Fated by Sarah Ready is a captivating blend of romance and self-discovery, exploring the fine line between fantasy and reality. Fiona Abry, a workaholic running her family’s Swiss watch company, unexpectedly finds herself living out her greatest desires in her dreams, thanks to a family heirloom. Each night, she experiences an idyllic life on a tropical island with a loving husband and two kids—everything she never knew she needed. As Fiona becomes more enchanted with her dream life, she’s forced to confront the reality that the man she’s falling for might not exist. A beautifully poignant story about love, dreams, and the choices that define us.

"I'm in love with a dream, with a man who isn't real, and there isn't any coming back from it."

OH MY GOODNESS. This gave me the reminiscent feelings that 2000's romcom give; that warm & fuzzy feeling. I really enjoyed Sarah's writing style & the way she moved around the plot. It is a new view on romance books that I hadn't come across yet. The surprises she threw hit perfectly & kept me staying up later to read more! I highly recommend! FAB!!

This was a really beautiful story told in two different timelines, real life and a dream. I love the premise behind this book, such a great idea for a story. I thought the writing was beautiful, and the quotes throughout the book were perfect. I didn't realize it was a series, but can be read as a standalone.

Sarah Ready is such a slept on author. Her stories, and HER CHARACTERS are impactful, memorable and ever so slightly unique in a way that they stick with you forever.

Fiona Abry is the epitome of a high-powered woman: she runs her family’s prestigious Swiss watch company and guards her heart fiercely. Love has no place in her meticulously planned life. But when she inherits a mysterious family heirloom said to reveal one’s greatest desires in dreams, everything changes.

Night after night, Fiona finds herself on a remote tropical island, living a peaceful, vibrant life. She’s married, has two kids, and resides in a colourful beachside cottage. The slow-paced, idyllic life offers her the solace and love she’s been too busy to seek in reality. But as her connection to her dream husband deepens, Fiona is faced with an impossible question: what happens when the love of your life exists only in your dreams?

Tropes
- Dream lover/fantasy romance
- Magical realism
- Opposites (hectic city life vs. peaceful island life)
- Finding love through self-discovery
- Longing for an impossible reality

Fated is a romantic journey through the boundaries of reality and dreams, offering readers a touching exploration of love, destiny, and self-discovery. The story’s central premise—a magical heirloom revealing one’s greatest desires—is captivating, immersing readers in a vivid dreamscape filled with turquoise seas, starlit skies, and the slow rhythms of island life.

Fiona is a well-drawn protagonist, her tightly controlled city life contrasting beautifully with the freedom and serenity of her dream existence. The portrayal of Fiona’s emotional journey—her initial reluctance, growing attachment, and eventual heartbreak—is both relatable and deeply moving. The dream husband is equally compelling, a symbol of love untainted by reality’s complications, and their chemistry is palpable, even as it unfolds in an unreal world.

The narrative raises poignant questions about fate, fulfillment, and the nature of happiness. Is love worth pursuing if it’s destined to remain a fantasy? The story doesn’t shy away from exploring the bittersweet tension between Fiona’s real and dream lives, culminating in a heartfelt resolution that resonates long after the final page.

Ready’s lyrical prose brings both the island and Fiona’s emotions to life, making it a transportive read. Fans of magical realism and tender, introspective romances will find this story as enchanting as it is emotionally satisfying.

IF YOU LOVE ANY OF THESE BOOKS, FATED IS fated FOR YOU!!!
- One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle
- The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo
- The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
- Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
- Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult

I am very into this series from Sarah Ready. It has magic, love, and a swoonworthy setting. What's not to enjoy?

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me.

I thought this book was super sweet! A beautifully crafted novel that takes you on a wonderous ride through an intriguing plot. It was a well rounded novel.

The pace was generally well paced. It makes you invested in Anya's journey as she discovers her hidden potential and is swept away by a fate she never asked for. Although the romantic elements are an important part of the story, But it doesn't defeat the plot. But it adds another layer of tension and emotional depth. The supporting characters also received a great deal of development. Each has its own motivations and secrets which in turn helps in creating a believable and engaging world.

My first read of the year and it was a flop. This was an awful storyline, sorry. It didn't make sense, it wasn't enjoyable, and I didn't like that kids were involved. Super fail on this book for me.

Well written book. Not my kind of content, but still interesting and kept my attention. Would definitely recommend the author. Might not recommend the content. 3/5 stars

REVIEW: Fated

Fated by Sarah Ready is a compelling paranormal romance that explores the complexities of destiny and connection. The richly developed characters, particularly the protagonists, share chemistry, deeply engaging their journey through the twists of fate. Ready effectively portray their emotional struggles, creating a sense of genuine relatability. While the plot is fast-paced and filled with romantic tension, some plot developments feel predictable. However, the story's emotional core, focusing on trusting fate and finding unexpected love, makes Fated a worthwhile read for fans of the genre.

