Ghosted

Ghosted #1

by Sarah Ready

Jillian Nejat is the only dating and relationship expert on the planet who is incapable of speaking to men. If they’re living, if they’re breathing, it’s game over. With her bank account at zero, her career a dumpster fire, and her dating life in a ten-year slump, she moves into a tiny, dirt-cheap NYC apartment. Unfortunately, the apartment is already occupied. Daniel (no-last-name) is a sexy, shirtless, six-pack wielding heartthrob who is also…dead. He isn’t living. He isn’t breathing. He’s a ghost. He’s also the only man on the planet who Jillian can talk to. Soon, Daniel’s convinced that it’s his afterlife mission to resurrect Jillian’s love life. He knows, if he helps her fall in love then he can move on. Jillian agrees. The last thing she needs is a Lothario ghost haunting her living room. But then, one practice date leads to another, one confession leads to more, and suddenly Jillian fears she’s falling for the one man she can never have.

Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Audiobook, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Fantasy, Ghosts

Kindle Edition

First published September 21, 2023

About the author

Author Sarah Ready writes contemporary romance and romantic comedy.

Her books have been described as “euphoric”, “heartwarming” and “laugh out loud”. Her debut novel The Fall in Love Checklist was hailed as “the unicorn read of 2020”. She loves to write fast-paced, emotionally compelling romances about quirky, smart women and the men who love them.

Her works include Josh and Gemma Make a Baby, Josh and Gemma the Second Time Around, French Holiday and romcoms in the Soul Mates in Romeo series. Her debut novel The Fall in Love Checklist was hailed as “the unicorn read of 2020”. She lives in the Caribbean with her family and water-loving pup.

Find more books and interesting tidbits at www.sarahready.com.

Reviews

[Lilyya ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

❛❛ “If I could live,” he says, “I’d live for you.”❜❜

the book's writing captivated me from the opening line. I adored how it blended immaculately crafted scenes, nuanced thoughts, and agonizing quotes. the author's fast-pass plume and audacious storyline made it a rhythmic and engaging story.

"Because when you’re in love with a man who is already dead, there’s no way to make a life together. There’s no life at all."

the book was divided into two distinct parts. the first one was dedicated to Jillian's struggles to comprehend the constant presence of a ghost in her quotidian, while juggling between her chaotic dating and professional life. it also explored the relationship she built with Daniel-the ghost- and their beautifully elegiac friendship wish evolved into a love story. in these chapters, their chemistry was undeniable. their spark and connection were without contest alive and palpable, even though they couldn't even touch each other. i surprisingly loved how the 'insta love' arc was drawn.

“It’s only ever been you,” I tell him. “Even if you never remembered, if you never wanted me, it’s only ever been you.”

the second portion of the storyline focused on how she tried to figure out her life without Daniel's constant presence and involvement in every infime aspect of her life. it was also the most heartbreaking part of the book.

“If I could give you anything,” Daniel says, “I’d give you heaven.”

i enjoyed how the plot was well constructed and orchestrated. the storytelling was brillant in distilling the truth and epiphany surrounding Daniel, with fragmented answers scattered throughout.
•who’s Denial?
•how did he die?
•why is he half naked ?
•why did he die half naked?
but i found the big question mark that was pending on "how come she can seen and hear him when no one seems capable of it?" cleverly answered it also involved a -somehow-rational and scientific explanation which made perfect sens.

“If I could dream,” he says, “I’d only dream about you.”

I don't want to go deeper into the details because I may spoil and ruin something unintentionally. plus, it’s preferable to read only knowing that it’s a beautiful and atypical love story featuring a ghost.

p.s. : i honestly excepted the book to be the 'Ghost' movie’s retelling but, what was my surprise when i ended up noticing more similarities with 'Just Like Heaven'. i think this romcom is such an underrated movie. so, if you haven’t watched yet, what are you waiting for ? and mark your calendar for 26th september when this heartbreaking masterpiece comes out!

many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc in exchange of an honest review.

—-
5am and swollen eyes.. rtc until i figure out how to write a spoiler-free one💀
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kinda scared of this one 😭

[♥︎ Heather ⚔ (New House-Hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was actually pretty cute, I even got a little choked up a time or two. But other parts are really cringe. The making love scene was giving major second hand embarrassment- and the obsessive stalking was a little...

-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈
Last min decision to start this next. It's giving me The Dead Romantics/The Seven Year Slip combined type vibes? Idk- guess I'm about to find out... 😍

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Love sometimes expresses itself in sacrifice.”
- Captain James T. Kirk

Wow, you guys!! Not often does a romance novel keep me guessing to the very end like Ghosted did!! 😯💗

Jillian Nejat is down on love, money, and her journalism career is in shambles. She rents a cheap studio in NYC. The place comes with mirrors everywhere, rumor to be a former sex den, and with it, a very hot shirtless ghost!

But maybe that's not so bad because Jillian is struggling with writing a relationship advice column when she doesn't talk to men or date. Daniel, the ghost who doesn't remember his past life can help her and perhaps he can then move on.

I love the main characters as well as the supporting ones. Especially Fran who never gives up and often sets Jillian up on blind dates. The chemistry and connection between the MCs are more than perfect!

On a deeper level Ghosted explores grief and forgiveness.

Ghosted is charming with endearing characters, and I love the Star Trek references throughout. 🖖🥰 Sarah Ready is extremely gifted and her writing keeps me glued the whole time through this (kinda) very long novel (457 pages on Kindle). Yes, you may need to recharge your earbuds for this audiobook. But I was in for the ride, how will this story have a happily ever after when one is already dead? I love the epilogues. Yes, there are TWO! 4.5⭐

The narrators Sarah Naughton and Rob Brinkman are excellent!

TW: Off-page bullying, suicide

Thank you W. W. Crown and Netgalley for an ALC.
Published Sep 26, 2023!
14 Hours and 3 Minutes

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Sarah Ready books. They are a must read for me. Seriously, if you have not read one of her books, you are missing out! Ghosted is an enticing paranormal romance that I found to be delightful and wonderfully narrated. As with her other books, I found this book to be gripping from the beginning and I was instantly transported into the world of Jillian and Daniel. Sarah Ready knows how to create characters that I care about. This book was not only thought provoking, but it was emotion evoking as well.

Jillian Negat writes articles about dating and relationships. Which is funny since she is socially awkward around men, barely able to speak in complete sentences around them. After she moves into a small apartment in NYC, she is soon met with a sexy shirtless man named Daniel, who just happens to be dead. Yep, her apartment is inhibited by a ghost. A ghost who initially isn't aware he is dead and has no idea how he got into her apartment or why he is there. He also is not able to recall what his former life was like.

After they get over their initial shock of seeing each other, they begin to have fun and interesting banter. As Jillian and Daniel begin to know each other, Jillian finds that there is one man with whom she can comfortably talk. Daniel goes on a mission to help Jillian improve her articles to increase her readership and to find love. Once he succeeds, he can move on. Can't he?

This was a delightful tale of paranormal love. I enjoyed how the characters interacted. Both were likeable and I enjoyed seeing Jillian become more self-confident and assertive. She also comes to terms with a painful part of her past and learns to forgive herself. This book does take a little leap of faith as one character is a ghost, but it is so worth it. This book had just the right amount of love, longing, humor, talk of Star Trek (Yes, Star Trek!). I enjoy how Sarah Ready works her characters likes/interests into her books with ease. Fans of Sarah Ready will enjoy this book.

I listened to the audiobook and loved the narrators. They did a fantastic job. I highly recommend listening to this book.

Well written, delightful, sweet, and hard to put down! I can't wait to read what Sarah Ready writes next.


Thank you to W. W. Crown, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Audiobooks and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Heather Adores Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Series ~ Ghosted #1
Setting ~ NYC
Publication date ~ September 26, 2023
Page Count ~ 457 (58 chapters + 2 epilogues)
Audio length ~ 14 hours 3 minutes
Narrators ~ Sarah Naughton, Rob Brinkmann
POV ~ all single 1st, except epilogue #2 is Daniel's POV
Featuring ~ 2 parts, paranormal, insta-love, references to suicide and bullying (not main characters), minimal steamage

Jillian & Daniel are an unlikely couple that you can't help but root for. I don't think I've ever read a similar plot before, so yay for uniqueness, but I'm not sure I fully believe it. Yes, I do believe in ghosts and do want to be one one day, but I don't know, I'm mixed about this right now.

What in the ever loving with their first se*ual encounter? A bit odd to me because it can't be real, well duh because he's a ghost, so it's not, but yet it kind of gave off a realistic vibe, as well.
I did admire Jillian's tenacity in the 2nd part, but in turn she was clingy and stalkerish and I can't say I was fully in love with her. I'd like to know how she got the gig of a relationship expert when she has trouble talking to men, she's never really been in a relationship and is a virgin? I liked Daniel, both ghost and real, but I feel the story would have benefited with his POV. Also, he's a shirtless ghost so why is he wearing a shirt on the cover?

Overall, it had cute, sad, fun, heartbreaking, and just a few eye rolling moments.

Narration notes:
It was pretty long, but I was able to listen at 3x perfectly fine, so it didn't take up too much time. Sarah did a lovely job. Rob only narrated one chapter, so I don't have any complaints.

Series notes:
Next up Serena's story ~ add to your TBR ➡ Switched

*Thanks to the author, W.W. Crown and NetGalley for the audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*

Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

[✨Julie✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

✩ 2.25 stars ✩

What to Expect:
➼ Forced Proximity
➼ Magical Realism
➼ Time Traveling Ghost
➼ He can’t remember her
➼ Fated Love
➼ Paranormal Romance
➼ Outrageous Amount of Stark Trek References
➼ First Person Single POV
➼ His POV at the end

I had high hopes for this one, but this was NOT it. The beginning was kind of fun but their connection didn’t make a lot of sense to me. They meet and she almost instantly claims that she can talk to him when she can’t talk to anybody else, but at that point they had barely done any talking so it really didn’t add up. 🤔 While he’s a ghost, the author paints him as a “himbo” and then later tries to walk it back and make it out like he only “acted” like a playboy to save his families company. Sure… he slept with tons of women out of sacrifice? 🤣 Sorry, but I’m not buying that lol. Someone told me that the apartment wasn’t even his, but I really don’t understand why he would have been there in the first place if it wasn’t. That detail isn’t adding up for me and all the mirrors did negatively influence my opinion of his character.

