Member Reviews
Out of all the magical realism books I have read, this has been my favorite. The tension and banter was elite.
Cute story, the audio was well done theres definitely moments where the story feels like it drags but the romance is cute and Sarah does an good job keeping the magic interesting. Thank you NetGalley for the arc of this book and for an honest review.
Sarah Ready just paints the most amazing portraits in her writing. They are the most unique and interesting plots. This one stuck with me the most. I dragged my feet finishing it because I didn’t want it to end. I loved this book.
Not my favorite in the series but still an emotionally deep satisfying magical realism love story. I liked the premise of a maid wishing she was married to her employer and seeing how that all played out. It was good on audio narrated by Will Watt and Amanda Ronconi. Would definitely recommend to fans of the author and anyone who enjoys a paranormal romance. Many thanks to NetGalley and the author for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
I love Sarah Ready’s novels. Her last series was basically perfect. So now we are on the Ghosted Series which gives her excellent romantic storytelling a new paranormal flare.
Yes a happy ending is Guaranteed but we have to get there.
Enter Max read by Will Watt. Though the. Accent was great there was something loud about time compared to the voice of —-he doesn’t even know I exist—Anna read perfectly by Amanda Ronconi.
A rich guy, a lonely guy, Max has no clue he’s married. The character of his secretary was a great touch.
Thanks to Swift & Lewis Publishing LLC, NetGalley, Sarah Ready, and narrators Amanda Ronconi and Will Watt for sharing this delightful book with me. They say you should always be careful what you wish for—Anna Benoit makes the wish that she was Max Barone’s wife. She has no clue what to do when she wakes up the next morning to find out her wish has come true. Then when she tries to fix things Max makes his wish and the consequences are a fun ride of a lifetime. This was a very fun and sweet romance that I have come to expect from Sarah Ready. Her books are a joy to read and always make me smile and laugh and I always hate to see the end of the story because I enjoy reading them all.
Wished: Ghosted #4 by Sarah Ready and published by Swift & Lewis Publishing LLC is in my opinion the definition of “steamy whirlwind romance” with the added bounce of learning a little about the history of jewelry making. Don’t fear this is a stand alone book even with it being a part of a series. This contemporary romance took me to places I never imagined myself going but it feels like I have already felt the sand on my body and smelled the streets of Paris. The only issue I had with the book was a personal one. Knowing the history of the diamond industry it was hard for me to fully fall in love with our leading man, with that said our leading ladies' personal trials and tribulations is what grabbed and held my attention. I enjoyed the magic and fantasy of it all along with the rags to riches storyline.
I've read this entire series from Sarah Ready and this one does not disappoint!! It is such a great cute read. Even though books that flash back in time usually aren't my favorites, Sarah makes it really easy to follow along and keep up with the plot.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for this ARC!
Overall: 4⭐️/5; Spice: 3🌶️/5
Wished is a rom com in the tradition of the classic stories that we watch again and again - that perfect combination of spunky, strong FMC and grumpy, reserved MMC with the heart of gold. The premise is simple - Anna, a house cleaner, makes a wish to be married to her client, jewelry CEO Max… and she wakes up with her wish having come true! (Though Max seems to be the only one to realize that this new reality is, in fact, new).
I loved the way that Max and Anna’s love story develops - how they both go from loving the traits of the other person to loving the person completely. I love that Anna is honest to a fault, and that she doesn’t just sacrifice her own happiness for Max’s - she has faith that if they are really meant to be, they will find a way back to each other. And I LOVED the HEA.
I was so happy to learn that this book is part of a series set in the same world, and will absolutely be reading anything else written by Sarah Ready!
I was able to review and advanced audiobook copy, which I definitely recommend - Amanda Ronconi and Will Watt did absolutely wonderful jobs bringing the characters to life!
I have to be honest. I dnfed the book. Maybe it was not my type of book or it really was a weird story but I couldn’t continue to listen/read. The story had so much potential though. However, it was well written. The author didn’t over describe the details which I liked because when a book over describes details it distracts the audience from the plot. These type of books completely bore me. I’m glad to say “wished” didn’t bore me but it did weird me out.
Anna is trying her best to be an honest and hard-working woman while dealing with being madly in love with her boss. But when the object of her affection accuses her of theft and fires her, she is heartbroken. She makes a wish that he would be in love with her and they would be happy together. Little does she know that sometimes, you get what you ask for.
Max is reeling from his rejection by Fiona (see book #3). When he catches his housekeeper with a family heirloom, he naturally thinks that she is trying to steal it. What he doesn't know is that tomorrow, he will wake up married to her and be in for the ride of his life.
