The latest book by author Beth O’Leary, SWEPT AWAY, is set in England. It is an intimate story of two people navigating a minor reverse age-gap trope, falling in love, and struggling to hold onto it—while quite literally being swept away at sea.

The story revolves around Lexi and Zeke, who meet at a pub in a small town a few hours from London. Zeke is in town to buy back the boat his father lived on before he passed away half a decade ago. Lexi, still grieving the loss of her mother five years ago, is facing homelessness. Her options are limited: she can either live on the boat her sister inherited from their mother, find a place of her own, or risk ending up on the streets. She has been stuck in a rut, unable to move forward, living with her sister and helping take care of her niece. Grief and stagnation have a firm grip on her, one she is reluctant to break free from.

While pondering her housing situation and working behind the counter at her friend’s bar, Lexi spots Zeke. On a whim, she agrees to a one-night stand with him, and they spend the night on a boat. Unbeknownst to Lexi, Zeke has already purchased the very boat they are on. Come morning, just as they prepare to head back to land, they find themselves swept out to sea with no way to call for help. Stranded, they have no choice but to remain calm and wait for rescue. With nothing else to do, they eat, talk, and gradually get to know each other. Over time, they fall in love, and by the time they are rescued and return home, their relationship has transformed.

Beth O’Leary is known for writing intimate stories where characters are forced into situations that leave them no choice but to get to know each other. In SWEPT AWAY, Lexi and Zeke are in such close proximity that their initial curiosity evolves into something deeper. As they navigate their predicament, they experience the full spectrum of emotions—doubt, mistrust, establishing intent, opening up, learning to trust, leaning on each other, finding comfort, and ultimately, falling in love. Their transition from a one-night stand to lovers unfolds at an accelerated pace over nearly two weeks stranded at sea.

I had high hopes for this book, given how much I loved O’Leary’s debut novel and the way she portrays relationships in their most intimate stages, focusing solely on the two people involved. SWEPT AWAY delivers on that front, but I felt something was missing. It lacked a defining element that would make it truly memorable. Perhaps it was Lexi’s hesitancy in accepting Zeke, particularly given their age difference, even though they are both in their twenties. Or maybe this story will resonate more with readers who believe love transcends numbers and circumstances, focusing instead on how two people find each other against the odds.

I would recommend this book for its unique backdrop—two people stranded at sea, falling in love while waiting for rescue. It’s an engaging premise that offers an intimate exploration of connection and survival.

Beth O’Leary is known for writing intimate stories where characters are forced into situations that leave them no choice but to get to know each other. In SWEPT AWAY, Lexi and Zeke are in such close proximity that their initial curiosity evolves into something deeper. As they navigate their predicament, they experience the full spectrum of emotions—doubt, mistrust, establishing intent, opening up, learning to trust, leaning on each other, finding comfort, and ultimately, falling in love. Their transition from a one-night stand to lovers unfolds at an accelerated pace over nearly two weeks stranded at sea.

I had high hopes for this book, given how much I loved O’Leary’s debut novel and the way she portrays relationships in their most intimate stages, focusing solely on the two people involved. SWEPT AWAY delivers on that front, but I felt something was missing. It lacked a defining element that would make it truly memorable. Perhaps it was Lexi’s hesitancy in accepting Zeke, particularly given their age difference, even though they are both in their twenties. Or maybe this story will resonate more with readers who believe love transcends numbers and circumstances, focusing instead on how two people find each other against the odds.

I would recommend this book for its unique backdrop—two people stranded at sea, falling in love while waiting for rescue. It’s an engaging premise that offers an intimate exploration of connection and survival.