Member Reviews
When you pair women in science with a steamy romance I’m going to eat it up every time. I love a classic switching bodies to learn a lesson story.
This book was heartwarming, laugh out loud funny, and added in some science for fun. What isn’t there to like.
I listened to the audio version and I feel like the narrators did an amazing job with the characters.
Overall, this was an amazing read and I would recommend to anyone that enjoys a good romance or an Ali Hazelwood novel.
Thank you Netgalley and publishers for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I read this, and the first in Sarah Ready’s Ghosted series, back to back, and I’m glad to see Serena getting her own story.
I loved the locations, the family dynamics between the couples, and, of course, all the Trekker nonsense.
My biggest gripe, (and it oddly wasn’t the complete lack of spice) was that they skipped over all the Freaky Friday, Body Swapping bits that would have made this book hilarious.
I mean, they talked a good booby/boner-game, but they hopped over peeing, getting dressed (Cerena, who never wears underwear, gets his penis caught in the zipper of his trousers? COMEDIC GOLD), even a good have-to-manspread-because-my-balls-are-in-the-way scene? Why does no one ask for my help?
I’ll be on the lookout for the next in this series.
Thanks to NetGalley, and Swift and Lewis Publishing for this ARC.
This is a nerdy “freaky Friday” romance! If you are into science, enemies to lovers and the idea of body switching you’ll like this! Overall an easy listen and cute story. I found myself a bit lost during some of the physics information sometimes.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC.
Ok so to be honest I did not really like the beginning of this book but the more I listened the more I actually really liked it. Had a lot of LOL moments. Cute story.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for offering me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Fortunately, I already read the first book from what it looks like it will be now a series (ghosted) and I do remember I enjoyed it. I wasn't so sure about that one at the beginning but in the end, it was something really good aaand I feel it was the same with this one too. Maybe it's a bit too "fictionary" and a bit supernatural with all the body or soul changing for me at the beginning until I get along with what's happening in the book and makes me root for the main characters.
Overall this book really deserves a read if you are into rom-coms with a bit of supernatural
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.
I love a little (or a lot of) magical realism mixed in with my romance. The background of Switched was science based, physics more specifically. And I had no idea what they were talking about when they were talking science. But it didn't even matter. The connection and disconnection between the two MCs was completely adorable. As a woman, the reason Serena (Duckie) refused to fall in love with Henry was relatable and understandable.
Their Freaky Friday body switch was hilarious! Even though it's been done before, Sarah Ready made it feel fresh and fun. I ate it up. The family complications and emergencies leveled it up and made it feel high stakes and urgent. There were so many emotions attached to their agreement on how to handle their situation. It was so sweet how they agreed to stay with each other for the sake of their families.
The secondary characters were all loveable and I appreciated every single one of them. Yes, the main characters of the book are central and the most important. But I have seen times when secondary characters break a book and other times when they completely enhance it.
The rating is really 4.5. My only complaints - I really disliked Henry's narration at the end of the book. It didn't sound like what I heard in my head, at all. And it was slightly confusing keeping track of who was talking in whose body and with whose accent as I was listening to the audiobook. This was not an issue as I was reading, only while listening. It was just hard to keep track of at times.
This book was not for me. The premise of the book interested me at first. A Freaky Friday romance, where they switch bodies sounds fun. I thought it would be a quirky, fun romance that used magical realism to explore a different way to love. This book was quirky for sure, and that's not bad, its what I was hoping for. However, all potential for feeling the romance between this couple was lost on me as they spent time in each others bodies. It's was funny, but not romantic. I don't think there was chemistry between the characters so the end felt a little forced. Obviously, if you switch bodies with someone there's going to be some trauma bonding that happens, but that was the only connection they had in my opinion. There is definitely potential here, there were some heartfelt moments that I wish weren't hidden by the rest of the book being cringey.
The book contains forced proximity, fake dating, and magical realism. It also has a ton of STEM, so if you love that, this book may be for you. My favorite part of this book is that it highlighted women having careers, and women keeping their individuality when in a relationship. I will always stand by those two things, so even though I didn't enjoy this book, I can still support what it was trying to do.
First, thank you to NetGalley and W.W. Crown, an imprint of Swift & Lewis Publishing, LLC for advance access to the audiobook in exchange for this honest review.
Overall, I enjoyed this. It was a fun, body switching rom-com with STEM flair. And, I’ll always show up for STEM content! Bonus points for an English MMC. The characters were well developed and have clearly identified (if not nonsensical) motivations. Having said that, there was a lot of overt exposition rather than inferential discovery of information. I think this would have worked really well as a dual POV where information about the opposite character was uncovered from the perspective of the other. The writing was descriptive, but at times became a little overly metaphoric. Though it may have just been that the metaphors felt too often to be physics/astrophysics-y in nature? But maybe that’s just me. I feel like review this reads as overly critical, but truly I did enjoy this.
The production quality on the audio was great. There were no issues with inconsistencies between chapters in vocal quality, etc. To my American ear, the MMC’s accent was well done. I really appreciated the attention to dropping in and out of the accent in both characters at various points as appropriate, I thought that was exceptionally well executed. Would definitely recommend this on audio versus print.
Trigger warning for parental illness/hospitalization.
This book was interesting and I wasn’t sure if I’d like it at the beginning. But the story and what happens made me laugh out loud. And I found myself enjoying it and not wanting to put it down. It’s very different from other books I read but ended up being a sweet story.
If you like Sarah Ready’s other books I’m sure you’ll like this and if you haven’t read her books what are you waiting for?
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.
Read as an audiobook performed by Kelsey Navarro Foster and James Anderson Foster.
This was one of the funniest books I’ve read in a long time. I had many laugh out loud moments, and the main narrator of the audiobook gave 110% to the comedic timing of her already excellent performance. The book also explores love and what it means to different people in a very sincere way, with different perspectives explored in non-judgemental and thorough detail.
The body swap aspect of the book was well done in my opinion, and the characters dealing with the gritty details of their situation was both comedic and realistic. Though the first 10% or so of the book dragged a bit and I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy the main character’s POV, as soon as the story picked up, it really made up for that little bump in the road and I flew through it.
Many thanks to NetGalley, W.W. Crown, an imprint of Swift and Lewis Publishing, LLC, Independent Book Publishers Association, Members' Audiobooks for this ARC. This is my honest review.
5/5 A spicy body swap romance bolstered by humor and heart.
Switched is the second book in the Ghosted series. Although it can be read as a standalone, some characters from the first book, such as Jillian, Daniel, and the crazy psychic, make an appearance in this book. If you enjoyed Jillian and Daniel's characters in the first book, you will fall in love with Serena and Henry in this one. This modern-day Freaky Friday romantic comedy will make you laugh with its hilarious commentary and feel-good romance. The premise of the book is unique and fun, and personally, I've never read or watched something like it where people are romantically attracted to each other.
I particularly loved that both Serena and Henry had significant personal growth after they switched bodies, which strengthened their bond. However, I didn't like how the author used the instalove trope again, but their growth made up for it. My favorite moment in the book was when Serena, after switching bodies with Henry, immediately went to see her best friend and knew that her friend would believe her and help her fix the situation. It reminded me of some of my close friends and how we're always on the same wavelength. Overall, this book is charming, fun, and I highly recommend the audiobook.
Thank you to Netgallery and to W.W. crown for giving me a copy of the book.
Just like Ghosted, this book was AMAZING. I absolutely loved it. I couldn't imagine switching bodies with anyone, let alone a former one night stand. Serena and Henry have funny banter, and cute chemistry. The way they help and lookout for each other, even if they think they hate each other, is super cute. If you are a fan of The Big Bang Theory and Freaky Friday, this book is for you. My favorite show mixed together with a perfect romance story. Oh, and you will need tissues for all the crying you will cry.
one night stand, love at first sight, workplace romance, enemies(ish) to lovers, he falls first, second chance romance, fake dating, science.
This is the 2nd audiobook I've listened to by Sarah Ready. Serena was the best friend living in Switzerland in the first book, Ghosted. In this book, she's living her happy life when she has a one night stand with a mystery man named Henry at the bar. He also turns out to be in Switzerland to start working at CERN with Serena. Serena's thoughts were a little offputting at the beginning. She is such a commitment-phobe that it took me out of the story a bit. Years later, during an electric storm, they switch bodies. I was unsure how the body switch would work. I was pleasantly surprised. It added laughs and conflict. Listening to Serena wake up as Henry was hysterical. Meeting each other's families in the wrong body was tense in all the right ways. I will definitely read more books by this author!
This is a fun + lighthearted read/listen, told from Serena (physics nerd who lives in organized chaos + is afraid of commitment) POV. She meets Henry, sparks fly, he falls in love at first sight, she freaks out, he ends up as her boss, and...a supernatural body swap occurs. It's filled with cute banter + the classic "opposites attract." The narrator brings Serena to life and you honestly feel like you're hearing an audio version of her talking in her journal about her life.
There was a tiny inconsistency in the story when Henry's brother is warning him about hurting himself again (Henry did not know Serena's actual name until after) + one chapter was told in Henry's POV (no shade to the narrator, who did great, but he sounded too distinguished to be a 30yo).
Overall, very minor grievances -- I didn't know that this book was part of a series, but will have to go check out the other book soon!
Thank you to NetGalley and the author + publisher for the opportunity to review this audiobook!
I am a fairly new fan of Sarah Ready's and was excited to get an ALC of Switched as the last two audiobooks have been great listens!
This book follows Serena, aka Ducky, and Henry after they meet one day and have the most magical night. The feelings are so strong, and that results in Serena pushing Henry away once she finds out that they will be working together. Serena is very anti-love and pro work.
Now one day a year and a half later, Serena and Henry find themselves in a Freaky Friday situation and they are in each others bodies. So they have to find a way to reverse whatever has happened to them to ensure that they return to themselves. But in order to do so, they have to get closer and literally be the other person. This allows them to get closer and know each other on a deeper level. This also brings out all of the hidden truths from their one night together.
Now that they understand each other better, will they be able to have the love that they were both feeling? Or are they just too different in the long run.
This was a very enjoyable audiobook and the narrators did a fantastic job! Especially the female narrator, as she was the prominent one for this book.
If I were to explain this book, I would say that it was a Freaky Friday meets The Love Hypothesis story!
🎧Audio Book Review🎧
Switched
Sarah Ready
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is the second book in the Ghosted duology (? 🤔 Could there be more in this series??)
Although this book follows a different couple in the main, there are definitely some overlapping events and stories relating to Gillian and Daniel from book 1. Which, did I tell you?, I absolutely adored!!
So I'd definitely recommend that you read these in order, I mean, even if just for the sheer joy of reading them both! Because they are literally amazing!!
So, in this book, we follow the story from Serena's pov (with a tiny chapter from Henry) - although as suggested again by the title and cover (spoiler??) they do switch mid way!
I cannot describe how brilliantly written this book is! It's packed with humour, it's an emotional rollercoaster and it's an education......so the storyline is a little out there!? - who cares!! Just go along with the flow and I promise you'll have a blast!
I loved both our main characters so much! (And it was great to have a little view of where Gillian and Daniel are at now too!)
Once again, being told from Serena's pov, we don't only get to see what's going on from the outside, but also hear all (and I mean all!) of her inner thoughts, feelings and imaginings - which is the best way to connect....but also, when they switch, imagine those inner thoughts! 🫣🤣
There's a lot going on, but I can't tell you any more for fear of spoilers - but trust me, I could not put this book down (nor book 1!) - I absolutely HAVE to check out more books by this author as I am truly obsessed!!
The Love Hypothesis meets Freaky Friday. This is the story of Serena Otaki and Henry Joule, two physicist working at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland. One fateful night, they met at a pub in the most uncommon circumstance and they fall into a memorable love-making that made them feel like "love at first sight" was real. However, Serena was a commitment-phobe and she wanted to focus on herself and her career, especially after knowing that Henry was gonna be her new boss. So she rejects his love and goes on with their respective lives. Over a year later, an incident happened at CERN that caused them to switch bodies; Serena woke up in Henry's body and Henry woke up in Serena's. As they try to figure out a way to switch back, they learn many things about each other, and understand each other's feelings.
