Review: AN UNLIKELY MATCH by Sarah M. Eden

So you guys all know the story of how I got this book into my hands. My *signed*, amazing copy of AN UNLIKELY MATCH came to me via my sister, who shall ever be praised on this blog.

From Sarah's website (Yes, I've started referring to her by first name. She called me lovely. Well, my choice in books, but that's a minor detail. We are best friends now. Just try and argue that.) *clears throat* Anyway ... the blurb: The future has never looked brighter for once penniless Nickolas Pritchard. Now in possession of an unforeseen legacy from a distant cousin, he can finally woo the exquisite Miss Castleton, belle of the London Season. What better setting for matchmaking than Ty Mynydd, his ancestral home nestled in the untamed hills of Wales? Ideal, indeed ... except for the ghost. 

For nearly four hundred years, Gwen has walked the halls of the home in which she lived—and died a mysterious death. But despite centuries as the reigning force within her ancient residence, nothing prepares her for the charm and unexpected appeal of Englishman Nickolas. 

A deep and abiding affection grows between the two, tempered by the unbreakable barrier that separates them. They cannot possibly hope for a happily ever after. there can be no future between a man yet living and a woman long dead. 

But how can Nickolas possibly give Gwen up? And how can Gwen face an eternity without Nickolas? 

Audience: Adult (clean)

Genre: Regency ... uh, paranormal?

Length: 171 pages

Rating: ********** Raised to the 10th power (Um, does that equal a million? I was never any good at math.) 

The Pros: Okay. Where to begin? From the moment I read the blurb for this book, I knew it would be unlike anything Sarah has written. I was intrigued. I was very impatient. I texted my sister several times to find out when she would mail the book to me. Then I started it. I got into it. Let me tell you: Fab-u-lous.

It is unlike anything Sarah has written and it is so masterful, I don't know where to begin. I adore the love story. I adored the mystery. I adored the paranormal twist. I am hoping and praying that Sarah will write more of this. It is like all of my dreams come true -- blends of sigh-worthy regency and fantastical elements! As a hero, I will have to rank Nikolas below Phillip Jonquil (FRIENDS & FOES). Well, come on, we all know I have a lit crush on Phillip (and Sorrel too, really, if we're honest). And also below Harry (COURTING MISS LANCASTER). Gwen is a great heroine and I love Dafydd (don't try to say it in your head ...). But really, what I love, love, love about this book is the concept and the execution. Masterful. Seriously. I never once thought Sarah might be out of her depth. It was all told in a very believable way. It sort of just flowed through me like any of her books would and I never questioned it. As usual, Sarah's knowledge injected in her brilliant way is flawless.

And why would I even bother with writhing The Cons for a book I rated a million stars?

He Said/She Said: Briefly, there is always that moment in Sarah's books where I just sigh and say, "Yes. Yes, Sarah, you've done it again." This was that moment.

"Oh, it has very little to do with talking, I assure you."

And now, you all want your own copy, don't you? I would blame you for going to Amazon to download it right now. (I would, if I were you.) 

Disclaimer: Well, so scary things happen, because this is a ghost story ... but it's mild.