What do you think?
Rate this book
Ghosted #2
Switched
For Serena Otaki, free-spirited Californian, life is simple. She loves smashing atoms at The Large Hadron Collider near Geneva, Switzerland. She loves Star Trek, spicy tofu, and her cat, Captain Purrk. She loves her messy (slob-fest) apartment, her chaotic brand of organizing, and staying permanently, happily unattached.
Life is perfect. She has one true love—physics.
Loving a man isn’t in her future.
For Henry Joules, uptight Brit, life is simple. He loves making analog black holes, drinking piping hot tea, and organizing his pencil tray. He loves his family, red meat, and obsessively cleaning his spotless apartment.
Life is perfect. He has many loves—physics, family, friends. He can’t wait to find the woman of his dreams.
Love and marriage are in his future.
One perfect night Serena and Henry meet. Sparks fly, particles collide, the universe comes to a halt, and…
It was a mistake.
They’re too different.
It won’t work.
Love isn’t in their future.
Until an electric storm causes an unexpected event at the particle collider and suddenly—they’ve switched.
Serena is in Henry’s body.
Henry is in Serena’s body.
And both life and love are suddenly very, very complicated.
Life is perfect. She has one true love—physics.
Loving a man isn’t in her future.
For Henry Joules, uptight Brit, life is simple. He loves making analog black holes, drinking piping hot tea, and organizing his pencil tray. He loves his family, red meat, and obsessively cleaning his spotless apartment.
Life is perfect. He has many loves—physics, family, friends. He can’t wait to find the woman of his dreams.
Love and marriage are in his future.
One perfect night Serena and Henry meet. Sparks fly, particles collide, the universe comes to a halt, and…
It was a mistake.
They’re too different.
It won’t work.
Love isn’t in their future.
Until an electric storm causes an unexpected event at the particle collider and suddenly—they’ve switched.
Serena is in Henry’s body.
Henry is in Serena’s body.
And both life and love are suddenly very, very complicated.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 20, 2024
About the author
Sarah Ready
19 books1,064 followersAuthor 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,018 reviews
February 4, 2024
EEEEEE I FINISHED IT!! 2.75 stars 🌟
this was my first arc read and I am quite pleased 😌 (don’t be put off by the rating I genuinely did enjoy it)
to sum up, this book was kinda like a mix of freaky friday and the big bang theory (basically nerds that swap bodies). so if you like either of those you’d probably enjoy this <33
I would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for this arc i had such asurprisingly wonderful time. honestly I think this being on audio really really helped bc it takes me a long time to get to and from school and im always doing chores which is how I flew through this in such a short amount of time 🥹🫶🏼
im still kinda stuck on the rating bc i enjoyed it and it was a nice way to pass the time but idk i feel like im just gonna forget it soon ☹️
the story follows two colleagues, serena and henry who randomly switch bodies and try to figure it out together. you could say it was enemies to lovers..? in a way
⤷ and by that I mean the kind you get in most contemporary romances 😭😭
“I hAtE hIm BuT iM aLsO iN lOvE wItH hIm” kinda vibe HAHAH
my favourite part of this book however was the narration 🙈 I think the narrator did an INCREDIBLE job bc basically the mmc is male (duh) and british so when they swapped bodies the voice for half of the book was just the girl doing a terrible british guy accent LMAOO and I loved it so much bc my humour is so so broken 😀
now onto my least favourite part 💀 the science.
don’t get me wrong some of it was fine and being a physics girly myself I liked it but THE EUPHEMISMS WERE NOT IT !! I believe something was mentioned along the lines of “he slammed into me like he was a hadron collider and i was a beam of particles” OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT AND IM JUST- it’s not okayy. like why WHYYYY 🙄
also I hate when they break the fourth wall and it happened quite a few times.
all in all it was a nice cute palate cleanser and a perfect february read 💘
I need to start reading more audiobooks fr they’re so convenient 🤭
this was my first arc read and I am quite pleased 😌 (don’t be put off by the rating I genuinely did enjoy it)
to sum up, this book was kinda like a mix of freaky friday and the big bang theory (basically nerds that swap bodies). so if you like either of those you’d probably enjoy this <33
I would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for this arc i had such a
im still kinda stuck on the rating bc i enjoyed it and it was a nice way to pass the time but idk i feel like im just gonna forget it soon ☹️
the story follows two colleagues, serena and henry who randomly switch bodies and try to figure it out together. you could say it was enemies to lovers..? in a way
⤷ and by that I mean the kind you get in most contemporary romances 😭😭
“I hAtE hIm BuT iM aLsO iN lOvE wItH hIm” kinda vibe HAHAH
my favourite part of this book however was the narration 🙈 I think the narrator did an INCREDIBLE job bc basically the mmc is male (duh) and british so when they swapped bodies the voice for half of the book was just the girl doing a terrible british guy accent LMAOO and I loved it so much bc my humour is so so broken 😀
now onto my least favourite part 💀 the science.
don’t get me wrong some of it was fine and being a physics girly myself I liked it but THE EUPHEMISMS WERE NOT IT !! I believe something was mentioned along the lines of “he slammed into me like he was a hadron collider and i was a beam of particles” OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT AND IM JUST- it’s not okayy. like why WHYYYY 🙄
also I hate when they break the fourth wall and it happened quite a few times.
all in all it was a nice cute palate cleanser and a perfect february read 💘
I need to start reading more audiobooks fr they’re so convenient 🤭
February 26, 2024
writing: quirky | plot: unique but no | ending: I feel icky | 2.5 rounded down
my opinion
Is 2 stars a bit harsh? Yes. But blame Jeff Bezos for the lack of .5 stars, not me. I can't lie: the writing was unique (she breaks the 4th wall a lot though) and the inclusion of diagrams and footnotes gave the book a lil razzle dazzle, but the actual plot made me UNCOMFY. Fair warning that this will make absolutely no sense and I recognize it's a "me thing" so if this premise speaks to you, give it a whirl. I think if you're a science nerd, and I mean a true nerd not a "I occasionally watch nature docs on Netflix" nerd, you will really enjoy this.
I love a good body-swap trope (Freaky Friday is a cinematic classic, fight me) but after reading this, I've come to the conclusion that it's weird when it involves a heterosexual couple. Perhaps it would work between a male and female friend AND if they swapped bodies but kept their personalities (for example, Henry LOVES tea, but when he possesses Serena's body, he's suddenly only into coffee strong enough to kill cancer). But it just felt icky (vocab on point) watching Serena fall for Henry despite Henry looking and acting like her, just with his British accent. (Why did they get to keep their accents? That was such an odd choice.)
Serena watching her own face smile and having her back stroked by her own hand and thinking how "right" it felt and how beautiful she was, which in turn made her fall more in love with Henry was ?????????? And no, admiring her own beauty through Henry's eyes wasn't a character arc moment where she unearthed some self-esteem, she LOOOOOVVVEDDDDD herself from the jump. The whole thing reminded me of the myth of Narcissus dies by a pool gazing at his own reflection because he's so up his own booty hole he forgets to eat. In conclusion: bad vibes.
Beyond the bad vibes body-swap, this was very much insta-love. And after a major bomb is dropped regarding Henry, it veers into cliche territory. It definitely needed to be explored like at least tell us WHY, because respectfully, that's not the status quo. But unfortunately it was just slotted in there as if Henry told us blue was his fave colour. Also, Serena's reaction was not what I expected because this is a game changer. It impacts the very foundation of which this "relationship" was built upon. Yet she just kept on keeping on.
Frankly I wasn't a huge fan of Serena. Is she supposed to be Japanese? I'm not sure. The author was kind of vague but it seems like all signs were pointing toward East Asia?? She was a little too try-hard for me and not finding out WHY she's so adamantly against relationships until the last 20% of the book was annoying because I spent the entire time thinking she was just assigned this belief without reason. Ultimately, the reason was quite legitimate, but as the great JoJo said... it's a little too late.
Anyways. As I said, if you like the premise, go for it. Even though this one made me feel like I was wearing wet socks in an airplane, I'd like to read her other books because undeniably she has a unique writing style and she does her research (petition to bring back research for fiction books).
Thank you W.W. Crown for the ARC. IYKYK my reviews are always honest.
pros & cons
pros: very well-written, you could tell the author actually did her research, liked the unique inclusion of diagrams and footnotes (the footnotes actually made sense... I'm looking at you, Jessa Hastings), unique premise
cons: swapping bodies with a love interest of the opposite sex is not something I need to read about ever again, Serena was annoying and condescending, twist involving Henry was unexplored when we really needed a detailed explanation, repetitive, slow start—the switch doesn't happen until almost 30%
____
Check out my YouTube and my TikTok
my opinion
Is 2 stars a bit harsh? Yes. But blame Jeff Bezos for the lack of .5 stars, not me. I can't lie: the writing was unique (she breaks the 4th wall a lot though) and the inclusion of diagrams and footnotes gave the book a lil razzle dazzle, but the actual plot made me UNCOMFY. Fair warning that this will make absolutely no sense and I recognize it's a "me thing" so if this premise speaks to you, give it a whirl. I think if you're a science nerd, and I mean a true nerd not a "I occasionally watch nature docs on Netflix" nerd, you will really enjoy this.
