Skip to main content

Member Reviews

Are you kidding me?! Could Matt, Matty, Freddy be ANY cuter? No, not at all.

I absolutely devoured this book. Ro and Matt’s love story had me SAT as soon as I started.

Checks a lot of boxes for me - College hockey romance ✔️ she’s his tutor ✔️ she falls first, then he falls first (you’ll get it once you read it) ✔️ he calls her princess ✔️ (swoon)

College hockey star and his tutor become fast friends, they connect on so many levels, help each other with more than just school work, and spoiler! Fall in love. They actually “meet” twice and each time the other doesn’t remember (college, iykyk).

Seriously though, this book describes so well what it feels like to be truly lonely, even when around people, it describes what it’s like to feel unloveable, even when people are telling you they love you.

I can’t wait to read more stories from the other players on the team! The friendships and development of the side characters were a really great addition to the love story.

“I think falling in love with you is the easiest thing I’ve ever done.” 🥰

Was this review helpful?

I'm not sure how to talk about Matty and Rosalie without constantly bursting into tears.
I loved everything about this story; the raw emotion, the way that grief was approached and how trauma was overcome.

Corinne's writing is so visceral and beautiful, that I found my heart was in my throat the whole time I was reading. I related so much to these characters and I was so enthralled with their beautiful, gentle love.

If you're on the fence about picking up this book, don't be. You're going to love it!

🏒 College hockey
🏒 Lonely people in love
🏒 She's his tutor
🏒 They stand up for one another
🏒 Friends to lovers
🏒 Overcoming trauma

♾️/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Was this review helpful?

One word: PHENOMENAL!

This book is a warm hug and a cozy blanket in the dead of winter.

While this is a college hockey romance, it is so much more than that too. Ro and Freddy take a journey throughout the book as they learn to deal with grief and love, both how to embrace it when it’s real and how to walk away from it when it’s not.

Throughout that, Ro and Freddy have burrowed their way into my heart. I’m not usually a big fan of the “reformed playboy” trope, but Freddy proved me wrong on every page. They are both so sweet and gentle with each other. Not to mention they had me genuinely kicking my feet and giggling the ENTIRE time.

This book was funny, uplifting, swoon-worthy, sweet, tender and more. I couldn’t recommend it more.

Was this review helpful?

I LOVED this book so much. 5/5 and now I need to go back and read the first one. I loved that the book was dual POV, that the characters had history and how their relationship grew and changed throughout the book.

Was this review helpful?

Peyton Corinne’s *Unloved* is a heartfelt, emotionally charged romance that dives deep into themes of self-worth, healing, and the kind of love that helps two people see themselves more clearly. With its layered characters, swoon-worthy slow burn, and unflinching look at vulnerabilities, this follow-up to the TikTok sensation *Unsteady* is a story that’s as tender as it is unforgettable.

At the heart of the novel are Freddy Fredderic and Ro Shariff—two people who couldn’t seem more different on the surface. Freddy is the golden boy of the Waterfell Wolves hockey team, living the high life with his charm, skills on the ice, and a reputation as a player in more ways than one. But beneath the smiles and the swagger, he’s barely keeping it together. Wrestling with learning disabilities like dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ADHD, Freddy’s academic struggles threaten to derail his NHL dreams. Enter Ro, his new tutor, who is all heart and romance but tangled in her own insecurities. Ro longs for the kind of love she’s read about in books but feels stuck in a toxic cycle with her on-again, off-again boyfriend.

From their first tutoring session, the chemistry between Freddy and Ro crackles with tension and humor. Their relationship evolves with a natural warmth, moving from reluctant partnership to genuine friendship to a slow, bittersweet romance that’s impossible to put down. Corinne’s writing shines in the small moments—the stolen glances, late-night conversations, and quiet realizations that neither Freddy nor Ro is quite as broken as they’ve been led to believe. The dual perspective gives readers intimate access to both characters’ thoughts, making their vulnerabilities and unspoken longings all the more poignant.

What sets *Unloved* apart is the way it treats its characters with care. Freddy isn’t just a charming athlete; he’s a young man grappling with real challenges and fighting to prove he’s more than just his reputation. Ro, too, is beautifully flawed—a romantic who wants so desperately to be loved that she doesn’t always recognize her own worth. Together, they challenge each other to see past their insecurities, and their dynamic is filled with mutual respect and admiration that feels refreshingly real.

The romance unfolds at a pace that allows readers to savor the build-up, from playful banter to heart-wrenching moments of honesty. Corinne weaves in flashbacks and subtle callbacks to past encounters, like their freshman-year kiss and Ro’s heartfelt confession, adding layers to their connection and making their eventual realization of love feel inevitable and deeply satisfying.

