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Unmatched
Love Mismatched
They saved their marriage once—but will the future tear them apart?
After a near-terminal dry spell, Lydia Richie never thought she’d learn to enjoy sex, let alone be any good at it. But here she is, attending weekly sex therapy with her husband, slowly rebuilding their marriage from inside the bedroom—and out. Things finally feel like they’re falling into place until she gets an unexpected request: her husband wants a baby.
Anton Richie never dreamed his past mistakes could strengthen his marriage, but he isn’t looking back. Against all odds, he's got a second chance with the woman he loves. And after losing his mom, starting a family feels like the thing he needs to help him heal.
But Lydia’s not sure she’s cut out for motherhood—her own mom certainly wasn’t—and she isn’t ready to toss her birth control just yet. As both tensions and heat grow between the couple, they find themselves at a crossroads. Can they find a path forward together, or are their dreams for the future too mismatched?
This is the second book in the steamy, emotional Unmatched Series. If you like Parker S. Huntington, Kandi Steiner, or Colleen Hoover, you’ll love what this series does to your heart.
After a near-terminal dry spell, Lydia Richie never thought she’d learn to enjoy sex, let alone be any good at it. But here she is, attending weekly sex therapy with her husband, slowly rebuilding their marriage from inside the bedroom—and out. Things finally feel like they’re falling into place until she gets an unexpected request: her husband wants a baby.
Anton Richie never dreamed his past mistakes could strengthen his marriage, but he isn’t looking back. Against all odds, he's got a second chance with the woman he loves. And after losing his mom, starting a family feels like the thing he needs to help him heal.
But Lydia’s not sure she’s cut out for motherhood—her own mom certainly wasn’t—and she isn’t ready to toss her birth control just yet. As both tensions and heat grow between the couple, they find themselves at a crossroads. Can they find a path forward together, or are their dreams for the future too mismatched?
This is the second book in the steamy, emotional Unmatched Series. If you like Parker S. Huntington, Kandi Steiner, or Colleen Hoover, you’ll love what this series does to your heart.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 27, 2024
119 people are currently reading
352 people want to read
About the author
Emilia Reed
3 books28 followersEmilia Reed was raised in Upstate New York until she fell in love and fled its gray skies for the sunny Rocky Mountains. When she is not attempting to substitute couples therapy with romance novels, she spends her time obsessing over dogs and searching for the perfect coffee and ice cream pairing. Emilia lives in Colorado with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 27, 2024
Yeah…no.
August 30, 2024
eh
still don’t like anton. like lydia isn’t ready for a child YET (and questions if she wants one at all) but agrees to give him one bc she’s scared he’ll leave her… and he literally says he would’ve never been with her if he knew she didn’t want kids???
yet again, ANOTHER book where anton doesn’t do shit to repair his relationship. it’s always what is lydia doing wrong and what does she need to do to make him happy
anton is such a loser. im a sucker for second chance romance or marriage in crisis books and ive gotta say there’s so many CHEATING mmcs that can communicate and grovel better than this man. i would pick those cheaters any day than even consider a man like anton fr. at least the cheaters can see their mistakes, admit to it, and work towards fixing their relationship, showing their love, and building back trust while anton does nothing 🧍♂️
still don’t like anton. like lydia isn’t ready for a child YET (and questions if she wants one at all) but agrees to give him one bc she’s scared he’ll leave her… and he literally says he would’ve never been with her if he knew she didn’t want kids???
yet again, ANOTHER book where anton doesn’t do shit to repair his relationship. it’s always what is lydia doing wrong and what does she need to do to make him happy
anton is such a loser. im a sucker for second chance romance or marriage in crisis books and ive gotta say there’s so many CHEATING mmcs that can communicate and grovel better than this man. i would pick those cheaters any day than even consider a man like anton fr. at least the cheaters can see their mistakes, admit to it, and work towards fixing their relationship, showing their love, and building back trust while anton does nothing 🧍♂️
August 17, 2024
Their marriage was almost over due to her not wanting to be intimate with him. So they go and see a therapist who starts to help her and things are looking up for them. Will it be the saving of their marriage? How will it all go? See how it goes
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
September 9, 2024
⭐️ solid 3 star
This is the second book in the series but you don't need to read the first to understand the plot.
After nearly catching her husband, Anton, cheating on a dating app, Lydia and him start to reconcile. Anton's mother dies, and in his season of grief, he asks Lydia if they can start a family. Lydia is reluctant to become a parent due to her own toxic family and bad examples of motherhood growing up, but she agrees to keep the peace with her husband in this fragile state of their marriage.
Pros --
✨ I did not read the first story, and this one was written in a way that I could piece it together well via context clues.
✨ The writing was solid. A lot of good dialogue and overall format. It felt like a well written book -- My gripes come from the story, not how it was conveyed.