This book was hilarious. It ad me giggling and chuckling a lot of times. I had so much fun listening to the audiobook; I guess the narrator's great performance contributed a lot to this. The story was very enjoyable and super adorable. However, I didn't like how the author kept the readers on edge many times. They were about to switch back but didn't. They were about to switch back again, but didn't. Especially towards the end, I knew they were gonna switch back anyways, but the delay was too much; it almost felt like filler episodes in a TV show. Also, I was kind of upset when it was Henry's POV. He had ONE POV. One. And he sounded like a fifty-year old grandpa. Don't get me wrong, the narrator was good but I don't think he suited a 30-something-year old character. I literally had difficulty understanding what he was saying because the voice was too deep (idk if it was natural or just forced), and growly. It didn't sit right with me.
Anyway, I'd still recommend this book and I'm giving it 4 stars. Thank you Netgalley for the free audiobook.
Sarah Ready’s Switched is a sweet and funny lovers-to-enemies-to lovers romantic comedy. It all starts with the protagonist, Ducky, getting in a sticky situation in a pub in Geneva, Switzerland. Her bacon gets saved by a mysterious stranger, who is new in town and British.
Ducky is living her dream, working at CERN with the Large Hadron Collider; and surprise, surprise! So does her knight in shining Oxfords. From an email that she should have opened the day before, she finds out that he will be her new boss.
Ducky’s love-phobic anti-commitment lifestyle has her running away from a potential love-at-first-sight situation, much to his disbelief and chagrin.
Work got crazy one night before vacation season, and they find themselves working late and having old resentments bubble up, and then the LHC goes wonky, and the next morning, Ducky finds herself in the least imaginable place possible.
How will things ever get back to normal? Even the $500/hour phone psychic couldn’t give Ducky the answers that she sought. Can she just give into and face her worst fears?
Thank you to NetGalley and W. W. Crown, and imprint of Swift & Lewis Publishing, LLC for this delightful and funny audio ARC!!
4.5 Stars
Another great book from Sarah Ready! I listened to the first book, Ghosted, and loved it, so when I saw this one I signed up immediately. It did not disappoint. The premise, while done before, was still done well with its own unique twist.
The only reason I knocked off half a star was because Serena was so adamant that love ruins people's lives. I found that part particularly close-minded, but understand that it's a quality unique to her character. I think there could have still been push and pull between the love interests without FMC resenting her mother's love for her father.
The narration was great! No notes.
Switched (Ghosted #2) by Sarah Ready
Narrated by Kelsey Navarro Foster, James Anderson Foster
Serena Otaki is a free-spirited Californian physicist at The Large Hadron Collider near Geneva, Switzerland. She breaks the forth wall quickly, believing someone is watching (I'll let her explain) so she's talking to us throughout the book. From the way her mind gushes out all her thoughts and feelings about how physics is her one true love and why everything else pales in comparison I think she must run on twice the "too much caffeine" that I do. Her mind is made up about life and she's not changing it. She will never marry, never give up all that she is for another person, and that's that, said and done, set in concrete. I'm smirking here because her life is going to blow up in ways she could never imagine.
Henry Joules is pretty much everything that Serena is not except for being a physicist, too. After a one night meet cute and more, Serena puts as much distance between herself and Henry as she can, which is hard to do since their work situations mean they have to talk sometimes. Then a storm, a particle collider, and Serena and Henry at the wrong place at the wrong time causes a switch that shouldn't be possible.
This is where the story gets more interesting for me. There is no way to explain what has happened so trying to reverse what happened doesn't come with an instruction booklet. At least for the time being, Serena and Henry, in the wrong bodies, need to stay together so if whatever made them switch bodies happens again, they will be there to switch bodies. That means pretending to be the other, including faking accents and blundering through family time for each of them.
The story can be enjoyed as a standalone although there are characters from the first book in this series. You won't miss anything by not having read/heard that book first but it's an interesting one, the world of Ghosted has some very strange things going on, that's for sure. The narrators are a married couple, with Kelsey narrating the majority of the story while James steps in towards the end of the story. The two do a good job with the narration and I can only hope to have the energy that Kelsey projects in her narration.
Thank you to W. W. Crown, and imprint of Swift & Lewis Publishing, LLC, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Audiobooks, and NetGalley for this ARC.