Sarah Ready never disappoints. This series has captured my heart with such real relationships in such a mystical way. I love seeing max make a return from fionas book, and i really enjoy how he turned from someone not open to love, to the biggest simp in the world. I love these characters and how they find each other. If i had the choice i would read this series again for the first time in a heartbeat.

Thank you to netgalley and the author for sending me the book in exchange for an honest review

Cute quick read with a bit of spice. I liked the premise of this book. I felt like the insta love thing wasn’t super believable. I felt some of the character interactions felt a little forced. The story had plenty of cute moments to keep you going.

“I suppose . . .”—I look back at Max—“I was waiting for you to see me.” “How could I see you when you were hiding?”

Love, even in small portions, is enough to defeat an ocean of hate.

As always Sarah’s books leave me feeling so warm and happy. This story is such a stunning part of the series, it was just such a joyous read. Not only did Sarah have me bawling my eyes out one minute and laughing and swooning the next. She also manages to make me fall incredibly in love with the characters each time she writes a new book.

Our main female character is a super beautiful soul who I felt so much relation to, in her you see yourself honestly it was such a lovely story and honestly one I had been eagerly awaiting to read! I highly highly recommend this read!

Wished is part of the Ghosted series by Sarah Ready, and while it mentions and includes characters from other books in the series, it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone. I'm a big fan of Sarah's work, and her ideas for these books are unique and entertaining, with some unexpected twists. While I admit that Fated is still my favorite, I thoroughly enjoyed Wished. Max, who appeared in Fated, finally gets his story in this book, and I love it. I only wish we got more from Max's perspective rather than at the beginning and epilogue. Anna's character was interesting and down to Earth. She isn't selfish or self-absorbed. She was a refreshing and relatable character. Overall, I found this book delightfully entertaining, and I finished it in one sitting. I'm already eagerly anticipating the author's next book.

I've had Josh and Gemma Make A Baby on my TBR for a while now so when I saw author Sarah Ready on NetGalley, I immediately requested the arc.

I'm a rom com reader through and through and one of the categories I've come to love is magical realism. What happens when you accidentally find a magic necklace, make a wish, get fired for said necklace being in your possession, drink your sorrows away and wake up....to a wish come true? Well you find out what happens in Wished! Anna's wish? That Max was her husband. Max - the same man who just got her fired from her housekeeping job.

Anna's wish come true is a little complicated. As a confused Anna remembers their real history and Max seems to recall a little bit of both, albeit blurry, Max challenges them to just dive on in to the marriage while searching to undo the wish. The adventure they take was fun to read. Is marriage with Max everything Anna WISHED for?

I enjoyed this story and plan to read the rest of the series.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc!

Firstly I'd just like to say thank you to Sarah Ready and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this arc

3 stars :)

First of all, I would like to say I really liked the plot, and I found the twists an interesting concept, but I feel like the ending was rushed and this could be more pulled out and in-depth. When I was reading this, I didn't really like the writing style, but I see why other readers might. I feel like if one of my favourite authors had written this, I'd probably find it more interesting.
We never really got anything on Dorene or her family and I would've liked to hear more about her as well.
Also, there wasn't a lot about the necklace, and I fully believe there could've been more about that as well.

But anyways, I had fun reading this :)

Oh my gosh, this book held me completely by the whims! The writing was so beautiful and powerful that I felt every emotion the Anna went through. I could totally relate to her struggle between what her heart wants and what her mind tells her. It's that painful, messy war where no matter which side wins, you feel like you're the one who loses. I was on such an emotional rollercoaster, and honestly, I didn't want to get off. As someone who more often than not suffers with guilt for the smallest things, I felt seen, understood, and just so connected to her journey.
And don't even get me started on Max! I am *obsessed*! He may come off as a total jerk in the first chapter, but trust me, he's an absolute gem underneath. The way he loves—so deeply, so truly—it's unlike any other male lead I've come across. What really sets him apart is that he actually *thinks* things through!
He didn’t blame her, *instead* he took the time to *learn* about her. That’s what makes him so special! Even though she made a wish that completely flipped his lonely existence into one filled with memories of love filled life with her, he didn’t throw her a fit like I expected. Instead, he was curious, patient. He wanted to see if she was truly *the one*, even if the memories they shared weren’t real. That level of emotional depth and understanding? It’s rare, and it made me fall even harder for him. He wanted to see her for *who she is*, not just because of some memories, but because he wanted to know *her*. Ugh, he's just perfect!
This book absolutely *wrecked* me, but also wrapped me in such a comforting warmth at the same time. The way the author described the architecture and cities was so intricate and vivid, I felt like I was *right there* with them, surrounded by the beauty and the tension in the air. It was like I could feel the dew of love and affection settling over everything, making every moment more intense and real. Even though I've never been to Paris, it was like being transported there regardless, in its grasp a dream that I never wanted to wake up from. I’m still not over it!
I’m beyond grateful that I got to read this book. It wasn’t just a story—it was an experience that *taught* me to let myself *live*, to allow myself to *feel* without holding back. It gave me hope that maybe, just maybe, I could be loved too. The emotional impact this book had on me is something I’ll carry with me forever. I’ll never forget how it made me feel—both the heartache and the warmth. This story will always hold a special place in my heart.

And I thank you author, Sarah, for writing this whimsical love they have, for making *me* believe that sometimes it's okay to wish, to hope, for myself. You've left a lasting impact with your amazing skills as a writer, and I *wish* you the best as a reader who's witnessed your magic.

Wished is the 4th book in the Ghosted series. This has been a great series, in my opinion. This book is a 4.5 rounded up to a 5 star read for me.

The whimsy of believing in wishes is something that has always evaded me, and I think that played a part in my rating of this book. I liked the premise that they were meant to be, even though they came to be super unconventional. Love at first sight is definitely one of my favorite tropes because I fell for my husband very quickly, maybe not at first sight, but close to it.

Thank you for the copy, this is my honest opinion.

Forgive me if it's hard to type this review, as I'm still covered in goosebumps upon finishing this book! Oh...my...goodness! I've relished every book in Sarah Ready's exceptional Ghosted series, and this one is no exception!

Anna is in love with Max. But he doesn't know she exists. She's been cleaning his home, quietly adoring him, for three years. But one day she makes a wish on the invaluable necklace in his office, and the wish changes EVERYTHING. Suddenly Anna has everything she's ever wanted, namely, Max Barone, as her HUSBAND. Having one's wish granted should be simple, but Anna has found that it's anything but. Now she needs to navigate this new life in which the lines of love and reality blur.

Sarah Ready takes us on another journey, this time Geneva, Paris, and the heart. (Yeah I said it! It's cliche but I don't care! It's just too true!) The tension between Max and Anna was some of the hottest I've read in AGES. I actually had to stop reading after their ridiculously intense love scene. I was like, "I need a minute to regroup!" 🤣 I love how Sarah Ready takes this modern twist on a Cinderella story and makes it extra compelling, with the reader questioning how the story will conclude. We know, since it's romance, that it's going to be a happy ending, but I love not having a CLUE as to how we'll get there. I literally cried. I literally got goosebumps. This book made me FEEL all of the feelings! I love how all of the characters are complex, but have good hearts at their core.

Now I'd like to make a wish...that I could read this book again for the first time! It was THAT good. I had the pleasure of listening to this book, and it was another level of fun! The narrators did a tremendous job performing their parts. Our male narrator began and ended the story to perfection, while our female narrator did the bulk of the work, bringing Anna to life.

Trigger warnings: alcoholic parent (before story begins), abusive father (before story begins), father dying of cancer (before story begins), dysfunctional family dynamics (before story begins)

I'd like to thank Swift and Lewis Publishing LLC., Independent Book Publishers Association (IPBA), Members' Audiobooks, and Netgalley for the audio ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Recommended: sure
For exactly the kind of light wishy romance it sounds like it'd be, for a very simple story, for a great comfort book to read when you need something new that is still very familiar

Thoughts:
Overall this was an easy fun read, but I did find myself kind of skimming parts to get past excessive description and continue with interactions and conversations. It didn't blow me away, but it was enjoyable and delivered exactly what it promises with the wish-love premise.

