Member Reviews
American Serena Otaki is in love with physics. She is working at her dream job in Geneva at the Large Hadron Collider. She is messy chaos. She meets Henry an organized Brit at the local bar and he helps her out of a sticky situation. They end up making love and Serena freaks out when she feels that love. Then finds out Henry is her new boss. During an electric storm something happens and Serena and Henry switch bodies Freaky Friday style.
I really liked this book. It was so fun to listen to the narrators. They did a fantastic job narrating this hilarious Stem romance. The writing style hooked me right away.
Switched by Sarah Ready is book two in her Ghosted series but can be read as a standalone. This is a slow burn, fake dating, opposites attract rom-com between two physicists, Serena Otaki and Henry Joule. The couple’s banter and many hilarious incidents will have you laughing out loud as they negotiate the predicament they find themselves in. Sarah makes it so easy to connect with her characters as she pushes the boundaries of romance story telling. It is a great mixture of fun and magic, self discovery and empathy, all told in her unique style.
“If you don’t reach out and capture the moment, you may never find that moment again.”
If you have read Ghosted then you will already know Jillian’s best friend Serena, the theoretical physicist. A very smart and quirky woman who fell in love with science aged four. She is working on the particle detector Atlas and nothing is more important to her than physics. She has no time for relationships and is happy living her chaotic life with her cat.
Henry is from Oxford and has just arrived in Geneva. It is love at first sight for him when he sees Serena in a bar and is positive she feels their connection too. He rescues her from her sticky situation and they enjoy a passionate one night stand. She is left with confusing emotions because she feels a strong magnetic pull towards him. He wants a relationship with her but she won’t throw away her career even if what she is feeling is a lot like love. Their two worlds collide again when she finds out he is her new boss. Over the months Henry becomes demanding and grumpy, while she tries to avoid him.
One night as a storm rages outside the control room, she starts off a series of events that will change their lives forever. A Freaky Friday situation means they awake in each other’s bodies. They need to stay together in case an opportunity arises to switch back, so pretend they are dating. This leads to many funny incidents but also some very emotional interactions with their families. They look like each other but can they act like the other and convince everyone. Will they ever find a way to switch back?
Be aware there is lots of scientific information at the start of the book which can be difficult to get though but once the switch happens it is a fantastic read. Henry is adorable and such a good guy who wears his heart on his sleeve. They both find seeing life through someone else’s eyes is very enlightening and helps them understand things better. Serena learns so much while in Henry’s body and gets a totally new perspective on life. There are some heart breaking revelations but these two souls are meant to be together and what Serena thought impossible really isn’t.
This is such a fun series - another hit for me from Sarah Ready!
I love the mix of romance + nerdy/science elements we’ve gotten in this one & Ghosted.
📖 Switched
📝 Sarah Ready
🗓️ 02/20/2024
💜 Contemporary Romance
📚 Book 2 • Ghosted series
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
💭 thoughts:
While magnetically drawn together in a love-at-first-sight moment, Serena & Henry are complete opposites, and body swapping had them able to see a different perspective.
I loved the why behind this one - it wasn’t just a random idea, but for the main characters to truly get to know one another, and understand each other fully.
This one is a bit lighter than the last few (no tears for me!). It’s also HILARIOUS - I hope this isn’t a spoiler, but Henry getting “his period” had me laughing out loud so hard.
🎧 audio thoughts:
This was so incredibly impressive, I’m not sure how Kelsey Navarro Foster was able to manage this one! She had to do both American & British accents in both male and female voices, and somehow keep track of who was speaking and in which body 🔥🤯
While the audio was fantastic, you’re missing out without an ebook/physical copy - there are a bunch of fun/hilarious doodles that are described, but more awesome to see!
📚 Series note - this is book 2 in the series, but can definitely be read as a standalone. The couple from the first book appears in this one, so it would spoil it a bit.
Tropes + topics:
😍 insta-love
🔥💧 opposites attract
🔄 freaky Friday/body swapping
🥼scientists/steminist
🛏️ one night stand
🧲 forced proximity
🩵 he falls first
👩❤️💋👨 fake dating
💼 workplace
🇬🇧🇺🇸 British mmc + American fmc
💗 single POV/first person
Thank you to author Sarah Ready, NetGalley & W.W. Crown for advanced copies. All opinions are my own.
