Thank you so much to the author, Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.

My rating: 5⭐
Read if you like:
- Magical realism
- Forced proximity
- Billionaire romance
- Grumpy mmc, sunshiny fmc
- Charles Dickens (I know, who would've thought)
- Philosophy and human psyche
- Open doors spice


My thoughts:
I just finished and I'm still digesting, so this is gonna be a messy one. My apologies.


Sarah has done it again.
This book is magical realism at its purest form, and I'm absolutely in love with it.
The premise had me quite invested from the start—although that dual POV tease with the prologue felt personal, but okay, I'm a forgiving person—and I knew this book was gonna be something else. Something similar and in line with what she had already created with this series and yet... Not.

And was I wrong?? Nope! Because this story??? These characters?? Oh dear god!
Her mcs are usually widely nuanced and deep, but these two are just on a different level to me. And their relationship? Excuse me??? I was NOT expecting this amount of spice and oh boy. Max... Wow. Just wow. I'm speechless and possibly flustered. There's nothing I like more than a polite man with a British accent and a dirty mouth when it counts.

With Anna and Max I felt the desperation, the passion, the gutting agony and the ecstatic joy in every page. Sarah cracked herself open and poured her genius in them. Didn't spare a drop when gifting us this roaring and rioting ode to LOVE.

This book felt like I was literally watching a movie and I just couldn't stop. I needed to see them fall in love, fight it, fight for it, grieve the loss and crawl their way back to each other again.

Thank you Sarah for this. It was an absolute honour and pleasure.

Thank you so much to the author, Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.

My rating: 5⭐
Read if you like:
- Magical realism
- Forced proximity
- Billionaire romance
- Grumpy mmc, sunshiny fmc
- Charles Dickens (I know, who would've thought)
- Philosophy and human psyche
- Open doors spice


My thoughts:
I just finished and I'm still digesting, so this is gonna be a messy one. My apologies.


Sarah has done it again.
This book is magical realism at its purest form, and I'm absolutely in love with it.
The premise had me quite invested from the start—although that dual POV tease with the prologue felt personal, but okay, I'm a forgiving person—and I knew this book was gonna be something else. Something similar and in line with what she had already created with this series and yet... Not.

And was I wrong?? Nope! Because this story??? These characters?? Oh dear god!
Her mcs are usually widely nuanced and deep, but these two are just on a different level to me. And their relationship? Excuse me??? I was NOT expecting this amount of spice and oh boy. Max... Wow. Just wow. I'm speechless and possibly flustered. There's nothing I like more than a polite man with a British accent and a dirty mouth when it counts.

With Anna and Max I felt the desperation, the passion, the gutting agony and the ecstatic joy in every page. Sarah cracked herself open and poured her genius in them. Didn't spare a drop when gifting us this roaring and rioting ode to LOVE.

This book felt like I was literally watching a movie and I just couldn't stop. I needed to see them fall in love, fight it, fight for it, grieve the loss and crawl their way back to each other again.

Thank you Sarah for this. It was an absolute honour and pleasure.

good romance and loved how they found love and each other. They survived their trials and found their way back to each other. another great romance.

I had not read any other books in this series and it was absolutely fine as a stand alone novel, without references that were obvious to unknown plot lines. This was a fun idea and enjoyable to read, I was a little surprised at the sudden you turn of our grumpy male lead into absolutely chilled out and maybe things could have thawed more slowly. But really it was good, (not exactly clean) fun.

Book Review: Wished by Sarah Ready
⁣
If you’re looking for a light-hearted romance with a touch of the paranormal, Wished might just be your next cozy read! As the 4th installment in Sarah Ready’s contemporary romance series, this one brings a bit of a “genie in a bottle” twist when Anna makes a wish on Max Barone’s family heirloom. Intrigued? So was I!⁣
⁣
While I enjoyed Anna’s character—she’s well-developed, relatable, and sweet—I couldn’t help but feel she lacked some edges, making her almost too perfect. As for Max, whom we first met in Fated, I was hoping for more character growth and perspective, but unfortunately, he didn’t shine as much in this story.⁣
⁣
The pacing? On point. Though there were a few repetitive wish versions that felt a bit like filler, the overall flow of the book made it a fun and engaging read. And while the plot was fairly predictable, the ending wrapped up as expected, leaving me with a satisfying conclusion.⁣
⁣
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!⁣
⁣
If you’re a fan of contemporary romance with a sprinkle of magic, you might want to give this one a go!⁣
⁣
Have you read Wished? What did you think of Anna and Max?

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.

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.

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 is my favorite in the Ghosted Series! Max and Anna are both flawed and lovable characters. I loved seeing their growth throughout the story. This book has an especially swoon-worthy ending.

Sarah Ready is so good at combining lots of tropes in unique ways. This book has insta-love, unrequited love, sort of fake marriage, billionaire boyfriend, falling in love while traveling, and more. It’s also the spiciest of the series, I believe. It’s sexy!

The bit of magical realism ties it all together. This is a perfect page turner!

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.

I loved this booked! Steamy with an original plot makes for a great romance. This gave total rom com vibes and I read the whole book in 2 sittings. Short chapters help this book flow and I flew through it.
A few minor plot holes but nothing major that distracted from main story. Will definitely look out for more books from this author

This had a cute little sci-fi vibe involving genie like wishes

Some parts of the plot didn’t seem realistic. And I KNOW its fantasy-esqe but it just didn’t feel like how a couple would act

I liked and hated the male main character. He went from swoon to punch in the face

Not really a fan of insta love, but this book is an exception! This story was fast paced and entertaining to read, but I did a lot of skimming parts due to too detailed descriptions and just carry on with the conversations. However, this book is steamy with a dash of magic and I liked it! I’ve learned that this is the last installment of the Ghosted series and haven’t read the others yet. I will definitely and is very interested to read the others.❤️

Thank you @netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this arc.

These books are on the upswing.

I enjoyed the first but didn't care for the second.

Three was better, and this one, Four, was my favourite so far.

I enjoyed a dark and broody MMC. I don't think the MFC quite qualifies as a Sunshine, but I liked her strength and honesty.

I loved the settings of both Geneva and St Tropez, but would have loved the story to be a little tighter.

So. Many. Wishes.

Can't wait to see what this author cooks up next, and which character gets their HEA.

Thanks to NetGalley, and Swift & Lewis Publishing for this magical ARC.

Series notes:
We first met Max in Fated, so it might be a good idea to read that one, but I suppose this would be fine as a standalone. Books 1 & 2 characters are not involved here.

Genre ~ contemporary romance
Series ~ Ghosted #4
Others in the series ~ #1-4
Setting ~ Switzerland & France
Publication date ~ October 1, 2024
Publisher ~ Swift & Lewis
Est Page Count ~ 313 (p+ 36 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 9 hours 36 minutes
Narrators ~ Amanda Ronconi and Will Watt
POV ~ mostly since 1st, with 2 chapters from Max
Featuring ~ magical realism, billionaire, opposites attract, insta~love, short chapters, some steamage


If you're a fan of lighthearted, magical romances and don't mind an insta-love vibe, this book is an enjoyable and engaging escape!

Oh my oh my, this was such a cute book! It took me some time to really get into the story but then I was so invested, I just wanted to continue reading and wished myself a happy ending for them! And that twist kinda broke my heart. I really need to read another book by this author, I actually think she could be a new comfort author! Absolutely recommend, it‘s a easy and pretty short read for in between!

Loving this series....

Wished is another great read in this series...Anna fell in love with Max at first sight. Then promptly pined for him in hiding for three years. She finally makes a wish where she and Max have a Sliding Doors/alternate reality where Max has memories of their past seven years that aren't real, but everyone thinks they have been married. Anna is a Cinderella, cleaner turned wife, with a fairytale wish that she and Max are wed.

It's never not complicated in the Ghosted series.
Recommend.

This is a refreshing and beautiful story in magical realism following Anna and Max. Essentially, Anna has been cleaning the wealthy Max's house for the past few years, but he has never really taken notice of her. So when she gets the opportunity to make a wish, she offhandedly wishes she were his wife and that he would be in love with her. It's up to them to navigate the authenticity of their relationship from there.

I haven't read the other books of the series, but I honestly plan to after this one. While the plot confused me a bit at the end, something I loved is that I had no idea how this story would end. It really was a wild adventure, and I was certainly hooked. I loved the characters--Anna and Max will have you rooting for them, even if it is a little insta-lovey.

It took me a few chapters, but I grew to ADORE the writing style. The way Sarah Ready wove in themes about greater meanings of life gave the story a lot of depth. Not to mention how romantic the writing itself was.

I'm excited to go back and read the other books in this series! Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this novel.

Wished is a fun, whimsical romance with a bit of magic. It’s fourth in a series, but much like previous installments, it works just as well as a standalone. It makes for a nice light read whenever you just need a touch of magic and a gentle (if slightly spicy) romance.

Thank you Sarah Ready, Swift & Lewis Publishing LLC, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.

Another fun idea from Sarah Ready. Contemporary romance with some magical realism is becoming one of my favorite genres.

Wished is a sweet and passionate tale of a woman who has loved from afar and makes a wish to know what it would be like to be married to the man she can't get out of her head. I didn't expect it to go so smoothly between them, but it was adorable how they really are meant for each other. This is low stakes, cute, very romantic (feat. Paris) and a little bit spicy, too. Everything you want to curl up with on a rainy day.

The biggest surprise was that I didn't expect to get emotional while reading this. There are passages in here about love that are so beautifully written that they made me tear up a little. And then there's a passage about living life every day at the edge of a landmine that hit me pretty hard. You might read it and think it's cheesy, but for some people, it will mean everything.

I love this whole series and look forward to the next from Sarah Ready!

This review was posted to Goodreads on 10/12/24 and will be posted to Instagram (@_bookish.brittany) in the following week.