Swept Away by Beth O’Leary

A survival romance with heart, humour, and a seagull named Eugene

Plot Summary

Imagine waking up after a one-night stand to find yourself adrift at sea. That’s the premise of Swept Away, Beth O’Leary’s boldest novel yet. Lexi, a thirty-something pub worker with a fiercely loyal streak, and Zeke, a dreamy twenty-something chef with a complicated past, are thrown into survival mode when their houseboat mysteriously detaches from the dock. Over eight days at sea, they battle dwindling supplies, injury, paranoia, and the slow leak of secrets — both personal and familial. And just when you think the worst is behind them, O’Leary delivers a plot twist that reframes everything.

Themes

• Forced Proximity & Survival: The houseboat becomes a crucible for emotional growth, stripping away distractions and forcing intimacy.
• Found Family: Lexi’s bond with her best friend Penny and Penny’s daughter Mae adds depth to the story’s emotional stakes.
• Trauma & Healing: PTSD symptoms are sensitively portrayed, especially in the “After” section, grounding the romance in reality.
• Identity & Belonging: Zeke’s search for paternal truth and Lexi’s struggle with self-worth are central to their arcs.
• Miscommunication & Consequences: A classic romance trope, but here it’s taken to frustrating extremes in the third act.

What Worked

• The Premise: A one-night stand turned survival story? Utterly gripping.
• Character Depth: Lexi and Zeke are flawed, layered, and refreshingly unpolished.
• Atmosphere: The sea is a character in itself — moody, isolating, and beautifully rendered.
• Humour & Tenderness: Eugene the rescue seagull deserves his own novella.
• Dialogue: O’Leary’s signature wit shines, even in moments of crisis.

What Didn’t Quite Land

• The Plot Twist: While ambitious, it felt more convenient than convincing.
• Pacing: The middle dragged slightly, and the post-rescue section lacked the tension of the sea scenes.
• Third Act Breakup: Based on miscommunication, it felt out of character and unnecessarily dramatic.
•  Epilogue: Didn’t add much — could’ve ended stronger without it.

Who Might Enjoy This

• Fans of Emily Henry or Christina Lauren who appreciate emotional depth with a dash of chaos.
• Readers who love survival fiction with a romantic twist.
• Anyone craving a romance that’s more about growth than grand gestures.
• Those who enjoy age-gap dynamics and complex family relationships.

Conclusion

“For a fleeting moment, I think of the romance I wanted when I was a little girl with a pillowcase on her head like a veil, dreaming of her wedding day – the fairytale ending. And I think of the romance I’ve had: dirty, gritty, bare, laced through with danger and wildness. 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.”

Swept Away is one of the most unique romances I’ve read in a while — equal parts chaotic, heartfelt, and grounding. While it didn’t quite reach the heights of The Flatshare or The No-Show for me, it’s a testament to O’Leary’s willingness to push genre boundaries. The first three-quarters had me hooked, heart racing and breath held. The final stretch? A bit of a wobble. But overall, I’m glad I read it — and Eugene, you’re the real MVP.

Have you read Swept Away? Did the twist work for you or leave you adrift?

Thank you to Exclusive Books for the opportunity to read this book.

If you enjoyed this book, try these:

The No-Show by Beth O’Leary

The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary