Absolutely FANTASTIC!! Beth O’Leary does it again with this incredible title. There was genuine suspense suspense and believable danger. I also loved how the characters were really grounded, talking about their personal problems without using too much fake sounding therapy talk. I swooned, I gasped, I laughed, I teared up… I recommend this to young and old.

I really, really enjoyed this one. I love just about anything this author has written, but I think this one is one of her best! Looking forward to seeing what’s next!

This was my first Beth O’Leary book, and I already know she’s going to be a favorite.

I adored this story—it had the perfect mix of romance and adventure. I’m always a sucker for survival romances, and this one was done so well. It kept me hooked from start to finish!

Zeke is definitely a new book boyfriend—he was so sweet, and I loved him right away. Lexi was just as wonderful—caring, selfless, and easy to root for.
Zeke and Lexi’s relationship was everything.

Also, Eugene was such a cute addition! (Read to find out!)

The twist at the end was a little unexpected, but I was happy with the ending.

I cannot thank Berkley enough allowing me the opportunity to read Swept Away in advance. Although I personally did not connect with the characters, I can definitely see people obsessing over them! I did really like the premise and the double meaning of "swept away". I definitely would recommend people give it a try!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Books for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

When a drunken one night stand turns into a fight for survival on a houseboat that has drifted into sea. Limited provisions and unable to call for help they have to work together to get back home.

Forced proximity ✔️
Reverse age gap ✔️
Grumpy vs sunshine ✔️
He falls first ✔️

There was one part about him being with an older woman before that was laughed off that I feel should have been taken more seriously. But other than that this was a fun summertime read. 3.5 stars rounded up

Oh, this was a fun one. As someone who has quite literally been Swept Away (yes, I sailed around the Bahamas for a study abroad my junior year) this was quite the romcom.

Immediately, I was hooked. A one night stand that leaves a woman stranded on the boat after attempting the walk of shame? Oh this was right up my ally. However, this is not just a sweet romcom. There were some scenes where even I was shaking my head in disbelief! Lexi and Zeke just proved that if anyone had to be stuck together, it should have been them. Both characters felt fully flushed, I just had a couple of qualms with the way they were written.

I thought Zeke was darling. If I had one word to describe him it would be sweet! I also really enjoyed Lexi’s character. However, I just didn’t really understand the need for her behavior when Zeke let her know that he had his first sexual experience with a woman at 16 (I know this is the age of consent in the UK still just feels weird)…with a significantly older woman. It felt like an opportunity to unpack the situation rather than try and make light with a ‘well, you really do like older women’ angle. It just didn’t sit right with me.

The second thing I had a problem with (granted this is probably only a me problem) but I never felt like they were truly stranded. I know that this is fictional & fun, but when I was sailing our motor quite literally died. You don't know real fear until it's 2:45 in the morning in the middle of the ocean and you're not moving. Trust, we did form a trauma bond but we also didn't have the time to be cooking each other meals like Zeke was doing every few pages in this book!

Overall, I think this is a 3.5 star book! Other than those couple of things I mentioned above, it was a rather enjoyable book. I will definitely be looking into other Beth O’Leary works, I just don’t think this one was my jam (& that’s okay- it might be yours)!

Thank you Berkley & Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was such a fun premise. I haven't read a survival romance like this one before and I enjoyed.

Being swept away wasn't on the top of Lexi and Zeke's mind when they were making their way to the bedroom of the houseboat after a night of drinks. A one-night stand turned into 12 days adrift in the ocean with nothing but water, the awkwardness of the morning after, past memories, and insecurities.

It was so intense at moments. The isolation didn't just encourage both of them to face things in their lives they've been battling but also learning to open up and let them go. They just didn't anticipate they'd fall in love in the process.

I enjoyed this and would recommend! Beth's books don't disappoint!

Sigh, okay, yes I did like this book, but I'm so torn about how long it was. I guess its the empathy in me that just wanted them to be saved quickly. Anywho. This is a story about how a one night stand turned into a love story after said couple became stranded in the sea on a houseboat. I don't know how much falling in love ill do, if my very survival was on the line; but I digress. They both go through the motions of fear and love as they try to stay sane hoping they will be discovered and rescued. Then a huge reveal threatens to tear them apart!


Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for this ARC, grateful and humbled 🙏🏾

Solid 3.5 Stars!!!

SWEPT AWAY out April 1st 2025!!!!

An emotional, charming novel with a setting I haven't read in a romcom before! Full of O'Leary's classic voice, this book presents wonderfully flawed characters (a trilby? Really? XD) learning to grow together. What starts as a hilarious set up, ends up being the perfect setting for a romance.

I always look forward to a new Beth O'Leary book, but this one really wasn't for me. I don't like the one-night stand trope, so I was a bit put off right in the first chapter. Added to that, the way Lexi reacted to the boat ownership misunderstanding made me put the book down for awhile before getting to chapter two. I will say that several weeks later when I made myself pick it back up, I did start to enjoy it for a bit, but I just couldn't connect with the characters and I didn't care for the age gap. I read a few other reviews and decided this book just wouldn't be for me. I did also see several glowing reviews, though, so others may really enjoy it.

