Member Reviews
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was a fun take on when you make a wish - in this case instead of on a star it's on an expensive necklace. The wish was for love. Anna fell in love with Max the first time she saw him. When she wishes to be married to him she never imagined that it would come true. The only problem is what happens when they go back to reality and Max goes back to having no idea who she is?
This was a cute romance, little bit of steam, and a quick read. Definitely recommend paranormal romance fans read this series! This is book 4 in a series but can be read as a stand alone.
Wished by Sarah Ready is the kind of romance that mixes magic, emotion, and just enough angst to keep you hooked. Anna Benoit is a romantic dreamer who, after making a wish, wakes up in an alternate reality where she’s married to Max Barone, a man she’s been hopelessly in love with for years—despite him not even knowing she exists. The story dives deep into the idea that wishes, while magical, aren’t always what they seem, and sometimes we’re thrown into situations that force us to truly understand what we need—not just what we think we want.
The narrative is told from Anna’s perspective, and for the most part, it’s an emotional rollercoaster. I really appreciated how the story doesn’t just rely on the magic for drama but uses it to explore love, identity, and what’s real. As Anna and Max work through the situation, their connection grows in surprising, heartfelt ways. The unexpected dilemmas keep the story fresh, ensuring it’s never too predictable.
The audiobook experience is top-notch, with Amanda Ronconi absolutely nailing Anna’s emotional highs and lows. Her delivery pulls you right into Anna’s inner world, making you feel her confusion, heartbreak, and joy. Will Watt’s portrayal of Max was the perfect contrast, and I loved how he brought depth to Max’s character, especially in the epilogue—there was a moment that definitely had me misty-eyed.
If you love a romance with some magical twists, emotional depth, and a dash of spicy moments, Wished is a must-read (or listen). You won’t regret it, and I’d especially recommend the audiobook for its immersive narration and rich character voices. It’s a charming, heartfelt ride that leaves you reflecting on what love really means.
This is the fourth book in the Ghosted series, and the third one I've read. (Somehow I still haven't gotten around to reading the first one, Ghosted. I'll be correcting that soon!) I've read a couple of her standalones as well, and they've all been enjoyable rom-coms with a nice blend of humor and romance, along with a bit of magic. This was no exception. I loved the characters, the settings are fabulous, and once again Ready writes situations that feel real and almost insurmountable for the couple in question. With romances it isn't about the ending - it's about the journey there, and this is a good one.
Our couple is Anna and Max (we know Max from the previous book, Fated) - Max runs the family business, a high end jewelry empire. Anna cleans his house. She also has a huge crush on him, but he's barely aware of her existence - unaware of the extra little things she does to make his life simpler. When Anna makes a wish one night, only to wake up and find that said wish has been fulfilled, it seems too good to be true. Her life had been full of challenges, but as she and Max deal with this new reality, and a get to know each other in that reality, she's faced with a whole new set of challenges - including the fact that she's not at all sure she's really deserving of this new life and love. It's charming and humorous and thoroughly enjoyable. It can be read as a standalone, but I do think it's best read as a follow on to at least the previous book, Fated.
I listened to the audio version, which was excellent. Amanda Ronconi is always a favorite, and while Will Watt was a new narrator for me, he was equally good and I've already started looking for other narrations from him.
Thanks to Netgalley and Swift & Lewis Publishing for providing a digital copy for an unbiased review.
Wished is the 4th book in the Ghosted series. I have read and enjoyed them all. But be sure you enjoy magical realism if you choose to read this series. I love how Sarah has blurred the lines between magic and reality in 4 completely different ways in these books. Although I have enjoyed them all. This may have been my favorite so far!
While reading this book the quote from Jurassic Park kept popping into my head: “Life will find a way.” I feel these books go to show that Love will find a way!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this light hearted rom com. It is what I needed during these stressful times. It is a charming story with twists and turns that will keep your attention. I didn’t realize it was part of a series so I will be looking for the previous books soon.
Anna Benoit has always been a dreamer and a romantic, believing in love at first sight. That belief is solidified the moment she lays eyes on Max Barone, the enigmatic owner of the chateau she cleans. Though they come from entirely different worlds—he a jewelry magnate, she a house cleaner—Anna’s heart is set on Max. The only problem? Max doesn’t even know she exists.
But when Anna makes a whimsical wish, she wakes up in a startling new reality—one where she and Max are not only acquainted but have been married for years. As Anna revels in the romance, passion, and love she’s always dreamed of, she begins to question whether this perfect life is truly what she wished for—or if it’s all too good to be true.
Tropes
- Wish-fulfillment fantasy
- Love across class divides
- Fake memories and alternate realities
- Love at first sight vs. earned love
- Dream vs. reality
Wished is a delightful, heartwarming romance that blends whimsical fantasy with genuine emotional resonance. Anna’s journey from an unrequited crush to a woman questioning the nature of love itself is as enchanting as it is thought-provoking.