I love a good body-swap trope (Freaky Friday is a cinematic classic, fight me) but after reading this, I've come to the conclusion that it's weird when it involves a heterosexual couple. Perhaps it would work between a male and female friend AND if they swapped bodies but kept their personalities (for example, Henry LOVES tea, but when he possesses Serena's body, he's suddenly only into coffee strong enough to kill cancer). But it just felt icky (vocab on point) watching Serena fall for Henry despite Henry looking and acting like her, just with his British accent. (Why did they get to keep their accents? That was such an odd choice.)
Serena watching her own face smile and having her back stroked by her own hand and thinking how "right" it felt and how beautiful she was, which in turn made her fall more in love with Henry was ?????????? And no, admiring her own beauty through Henry's eyes wasn't a character arc moment where she unearthed some self-esteem, she LOOOOOVVVEDDDDD herself from the jump. The whole thing reminded me of the myth of Narcissus dies by a pool gazing at his own reflection because he's so up his own booty hole he forgets to eat. In conclusion: bad vibes.
Beyond the bad vibes body-swap, this was very much insta-love. And after a major bomb is dropped regarding Henry, it veers into cliche territory. It definitely needed to be explored like at least tell us WHY, because respectfully, that's not the status quo. But unfortunately it was just slotted in there as if Henry told us blue was his fave colour. Also, Serena's reaction was not what I expected because this is a game changer. It impacts the very foundation of which this "relationship" was built upon. Yet she just kept on keeping on.
Frankly I wasn't a huge fan of Serena. Is she supposed to be Japanese? I'm not sure. The author was kind of vague but it seems like all signs were pointing toward East Asia?? She was a little too try-hard for me and not finding out WHY she's so adamantly against relationships until the last 20% of the book was annoying because I spent the entire time thinking she was just assigned this belief without reason. Ultimately, the reason was quite legitimate, but as the great JoJo said... it's a little too late.
Anyways. As I said, if you like the premise, go for it. Even though this one made me feel like I was wearing wet socks in an airplane, I'd like to read her other books because undeniably she has a unique writing style and she does her research (petition to bring back research for fiction books).
Thank you W.W. Crown for the ARC. IYKYK my reviews are always honest.
pros & cons
pros: very well-written, you could tell the author actually did her research, liked the unique inclusion of diagrams and footnotes (the footnotes actually made sense... I'm looking at you, Jessa Hastings), unique premise
cons: swapping bodies with a love interest of the opposite sex is not something I need to read about ever again, Serena was annoying and condescending, twist involving Henry was unexplored when we really needed a detailed explanation, repetitive, slow start—the switch doesn't happen until almost 30%
____
Check out my YouTube and my TikTok
January 15, 2024
SENSATIONAL!!! Thank you NetGalley and W.W. Crown and Imprint of Swift & Lewis Publishing for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.
First off, I want to thank my twin, Cara, for buddy reading this amazing book with me 💞. I had the best time giggling and crying with you. I love you so much! 🥰😘
OH MY CELESTIAL STARS!!! 💗💗💗💗💗 I absolutely loved this book so much!! Sarah Ready ALWAYS delivers for me and this is no exception!! At this point, I would read the phone book if she wrote it!! Ghosted was one of my favorite reads for 2023 so when I learned that the author was making it into a series I was beyond ecstatic!! I can say without a shadow of a doubt that book two exceeded all my expectations and is one of my favorite reads for 2024!! What a beautiful, charming, magical, hilarious and heartwarming paranormal rom-com that will remain in my heart forever!! In addition, can we just pause and appreciate this gorgeous cover of the book!!
Serena loves physics, Star Trek and her cat, Captain Purrk. She enjoys her simple life and staying permanently, happily unattached. Loving a man isn't in her future. While Henry loves physics, family and friends. He can't wait to find the woman of his dreams. Love and marriage are in his future. Complete opposites, right!?! Well, one perfect night they meet and sparks fly, particles collide and the universe comes to a halt! Until an electrical storm causes an unexpected "Freaky Friday"event at the particle collider and suddenly they've switched!! Serena is in Henry's body. Henry is in Serena's body. Now this is when life and love gets really complicated!! They have to pretend to be each other and stick together while trying to figure out how to switch back. Will they even be able to switch back?
The banter, tension, chemistry and hilarious moments between them was perfection! Henry is such a cinnamon roll, sweetheart and I love him so much!! He always followed his heart no matter the cost. I enjoyed seeing the personal growth both of them went through. Because they were living in each other's bodies it allowed them to see and feel things about one another in a new light. Honestly, it helps them to understand each other more deeply. In addition, I loved that this was about self discovery, female individualism and how you don't have to lose your identity to be with someone you love.
Overall, it was a sweet, hilarious and delightful rom-com that I highly recommend!! Of course, you will need to suspend belief to fully appreciate this wonderful love story. It truly deserves ALL the stars!! 💫💫💫💫💫
First off, I want to thank my twin, Cara, for buddy reading this amazing book with me 💞. I had the best time giggling and crying with you. I love you so much! 🥰😘
OH MY CELESTIAL STARS!!! 💗💗💗💗💗 I absolutely loved this book so much!! Sarah Ready ALWAYS delivers for me and this is no exception!! At this point, I would read the phone book if she wrote it!! Ghosted was one of my favorite reads for 2023 so when I learned that the author was making it into a series I was beyond ecstatic!! I can say without a shadow of a doubt that book two exceeded all my expectations and is one of my favorite reads for 2024!! What a beautiful, charming, magical, hilarious and heartwarming paranormal rom-com that will remain in my heart forever!! In addition, can we just pause and appreciate this gorgeous cover of the book!!
Serena loves physics, Star Trek and her cat, Captain Purrk. She enjoys her simple life and staying permanently, happily unattached. Loving a man isn't in her future. While Henry loves physics, family and friends. He can't wait to find the woman of his dreams. Love and marriage are in his future. Complete opposites, right!?! Well, one perfect night they meet and sparks fly, particles collide and the universe comes to a halt! Until an electrical storm causes an unexpected "Freaky Friday"event at the particle collider and suddenly they've switched!! Serena is in Henry's body. Henry is in Serena's body. Now this is when life and love gets really complicated!! They have to pretend to be each other and stick together while trying to figure out how to switch back. Will they even be able to switch back?
The banter, tension, chemistry and hilarious moments between them was perfection! Henry is such a cinnamon roll, sweetheart and I love him so much!! He always followed his heart no matter the cost. I enjoyed seeing the personal growth both of them went through. Because they were living in each other's bodies it allowed them to see and feel things about one another in a new light. Honestly, it helps them to understand each other more deeply. In addition, I loved that this was about self discovery, female individualism and how you don't have to lose your identity to be with someone you love.
Overall, it was a sweet, hilarious and delightful rom-com that I highly recommend!! Of course, you will need to suspend belief to fully appreciate this wonderful love story. It truly deserves ALL the stars!! 💫💫💫💫💫
February 20, 2024
🥳 Happy publication day 🥳
3.75⭐
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Series ~ Ghosted #2
Others in the series ~ Ghosted
Setting ~ Switzerland
Publication date ~ February 20, 2024
Est page Count ~ 338 (42 chapters)
Audio length ~ 10 hours 11 minutes
Narrators ~ Kelsey Navarro Foster & James Anderson Foster
POV ~ mostly single 1st, one chapter his
Featuring ~ one night stand, insta-love, opposites attract, forced proximity, fake dating, slow burn, minimal steamage
Serena & Henry's meet cute was funny when her pants were literally stuck to the booth. She had to wiggle out of them and borrow his jacket since she was leaving the bar sans pants and underroos. They head back to his hotel and get very well acquainted with each other. So acquainted in fact that he instantly falls for her. She feels it too, but since she's career driven and anti-relationship she pushes him away. But it turns out he's her new boss...awkward.
Then we have a time jump to 437 rotations of the earth later. Since they are both physicists it's pretty heavy on science talk, so be prepared for that. They don't seem to get along too well, but are forced into each other's lives when they switch bodies. Of course this is right before Henry's brothers wedding, so Serena has to pretend she is him and then something happens with her family and he has to pretend he's her because who would believe the truth. I'm pretty sure I would not, would you? They each played the opposite quite well. Henry even got to experience having his period 😂
Overall, there were some funny moments, some suspend your belief moments and some good banter.
Series notes:
Fine as a standalone, but Ghosted characters pop in here a couple of times.
Narration notes:
Kelsey, as always, does a fabulous job. She had to do her American accent as well as a male British one and I didn't hate what I was hearing. Although, since we do have a 2nd narrator a duet narration would have really brought this one home. As it was he only narrated one chapter. He does do a good British accent. I just realized these two are married.
*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
3.75⭐
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Series ~ Ghosted #2
Others in the series ~ Ghosted
Setting ~ Switzerland
Publication date ~ February 20, 2024
Est page Count ~ 338 (42 chapters)
Audio length ~ 10 hours 11 minutes
Narrators ~ Kelsey Navarro Foster & James Anderson Foster
POV ~ mostly single 1st, one chapter his
Featuring ~ one night stand, insta-love, opposites attract, forced proximity, fake dating, slow burn, minimal steamage
Serena & Henry's meet cute was funny when her pants were literally stuck to the booth. She had to wiggle out of them and borrow his jacket since she was leaving the bar sans pants and underroos. They head back to his hotel and get very well acquainted with each other. So acquainted in fact that he instantly falls for her. She feels it too, but since she's career driven and anti-relationship she pushes him away. But it turns out he's her new boss...awkward.
Then we have a time jump to 437 rotations of the earth later. Since they are both physicists it's pretty heavy on science talk, so be prepared for that. They don't seem to get along too well, but are forced into each other's lives when they switch bodies. Of course this is right before Henry's brothers wedding, so Serena has to pretend she is him and then something happens with her family and he has to pretend he's her because who would believe the truth. I'm pretty sure I would not, would you? They each played the opposite quite well. Henry even got to experience having his period 😂
Overall, there were some funny moments, some suspend your belief moments and some good banter.
Series notes:
Fine as a standalone, but Ghosted characters pop in here a couple of times.
Narration notes:
Kelsey, as always, does a fabulous job. She had to do her American accent as well as a male British one and I didn't hate what I was hearing. Although, since we do have a 2nd narrator a duet narration would have really brought this one home. As it was he only narrated one chapter. He does do a good British accent. I just realized these two are married.
*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
January 14, 2024
I adore Sarah Ready's books and her characters. Her books are a MUST READ for me! When I saw this audiobook, I was over the over the moon knowing that I would give this a listen ASAP! Sarah Ready did not let me down! I found this book to be charming, endearing, sweet and hard to put down!
Serena Otaki is a star trek loving American physicist working in Geneva, Switzerland. Atoms are her jam, and she loves what she does. Henry Joules is a British tea loving Physicist who loves cleanliness and physics.
When Serena and Henry meet, the stars collide, particles collide, sparks fly and ........
Then during an electrical storm something pretty wonderful ala freaky Friday happens. It is wonderful, isn't it? They Switch! Imagine their surprise! This can't be happening and yet it is. This is where the true magic happens. Trapped in each other's bodies, having to live as the other is going to be a wild ride.
Curl up, grab your favorite warm beverage, suspend some disbelief, and give this delightful book a read/listen. Sarah Ready writes characters that I want to spend time with. I care about them and their plight. I found myself laughing with Serena and Henry, shaking my head at them, and rooting for them the entire time. They have great banter, some fun moments, chemistry, and most of all, are such likeable characters. The supporting characters are likeable as well.
As I mentioned I listened to the audiobook and loved the narration. Very well done.
Sarah Ready has wowed me once again. This is the second book in the Ghosted series but works beautifully as a stand-alone. If you have not read a book by Sarah Ready, what are you waiting for?
I can't wait to read what Sarah Ready writes next!
Charming, delightful, sweet, and simply wonderful.
4.5 stars
#Switched #NetGalley #SarahReady
Thank you to W. W. Crown, and imprint of Swift & Lewis Publishing, LLC, 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.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Serena Otaki is a star trek loving American physicist working in Geneva, Switzerland. Atoms are her jam, and she loves what she does. Henry Joules is a British tea loving Physicist who loves cleanliness and physics.
When Serena and Henry meet, the stars collide, particles collide, sparks fly and ........
Then during an electrical storm something pretty wonderful ala freaky Friday happens. It is wonderful, isn't it? They Switch! Imagine their surprise! This can't be happening and yet it is. This is where the true magic happens. Trapped in each other's bodies, having to live as the other is going to be a wild ride.
Curl up, grab your favorite warm beverage, suspend some disbelief, and give this delightful book a read/listen. Sarah Ready writes characters that I want to spend time with. I care about them and their plight. I found myself laughing with Serena and Henry, shaking my head at them, and rooting for them the entire time. They have great banter, some fun moments, chemistry, and most of all, are such likeable characters. The supporting characters are likeable as well.
As I mentioned I listened to the audiobook and loved the narration. Very well done.
Sarah Ready has wowed me once again. This is the second book in the Ghosted series but works beautifully as a stand-alone. If you have not read a book by Sarah Ready, what are you waiting for?
I can't wait to read what Sarah Ready writes next!
Charming, delightful, sweet, and simply wonderful.
4.5 stars
#Switched #NetGalley #SarahReady
Thank you to W. W. Crown, and imprint of Swift & Lewis Publishing, LLC, 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.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
February 22, 2024
Oh no! I love the first book in this series and was delighted to see there's a sequel, and with GR friends' glowing reviews, I couldn't wait to jump in. Turns out I'm on outlier island alone. 😎🏝️
The Switched premise sounds very entertaining where two MCs Sarah and Henry switch bodies but it took a while to get there. There's a bit of scifi and magical realism but sadly I couldn't connect with this couple as I did with Jillian and Daniel in the first novel Ghosted. I probably would've dnf if it wasn't a review copy.
I thought the narrators were okay, are they spouses by any chance? I'm on the fence about the third book and will see what the premise will be. I've enjoyed every Sarah Ready's novel until this one.
Thank you W. W. Crown, and imprint of Swift & Lewis Publishing, LLC and Netgalley for the ALC.
10H 12M
Available Feb 20, 2024
The Switched premise sounds very entertaining where two MCs Sarah and Henry switch bodies but it took a while to get there. There's a bit of scifi and magical realism but sadly I couldn't connect with this couple as I did with Jillian and Daniel in the first novel Ghosted. I probably would've dnf if it wasn't a review copy.
I thought the narrators were okay, are they spouses by any chance? I'm on the fence about the third book and will see what the premise will be. I've enjoyed every Sarah Ready's novel until this one.
Thank you W. W. Crown, and imprint of Swift & Lewis Publishing, LLC and Netgalley for the ALC.
10H 12M
Available Feb 20, 2024
February 10, 2024
3.25 Stars
Freaky Friday, but make it a nerdy romance
*Can be read as a standalone, but it'll be more enjoyable as a series.*
Serena Otaki is a brilliant physicist who has dedicated her life to science. She's always believed that her work should come first, which is why she's never had time for relationships. But all that changed when her one-night stand turned out to be her new boss, who's everything she's not. He's grumpy, uptight, and a clean freak, and she just can't seem to understand him. However, fate has other plans for them when an electric storm causes them to switch bodies. Now, they must navigate their new reality and figure out how to switch back before their lives spiral out of control. Will they be able to work together and find a way out of this mess, or will their differences be too much to handle?
I must say that while I enjoyed the book overall, I found the first quarter a chore to get through. I felt that it was too corny and cheesy, and the constant use of science jargon and references was repetitive. I get it. She lives and breathes physics. However, as the story progressed, I found it became more engaging, and the characters' depth increased as the romance developed. While this may not be my favorite book, I still found it to be an entertaining read and would recommend it to others who enjoy romantic novels with a science twist.
***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.***
Freaky Friday, but make it a nerdy romance
*Can be read as a standalone, but it'll be more enjoyable as a series.*
Serena Otaki is a brilliant physicist who has dedicated her life to science. She's always believed that her work should come first, which is why she's never had time for relationships. But all that changed when her one-night stand turned out to be her new boss, who's everything she's not. He's grumpy, uptight, and a clean freak, and she just can't seem to understand him. However, fate has other plans for them when an electric storm causes them to switch bodies. Now, they must navigate their new reality and figure out how to switch back before their lives spiral out of control. Will they be able to work together and find a way out of this mess, or will their differences be too much to handle?
I must say that while I enjoyed the book overall, I found the first quarter a chore to get through. I felt that it was too corny and cheesy, and the constant use of science jargon and references was repetitive. I get it. She lives and breathes physics. However, as the story progressed, I found it became more engaging, and the characters' depth increased as the romance developed. While this may not be my favorite book, I still found it to be an entertaining read and would recommend it to others who enjoy romantic novels with a science twist.
***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.***
February 27, 2024
3.5 Stars
This stand-alone sequel, to last year’s Ghosted (loved, loved, loved!!), is an opposites-attract, body-swap romance, featuring two highly passionate and independent physicists, who are struck by the hands of fate and forced to work out their immense feelings for one another, in a very unconventional (but charming) scenario, that defies the laws of science they live their lives by.
I liked it. I liked the romance, the multi-continent settings, the body-swap antics, the amusing use of reader-interactive footnotes, the pop culture references (live long and prosper!), and the loving and supportive cast of secondary characters that rounded out the story.
Did I enjoy the story as much as book one (Ghosted)? Well, no. Not quite.
For me, the chemistry wasn’t as strong here as between Jillian and Daniel, and I think this had a lot to do with FMC Serena and her right-until-the-end mentality that embracing love would somehow make her cease to exist as the person she was before Henry. This belief that, to fully, wholeheartedly love another you must lose a huge part of yourself and your autonomy as a person, definitely leading to a professional death sentence, and potential end to her many wants, hopes and desires for the future as an independent woman.
Some readers will love this about Serena… but it drove me nuts. And the fact it was such a big, repetitive part of her personality, hurting Henry (that’s not on!) in hopes to save herself from becoming (in her skewed beliefs) a mindless, hopeless, purposeless woman in love, was just exhausting for me.
To be fair, this was an extremely personal reaction for me, because, unlike Serena, I have no professional ambition in life, never having loved my career in education with any sort of calling or passion that consumed me. Therefore, just like Serena struggled to imagine choosing love over work, I’ve always struggled to imagine people, anywhere, choosing work over love and family, because for me, love and happiness revolves around the people in my life and not the job I do to get by.
So, yeah, I had a hard time getting on board with Serena’s feelings and beliefs—each to their own—but liking her for the most part, even if I was personally vexed by some of her thought processes along the road to love.
Thankfully, Henry was a dreamy sort, winning Serena over eventually, showing her through actions—not just words—what a healthy and loving relationship could look like, where the act of being in love with each other would only make them stronger as individuals, rather than weaker.
Although I’m well-versed in body-swap films, this was actually my first ever body-swap book, and as such, I think it went very well, providing all the fun and frivolity that usually goes with this trope, but adding some spins that made this story uniquely its own thing.
Overall, this was a quirky, fun-loving, romantic story, and I’m definitely glad I read it.
***A special thanks to the publishers (via Netgalley) for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This stand-alone sequel, to last year’s Ghosted (loved, loved, loved!!), is an opposites-attract, body-swap romance, featuring two highly passionate and independent physicists, who are struck by the hands of fate and forced to work out their immense feelings for one another, in a very unconventional (but charming) scenario, that defies the laws of science they live their lives by.
I liked it. I liked the romance, the multi-continent settings, the body-swap antics, the amusing use of reader-interactive footnotes, the pop culture references (live long and prosper!), and the loving and supportive cast of secondary characters that rounded out the story.
Did I enjoy the story as much as book one (Ghosted)? Well, no. Not quite.
For me, the chemistry wasn’t as strong here as between Jillian and Daniel, and I think this had a lot to do with FMC Serena and her right-until-the-end mentality that embracing love would somehow make her cease to exist as the person she was before Henry. This belief that, to fully, wholeheartedly love another you must lose a huge part of yourself and your autonomy as a person, definitely leading to a professional death sentence, and potential end to her many wants, hopes and desires for the future as an independent woman.
Some readers will love this about Serena… but it drove me nuts. And the fact it was such a big, repetitive part of her personality, hurting Henry (that’s not on!) in hopes to save herself from becoming (in her skewed beliefs) a mindless, hopeless, purposeless woman in love, was just exhausting for me.
To be fair, this was an extremely personal reaction for me, because, unlike Serena, I have no professional ambition in life, never having loved my career in education with any sort of calling or passion that consumed me. Therefore, just like Serena struggled to imagine choosing love over work, I’ve always struggled to imagine people, anywhere, choosing work over love and family, because for me, love and happiness revolves around the people in my life and not the job I do to get by.
So, yeah, I had a hard time getting on board with Serena’s feelings and beliefs—each to their own—but liking her for the most part, even if I was personally vexed by some of her thought processes along the road to love.
Thankfully, Henry was a dreamy sort, winning Serena over eventually, showing her through actions—not just words—what a healthy and loving relationship could look like, where the act of being in love with each other would only make them stronger as individuals, rather than weaker.
Although I’m well-versed in body-swap films, this was actually my first ever body-swap book, and as such, I think it went very well, providing all the fun and frivolity that usually goes with this trope, but adding some spins that made this story uniquely its own thing.
Overall, this was a quirky, fun-loving, romantic story, and I’m definitely glad I read it.
***A special thanks to the publishers (via Netgalley) for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 17, 2024
This had a really rocky start. I almost chose to DNF at 17% (despite paying $5 for this ebook), but alas, I persevered, and I surprisingly enjoyed this overall.
The writing style annoyed me at times. In particular, the FMC was really annoying in her inner monologue. She would drone on for pages and pages about life theories with a ton of metaphors and description. Everything was sooo theoretical. The FMC, Serena or "Ducky," would hypothesize 1,000,000 different scientific theories and procedures in her own internal monologue, and sometimes it felt like you were reading the introduction page to a chapter in a science textbook. Particularly in the first 20% of the book, I had to start skimming the chapter just to get past her internal monologue because it included nothing of value. I just really wanted to get to actual character interaction. I understand that the FMC is a scientist, but the scientific theories turned metaphors were shoved down my throat so aggressively.
I also hated that the FMC broke the 4th wall and spoke directly to readers. I almost threw my kindle when I got to the spicy scene and she was like "go away pervents. Yes, you" like talking to the readers (not that I particularly cared about the smut...it wasn't very well written...but it was a weird 4th wall break).
The thing I struggled with the most in this book was the insta-love after the characters meet for the first time. They meet at a bar in a meet-cute scene, they speak about 5 sentences total to each other, and then they go back to a hotel room and have sex. While they're having sex, you can barely tell that they're having sex because the FMC is lost in her own head thinking about confusing metaphors. Once you dig through the metaphors, you see that she is describing how they're making love and this is what love is. The male main character feels it too and they both realize they're in love with each other. Like ...what?? I hate insta-love but this was next level bizarre. Honestly, all of chapter 5 was a hot fucking mess. I said what I said. I literally could barely understand what the fuck was going on.
The high point of the book occurred after the main characters switched bodies. I understand where some other reviewers are coming from when they thought that this trope (the body switch trope, a la Freaky Friday) doesn't work for couples, but I actually didn't mind it. Sometimes I was confused about whether I wanted them to hook up in each other's bodies or not LOL. But for the most part, I thought it was funny. The scenes about Serena having erections in Henry's body and Henry getting his period were really funny. On occasion, it was confusing when Serena was in Henry's body and she would be describing the scene as the narrator like "Henry said" because I was like wait like Henry (you!) or Henry in Serena's body? However, that only confused me a few times.
Overall, I won't read it again, but it was entertaining! It was a fresh twist on a classic story. I hated the writing style sometimes, but I was thoroughly entertained from the ~25% mark to the ~75% mark. The ending was fine - didn't hate it or love it. It's relatively short so worth trying if you're interested in the premise.
The writing style annoyed me at times. In particular, the FMC was really annoying in her inner monologue. She would drone on for pages and pages about life theories with a ton of metaphors and description. Everything was sooo theoretical. The FMC, Serena or "Ducky," would hypothesize 1,000,000 different scientific theories and procedures in her own internal monologue, and sometimes it felt like you were reading the introduction page to a chapter in a science textbook. Particularly in the first 20% of the book, I had to start skimming the chapter just to get past her internal monologue because it included nothing of value. I just really wanted to get to actual character interaction. I understand that the FMC is a scientist, but the scientific theories turned metaphors were shoved down my throat so aggressively.
I also hated that the FMC broke the 4th wall and spoke directly to readers. I almost threw my kindle when I got to the spicy scene and she was like "go away pervents. Yes, you" like talking to the readers (not that I particularly cared about the smut...it wasn't very well written...but it was a weird 4th wall break).
The thing I struggled with the most in this book was the insta-love after the characters meet for the first time. They meet at a bar in a meet-cute scene, they speak about 5 sentences total to each other, and then they go back to a hotel room and have sex. While they're having sex, you can barely tell that they're having sex because the FMC is lost in her own head thinking about confusing metaphors. Once you dig through the metaphors, you see that she is describing how they're making love and this is what love is. The male main character feels it too and they both realize they're in love with each other. Like ...what?? I hate insta-love but this was next level bizarre. Honestly, all of chapter 5 was a hot fucking mess. I said what I said. I literally could barely understand what the fuck was going on.
The high point of the book occurred after the main characters switched bodies. I understand where some other reviewers are coming from when they thought that this trope (the body switch trope, a la Freaky Friday) doesn't work for couples, but I actually didn't mind it. Sometimes I was confused about whether I wanted them to hook up in each other's bodies or not LOL. But for the most part, I thought it was funny. The scenes about Serena having erections in Henry's body and Henry getting his period were really funny. On occasion, it was confusing when Serena was in Henry's body and she would be describing the scene as the narrator like "Henry said" because I was like wait like Henry (you!) or Henry in Serena's body? However, that only confused me a few times.
Overall, I won't read it again, but it was entertaining! It was a fresh twist on a classic story. I hated the writing style sometimes, but I was thoroughly entertained from the ~25% mark to the ~75% mark. The ending was fine - didn't hate it or love it. It's relatively short so worth trying if you're interested in the premise.
March 2, 2024
Switched by Sarah Ready
Ghosted series #2. Contemporary romance with just a touch of magic. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Serena Otaki is a science geek and happily unattached. Until she accidentally becomes attached to a bar booth seat via a recent varnish. Serena didn’t see the warning sign and is grateful that Henry Jones come to her aid with his coat. A rescue turns from flirty to a steamy night but Serena isn’t prepared for a commitment of love. An unexpected electric storm on top of science has the two consciousness switching and they find themselves living in each others bodies. Now they need to work together to figure it all out.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook copy of this which was narrated by Kelsey Navarro Foster and James Addison Foster. The performance was charming and engaging. I knew exactly how the characters felt as we moved with the transfer and dealing with family situations. Serena’s comments to the audience or footnotes are humorous but detracted from the story by taking us away from the relationship and story. Those footnotes did give us a lot of background on Serena’s life philosophy.
I listened to the audio at my regular speed of 1.5
Quotes and excerpt:
“Things are only impossible until they’re not.”
“Life is more fun with charts, graphs and footnotes.
Footnote 1
If a date asks me how many sexual partners I’ve had, I say 8. However, in the unspoken footnote they haven’t read, I say sexual partners are like age. Once you hit a certain number, you stop counting.”
Excerpt from Switched by Sarah Ready
I felt a little sorry for Henry. He falls in love and she can’t or isn’t willing to look beyond the physical. Until she’s literally in his body and can no longer walk away. There is a lot of humor in the switch as they deal with family and events in each other’s lives.
Overall it’s lighthearted and romantic.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher Swift & Lewis.
Ghosted series #2. Contemporary romance with just a touch of magic. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Serena Otaki is a science geek and happily unattached. Until she accidentally becomes attached to a bar booth seat via a recent varnish. Serena didn’t see the warning sign and is grateful that Henry Jones come to her aid with his coat. A rescue turns from flirty to a steamy night but Serena isn’t prepared for a commitment of love. An unexpected electric storm on top of science has the two consciousness switching and they find themselves living in each others bodies. Now they need to work together to figure it all out.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook copy of this which was narrated by Kelsey Navarro Foster and James Addison Foster. The performance was charming and engaging. I knew exactly how the characters felt as we moved with the transfer and dealing with family situations. Serena’s comments to the audience or footnotes are humorous but detracted from the story by taking us away from the relationship and story. Those footnotes did give us a lot of background on Serena’s life philosophy.
I listened to the audio at my regular speed of 1.5
Quotes and excerpt:
“Things are only impossible until they’re not.”
“Life is more fun with charts, graphs and footnotes.
Footnote 1
If a date asks me how many sexual partners I’ve had, I say 8. However, in the unspoken footnote they haven’t read, I say sexual partners are like age. Once you hit a certain number, you stop counting.”
Excerpt from Switched by Sarah Ready
I felt a little sorry for Henry. He falls in love and she can’t or isn’t willing to look beyond the physical. Until she’s literally in his body and can no longer walk away. There is a lot of humor in the switch as they deal with family and events in each other’s lives.
Overall it’s lighthearted and romantic.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher Swift & Lewis.
March 19, 2024
2.75 “i got through it - at what cost” stars
༺♥༻ Overview
A romance mixed with a little bit of magic realism and the concept time?? Now that’s an idea! I delved into this book in the form of an audiobook, soo first audiobook of the year and ARC!!
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC! This review contains my honest opinion where the words are mine and mine alone!
༺♥༻What to expect
📬One-night stand
📬Opposites attract
📬 Switching bodies
📬Fake Dating = forced proximity
📬A tad bit funny dialogue and amazing narrator
༺♥༻Characters
⚛️Serena Otaki
Serena was indeed a free-spirited character. She loves her job and ofc physics. She doesn’t believe in love because it changes people, ironically they change to the exact replica of their partner, or so she says 😑 In the beginning i didn’t get her perspective at all, like the girl was ADAMANT about her position and kept mentioning it 🫤 but then it was revealed because of her parent’s relationship, and that made her a tad less annoying...
I have to admit, I didn’t like Serena 😭 and the thing is i don’t even remember why 😀 Her character was not at all memorable, it was as if she was written after Henry’s character was solidified. She is the complete opposite to him and that was it 😀
⚛️Henry Joules
Bruh, Henry my man…is a family man yayy. But he was also insta-love with Serena and for me that was an automatic uh no 😭 (i dont like insta-love..) About Henry, he is clean, British, likes tea, and uh also likes physics? That’s it 😀
⚛️Their Relationship
A one-night stand where sparks fly + insta love, im sorry but that’s not for me. But I did like to see their relationship grow. After the body switch (which took foreverrr) Serena and Henry both got to see different sides to each other. Like Henry’s love for his family, Serena’s passion for her career and love for her family. and ofc each other’s love for tea and coffee 👏😀
The weird part in their dynamic was where Serena was like “I only saw Henry when I was looking at myself, i saw his eyes and HIM” i was literally so confused 😭 It’s a book, yes, but I was genuinely like huhh but he’s in your body so isn’t it kind of hard to ignore the fact that u are brushing YOUR HAIR away from YOUR eyes, you are HUGGING yourself and saying “i felt my breast against henry’s chest”(something like that). That was kind of un-comfy 😭 Is it just me??? oh well…
Ngl, the ending was sweet, the confession was also heart-warming so I bumped up a couple of .75 points 🥹 However, every time I thought they were gonna switch i was holding my breath and they….didn't i was like oop 🙊 Playing with my emotions 😭💀
༺♥༻Plot & Writing/Pace
The pace in the beginning was so slow (or its just me) cause istg i thought i already passed 10 chapters before they switched 😭 Long story short, the beginning felt a tad slow and the ending felt rushed 🙂
The concept of switching bodies is interesting and always will be, but the intriguing part was what the author choose to implement. Like Serena and Henry both got to keep their actions but not their likes and dislikes. So it was really funny when they had to switch accents.
THE NARRATOR NAILED IT!!! She was amazing, and switching in between tones and accents was flawless 👑
The physics references had me 💀💀 which did not make the spicy scenes enjoyable, i had to skip them cause i was rolling my eyes 🫤 But using footnotes and the concept of breaking the fourth was interesting!
Overall, not fully a three stars because i don’t remember majority of the book 😭
༺♥༻ Overview
A romance mixed with a little bit of magic realism and the concept time?? Now that’s an idea! I delved into this book in the form of an audiobook, soo first audiobook of the year and ARC!!
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC! This review contains my honest opinion where the words are mine and mine alone!
༺♥༻What to expect
📬One-night stand
📬Opposites attract
📬 Switching bodies
📬Fake Dating = forced proximity
📬A tad bit funny dialogue and amazing narrator
༺♥༻Characters
⚛️Serena Otaki
Serena was indeed a free-spirited character. She loves her job and ofc physics. She doesn’t believe in love because it changes people, ironically they change to the exact replica of their partner, or so she says 😑 In the beginning i didn’t get her perspective at all, like the girl was ADAMANT about her position and kept mentioning it 🫤 but then it was revealed because of her parent’s relationship, and that made her a tad less annoying...
I have to admit, I didn’t like Serena 😭 and the thing is i don’t even remember why 😀 Her character was not at all memorable, it was as if she was written after Henry’s character was solidified. She is the complete opposite to him and that was it 😀
⚛️Henry Joules
Bruh, Henry my man…is a family man yayy. But he was also insta-love with Serena and for me that was an automatic uh no 😭 (i dont like insta-love..) About Henry, he is clean, British, likes tea, and uh also likes physics? That’s it 😀
⚛️Their Relationship
A one-night stand where sparks fly + insta love, im sorry but that’s not for me. But I did like to see their relationship grow. After the body switch (which took foreverrr) Serena and Henry both got to see different sides to each other. Like Henry’s love for his family, Serena’s passion for her career and love for her family. and ofc each other’s love for tea and coffee 👏😀
The weird part in their dynamic was where Serena was like “I only saw Henry when I was looking at myself, i saw his eyes and HIM” i was literally so confused 😭 It’s a book, yes, but I was genuinely like huhh but he’s in your body so isn’t it kind of hard to ignore the fact that u are brushing YOUR HAIR away from YOUR eyes, you are HUGGING yourself and saying “i felt my breast against henry’s chest”(something like that). That was kind of un-comfy 😭 Is it just me??? oh well…
Ngl, the ending was sweet, the confession was also heart-warming so I bumped up a couple of .75 points 🥹 However, every time I thought they were gonna switch i was holding my breath and they….didn't i was like oop 🙊 Playing with my emotions 😭💀
“But now... I understand. I understand him. He's not trying to control me or change me or anglerfish me. He's just... telling me he knows me.”
༺♥༻Plot & Writing/Pace
The pace in the beginning was so slow (or its just me) cause istg i thought i already passed 10 chapters before they switched 😭 Long story short, the beginning felt a tad slow and the ending felt rushed 🙂
The concept of switching bodies is interesting and always will be, but the intriguing part was what the author choose to implement. Like Serena and Henry both got to keep their actions but not their likes and dislikes. So it was really funny when they had to switch accents.
THE NARRATOR NAILED IT!!! She was amazing, and switching in between tones and accents was flawless 👑
The physics references had me 💀💀 which did not make the spicy scenes enjoyable, i had to skip them cause i was rolling my eyes 🫤 But using footnotes and the concept of breaking the fourth was interesting!
Overall, not fully a three stars because i don’t remember majority of the book 😭
April 28, 2024
I received an advance reader copy of this book to listen to in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
***AUDIO BOOK VERSION***
Switched is a funny, laugh out loud rom-com about Serena and Henry who wake up one day to find they are no longer in their own bodies but are now inside each others. This was such a fun concept for the story and I loved how they adjusted to the situation as well as how tastes and feelings etc stayed for their bodies even though they'd switched (such as taste, emotions, attractions and even access to each others memories).
