Sandy M’s review of Swept Away by Beth O’Leary
Contemporary Romance published by Berkley 1 Apr 25
My first Beth O’Leary book, and I had a few ups and downs with it, but, for the most part, I enjoyed this nearly exclusively two-character story. Zeke and Lexi go from fun to survival, and you can’t help but cheer them on when the rough gets rougher and their next moments appear pretty darned bleak.
After an explosive hook-up, for their own reasons, they know they aren’t going to see each other again. But when things get a bit confused when thinking they know exactly what’s going on with Zeke’s dad’s old houseboat, and they find themselves in the middle of the ocean with no way of finding help and getting back home any time soon. So they make the best of what little food they have, come up with ideas to find land, and begin to know each other better, even as the boat starts to show signs of wear and tear, just when they think they’ll make it through.
Both Zeke and Lexi are likeable characters, and I enjoyed the rough ride they had not only from mother nature but also from their doubts and fears, especially from Lexi, when they take a deeper look at their situation and realize help isn’t coming any time soon. About halfway through their weeks at sea, I got a bit irritated it lasted so long with no end in sight for the reader too. But Ms. O’Leary does a good job at giving them situations once again to keep the interest in their plight going. But it’s up and down with the waves until their survival is not looking good at all.
Another nitpick is when Lexi doesn’t trust Zeke after they’ve declared their love. I don’t like that in romance, and it doesn’t work here for me. If you’re going to say the words, either back them up and/or talk to your new love to find out what the hell is going on. Do. Not. Walk. Away. Ever. I waited for Lexi to grovel, and while she didn’t quite get to the groveling stage, what she does do is nearly as good.
All is all, a good story with some good up moments and with a few downs. I would still recommend giving it a chance. The characters themselves are worth the shot.
Grade: B
Summary:
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.