While this book is cute and I liked it, it is my least favorite of the series so far. I think that Book 3 was sooooo good that this one couldn't possibly measure up. Max is very likable and it's really nice to see this side of him. But Anna is flat and a bit annoying.
The audiobook is pretty good. It isn't anything to write home about. It does the job. I will say that this book is probably better consumed by reading because the back and forth with the wishes and situations got kind of confusing via audio. It was hard to keep things straight at times.
My absolute favorite ghosted story! In love with Max and Anna. Well, in love with Max for awhile now ☺️
This series is magical and refreshing and if you haven’t read it, do it. Like 100%. You won’t regret it.
This book is heartbreaking and beautiful. Their relationship at every point 😍 ahhhh. Anna he loves you. Believe it. Always.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read and review.
Rating: ★★★★☆
I had no idea what to expect when I started reading this, but it turned out to be a very enjoyable read. "Wished" is the fourth book from the Ghosted series but can be read as a stand-alone (which is how I read it). The plot is entertaining, the chapters are short and to the point, and the characters are rather enjoyable. Sarah Ready has a knack for crafting relatable characters and engaging storylines, and this book was no exception.
Ready’s writing is witty and heartfelt, making it easy to get invested in the characters' journeys. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, and their banter adds a lightness to the emotional themes explored. The book is also steamy, which was very fun to discover.
While the pacing is generally strong, there are moments where the plot feels a bit stretched. Some subplots could have been tightened up for a more cohesive experience, however, the heartfelt moments and clever dialogue more than make up for it.
Overall, "Wished" is a charming read that blends humor and depth, perfect for fans of 90’s rom coms. Even if you haven’t read the previous books, this is still a great read and very enjoyable.
A big thank you to NetGalley, Swift & Lewis Publishing, LLC, and Sarah Ready for this advanced copy. While the ARC is a gift, my reviews are solely based on my own opinions, and I’m under no obligation to any company or individual to post. #Wished #NetGalley.
I 'read' this book in the audio version whilst recovering from an eye op so not my usual method of reading but it certainly kept me engaged. A different romance story with a touch of time travel all bound up in magic with a nod to 'Bewitched' that old popular TV programme. Set, mainly in Geneva with an odd foray to Paris and St. Tropez. . The main characters did grow on me, Max starts the narrative and also finishes it whilst Anna's voice covers most of the story. I did find the narration a little slow but boosting it to 1.25 speed served me well.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an advanced copy of Wished, in exchange for an honest review.
*Wished* will transport you through the enchanting life of Anna, a sweet and relatable female protagonist who faces the ups and downs of love, betrayal, and the unexpected twists of fate. With a captivating narrative that touches the heart, this novel takes a unique approach to the romantic fantasy genre, spotlighting the complexities of love through the lens of an enchanted wish-granting necklace.
Anna is the kind of character you can’t help but root for. With her endearing personality and relatable struggles, she embodies the quintessential ‘everywoman’ who dreams of love while navigating a tumultuous professional landscape. For three painful years, she harbors deep feelings for her boss, Max—a complex character who starts off as rather unlikable. The narrative introduces a poignant moment when Anna's world crumbles after she is wrongfully accused of stealing a magical necklace, leading to her termination.
The concept of the wish-granting necklace is brilliantly conceived and executed throughout the book. It serves as a catalyst that propels the plot forward while reflecting the complexities of desire and consequence. What starts as a heartbreaking journey of betrayal and loss evolves into an exploration of potential and self-discovery.
The necklace does not merely fulfill wishes; it forces Anna and Max to confront their feelings and the bond they share that goes beyond physical attraction. This magical twist adds a layer of fantasy to the romance, providing the reader with a delightful sense of possibility that accompanies the struggles of the characters.
Initially, Max leaves much to be desired. With a personality that borders on insufferable, he fits the stereotype of the arrogant boss, making it hard for readers to sympathize with him. However, as the story unfolds, Max undergoes significant character development. His transformation is compelling, revealing vulnerabilities and depths that redeem him in the eyes of readers.
One notable aspect of *Wished* is the speed at which the relationship between Anna and Max escalates, a point that may raise eyebrows among readers. However, this rapid progression is not without merit, rooted deeply in their shared past and intertwined memories. Anna's long-standing love for Max adds depth to their connection, while Max remembers the love that bloomed between them—now amplified by the magical essence of the necklace. Though this swift transition might feel jarring, it's cleverly justified within the narrative framework.