Serena Otaki, a free-spirited Californian, finds joy in smashing atoms at The Large Hadron Collider in Switzerland. With a love for Star Trek, spicy tofu, and her cat, Captain Purrk, Serena is content with her chaotic and unattached life. On the other side of the spectrum is Henry Joule, an uptight Brit who loves making analog black holes, drinking tea, and maintaining order. Despite their differences, they have one thing in common – a love for physics.
Serena and Henry's paths cross one perfect night, leading to an unexpected event that causes them to switch bodies. Serena is now in Henry's meticulous life, and Henry is navigating Serena's carefree world. Life and love become complicated as they grapple with their newfound situation.
It is a delightful and whimsical exploration of love and identity. The story revolves around Serena, a carefree Californian physicist, and Henry, an uptight British physicist, whose lives take an unexpected turn when they switch bodies. The premise of the story is both charming and humorous, creating a unique dynamic between the characters. Ready skillfully navigates the challenges and comedic moments that arise as Serena and Henry navigate each other's lives. The author captures the essence of their personalities, highlighting the stark differences that make their journey entertaining and heartwarming.
The narrative is engaging, with a perfect blend of romance, humor, and a touch of science fiction. The characters are well-developed, and the exploration of their internal struggles and growth adds depth to the story. Ready's writing style is lively, making it easy for readers to connect with the characters and become immersed in their experiences.
Switched is a feel-good and entertaining read that explores the complexities of love and the importance of embracing differences. Fans of romantic comedies with a touch of whimsy and heart will find Sarah Ready's novel to be a delightful addition to the genre. The charming narrative, witty dialogue, and endearing characters make it a recommended read for those seeking a lighthearted and uplifting romance.
Such a sweet book. I was really curious how the body switch was going to play out, and I was pleasantly surprised.
437 days ago, Serena and Henry had a steamy night. The best night. But after learning that Henry was about to be her boss, Serena lied and said it was just a fun, one-off night. Sure, it’s been an awkward year and a half, but she would rather deal with awkwardness rather than losing herself to a man. When a storm rocks their lab at CERN, Serena wakes up feeling different… stubble on her face, her voice is deep, and something between her legs that was definitely not there yesterday.
Trying to switch back doesn’t work, so the pair must navigate the other’s life, including the joys, hardships, and menstrual cycles.
A cute read, and I’m hoping to find the first one in the series, Ghosted, at the library.
This was such an interesting take on Freaking Friday. I was so interested that I couldnt put it down. I love how it all ended and wish there was more about this couple.
"𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘥𝘰 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘭. 𝘞𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘥𝘰 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨."
Emotion Damage: Level 500.
Critical Hit.
I'm down for the count.
Honestly, I can't say too much without giving too much away, but let's just say, I was up way passed my bedtime to finish this book last night. For reasons I have already discussed with the author 😂😂
But simply put, this is an incredible book about learning to not only understand others, but also understand yourself. And also that love doesn't have to change you or who you are... or at least, not in a bad way. ❤️
Thanks you so so much to Sarah, Swift & Lewis Publishing, and @netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for this review!
Please go read this series, like yesterday. Kthnx!
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This romance book was everything I needed right now. I just recently got into Star Trek and honestly it being mentioned in the description of this book had me intrigued.
The book follows Ducky or Serena as we learn about her love for science and her reluctance to fall in love because to her falling in love is a one way trip to giving up who you are. Unfortunately for her this is a romance book and is instantly charmed by the love interest Henry. After a night together Serena learns that Henry is to her her boss at work and gets scared off of telling him how she really feels. So she lies and gets others to lie for her to scare him off of her. After having to work together for a while the two are forced to learn more about each other as a freak accident has them switching bodies. Will they be able to admit their feelings to each other, or more importantly be able to switch back.
This was a sweet book and while initially I was put off by Serena’s inner monologue it got more interesting as the book went a long. I don’t think I’ve ever read a romance book where the main character is a science nerd and they explained the science in a way I can understand. As someone who is also fascinated by space I can really understand why Serena has such a love for it. I found myself heavily relating to Serena as she lamented about falling in love and how it always seemed like couples around her turned into one person once they fell in love. It takes literally walking in someone else’s shoes for her to get a new perspective on this.
I really loved this book and some of the only complaints I have about it are honestly small nitpicks. Like how at first calling Henry (in Serena’s body) a California girl yet Henry retained his British accent. While I can see some seeing Serena’s seeming stubbornness as a flaw I felt like it helped her grow as a character. Without spoiling it, the ending had some massive turns that had me on the edge of my seat. A cute read that plays on the swapped bodies trope in a fun way.
Sarah Ready is one of my favorite authors, and I was excited to read this second book in her Ghosted series. It was even better than I thought it would be!
Serena and Henry's story is not your usual romance. Girl meets boy and after an electrical storm the two switch bodies. They were both such unique and interesting characters that were both relatable even with so many things that set them apart.
Sarah's writing is engaging, witty, and so much fun. I loved how she set the scene, and it felt like I was there as everything unfolded. This story and these characters hooked me from the very first chapter and I didn't want to put the book down. This was a great read, and I already plan on rereading it before the next book comes out!
Another totally bingeworthy and adorable book by Sarah Ready! What a different concept, and a truly witty novel.
I’m a big fan of wit and humor, and this book definitely had that. The character development was great throughout, and I was able to really love and root for both MC’s in this one.
Serena and Henry switch bodies in this book, and I have to admit, that threw me a few times. Mentioning Henry (in Serena’s body) tucking his hair behind his ear or pulling up his dress strap, and the cuddling where it’s a total role reversal threw me a little throughout the book and made it hard for me to fully immerse myself in the story because the images just weren’t lining in my mind as they were written, but overall still a fun concept and very entertaining book.
This is an absolute gem of a rom-com with a quirky twist. Serena and Henry's story, set in the intriguing world of particle physics, takes a wild turn with a body-switching twist that feels like a modern-day "Freaky Friday." The blend of humor, science, and romance is perfectly balanced, making every moment enjoyable. The characters are wonderfully fleshed out, and their self-discovery and love journey is hilarious and touching. The audiobook brings an extra charm, especially with the switched accents, a delightful touch! It's a heartwarming, funny, and intelligent listen that's perfect for anyone who loves a good love story with a unique spin.
Happy publication day!!! 🎉
Sarah Ready has quickly become one of my favorite romcom authors with her fun, flirty and heartwarming stories. Switched is the second book in the Ghosted series, and while it can be read and enjoyed as standalone, Gillian and Daniel from the first book do make cameo appearances. I enjoyed Gillian and Daniel’s story in Ghosted, but really loved Gillian’s quirky best friend Serena, a brainy physicists, so I was tickled pink to learn that Switched was her story.
In a somewhat reimagined Big Bang Theory meets Freaky Friday, Serena and Henry find themselves switched into each other’s body. My heart went out to them as I watched them navigate the complications of their new reality while coming to terms with the possibility that it may be permanent.
I really enjoy listening to Ms. Ready’s stories and Kelsey Navarro Foster and James Anderson Foster do a great job bringing this one to life. I loved the chemistry and banter between Serena and Henry couldn’t root for them enough as they embarked on what turned out to be a journey of self discovery.
The inclusion of graphs, drawings and footnotes peppered throughout the story was a fun way to showcase Serena’s quirky idiosyncrasies, but I will say, the footnotes in the ebook were a bit cumbersome to toggle back and forth reading, but were more fluent in the audio narration, really fun. Similarly, I enjoyed the diagram’s in the ebook, but they were difficult to visualize in the audio narration.
This was such a fun and heartwarming story about self discovery, staying true to oneself and realizing you really can have it all. When I’m sad to leave the characters behind at the last page, I know it was a great story.
I had the privilege to listen to and read advance audio and digital copies of this heartwarming story. Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for this opportunity. This is my honest review and the opinions expressed are my own.
This book was so adorable. I loved Ghosted by this author and when I heard a second one in this interconnected series was coming out I had to jump all over it! I really loved this Freaky Friday esk plot line and the depth of the characters, all the while still being so funny and lighthearted. I read this in one sitting because I couldn’t get enough of the characters and their stories. The back and forth / push and pull of their characters and stories really keeps the reader entertained and wanting more. I loved every moment and it’s such a cute romance to get lost into. Highly recommend.
Freaky Friday with a side of STEM? Count me in!
The characters in this were so likeable that the chemistry between them, the flow and how they are in each other’s company really helps to give you that “leg kicking” cute moment. The experience that Serena and Henry have in each other’s bodies are packed with laugh out loud moments.
This is the second book in the Ghosted series and they both have the same elements which make it a really easy and digestible cosy read.
Thank you to NETGALLEY for allowing me to have an advanced readers copy!
Sarah Ready has been one of the most consistent authors I’ve read in the last year. I’ve loved everything that she’s written and I was so excited to start this after reading Ghosted in the fall. I always love getting side characters/friends stories.
I’ll start by saying I was so nervous at the beginning in of this book. The way Serena handled some things made me cringe so hard but I ended up devouring this book. I loved the way Serena and Henry got to know each other and understand each other by first hand experience. The Freaky Friday vibes made it almost a nostalgic read. And I loved that a book about two physicists had so much magic! This just cements the fact that I’ll read anything Sarah writes because even when her characters do something I don’t like, I end up falling in love with them!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
Oh this is a totally different story! You definitely get Freaky Friday feels but of course its not family. Its two people who WE know would work out but because of some past mistakes, we know they are no where near couple status.
Henry and Serena meet in Genova. Its attraction at first sight. But that night is the only night. Because Serena has one true love, one she's had for many years. And there's no room for Henry.
After their first meeting, their relationship isn't like the day they met. Very, very far from it. But after a storm in their work place something magical (or not, maybe science), they've realized they've switched bodies.
Its so funny, heartwarming, with a lot of self reflection and some realizations are found about themselves and each other. I loved the bits with the families and all the times Serena found out something she didn't know about Henry. She came to understand herself so much. And Henry was such a dream. A great guy honestly who was a great guy all through out. Serena grew on me. This is the one who needed a perceptive change.
Its always heartbreaking to miss out on events but to actually be there but not be there is pretty sad too. I really liked this one!
I have read some of Sarah's books and I can say with al honesty that she has a wonderful way to make books and stories so uniquely and sweet but with some lightnes to them.
In this book we follow Serena and Henry, we see their growth, their comprension to one another, the falling in love, their past and their future.
I loved this book and every single character in it.
I fully recommend listening and reading this book for a more pleasant expirence.
I recently read Ghosted and really enjoyed it. I was excited to see another book in the series.
What a cute story. Reminiscent of Freaky Friday.
The characters are quirky to say the least. I loved them.
Hilariously funny at times.
A little too much science in some parts for my taste.
I liked how they could feel each others previous experiences when switched. This made the story for me.
Thanks to netgalley and W.W Crown for the arc.
This book has comedy, sadness, and happiness! I admit the beginning was a little hard for me to get into, it was just a tad slow for my tastes, but I kept reading and I'm so glad I did. The relationship between Henry and Serena is a complicated one, but by the end it was an amazing one! I believe the universe switched them because Serena was scared to love and Henry wasn't, he showed her you can love someone unconditional without changing who you are.
Oh my goodness book! I loved it and may have hugged my kindle after finishing it last night. Ps. I need a physical copy asap.
Ready is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. She excels in writing physical comedy, with so many scenes that had me laughing whole heartedly. She also writes truly heartbreaking scenes that had me reaching for a Kleenex. I loved the Freaky Friday aspect of the story and Serena’s character and growth through out it all was a highlight for me. I also LOVED Henry & that we got to see characters from book one Ghosted (which I loved)! again. This can be read as a standalone —- however reading Ghosted beforehand just adds to the experience. I alternated between the audiobook and e-book and enjoyed both formats. The narrators are amazing!! If you’re a fan of Sophie Kinsella or Katherine Center, I highly recommend adding this book series to your TBR. Ps. Book three is out later this year!!! Woot! Woot!
Thank you NetGalley and W. W. Crown and imprint of Swift & Lewis Publishing for providing me with an advanced audio copy and e-copy. Thank you to Kelsey Navarro Foster and James Anderson Foster for the amazing narration.