It should be no surprise that you need to take this one with some suspension of disbelief. Some choices make no sense, but function to get the characters together. Just roll with it! Primarily the change that took us from Max saying he hates her and will call the police if he ever sees her, to planning a trip to Paris together is so nonsensical. I feel like both of them also knew it was flimsy as hell and just wanted an excuse to follow up on something they were both interested in.

Sex, being what they're both interested in. The opening scene from Max's perspective is him remembering dirty sex with her in his office, and it doesn't really let up from there. Chemistry between them is a huge focus all throughout for both of them, and it gave it a bit of that "magically fated compatibility" vibe that is again, maybe requiring some suspension of disbelief. But they do have sex, and it is open door, and probably on the lower end of spice for open door.

Plot-wise this moves forward pretty well, and there's some focus on family as a kind of sideline plot to define Anna. It did take a turn I didn't expect in one of the later arcs of the story, so that was fun to see what happened and how Anna would handle it. The lovey-dovey-ness was pretty over the top, but that also became a plot point that was addressed so it served a function even as I was side-eyeing a bit.

Besides pieces of this being tough to buy into, my biggest issue was that it was very meandering which drove me crazy. There was often WAY too much description of every single building that ever exists, to the point where I had to wonder if the author was close to someone who is an architect or had to beef up word count or something. There were also lots of situations where someone asks a question and then we go on a three page unrelated thought tangent before coming back to answer and I'm like wait what was even the question now?? I started skipping a lot of those moments towards the end of the book because it felt like it wasn't adding anything to the story or characters for me. 😑

In the end, it's a magical wish-granting romance so I'm not going to die on the hill of some parts of it not being super believable. If you like over the top romance with some sexual tension and little elements of magic, then this is going to fit the bill.

Thanks to Swift & Lewis Publishing and NetGalley for a free advanced copy. This is my honest review.

2⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Swift and Lewis Publishing LLC for an advanced copy of Wished.

Anna just wants Max to notice her. She has been cleaning his home for a few years and she cannot get him out of her head. Then one day she makes a wish to be married to Max and it comes true. She thinks she has everything she has ever wanted except she does not feel it is what Max wants.

This book just did not do it for me. I was not a fan of the main characters and the premise was a little juvenile in my opinion.

This is the fourth book in Sarah Ready’s Ghosted series, and like the previous entries, this combines a bit of romcom with a sprinkle of magic. Anna is a housekeeper for Max, and after wishing on a piece of jewelry for a love story with Max, she's startled to find it's all come true. I enjoyed the chaos of the magic plot at first, but there isn't really much falling in love on the page. It was more instant lust over and over. I just couldn't connect with this one, and it feels like the weakest of the series.

3.7 Stars
One Liner: Entertaining!

Twenty-five-year-old Anna is a romantic at heart and longs for a happy future. Circumstances forced her to become a cleaner to support her mother and eight-year-old sister, Emme. She had been cleaning Max Barone’s house for three years and had been in love with him for almost as long.
Max Barone is a thirty-something successful jeweler, running the family business with precision. He wants things to be uncomplicated and simple. He has no idea about Anna.
One day, Anna made a wish for him to love her and for them to be married. It sounds harmless until she realizes that her wish has come true. Now, Anna and Max have been happily married for years. But is it love? Is this what she wants? What should they do?
The story comes in Anna’s first-person POV, with the prologue and epilogue in Max’s first-person POV.

