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A review by gnomepatronus
The Unexpected Match by L. Clara
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I went into this book 100% blind, knowing nothing except that the author was incredibly kind when I met her at a book convention in Lexington KY and that one of those January Instagram challenges listed her as a “must read.” So imagine my head tilt when I hit chapter one and saw the words “Open Marriage.”
Now, don’t get me wrong, I’ve read plenty of books where marriage comes with no doors—or where things start closed and one thing leads to a bed that’s suddenly much more crowded. But this guy? Oh, this jerk (don’t worry, we know right away he’s a jerk) takes his wife to their go-to restaurant, the one they’ve gone to for years, for their anniversary dinner and drops the bomb that he isn’t fulfilled and wants an open marriage. Like, SIR. What the hell?
Needless to say, Hadley (our FMC) is blindsided. But here’s the thing: this asshat is her high school sweetheart, the love of her life, and the only man she’s ever been with. She’s heartbroken, devastated, and clinging to the hope of saving her marriage, so she says yes. I know, I know, I KNOW…you’re probably thinking, “She should just dump him.” And trust me, I feel that. But I can also see why someone might take less than they deserve, holding on to the faint hope that it’ll bring them the love they’re wishing for.
That said, Hadley’s friends? ICONS. These women convince her that an open marriage means she gets to play too, and oh boy, does she play. Enter Connor—the accent alone is enough to melt panties. And watching Hadley step into her own power? Chef’s kiss.
I do wish the book had an extra 100 pages to fully explore Hadley’s emotional complexity, her inner turmoil, societal expectations, and the rawness of finding herself again. Some twists felt a little rushed, but one thing I loved was that Hadley fought to save herself. No one did it for her. The bonus journal entries from Hadley’s perspective were stunning and added such depth to her journey. I hope those eventually get worked into the main story because they complete her emotional arc beautifully.
While the pacing wasn’t perfect, there was so much about this story that felt raw and real. It’s a tale that’s relatable to so many, and if you don’t need the why explained to you—well, I’m sorry you understand it so deeply. For those who can’t relate, remember that not everyone makes the same choices, and if you haven’t been in those shoes, sometimes you just need to listen without judgment.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I’ve read plenty of books where marriage comes with no doors—or where things start closed and one thing leads to a bed that’s suddenly much more crowded. But this guy? Oh, this jerk (don’t worry, we know right away he’s a jerk) takes his wife to their go-to restaurant, the one they’ve gone to for years, for their anniversary dinner and drops the bomb that he isn’t fulfilled and wants an open marriage. Like, SIR. What the hell?
Needless to say, Hadley (our FMC) is blindsided. But here’s the thing: this asshat is her high school sweetheart, the love of her life, and the only man she’s ever been with. She’s heartbroken, devastated, and clinging to the hope of saving her marriage, so she says yes. I know, I know, I KNOW…you’re probably thinking, “She should just dump him.” And trust me, I feel that. But I can also see why someone might take less than they deserve, holding on to the faint hope that it’ll bring them the love they’re wishing for.
That said, Hadley’s friends? ICONS. These women convince her that an open marriage means she gets to play too, and oh boy, does she play. Enter Connor—the accent alone is enough to melt panties. And watching Hadley step into her own power? Chef’s kiss.
I do wish the book had an extra 100 pages to fully explore Hadley’s emotional complexity, her inner turmoil, societal expectations, and the rawness of finding herself again. Some twists felt a little rushed, but one thing I loved was that Hadley fought to save herself. No one did it for her. The bonus journal entries from Hadley’s perspective were stunning and added such depth to her journey. I hope those eventually get worked into the main story because they complete her emotional arc beautifully.
While the pacing wasn’t perfect, there was so much about this story that felt raw and real. It’s a tale that’s relatable to so many, and if you don’t need the why explained to you—well, I’m sorry you understand it so deeply. For those who can’t relate, remember that not everyone makes the same choices, and if you haven’t been in those shoes, sometimes you just need to listen without judgment.