Member Reviews
Thank you to the publisher & NetGalley for providing the arc of this audiobook, all opinions are my own.
So this was quite an engaging read, I haven't read any paranormal romances before so I was intrigued by the premise and. wanted to know how the story will progress. It doesn't follow a linear plot which I found interesting, but the scientific explanation and details that are provided here just did not make sense and were simply redundant. I understand trying to explain ghosts and way things happen but i believe it could have been done in some other way like taking the magical reality path than using quantum physics(?). I did end up rooting for the main characters inspite of not agreeing with a lot of decisions they were taking in the second half, some quite questionable ones. Overall i enjoyed my reading experience but I believe it could have been even better.
The audiobook for this helps a lot in making the story engaging and the narrator does a very good job for the characters.
Ghosted is a unique and captivating paranormal love story about finding love, experiencing loss and working through a journey of self discovery. It is incredibly emotional, heartwarming and full of hope, good banter and wit.
There were several points that I thought, this must be the conclusion but oh no! The story kept going and more and more was revealed. There were several plot points that I did not see coming, so it’s aways nice to be surprised and kept on my toes. I particularly loved the twist on where Daniel kept disappearing to and how other characters are pulled into the overall conclusion. The chemistry between Jillian and Daniel was so good and I was praying for this to have a happy ending If you want something to get you right the feels then look no further.
I had no issues with the audiobook itself, however it would have been nice if the male speech was spoken by a male narrator.
Thank you to @NetGalley the Independent Book Publisher's Association for allowing me access to this ALC in exchange for an honest review!
Ghosted tells the story of Jillian, an attractive-but-she-doesn't-know-it journalist with crippling anxiety around men. She moves into a new apartment in NYC only to learn it is haunted by Daniel, a sexy, shirtless, attractive-and-he-knows-it ghost. Daniel is the only man Jillian can talk to and Jillian is the only one who can see Daniel. After an initial scare, the two of them develop a friendship that turns into something more. Daniel wants to help Jillian find love in the real world, but is that actually what Jillian wants?
This paranormal romance had its moments, but it never clicked for me. I loved Daniel in the first half but was entirely annoyed by Jillian. Then I really liked Jillian in the second half, but Daniel fell flat for me. The paranormal aspects of ghosts and time travel were the most interesting parts of this book. The romance was just too emotional and too cheesy for me to get on board with. I also really didn't care for the ending. But the book was well written and I liked it enough to finish it. I'd be interested in checking out more from this author!
You know how in LotR: Return of the King (the movie), it feels like it has 4 or 5 endings before the actual ending? That's how this book felt for me. I felt like one part of the story would be completely resolved but then WAIT there's more and WAIT there's even more. It definitely felt too long for a romance (and I think the audiobook was longer than I'm used to in romances as well).
I think the premise is interesting, but aspects of it asked you to completely suspend your disbelief. I can do that a bit, but when your main character literally cannot talk to anyone other than women/male family members for years? And this is a given to us as like a ptsd response but a really selective one to only men that are "dateable"? It just seems really farfetched. After we get past that, there's also like how stalker-y and cringey Jillian becomes. I know we're given reasons but it just feels wrong and almost incel-like. She "knows" she's supposed to be with Daniel, so she's just going to stalk him until he realizes it? In a contemporary romance, this doesn't sit well.
This one is a hard one for my to rate, because I did like parts of the book a lot but other parts just fell completely flat. I will try another book from this author, because I did like the writing and parts of the story. Maybe this one just wasn't for me.
Narrators were great and I loved the epilogue, because it answers a question I was wondering about.
A Starry Love Beyond Bounds
Get ready to embark on a heartwarming and otherworldly journey that will leave you completely enchanted! Sarah Ready’s “Ghosted” is an exceptional paranormal romance that combines heartfelt emotions, witty humor, and a touch of the supernatural to create an unforgettable love story. This book not only met my expectations but soared beyond them, making it an absolute favorite read of 2023.
Jillian Nejat, a shy and endearing woman with a unique ability to write relationship advice but an inability to speak to men, takes the spotlight as the heroine. Ready crafts a beautiful tale of personal growth, resilience, and overcoming the ghosts of the past – both figurative and literal. The story begins when Jillian moves into an apartment that not only surprises her with its quirky mirrors but also introduces her to the enigmatic ghost, Daniel. What follows is an extraordinary connection that defies the boundaries between the living and the ethereal.
