Minnie's Fiction Addiction

👀 First impressions:
Beth O’Leary has carved out a niche for herself as one of the queens of the modern romcom, and whenever she has a new release, I’m curious to see how she’ll twist familiar tropes into something fresh. Swept Away promised both romance and chaos, which is very much in O’Leary’s wheelhouse. Going in, I was expecting witty banter, heartfelt moments, and her trademark blend of light comedy with more serious undertones.

✅ What I Liked:
There’s no denying O’Leary’s knack for creating endearing main characters. The leads here are flawed but likable, and their chemistry works well, especially in the sharper, funny exchanges. I also enjoyed the themes running beneath the romance: self-discovery, learning to be vulnerable, and how love often arrives when life feels its most chaotic. The setting itself adds charm, and O’Leary’s writing is warm and easy to slip into.

❎ What I didn’t Like:
The novel felt uneven. Some of the plot relied heavily on contrived misunderstandings and coincidences, which at times pulled me out of the story. The pacing also stumbled, moments that should have been emotionally powerful were rushed, while some comedic detours dragged on longer than needed. A few side characters bordered on caricature, which lessened the impact of their roles in the story.

📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
If you enjoy O’Leary’s style, romance mixed with chaos, humor, and a touch of emotional depth, you’ll still find plenty to enjoy here. It’s a breezy, escapist read, perfect for fans of modern romcoms who don’t mind suspending disbelief to enjoy the ride.

💭 Final Thoughts:
Swept Away is a fun, lighthearted romance with flashes of O’Leary’s trademark charm, but it didn’t reach the heights of her strongest novels for me. It has moments of wit and warmth, but also stretches of predictability and uneven storytelling. A pleasant read, but not one that will linger with me for long.

🛍️ Where to buy
To buy your own copy click HERE

Final Rating ★★★ – Charming but inconsistent