Member Reviews
Great light reading! What if you discovered you were living an alternative life and one more wonderful than you could ever have wished for? This is the premise of this novel, set in Switzerland. A house cleaner working for a very wealthy jewelry design company develops a crush on her boss and one day discovers that she is actually married to him. However, many other aspects of her life have changed as well.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book after listening to it as an audiobook. It entertained me and made a long road trip more fun.
Sarah Ready has done it again with Wished! I've been eagerly awaiting this release, and it delivered. As a fan of the Ghosted series, I can happily say this book is another delightful addition.
This story is both sweet and charming. It centres around Anna and Max, who know of a wish that altered their lives. I loved how both characters remember their marriage and the lives they might have led without the wish. This unique dynamic adds depth and makes their journey all the more captivating.
Amanda Ronconi and Will Watt's narration was fantastic. Their pacing was perfect, and they captured the emotional highs and lows beautifully, making the story feel alive and immersive. Their performance truly enhanced the overall experience, drawing me into the characters' lives and the magic of the story.
The story unfolds with all the expected ups and downs, leading to a bittersweet and heartwarming ending—a signature Sarah Ready touch that never disappoints. Her ability to create lovable characters and engaging plots shines through once again in this book.
If you're looking for a cute, quick read with an enchanting romance, Wished is the book for you! I look forward to seeing what Sarah Ready has for us next.
Thank you to NetGalley and Swift & Lewis Publishing, LLC, for gifting me the e-ARC of Wished in exchange for my honest review.
This book was a solid 2.5 stars until I got to around the 50% mark and realized the book was only getting worse as the story progressed. I finally gave up and DNFed at 58%. I just couldn't take it anymore.
So we got this (obnoxious and annoying) FMC named Anna. She's portrayed as selfless and humble and self-sacrificing and honest - all to a fault. But when she's given the opportunity to make a wish, to make any wish and anyone's dream come true, she becomes very selfish and wishes for a man to love her. Not just any man! Oh, no. The man whose house she's cleaned for the last 3 years. The man she's only spoken to a handful of times, and nothing more than a simple hi/sir/whatever. The man who's a billionaire. The man she's "in love" with, despite knowing next to nothing about him. It only takes until 30% into the book for her to realize the man she fell "in love" with is, surprise, a real human being that she doesn't know in the slightest. Anna is literally the dumbest FMC I've come across in awhile. And I just ultimately could not take listening to her prattle on and on anymore. Also, I want to point out, she wished she was married to him because it's what SHE wanted and what would make HER happy. Fuck all what would make him happy, right?
I wish this entire book had been in Max's POV. Maybe then I could have handled it. But even so, his character was all over the place. He went from proposing to his best friend (in real world) to having a wife (in wish world). And he was adamant he didn't want to be married, but he keeps getting wish-memories of them banging everywhere, so suddenly he wants to know the real Anna. Even though in not-wish-world, he didn't care for her and even had her fired when she tried to steal his wish-necklace. It's all very over the top in a not so fun way.
Honestly, the "love" these two characters felt were definitely lust on Max's part and infatuation on Anna's part. As far as I read, she 100% just loved the idea of Max and not the real guy.
I keep trying with this series, but I honestly think this is the end of the line for me. I was curious about Max's book, but it fell way below expectations.
1.5/5 stars rounded up.
This book screams and shouts Hallmark Vibes throughout it all!! This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as the cutesy, cheesiness of it all was exactly what I was looking for at that time. I could picture everything so clearly while I was reading it, just like it was a Hallmark Movie, which made it really easy to get into the story and characters. It wasn’t a really deep read that made me think, but it was a read/listen that I devoured and finished in one day.
The ending was really predictable, but one that was still enjoyable and lead to me overall enjoying this story. The length was actually perfect, without too much time being wasted just to prolong the story and build up the page count, which I am really thankful for.
The narrators did a great job at bringing the story to life and sucking you into the book, also being quite easy to swap between the audiobook and the ebook. They brought the characters to life and kept my attention while listening to it, making the dual narrators perspectives very clear. Same can be said with the ebook and the writing style, as each of the perspectives had very clear perspectives.
Even though I gave this an average rating, doesn’t mean that I didn’t enjoy it, because I did.
At this point all I can say is I adore all of Sarah's books and of course this is no exception.
This is a very cute and sweet book, I loved how both Anna and Max were in the know of the wish and how it impacted both their lives and that they also have their memories of the marriage but also the lives they should have without the wish.
The story unfolds with all the ups and downs but in the end as always Sarah makes a heart wrenching and sweet ending.
I love this series so much and all the characters, in it.
This was one of my favorites of the ghosted series from Sarah Ready. I liked the relationship between Max and Anna even though I feel like they went from 0-100 very quickly in love. I did like that they both were in the dark of this weird wish. It was a cute romcom twist in the magical realism genre.
Wished is the 4th book in the interconnected standalone Ghosted series by Sarah Ready. I've read them all but have not loved them all as much as the first book. Anna and Max were adorable and I was rooting for them, but I feel like the ending was happened faster than I wanted it to. There was so much detail leading up to it and I wanted a little more.
Thank you so much NetGalley for with Arc in exchange for my honest review.
Just pure perfection and the perfect narrators. I felt like it went by so quick but that's because I was fully emerged and enjoying it so much. I found myself just stopping what I was doing and sitting and listening to the story. I really loved the pacing and story telling and the narrators brought it all to life.
📖: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
🎧: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5/5
🥵: 🌶️.5/5
Wished is the 4th story in the Ghosted series. It follows Max Barone, a love cynic who hates anything messy, and his cleaner, Anna Benoit, who fell in love with him at first sight.
I loved this story so much! I've had the ALC sitting around for a while and I'm so glad I finally made myself listen to it. There was so much emotion, I got a bit weepy towards the end! The love between these two was so beautiful and selfless and I just wanted more!
I thought the discussions around free will were so interesting, and it was so important for Anna that Max was able to choose to love her. The single POV really worked for this story, as it creates this unknown regarding Max's thoughts and feelings that builds the tension and the emotions.
The settings of Paris, Geneva and St Tropez were gorgeous and I loved their symbolism for Max's character and their love.
The happy little french nerd inside me loved the description of the differences between Parisian French, Swiss French, and the South West French. I spent a semester in Switzerland as part of my degree (not far from Geneva!), and have been to Toulouse several times, the descriptions were spot on!
The narration was largely performed by Amanda Ronconi, with Will Watt performing the prologue and epilogue (the only chapters from Max's POV). I thought Amanda did a brilliant job with the British accent for Max, as well as the Frenchy accents on the other characters.
Overall, I loved this story and it has found a place in my heart! I will definitely go listen to the rest of the series!
I liked the setting, the characters and how they interacted with each other. It was nice, enjoyable and simple but it was just that. Nothing really stuck with me from it and the minute it was done I didn't think about it much. The narration was good. It was clear and I could tell the characters apart and I enjoyed it overall.
I received the advanced audio recording via NetGalley.
**Wished**
by Sarah Ready
Narrated by Amanda Ronconi and Will Watt
In the enchanting tale of *Wished*, we meet Anna Benoit, a daydreaming maid who works in a picturesque chateau in Geneva, Switzerland. Anna has always been a romantic at heart, believing fervently in the concept of "The One" and the magic of love at first sight. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she locks eyes with Max Barone, the enigmatic heir to a glittering jewellery empire. In that instant, Anna finds herself hopelessly captivated, falling deeply in love with a man who barely knows she exists.
Living in a world where they come from vastly different social spheres—Anna spends her days cleaning luxurious homes while Max indulges in a life of privilege and prestige—Anna wishes for a life filled with love and connection, yearning for the kind of romance she has always fantasized about.
Her wish takes an unexpected turn one fateful day. In a whimsical twist of fate, Anna wakes up to discover that she has been transported to an alternate reality where everyone believes she and Max have enjoyed a blissful marriage for years. This new world is a dazzling mix of passion and enchantment, allowing Anna to experience the love and joy she has always desired. It’s a dream come true, filled with stolen glances, tender moments, and a whirlwind of romance that sweeps her off her feet.
Although *Wished* is the fourth installment in the Ghosted series by Sarah Ready, it stands alone beautifully, allowing new readers to dive into the story without needing prior context. This book has an engaging narrative that sweeps you away on a magical rollercoaster of emotion and adventure.
The narration is equally delightful, primarily brought to life by Amanda Ronconi, whose warm and expressive voice captures the essence of Anna’s journey. The prologue and epilogue are narrated by Will Watt, adding an extra layer of depth to the storytelling.
I found *Wished* to be a charming and uplifting experience, completely captivating from start to finish. Both main characters charmed their way into my heart, and the skilful narration made the story come alive in a truly memorable way. The blend of enchanting romance, whimsical twists, and relatable emotions makes this an unforgettable read that left me smiling long after finishing it.
*Wished* by Sarah Ready is a charming and enchanting contemporary romance that deftly weaves together themes of magic, love, and personal transformation. The story follows a protagonist who finds herself gifted with the ability to make wishes come true, only to discover that the path to happiness is paved with unexpected challenges and heartwarming lessons.
Ready's writing is whimsical and lyrical, filled with vibrant imagery that brings both the magical and the emotional aspects of the story to life. The pacing is well-balanced, seamlessly transitioning between moments of lighthearted humor and profound introspection. Readers will find themselves whisked away into a world where dreams can come true, but not without a price.
The characters are relatable and well-developed, each grappling with their own desires, insecurities, and the consequences of their wishes. The protagonist's journey of self-discovery is particularly compelling, as she learns that true fulfillment often comes from within rather than through external desires. Ready expertly showcases the dynamics of relationships, illuminating how love can serve as both a catalyst for change and a source of comfort.
Key themes of self-acceptance, the nature of happiness, and the complexities of human connections resonate throughout the narrative. Ready effectively explores how our wishes can reflect our innermost yearnings, often leading to unexpected revelations about what we truly need.
Overall, *Wished* is a delightful read that will captivate fans of contemporary romance and magical realism. Sarah Ready delivers a heartwarming tale that balances whimsy with genuine emotional depth, making it a wonderful addition to any reader’s collection. Whether you're seeking a light-hearted escape or a thought-provoking journey of personal growth, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression.
I simply adore the Ghosted series! Having finished all four now, I can say that it is one of my favourite series of recent time. While being able to be read as a standalone, reading the previous three will give you a more exciting insight into the universe - especially having met our MMC Max in book three.
Sarah, once again, gave me a unique twist with Wished, and left me feeling like sometimes the universe will grant your wishes. When hopeless romantic Anna wakes up in her boss's bed, she has no idea how she got there. Until she realises that her back handed wish from the day before had come true. See, Anna is in love with her boss - and all she has wanted is to be with him. But sometimes things aren't all they are imagined to be. If you're a fan of romance and interesting turns of fate, this read would be a perfect choice for you.
Thank you to NetGalley, Swift & Lewis publishing and Sarah Ready for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. Wished is available now.
What an enchanting little romance this was! Anna has been cleaning Max’s house for years and thinks she is in love with him, though he is a self-absorbed rich workaholic that doesn’t believe in love and doesn't even really know who she is. She makes a wish that they are married and wakes up the next morning as his wife! Will she learn to navigate this new world and her marriage to Max or try to go back to her original life? I really enjoyed this book and thought the magical realism aspect was incorporated well. Max’s character is initially cold and rude but he grows on you and becomes more understood throughout the story. Anna is very sweet, hardworking, and honest to a fault, making her a likeable heroin to root for. The author does a good job of pulling you into the story and making you wonder how exactly you would convince everyone a wish you made on a whim had suddenly come true overnight. There were a few twists to the story that I didn’t expect at all and kept me on my toes wondering where it was going. This is my first book by this author although it is #4 in the Ghosted series but I felt it read well as a stand-alone. I would recommend this one for readers who love cute, lighthearted romcoms with some magic sprinkled in. I was charmed by the characters and the dream-like vibes and will definitely be reading the other Ghosted books in the future! I listened to the audiobook version and thought the narration was very well done and kept me engaged throughout. Thank you to NetGalley, Sarah Ready, and Swift & Lewis Publishing, LLC for the gifted ARC audiobook recording in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this story. I was really hoping for the concept of them both remembering their reality and my wish was granted. I thought Max was being very mean and lonely in the beginning. I could not see a way to fall in love with him. I’m glad it ended working out because he did end up getting my heart. I also think the FMC was acting too clueless at the beginning even for someone that didn’t want to believe in wishes. I love how the FMC fell first but he fell harder. It’s one of my top favorite tropes. This has taken the spot of 2nd place for my favorite book of this series.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this e-ARC.
Sarah Ready's books always bring me joy with every reading and listening. Even when surprising me with unexpected voice for narrator. This was not the voice I expected for Anna, but the voice actor for Max was spot on. Anna felt more forceful and intense than I imagined her voice in my imagination, but Max was just as grumpy and suave as I imagined. I loved it. Thanks for bringing them to life. As always, I loved seeing all the characters of the series come together in the Epilogue. Now for the next generation of Ghosted characters to get their stories told?!
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.
Thank you Swift & Lewis Publishing for making this book available as a Listen Now book on Netgalley! I decided to DNF this book at 61%. I liked the idea of a magical necklace granting wishes but I didn’t think Anna and Max had any chemistry at all so I wasn’t rooting for their relationship. I liked Anna but I didn’t like Max and as I was reading, I started thinking,”Why does she want to be with him? He’s an asshole.”
A different story but one that I really enjoyed, the narration is incredible. I think it was a great closing to this book series.
Wished is the fourth book in the Ghosted series but it can be read as a standalone.
This is my first book by Sarah Ready and it was a fun, lighthearted, cozy romance with a dash of magic. The premise is unique with a single wish creating an alternate reality for Anna and Max. I am not a fan of insta love so I did feel Anna's initial feelings for Max to be a bit rushed but it still made for a charming story.
@sarahreadyauthor 's writing is engaging and filled with heart, making it a joy to read. I loved seeing how Anna and Max's relationship blossomed when Anna's wish came true and the way everything plays out between them was truly magical.
All the chapters were narrated from Anna's perspective except the prologue and epilogue that were narrated from Max's Pov and I thought that was a lovely way to start and wrap things up leaving me with a nice warm feeling afterwards. Amanda Ronconi and Will Watt were great as narrators.
If you are in the mood for magical realism this fall, put this book on your list.
Ohhh, I enjoyed this one more than the last one in this series. Anna made a wish but then took it back when she realized it wasn't fair but ended up waking up being called Madam Baron. Anna was the maid for Max until there was a misunderstanding and she was fired. She remembers what happened but Max has no memory. When she wakes up and her world has turned upside down she shows up at Max's office barefoot and it turns out it is their 7th wedding anniversary. Everyone remembers it but them. They do set off to try and remedy their circumstance and what happens is finding out they have more in common than not. I will say it again, OH, I enjoyed this one. Make sure to read all the way to the end, it is so good!