I was so happy with how the author handled their attraction to each other and romantic elements without making the story weird or nauseating since they were in each others body. There's some really tender and sweet moments in the story that are so well executed, and I loved both the main characters from the start. The only thing I didn't like was how the audio book changed to a male narrator in the one of the last chapters as this threw me and I felt it would have been better narrated by the main narrator who narrated the rest of the book as it just didn't gel with me.
***AUDIO BOOK VERSION***
Switched is a funny, laugh out loud rom-com about Serena and Henry who wake up one day to find they are no longer in their own bodies but are now inside each others. This was such a fun concept for the story and I loved how they adjusted to the situation as well as how tastes and feelings etc stayed for their bodies even though they'd switched (such as taste, emotions, attractions and even access to each others memories).
I was so happy with how the author handled their attraction to each other and romantic elements without making the story weird or nauseating since they were in each others body. There's some really tender and sweet moments in the story that are so well executed, and I loved both the main characters from the start. The only thing I didn't like was how the audio book changed to a male narrator in the one of the last chapters as this threw me and I felt it would have been better narrated by the main narrator who narrated the rest of the book as it just didn't gel with me.
March 13, 2024
This was truly one of those books that the author reels you in with their writing style. I received the audiobook format, but the author truly has a way with words. It automatically made me want to go find and devour every book this author has written. The characters are so perfect in their own, so different in personalities and everything. It was wild that they switched bodies, I was like how is this going to work if they're going to date one another but also themselves as it's their own bodies they're dating while they're in the other person's body. It was a crazy concept, but the author did it justice. Super fun, quirky, and interesting. I loved that the FMC was smart and goal driven, not the weak damsel in distress a lot of other authors paint FMCs out to be. Both of the narrators did the main characters justice. A wonderful read all around!
I received this audiobook from NetGalley, W.W. Crown and IBPA to listen/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully listening to the audiobook.
I received this audiobook from NetGalley, W.W. Crown and IBPA to listen/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully listening to the audiobook.
April 9, 2024
Switched was such a fun read! Prepare to suspend your disbelief and go along for the ride. Serena and Henry are both physicists working in Switzerland at the Large Hadron Collider (Don’t worry; you really don’t need to know what that is.) They are both very serious about their careers. However, they meet in a bar before Henry starts work at the LHC and sparks fly. When Serena realizes he’s going to be her boss, she skedaddles and tries to avoid him as much as possible.
Time passes and they are basically work enemies. Then during a storm, they have an “out of body experience” a la Freaky Friday. Suddenly Serena is in Henry’s body and vice versa. They don’t know how to reverse things and decide they need to stay together to try to figure it out. Which necessitates Serena attending Henry’s brother’s wedding as Henry, and so forth. They gradually learn to empathize with each other as they access some of the other person’s memories. There’s a hilarious scene when Henry, in Serena’s body, experiences menstrual cramps and thinks he’s dying and needs to go to the hospital!
What began as an insta-love hot one night stand turns into a slow burn, opposites-attract romance, and I loved it.
This is the second book in a planned trilogy but you definitely don’t need to read the first book to enjoy this one. (I didn’t.) A couple of people from the first book, Ghosted, appear in this one, but that’s all.
I bounced between the audiobook and the ebook for this title, which was very convenient. The audiobook is narrated mostly by Kelsey Navarro Foster, who did a great job with all the accents (Serena is from northern California and Henry is English), with one chapter narrated by James Anderson Foster.
Thank you to W.W. Crown an Imprint of Swift & Lewis Publishing LLC, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book and to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
Time passes and they are basically work enemies. Then during a storm, they have an “out of body experience” a la Freaky Friday. Suddenly Serena is in Henry’s body and vice versa. They don’t know how to reverse things and decide they need to stay together to try to figure it out. Which necessitates Serena attending Henry’s brother’s wedding as Henry, and so forth. They gradually learn to empathize with each other as they access some of the other person’s memories. There’s a hilarious scene when Henry, in Serena’s body, experiences menstrual cramps and thinks he’s dying and needs to go to the hospital!
What began as an insta-love hot one night stand turns into a slow burn, opposites-attract romance, and I loved it.
This is the second book in a planned trilogy but you definitely don’t need to read the first book to enjoy this one. (I didn’t.) A couple of people from the first book, Ghosted, appear in this one, but that’s all.
I bounced between the audiobook and the ebook for this title, which was very convenient. The audiobook is narrated mostly by Kelsey Navarro Foster, who did a great job with all the accents (Serena is from northern California and Henry is English), with one chapter narrated by James Anderson Foster.
Thank you to W.W. Crown an Imprint of Swift & Lewis Publishing LLC, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book and to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
March 23, 2024
"Fix it in here. A man can’t make you complete. Only you can do that"
₊⊹⁀➴ brief summary . 💨 .˳⁺⁎˚
Her first love is physics, it runs in her mind everytime. But second love makes us feel like the first one wasnt even love right?
₊⊹⁀➴ What to expect . 💫 .˳⁺⁎˚
» Insta love
» Physics stuff
» Opposite attract
» One night stand
» Forced proximity
» Fake dating
₊⊹⁀➴ Writing . 🖋️ .˳⁺⁎˚
I LOVE the writing. From the first page I couldn't stop reading at all. And upon learning that this was the second book of it’s series I’m actually looking forward to read the first one and the other ones too. Although I have to admit sometimes it focused too much on the background. It also feels like the characters are talking to the reader and also its written in very easy manner.
₊⊹⁀➴ My view . ✨ .˳⁺⁎˚
So reading the description I knew either I was gonna hate it or love it, nth in between, and I’m so glad that it was latter. The comedic things were really great I ACTUALLY laughed There were some awkward things but overall this was an good good read.
⋆⁺｡˚⋆˙‧₊☽ ◯ ☾₊‧˙⋆˚｡⁺⋆⋆⁺｡˚⋆˙‧₊☽ ◯ ☾₊‧˙⋆˚｡⁺⋆⋆⁺｡˚⋆˙‧₊☽ ◯ ☾₊‧˙⋆˚｡⁺⋆
Pre read | ⚛️
I've a love hate relationship with physics but I hope I like this 💌 and also this plot reminds me of that one anime movie (ifykyk) 🤭
February 18, 2024
”If you don’t reach out and capture the moment, you may never find that moment again.”
“This is one of those moments? The ones we should capture?”
“Yes.”
Well, she’s only gone and bloody done it again! Sarah Ready -a must read Author in our opinion- has completely stolen our hearts with Switched. We can’t say we’re surprised as every book she’s written has left us in awe. In awe of the way in which we connect to every single character. In awe of her seamless and flawless writing. In awe of her unique storytelling that always captures our attention as well as our hearts. In awe of her flair for bending the rules and challenging concepts of romance. We could go on!
”I’ve always believed one of the best things about humans is that we always strive, always hope, even when there isn’t any reason to.”
There’s something so human about Sarah Ready’s characters, sure, they encompass a little magic but mostly they’re made up of -real- real emotions, real fears, real dreams, real aspirations, real awkwardness, real hope, and real and honest love. Her stories are all so different, yet every single one has this realness running through the pages which is what makes us fall in book love. We laugh, we cry, we fall in love.
”Your soul burns so bright it doesn’t matter what you look like or what body you’re in – it’s you. Nothing can change that.”
Switched is an unusual story of love. It’s the second book in Sarah Ready’s Ghosted Series, however, can absolutely be read as a standalone. We highly recommend reading both though as each is as wonderful as the other. Serena and Henry, as different as night and day yet both complement each other beautifully, but wow does it take quite the journey for them to understand and realise the why and the how. A heartbreaking, beautiful, funny, and ever so sweet journey. One that had us smiling and laughing and falling in love.
’It’s not love at first sight. It’s not friendship to love. It’s not hate to love. It’s not blind love. It’s love built from understanding. A love that knows all my flaws, everything I’m afraid of or that I’ve done wrong, all my idiosyncrasies and all my blind spots – a love that knows I’m human and often bull-headed, stubborn, and mistaken. A love that knows me and still loves – loves every hidden corner of me, every dark depth, and every idiotic thing I’ve done in the past and may do in the future, and still, still loves me. It isn’t a passing love or a superficial love. It’s a deep, abiding, accepting love. A burning, undying love.’
February 2, 2024
4⭐️
I thought this book was really cute and quirky. What really made this book work for me was the writing style. I loved the use of the footnotes it brought in some humor and uniqueness to this story. I also loved the use of breaking the fourth wall to the audience.
The dialogue of this book was really well done and I thought it was super relatable. It also made the two main characters Serena "Ducky" and Henry really loveable. I really liked the freaky Friday body switch. I thought it was really interesting how that each got some fragments of memory. Not realizing their remembering a day that we're together from each others point of view.
It did have my favorite trope of he fell first but it also had some other tropes that really don't work for me personally. Such as instant love. In the first chapter he is talking about how this is love at first sight. I did appreciate the time jump after this and made it a bit more tolerable. There was also a reveal in middle that I felt was not needed for this story and kind of discredited the authenticity of the love at first site.
Overall I thought this was a lovely story with a lot of heart. The things that didn't work for me was my own personal preferences. I'm interested to read more from author. I would recommend this story to fans of Ashley Poston, where there is a mix of supernatural/magical realism.
Thank you to NetGalley and W.w. Crown for the advanced reader copy. My review is voluntarily my own.
I thought this book was really cute and quirky. What really made this book work for me was the writing style. I loved the use of the footnotes it brought in some humor and uniqueness to this story. I also loved the use of breaking the fourth wall to the audience.
The dialogue of this book was really well done and I thought it was super relatable. It also made the two main characters Serena "Ducky" and Henry really loveable. I really liked the freaky Friday body switch. I thought it was really interesting how that each got some fragments of memory. Not realizing their remembering a day that we're together from each others point of view.
It did have my favorite trope of he fell first but it also had some other tropes that really don't work for me personally. Such as instant love. In the first chapter he is talking about how this is love at first sight. I did appreciate the time jump after this and made it a bit more tolerable. There was also a reveal in middle that I felt was not needed for this story and kind of discredited the authenticity of the love at first site.
Overall I thought this was a lovely story with a lot of heart. The things that didn't work for me was my own personal preferences. I'm interested to read more from author. I would recommend this story to fans of Ashley Poston, where there is a mix of supernatural/magical realism.
Thank you to NetGalley and W.w. Crown for the advanced reader copy. My review is voluntarily my own.
April 3, 2024
4.75🌟!
Serena Otaki and Henry has my whole heart. When they say opposite attract it’s about couples like these two.
Where She is messy, eccentric, outgoing, one child and queen of ONS— He is calm, kinda stoic to outsiders, loyal, comes from a huge British family and a VIRGIN!
Their paths collide and like they say, the rest is history.
This book gave me major Ali Hazelwood book vibes and I couldn’t get enough of them.
My God, there were many many moments they made me hoot with laughter and emotional. Especially where Henry had to suffer through the PMS and subsequent monthly visit from someone we all dread! Kudos to author for writing such a scene. Poor Henry! He was traumatised.
And what a unique story concept. This is my first time reading a romance about body swap and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Fran, Jillian and Daniel’s cameo made me nostalgic.
I admit, Serena’s initial actions did make me irritated especially because Henry was such a sweetheart. But as the story progressed I understood Serena and the reason behind her actions better.
Overall I absolutely recommend this book to all who love:
-Brit Hero x American Heroine.
-Forced proximity.
-He falls First closely followed by her.
-Body swap.
-humour, angst, characters with depth, self discovery, wonderful gang of secondary characters.
-Highly Recommended.
Serena Otaki and Henry has my whole heart. When they say opposite attract it’s about couples like these two.
Where She is messy, eccentric, outgoing, one child and queen of ONS— He is calm, kinda stoic to outsiders, loyal, comes from a huge British family and a VIRGIN!
Their paths collide and like they say, the rest is history.
This book gave me major Ali Hazelwood book vibes and I couldn’t get enough of them.
My God, there were many many moments they made me hoot with laughter and emotional. Especially where Henry had to suffer through the PMS and subsequent monthly visit from someone we all dread! Kudos to author for writing such a scene. Poor Henry! He was traumatised.
And what a unique story concept. This is my first time reading a romance about body swap and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Fran, Jillian and Daniel’s cameo made me nostalgic.
I admit, Serena’s initial actions did make me irritated especially because Henry was such a sweetheart. But as the story progressed I understood Serena and the reason behind her actions better.
Overall I absolutely recommend this book to all who love:
-Brit Hero x American Heroine.
-Forced proximity.
-He falls First closely followed by her.
-Body swap.
-humour, angst, characters with depth, self discovery, wonderful gang of secondary characters.
-Highly Recommended.
January 10, 2024
You may have to suspend reality to fully appreciate this nerdy, supernatural body swapping romcom that in my opinion only Sarah Ready could pull off so well!! Work rivals and total opposites, Serena and Henry find themselves waking up in each other's body after a freak accident happens involving the Large Hadron Collider forcing them to impersonate one another for some family functions.
A completely unique fake dating romance, this one was great on audio and had my laughing so hard. Many thanks to NetGalley and the author for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review. This was also good on audio narrated by one of my favs, Kelsey Navarro Foster and James Anderson Foster.
A completely unique fake dating romance, this one was great on audio and had my laughing so hard. Many thanks to NetGalley and the author for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review. This was also good on audio narrated by one of my favs, Kelsey Navarro Foster and James Anderson Foster.
Want to read
March 23, 2024Found out that I got the arc ages ago, ill be reading this one soonish
March 29, 2024
4 stars! ⭐
This book was like something I have never read before...and I loved every second of this!
My thoughts:
I couldn't out this book down, and this book transported me to this world. The vibes were super cozy, with the setting being in Scotland, and the whole premise is just unique.
Basically, it's a version of Freaky Friday.
And lorddd, do I love Henry.
It was also fascinating seeing the diagrams and charts that Serena made.
I just love everything about this book, however, there were a few things I disliked.
What I liked:
• Henry. Of course, sweet, sweet Henry. My baby.
🥲And the fact that he's British. 🤭
•The atmosphere was so cozy
•I loved all the side characters. Vinny? I can't.
🤣
•This book is hilarious. You have no goddamn idea how many times I laughed my ass off
•Henry and Serena's chemistry
•Henry and Serena's irresistible urge to drink fifty cups of tea and coffee every day
•This book is written very well, and I read through it smoothly
•I really enjoyed seeing ghosting represented in a book, because it has happened to me many times, and this is my first time seeing the aftermath of being ghosted in a book before, and it made me so emotional. But I loved it.
•This book has so many good things I can name, but I very much mostly like the message this book gives. That you don't need to fear love, because you already love something with you're whole heart. Love doesn't have to devour you. You can love multiple things
My dislikes:
•Serena. No, not Serena, her personality. Nah, it's just Serena. Now, hear me out. I do not by any means hate this character, I liked her pretty well, however, this girl would constantly talk about how she is so attractive and that all the men want to be with her. Once the switch happened, the way I felt about her in the beginning changed. I just didn't feel like she had much personality, but at the same time, she is literally married to her job, doesn't do relationships, and gets trapped in someone else's body. That would make sense why there isn't much personality really there. BUT GIRLIE REDEEMED HERSELF.
•I disliked all the constant science talk. Yes, I get it is her job, but I was just so confused and in random points in the book, it would go on and on
•Lorna. Say no more.
•Something that weirded me out was these two kissing themselves, basically in love with themselves and to me it felt weird. I understand they had to go into each other's bodies, and there were only a few scenes like this.
Overall, this was one of my favorite reads so far this year, and I can't wait to read more from this author, and finally read the other two books in this series.
But one more thing: PRAISE FOR HENRY MY KING. ✨🥲
January 16, 2024
Switched is a modern day Freaky Friday romance. Serena and Henry share one intense night and Henry tries to explain it as love at first sight. She doesn’t believe in it and doesn’t have time for anything other than physics. During a crazy storm, they switch bodies and have to attend a wedding pretending to be each other and unresolved feelings resurface.
Cute romance story, not steamy but still a fun read.
-second chance
-STEM romance
-MMC Accent
Thank you to Sarah Ready, NetGalley and W. W. Crown for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Cute romance story, not steamy but still a fun read.
-second chance
-STEM romance
-MMC Accent
Thank you to Sarah Ready, NetGalley and W. W. Crown for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2024
Ready is one of my favorite authors; she just has a way of writing relatable, authentic characters & funny yet emotional storylines & this one was no different. I loved the Freaky Friday aspect of the story and Serena’s character arc was a highlight for me. I did not realize this was book 2 after Ghosted (which I loved), so I was so happy to see those characters return. This can be read as a standalone though. I would have liked to see more of Henry’s POV, but I did appreciate that we got to see how both characters dealt with their respective family situations. I alternated between the audiobook and e-book and enjoyed both formats. Overall, if you are a fan of Ali Hazelwood or Katherine Center, I highly recommend!
February 21, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and W. W. Crown, and imprint of Swift & Lewis Publishing, LLC for allowing me to listen to an early of this audiobook.
Even before starting this book I knew I would have liked it since I am a 2000 baby and absolutely loved It´s a boy Girl Thing.
If you, like me, were a fan of thet little gem than Switched it´s definitely for you.
It is a laugh out loud book, very easy and happy going with a super nice approach to the switching body concept.
I loved that even if the main character switched their bodies were craving what they were used to. I think it was a super nice and distinctive touch.
The audiobook was very well produced and the voice actress did an amazing job with the accents. I was laughing out loud when Serena was trying to do the brithish accent. Chef kiss.
Also Henry was so sweet. I love a well written cinnamon roll.
Even before starting this book I knew I would have liked it since I am a 2000 baby and absolutely loved It´s a boy Girl Thing.
If you, like me, were a fan of thet little gem than Switched it´s definitely for you.
It is a laugh out loud book, very easy and happy going with a super nice approach to the switching body concept.
I loved that even if the main character switched their bodies were craving what they were used to. I think it was a super nice and distinctive touch.
The audiobook was very well produced and the voice actress did an amazing job with the accents. I was laughing out loud when Serena was trying to do the brithish accent. Chef kiss.
Also Henry was so sweet. I love a well written cinnamon roll.
January 21, 2024
I am seriously amazed by Sarah Ready. She has the amazing ability to create such unique storylines.
Switched is Freaky Friday inspired, but a man and woman swap. To say it's hilarious is an understatement. This might be Sarah's funniest book yet.
I both read and listened to it and it was fabulous in both formats, the audio production was superb and may have made it even more funny.
Highly entertaining, laugh out loud funny and a good dose of LOVE ❤️
Switched is Freaky Friday inspired, but a man and woman swap. To say it's hilarious is an understatement. This might be Sarah's funniest book yet.
I both read and listened to it and it was fabulous in both formats, the audio production was superb and may have made it even more funny.
Highly entertaining, laugh out loud funny and a good dose of LOVE ❤️
January 17, 2024
Switched is a modern day Freaky Friday romance. Serena and Henry share one intense night and Henry tries to explain it as love at first sight. She doesn’t believe in it and doesn’t have time for anything other than physics. During a crazy storm, they switch bodies and have to attend a wedding pretending to be each other and unresolved feelings resurface.
Cute romance story, not steamy but still a fun read.
-second chance
-STEM romance
-MMC Accent
Thank you to Sarah Ready, NetGalley and W. W. Crown for a copy in exchange for an honest review
Cute romance story, not steamy but still a fun read.
-second chance
-STEM romance
-MMC Accent
Thank you to Sarah Ready, NetGalley and W. W. Crown for a copy in exchange for an honest review
April 4, 2024
I loved Ghosted, the first book in this series. So was excited to start Switched. And it was just as good! Serena doesn't believe she can love anything more than she loves science. So after she meets Henry and they have a magical night together, she panics and pushes him away. Only to discover Henry is her new co-worker. To make matters worse, an electric storm causes the impossible...Serena finds herself inside Henry's body. And Henry is in her body.
This is a cute and heartwarming book about finding love, but not losing yourself. I really enjoyed how the author tied in science with humor and romance. There were funny and tender moments and a few parts that were very thought-provoking. I really enjoyed it.
This is a cute and heartwarming book about finding love, but not losing yourself. I really enjoyed how the author tied in science with humor and romance. There were funny and tender moments and a few parts that were very thought-provoking. I really enjoyed it.
February 5, 2024
The author does such a great job with this series. I loved the first one but I think I liked this one more. It was a freaky Friday romance version. Plenty of humor, tugging on the heart strings, and cute romance of course. This was one that I just couldn’t turn off (audiobook) and I’d highly recommend it.
🌀Synopsis
Serena is a science geek- and proudly! She works in Switzerland at the Hardon Collider and it’s her dream job. Her romantic life is another story- it’s definitely not her dream. I’m fact, she once had a one night stand with her boss Henry. After their initial encounter he told her he loved her and she thought he was crazy.
After discovering they worked together their romantic relationship was over and he treated her with practical indifference. They were simply coworkers.
Until one night, they suddenly changed bodies. She woke up in his body and he woke up in hers. Both were shocked to discover their new homes and tried to figure out how to switch back. When nothing worked they were forced to figure out how to tackle events, work, families, etc. They ended up finding out a lot of intimate details about each other and helping each other through some difficult situations. Their way back to their normal bodies nearly kills them both but in the end their newfound love for each other saves them.
🌀Synopsis
Serena is a science geek- and proudly! She works in Switzerland at the Hardon Collider and it’s her dream job. Her romantic life is another story- it’s definitely not her dream. I’m fact, she once had a one night stand with her boss Henry. After their initial encounter he told her he loved her and she thought he was crazy.
After discovering they worked together their romantic relationship was over and he treated her with practical indifference. They were simply coworkers.
Until one night, they suddenly changed bodies. She woke up in his body and he woke up in hers. Both were shocked to discover their new homes and tried to figure out how to switch back. When nothing worked they were forced to figure out how to tackle events, work, families, etc. They ended up finding out a lot of intimate details about each other and helping each other through some difficult situations. Their way back to their normal bodies nearly kills them both but in the end their newfound love for each other saves them.
February 13, 2024
4 stars
I have read many of Sarah Ready's books now, and one thing I adore about this author is how well she can take a certain storyline and make characters that bring it to life effortlessly. This is the second book in the Ghosted series, and I admit, I didn't know how Ready would top falling in love with a ghost, but switching bodies with the guy you could have some really big feelings with is definitely a step up from that.
I thoroughly enjoyed the concept of the body swap, but what truly made it work was Ready's character building. Serena and Henry, despite being in opposite gendered bodies than those they were born with, still felt just like themselves. Sure, there were some additional changes to their reactions whilst in the wrong bodies (still giggling over Henry enduring a period), but it was easy to envision their core personalities regardless. This was so cleverly weaved together, and I applaud Ready for doing such a fantastic job with it.
I also enjoyed the reluctant romance from Serena's side of things. I really appreciated how she went from being against anything to do with Henry romantically, to slowly evolving her beliefs in what a healthy relationship looks like for each couple. This plotline wasn't rushed, and because it took time to evolve her feelings from never having solid relationships to admitting there was something special between her and Henry going on, when it got to the proper intimacy and love confessions, it felt real and bolstered her character's depth so much. Henry, bless him, was so steadfast and honest with his feelings, that I just loved him from the beginning. His patience, and also his acknowledgment to himself that he couldn't keep putting his heart on the line was perfectly executed. The use of forced proximity was well placed in this book.
But I did give this one half a star less than Ghosted, which I'm so frustrated by, but I have to address the elephant in the room. Should I draw a diagram too? List it out? Go into the details of said elephant scientifically? And make sure I footnote everything? Whilst on one hand, fans of Ali Hazelwood's STEM romances would most likely enjoy this book a great deal, since both Serena and Henry work together in a science-based career, sadly, I found the use of footnotes, diagrams, lists, and the excess science lessons detracted from the story. I was rather dismayed when I started the story because it was just so overwhelming. However, whilst in Henry's body, Serena's need for all of these seems to disappear, and the storyline could breathe. I would have given this 4.5 easily, as I loved the couple more than the first book's, if they didn't come back again at the end, but they reappeared and it threw my love for this world away. I wish I could overlook the author's choice to write like this because the storyline was so good! But it really did a disservice to the story in my opinion.
Will I be reading the next book in this series? Absolutely. Do I recommend this still, despite the negative reaction I had? Most definitely. Is Sarah Ready an auto-read author of mine now? I really think so. I've thoroughly enjoyed my time picking up books by this author, and I can't imagine a time when I wouldn't.
I have read many of Sarah Ready's books now, and one thing I adore about this author is how well she can take a certain storyline and make characters that bring it to life effortlessly. This is the second book in the Ghosted series, and I admit, I didn't know how Ready would top falling in love with a ghost, but switching bodies with the guy you could have some really big feelings with is definitely a step up from that.
I thoroughly enjoyed the concept of the body swap, but what truly made it work was Ready's character building. Serena and Henry, despite being in opposite gendered bodies than those they were born with, still felt just like themselves. Sure, there were some additional changes to their reactions whilst in the wrong bodies (still giggling over Henry enduring a period), but it was easy to envision their core personalities regardless. This was so cleverly weaved together, and I applaud Ready for doing such a fantastic job with it.
I also enjoyed the reluctant romance from Serena's side of things. I really appreciated how she went from being against anything to do with Henry romantically, to slowly evolving her beliefs in what a healthy relationship looks like for each couple. This plotline wasn't rushed, and because it took time to evolve her feelings from never having solid relationships to admitting there was something special between her and Henry going on, when it got to the proper intimacy and love confessions, it felt real and bolstered her character's depth so much. Henry, bless him, was so steadfast and honest with his feelings, that I just loved him from the beginning. His patience, and also his acknowledgment to himself that he couldn't keep putting his heart on the line was perfectly executed. The use of forced proximity was well placed in this book.
But I did give this one half a star less than Ghosted, which I'm so frustrated by, but I have to address the elephant in the room. Should I draw a diagram too? List it out? Go into the details of said elephant scientifically? And make sure I footnote everything? Whilst on one hand, fans of Ali Hazelwood's STEM romances would most likely enjoy this book a great deal, since both Serena and Henry work together in a science-based career, sadly, I found the use of footnotes, diagrams, lists, and the excess science lessons detracted from the story. I was rather dismayed when I started the story because it was just so overwhelming. However, whilst in Henry's body, Serena's need for all of these seems to disappear, and the storyline could breathe. I would have given this 4.5 easily, as I loved the couple more than the first book's, if they didn't come back again at the end, but they reappeared and it threw my love for this world away. I wish I could overlook the author's choice to write like this because the storyline was so good! But it really did a disservice to the story in my opinion.
Will I be reading the next book in this series? Absolutely. Do I recommend this still, despite the negative reaction I had? Most definitely. Is Sarah Ready an auto-read author of mine now? I really think so. I've thoroughly enjoyed my time picking up books by this author, and I can't imagine a time when I wouldn't.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,018 reviews