What truly sets “Ghosted” apart are the impeccable Star Trek references peppered throughout the narrative. Jillian’s unwavering love for the sci-fi classic adds a layer of relatability and charm to her character, making her all the more endearing. These references serve as clever nods that fans of the series will delight in while also acting as symbolic reminders of the interstellar love between Jillian and Daniel – a love that transcends the ordinary and crosses into the extraordinary.
Sarah Ready skillfully navigates the realms of love, loss, and the supernatural, creating a tale that will have you laughing, crying, and swooning in equal measure. The character development is rich and immersive, drawing you into Jillian’s world and making her journey of self-discovery and romance incredibly relatable.
“Ghosted” captivates with its unique premise, its touching emotional depth, and its seamless blend of romance and otherworldly intrigue. Sarah Ready’s storytelling prowess shines brightly, making this book a must-read for fans of paranormal romance and anyone who enjoys a love story that transcends the boundaries of life and death. This book deserves every one of its five stars and more, leaving an indelible mark on the heart long after the final page is turned.
I did not expect to love this book as much as I did especially with all the Star Trek references as I’m not a “Trekkie”, but this gave me allllllll the feels and I ATE THIS UP. This is a paranormal rom-com that was heartwarming and with great character development.
Jillian is a “love expert” who gives dating advice through her ‘Just Julian’ column section of and online news site (The Daily Exposé). Ironically, she has 0 to none (successful) dating experience as she physically can not talk to men. She’s been on over 150 dates, but quite literally can’t engage in conversation. That is, until a handsome, shirtless spirit appears in her new apartment named Daniel.
Daniel is initially in denial that he is dead, but after getting confirmation from a psychic, he concludes that his unfinished business on Earth is to helping Jillian out with her dating life and career that seems to be going downhill.
This book reminded me a lot of the movie Just Like Heaven starring Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo, which could be why I also adored this book so much. However, there are still so many other subplots, elements, and twists that it’s still a completely different and unique storyline. And the bonus epilogue.. just, wow. 🥹🥹
I alternated between the ebook and audiobook and equally enjoyed both. Sarah Naughton did an AMAZING job at narrating and bringing each characters personalities to life. A million thanks to NetGalley and W. W. Crown for the opportunity to get to both read and listen to this phenomenal book. This was my first Sarah Ready book, but it definitely won’t be my last!
Ghosted is an interesting take on the 'dead guy, alive girl' trope, I've only read a few of these before but I can definitely appreciate the new take on this. However, I just don't think this book was for me, and I completely missed the love others had for it.
The main characters are sweet, if not a little bit dependant on one another. I feel like after a few weeks Jillian is obsessed with a man that she doesn't even really know. Don't get me wrong, when Daniel was looking our for Jillian in ghost form my heart was swooning a bit, but just the relationship they had together seems a little possessive and not in a fun/questionable dark romance way.
Also, maybe it's just my logical brain being stubborn, but the spice and instalove between these two made me feel a little uncomfortable. I couldn't really get into this story and especially these scenes because I was just shouting 'HOW DOES THIS WORK' in my head constantly.
Saying that, it's a cute book, and the twist at the end is incredibly clever. If you like paranormal/sci-fi books mixed in with romance, then this is for you for sure.
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review
ARC kindly provided by Netgallery, the publisher and author.
Ghosted follows Jillian a relationship advice column writer who struggles with relationships herself and can’t talk to men. That’s until she meets Daniel, a ghost who believes he’s meant to help her. They fall in love until he disappears, Jillian is then determined to find him again.
I enjoyed this book, it was fun and quirky and very descriptive. I enjoyed the concept and found it interesting.
I found the can’t talk to men a little odd, it really made me feel uncomfortable for Jillian, especially when she went on dates with the men she was set up with. I feel like if she was shy and awkward with everyone that may have come across better. I thought Jillian basically stalking Daniel felt a little cringey but I guess love does make you do some crazy things! Jillian and Daniel’s relationship was amazing, you could sense they were meant to be.
The narrator was great too, I felt she fitted the description of Jillian perfectly.
When I am looking for a light, engrossing, incredibly romantic audiobook to make me want to listen for hours on end, Sarah Ready is my go-to, so seeing that Ghosted was available as an ARC audiobook thrilled me! I was not disappointed.