My Thoughts:
This is my first book by the author. I’ve wanted to read her works for a while but the 400+ page counts were daunting. Wished is just over 300 pages, the perfect size for this genre.
With a premise like this, I was curious to see how it would play out. There are so many factors to consider! I’m pleased to inform you that the execution was fun. I won’t reveal the details as it will dampen the effect.
The prologue by Max puts the reader right in the middle of the plot. Then, we go back to the beginning and listen to Anna tell us how she ‘fell in love at first sight’ with Max and the rest of it.
Anna is really sweet. Yeah, she does sound a bit dreamy and naïve at times but it suits her personality. She’s someone who wants to be kind and do what she can to help others be happy.
I haven’t read the previous books in the series, so this is my first time meeting Max. He does take a wee bit of time to warm up to, but then I can see his side. However, I did wish the shift in his affections was a little more spaced out (or the previous one toned down). While I understand the change in viewpoints, it still feels a bit odd.
The settings are my favorite! I love the description of the house and of the various places in Paris. Even the cramped home where Anna lives gets such a visual description. As a fan of settings, I love it when I can picturize the places easily.
And yeah, this is an insta-love thingy, so it may not work for everyone. While they did have each other in their lives for three plus years, there weren’t enough interactions for a connection. So, everything happens quickly as we get into the main plot.
Still, the book manages to discuss themes like bullying, dysfunctional and toxic family, etc. I like the discussion about the change in how things have been perceived over time (Freud) and that there’s always a choice to be a better person.
The spice is quite high (seems most of my September reads decided to hit level 4). The author likes to use a lot of adjectives for descriptions. While it reads well, some of it feels excessive, especially during intense scenes.
Naturally, there is a third-act breakup. It was supposed to happen, so I was prepared for it. And yes, we get HEA with an epilogue. I do have a few teeny questions but that’s me nitpicking.

To summarize, Wished is an entertaining romance with a touch of magic realism. It needs suspension of belief. However, if you want something fluffy and spicy read, grab this one.
Thank you, NetGalley, Swift & Lewis Publishing LLC, and Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Swift & Lewis Publishing LLC for providing the ARC.

I am a sucker for this series and the magic that seems to happen in this world. And I am so glad to see Max got something amazing out of his failed proposal to Fiona, because he was one of my favorite characters in Fated. But this book ended up not being my favorite.

It really has to do with Max and how he reacted after Anna made the wish. The first day, he was rightfully angry, but the second day, he just seemed sort of fine with everything. That transition was very jarring for me and the continuity in the story felt very disjointed. Once you move past that weirdness, this book has everything you'd want out of a Sarah Ready novel - a lot of swoon and heart to keep you invested. And while this one may have not been as high stakes as the other three in this series, it was no less impactful.

If you loved the other books in this series, you'll love this one too.

"Wished" by Sarah Ready has effortlessly become one of my top reads of 2024. Ready has always been a skilled storyteller with an incredible talent for bringing her fictional characters to life, and with "Wished," she takes readers on another unforgettable journey. Ready masterfully creates a world where love blooms amidst life's most challenging circumstances, and it's impossible not to get swept up in the magic of her storytelling.

"Wished" is the fourth installment of the "Ghosted" series, an interconnected collection of novels, each with its own unique charm and memorable characters. Like its predecessors, "Wished" is filled with magic, heartfelt moments, and stories of love found in the most unexpected places. From Jillian and Daniel, Serena and Henry, Fiona and Aaron, and now Anna and Max, each book in the series brings new characters that leave a lasting impression, and "Wished" is no exception.

Max was introduced in "Fated" as Fiona’s best friend, and in "Wished," his character is explored on a deeper, more intimate level. As a man who has lived his life believing that passion only leads to heartbreak and that steady, predictable relationships are the safest investments, Max has shielded himself from the kind of love that makes you lose yourself in its intensity. Anna, on the other hand, is a dreamer who has fallen in love with Max at first sight. She cleans his mansion and is invisible to him beyond being "the cleaning lady," never noticed for the person she truly is.

When Anna stumbles upon a magical family heirloom, a Barone necklace, she accidentally wishes that Max was married to her. Realizing her mistake almost instantly, Anna tries to undo the wish, but the magic has already set in motion a week of adventure. The pair embarks on a whirlwind journey through Paris and Saint-Tropez, where both Max and Anna are forced to confront their deepest desires, fears, and what has been missing in their lives all along. As their bond grows in unexpected ways, readers are taken along on a romantic, transformative journey that is full of heart, laughter, and a dash of magic.

What makes "Wished" stand out as an exceptional romance is its combination of a unique premise, engaging storyline, and relatable characters. The romance between Anna and Max is heartfelt and genuine, drawing readers in as they root for the two to overcome their differences and embrace the love that's blossoming between them. Ready's vivid descriptions of the beautiful settings, from the streets of Paris to the sun-soaked shores of Saint-Tropez, enhance the story without overwhelming it. The balance between the romance and the magic of the setting is just right, and the pacing keeps you turning pages late into the night—I know I couldn’t put it down until I was finished at 3 AM!