Beyond the romance, *Unloved* is also a story about growth. Freddy’s journey to embrace his potential and Ro’s decision to demand better for herself are as compelling as their love story, showing how relationships can be a space for healing and self-discovery.

Peyton Corinne has crafted a romance that is as much about finding the right person as it is about learning to see the best in yourself. With its blend of humor, heartache, and slow-burn chemistry, *Unloved* is a book that will leave readers swooning, cheering, and maybe even shedding a tear. Perfect for fans of emotional romances with depth and characters you can’t help but root for, this one’s a five-star winner that will stick with you long after the final page.

Was this review helpful?

If you read unsteady and fell in love with Rhys and Sadie, Freddy and Ro are coming to a bookshelf in a few months.

Unloved highlights a learning disability and removing yourself from a toxic relationships. Freddy receives tutoring sessions from Ro, with dyslexia she navigates how to help him achieve his academic goals, To maintain his academic standing to play hockey. While Ro learns to love and appreciate her self worth, removing herself from a toxic relationship - with the help of Freddy of course.
this overlaps unsteady’s timeline, so if you like to re-read books in a series before jumping into the newest release, you should!

I personally enjoyed Unsteady more than Unloved, but to each their own! 3.5+ rating

Was this review helpful?

Listen… I am literally so obsessed with Freddy and Ro 😭😭😭 Unsteady was a 5 star for me and I thought nothing could beat Sadie and Rhys but then I was introduced to Ro and Freddy… I want to put them in my pocket and protect them forever!!

Their dynamic is so beautiful and the way they love each other 🥹 This had me giggling and kicking my feet. Freddy had me swooning (and then crying) and Ro!!!!! I loved seeing her grow and become more comfortable as the book progressed.

I absolutely love an angsty, pining, slow burn romance and this DELIVERED. I also loved the depiction of mental health/grief/disabilities.

I will never get over this book. This was everything and more to me.

Thank you Atria and Netgalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review!!!

Was this review helpful?

This book was such a cute heartfelt story. Freddy and Ro’s story was so sweet and they both heal each other in ways they both needed. I really loved how they had such a healthy relationship and stood up for each other in times of need. Going from a toxic relationship to a healthy one takes learning and they really do it well. I have to say, I think I enjoyed this one better than the first!

Thank you Atria Books and Netgalley for a copy of this ARC.

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely loved Unloved. This book was an emotional journey that tugged at my heartstrings, and I found myself deeply connecting with the main characters, Ro and Freddy. Their story was raw and powerful—I even cried a few times because of how authentically their trauma and healing processes were portrayed.

At first, the premise seemed familiar and a bit cliché: a popular hockey star and a geeky tutor with a secret crush. However, Peyton Corinne broke through the cliché and delivered a well-developed narrative that explored complex themes, especially the weight of past trauma. Ro’s struggles with an on-again, off-again abusive relationship, and Freddy’s difficult relationship with his father and his learning disabilities felt realistic and deeply woven into the plot. Although I haven’t personally experienced such situations, the portrayal seemed genuine and sensitively handled and felt very much like you’re living vicariously through the characters and are on that journey with them.

I particularly appreciated the slow-burn romance. Ro and Freddy’s relationship developed organically from friendship, which felt natural and fitting given their histories. Their journey of healing together was beautifully written and incredibly moving. This wasn’t an easy read at times—it was heavy, and I often needed a moment to process—but that emotional depth made it all the more impactful.

My only critique is that some parts felt repetitive, particularly with Ro repeatedly returning to her ex despite his mistreatment. While this cycle is true to real-life abusive relationships and added to the story’s realism, it did become slightly frustrating as a reader. I also found the miscommunication and suppressed emotions between the characters to be a bit drawn out at times. Tightening the plot slightly would have kept the emotional impact without some of these circular conflicts.

Overall, Unloved left a lasting impression on me. Its powerful narrative and heartfelt character development will stay with me for a long time. Peyton Corinne has crafted a touching, authentic story of pain, healing, and love, and I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next.

Was this review helpful?

Excited to get this ARC right after reading the first book in the series, Collide. I felt like this book was a little bit longer than was necessary, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

Dual POV with Matty "Freddy" and Ro, events in this book happen at the same time as the events in Collide. Matty is the playboy who is failing his classes. He needs the help/tutelage of Ro, who is the absolute sweetest girl but is struggling in her life due to the presence of a misogynistic cohort of tutors (including her on- and off-again boyfriend Tyler). They both have gone through traumatic experiences that have led to insecurities that affect their mentalities, but together, they help each other overcome these insecurities and embrace their true selves.
Triggers: verbally/emotionally abusive relationships (Tyler is the WOAT), relationships with unbalanced power dynamics.

