A review by ladyhippolyta
Sea Swept by Nora Roberts

4.0

Roberts’ characters are instantly likeable, individual, and have complex personalities. While the female characters are invariably intelligent, beautiful and maintain equal partnerships with men, Roberts is especially adept at writing male characters that are both strong and vulnerable. Much of the novel revolves around the interactions of the brothers. Their numerous arguments are realistic and hilarious, but it’s their strong bond as brothers that makes Sea Swept so heart-warming. Even though they are not related by blood, the Quinns feel like a family; they have their differences, but they are ultimately loyal and would do anything for each other. This is especially effective in one scene when the three adult Quinns defend Seth as his school accuses him of fighting. The shock and delight that Seth displays at his new brothers sticking up for him when all he has previously known is suffering and neglect is beautifully realised.
Roberts writes Seth extremely convincingly; he is tough, angry, snotty, vulnerable and afraid, and yet he’s still just a boy who needs people to care for him. While Seth fights the Quinns throughout the novel, they gradually enfold him in their family. The transformation of Seth from a frightened child into a confident Quinn is one of the best parts of the book.
Sea Swept is an enjoyable read, although readers expecting another typical romance novel will be disappointed as the central love story in Sea Swept is that of four brothers.