The audiobook is narrated by Sarah Naughton and Rob Brinkman, which is somewhat misleading, as Brinkman only reads the final epilogue, with the remaining 14+ hours read by Naughton who does a wonderful job as Jillian.
As a paranormal romance, the story was very reminiscent of one of my favorite recent novels, The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston, though I was much more enamored of Daniel in this book. The ending was a bit confusing, but after sitting with it for a bit, it began to make sense to me. The novel actually felt like two love stories in one, and I fell for Daniel in each--the ghost and the watch mogul. He is truly a swoon-worthy MMC and Jillian is an endearing heroine to root for.
Jillian's co-workers and her matchmaking friend are a fully developed supporting cast rounding out this rom-com. I have been recommending Sarah Ready's books, especially the audiobooks to friends for a while, now, and will add Ghosted to the list.
Thank you to Netgalley and W.W. Crown for the digital ARC of Ghosted by Sarah Ready. The opinions in this review are my own.
Ghosted was an incredible listen! A beautiful mix of sci-fi and rom-com. I can't wait for more from Sarah Ready!
Ghosted by Sarah Ready was an interesting take on a love story. For the first 35-40% of the story, I was pretty confused and struggled to understand what exactly was going on. The premise was a little bizarre and hard for me to wrap my head around what was actually happening. Once the story circle back it became evident what was happening and I started to like it more.
Overall, I would rate this book a 3.5. The ending was much better than the beginning, but overall it wasn't a complete homerun.
Much thanks to Sarah Ready, W. W. Crown, and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to a free eaudiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked Ghosted! Jillian and Daniel were great characters---except the Daniel we met at first felt like a different person to the Daniel we met later. It could be argued, though, that they were two different people, one influenced by Jillian and one not. But it still made the book feel off a bit to me. And did he have to be rich and famous? It immediately takes away most of a character's relatability, which can make the reader feel a disconnect. And it's such a writing cheat, smoothing away any inconvenient realistic details. Anymore the rich-and-famous trope just makes me roll my eyes.
My chief complaint was that it. Got. LONG. It's a 14-hour romance! Romances are usually around 8 to 10 hours, perhaps 12 if they're part thriller/mystery/suspense. Epic fantasy romances can be longer, but this was pretty straightforward contemporary romance with a paranormal bent. Jillian and Daniel built their relationship . . . and then had to start over from scratch and build it all over again. I understand the need for that, and I liked the story enough that I listened to every word, but I grew impatient and was relieved when it was finally over. Surely something could have been cut somewhere; I'm not convinced the best friend we never met couldn't have been cut.
The twist of ghost Daniel's existence was interesting; I was expecting the cliche coma. I appreciated being surprised.
Overall, while there were aspects I could have lived without, I enjoyed this novel and would be willing to check out another Sarah Ready book.
In this Five Star Audiobook Review, Sarah Ready's "Ghosted" proves to be yet another home run as the author showcases her remarkable talent for striking emotional chords with her readers (or listeners). The book's initial third captivates and enthralls even those unacquainted with the paranormal romance genre. However, the story takes an unexpected turn, revealing itself as more than just a paranormal romance. Ready masterfully weaves in a captivating background theme centered around being a Trekker and the intricate subculture that accompanies it.
The true icing on the cake is the exceptional narration by Sarah Naughton. Her voice effortlessly brings to life the intricate descriptions of the book's protagonist, Jillian Nejat. Naughton's narration contributes immensely to the immersive experience of the audiobook, enriching the emotional depth and connection readers feel with the characters and the unfolding story.
One aspect that stands out in "Ghosted" is the artful balance of sensuality. The book's spice level is elegantly moderate, offering a sensual and intimate portrayal of love-making that is far from overtly explicit. This approach sets "Ghosted" apart, steering clear of the typical in-your-face eroticism in some romance novels. Instead, the author focuses on building a connection between characters that resonate deeply with listeners, emphasizing emotional intimacy as much as physical.
In conclusion, Sarah Ready's "Ghosted" proves to be a multifaceted gem in the realm of paranormal romance. With its skillful emotional narrative, unexpected genre-blending, and top-notch narration, it stands out as a must-listen audiobook for both avid fans of the genre and newcomers alike. The expertly balanced sensuality further cements its uniqueness, making "Ghosted" a tale of love that tantalizes the heart and mind in equal measure.