✨ I like the overall plot to this story (and the duet). Coming back from a near-cheating experience and how to navigate a relationship is a great story to tell. It's definitely not as easy as "just leave them!" and I appreciate how the author tackled this.
✨ I appreciate how the families were depicted. It's very hard to go to low/no contact with a toxic family and when one person in a relationship comes from a good family, it can be extra hard to not only make that call, but to get them to understand. I appreciate how this dynamic was shown and told because it felt very realistic.
✨
Cons --
✨ I honestly just think Anton and Lydia are a bad match. They have been together so long that in theory, they should be great together. But they have fundamental value differences and I think that is tough to navigate for the two of them. It's ok to grow apart, and I think they just did. I know in the end,
✨ Along with that, these two need to talk. Everyone in this book needs to talk, honestly. Lydia expects the worst of everyone, even her best friend. Anton and Lydia have awful communication skills. Just talk, please.
✨ The grief of losing a parent takes a long time to manage, especially when you had a good functioning relationship. The fact that Anton leads with his grief and is all "we need to have a baby right NOW" should have been a giant red flag. He needs a therapist. I'm mad he (or Lydia) didn't even consider this.
✨ I am not a fan of Lydia's black and white thinking. You can be a mom and be focused on work, you can have kids and also enjoy when they are somewhere else. You can hate pregnancy and love kids. Idk, man. I am a parent myself who also struggled with the whole "would I be a good mom?" vibe, but if you are THAT wishy washy on kids, either talk to people who have them and see if that changes anything or just like, DON'T have them.
Overall, a 3 star. It was a book, I read it. I will not read any more in this universe.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the second book in the series but you don't need to read the first to understand the plot.
After nearly catching her husband, Anton, cheating on a dating app, Lydia and him start to reconcile. Anton's mother dies, and in his season of grief, he asks Lydia if they can start a family. Lydia is reluctant to become a parent due to her own toxic family and bad examples of motherhood growing up, but she agrees to keep the peace with her husband in this fragile state of their marriage.
Pros --
✨ I did not read the first story, and this one was written in a way that I could piece it together well via context clues.
✨ The writing was solid. A lot of good dialogue and overall format. It felt like a well written book -- My gripes come from the story, not how it was conveyed.
✨ I like the overall plot to this story (and the duet). Coming back from a near-cheating experience and how to navigate a relationship is a great story to tell. It's definitely not as easy as "just leave them!" and I appreciate how the author tackled this.
✨ I appreciate how the families were depicted. It's very hard to go to low/no contact with a toxic family and when one person in a relationship comes from a good family, it can be extra hard to not only make that call, but to get them to understand. I appreciate how this dynamic was shown and told because it felt very realistic.
✨
Cons --
✨ I honestly just think Anton and Lydia are a bad match. They have been together so long that in theory, they should be great together. But they have fundamental value differences and I think that is tough to navigate for the two of them. It's ok to grow apart, and I think they just did. I know in the end,
✨ Along with that, these two need to talk. Everyone in this book needs to talk, honestly. Lydia expects the worst of everyone, even her best friend. Anton and Lydia have awful communication skills. Just talk, please.
✨ The grief of losing a parent takes a long time to manage, especially when you had a good functioning relationship. The fact that Anton leads with his grief and is all "we need to have a baby right NOW" should have been a giant red flag. He needs a therapist. I'm mad he (or Lydia) didn't even consider this.
✨ I am not a fan of Lydia's black and white thinking. You can be a mom and be focused on work, you can have kids and also enjoy when they are somewhere else. You can hate pregnancy and love kids. Idk, man. I am a parent myself who also struggled with the whole "would I be a good mom?" vibe, but if you are THAT wishy washy on kids, either talk to people who have them and see if that changes anything or just like, DON'T have them.
Overall, a 3 star. It was a book, I read it. I will not read any more in this universe.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 7, 2024
---
💔❤️ **Mismatched** by Emilia Reed ❤️💔
*They saved their marriage once—but will the future tear them apart?*
🌟💫 **Review:** 💫🌟
In *Mismatched*, the second book in the *Unmatched Series* by Emilia Reed, we’re reunited with Lydia and Anton Richie as they navigate the complexities of marriage, intimacy, and the future they envision together. After rebuilding their relationship through sex therapy and finding their spark once again, things finally seem to be looking up for the couple—until Anton throws a curveball: he wants a baby.
Anton, still grieving the loss of his mother, sees starting a family as a way to heal and move forward. He’s ready to embrace this next chapter with Lydia by his side. But for Lydia, the idea of motherhood is fraught with doubt. Scarred by her own childhood and unsure if she has what it takes to be a mother, she’s hesitant to let go of the control she’s found in their marriage’s recent revival.