This by any means wasn’t a bad book but just a bad fit for me. I thought the pacing of the book was a little weird. It started off strong with a unique plot of 2 people who hooked up that wind up stranded on a boat together. I love forced proximity but this was just a little bit too much for my liking. I think if you want a short mindless read than this would be perfect for you.

This was not at all what I was expecting! But I felt similarly when I read The Flatshare (which I absolutely loved). This was fun and sweet, but also dramatic and at times, sad. It was a rollercoaster of feelings and I enjoyed every second of it.

I think romance novels can sometimes fit a formula that is predictable, safe, and cozy. This was refreshingly different with depth that I’m usually seeking. I think that’s one of the things I love about Beth’s books. That, and her writing. She always captivates me with her writing. I get invested in her characters. The stories make me think deeply.

Lexi and Zeke were both relatable and likeable characters. There were parts where I felt disconnected to them, but that could also be intentional based on their personalities. I felt like a lot happened in this book, but it was well paced, and the perfect length.

If you enjoyed The Flatshare, Hello Stranger, Float Plan, or Lovewrecked, you’ll probably enjoy this!

This novel comes out on April 1st! Thanks to NetGalley, Berkley, and Beth O’Leary for this ARC.

I will read anything Beth O'Leary writes! I think this is my 4th of 5th book by the author? I love how she always manages to deliver a solid romance, infuse quintessential British humor into her stories and come up with unique and unpredictable plots. Swept Away is no different. I truly enjoyed this book and thought the main characters' anxiety-inducing "adventure" at sea was very solidly written (although I feel it could have been shorter). I will say though that I don't think the book needed the twist at the end. In fact, the twist at the end ruined the main characters' relationship for me (I won't spoil it here, but I was really upset lol because it felt SO incredibly unnecessary). That said, I can't wait for Beth O'Leary's next book! :)

Rating: 4.5 Stars

What started as a one night stand turned into twelve days lost at sea. Though this experience was harrowing at times, it also led to healing and self discovery for both Zeke and Lexi.

I have been an official Beth O'Leary fangirl for a while. Her books are always full of humor, great characters, and lots of emotion. She also likes to throw a good curveball (I'm looking at you, The No-Show), and I am still wrestling with my feelings about the one she threw here. Other than that, I LOVED this book.

O'Leary did an incredible job blending romance with action, adventure, and a fight for survival. It's started all swoony and hot, but as the days passed and they were still adrift, things got real. It's situations like this where you see someone's true colors and what they are made of, and both Lexi and Zeke rose to the occasion. Seeing their grit, strength, and resilience endeared them to me. And let me tell you, there were some very precarious moments that ocurred which ratcheted up my anxiety. These were trying times, and I was glad they had each other to rely on.

Is it odd that I found the whole houseboat living intriguing? I have never sailed on a small ship, and have only seen houseboats from the outside. It was interesting learning more about them and all the features they can have, and I found myself eager to spend time aboard the ship.

But my favorite part of this tale was the romance, of course! This was an age gap romance with Lexi being eight years Zeke's senior. Though he was young (23!), he never seemed that young, and it had a lot to do with his life experiences. Zeke was definitely an old soul who was trying to make changes in his life. He spent years living in a way that was detached and destructive, and with help, he realized he wanted more, he deserved more. And I wanted that to rub off on Lexi! I wanted her to want more and to know she deserved more. They were both wounded with family baggage, but they seemed to find something special with each other, and I loved them together.

Though it was stressful at times, I had a wonderful time being lost at sea with Lexi and Zeke! I was swept away by their romance and fight for their lives, and so, so grateful for the amazing ending they found together.

Could I love Beth O’Leary books anymore than I already do? I guess so, because Swept Away was one of my favorite reads so far. This one had a similar Flat Share “energy” compared to her other releases, and that was amazing. It’s a great story with her usual beautiful writing and character work, and the romantic tension is wonderful throughout, as well as some great dialogue and insights through internal processing. All in all, a new favorite Beth O’Leary book for me. Please keep bringing these emotions!!

I made it about 30% and then dnf'ed it. I loved Beth O'Leary's first 2 books, then it went downhill from there. I wanted to give her another try but alas it didn't work at all. I couldn't connect with the characters and the story just dragged on and on.

Swept Away by Beth O'Leary is not your typical rom-com; it dives much deeper, blending adventure and romance in a way that kept me hooked from the start. What stood out the most was the adventure element — two strangers forced to rely on each other to survive after a one-night stand. Watching their connection grow in such high-stakes circumstances felt raw and authentic, and the slow-burn romance that unfolded was beautifully paced.

However, what kept this from being a solid five-star read for me was the third-act miscommunication and breakup. It felt random and misplaced, completely halting the momentum of the love story. After everything they’d been through, that plot point felt more like an unnecessary hurdle than a natural development.

Despite that, I still enjoyed the journey and the emotional depth of the characters. O'Leary's storytelling shines in the way she balances tension, vulnerability, and romance. I still highly recommend this book to any romance lover — the adventure, chemistry, and emotional growth make it a memorable read.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing the E-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book truly took me on an emotional journey. Reading it with Sharada and Farah made it even more memorable. The reverse gap romance between the characters was everything I didn’t expect—what started as a one-night stand quickly spiraled into something neither of them could control, full of powerful emotions and surprising depth. The way their connection grew, unexpectedly and painfully at times, had us all on edge. At first, it was raw and unguarded, but as they spent more time together, the layers peeled back. The vulnerability they showed each other was heartbreaking, yet beautiful. It wasn’t just a romance; it was a journey of understanding and self-discovery.

There were moments when I could feel their struggle in my own chest. Both characters had such distinct emotional walls, and watching them come down was intense. There was a particular moment, when they both faced the truth about their feelings, that completely took me by surprise—it was such an emotional turning point, one I didn’t see coming, but it made the connection between them feel real and earned. I had moments where I was frustrated with them, but then I’d realize how deeply flawed and human they were, which made it even more powerful.

Some parts were difficult to get through, especially as they navigated their own personal fears and doubts. The float house became a symbol for everything they were dealing with—an isolated, almost mystical place where they faced themselves and each other. We struggled alongside them, not knowing what to expect next, and that tension kept us hooked. The setting also heightened the emotions, giving the characters a space to reflect, confront their pasts, and ultimately transform. It was such a perfect place for them to discover what they truly wanted.

The emotional rollercoaster of the book stayed with me long after I finished it. The way they both had to grow individually before they could truly connect felt authentic. It wasn’t an easy road, but it was one worth traveling. I felt all of their victories and heartbreaks, and it made the ending feel all the more earned.

Reading this book also made me reflect on my own experiences, particularly a boat trip I took years ago. I remember how peaceful and reflective it was being on the water, surrounded by nothing but calm waves. It’s been so long, but this story brought that feeling rushing back. The stillness of the water reminded me of the emotional isolation the characters felt at times and how much that isolation could lead to personal growth. After reading this, I long for that kind of reflection again, a quiet place to think and process, just as the characters did.

ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH!!! This one just has my whole heart. I loved the relationship with Eli and Lexi so much. The way they connected with each other in one of the absolute worse situations I think anyone could be in was so beautiful!

100% will be recommending to all of my friends!

For a story that nearly sailed away without me, I’m glad I was finally able to get onboard with it. It won’t go down as one of my favorite trips, but I have no regrets!

Thirty-one year old Lexi has put her own life on hold for the sake of her best friend/de facto “sister” Penny’s four-year-old daughter Mae, who she helps care for and all but sees as her own. When her boss Marissa sees a cute young man at the pub, she encourages Lexi to put herself first for a change and have a little fun.

Twenty-three-year-old Zeke has spent his life believing his recently deceased dad isn’t his biological dad and copes by sleeping around. With therapy, he’s trying to turn over a new leaf and find true love. Then he sees Lexi. Rules are meant to be broken, right?

After a night of drinking and a “no strings attached” one-night stand on a houseboat, Lexi and Zeke wake up and he offers to walk her home - only there’s a snafu. After a mistake in mooring the boat in the fog the night before, it’s now adrift on the ocean with no land in sight!

This begins a twelve day journey fraught with dwindling supplies, leaks, storms and no land or rescue in sight, not to mention some physical mishaps that put both of them in further danger.
At least they have an adorable injured seagull they’ve named Eugene to help keep their minds off the incessant threat.

I’ll break down what did and didn’t work for me because, to be honest with you, reading this wasn’t smooth sailing for me any more than it was for our main couple!

What worked:

● Character growth. After a rough start, where I very nearly DNF’d this due to the shallowness of both characters, it was nice to see them become more vulnerable and real as the story progressed. Their edges were smoothed nicely.

● A clever premise. I’ve never seen this scenario in a romance, so it was fun to see how it would play out trying to build a romance in such a perilous predicament.

● Emotional depth. The exploration of grief (both characters lost a parent) and overcoming dysfunctional patterns helped make the MCs more sympathetic and relatable over time.

● A sweet ending. It's a bit of a buy-in, but what the heck? I’ll bite. 😊

Where I struggled:

∅ Insta-love. I could never buy into the deep connection and chemistry Zeke and Lexi had based on so little knowledge of each other. Zeke, particularly, had what felt like an unbalanced attraction to Lexi after sleeping with her one time. It felt a little ooky at first!

∅ Unhealthy attachment. Is it just me, or did anyone else find Lexi’s attachment to Mae a bit unbalanced too? I get that she helped raise Penny’s daughter, but she spoke of Mae as if she was her own daughter and as if her life revolved around the child. She was “Aunt Lexi”, but it felt like those maternal lines were blurred for her.

∅ Believability. For two people who didn’t know they’d be lost at sea, it felt like they conveniently always had everything they needed. I never felt an extreme sense of danger, because Zeke was whipping up meals for them the entire time!

Anyways, true to the book there were some rough spots on this trip I had to get past, but I’m pretty content with where it landed. If you like romance with some adventure and mild peril, this might be a fun one for you!

★★★ ½