I was worried about the prospect of an intimate scene since the MMC was a ghost, and I was 100% right to be concerned. The “making love” scene where they essentially pretended they could feel each other’s touch was beyond cringe. The worst part was when the MMC claimed that he had orgasmed. 😅 Like stahhhp, you’re a literal ghost, no you did not. Then the book shifted to a storyline where she was a creepy stalker, which might have been even more uncomfy to read. She follows him around and has her team track his movements and report them back to her down to what he eats for lunch every day. This portion of the book was a major drag and the story lost some of its momentum.

There are also an unbelievable amount of Star Trek references peppered throughout the book that got on my last nerve. The FMC’s #1 romantic dream is to bring someone she loves to a fictional Star Trek characters “birthplace.” The FMC relates literally everything back to Star Trek and I hated every second of it. I know I’ve said it before, but I can’t stand pop culture references in books. Very rarely it works in a rom-com when it’s included in a joking manner, but the way this author included it felt like lazy writing to me. Star Trek was very loosely tied to the MMC’s ghostly circumstances, but that small connection wasn’t enough to warrant more than a few references IMO.

I had planned to read this entire series and I already had a hold placed for book two, but I think this may be my first and last read by this author. At this point, I have no desire to continue this series and I would not recommend this book to a friend.

✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼

Pre-read: Not sure how I’m gonna feel if there’s spice in this 😅

He’s probs just in a coma, right? 😜

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars

Jillian is a columnist who specializes in dating and relationships. Despite her professional expertise, Jillian struggles with her own love life and finds it challenging to interact with men. After moving to a new apartment, Jillian discovers that she is not alone - a ghostly presence shares her new apartment. Surprisingly, Jillian can communicate with the male ghost (Daniel), and the two begin to form a relationship. Initially, Daniel assists Jillian with her dating difficulties, and over time, the relationship deepens until the two become romantically involved. However, they face a unique obstacle: how can they make this work? Jillian is alive, while Daniel is not.

I must admit that I wasn't entirely fond of the first quarter of the novel. It felt a bit too cheesy and corny. However, as the story progressed, it became more emotional and delved deeper into its themes.

Overall, a fun read with some twists! Would recommend it to fans of contemporary romances.

***Thank you to NetGalley, Sarah Ready, and W.W. Crown for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***

[Meags · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

I read for pleasure, so I often find great joy in the stories I pick, more often than not. But this experience was like next-level joy for me. It was like getting mini endorphin hits every time I picked it up to read a little bit more. It was a fun, sweet, deeply romantic, and highly addictive read… and I’m crashing hard with a book hangover now it’s over.

Jillian and Daniel’s love story was a beautiful, heartfelt thing to witness. Starting with a bit of a Ghost vibe, but quickly evolving into more of a Just Like Heaven inspired tale, I immensely enjoyed the twists and turns this story took, making the reader open their mind and hearts to the potential of unexplainable phenomena relating to fate and universe.

As other readers have mentioned, this story felt like it was split into two distinct halves, but I enjoyed them both of equal measure.

The first part of the story follows shy, virginal relationship columnist, Jillian Nejat, as she finds herself “haunted” by a half-naked man when she moves into her new apartment in NYC. After determining she’s not going insane, Jillian and Daniel (the supposed ghost), hit it off and become quick friends, feeling a connection deeper than either has experienced with another human being before now.

Daniel, not knowing who he really is, beyond his name and an innate sense of small things remembered, takes it upon himself to try and help Jillian in her struggle to connect with men and in her need to be inspired for her writing. But along the way, over weeks of shared proximity, they fall in love, happily spending every minute of their days together forging what they acknowledge is an unconventional and potentially hopeless relationship.

Right up until Daniel disappears without a trace.

The second half kicks in with a new vibe and a new sense of purpose for Jillian, who is lovestruck and heartsick worrying she’ll never see Daniel again, but determined to open herself up to the life Daniel was sure she deserved.

Going into any further detail would ruin the wonder of the lovely and heart-warming story that unfolds in the second half, but romance readers rest assured that the tone of this story remains low on the angst and high on the romance and swoon-factor, with an ending well and truly worthy of the Happily Ever After stamp of approval.

I enjoyed this story a good deal, and I liked the characters and the originality of the story even more. Literally the only complaint I could come up with when trying to move from my happy-satisfied emotional response, to my critical-thinking side of my brain, is that perhaps the story was overlong, drawing out chapters and scenes that may not have been necessary to the story to have the exact same impact. But even then, that’s such a minor complaint of mine, it hardly bares mentioning.