The emotional tension in *Mismatched* is palpable as Lydia and Anton face the reality that they may want different things. Their journey is a delicate dance of love, compromise, and finding a middle ground between two very different desires. While the heat between them is undeniable, it’s the raw vulnerability and open communication they’ve built that will be put to the test.
Emilia Reed expertly explores the nuances of marriage, not shying away from the difficult conversations around sex, loss, and family planning. With relatable characters and heart-wrenching dilemmas, *Mismatched* is an emotional rollercoaster that will resonate with anyone who’s ever questioned whether love alone is enough to bridge the gap between two people’s dreams for the future.
---
🌟 **Highlights:** 🌟
- **Emotional Depth**: The struggle between wanting different things in a marriage adds layers of complexity and realism to Lydia and Anton’s relationship.
- **Marriage Rebuilding**: The continuation of Lydia and Anton’s journey post-sex therapy is both heartwarming and challenging, making for a rich narrative.
- **Relatable Conflict**: The fear of motherhood and the pain of loss are explored in a raw, honest way that adds emotional weight to the story.
---
💌 **Favorite Quote:**
*"Can they find a path forward together, or are their dreams for the future too mismatched?"* - This question perfectly encapsulates the emotional stakes for Lydia and Anton as they navigate their conflicting desires.
---
🌟 **Rating:** 🌟
⭐️⭐️⭐️
---
This book is perfect for readers who enjoy steamy, emotional romances that explore the real-life challenges of marriage and family planning. *Mismatched* is a heartfelt continuation of Lydia and Anton’s story, filled with love, tension, and the difficult choices couples face when their dreams don’t align.
See more reviews at:
Casla Reads
---
💔❤️ **Mismatched** by Emilia Reed ❤️💔
*They saved their marriage once—but will the future tear them apart?*
🌟💫 **Review:** 💫🌟
In *Mismatched*, the second book in the *Unmatched Series* by Emilia Reed, we’re reunited with Lydia and Anton Richie as they navigate the complexities of marriage, intimacy, and the future they envision together. After rebuilding their relationship through sex therapy and finding their spark once again, things finally seem to be looking up for the couple—until Anton throws a curveball: he wants a baby.
Anton, still grieving the loss of his mother, sees starting a family as a way to heal and move forward. He’s ready to embrace this next chapter with Lydia by his side. But for Lydia, the idea of motherhood is fraught with doubt. Scarred by her own childhood and unsure if she has what it takes to be a mother, she’s hesitant to let go of the control she’s found in their marriage’s recent revival.
The emotional tension in *Mismatched* is palpable as Lydia and Anton face the reality that they may want different things. Their journey is a delicate dance of love, compromise, and finding a middle ground between two very different desires. While the heat between them is undeniable, it’s the raw vulnerability and open communication they’ve built that will be put to the test.
Emilia Reed expertly explores the nuances of marriage, not shying away from the difficult conversations around sex, loss, and family planning. With relatable characters and heart-wrenching dilemmas, *Mismatched* is an emotional rollercoaster that will resonate with anyone who’s ever questioned whether love alone is enough to bridge the gap between two people’s dreams for the future.
---
🌟 **Highlights:** 🌟
- **Emotional Depth**: The struggle between wanting different things in a marriage adds layers of complexity and realism to Lydia and Anton’s relationship.
- **Marriage Rebuilding**: The continuation of Lydia and Anton’s journey post-sex therapy is both heartwarming and challenging, making for a rich narrative.
- **Relatable Conflict**: The fear of motherhood and the pain of loss are explored in a raw, honest way that adds emotional weight to the story.
---
💌 **Favorite Quote:**
*"Can they find a path forward together, or are their dreams for the future too mismatched?"* - This question perfectly encapsulates the emotional stakes for Lydia and Anton as they navigate their conflicting desires.
---
🌟 **Rating:** 🌟
⭐️⭐️⭐️
---
This book is perfect for readers who enjoy steamy, emotional romances that explore the real-life challenges of marriage and family planning. *Mismatched* is a heartfelt continuation of Lydia and Anton’s story, filled with love, tension, and the difficult choices couples face when their dreams don’t align.
See more reviews at:
Casla Reads
---
November 2, 2024
They saved their marriage once—but will the future tear them apart?
After a near-terminal dry spell, Lydia Richie never thought she’d learn to enjoy sex, let alone be any good at it. But here she is, attending weekly sex therapy with her husband, slowly rebuilding their marriage from inside the bedroom—and out. Things finally feel like they’re falling into place until she gets an unexpected request: her husband wants a baby.