In *Wished*, Sarah Ready adeptly weaves a tale of love, magic, and second chances that keep readers engaged from beginning to end. Anna’s journey from heartbreak to hope, combined with Max’s complex development, creates a satisfying exploration of romance augmented by mystical elements.
While some readers may find fault in the hurried nature of Anna and Max’s relationship, the genuine emotions and dynamics at play ultimately outweigh this minor issue. Ready’s skillful storytelling and creative premise make *Wished* an enchanting read, encouraging readers to reflect on their own desires and the magic that exists in the act of wishing.
I truly enjoyed this book and I give it 4.25 Stars!
This book gave off so much Christmas Spirit! Harriet reminded me very much of a few teachers that I have had in my life who were just wanting the best for all of us. The love story between Harriet & James was one that you witnessed every step of it blaming. From meeting, to hating each other and then to growing into something more with a few bumps along the way. This book gave so many feels from Christmas, to a romantic love story and the doing good for others and becoming a stronger community. Definitely a great feel good Christmas read!
Another amazing Ghosted book!
I love this whole series. Each book has a couple who developed a relationship in a unique way and they wonder if the relationship will stand the test of time...literally.
Anna was a maid for Max when he caught her, he thought, stealing. He fired her on the spot. Anna made a wish though and now she finds herself married to Max. Except plot twist, he remembers their marriage and also that she worked for him. I loved that aspect of the book!
I couldn't stop reading till I finished since I wanted to see how it would work out, especially with that necklace. A great romance with spice thrown in.
Wished by Sarah Ready is a charming and magical addition to a series I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. Anna’s story brings a whimsical twist to the series, with her wish granting her a life she’s only dreamed of—being married to the man she’s hopelessly in love with. Ready weaves a fun, topsy-turvy reality where Anna’s deepest desires come true, but with the question of whether it’s everything she truly wants. While a bit predictable, the blend of magic and romance makes this a delightful read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Swift & Lewis Publishing, LLC | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Audiobooks and Sarah Ready for the opportunity to read the ARC in audiobook form.
***I've fallen head over heels for Sarah Ready!!!***
In this day and age of trendy booktok and bookstagram romance books and a handful of authors who seem to get all the love, I stumbled upon an unknown author to me, Ready and her series Ghosted, and I am so glad I did. This is a romance series that features four stand-alone stories where magical realism plays a part in its own unique way.
Here in book number four, the reader meets Max first. A very rich, handsome man running the family jewelry business in Geneva. He has a very confusing interaction with his assistant when she informs him that his wife has come to the office to visit him. This is a problem because Max is not married and would certainly remember having been married for seven years, right? But as soon as he hears his "wife's" voice, memories come flooding in that he can't actually remember making.
Our next introduction is to Anna. She is a cleaner in Max's grand estate and she happens upon a very beautiful, vintage necklace. It looks like the type of necklace that you could make a wish on. And so after having gotten to know Max over the years via his house, books, habits, she decides it would be ever so interesting to be married to him and wishes for it knowing full well that wishes don't come true. Do they?
Ready gifts us with an enemies-to-lovers romance that bends the trope back on itself with unexpected plot twists. It's not giving anything away to say that Anna's wish is granted but instead of slipping into a blissful alternate universe life with Max, she is confronted by a very confused and angry Max who unlike everyone around them is very aware that they were never married and his seven years of memories are fake.
And that is when the story really takes off and never stops all the way through a very satisfying ending.
I had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook version of this story and the narrators, Amanda Ronconi and Will Watt, really brought the book to life (though the majority of the book is told in Anna's perspective). I found myself finding reasons to drive around, take walks and eek! do chores around the house just so I could continue with the story.
Ready is delightful in her writing. The story is refreshing and funny. The settings are stunning and gave me the impression that I was on a little vacation to Europe with visits to Geneva, Paris and St. Tropez. And if you like a little bit but not over the top spice, then this book hits the mark.
I can't say enough about Ready and this book. I will be checking out the rest of this series and her backlist.
Let's crown a new queen of romance!
I really enjoyed the magical realism aspect of this romance book - it really reminded me of a 90s-early 2000s rom-com when a wish could be used as a plot device. However, I wanted that to be explored further and to add to the romance, instead it felt like it only hurried the romance and turned it into insta-love/lust. I wanted their chemistry to be more palpable.
But even so, it was a cute read and I really enjoyed Paris in this book. It really made me want to go back there too. As I said, the magical realism aspect was a nice addition and it kept the book from being too predictable.
It's lighthearted, but there was room for more... for fleshing out the characters more, for building the romance gradually.