Thank you, Netgalley and Swift & Lewis Publishing LLC | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles, for the free advanced copy for my honest review!

Fated by Sarah Ready is an enchanting blend of magical realism, romance, and heartfelt character growth that captivated me from start to finish. The story follows Fiona, a workaholic single mom, and CEO of her family’s luxury watch company in Geneva, Switzerland. Her life takes a surreal turn when she inherits a magical family watch that lets her dream of an alternate life—one where she’s married with kids and embroiled in an affair with her husband's best friend. The contrast between her dream world and reality is beautifully explored, offering a poignant reflection on love, family, and the courage to embrace destiny. It was complex enough to keep you curious and captivated, and simple enough to make it fun and easy to read.

After a traumatic event Fiona as left her putting her life on hold. When her mom arrives, she brings her a gift that will change her life forever because its not just any gift, it’s a gift that allows Fiona to go from the waking life to a dream life that she didn’t know she need to have in her life. In the dream she’s able to see her deepest desires. This was a quick and easy read that I was able to read in one sitting. I’m excited to see how the story continues.

4.75 ⭐️

This was such a great story! I love Sarah's ability to keep me on my toes until the very end and this book definitely lived up to that hype! If you love romance with a little bit of magic, this is definitely the story for you!

Fiona is a hardworking, single mother who recently went through a traumatic event and has put her life on hold until her mom brings her a gift that changes her life. Because of this gift, she suddenly finds herself going back and forth between her normal (waking) life and a life that she thinks is a dream that she never knew she needed.

I couldn’t get into the story just as I thought. Not disappointed but need more depth, I think. I can't remember when was the last time when I read a book in which the whole plot was 100% equal to what was written in the blurb and nothing more. There was no surprise there, no resolution to any of the plot threads and the whole story was blatantly predictable and painfully dull.

I was totally enchanted by Fated! This was my second book by Sarah Ready and I loved it so much. Fiona and her dream man were just so lovely and I honestly couldn't read this book fast enough! I'm reading this series out of order but it was fun to see Max who is book 4.

I read/listened to the audio and highly recommend the audiobook. Shakira Shute is a wonderful narrator. I finished this book in one day because I enjoyed it just that much!

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 16 July 2024

Ready does it again!!

Like Switched & Ghosted I found Fated by Sarah Ready just as captivating!

The FMC, Fiona ( older sister to Daniel in book one Ghosted) the CEO of a Family Watch company & workaholic, gets a magical family watch that allows her to dream of a different world, one where she is married with two kids. Only she is also having an affair with her best friend. A far cry from her quite single mom life in Geneva, Switzerland and one where she thinks she will never meet her own true love and is contemplating marrying her best friend.

This wonderful story included found family, magical realism and soulmates. It will have you thinking outside of the box, dreaming of tropical locations, fated mates and love meant to be. It also reminded me a bit of some of my favourite movies, THE LAKE HOUSE with Sandra Bullock & JUST LIKE HEAVEN with Reese Witherspoon.

Thank you to the author herself, NetGalley and W. W. Crown and imprint of Swift & Lewis Publishing for providing me with an advanced audio copy and e-copy. Also, a great big thank you to Kelsey Navarro Foster and James Anderson Foster for the amazing narration.

I absolutely love a good "where am I? WHEN am I?" moment a la 13 going on 30, and this book checked all of those rom-com boxes. I usually hate the cheating trope, but I feel like this book has the only instance when it is acceptable. I especially like how both timelines continue moving while Fiona is going back and forth.

- Magical
- Single Mom x Single Dad
- Dream land?
- Spice (2/5 🌶️)

Fiona can’t allow herself to fall in love in real life but maybe in her dreams?

Aaron married is children’s mother because it was the right thing to do but where they ever happy?

In a series of twists & turns this book keeps you captivated and makes you feel all of the feelings.

I listened to it while I read a long and I highly recommend the audio!

Fated is the second book I've had the pleasure of reading by Sarah Ready, and much like Wished, it didn't disappoint. Sarah's style is consistent—her stories are charming, inventive, and filled with a touch of whimsical magical realism reminiscent of The Lake House or Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. This time, the magic comes in the form of a mysterious watch that lets the protagonist dream of her deepest desires.

Magical realism can sometimes be tricky to balance, but Sarah pulls it off with ease, creating a story that's both entertaining and heartwarming. I found myself hooked and thoroughly enjoyed the ride.