Sexual Health
Dual POV
Steamy
Marriage In Trouble
Angsty
Pregnancy
I enjoyed revisiting Lydia & Anton, to see their next stage after their struggles in the first book. I really liked how it showed the realistic struggles of marriage and how they’re willing to work through any tough patches. I felt like there was a lot of progress & growth for Lydia throughout the book. Dual POV’s are my preferred view in books, but with a story like this I enjoyed it even more as you were not only able to see how Lydia is feeling and growing you can also see how it’s affecting Anton. I can’t wait to see where the next book takes us.
I was kindly gifted this book in return for an honest review via Netgalley.
After a near-terminal dry spell, Lydia Richie never thought she’d learn to enjoy sex, let alone be any good at it. But here she is, attending weekly sex therapy with her husband, slowly rebuilding their marriage from inside the bedroom—and out. Things finally feel like they’re falling into place until she gets an unexpected request: her husband wants a baby.
Sexual Health
Dual POV
Steamy
Marriage In Trouble
Angsty
Pregnancy
I enjoyed revisiting Lydia & Anton, to see their next stage after their struggles in the first book. I really liked how it showed the realistic struggles of marriage and how they’re willing to work through any tough patches. I felt like there was a lot of progress & growth for Lydia throughout the book. Dual POV’s are my preferred view in books, but with a story like this I enjoyed it even more as you were not only able to see how Lydia is feeling and growing you can also see how it’s affecting Anton. I can’t wait to see where the next book takes us.
I was kindly gifted this book in return for an honest review via Netgalley.
August 27, 2024
Enjoyed reading this book and reading about the characters and their story. I can honestly say that both “Unmatched” and “Mismatched” are well written, emotional challenging, and the characters are realistic and relatable, kept me reading, turning the pages to find how everything ended. The book is one that will stay with you as the married couple struggle through issues, but their love for each other kept them fighting to stay together. It is one of those books that stays with you long after you have finished reading. Looking forward to reading more from this author and recommend it for mature readers.
Received an ARC from Hidden Gems and am voluntarily leaving a honest review.
Received an ARC from Hidden Gems and am voluntarily leaving a honest review.
September 17, 2024
Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2024
This was a well written story giving good and bad realities in marriage. While I do believe women struggle with the very issues Lydia did I also found her selfish, it was all about her and how she wanted her life. Biggest issue lack of communication between her and Anton, which he was at fault too. Once they decided to work through the issues I found the book easier to continue. Even still she couldn’t be totally honest with him or herself. Hopefully book 2 will give her that opportunity
This was a well written story giving good and bad realities in marriage. While I do believe women struggle with the very issues Lydia did I also found her selfish, it was all about her and how she wanted her life. Biggest issue lack of communication between her and Anton, which he was at fault too. Once they decided to work through the issues I found the book easier to continue. Even still she couldn’t be totally honest with him or herself. Hopefully book 2 will give her that opportunity
September 23, 2024
This book is the perfect follow-up to the original "Unmatched". Both stories are realistic versions of a young marriage as the couple goes through some ups and downs trying to stay together and be happy in their lives. There are some shockers and some intense intimate scenes, but all are a necessary part of this marriage story. I really enjoyed this book, as a new chapter in their lives unfolds. There are many insights to marriage and navigating hard times. I recommend this book, and the series.
August 29, 2024
Mismatched is a romance about a married couple trying to save their marriage. Lydia who has never enjoyed being intimate and Anton wants a family after his mother passed away. Can they heal their marriage a second time? I really enjoyed reading the book and look forward to reading more from the author.
I received a free copy of this book via Hidden Gems Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Hidden Gems Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 13, 2024
This book was my introduction to this author and I have to say, I quite enjoyed it. Mismatched is the second book in the unmatched series and now I plan to pick up the first book and give that a read as well. There are plenty of emotional ups and downs to go with all the steamy spice. Great story with even better ending. I recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 21, 2025
The pacing is inconsistent, and while the characters are likable, they lack depth. The motherhood conflict feels predictable. Their relationship, despite the focus on healing, remains fragile, and their core issues are unresolved. Just as they reach an understanding, a sudden revelation throws everything into chaos, leaving the reader with unanswered questions. Now I have to wait for the next book!
September 1, 2024
4⭐️
all around i enjoyed this second book to anton and lydia's relationship. in this book these characters actually came around to me and i liked being able to see them grow.
thank you to the publishers and netgalley for this ARC!
all around i enjoyed this second book to anton and lydia's relationship. in this book these characters actually came around to me and i liked being able to see them grow.
thank you to the publishers and netgalley for this ARC!
June 7, 2025
Lydia and Anton are now talking about parenthood. A steamy and sexy read, yet with plenty of angst thrown into the mix too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 5, 2024
God this took me forever to get through and it wasn’t even 300 pages. Big old MEH (and I honestly liked the first one!)
March 26, 2025
This was fine. Anton’s character is much more irritating in this book. There’s no real climax to the plot for me.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews