Member Reviews

Fated by Sarah Ready arc review I got this advanced reader copy though net galley this book was a excellent and entertaining and full of twist and turns I didn’t see going that had me guessing how it was going to end till the last second. It a story of second chance and fate and magic. What if you had the chance to see what your greatest desire could be. Would it be everything you wish for or would it be to good to be true. This was a great version of magical realism. I enjoy the main character she was smart and brave she follow her heart to the fullest. I enjoy read this book it was really interesting and kept me guessing what was going to happen next. It comes out July 16 definitely go give it a chance.

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I was nervous to start this one since I wasn't a fan of the description of the story, but I absolutely loved the story. Sarah Ready hits it out of the park every time.
I loved the relationship between the two characters and I cried a couple times. Can't wait for the next installment!

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Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this!
I LOVE Sarah Ready and the "Ghosted" series has easily become one of my favorites. This iteration, Fated, follows Fiona (a watch executive who struggles in love) as she falls for a man, truly, of her dreams. The juxtaposition between her life in Geneva and her life on the island is beautifully written, the chemistry between her and Aaron is just explosive (it really doesn't get steamy till the very end), and her interiority dealing with abandonment and love is just beautiful. You root for them so strongly but are also completely accepting of the reality of her dream world.
The 'twists' and magical realism are done really well and never once feel gimmicky. Yes, this requires a good deal of suspended belief, but this is JUST the right amount and I found myself completely falling down their rabbit hole.
This might be something that only matters to me: but the imagery and descriptive passages about time and watches really pulled me in. I love the concept of someone being so profoundly impacted by time and feeling that connective pull to counting minutes. It is something I love too so it just drew me in even more.

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I wasn’t expecting this to be so emotional but Fated really hit me where it hurts! This series has been hit after hit and this was no different.

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I've read all of Sarah Ready's previous books and I fall more in love with her stories each time. I've read reviews that say "it's so far fetched" and "not believable" but I love the character, whimsy, and magic that she bleeds into each of her books.

Fiona is a very likable FMC, which is sort of rare these days when I read modern romance books. She's got money, is the CEO of a luxury watch company, a goofy brother, and a best friend who is in love with her. And yet, she wants the sparks. As most of us do. She finds the sparks by receiving (albiet from her thieving mother) a family heirloom watch which gives the person in possession of it the ability to live their dreams. It's in her dreams that she meets Aaron as she fills the body of a woman named Becca. Becca is an asshole - cheating on her husband with her husband's best friend and also hates her kids (including a badass daughter that reads Dostovesky in the mornings).

This book was so full of longing and heartbreak and happiness and sorrow. It was all the emotions combined. I wanted so desperately for Aaron and Fiona to get together but not as "Becca"... as herself. You'll just have to read the book to see what happens.

This book made me want to dream again myself. It was heartfelt and lovely and should be on any dreamer's bookshelf. Here's to you, Ready, for another well done novel.

Thanks to Swift & Lewis Publishing and NetGalley for an e-Arc in exchange for an honest review.

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I adored this. Absolutely loved it. There's so much I want to say but it would be a lot of spoilers. This story will tug at your heart in ways that bring tears and so much hope. This is why i refuse to do the most when it comes to love (in all forms) because I know the universe will choose wayyyy better than me!!

A favorite of the year for sure. A sweet love story that bends the norms of 'time'.

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Wow....This book was beautifully written. I request this as an ARC from Netgalley because I have read and enjoyed Sarah Ready's previous books. This book had a unique premise which really intrigued me. I don't want to say too much in the review because it is very easy to give away things. I will say the main characters were really well written and developed. I typically like banter, but this book had a different feel and I didn't find myself missing the banter. The side characters added to the story and were also well developed. There were certain scenes that were so detailed in description I could easily visualize it, and felt I was there. This book kept me wondering for a good amount of time where we were going, and I LOVE that. I can usually figure it out pretty early on. This was a bit of spice but mild. This book is more for the love story and it was so worth the read for me!

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Fi has taken over the family watch company. She hasn't been around her mother in years but leave it to her mom to hand over a family heirloom that she had "taken" years ago. The watch is able to make Fi's dreams reveal her greatest desire in life. Fi begins dreaming of a man, McCormick and his family. What is the oddest part, Fi is married to him. Those kids are her kids. She lives on a beautiful island and lives the most simple life. And she is the happiest she has ever been. When she awakes in the morning she can't get this family out of her mind. She is falling for McCormick. But it's just a dream.
Fi finds herself wanting to revisit her dream again and again every night to see McCormick, Amy, and Sean. Back in her real life, she is realizing maybe her dream means she needs to give a little more to her relationship with her current love interest, Max. Maybe she is finally ready to make more of a commitment. But she can't stop thinking about McCormick. How can she fall in love with a man she doesn't even really know?
Oh Sarah Ready.....She is the best dreamy, romance writer with a little bit of paranormal mixed in! This is another book in the Ghosted series but I don't think you need to read either of the first two books to enjoy Fi and McCormick's story. I read this book in just a few days and I haven't stopped thinking about it and the power of our dreams. I loved this story and will always be on the lookout for other works by Sarah Ready. I will definitely be recommending Fated to all my other reading friends. I love her shorter chapters, easy to read dialogue, amazing storylines, and fun, lovable characters. Special thanks to NetGalley, Sarah Ready, and Swift & Lewis Publishing LLC for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest opinion. 5 big stars for me!
#Fated #NetGalley

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Fiona Abry has a wonderful life, but she never dreams of what could be. That is until her mother arrives for her “birthday”. She gifts Fiona with the missing pocket watch created by Adolphus Abry, founder of the watch company Fiona and her brother inherited. There is a legend associated with the ancient watch. Unable to ignore the lure of the beautiful timepiece, Fiona falls asleep holding it.

Ready's depiction of Fiona's dreams was so vivid and realistic. I felt drawn into life on the island just as Fiona was each night and felt sad each morning when she woke. I could feel the chemistry between Fiona and Aaron, even though I could feel how much she cared for Max. I did not want to stop reading this book! I love anything by Sarah Ready, but she’s outdone herself with this magical story. 4.5⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Swift & Lewis Publishing LLC, IBPA for this complimentary ARC. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Really enjoyed the twist and turns throughout the book it kept you guessing throughout about what would happen. A super light and easy read the entire time, a super cute romance book.

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With a unique premise and a compelling story, Fated by Sarah Ready is about a woman who visits an isolated island and falls for a man in a dream brought to her by an ancient watch made by her ancestor.

Summary: Fiona "Fi" Abry is afraid to love. When her mother gives her an ancient watch that supposedly lets her dream of her greatest desire, she uses it. She finds herself on an isolated island married to a gorgeous man named Aaron McCormick with two children. And she falls in love with this dream.

Tropes/Genres:
• strangers to lovers
• fantasy
• contemporary romance
• set in Geneva, Switzerland

Review: This book has a highly unique premise, and I'm here for it. It has such a dreamy vibe, and I love how the author handled this concept. Even though the plot was filled with fantasy elements, it felt so realistic. The writing is so descriptive, and it simply draws readers in and compels them to want to know more even if the story can seem a bit confusing. It's confusing in a good way. I love it.

Aaron and Fiona are so cute. I love how the author handled their love story – a woman and a man who seems to only exist in her dreams and not in real life. It's such an interesting premise. It's so interesting to read this story from Fiona's POV, following her through this confusing dream, through falling for this man who seems to only exist in her dreams, and through every other thing that unfolds along with the plot. It's just such a beautiful and unique romance journey to follow.

I love Aaron's steadfast and unwavering love for Fiona. He and Becca (who Fiona was in the dream) were married but acted as friends who co-parented two children while she was not-so-secretly cheating on him with his best friend Robert. But whenever Fiona was Becca, he could feel it and his love for her. He could feel her presence and loved her for who she was inside Becca's body. Even when he was faced with the whiplash of the changes in Becca's personality, he loved Fiona the best he could.

As I mentioned above, the writing is so good. It's so magical and realistic at the same time. For example, the confusion Fiona felt when she first entered this dream-like state was so genuine, and throughout the story, I completely understood everything she thought and did. The author did an amazing job constructing the plot and characters. Even the side characters are lovable and memorable. The pacing is also great.

This book seems to be set before the events of Ghosted because it seems that Daniel didn't have Jillian in his life. It was mildly confusing at the beginning, but that's such a small issue. It's just that one would normally expect that a sequel would be set after the previous book. I love this story either way!

In conclusion, I highly recommend this book to readers who are willing to try out this unique premise. It's a very interesting romance novel that doesn't really fit into any romance trope, but the author did a great job blending the romance and fantasy elements. Let's just say... this book is such a dream!

Thank you, NetGalley, for the read!

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I have read several of Sarah Ready’s books now (a fan!) and this one did not disappoint! Thanks to NetGalley, Sarah Ready and Swift and Lewis Publishing LLC for this very interesting and fast read!

The premise of this story was very interesting and I was so happy to be approved to read it. Fiona and her brother, Daniel, have inherited their father’s watchmaking empire and have turned it into a once again profitable company. Her life is full in Switzerland, with her sweet and precocious daughter and her best friend Max. But Max wants to be more. However, after the gift of a rare watch, Fiona starts to dream of an island where her name is Becca and she is married to a handsome man named Aaron. The dreams feel incredibly real and soon feel as real as her other life.

I really enjoyed this book so much! It was a very quick read because I couldn’t put it down. I enjoyed learning about clockmaking and Lake Geneva. This book will be published July 16, 2024 and highly recommend you pick up a copy. It’s wonderful!

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The romance was intense and emotional, the plot made me want to keep on reading. And, I am left wanting more from this world. I can’t wait enough for the next book already.

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I love Sarah Ready! I was so excited to read her new book Fated. It was really good. This is the first book by Ready that I've read that I didn't end up a sobbing mess. I missed that a little with this book, but I still really enjoyed the book. She does a great job of getting the reader invested into the characters to the point that I wasn't quite ready to let them all go. I can't wait for the next book!

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Sarah Ready’s Fated is a whimsical and heartwarming exploration of love, dreams, and the intersection of fantasy and reality. This enchanting novel takes readers on a journey through the dreamscape of Fiona Abry, a woman whose life changes in the most unexpected ways thanks to a magical family heirloom.

Fiona Abry is a successful, driven woman who runs her family’s Swiss watch company. Her life is meticulously organized, leaving little room for personal indulgences or romantic entanglements. However, her structured world begins to unravel when she inherits a family heirloom rumored to reveal one's greatest desires through dreams. This intriguing premise sets the stage for a beautifully crafted story that balances the rigors of reality with the allure of fantasy.

As Fiona drifts into sleep, she finds herself on a tiny tropical island, living a life that starkly contrasts her bustling city existence. She is married, has two children, and resides in a vibrant beach cottage. The dream life is idyllic, filled with leisurely swims in turquoise waters, picnics under palm trees, and star-gazing nights on the beach. Ready’s descriptive prose brings this dream world to vivid life, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in Fiona’s nightly escapades.

Fiona’s dream husband is a central figure in this narrative. Their relationship, developed through dream sequences, is tender, passionate, and deeply moving. Ready skillfully captures the nuances of falling in love, even when that love exists in a dream. The chemistry between Fiona and her dream husband is palpable, making the reader root for a romance that defies the bounds of reality.

However, as Fiona becomes more attached to her dream life, she faces a profound internal conflict. The dreams provide an escape from her hectic reality, but they also pose the risk of her falling for a life and a man that do not exist outside her subconscious. This tension drives the narrative forward, raising poignant questions about the nature of desire, the definition of reality, and the courage it takes to open oneself to love.

Ready’s storytelling is compelling, weaving together elements of romance, magical realism, and introspective drama. Fiona’s character is richly developed, showcasing a woman grappling with her deepest desires and the dichotomy between her real and dream lives. Her journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns to balance her ambitions with her need for personal fulfillment and emotional connection.

The novel’s pacing is well-managed, with dream sequences that are as engaging as the real-world developments. The transitions between Fiona’s two worlds are seamless, maintaining the reader’s interest and investment in both aspects of her life. The supporting characters, though primarily existing within Fiona’s dreams, add depth and dimension to the story, enhancing the emotional resonance of her experiences.

Fated is a delightful read for anyone who has ever pondered the power of dreams and the complexities of the heart. Sarah Ready has crafted a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is enchanting, offering a unique perspective on love and the choices we make in pursuit of happiness. With its blend of romance and magical realism, Fated invites readers to dream alongside Fiona and explore the possibilities that lie beyond the waking world. This novel is a testament to the transformative power of dreams and the enduring hope that love, in any form, can bring.

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4.5/5 Stars

First off, I want to say a huge thank you to Sarah Ready, NetGalley, and the publishers for gifting me an ARC of this book!

I walked into this book blindly, not having read the others in the series, and boy am I glad I gave it a shot. This book had me smiling, laughing and crying throughout it. It’s not often a book will make me gasp out loud, but this one did (iykyk😭)

All of the characters felt so full and well rounded, and I did not have to work hard to imagine them. I found Fiona to be a great character and really appreciated the flaws laced throughout. No one likes a “perfect” character. Sarah’s writing is easy to understand, yet she has such a way with words that I found myself instantly picturing the locations of the book.

My only criticism of the book is that I wish there were maybe one or two extra chapters at the end. I just want a few more moments with Fi and her dream man❤️

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I received an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I wasn't expecting this to make me feel so much?? In the beginning it was alright, I was aiming for 3 stars just like with Switched. But then everything suddenly changed right around the 80% mark and I felt a rollercoaster of emotions while reading. Sarah you'll pay for my tears.

Max deserved better and I'm glad the next book in the series is about him because I need to see him get his happy ending. I cannot wait for Wished.

Also one of the stars is for Jillian's and my husband Daniel🤭

Thank you to Netgalley for this arc.

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Because of a few minor issues, I did not rate this book five stars. I was troubled by Fiona's accidental brutality to Aaron—not giving him the truth about herself—and the great anguish it caused. It's also annoying because this story takes place before Jillian and Daniel Abry's meeting, denying readers the opportunity to experience their relationship as a huge fan of the Ghosted duo.

However, Sarah Ready continues to develop remarkable partnerships that defy logic, time, and space. There are so many twists and turns in this third novel in the Ghosted series that readers will be left guessing until the very end whether Fiona's dream guy, Aaron, is real but exists in another dimension, or if he is simply a creature of her imagination. Strongly recommended!

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I just finished this and I'm not sure I have the words to do this book justice, so I apologize for that. Fiona and Aaron are meant to be together. I love the magic aspect in Sarah Ready's work. I loved it in Switched and I love it here. I'm mad at myself that Ghosted is still on my shelf unread, but I'll take care of that very soon. Fiona is a single mom who is a workaholic. She resists finding love, but worries that her brother won't find it. She has a wonderful relationship with her brother and loves her daughter very much. Her mother left her with her father when she was 6 and has been in and out of her life ever since. Fiona is shot on Christmas Eve at a party and that sets everything in motion. There's a magic watch, beautiful dreams and heartbreaking realizations. I usually see twists and connections coming from a mile away, but I truly only caught 1 of the many that were there. I found myself holding my breath for the last 25% of this book. I wish I was better with words, but all I can say is, READ THIS BOOK, YOU WILL LOVE IT. There, I'm done yelling.

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Thank you to NetGalley and Swift & Lewis Publishing LLC for allowing me to read an ARC of Fated by Sarah Ready, in exchange for my honest review.

Enchanting! Sarah Ready's writing is amazing! The characters, dialog, imagery, all of it! Throw in a little magical realism, and voilà, a whimsically euphoric story!

I definitely recommend this book!

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