In terms of a new-to-me-author experience, Ghosted was an absolute delight and pleasure to read. It honestly won’t take any convincing on my part to interest me in attack-reading sequels to this story, especially considering that next-up is Serena’s story (Jillian’s physicist bestie), who stole damn-near every scene she was in (even if it was just over the phone because she lives in Geneva). I’m open and eager to read what Ready does next!


***A special thanks to the publishers (via Netgalley) for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Sheyla ✎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this paranormal romance!

Jillian Negat is unable to speak to men which makes it really hard to date them. Her life in NYC is not easy. She loves her job but she might not be able to keep it for too long since her column is about dating and she has no clue how to do that. Yes, she has gone on hundreds of dates but without being able to articulate you can guess how things haven't worked for her.

Jillian believes in not changing and that people should love you the way you are and she will stick to this no matter what.

Due to her poor finances, she moves into a tiny apartment full of mirrors and a ghost. Daniel is the ghost. He is sexy, shirtless, six-pack-wielding man. Too bad he is not alive!

It takes little time for Daniel to guess that the reason Jillian can see him is that he needs to help her find a good relationship. Yet, the more time they spend together the harder is for Daniel to see her with other men and for Jillian not to compare every new man she meets to her ghost. They both understand the limitations of their relationship are obvious so how can it work?

Warm and sweet is the best way to describe this story.

I'm excited this is a series and I already know that I'll read the second book since I already like the protagonist.

Cliffhanger: No

4/5 Fangs


MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

[jude⋆°. (IS EDITING REVIEWS) · Rating 4 out of 5]

SUCH A CUTE READ IT WAS!!!

[✨⚡ Kelcey (felinebooktrovert) ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and WW Crown for this copy in exchange for an honest review!

I liked the concept of this one, but it felt a little disjointed to me. Dead Romantics was very similar to this, but I think the execution was better. This was almost like reading two different stories, two different books. The characters both seemed so different in the first half vs the second half.

The FMC starts off having issues talking to men in general, obviously doesn't have that issue when it comes to Daniel's ghost, and then like a switch, she all of a sudden doesn't have that problem and can talk to anyone in the latter half of the book. Not to mention, all the scenes where she's trying to talk to someone else but using him to do it were all really awkward. Not to say there aren't people out there who have a problem just like this, and I don't want to undermine what I'm sure are some very valid feelings, but it was pretty uncomfortable to read and a little cringey.

And because Daniel was a ghost and didn't have his memories, he just wasn't the same character as he ended up being in the second half when he's alive, so there was a lot of awkward moments.

Plus, they're both fully in love before we even hit the halfway mark, which felt super rushed. So yeah, this one had some potential but didn't quite hit the mark.

[Danielle Overly Bookishly Backlogged · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Time Slipping Stars!!

This is what The Seven Year Slip wished it could be!!!

If you've read any of my reviews of magical realism, you probably picked up on the fact that I'm a harsh critic of that genre. I have been rather critical of Ashley Poston's works. I was critical, also, of The Love of My Afterlife. But I feel I've got good reason. If you're asking, as an author, that I suspend disbelieve, then you had better craft one hell of a story. I have to believe in it. If I want straight up fantasy, I will happily reread the Harry Potter Collection for the millionth time.

Some reviews have suggested that this novel reads like two different books and is too long. To this I say, that is precisely what makes this novel so engaging and immersive and I would even argue that it could have, perhaps should have, been longer. Let me explain. The first half or so of this novel is Jillian coming to terms with the interloping ghost of Daniel, who seems to have taken up residence in her life immediately after she moves into her new apartment. He literally just shows up. Jillian finds that, though she's cripplingly shy when it comes to speaking with men - I'll come back to this later - she has no issue communicating with Daniel. Probably because he's dead.

Anyway, it takes some time for her to accept that she's not crazy and that Daniel is, in fact, a ghost. His presence in her life is insistent. He's always there, popping in at the most inopportune times and wearing her down with his affable nature. Though he has no recollection of who he was, he's insistent that he's there because of her, that he's drawn to her and that she may be the key to him moving on. From there, they form an unlikely, tentative friendship. He trails her everywhere, trying to figure out how he's intended to help her and quickly discovers that her career as an advice columnist is failing because she has little real life experiences.

It becomes Daniel's mission to make Jillian experience life and find love. He trails her on awkward first dates, to baseball games, even to her job, always pointing out the beauty of life, the smallest treasures, the sights and sounds so often overlooked. Through these exchanges, we get glimpses into Daniel's life. Even though he's unaware of who he was in life, the author allows the reader to understand who he was outside the realm of the undead by providing breadcrumbs of truths that even Daniel can't necessarily see about himself. Honestly, it's masterfully done.

It's no surprise that through these interactions, through this unlikely partnership of sorts, that Daniel and Jillian develop feelings for each other. Despite their understanding of the impossibility of their relationship, these characters are inextricably drawn to each other and the love story unfurls organically. At this stage of the storytelling, were treated to some insights as to why Jillian goes into shutdown mode around men. It is this revelation which allows Jillian, for maybe the first time in her life, to truly experience intimacy. And I don't mean that in a sexy times kind of way. I mean that in a soul deep kind of way. Which, in turn, allows for the sexy times kind of way.

I noticed a few reviewers took exception to the sex scene, a few noting that it was - and I'm paraphrasing - gross. But I actually thought it was sweet and an interesting take on how a corporeal human and a ghost might have a sexual encounter. It was really beyond anything physical, though there was a physical element. It was something which transcended that. It was more sex on an emotional and spiritual level than anything physical and I thought it was really well done.

Moving on.

It's then that the story shifts gears, as it's required to do in order to explore the why of Daniel's death and the how of the required HEA. I won't spoil the author's twist and will only say that I was surprised. Happily.

What other readers found to be perhaps off-putting, I found to be a great mechanism by which to tell the second half of this story. Something drastic needed to happen for this story to reach its natural conclusion. It required a directional change. It needed to change pace and momentum. So we have something of a reset at this point.

The balance of the story, though still told from Jillian's perspective, is really Daniel's story. From this point we learn who Daniel is and how his story relates to Jillian's. There are quite a few surprises in store for the reader as those bits of breadcrumbs lead us to some truths you need to have been psychic to see earlier on. As Daniel's story is explored, we are treated to more of Jillian's backstory and the reasons for her awkwardness.

The beauty of this novel is its underlying themes of self discovery and forgiveness. It explores grief and what we can sometimes do to ourself in the name of survivor's guilt. While these themes are explored, we're not bandied about the head with them. They are subtle, yet ever present. They are explored but never overwhelmingly so or to the detriment of the baser story.

These character come together at a pivotal point in their lives, though neither are aware of it. They're brought together to save each other, or so you're initially lead to believe, but as their stories unfurl, they are learning through these shared experiences how to save themselves.

By the end, neither Daniel or Jillian are the characters we initially believed them to be. It's less an evolution and more of an unveiling of sorts and I applaud the author for making me feel all of it and for not undermining her characters by offering them an easy out because the last half of the novel is where the hard work comes in.

When I began this journey, I was absolutely certain the author was going to paint herself into a corner. As I mentioned earlier, I give magical realism the side eye for good reason. For f*ck's sake, I nearly gave myself an aneurism trying to get through A Novel Love Story. Too many times I've see this genre done wrong. Thank god someone did it right. This book wasn't perfect by any stretch but it was delightful and immersive and intoxicating enough to get past its flaws. In the end, I was wholly satisfied. I felt relief and love and giddiness at its conclusion because these characters had earned their ending.

I cannot express how strongly I encourage you to read this for yourself.

[Inna · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

So, I haven’t really been on goodreads for several months now - just taking a break from reviews. But I had to come back and write one for this book because I am shocked by how few of my Goodreads friends have read this!!

This book is about a woman who is so socially inept that she is unable to speak to men. (Side note: I think this is the part of the book that lost a half star for me - it was somehow more unbelievable than the ghost stuff! 😂) Still, she manages to live her life, although she’s struggling through each day. She moves into a new apartment, and in her apartment she finds a man… who happens to be a ghost. It turns out she can actually talk to him, since he’s dead and all. They soon theorize that for him to move on from his ghostly state, he needs to help her get her life back on track - both romantically and with her career.

There is so much more I could say about this book, but I really want to avoid spoiling anything. I think the mystery and how everything comes together is very well thought out. Even with the MC being a ghost, somehow the author almost managed to make me believe that everything is plausible scientifically!! 👻 I actually love that she tried to explain the woo woo elements in this book, and not just leave the story with an “it’s just magic” explanation.

Safety is really very good overall. There were times when the hero was made out to be a major manwhore, but let’s just say that things were not as they appeared. He definitely wasn’t a monk, but nothing as bad as initially assumed. Heroine was a virgin though… which I didn’t like, but I guess it makes sense given her inability to communicate with living men. Mild OM drama, no OW drama, no scenes with OM/OW, no cheating or others after meeting.

[Linda (Lily) Raiti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Look at me reading ghostly rom-com’s! Annnnd, I loved it! This was my first read by this author, and I’ll definitely be reading more. This little paranormal mystery, turn rom-com was full of heady emotion. Just the right type of book for in between some of my dark reads. Did I have to suspend belief? - Yes. Was the main MC a little needy and immature at times? - Yes. I easily forgave any niggles for what was overall a cute, fun, highly humorous and entertaining audiobook. 4 ⭐️

Many thanks to @netgalley #wwcrown for ALC 🙏

[Noi (in & out) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had 3 stages, which felt like 3 different books - but I did not hate it!

The 1st part:
- Loved them getting to know each other
- That movie where the MMC gives dating advice to the FMC (The Ugly Truth)
- The smut was 0-to-100
- Hints of insta-love
- Love all the side characters

The 2nd part:
- Cringeeee
- That kiss was HOT
- Stalker galore

The 3rd part:
- Love all the side characters
- Where was the build-up? I WANT MORE
- The second point but also for the side characters!

& I did not guess the plot after all!

[eveonne ୨୧ ˚⟡˖ ࣪ - ia · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒂 𝒔𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒆 𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒍 𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌”

💫🥓⌚️🛸

i finally finished the series!!! it was so good. let’s ignore how out of order i read this mkay? this was yet another cute book from sarah ready.

sarah wrote another lovable book bf, i swear she doesn’t miss when it comes to magical realism and making amazing men. daniel was great and so was jillian. it was so cute to read about some of the other characters in this series and see their lives in this book. i enjoyed this whole series so much, i wish there were more books! if you’re looking for a sweet and wholesome romance read, i definitely recommend this one!

[Jonann loves book talk❤♥️❤ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ghosted
Book by Sarah Ready
Audiobook narrated by Sarah Naughton and Rob Brinkman
Pub Date 26 Sep 2023
W. W. Crown, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Audiobooks
New Adult | Romance | Women's Fiction
Spice: 🌶🌶
Rating: 4/5

Ghosted by Sarah Ready is a paranormal romance about Daniel, a ghost, and Jillian, the only person who can see him. As they journey through the realms between the living and the dead, they discover a world of untapped emotions. Watching them connect and offer comfort to one another filled my heart with warmth.

Jillian Negat feels awkward and has trouble talking to men until a shirtless ghost named Daniel shows up in her apartment. Daniel is also struggling as he cannot recall the circumstances of how he died or how he became a ghost. Through their dialogue, Daniel reveals he may be the key to unlocking secrets of Jillian's past, allowing her to uncover the truth and take control of her future. Jillian's communication skills are improved, but she also discovers her true passion and purpose thanks to Daniel's guidance. In the most unusual circumstances, this is a sweet story of friendship and love.

I listened to the audiobook as well as reading the book. Sarah Ready is one of my favorite authors, and I have read several of her books which are always delightful. Her stories are captivating and I often cannot put the book or audiobook down, wanting to find out what happens next. Sarah Naughton and Rob Brinkman deliver engaging and believable characters in their audiobooks. There is no doubt that both of them are excellent narrators. I recommend this book and audiobook to anyone who enjoys cozy paranormal romances. The characters are well-developed and the narration is superb. It was a pleasure to listen to the audiobook and read this book.

Thank you NetGalley and W.W. Crown for the opportunity to review Ghosted in the book and audiobook versions.

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[Katie Beasley · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I originally read the premise for this book I had no idea where this was going to go or how the author was going to be able to pull this off, and yet she did. I loved the quirkiness of our FMC (Jillian). I loved the ghost aspect and all the mystery around who Daniel really was and where he came from. I loved watching them develop together and see Jillian come out of her shell and be herself.

Meet Jillian. She is a star trek loving woman who has not been able to deal with the grief from a tragedy that happened earlier in her life. This makes it where she can't have a conversation with men that she is "dating." Despite that, she has let a family friend set her up for over 100 dates to find her Mr. Right. Which she somehow does meet in the form of a ghost in her new apartment that is literally covered in mirrors. Daniel shows up the first night she is there with no shirt on and displaying his fabulous body to her. At first of course she is completely freaked. Is she hallucinating? Can anyone else see the shirtless Adonis in her apartment? But what is really shocking is that she can actually talk to him, Like have a full on convo which is so freeing for her she doesn't know what to do with herself.

Daniel doesn't know anything about his past. He doesn't remember anything. He remembers being above a woman who he feels a connection with and then immense pain. He tries to stay with Jillian but sometimes gets pulled away. He realizes that he must be here in this time to help her get past this hump of men in general. So he decides to follow her on some dates to have the conversation with her so she can respond to her date, but he finds himself not liking the guys she is going out with. He finds himself having a lot of fun with her. Their relationship blossoms until they have spicy ghost scenes and then when Jillian wakes up after declarations of love- Daniel is nowhere to be found. Where did he go? How will Jillian find him? Has he passed on before she was ready? She finds out that and everything more when she runs into Daniel in the present, and in the flesh at the Met. But of course, he doesn't recognize her and so the rest of the story unfolds.

This is a book about how the right person at the right time can help you through things you maybe have never wanted to face. They make you want to be a better you. They make you feel comfortable and like you have known them for a long time. I liked how Jillian and Daniel reconnected on the other side and how she made him from a grump to the sunshine that she knew him as when he was her ghost. This was a very cute, easy read. I am excited about book 2 which involves Jillian's friend.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah Ready sure knows how to rip your heart out with star crossed love stories and put it back together in the most satisfying ways!! I LOVED her last book, The Space between so, so much and was shocked to learn she had this one publishing so soon after that.