Max, in particular, stole my heart. Of all the male leads in the "Ghosted" series, Max is by far my favorite. His journey from guarded and emotionally distant to vulnerable and open to love is both believable and captivating. His character development, paired with Anna's resilience and kind-hearted nature, makes their love story one that lingers long after the final page is turned. Their chemistry reminded me of the magic of the "Before Sunrise" series, where two characters have only a limited time to explore their connection, leaving both wanting more time together. Max and Anna’s week together is similarly fleeting yet profound, full of moments that make readers wish for their happily ever after.

The "Ghosted" series as a whole has been a delightful experience, but "Wished" may just be my favorite installment. The seamless blend of romance, magical realism, and personal growth makes it a standout book that captures everything I love about the genre. Sarah Ready has truly outdone herself with this one, and I can't wait to see where she takes her next book.

I had the privilege of reading this enchanting story early, thanks to Sarah Ready, Swift & Lewis Publishing LLC, and NetGalley. I’m grateful for the opportunity to dive into this book ahead of its release, and I highly recommend it to any romance fan looking for a magical, heartwarming read.

Mark your calendars—"Wished" is set to release on October 1st, and trust me, you don’t want to miss it! Whether you’re a long-time fan of the "Ghosted" series or new to Sarah Ready’s work, "Wished" is a delightful and magical story that will sweep you off your feet and remind you that love can be found in the most unexpected places.

I've really enjoyed reading the books in the Ghosted series, however I really struggled to connect with this one. I wasn't a fan of the premise per se and I didn't love the MCs. I don't think the female narrator did it any favors either. I don't know... both the plot and the pacing felt discombobulated. Overall, not my favorite. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC and an ALC in exchange for my honest opinion.

« I was wrong. There weren’t two choices in love, one side calm turquoise expanse and the other a tumultuous sea. There are infinite choices in love. It’s a river of light, sparkling in millions of different variations and we get to experience each and every one of them” A wish upon an ancient necklace unfolds a dream come true. But what you wish not always is what you get. Anna and Max’s story is magical, tough, sad and happy, and so much more if they are able to really find their true.
I’ve only listened to Sarah Ready’s books and, the moment you start the story, her words, her imagination envelops you and make you feel all the feelings unraveling. Amanda Ronconi and Will Watt make an excellent job with an amazing story.

3.5⭐, 2.75🌶️

Soooo, I have loved the Ghosted Series. Every book is so unique and fun, and as a girl that isn't super into fantasy and magic, these magical realism romances are so fun! Anna and Max were so fun, and entering this book, I loved how chaotic the "magic" plot is for both of the characters. I loved the premise of wishes made, and was excited to see the plot develop and how they would truly fall in love...but alas. The insta lust of this book wasn't for me. And the falling in love plot over and over was odd. I think or me we didnt get to know Anna at all before the magic kicked in, so her already loving Max felt very off. In total, I couldn't fall in love with the love because i blinked and it was there.

I greatly enjoyed the audiobook - Amanda Ronconi and Will Watt were great for the two characters! AND I had 0 cringey listening moments which was great. Overall, maybe this books tropes didn't land FOR ME, but I still enjoyed it, and this series is one I will continue to recommend!

Thank you NetGalley and Swift & Lewis Publishing, LLC for an ALC and eARC of this book in exchange for my honest and unpaid review!

Such a fun read! Highly recommend.

Many thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

Sarah Ready does it again!! The Ghosted series is underrated, if you ask me! The magical aspect of this romance series makes it extra fun.

Anna and Max are giving Cinderella love story vibes with how different they are. But when given the chance to fall in love will they? Max is so sure he doesn’t want love, but Anna would give her whole life away for one night. This book follows Anna and Max throughout their wished loved story and al the different choices they make. Ready uses so much detail in her writing that I can picture every different scene she sets. I can almost smell the pastries or feel the willow branches in the wind. This book, like all the other Ghosted books, is so good!