they going to survive? Are they going to confess their love?! I wish I could have just left them on the different rigs and boats and just live peacefully on a permanent cruise.⁣
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Audio was really good. I don’t think I would have finished without the best of audiobook readers. Connor Swindells and Rebekah Hinds did a great job. ⁣
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Anywho, it was a miss for me but people are loving it so I’m happy for them! Definitely check out the 5 ⭐️ reviews and make your decision. 🖤

This book was alright. I really loved the premise and I thought that the love story was the ultimate meet cute ever. But, i didn't find myself loving the characters. There were absolutely some quotable lines but I wasn't really rooting for them one way or the other. I have to say that the twist at the end felt sort of... out of place, if that makes sense. I thought it was a way to tie them together at the end with a bow but it just didn't hit right for me.

I really enjoyed Swept Away! It’s the perfect mix of romance, adventure, and survival. Zeke and Lexi’s chemistry was undeniable, and I loved watching their relationship evolve from a one-night stand to something deeper as they faced the challenges of being stranded at sea. Their banter, personal growth, and emotional connection kept me hooked from start to finish.
The alternating POVs made it easy to connect with both characters, and I appreciated how their backstories added depth to the story. The suspense of their survival, mixed with moments of humor and tenderness, created a well-balanced read. The twist near the end caught me off guard, making the resolution even more satisfying.
Beth O’Leary’s writing is engaging and heartfelt, making this a book I couldn’t put down. If you love forced proximity, slow-burn romance, and a bit of adventure, this book is definitely for you.

I didn’t know I needed survivalist romance in my life but here we are!! Plot-wise, Swept Away is a pretty big departure from the romances Beth O’Leary has written in the past, but I think she really nailed it.

The story pulled me in immediately and I read about 70% of the book in one sitting, and that was really only because I *had* to go to sleep. I knew a happy ending was coming, I needed to see how Lexi and Zeke would make it through each day. The absurdity and seriousness of the situation was really well balanced. I don’t think the story would majorly stress anyone out, it is a romance after all, but the author made sure that the stakes were very real and very clear.

The chemistry between Lexi and Zeke was effortless and gentle (seems to be my favorite in romance these days) despite their circumstances. Zeke’s kindness and patience along with Lexi’s courage and resilience made them an amazing couple to root for. They challenged each other in the best ways, helping each other face deep insecurities while stranded in a truly wild situation.

Now taking all your best survivalist romance recs because I NEED more of this in my life.

- IG: https://www.instagram.com/p/DH6C9Cyuk8V
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- Good Reads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7440500978

Swept Away by Beth O’Leary is a captivating, character-driven romance that had me hooked from start to finish! The premise alone—two strangers accidentally stranded at sea on a runaway houseboat—was enough to pique my interest, but the execution made this book truly shine.

Beth O’Leary has a knack for immersing readers in her stories, and she absolutely delivers here! The vivid, sensory writing made me feel the isolation and uncertainty of being adrift, and I could almost hear the lapping waves and feel the vastness of the open sea. The stakes were high, both in terms of survival and emotional growth, and I loved how the forced proximity allowed Zeke and Lexi to open up, confront their pasts, and build a connection that felt natural and deeply moving!

This is a novel that thrives on emotional depth and slow-burn intimacy rather than fast-paced action, so it won’t be for everyone. But for those who love introspective, character-driven romances, it’s an absolute treat!

That said, one aspect kept this from being a full five stars for me. Zeke’s backstory includes a past relationship at 16 with a woman more than a decade his senior—a deeply troubling dynamic that was mentioned but not fully acknowledged for the predatory situation it was. Given how much this experience shaped his character, I wish the novel had addressed it with the weight and condemnation it deserved. A single paragraph of reckoning could have made a world of difference.

All in all, Swept Away is a beautifully written, emotionally compelling novel that kept me glued to the pages. If you enjoy romances that focus on character growth, high-stakes situations, and forced proximity dynamics, this one is well worth the read!

This book had its strengths, but it felt slow to me. However, the characters were well-developed and had depth, but I really struggled to form a connection with them. I would still recommend this to others!

Happy Pub Day Review!

Thank you so much @berkleypub and @berkleyromance for my #gifted copy of this amazing read!

I am a HUGE fan of Beth O’Leary’s work. The Flat Share is one of my favorite books of all time and I read The No Show on a road trip a few years ago and still think about it.

When Swept Away showed up at my door I couldn’t wait to start it and really enjoyed an immersive read of this one {tysm @prhaudio for the early listening copy!}

I loved the premise of this story. Getting stranded on a boat with your one night stand? That sounded like the perfect romance read to me! To be honest, I was a little skeptical of what could possibly happen to the characters but boy oh boy O’Leary did not disappoint!