I really felt for both Ro and Matty, especially when Matty would try to hide his true emotions/feelings with a snarky or humorous comment when someone (including Ro) said something offensive to him. He didn't deserve any of the rumors that were made up about him, but gave up trying to fight back. Matty was taken advantage of by people in power, and nobody really protected him. With Ro, her past relationship made her question everything she did and was and she became a shell of her former self. As they spend more time together, they each gain the confidence to confront their past. I loved that Ro could see Matty for who he really was and could tell when he was being fake and hiding his true feelings. They complemented each other in every way.

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC! I can't wait for Bennett's book.

Was this review helpful?

this was simply everything. Peyton Corinne NEVER fails to write an emotional, yet sexy and tender book, and Unloved is no exception. this book is an embodiment of grief and finding someone who sees you for who you truly are and loving you unconditionally. Matty and Rosalie are so special and this book was truly a delight. It made me cry, both happy and sad tears, and just left me feeling so full and so proud of these characters. I cannot recommend this one enough!!!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Another hit in this series. This is a perfect story for the saying "you never know what someone else is going through." Rosalie/Ro and Matty/Freddy are both struggling so badly with their own issues while still successfully (usually) hiding all the trouble they're having.

There is so much emotional depth with these characters. Despite all the issues they go through with outside forces, they still are able to grow and communicate and work together to make sure they have a stable friendship. Honestly, Rosalie and Matty are just wonderful. Matty is so sweet and so sad, and regardless of the crap that he had to go through prior to the start of this story, he manages to be just a wonderful human being. The same goes for Rosalie, just they're such solid characters (writing-wise, they have a lot of baggage to work through in this book.)

And the ending was just so good. I have no notes. I loved this book. I loved Unsteady by Peyton Corinne as well. This has quickly become a "buy as soon as it's released" series for me.

Was this review helpful?

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

Was this review helpful?

📖: unloved by Peyton Corinne
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

WHEN I TELL YOU I WAS 👏GIGGLING 👏 MY WAY THROUGH THIS BOOK! This book was so so cute and had my kicking my feet at 2 am (literally) I think I have a new obsession!

I loved all the characters in this book! They all felt unique, complex, and different and yet so similar in a way that strengthened their relationships 💕 One of my favorites would have to be Bennett, he is so sweet and kind!

I loved Ro and Freddy separately even before they got together but once they did?? They are SO adorable! They understand each other so well and it’s this understanding that helps them talk about traumas and their past and work together to move forward

The reason why this didn’t get 5 stars was because I felt like the trauma dumping seemed to drag on at some points but it was always great to see them work through it together <3

Overall, i highly recommend this book, it’s such a feel good romance that will leave you smiling and happy for sure! Trust me, get past the first couple of chapters and it only gets better from there!

Thank you for the arc @peytoncorinneauthor and @atriabooks 💗

Was this review helpful?

This book started off very strong and I feel like when we got past the 50% mark I really started to lose interest. This is very SLOW BURN - meaning they don’t even really get together until 70% into the book. I really dislike that personally with my romance books. I feel like there was too much time spent with Ro and her dysfunctional relationship with Tyler that it took away from moments we could’ve shared with her and Freddy.

I LOVED unsteady so this was a bit of a disappointment but it was still a good story. I just didn’t loved this as much as the first book.

Was this review helpful?

4.75 stars: This book was AMAZING. I loved everything about Freddy & Ro's story. I thought their trauma and pasts were beautifully written. I loved how Ro was able to grow and be herself. She and Freddy both accepted each other as they are, Freddy is my new favorite book boyfriend. He is so caring and emotionally in touch with his feelings. Ro was so sweet and I was so sad how her ex treated her but I am so happy we got to watch her grow into who she is. Also, bonus points for no third act breakup! I wish we would have gotten a little more of Ro and Sadie and I wish we could have seen Ro stand up to Tyler at least one time on her own. Overall, this is now one of my top favorite romances ever. Please pick this up on February 4th.

Was this review helpful?

Wooooow I loved this book so much! This was my first Peyton Corinne book and I can promise you it won’t be my last! Immediately running to buy Unsteady then counting down the days until we get the next book!

Ro & Freddy deserve the world! These two sweet souls were so broken. They’d been let down and hurt by so many people and all they wanted was to be somebody’s first choice, to be loved. The way they went above and beyond for each other was so heartwarming to see. I loved their relationship in all its forms and their gradual descent into falling in love was absolute perfection.

There are so many side characters I’m intrigued by and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that they all get books but the one little side plot that really got me was Elsie & Archer. They gave me Alyssa & Connor vibes from Archer’s Voice in the absolute best and heartbreaking way! The last few chapters and the epilogue had me sobbing. This was just such a beautiful book.

