Member Reviews

I was so excited to read this after finishing “switched” unfortunately this one fell a little flat for me.
The book follows Fiona, she’s a mother and runs her family’s watch company with her friend Max. A traumatic event happens leaving Fiona questioning her life’s path.
Fiona’s mother shows up with a gift of a family heirloom watch said to make dreams come true. Fiona falls asleep with the watch and is transported to an island where she is a different person, marred and has children.

The story is told through alternating chapters of her dream world and her real life. However the dream sequences don’t always pick up where they left off leaving you to try to figure out what’s going on. This book was a little too descriptive for me and I found it to be a little boring.
Overall the premise of the story is good and it has some funny moments but it just wasn’t for me.

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The idea behind this book made me want to read it but the story fell flat for me. I really did not start to enjoy it until the end. Max deserved so much better....but I understand why the story went the way it did. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

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after several attempts at trying to read the digital copy of books from this author i requested the audio but it still did not resonate with me. I just do not like the writing style that the author uses. I believe that the books will and mostly likely are well loved but unfortunately i just cannot get through a book by this author.

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3.5 stars Fated by Sarah Ready is book 3 in a series and I haven’t read the first two books. It seems like it can be read as a stand-alone novel though. In any event, I had a really hard time getting through the first 75-80% of the story. It’s slow and is very confusing in the beginning. As the story progresses, it seems to drag on but you do get a bit invested in Fiona’s life. Then you make it to about 78% and you can’t put this book down! I really don’t want to give any spoilers here, but it is worth it if you stick with it. I almost DNF’d a couple of times but am soooo happy that I read on.

A big Thank you to NetGalley and Swift & Lewis Publishing for the opportunity to read and review an ARC. Now, I’m off to read the first two books in this series.

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I have enjoyed all of this series so far with each having a different type of magicalism in the story. This one is almost like sliding door with Fiona living as a single mom in Geneva and Becca on a small island with her family. The story is told in both state and her relationships in these places. I liked how Fiona gets to know herself better in both places. All the characters were well developed and I enjoyed how the story ended. The only thing I missed was why Becca/Aaron married and stayed together. I sort of wished we got to see a bit of Becca - she seemed like a self centered person and we really don't know anything about her.

Shakira Shute did a great job with the narration and bringing Fiona to life.

Thank you the publisher for a copy of the book.

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ARC Review ✨ Thanks NetGalley!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this book! It’s my first Sarah Ready book, and I think it makes a great standalone book (although it is part of a series). It’s such an interesting premise, and it really pulls you into the world, and by the end you get so invested 💘 my right brain and left brain were at odds the whole time, which is why it wasn’t a full five stars, but would definitely recommend! I wanted more answers and explanations about the last 10%, but it was still so beautiful. So many raw emotions, can’t wait to read the next one.

🗣️ “I always quipped, ‘I don’t want my dreams to come true. I’d rather stay in real life, thank you very much.’ But that was before I had dreams that were worth fighting for.”

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What a book! I truly went into this blind, and it was my first experience with Sarah Ready's work. Now, I can't wait to explore her backlist. The immersive writing and unique storyline made this a captivating read. The author paints a deep and vivid picture of dreaming, love, and loss, leaving a lasting impact.

Fiona's past has left her wary of relationships, content with her roles as a mother, sister, and friend. However, everything changes on Christmas Eve when she's shot, and upon waking, discovers she's stopped dreaming. Her mother presents her with the family's antique watch, rumored to help people dream. Skeptical at first, Fiona gives it a try, only to find herself transported to a parallel world that feels astonishingly real. There, she meets Aaron, her fated lover, but it still feels like a dream until she realizes it isn't. She discovers a greater purpose and understands why the watch led her to that island, those people, and Aaron.

The book carries a strong message of never ceasing to dream and the belief that love will inevitably find you. It reminds us that tears of regret hurt more than tears of sorrow. This heartfelt and achingly beautiful story stands out as one of my top reads this year. Thanks to Netgalley and Author Sarah Ready for the ARC. Preorder this book now—it's a true gem!

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I love this Author, every book I have read by her has been totally amazing and I always look forward to her next new release. This latest book was no different, as always it was an amazing story which you can tell has had some serious thought and research going into the content. The main characters are fabulous and very engaging with a great story arc and character development. Such a great fun story. Definitely a must read. Five well deserved stars.

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This is the third book in the Ghosted series by Sarah Ready. I really loved the first book, but didn't love the second one, so I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked this one up.

This supernatural romance introduces us to Fi, who lives in Geneva with her daughter and her brother living a bit of a half life. On Christmas Eve a series of events occur that catapult Fi into a dream world where she lives the life of a completely different person.