Anna is a charming protagonist, her romantic optimism making her instantly relatable to readers who have ever wished for a fairy-tale romance. Her transition into an alternate reality is filled with humor, sweetness, and moments of poignant self-reflection as she navigates the intricacies of a "marriage" to Max. Max Barone, while initially a distant figure, becomes a more layered character as Anna peels back the layers of their "relationship," adding depth to the narrative.
The magical realism element is handled with care, never overwhelming the romance but enhancing it, creating a dreamlike quality to Anna’s newfound life. The story raises important questions: Is love something instantaneous, or does it grow from shared experiences and trust? And what happens when you get everything you wished for but still feel something is missing?
The emotional stakes build beautifully, with twists that keep readers engaged while rooting for Anna and Max to find a genuine connection beyond the illusion. Ready’s signature humor and heartfelt writing shine throughout, making this book a perfect pick for fans of enchanting, soul-stirring romance.
If you love any of these books, Wished is for you
- In Five Years by Rebecca Serle
- One Day* by David Nicholls
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- The Wish* by Nicholas Sparks
- Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid
I ABSOLUTELY loved everything about this audiobook! This is the 2nd Sarah Ready Audiobook I have listened to. She has now become an instant read author for me. This book is an ARC from NetGalley and Swift & Lewis Publishing LLC. I didn’t realize this is book 3 of a series, but after listening to it, I realize it really can be read as a stand alone. I can’t wait to read/ listen to the rest of the series! There is a perfect mix of struggle, turmoil, love, laughter, and witty banter in this book. 2 worlds collide to form the perfect love story. It has multiple time lines and centers around a wish for romance. The narrators Amanda Ronconi and Will Watt are fabulous! They definitely make the character come to life. I could listen to Will Watt read the phone book to me! 😍 HIGHLY recommend this book.
Gimme an author I always buy their books as gift and I’ll give you Sarah Ready. After falling in love with The space between which is one my favorite book for the year 2023, I just can’t stop talking about her. And this book is one of those I liked . You can’t go wrong with her.
Charming and Fun!
Wished by Sarah Ready is a super sweet, feel-good romance with a magical twist. Anna makes a wish to be married to Max Barone, the man she’s secretly in love with, and wakes up in a world where they’ve been happily married for years. It’s everything she’s ever dreamed of—except it’s not quite as perfect as it seems.
Anna is a lovable, hopeless romantic, and her chemistry with Max is spot on. The story has a nice mix of romance, humor, and a little bit of magic. I really enjoyed watching Anna figure out what she truly wants and how love isn’t always what we imagine it to be.
It’s a bit predictable at times, but if you’re into sweet, whimsical love stories, this one’s a fun, light read. I’d give it 4 stars!
Anna Benoit’s wishful heart takes center stage in this charming, topsy-turvy romance. Married to Max sweeps readers into a magical alternate reality where Anna, a hopeless romantic, finds herself married to the enigmatic Max Barone—the man of her dreams who barely knew she existed. The story is a delightful blend of passion, humor, and heartfelt moments as Anna navigates the complexities of living her wish-turned-reality. But is this perfect love everything she hoped for? With its whimsical premise and endearing characters, this book is a sweet and engaging exploration of love, dreams, and discovering what truly makes a heart whole.
Wished, the 4th book in the Ghosted series is a fantastic tale. This is Anna and Max's story and I was hooked from start to finish.
After making a wish that she was married to Max the owner of the chateau she cleans, Anna wakes up the next day in a topsy-turvy world where she's Max wife. The added twist is that Max knows he's not married but have all these memories of their life together.
It was fun following these two as they try to unravel what was done and return to their reality and I loved seeing them fall for each other.
The story was filled with love and romance and was quite emotional. It was a well-written tale that gave us a dash of magic, real character who were easy to connect with, heartbreak, longing, angst and so much more. I loved everything about the story as it was such an addictive and engrossing tale. It was one of my favorite reads of the year and I would definitely recommend it to romance lovers.
🎧🎧🎧
I listened to the audiobook which was narrated by Amanda Ronconi and Will Watt. All but the prologue and epilogue are done by Amanda.
She brought the characters to life, giving them their own voice and personality, and did a wonderful job keeping me engaged. Will also did a great job with the couple chapters he had and I loved getting Max's POV. These two made the listening experience an enjoyable one.
What a beautiful book.
As always Sarah Ready has woven a beautiful love story with passion, family, angst and so much love. Her writing never ceases to amaze me, like ever!
What if you’re in love with someone? What if you make a wish for them to love you? Harmless, right? It’s just a wish after all.
However, what are you supposed to do if it comes alive? What happens if your wish is granted? How many ways can your life change or differ from reality if a wish randomly comes true? Will it be the same? Have you ever wondered what would happen if things weren’t the way they are?
Honestly, Max was a lovable character. I loved him in fated but loved him more here.
I enjoyed how the story unfolded. Just when I thought now everything will be ok, a new dilemma arises and with it new angst.
