Member Reviews
Unloved was one of my most anticipated reads for 2025 & I’m so glad I was able to get my hands on it early! Freddy & Ro both deserve the world & more. I would definitely recommend & will still be buying when it comes out in February!
(Also, I must say the playlist for this book is TOP TIER!)
Thank you NetGalley & Atria for the arc!
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This book made me feel a ton of things.
It highlights our vulnerability and our need for love—whether from our parents, friends, or a partner. Much of this begins with our parents' love, which should be unconditional. Sadly, not everyone has that privilege. I felt for Matt, who experienced such loneliness despite being surrounded by others. It was heartbreaking to see that no one reached out to help him. That was very sad for me. I teared up multiple times for him and Ro.
Speaking of Ro, she is a fantastic tutor and so very adorable. However, I hated how Tyler treated her, and it was so annoying; I wanted to jump into the story and punch him so hard that he wouldn't disrespect anyone to fill the void of his insecure ties. He was very childish and rude.
I enjoyed how the story progressed, and I eagerly anticipated the moment Matt and Ro would remember the incredible night they shared—and they did! That made me squeal with absolute delight :D
And Matt, your mom is proud of you :) And you both-- deserve the whole world, just as everyone else. Do not settle for mediocrity :D
~I can be whoever I want to be~
PS—This is a light read with a hockey element. I've always enjoyed sports romance, and this one did not disappoint. Thank you for this story. I am thankful to be part of ARC. Thank you, NetGalley and author Peyton!
Hockey romance + texts on page + slow burn!
Freddy is a star on the ice, but barely scraping by in the classroom.
Ro is a hopeless romantic but has had nothing but bad luck with relationships. She's also Freddy's new tutor.
Tutoring sessions lead to friendship which lead to feelings they both try to deny.
Read if you love...
- hockey romance
- athlete + tutor
- open door
- texts on page
- forced proximity
- college aged MCs
- dual perspective
- slow burn
- he falls first
This was my most anticipated release of 2025 and it did not for a second disappoint!
Ro & Freddy are just absolutely everything.
The tropes are 100/10!
The Rhys & Sadie cameos were life giving.
The disability rep was wonderful!
The slow burn is a slowwwww burn.
The character growth is chef's kiss!
First of all, I loved that this has some overlap with Unsteady. It was fun to see Rhys & Sadie from an outsider's perspective!
But more than that, I'm just obsessed with Freddy & Ro! I love these two so much!
I really thought I would be annoyed that Ro's on/off again relationship lasted as long as it did. But I think it lended so much to the depth and character growth. It also really allowed Freddy & Ro to really build a solid friendship, which is just huge to the foundation of their relationship!
Absolutely recommend you read Unsteady first, as you'll understand more!
Thank you to Atria Books & NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
PUB day: February 4, 2025!
Location: Massachusetts
Representation: dyslexia; dyscalculia; ADHD
Content warnings: death of a parent, past; toxic relationship with parent; toxic relationship; emotional abuse; gaslighting
I have hit the jackpot with most of my ARCs this year. this was incredible. it made me laugh, cry, smile, and think. it gave me the emotional payoff that I was expecting from unsteady but didn't quite get. Freddy and ro have my whole heart. they are so relatable and so good together. my favorite moments were them just having fun together despite all their hardships. this was also spicier than unsteady, but I thought it was done well.
I loved this book! Ro is well fleshed out and is so relatable, and Freddy is the boy we all want to love and love us back in return. I am usually pretty wary of hockey romances because 99% of the time there’s barely any plot and wildly head scratching smut (which don’t get me wrong smut is good!), but Unloved has an actual story line and not just a “oh I’m a weird/sad hot girl but no one knows I’m hot” . I was invested in this story from start to finish!
For spice it gets 3.5/5. There are spicy scenes and they are well written. But they are realistic spicy scenes which is a breath of fresh air for me.
5 stars! Where do I begin with this one? It immediately had me interested. I mean angel baby (who is deeply relatable to me) Ro and flirty but sweet Freddy?? I didn't stand a chance. From the first scene, I seriously knew this was made for me. I mean Peyton Corinne came out of the gate SWINGING with just enough steam and banter that I giggling nonstop. Oh naive me was not ready for the gut punch that was to come... These two have been through so much yet have the courage to care for each other and to continue to try and the way they show up for each other is so special. Freddy just validate Ro from the start in a moment where she needed it most. Ro is in Freddy's corner being his supporter when he is just about to give up. I really rooted for them and felt the chemistry and the connection in their initial friendship and feelings. So many special moments throughout the book and I 100% recommended listening to the songs while reading because there is multiple scenes where it fully added to my reading experience and I was so touched.
3.75 ⭐️
My expectations were kinda high for this one and it fell a bit flat for me in the middle and towards the end. This is a fun & classic tutor girl / hockey romance, but it was also a lot deeper than I expected (definitely look up CW for this!). I loved that this story was friends to lovers rather than enemies to lovers — it definitely worked. I recommend this if you’re looking for a wintery hockey romance!!
Thank you to Atria for the advanced copy!
Unloved by Peyton Corinne is a love letter to every person who has been made to feel like they must put others before themselves. For Freddy, who is handling the grief of losing a parent and all of the after effects that entails along with the truth of his college identity; and for Ro, who has built her life loving others while feeling like she is not having her needs met in return.
Throughout college, they cross paths twice; Ro meeting Freddy at the beginning of freshman year when he doesn't remember, and Freddy at a party senior year where Ro reveals facts about herself that have him immediately drawn to her, a night which she can't recall. But it's in their senior year, when Freddy is in need of a tutor for biology and Ro is in need of a true friend, that they cross paths. Sparks fly, and they both realize that there is more to one another than meets the eye, and they may be exactly what the other needs.
This novel is and will always be special to me for so many reasons, but the main one is that the author made me feel seen. To see where these two began, feeling so lost and alone in the world, and how the characters honed on the importance of loving oneself in spite of their trauma and flaws. Two broken people, seeing one another and being each other's rock in the time of need by showing each other that they are loved fully as themselves, even when delving into moments they are not proud of is truly embracing the reality of the human experience. Feeling like you must be a certain way, even if it goes agains what your intuition is telling you, and realizing the importance of surrounding yourself with people who support your true self, rather than a facade. It was a truly beautiful story about love, grief, friendship and family that went so much deeper than just romance, and I encourage everyone to read this novel as it literally altered my brain chemistry.
Ro and Freddy will stick with me forever, and for two characters who believe they're unlovable, they are truly some of the most loved characters of all.
Did I finish this in one day. Yes! I’ve been anxiously anticipating this release since I read Unsteady in the spring. Omg I’m obsessed with Peyton & this universe (THANK U NetGalley, Atria, and Peyton for this early copy!!) I love Rhys & Sadie but Ro & Freddy are definitely my favorite in the series so far😭. Here are some thoughts while reading:
1) Umm insane playlist??? Like perfect playlist 👏🏼👏🏼 could not have created a better one myself - Mirrorball IS Freddy and Ro.
2) Ro is soo innocent and sweet someone needs to take her to Disney I just feel like she would really love Disney
3) Tyler is absolutely diabolical 👎🏻 (so is carmen but they did NOT ruin this for me🙏)
4) The 😭 tie 😭😭😭😭. Ya I cried.
5) “I’ll take care of him I promise” ?!? Yep also cried.
This book is another hit from Peyton Corinne. Unloved puts you through a bit of emotional turmoil like its predecessor Unsteady, but also has those romantic moments that will make you feel warm inside.
I loved the relationship between Matt and Rosalie and thought it was well developed. I loved seeing them develop a solid friendship before delving into anything romantic because that’s what these characters really needed, especially Matt. I just love Matt’s journey in this book in general and how supportive Rosalie is of him and how she defends him.
Can’t wait to see what’s next!
This book has been on my mind since reading Unsteady. Freddy and Ro seriously complimented each other in every single way. Slow burns like this drive me feral. Freddy is perfect, his overprotectiveness of Ro is extremely endearing. I felt like I knew these characters the entire time I was reading. I literally had to lay down and contemplate life after reading this. A few small spelling errors but this book was absolute perfection. I loved every second. The Peyton did an amazing job in brining these highly anticipated characters to life. I felt angry whenever Ro’s ex was even mentioned and literally blushed every time Freddy thought “you would so easy to love.” All the feels and love.
Thank you Atria Books and NetGalley for this ARC!
I honestly was not expecting to get approved to this ARC but man, I am so glad I did. I can't imagine having to wait till February for this beautiful gem of a book. I could sing its praises all day long (and I will proceed to do just that)
Unloved was a gut punch in ways that I was not expecting. It's a book for everyone who has ever felt like they were too much and who have ever felt unworthy of love. It took many tears, but this book was incredibly healing. The journey was worth it all.
Let me start off by saying how much I adored our fmc, Ro. Her patient, caring nature was awe inspiring and it just made me that much more angry every time it was exploited or made fun of. Yes, she was shy and bashful and though she spent a lot of time acquiescing to others wants/needs, she had a lot quiet strength to her. It was satisfying to see her break the expectations placed upon her by others and grow in to a more confident version of herself. The way she advocated for Matty had me in shambles because I just know that meant the world to him.
Matt "Freddy" Frederic - what a sweet baby angel. It is clear that Peyton Corrine does not shy away from writing vulnerable, sensitive male characters and I love her for that. Matty's backstory and all of his struggles absolutely killed me. It was the way he felt his feelings (and at times, actively avoided them) that had me crying so many times throughout this book. I just wanted to hug the fuck out of him!! I also appreciated the care the author took in writing about Matty's dyslexia/dyscalculia/ADHD - it gave some much needed perspective.
The side characters continue to be another favorite part of this series!! Much like when I read Unsteady, I am foaming at the mouth for the rest of the stories from these characters. Specifically, Bennett's - I just know it's going to be a good one.
Last thing: the spice was so good in this. Not only was it hot as hell, but I loved how it was incredibly intimate and sweet. 10/10, no notes.
Anyway, I was blown away by this and I highly, highly recommend picking this up on release day.
Book Review: "Unloved" by Peyton Corinne
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"Unloved" by Peyton Corinne is a deeply moving hockey romance that delves into themes of grief and self-doubt. As a reader, I found myself profoundly connected to the protagonist, Ro, whose struggles felt relatable and authentic. Corinne masterfully explores the complexities of love and loss, creating a narrative that resonates on many levels.
One of the standout aspects of this novel is the depth of Freddy/Matty’s character. Corinne crafts him with layers that make his journey compelling and heartfelt. Their relationship is beautifully portrayed, offering both tension and tenderness, which kept me eagerly turning the pages.
I also appreciated how the plot and characters from the first book are intricately woven into this story. It’s a testament to Corinne’s storytelling ability that she can create a seamless connection between the two, enriching the experience for readers familiar with the series while still being accessible to newcomers.
I can't wait to share some of my favorite quotes when the book is published in February 2025. Thank you to Peyton for the opportunity to read "Unloved"! After loving "Unsteady," I can confidently say that "Unloved" has taken first place in my heart.
If you’re a fan of emotional narratives that tackle real-life struggles alongside romance, this book is a must-read!
4.5 ⭐️
Less. Than. A. Day. I finished this book in less than a day. It is so binge-able and I just could not put it down! I was hooked from the first page!
Freddy and Ro are the most perfectly imperfect people and their relationship is everything. This is definitely the kind of romance that will be tugging at your heartstrings all while having you giggle and kick your feet!
Freddy is one of my new favorite book boyfriends, he is so sweet and kind, and I just love him so much. The relationships in this book are so layered and complex. I was LIVING for the Sadie/Rhys cameos! That made me smile so big while reading!
I also loved the end! There was no obnoxious third-act break-up AND I felt like we got a lot more "fluffy" chapters towards the end—which I am always saying I need more of! It felt so rewarding to just see Ro and Freddy happy after all they had gone through!
This is my new favorite book by Peyton Corinne and I am so excited to see what's next for this series!
Thank you to Atria books and NetGalley for this ARC 💚🏒
Ro and Matt have a story of grief and love. Ro has had a crush on Matt “Freddy” since a moment they had freshman year that he can’t remember. Now, it’s senior year and she’s tasked with being his tutor.
Matt is a player that no one takes seriously, except for Ro. But Ro is in a toxic on again/off again situationship with the worst man on the planet, Tyler. I can’t put into words how much I dislike him. He belittles Ro, causes her to question her worth, and is a narcissist. He breaks up with her multiple times to be with other women and then crawl back. I wish he had less time in this book and in Ro’s life.
When Matt is finally able to be with Ro romantically, it is so swoony and of course a bit of spice. He sees her true worth and she sees his. Their genuine friendship gradually transitioned to love. Ro gave him the support he needed. They both have a love language of physical touch and it worked for them!
Overall, Peyton knows how to pull at your heartstrings, especially with Matty’s loss of his mom. These two have a great epilogue and well deserved HEA 💚
Very few typos in this edition, mostly missing a few adverbs.
I didn’t think I could love a female main character more than Sadie and then along came Ro! This book was so tender, sweet, heartbreaking/heartwarming, SPICY, and loving. These two characters were made for one another and their character growth was beautiful. I felt seen reading both of their POVs and that is a marker of strong characters for me! These are technically college romances (I’m out of this age bracket) but like unsteady, you do not feel like it ages them down or you cannot relate. Peyton is now an autobuy author for me and I cannot wait to see the rest of her stories come out.
💚 Friends to Lovers
🤍 Tutor x Athlete
💚 Mental Health Rep
🤍 College Hockey
💚 Healing Together
Heartbreaking, healing and everything in between! This is the emotional depth we love to see in romance; getting such a heavy but relatable look at grief, healing our own broken pieces with healthy relationships and learning to lean into love (especially when we don’t feel we deserve it). I loved watching Ro grow into her own, after a horrible relationship where we was made to feel “too much” and lost her own path.
And sweet Matty 🥹 I wanted to hug him the whole way through; watching him deal with the grief of losing his mom, the way he was made to feel only enough for his body/what he could do for others and seeing him really start to believe he deserves the good. This angel man must be protected!
Peyton Corinne never fails to write such depth to the characters, speak on heavy but real topics with such grace and weave in so much detail to their relationships that engages you from the beginning. So appreciative of Netgalley, Peyton Corinne and team for the opportunity to read an ARC of Unloved- cannot wait to see what comes next 🤍
I expected this to take place after Sadie and Rhys’s story, but it’s happening during the same time frame. I loved seeing others point of view on their relationship, but I LOVED Ro and Matty together. I found myself smiling like they were my friends falling in love. I can’t wait to read more by this author in the future!
LOVED THIS SO MUCH
im so obsessed with ro and matt and their relationship, it felt so realistic and all their issues were communicated so well. i also really appreciated matt’s pov and how he worked through his issues and even had setbacks which was so real and relatable, same with ro, her development was so important and i loved seeing how their story ended❤️
also loved how rhys and sadie were involved in their story and development and it makes me what to figure out how to tandem read unsteady and unloved🤭
4.5 stars!!
Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes because of how they already care for one another and build on their relationship. I loved Freddy and how vulnerable he was throughout the story and how Ro accepted him for who he was. I also LOVED the back story with how they first met it made my heart so happy at how quickly they were able to reconnect after meeting again. Freddy had me giggling and kicking my feet he has such a huge heart and deserves the world.
I would definitely recommend this if you’re looking for friends to lovers, semi-spicey, and protective hockey boyfriend.