Highly recommended if you enjoyed Ashley Poston's The dead romantics or The seven year slip, this book is a unique mash up of both those, that sees, relationship advice columnist Jillian moving into a new apartment only to be confronted with Daniel, a shirtless ghost only she can see.

Daniel is sure helping Jillian is the key to him being able to move on. Unable to remember anything about his past Jillian helps Daniel learn who he was while he helps her with her job and dating woes as a nerdy Trekkie who has a hard time talking to men, making her a terrible dating expert.

Emotional and full of depth, this was great on audio and a terrific slow burn. If you like Nora Ephron movies and stories with a touch of magical realism, this is the perfect read for you. Many thanks to NetGalley and the author for early digital and audio copies in exchange for my honest review!

[romancelibrary · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received an ALC & ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Here's the thing about me: you say ghostly romance, and I am in—no questions asked. Jillian moves into a new apartment in New York, and sure, the décor makes it look like a porn set, but this is her own space, away from her parents. As soon as she moves in though, she realizes that the apartment is already occupied by a sexy ghost named Daniel.

I'll start with the positives. I've read a number of ghostly romances, but Sarah Ready's version is unique. I really like the way the author incorporated the ghostly trope. The first thing I usually wonder is how can a ghost and a human live HEA? Let's just say that I really like the author's version of that. I had never come across it before, but it worked especially well here. To be honest, I only kept reading this book because I wanted to know how Jillian and Daniel would live HEA. I'm glad I pushed through because I liked the resolution of the ghostly situation.

But I also have so many issues with this book and I don't even know where to start. Don't get me wrong, the prose is good, but the story is waaaayyyyyy too long. The first half of the story falls victim to long-winded play by play narration. There are so many lengthy descriptions of superfluous things, making the book longer than it should be. I also did not like the insta-love. I literally could not understand how Jillian and Daniel fell in love so quickly?? Not to mention that Jillian was super clingy with Daniel, even though she knew nothing about the man. Daniel was also immediately jealous of Jillian's dates, but I think his jealousy made a bit more sense after we find out the truth behind his ~ghostliness~ I think what bugged me the most is that Jillian and Daniel didn't even try to figure out why he was haunting her LOL. They just assumed he was here to help her with her love life and her advice column. But they didn't even try to figure out who he was, how he died, and why he's linked to her only. They were both so focused on him being here to help her, without ever questioning WHY. It was so annoying and frustrating.

I had such a hard time with Jillian omg. She was just so stupid. She wanted Daniel to stay with her even though he was dead LOL. Instead of wanting him to move on to "the light," she selfishly wanted him to haunt her for the rest of her life. She was so disgustingly needy. Also, the ghost sex scenes were WEIRD LOL. I'm sorry, she literally could not feel anything except for cold breezes. Please explain to me how she was able to find pleasure?? I'm so confused!!

As for the second half of the story, it was interesting enough, especially after finding out the truth behind Daniel's ghostliness. But I still found Jillian super irritating with the way she kept inserting herself into other people's lives. I just could not stand her. The climax was fine...but the conflict leading to the climax was stupidly executed.

Anyway...I kind of rambled. I really wish I loved this one. The concept is interesting. The prose is good. The execution and the characters are just not my cup of tea. I didn't buy into the romance at all. Honestly, it's not the worst book I've ever read, but I just did not like it overall.

P.S. Is Jillian Persian? Why is her white mom named Geeta? I'm so confused. I have questions about Jillian's background.

P.P.S. Not one, but two epilogues. This book is unnecessarily long. The second epilogue is told from Daniel's POV, but not even that made me happy. I just wanted the book to be over.

[Dun's · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sweet paranormal romance (didn't know it was an actual genre 😅) is not my usual cup of tea, and I enjoyed it regardless. The main characters and their chemistry made me think of the Last Christmas movie with Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding.

Sarah Ready's writing style is excellent. The Star Trek references made me smile. The plot line is interesting - just remember this is fiction and use your imagination.

Many thanks for the e-copy of the book I received in a Goodreads giveaway. Publication date: September 2023.

[Jamie Morton · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 20%

I was really excited about the premise, but the insta-love, immediate jealousy, needy FMC, and forgettable side characters were too much for me to push through. The writing felt clunky, and while I always try to make it to at least 50% before I DNF a book, I found myself rolling my eyes and looking for an excuse to put the book down within the first 10%.

ARC provided by Netgalley

[AvidReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book RIGHT NOW!

Easily one of my favourite book this year. God, I haven’t had this much fun in so long. In fact I was in worst mood when I started but boom, I forgot everything and couldn’t put this book down.
God, I was laughing and snorting so hard from Page one. The banter, monologue and dialogue were fantastic. Each chapter was a delight to read.

Daniel and Jillian…..Where do I even start with them? My love for them is absolute!
Daniel was one se*y, smouldering ghost.
Their story took me through a roller coaster of emotions. First it deceptively made me fall in love then broke my heart, repaired and then broke again. I’m still hungover and I’ll never stop recommending this book.