She is married to a man named Aaron who is literally the man of her dreams but also the person who could be the key to her happiness.

This is an impossible love story, and there are times that the reader has no idea how these two are going to sort it out. Fi's options are varied and, as she works through her dilemma, she also finds her heart.

It took me a while to get into this book but I did enjoy the story and the characterisation.

I am looking forward to reading the next instalment.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

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I almost decided to DNF the first few chapters but Fated is one of my favourite Sarah Ready novels by far (followed by The Space Between)!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.

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This book was an enjoyable read with an ending that I didn’t expect. The pacing was good, and the characters were well developed. I really got a sense of who the characters were and the range of emotions that were experiencing throughout the story. The settings were well described and I could easily envision the world in which they were living. I appreciate watches, and the protagonist’s backstory is intriguing without being overly drawn out. Would definitely recommend this book. Thank you to the author and publisher for the chance to read and give my unbiased opinion on the book.

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ARC Book Review: *Fated* by Sarah Ready

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars)

Sarah Ready's *Fated* is an enchanting tale that blurs the line between dreams and reality, love and longing, making it a must-read for anyone who believes in the magic of fate and the power of dreams.

Overview:
Fiona Abry is a driven woman, dedicated to running her family’s prestigious Swiss watch company. Her life is a whirlwind of responsibilities, leaving no room for personal indulgence, let alone a vacation or a romantic relationship. However, everything changes when she receives a family heirloom—a watch rumored to let the wearer dream their greatest desire.

Suddenly, Fiona finds herself transported nightly to a tiny tropical island where she lives a completely different life. In these vivid dreams, she is married, has two children, and resides in a charming cottage by the beach. This dream life, with its turquoise seas and serene picnics under the palms, offers a stark contrast to her bustling city existence.

Themes and Elements:
1. **Dreams vs. Reality:** The novel beautifully explores the concept of dreams as an escape and a realm where our deepest desires are fulfilled. Fiona's nightly adventures raise thought-provoking questions about the nature of reality and the possibilities within our dreams.
2. **Romance and Longing:** Fiona's relationship with her dream husband is deeply romantic and poignant. The emotional depth of their connection is palpable, making readers root for a love that transcends the boundaries of reality.
3. **Self-Discovery and Fulfillment:** Through her dream life, Fiona discovers aspects of herself and desires she had long buried under the weight of her responsibilities. The story is a journey of self-discovery and understanding what truly matters in life.
4. **Mystical Elements:** The family heirloom adds a mystical charm to the narrative, creating a seamless blend of magical realism that enhances the overall allure of the story.

Character Development:
Fiona is a well-rounded character whose evolution is beautifully portrayed. Her initial skepticism and eventual surrender to the allure of her dream life are both believable and compelling. The supporting characters, especially her dream family, are crafted with warmth and authenticity, adding depth to Fiona’s dream world.

Writing Style:
Sarah Ready’s writing is lyrical and evocative, painting vivid pictures of the tropical paradise that Fiona visits in her dreams. The narrative flows effortlessly, capturing the reader’s imagination and heart. The dialogue is natural and often infused with a gentle humor that adds to the charm of the story.

Final Thoughts:
*Fated* is a captivating read that transports you to a world where dreams offer solace and the possibility of true love. It's a story that resonates with anyone who has ever dreamed of a life different from their own, and it leaves you pondering the thin veil between dreams and reality.

Highly recommended for fans of romantic fantasy and magical realism. *Fated* will make you believe in the magic of dreams and the possibility of finding love in the most unexpected places.

**Thank you to NetGalley and Swift and Lewis Publications LLC for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.**

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Synopsis: Fiona Abry excels at keeping busy, running her family’s Swiss watch company, and guarding her heart. She’s so busy she doesn’t have time for a vacation much less a love life.

But then she’s given a family heirloom rumored to let you dream your greatest desire.

Suddenly, Fiona is spending her nights on a tiny tropical island in a completely different life.

She’s married. She has two kids. She lives in a colorful cottage on the beach.

This dream life is so different from her hectic, busy life in the city that Fiona decides to live her dreams to the fullest.

Swimming in the turquoise sea. Picnics under palms. Star-gazing on the beach. It’s a slow, seductive dream life that conveniently stays in her dreams.

But after kisses and confessions and long nights on the beach, Fiona starts to fall hard for her dream husband and her dream life.

But what happens when opening yourself to love means falling for a life that isn’t real and a man who doesn’t exist?

Because in the end, it’s not fate, it’s just a dream.

Review: I'll be honest, this one took me longer to get into than the other ones, but once. I was in it, I was IN IT. I'm not sure what it is about this series by Sarah Ready, but I have just loved all of these characters. The magical realism of it, the fun, I just love it so so so much. These books should be talked about more. Way more. They just make my heart so happy and I just never want this series to end.

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Thank you to NetGalley and Swift & Lewis Publishing LLC for the ARC

Aww, this novel was so, so good! I found the concept really intriguing and the execution passed all my expectations. It was a wonderful read and I encourage everyone to pick it up. A great romance novel with hints of magical realism for fans of Ashley Poston

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Thank you NetGalley, Sarah Ready, and Swift & Lewis Publishing LLC/Independent Book Publishing Association for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

OH MY DREAMY STARS✨ ✨✨✨✨!!! I absolutely loved this book so much!! Sarah Ready ALWAYS delivers for me and this is no exception! After reading the first two books in the "Ghosted" series and having both top my favorites list for the year, I knew this one would be just as amazing! What a magical, emotional, and beautifully written paranormal romance that will stay with me forever!! Additionally, the book covers for this series are unequivocally stunning!! Fated delves into the discovery of love through a path that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, presenting an eccentric journey. Alongside, it explores the intricate themes of family, friendships, and the complexities of motherhood. Another romance book to add to my favorites list for 2024🩵🩷🩵🩷🩵

Synopsis:
Fiona meets the man of her dreams in her dreams. She excels at keeping busy, running her family's prestigious Swiss watch company, and guarding her heart. She's so consumed with work that she doesn't have time for a vacation, much less a love life. But then she's given a family heirloom rumored to make your greatest desire come alive in your dreams. Suddenly, Fiona spends her nights on a tiny tropical island, living a completely different life. She's married, with two children, residing in a colorful cottage on the beach. This dream life is a stark contrast to her hectic, busy existence in the city. Fiona decides to live her dreams to the fullest! But what happens when she begins to fall hard for her dream husband and the life they share? What happens, though, when opening yourself to love means falling for a life that isn't real and a man who doesn't exist? Because in the end, it's not fate, it's just a dream!?!

Overall, it was a heartwarming romance that I wholeheartedly recommend!! Be prepared to suspend belief to fully appreciate this wonderful love story. It truly deserves all the dreamy stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5!!!

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Fiona is a businesswoman running her family's Swiss watch company. One day, her mother stops by to give her a lost family heirloom that she stole; and the watch has magical powers. So at night, in her dreams, she gets to spend time to the life she has on a tropical island..
This magical realism romance is book 3 in the Ghosted series. And as with the first 2 books, this was a tad too long for a romance. Also, I was lost through most of the book. I started following a ***little*** better past the halfway mark (which was way too late for me to really enjoy this). As many other reviewers, I found the last 15-20% of the book very interesting, fast paced, and I wish, that tension came sooner. The twists thrown at us in this part were predictable, but still fun. I prefered the first two books to this one. I liked that we got to see Daniel a bit in this one too (he's the MMC in the first book of the series, and this book happens before book 1). I also like that even if all of her books contain magical realism, the element of magic is very different from one to the other.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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This was so relatable it hurt.

The description pulled me in, I haven't read the previous instalments. This was so tender and wistful, and unfortunately at times a little confusing (sometimes it was hard to discern the reality we were in) but the final quarter is so absorbing and high intensity I nearly forgot where I was and that I had to get off my train. Simply lovely

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Thank you NetGalley and Sarah Ready for the eARC of Fated. What I wouldn't give to back and re-read this book for the first time. It was the absolute perfect novel. I will definitely be recommending not only this book but the entire series.
**side note- I am confused though about Daniel, does this book technically take place before Ghosted?

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I loved this book! Sarah Ready has become one of my top favorite autobuy authors. Fated did not disappoint, and far exceeded my expectations. It was such a beautiful story. It broke my heart and put it back together again in the end. I was ugly crying at one point. I didn’t want it to end. I have a full Bookstagram review post linked below.

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rd instalment in the ghosted series, however they are all complete standalone. This is the best one yet.
Fiona is a watchmaker from Geneva and after a very traumatic incident and having been given her uncles 'very special watch' starts having very vivid dreams of an island paradise where the literal man of her dreams thinks she is his wife.
As Fiona tries to live her real life whilst pining for her dream life can she reconcile the feeling she has for Aaron her dream hunk vs her real life best friend who wants nothing more than to make her happy.
With a bit a time travel and a last ditch effort to save an island from impending doom. This is a romance for magical realism lovers.
This book was just the type of magical realism I've had in my head for a long time, whilst it's not the exact execution I would have chosen it is still a good story having tandem read and listened to this and I can easily recommend either version as an intriguing read or a well narrated audio.
Thanks NetGalley and Swift & Lewis Publishing for granting me copies of the book and audio in exchange for an honest review.

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