This was so much more than a love story, such a powerful meaning and I loved every minute of it. The dreams felt so feel and the world building was honestly surprisingly brilliant for a romance story. -Thank you so much to NetGalley for the advanced book.

***I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.***

Wow wow wow wow wow. I have so many thoughts and they're all jumbled together. This book took a massive turn at the end that I was NOT expecting and it was a whirlwind but so incredibly good.

I had a completely different picture in my head of what this book was going to be than what it actually turned out to be. For a little bit, it felt slow and I wasn't really understanding what was going on. The characters lived basic lives and then a watch was mentioned and then a little bit of magic and I was like okay, so are we like a fantasy/magic book? Or just a romance book? I wasn't sure. AND THEN..... AND THEN.

It got depressing and I was convinced that the book was going to end up being a sad Nicholas Sparks book but... Holy cow. The twist was so wild and felt a little Harry Potter but I loved it. I ate it up. I was so excited. I was so sad... and then the very ending had me in TEARS. TEARRRRRRSSSSSS. I don't ever cry when reading books but my chest felt tight and my eyes started to water because I just couldn't do it.

I'm so impressed with the wild ride this book took me on and I loved it. I'm not sure I would consider it paranormal but it's fine.

*3.5 stars rounded up*
Fated is the 3rd book in the Ghosted series, though it takes place before the other books, so I think it could easily be read as a standalone.

I wanted to love this book... the premise was interesting, with beautiful settings and great descriptions. The pacing felt a bit slow for my taste, and I think I would have liked to see more of Fiona in the real world. The dream world definitely had more drama and complications than I was expecting. I think I felt a little uncomfortable with the premise of Fiona basically living the life of another person (Becca) in the dream world, who seemed to have different intentions when Fiona wasn't there. Meanwhile Fiona is dating her friend, Max, in the real world while she falls for Aaron in the dream world. All that said, the end of the book really takes a turn that tugs at the heartstrings and kept me more invested in the story. I was happy about how it ended and like the hints toward the next book in the series.

Thank you to Swift & Lewis Publishing LLC | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles, Sarah Ready and NetGalley for the advance review copy of Fated! All opinions expressed in my review are completely my own.

📚Arc Book Review 📚

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶
Genres: Romance / Magical Realism
Narration: First-person POV
Pub Date: July 16, 2024

Thank you NetGalley for granting me this arc💖

This book narrates the story of Fiona, a young woman who starts having vivid dreams of a life different from her own after receiving a family heirloom. She had always felt like something was missing in her life until she had the chance to have a different life in her dreams. She sees it as an opportunity to do whatever she always wanted without worrying about anything else, and maybe in the process she’ll find what she has always been looking for.

She has always been afraid to fall in love after a bad experience, but she doesn’t want anything to stop her from doing it in her dreams. So she starts living a new life, where she lives on an island with a man who is supposed to be her husband, along with her daughter and son. Far from her responsibilities in the real world, where she owns her father's company along with her brother and takes care of her daughter.

What I loved about this book was that you never knew what to expect, for me it was sometimes confusing when it went back and forth between her dream and real life, but you get the hang of it after a couple of chapters. I loved how the feelings were portrayed between the FMC and the MMC. Everything was so unexpected. It was also heartbreaking to see all that Fiona went through and still was going through sometimes. Let us not forget how this book broke me, patched me up together, and then broke me again. But it was all worth it in the end!

I loved this book. It is very different from most books I have read but I found that intriguing and I loved that the MCs were a love match that was meant to be. I really rooted for the FMC Fiona to find love. I also really enjoyed being immersed in these locations I’ve never visited. The settings were so well described and the characters were so fond of them that it made me want to visit them someday. I now need to read the two other books in the series (Ghosted & Switched) and I am looking forward to when Wished comes out.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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'.

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!

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

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

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.