The secondary characters were awesome. Like, they all were different and quirky but the way they stood and loved each other was… sigh!
Written so well with amazing plot, twists and turns it made me cry in two places when I was totally not expecting it. Like how the author scattered crumbs throughout the story and then later it all made sense.
Even at 70% I was thinking how freaking cute Daniel and Jillian was.

I have never read a book where New York is described this beautifully. Did I mention I loved the writing style?

Safe, TW (Michael broke my heart), and irrevocably recommended.

Those who love Star Trek, you Guys NEED to read this.

P.s Second epilogue? Yeah, i’m still not over it.

[iris [updating reviews] · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I do not even know where to start with this one. This was so good. I was hooked from the first chapter.

Daniel's character was utter perfection. As a ghost and as a human. Though I think he was my favourite as a ghost. He was cute, sexy and really funny. I was judging Jillian for falling in love with a ghost at first and then I fell in love with him too and now we're both romantic idiots.

The chemistry between Daniel and Jillian was so wonderfully presented. I actually cried when he didn't remember who she was. This book got me feeling raw emotions for people that don't even exist. Sure it happens with me a lot but this was just...wow.

Kudos to the author for that second epilogue. I didn't realize how much I needed that until I actually read it. I will most definitely be checking out Sarah's other books and will be keeping an eye out for any future projects.

To those reading this review, make sure you get this book when it comes out. You do not want to miss out on this.

Thank you to NetGalley and W. W. Crown for this arc.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

♾️⭐️

”I love you. Even when this life is done, I’ll always love you.”

Love transcends all timelines.
My heart is so full. 🥺

[Calista · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a unique and interesting concept, Ghosted by Sarah Ready is about two people who first meet in the weirdest circumstances (where one of them is a ghost) and find each other again and again despite the odds.

Summary: Jillian Nejat moves into her new apartment and meets a handsome shirtless man… who is also dead. Though eager to get rid of him at first, the two soon become closer.

Tropes/Genres:
• strangers to friends to lovers
• paranormal (ghost)
• science fiction
• contemporary fiction

Review: I find the concept of this book very interesting. For starters, there’s a ghost! While I was reading, I made a theory for the two main characters (a human woman and a ghost man) to have a happy ending, but the story was way more complicated than that. It’s actually nice that what I got wasn’t what I’d expected. The best part is that it made sense!

The concept of always finding each other is just so nice. And I feel like the reactions of the characters just make sense. I also like how the author gave a scientific explanation (or hypothesis) regarding the existence of ghosts. And while Jillian and Daniel are cute, I also love Hayley and Bernardo. The people at The Daily Exposé are also so fun! I like how everything in the story ties together.

I recommend this book to readers who want to try a fast-paced romance that’s a bit different from others. I personally enjoyed this read, but some people may be weirded out by the concept, especially of getting turned on and making love through the mind even though it’s an actual thing. I feel the distraught of knowing one may have to part someday due to fundamental differences, which in this case is the fact that one of them is a ghost. It’s worth a read if you’re open to new things! I’m certainly open to rereading this book just to see if I’ve missed anything. There are also Star Trek references in this book since the main character is a trekker, as she calls herself, so if you love Star Trek, perhaps you can connect with Jillian!

Thank you, NetGalley, for the read!

Related Reviews:
Ghosted (Book 1)
Switched (Book 2)
Fated (Book 3)
Wished (Book 4)

[Ana | SheSaidYestoBooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh my god, this book is torture! 😖

[Julie Rice · Rating 2 out of 5]

If this book had ended at 50%, it would have been decent. If it had ended at 80%, it would have been tolerable. But no, it went the full 14 hours, and man, even at 3x, I felt every one of those seconds. This book requires a strong ability to suspend belief, an ability that apparently, despite my love of magic and fantasy and occasionally magical realism, do not possess, as honestly, I didn't want the two characters to end up together because it was just so unrealistic and creepy. The sex with a ghost scenes made me really uncomfortable, and I spent a good amount of the book just cringing at the insanity of the main character's thought processes. Also, the description. SOOOO much description. "Daniel," the character will say, and then I kid you not, FIVE MINUTES of describing his STUBBLE, the breeze, the amount of sugar in the coffee. And then he says "yes?" and then another FIVE MINUTES describing the red brick, the leaves, and the cream in the coffee. Like seriously, the book could have been 2 hours shorter if we never discussed his chin stubble. The conspiracy theorist guy was the most believable character in this book. Thank you for the ARC audio copy of this book.

[Ilaria 🌸 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nice a lot alike the movie and nice
But weird and paranormal is not for me
I tried
Cute not exceptional
Thanks for the ARC author and NetGalley

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

I’m a little back up on my ARC list but trying to play catch up! I’m sad that I didn’t get to this one sooner! It was such a cute, endearing, magical romance story and I’ll be waiting patiently for the next book in the series. I really like the main characters meet cute and how there were magical elements and science fiction woven in! And if you’re a Trekkie, you need to read this book ASAP!