This was so cute and different from a lot of romances out there. Loved how realistic this was and how easily you could picture this in your mind.

the main character in this book annoyed the LIFE out of me like i think other people will be fine with her but for some reason she frustrated me a lot and i thought the miscommunication in the beginning was stupid

Wow - Beth O'Leary's latest book is a perfect mix of romance and adventure that will keep you reading late into the night! The story follows Lexi and Zeke, two people who meet by chance and end up stranded on a houseboat in the middle of the ocean. What starts as a simple one-night stand turns into a fight for survival that neither of them expected.

The story kicks off when Lexi, who helps raise her best friend's kid, meets the mysterious Zeke. He's in town dealing with his dad's old houseboat, and they hit it off right away. But their casual hookup takes a wild turn when they wake up to find themselves drifting at sea with no phone signal, barely any food, and zero idea how to handle a boat!

What makes this book special is how real Lexi and Zeke feel. Sure, there's plenty of attraction between them, but as they work together to survive, we get to see who they really are. They open up about their past hurts, their fears, and dreams they've given up on. Being stuck together forces them to be honest in ways they never planned.

The ocean setting adds so much excitement to their love story. Each day brings new challenges - from running out of food to surviving storms - and watching them face these problems together is both nerve-wracking and sweet. The whole "lost at sea" thing really matches how lost they both feel in their regular lives, which makes their growing connection even more meaningful.

There's also a surprise twist near the end that adds a whole new layer to their story. It makes you look at everything differently and shows just how deep their struggles go. O'Leary handles this turn perfectly, keeping you totally invested in what happens to these characters.
This book is a must-read if you love stories where romance meets adventure. It's about finding love in crazy situations and learning to trust again. The way O'Leary writes makes you feel like you're right there on the boat with Lexi and Zeke, rooting for them to make it through both the stormy seas and their return to normal life.

O'Leary has really outdone herself here. The book is fresh, exciting, and touching all at once. It's definitely one of the best romance novels of the year - perfect for anyone who wants a love story with some real adventure mixed in!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this amazing book's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange of my honest thoughts.

I've been sitting here trying to come up with an opening line for this review that will accurately describe how I feel about the book, but every word I can think of falls short. It was heart-pounding, fantastic, suspenseful, swoon-worthy and spectacularly wonderful. It has immediately shot to the top of my favorite books of 2024 list. And that's saying something, since I've read 160 books so far this year.

When Lexi and Zeke stumble onto his house-boat for a one-night stand, they have no idea that they are going to be swept out to sea. But when they wake up the next morning surrounded by nothing but ocean, they must quickly figure out how to survive. Over the course of two weeks they face obstacles that test their strength, while being stripped down to the most basic elements of their human nature. Together they fight to survive while developing a bond that they believe can never be severed.

I absolutely devoured this book, falling in love with the characters while simultaneously feeling sick with worry over their safety. There was a twist about 80% of the way in that I never saw coming, and it added an emotional layer that I absolutely loved. I was on the edge of my seat, eagerly anticipating how the story would play out, and Beth did not disappoint. I couldn't have asked for a better ending. I will be telling absolutely everyone to read this book. You will not regret it!

Thank you Netgalley and Berkley for the arc of this book in exchange for my honest opinions!

3.8. We start off meeting Lexi and Zeke, both honest and open that they are attracted to one another and open for a night of fun. The night of fun quickly goes rogue when they wake up the next morning lost at sea.

Lexi and Zeke definitely had some chemistry there and I absolutely loved Eugene and Lexi’s love of Mae. Zeke also had some very unique perspectives that made his POV interesting.

The premise for this book is there. I can see exactly what the author wanted to do with this plot however, it sometimes fell a little flat for me. The characters are in fight or flight for a vast majority of the book. They are not sure if they are going to survive or even what the next day would look like. For them to fall in love in 11 days really didn’t seem right to me. At day 3 of being stuck on the boat I was really ready for them to be done.

There were some attempts at character growth but so many things kept happening that just didn’t allow for it to be organic.

Overall, I had an okay time and hope the best for Lexi and Zeke.

Thank you to netgalley and Berkeley publishing for this ARC. All thoughts are my own.. #netgalley #sweptaway

This started off really good. A houseboat out at sea with 2 strangers- what’s not to love?

But then it just lacked the excitement that I thought it would have. I also wasn’t really feeling the chemistry between them. I think the premise of this was so promising, but it fell a little flat for me.

It also seemed extremely too long. This could have been about half the length it was. I will try this author again, but this wasn’t my fav.

Thank you to netgalley for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

I have loved many of O'leary's books, but this one was not for me. I couldn't get into the chemistry. between the two main characters.

This has got to me one of the most unique and original romance books I have ever read! I was so hooked right from the start. This book kept me on the edge of my seat, which I’ve never said about a romance book before, but this had so much suspense to it.

We’ve got Lexie and Zeke who stumble onto Zekes houseboat for a one night stand after meeting in Lexies pub. In their drunken state neither of them tied the boat up properly and the next morning they awake to being out in the wide open sea. From there the story is heavy with emotions from their pasts, family trauma and the whole surviving at sea with extremely limited boat knowledge and resources.

You will literally be reading this story, falling for these characters and their love story while simultaneously constantly wondering if they will survive. I could feel the emotions written in this book. I could feel the fear that these two characters felt while reading these. Beth O’Leary completely immerses the reader into Lexie and Zekes story of love and survival. I truly don’t have anything negative to write. Thank you so much NetGalley for giving me an advanced readers copy of this book. I truly devoured it in two days!

Thank you to @netgalley, @berkleypub, and @berkleyromance for my advanced copy of this book. 🫶🏻

This book was so different from anything I’ve read before. It’s such an alluring premise: getting lost at sea with someone you had a one night stand with. 😳

This has heavier themes than I was initially expecting; it’s not a lighthearted read, so keep that in mind. That being said, I was here for the drama. I was captivated throughout the whole book. I kept thinking that main characters were being put through the WRINGER; they could not catch a break!

There really were quite a few unique and shocking events, including a twist at the end that I actually did not see coming. Who doesn’t love a side of survival with their romance? 🤣

Even though the story starts with a one night stand, the romance after that is a bit of a slow burn. It’s so well woven, though, and truly feels realistic in the face of all the characters are experiencing.

…speaking of characters, I wasn’t a huge fan of the FMC, Lexi. She started growing on me, only for a miscommunication trope and third act breakup to hit at the end, rendering her immature and judgmental. It wasn’t my favorite thing.

Outside of this, though, I really think people will love the ingenuity and uniqueness this book offers. And, come on, have you ever seen such a gorgeous cover?!? 🤩

AHHH! Beth O' Leary is a favorite with many of our readers. Thank you for allowing me to review this... Full review to come!

I really loved this book! I was immediately invested in the characters and story. I really enjoyed reading from both Zeke and Lexi's point of views. The entire concept of this book was so unique and fun, and I honestly read it in one sitting. I couldn't stop reading. This was my first Beth O'Leary book and now I want to read more. I really loved how complex the characters were and how their stories interwove. This couldn't have been an easy book to write but it was done very well.

Beth O'Leary has remained a consistent, auto-buy author for me and this trend continues with SWEPT AWAY.

Lost at sea in a houseboat with last night's One-Night-Stand? Totally original. It had a bit of a slow start, but then it was go go go. There is tension on the high seas- between Zeke & Lexi as well as their quest for rescue. I appreciated the blend of adventure/thrill along with their chemistry filled love story. The 3rd act "twist" was pleasantly expected yet also unique.

MORE:
Reverse age gap
Emotional chemistry
Adventure/romance
Bit of a mystery/scavenger hunt
Swoony, sweet and harrowing
A fellow reader described it as " Think Life of Pi meets a Jennifer Aniston movie." Best description ever.

This book hooked me from
Chapter one and re-hooked me in the final third part of the book!
I’ve read a couple of O’Leary’s books but this one tops them all!
The chemistry between Lexi and Zeke from the beginning had me intrigued and then the rest of the book was a treat after!
Complicated, realistic characters brought together in crisis. Age gap, soul searching, drama& trauma at sea. I adore this book!
Highly recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Beth O'Leary's latest romance novel "Swept Away" blends intimate character study with survival drama. While O'Leary's previous works like "The Flatshare" and "The No-Show" masterfully balanced quirky setups with deep emotional resonance, this story of a one-night stand turned survival situation doesn't quite achieve the same harmony.

The Setup
The novel opens promisingly with Lexi and Zeke, two people with opposing romantic goals, meeting at a pub. Lexi seeks no-strings-attached fun, while Zeke hopes for lasting love. Their chemistry leads to a passionate night on a houseboat, but their morning-after awkwardness takes an unexpected turn when they discover they've drifted out to sea in the North Sea.

Strengths
+ Original Premise: The concept of forcing two virtual strangers together in a survival situation creates natural tension and strips away social pretenses
+ Initial Chemistry: The early scenes between Lexi and Zeke crackle with sexual tension and opposing motivations
+ Writing Style: O'Leary's trademark wit and sharp dialogue remain evident in the characters' interactions
+ Atmospheric Setting: The author effectively conveys the isolation and danger of being lost at sea

Areas for Improvement
+ Pacing Issues: For me, the middle section of the book dragged a bit. The story is heavily weighted toward the at-sea portions, leaving less time for exploring the aftermath and relationship development on land

+ Relationship Development: The romance feels stunted by the survival situation - it's difficult to believe in deep emotional connection when the characters are primarily focused on staying alive

Verdict
"Swept Away" demonstrates O'Leary's willingness to push beyond traditional romance novel boundaries. While the initial setup is promising and the writing remains solid, the extended survival sequence overshadows the romantic elements that typically make her work shine. Readers may find themselves, like the characters, eager to return to shore. It does stil still showcases her talent for creating memorable characters and situations. New readers might be better served starting with her earlier novels, which better demonstrate her ability to balance unique premises with satisfying romantic development.

It isn’t like Lexi to leave the bar with a one-night stand, but things have been strange lately since she moved onto a houseboat and out of her old place. She finds herself stumbling back to the boat with Zeke, a bit of a lost and enigmatic patron at her bar, and after a night of blissful connection, they wake to find up they’ve drifted out to sea. With no telephone connection, no sea knowledge, and truly strangers to each other, Lexi and Zeke have to fight the elements and work together, desperately trying to make it home.

OMG. What is this book?!? I haven’t read anything like it, really, that I can remember - it combines so many lovely different story elements - readers see the fumbling connection of two strangers in a bar, then forced proximity, a thrilling man v. elements main plot, a slow burn romance, and truly glorious dose of character development for both of them. I love Beth O’Leary’s writing style, and while Flatshare is my absolute favorite of her novels (that I’ve read thus far) this one has eeked into second place over the Road Trip. There were moments I had to step away from the thrill/terror/introspection that the plot forced into my brain - I started reading this as a rom-com and realized once I was in it, it was so much more - and it made me TRULY UNCOMFORTABLE, but in a delightful way. I highly recommend this novel! You will absolutely fall in love with the characters, their chemistry, and the unique adventure they go on!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

Only Beth O’Leary can make being stranded on a houseboat with a one night stand full of laughter, tender moments, and love. Lexi and Zeke will hold a special place in my heart.

This is a book that stays with you. A story full of hope and love that makes you want to hold onto all the small moments in life.

This is what I call a "Golden Ratio" book. It has the PERFECT balance of three main components - adventure, romance, and humour. I can't even begin to tell you how much I enjoyed this book. I would willingly lose my memories if it meant I could read this for the first time again.

First off - the plot was unique and got my attention from the first page. I mean, a one night stand that leads to them getting lost at sea? Who WOULDN'T want to read that?! Lexi, very much a black-cat FMC, and Zeke - a classic golden retriever MMC - will steal your heart from the first page. It's so obvious from the get-go how both of these characters are loving, caring people. Lexi has sacrificed so much in order to help support her best friend financially, and emotionally, when she unexpectedly got pregnant. Zeke is an absolute sweetheart who has gone through so much inner turmoil since he was always the "odd one out" in his family. Seeing both of them grow while simultaneously trying to survive was enrapturing and I couldn't get enough of it.

There was not a single moment throughout reading this that I felt bored. From the start, I was curious to get to know the characters better and was immediately hooked as Lexi and Zeke meet at the bar. From there, the action starts when they wake up the next morning only to find that they are lost at sea. Every chapter would bring on a new challenge the two would have to face, and the anticipation of what the next obstacle might be kept me at the edge of my seat.

Not only that, but I LOVED that there was a bit of a double-anticipation - 1) how would they survive, and 2) when would they give into their feelings for each other? It was a beautiful, heartfelt story about growth and facing your past, as well, which just added to the impact this book had on me.

I've been a huge fan of Beth O'Leary's work ever since I read "The Flatshare" back in early 2022, and then became a DIE HARD fan when I read "The No Show" a few months later. Her words always find their way to my heart, leaving me looking blankly at the wall for a solid 30 minutes with tears in my eyes once I flip the last page.

I desperately want "Swept Away" to become a movie... can you imagine how thrilling this would be? I'll start manifesting now!

Thank you so very much to the team at Berkley for blessing my eyeballs with this masterpiece. You did me a solid favor with this e-ARC, especially since it got me out of a MASSIVE reading slump that no other book was able to cure.

I was so invested and enjoying this story up until the ending. It really took me out of the story but how misplaced and not needed the twist was. Sad it fell flat but was still a fun and well written read.

Honestly, this is a hard one for me to review. I ate up the first 80% of the book. I went into it blind, but I'm a huge fan of this author so I felt good about it. This felt very different from her normal books but I was loving the adventure, the seriousness, I was really on the edge of my seat. When they were found, I read it over twice with tears in my eyes because I could really feel their anguish followed by shock and profound relief, and i was so so happy for them.

AND THEN

Wow, I honestly HATED the twist. It felt like taking a fantastic story, and throwing a classic romcom miscommunication trope at the end of it to completely ruin the first 80% of the book. Pulling lexi away minutes away from one of the biggest moments of her life- reuniting after being rescued, so many people wanting to cheer her on, camera crews available- and penny pulls her away to cry about her own things? Yeah nooo... basically until the epilogue, the rest of the book felt so off to me. It could have been them figuring out life with their families without the added need for that twist and I would have loveddd it.

the best use of the forced proximity trope!! There was humor mixed in with some deeper topics as Lexie and Zeke try to get to know one another since they end up spending several days together.