Thank you so much to Atria for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review 🤍

Was this review helpful?

Matt "Freddy" is a playboy hockey hotshot on the ice, and struggling to get by in his classes. He has dyscalculia, dyslexia and ADHD, and has been assigned different university peer tutors that have done nothing for him, and passed him off as lazy and stupid. He needs to get his grades up to stay on the team and graduate, before he moves into his placement in the NHL.

Ro Shariff is an endlessly giving daughter, friend and girlfriend. She's had a crush on Freddy since they crossed paths in junior year, but has been with her current on-again-off-again boyfriend for the last few years. She's assigned as Freddy's tutor, and realizes he's not only clever, kind and obscenely attractive, but a genuine and loving human who only wants to see everyone happy.

Together they become close friends, and work to discover each of their own self worth from abuse, grief and trauma in their pasts and present. All while trying to avoid the fierce attraction and pull they feel towards each other.

*****

This novel absolutely blindsided me with how genuine and heartfelt it is. I was expecting light and fluffy, and it absolutely delivered. What I wasn't expecting was how honestly the author covered what it's like to be stuck in an abusive relationship in its different forms. How truly it can make you doubt yourself and your worth and your own gut instincts, and she did it with grace and intelligence that left you rooting for them to find themselves through it.

She tackled grief through family loss, and strife, through losing friendships and relationships and always feeling like the odd one out. She succinctly detailed what it's like to have a neurodiverse brain, and neurodiverse friends, without dismissing the challenges or trying to brush off how that impacts your daily life. This entire novel was handled with such grace and genuine intention in the characters interactions that I'm still stunned that it came across as so sweet and lighthearted, with all of those heavy topics woven through it.

The leads interacting with each other, working through trauma, communication and forgiveness when they messed up was so heartening and realistic that I devoured this book and passed off sleep to finally reach the conclusion. The emotional intelligence in both of these leads was everything. I've been raving to everyone I know that this is an absolute must read.

*****

Thank you NetGalley, and Atria, for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

I received a copy of the book as an ARC on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The book was amazing. I easily rated 5/5 stars. As I read the book, the story and characters were so well developed, that I was eagerly waiting until I had time to read the next chapter. I love the FMC and how the author tactfully addressed difficult relationships that some women find themselves having to navigate. Great read!

Was this review helpful?

Unloved is one of the best college sports romance I've read in a while. I've been a huge fan of Peyton Corrine ever since I read her Unsteady (which to-date is a book I recommend to everyone), but she outdid herself with Unloved. The characters were so utterly relatable, the plotline so close to my heart - I was an emotional mess! I've never wanted to hug any fictional character more than Matty and Ro.

Unloved explores a range of deep topics like loss, grief, love, family, abuse, and trauma and this is not your average college hockey romance. I loved it even more for that.
Can I also say how much I love that music/audio plays an important role in Peyton's books?! So good!

What I loved the most about the book:

✨ MMC and FMC - Matt is an extremely loveable hockey superstar who has the softest and the kindest heart. He also comes with a playboy reputation, but there's so much more to him than that. Ro is a shy, a romantic at heart, lover of smutty romance, intelligent and a sexy tutor of Matt. I loved how Matt & Ro met and were able to feed off of that positive energy they both radiate. Matt's character had so many layers and each of those was more loveable than the last. I also admired how fierce Ro is when it comes to protecting Matty.

✨ Character backgrounds: I loved how the plot progressed from their Freshman year to the end, showing not only what made Matt and Ro the way they were, but also laid the foundation of their relationships with the side characters - Rhys, Sadie, the kids , parents, Bennett, Archer - and how that in turn had uch an impact on their story.

Their flashbacks and traumatic experiences made me want to take these characters away and protect them. They deserved all the good in the world!

✨ Portrayal of Love: I loved how their bond came to be and it wasn't instant love. I love how they built a strong friendship based on trust and support creating a safe space for them to be vulnerable with each other. I loved that this is a slow burn specially because Freddy needed this not to be a repeat of his history. Their love was more than just physical attraction - it was in the way they communicate, their vulnerability, protectiveness for each other, in the mutual respect and admiration - which was so meant so much more to me.

✨ Also loved seeing Rhys and Sadie's plotline going on the side (and see it from a different perspective). I can't get enough of Oliver and Liam, I miss those kiddos!

✨ Coach Harris & Archer - the kind of fathers every single person deserves 🩷

Honestly, this book was everything and more. I wish there was some sorta therapy that was brought in to deal with trauma, specially for Matt. Still, loved every single thing about this book and wouldn't fault anything.

Was this review helpful?