I loved Lexi and Zeke’s dynamic, their banter, and their deep character development. Connor Swindells and Rebekah Hinds narration really, really bring the characters to life. They go through a lot together that really keeps you engaged and on the edge of your seat!

I do not want to spoil this one with a bunch of details but I really, really recommend this one to anyone looking for a summer romance!

4.5 stars

Thank you @berkleyromance for a copy of this book! #berkleypartner

After a falling out with her best friend, Lexi drowns her sorrows and decides to have to a fun night with a stranger. But the next morning, Lexi and Zeke find the houseboat on which they had their tryst has drifted out to sea. And with no signal or a working motor, they’re stuck until someone finds them. As they work together to survive the elements, they get closer than they could have ever imagined.

I loved this! It has moved to the top spot for me of Beth O’Leary’s books. Her books always have depth, but this one was on another level. When you have two people with not much else to do but wait for rescue, they’re going to get extremely close. And while they may have avoided going there initially, the longer they were out at sea, the more vulnerable they allowed themselves to be. Their insecurities and worries were laid bare, which allowed them to build an emotional connection. Of course, they also had to work together to manage some scary situations, but there’s still down time.

I was so impressed by how Beth was able to keep things interesting despite only having two characters most of the story. I loved the relationship Lexi and Zeke built and thought they had great chemistry. So many moments of tenderness and care. This is a reverse age gap with Lexi being 8 years older than Zeke and while at first she is put off by it, she comes to realize their compatibility and connection is undeniable. That said, any talk of a potential romantic relationship doesn’t happen until the last 1/4 of the “trip”. Zeke was one of the sweetest, most thoughtful MMCs I’ve read in a while. He has done a lot of work on himself and was quite evolved for a 23 year old. Lexi for her part is at a crossroads in her life and this experience gives her the push to make some changes and put herself first.

I had a pit in my stomach for much of the book, but I knew even if some of my hunches/fears were true (and they were), it would all work out. There is so much more than meets the eye with this book and I definitely think you should read it!

I don't even have a true star rating for this book. Like this is an infinity star rating. The love I have for this book is unmatched to anything. Call me over dramatic, I say read the book you'll get it, and you'll thank me.
I'm not a quick reader at all, we all know this, but I finished this book is less than 48 hours because I could not put it down. I truly felt every emotion you could imagine. Yes, I cried. I also go so attached to a seagull, that now I think they're my favorite animal???
Anyway, this story was just so beautiful. I've read two books now that have made me want to jump right into the pages. There is not enough words in my vocabulary to describe how amazing this book is.

4.5 stars

You had me at lost as sea!!!

I have always been such a fan of Beth O’Leary and she did not disappoint with this book! It brings the banter, the tension, and that irresistible “help! I’m stranded with my one night stand” forced proximity that had me HOOKED. Absolutely obsessed! 🔥

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing for an advanced copy of this book!

Ezekiel "Zeke" Ravenhill, a 23 year old guy and Lexi Taylor, a 31 years old girl meet at Lexi's bar. After she gets off of work they decide to continue this party somewhere else. Going towards the marina they both head to the The Merry Dormouse, a houseboat. Lexi thinks her best friend still owns it but she doesn't realize that Penelope "Penny" Manley just sold the boat to Zeke. Though a miscommunication, no one actually ties the boat to the dock. After a night of fun, Zeke and Lexi wake up to find that the boat has actually drifted away from their small England town to somewhere in the middle of the ocean with no land in sight!

Knowing that they don't have much supplies on the boat, they start rationing everything. Zeke and Lexi spend the next twelve days not knowing if they are going to get rescued and live or worse, die. All of the different situations that happen to them are cute, fun and scary but while they are floating these two start to learn each other on a whole different level and realize that they are starting to fall in love. Going through the emotions and helping each other to survive, has Zeke and Lexi knowing that they were meant for each other.

By the time Lexi and Zeke are rescued they think everything is going to be perfect now but life has a way of throwing the past back into things and everything blows up. It will take a huge reveal for these two to finally find their way back together but when they do, it will be perfect!

I just loved this one night stand turned into 12 long days. Both Lexi and Zeke were so real and you felt like you were on this journey with them. After what they went through I'm glad they found their happy ending.

3,75* This was such a nice quick read and i needed that. That was my first book by Beth O'Leary and i'll definitely add some more to my tbr. Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC. 💕

I really loved this! A sweet and tender romance at the heart of quite the adventure! I love Beth O’Leary’s writing.