I adored the ending, but it also broke my heart to say goodbye to these characters who lived in my mind and heart for so long now. But there is also peace in knowing that after so many hardships it’s time for them to live happily ever after.
Absolutely recommended and pls start with my fav Ghosted.
P.s The Max in love version is my favourite. The way he incorporated something special and hidden for her in his jewellery collection each year was so dreamy. That man you guys!
I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Swift & Lewis Publishing LLC for the advance audiobook of this title.
This is the second book of the Ghosted series that I have listened to--listened to the 2nd book first. I struggle a bit with this genre--It seems like realistic fiction, and then it's suddenly fantasy. I have to wonder if reading the first book will clarify the perspective for me. I liked Anna a lot. I liked Max sometimes. After their world changed because of a wish, I struggled a lot to figure out what happened to everyone's memories and what the best ending would be for everyone. Did the writer achieve it?
Planning to read the third book next, as I have it already--but can't wait to read the first one!
This is the first book I have read by this author, Sarah Ready, and it did not disappoint! I now want to read the 3 books before this book in the “Ghosted” series. Luckily, this was a standalone book and did not have to be read in order. I very much enjoyed the story line in this book, even though I was skeptical at first. Typically I do not enjoy alternate timelines within my romance books, but this one wasn’t like the typical time “travel”-esk books I’ve read before. I thought this would be a good book for a more reluctant reader who needs something romantic but eventful. It really does grab you right from the start!
I adored this book. I actually have adored this entire series. Ms. Ready truly stretches her imagination in these books and creates some clever plots that employ elements of sci fi and so on.
In this latest installment, Wished, Anna and Max fall for each other, then they don't, then one does and the other one doesn't. It's a bit chaotic but in a good way. I loved the originality of the storyline. The way they continued to develop their relationship even through uncertainty was pretty sweet. I can't help but love the mysticism of it all.
Anna is a character that you only want to see good things happen to - - she's kind and giving and has been dealt a rough hand in life. Max is lonely. He may have plenty of money but he's missing out on love and doesn't want to risk feeling too much because he's afraid of loss.
The narrations of the audiobook were done very well and helped make the book even better.
Thank you to NetGalley for the early copy of the audiobook≥
I want to start by saying I ADORE Sarah Ready! I discovered her last year and have been steadily devouring all of her books. She is a great writer, and I will read literally anything she writes. I also want to address that cover - can you say GORGEOUS???? I'm obsessed.
Now to my least favorite part of the review process... it truly devastates me to say that I did not enjoy this book. This is the 4th book in her Ghosted series. I have read the first two books but haven't had a chance to read her 3rd book, Fated, yet. These aren't necessarily books you need to read in order; however, you do get introductions to the characters so it's more fun to read them in order. I LOVED the first two books. I flew through them in no time. This one, sadly, was a struggle for me.
I really liked the premise. Generally, I'm not usually drawn to these types of romance but again, I'll read anything Sarah Ready writes. Max was an insufferable character, and I found it hard to root for a romance between him and Anna. Anna, on the other hand, was a delightful character. I truly did enjoy her and felt she was fleshed out well.
The structure and pacing of the book were a little odd and because I didn't feel a connection to the romance between the characters, it didn't work for me. Overall, it's hard for me to pinpoint exactly what it was about this book that didn't work for me.
I really enjoyed the narration by Amanda Ronconi and Will Watt. Both were phenomenal.
Even though this one didn't work for me, I look forward to backtracking to Fated and jumping back into this world Ready has created.
First I would like to thank the audiobook publisher for providing me an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
When Anna Benoit wishes she’s married to the enigmatic owner of the chateau she cleans, she wakes up in a topsy-turvy world where she’s Max Barone’s wife. Anna is a romantic who believes in The One and Love at First Sight. Why? Because it happened to her. The second she saw Max Barone she fell desperately, hopelessly in love. It didn’t matter that they were from completely different worlds—he owned a jewelry empire, she cleaned houses—love had no barriers. Except one. Max didn’t know Anna’s name, much less that she existed. Then one day Anna made a wish. Suddenly she was in an upside down world where everyone believed she and Max had been happily married for years. It was passion. It was romance. It was love. It was everything she’d ever wished for. Wasn’t it?
What I Loved:
- Narrators, this audiobook is amazing and I love the narrators take on Anna and Max
- Anna's family
- Magic, Max's legacy is jewelry and I love the magic is linked to a family heirloom
- Banter
- Spice
- Anna's sacrifice
Overall I really enjoyed this book and it might be my favorite of the series. This has such a unique magic aspect and I liked how both characters remember the 'before times' which was a new take for this book series. If you are looking for an opposites attract romance with fun magical aspects, crazy neighbors and a unique family setup I would recommend you check this book out!
I already loved this book and reviewed my arc copy but I wanted to check out the audiobook as well!
It was well done. Thank you for the opportunity.
This is a fun one-time romantic fantasy read. I enjoyed the male female narration of the audio book. The audiobook helps in pronunciation of the various French words.