I loved this book! I wash pretty much hooked from the beginning. I find it funny, touching, sexy, mischievous, entertaining and just a damn good read. I highly recommend it.
Jillian moves in to her new apartment. It's in her price range. It's in a good area. It has mirrors on all the surfaces. It comes with a ghost. She hasn't been able to talk to men, any men. Once the ghost, Danial, shows up and scares her, she soon realizes she can not only see and hear him, she can talk with him.
I kept thinking they would find him in a hospital in a coma and he would wake and they would be together forever. That's not what happens. I couldn't put the book down until I found out what happened. I actually went to bed with my kindle reading to me so I could find out what happened. I have already recommended this to a coworker. I really hope there are more books about Jillian and Daniel.
I was given the opportunity to listen to the audiobook from NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
What a great story! I was not expecting to love it as much as I did with the paranormal aspect. 5 stars
The concept seems interesting but I honestly couldn’t get past the Xrated verbiage. I’m all for a bit of romance or sex scene but when you so blatantly throw it around it becomes as disinteresting as a porn movie. BUT if that’s your thing? Than this book is DEFINITELY for you!
This is my 4th Sarah Ready book, and she's on my very short list of "Must-Read" authors, which is saying something since I'm still not all-in on the romance genre. It's not easy to constantly craft characters that I want to find happily-ever-afters, and yet each book leads me to that exact place.
The narrator was lovely. At 2x speed, it was easy to keep up with all the emotions and inflections without grating on my ears. It was easy to multi-task without my mind wandering while listening.
Ghosted excels at creating realistic characters. Jillian is quirky-simultaneously confident and self-conscious. Daniel is self-assured and semi-guarded. Their quest to build trust with each other (albeit at totally separate times) crafts a light-hearted, feel good story that supports the lovely idea that "when you know, you know."
The "cast of characters" is the perfect description for the secondary tier; well-intentioned but old fashioned parents; hovering Fran that pushes as much as she supports; the work crew of Buck, Ned, Bernardo, & Haley; and, of course, the long distance bff Serena who's knowledge of science is secondary only to knowing how to coax Jillian into action. All of the dialogue & interactions were realistic and pretty natural.
Personally, I didn't love the Ghost aspect....but I get why it was used. It created some levity and helped the characters to not take themselves too seriously. On several occasions, I giggle audibly and found myself smiling as the story unfolded.
Overall: 4 stars
I'll tell my students about: alcohol, language, sex, drugs, trauma/death,
**Thank you to NetGalley and W. W. Crown, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) for the free ALC. All opinions expressed are my own.**
A sweet love story, with just a little soft spice.
Nerdy, with important topics. I listened to the audio book as well as I read the book myself and the narrator was perfect for this job.
The book kept me going as I was wondering how everything would turn out.
This is my first ever Paranormal Romance book. And let me tell you. It did not disappoint.
Jillian is a sex expert who is unable to speak to men. Jillian works for a gazette company, writing her advice on relationships. When she runs short on money, Jillian decides to move into a small apartment in NYC, that happens to look like a playboy lived there before her. She soon starts to realize that she is not alone. Daniel is the ghost that happens to be haunting her in her apartment. When Jillian has decided she has had enough of Daniel, she goes to a psychic and asks how to get rid of him. The psychic tries to help Jillian, but they soon find out that Daniel might be there to help Jillian.
Daniel is convinced he is there to help Jillian with her love life and capability to talk to men. When they soon start to go on dates, one leads to another that leads to another. With no luck, Jillian starts to realize that Daniel might be the only guy for her, and she starts to fall in love with him. Daniel feels this big connection to Jillian. Despite not remembering his life or anyone in it, he remembers being Jillian's friend. But one day after making love to Daniel, Jillian realizes that Daniel has disappeared, and she can't find him. A few weeks later when she is on a shopping day with her friend, she notices Daniel. When she runs to him and hugs him, she notices that he is a real person. The only problem is Daniel has no clue who she is or why she is hugging and kissing him. She then figures out that Daniel is supposed to help her, and she is supposed to help Daniel. Jillian starts to find ways to find him, and she does everything she can to help him remember who she is. But does he?
This audiobook was so good. I could not stop listening to it. The narrator did such a great job. This book is so sweet and light, it keeps you wanting to know what is going to happen next. Thank you Netgalley for letting me listen before the release date.