REVIEW: Swept Away by Beth O’Leary

In Swept Away by Beth O’Leary, Lexi was attracted to Zeke from the moment she saw him in her family’s pub, The Anchor. He might not be her usual type–he appears to be artsy and more of a free spirit than a working-class guy–but she can’t deny the flutters in her stomach when their eyes meet. Busy most of the time taking care of her best friend’s daughter Mae, Lexi hasn’t taken time for…well, anything for herself for too long to remember. So, when the opportunity arises to spend one night with Zeke, she takes the chance. Too bad they were both tipsy when they went back to the houseboat because mistakes were made. Big mistakes. As in neither of them secured the Merry Dormouse to the dock so when they wake in the morning, they’re surrounded by the North Sea. And with no working engine on the boat, they have no way to motor back into the harbor.

‘I don’t think–until now–I have truly understood the danger we’re in. It’s not just the sea, the possibility of running out of food…it’s everything. Anything. The tiny dangers we encounter every day aren’t tiny here.’

Zeke couldn’t believe his luck that Lexi appeared to be as attracted to him as he was to her–or that they had such an incredible night together. One he’ll never forget. And he realizes he really will *never* forget it thanks to them now being adrift at sea. He’ll also never forgive himself for not being more careful, because Lexi quickly has become someone Zeke wants to protect at all costs. He soon realizes the stakes for them couldn’t be higher. They have no way to get back to land, few supplies, bad weather on the horizon, and a slow leak in the boat that is a big cause for concern. Surviving day to day is the main goal. But over the many days they spend together on the water, the connection they had from the start grows even bigger. Zeke knows if they make it out of their situation alive, he’s going to do everything he can to keep Lexi in his life. She’s grown to mean that much to him.

‘For a moment, after all that terror, after being so sure it was over…I feel completely awed. We survived. I can’t believe it.’

Drunken mistakes and a lack of communication turned a one-night stand into a death-defying adventure on the open sea for two people who were already a bit lost in their own lives in Beth O’Leary’s newest sensational romance, SWEPT AWAY.

‘If we’re going to die on this houseboat, I’ll die knowing I lived a love story far better than any I could have dreamed up.’

CW: View Spoiler »Parental death (historical), cheating (historical), depression & anxiety, life-threatening injuries « Hide Spoiler

I’ve enjoyed every novel I’ve read by Beth O’Leary so far and SWEPT AWAY is no exception. There are so many layers to her stories–not just the emotional depth and plot twists but also the unique bonds her characters share. In this romance we had Lexi and Zeke stuck on a houseboat floating in the North Sea off the coast of England after a series of errors the night before. What ensued was a mile-a-minute bunch of events that were so well described that I felt like I was right there adrift with Zeke and Lexi on their journey.

There was something so very likeable about both Lexi and Zeke. They were quite different in personality. But they complemented each other in a way that made the relationship that formed between them work. I loved that O’Leary told this from a dual POV. We got to watch every single moment, every step Zeke and Lexi took toward falling in love–even before their steamy night together. Over the course of their excursion, they got in deeper and deeper emotionally. And even though every day spent at sea caused them issues, there were some heartwarming moments that just took my breath away with how well Lexi and Zeke understood one another.

QOTD: If you were stuck out at sea, what do you think you’d miss most? (Loved ones, food, drink, comfy bed, shower, etc)

Book Info:

Publication: Published: April 1st, 2025 | Berkley |

Two strangers find themselves stranded at sea together in this epic new love story by bestselling author Beth O’Leary.

What if you were lost at sea…with your one-night stand?

Zeke and Lexi thought it would just be a night of fun. They had no intentions of seeing each other again. Zeke is only in town for the weekend to buy back his late father’s houseboat. Lexi has no time for dating when she needs to help take care of her best friend’s daughter.

Going back home with a stranger seems like a perfect escape from their problems. But a miscommunication in the dark, foggy night means no one tied the houseboat to the dock. The next morning, Zeke and Lexi realize all they can see is miles and miles of water.

With just a few provisions on the idle boat, Zeke and Lexi must figure out how to get back home. But aside from their survival, they’re facing another challenge. Because when you’re stuck together for days on end, it gives you a lot of time to get to know someone—and to fall in love with them.