Member Reviews
5⭐️ I loved this book and did not want to but it down. Ro and Freddy are just adorable and I just wanted to bundle both of them up in bubble wrap to protect them. Reading their story was heartbreaking and heartwarming at different times throughout the book. Peyton Corinne does an amazing job pulling you into the story. I truly and completely disliked Tyler and wished he got his comeuppance. He truly deserves it for how he treated Ro. And don’t get me started on Carmen! She… just no. She knew exactly what she was doing.
I think she does a great job at dealing with tough topics such as grief, abuse, and toxic relationships.
I can’t wait to read more from Peyton Corinne in the future. My prediction for the next book is Bennett’s but I would also welcome Toren Kane’s book.
Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for sending me an eARC copy to read. Truly blessed
This was honestly the sweet, escapist sort of romance I needed. They clearly cared about each other that was incredibly genuine and the friends-to-lovers trope in this was super well done. I so enjoyed Freddy's character especially - he was so charming! And Ro is a brilliant protagonist to follow, I think her willingness to look out for her friends is incredibly admirable. It's nice to get a look into these characters' heads and see their story and the way they view their friends from book 1.
Arc provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
For starters, I read this book in one sitting. Peyton Corrine does an amazing job at writing characters that you can’t help but to invest in.
I heavily related to Ro. Her quirks, her anxieties, I simply loved her. I admired how fiercely she fought for Matt and how loyal she was to Sadie. This girl puts everyone’s problems before her own.
I’m a sucker for the playboy turned romantic trope. Matt Fredderic stole my heart. He has so many layers and so much emotional depth.
“to be loved is to be seen- and she’s the first person to really see him. that’s why they fall in love.” Literally what a perfect way to describe these two and their relationship. Two people who never get chosen first who deeply SEE each other.
It’s amazing to see how Peyton Corrine’s writing has developed between Unsteady and Unloved. I can only imagine each of her books is going to be better and better. With that being said….. I am dying for a book on Torren and Bennett.
This is a follow up to Peyton Corinne’s novel “Unsteady” that follows Rhys & Sadie’s love story. In “Unloved” we follow the same timeline as “Unsteady” starting at the beginning of senior year for Ro (Sadie’s best friend) and Freddy (Rhys’ teammate). While it’s a little difficult to remember the details of “Unsteady” and what is happening at the same time, it doesn’t effect the story too much as Ro & Freddy have their own plot and story. Ro is a people pleaser getting out of a toxic relationship while feeling homesick and lonely. Freddy is playboy hockey player struggling with his classwork due to dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ADHD. He also is extremely lonely and believes people only want him around for sex and a laugh. While the pacing/plot can feel disjointed at times as well as the extensive mutual pining, I do feel like the sequel in well done. The emotional stakes are high and once Tyler leaves the pages the book gets better. No one wants to be perpetually abused by an Ex, but why Ro still tolerates it is explained. There were some holes left for Bennet’s storyline as he disappears often just as Ro and Freddy did in “Unsteady”. I did keep trying to guess who the next main characters will be. I just hope they make it to spring semester rather than reliving the fall semester for a 3rd time!
Thank you NetGalley, Peyton Corinne, and Atria books for an advanced digital copy of this book.
Oh my gosh this book broke my heart and put it back together in the best way!! This is one angsty, emotional romance. If you're prepared for some tough topics definitely dive in because I fell hard for both of our characters and loved watching them both get the unconditional love and support they were longing for. The learning disability rep made me feel very seen. Watching them both on the journey to self-confidence and acceptance after dealing with chronic emotional abuse was really emotional but also very healing for me to read about. Matt Frederic is a ray of sunshine and I absolutely adored him. I was down bad for both of the characters to be honest. I just wanted to hug them and tell them it was going to be okay. The author did a fantastic job of getting me invested because I couldn't put the book down.
I will say there was one plot line that didn't get wrapped up by the end of the story and it's still niggling in my brain. I really wanted some cosmic justice or at least some narrative recognition that the actions of that person were supremely messed up but it was mostly brushed aside. That being said if you have trigger warnings I would definitely check Storygraph to see what triggers are in this book because it deals with some heavy topics that some might want to steer clear of. I am in love with this series and I am desperately hoping that there will be a book 3. I really hoping there is because I'm dying to hear more about Kane!! If you love emotional college hockey romances then I definitely recommend picking this book up!
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes:
- hockey romance
- Athlete x Tutor
- Friends to Lovers
- Mental Health & Learning Disability Rep
- Found Family
Peyton Corrine you just do not miss do you? Also I’m sending you my therapy bill. I adored Rhys & Sadie’s story and was very excited to see where Freddy & Ro went from the glimpses we got. And boy did you deliver. This book gave me all the feelings. Sobbing, laughing, insanely angry, and everything in between. The slowest of slow angsty burns there ever was. Them falling in love was so soft & beautiful. To been seen is to be loved. Matty & Ro healed each other & grew & gave each other soft love & they both deserved it.
A side note: I absolutely ABSOLUTELY need a book on Toren bc the bits we got?! Same with Bennett! I have so many unanswered questions for the both of them. And the playlist? Top tier.
Thank you to NetGalley & Atria Books & Peyton Corrine for an e-ARC in return of an honest review
Peyton Corinne’s *Unloved* is an emotionally raw and compelling story that delves into the complexities of trauma, resilience, and the power of healing. This novel stands out in its genre by presenting a heartfelt journey of a young woman confronting her painful past in search of self-acceptance and love, both within herself and with others.
The protagonist, torn by her tumultuous upbringing and haunted by feelings of unworthiness, finds herself navigating relationships and experiences that test her strength and vulnerability. Corinne’s storytelling is deeply empathetic, allowing readers to see and feel the main character’s struggles in a way that feels intensely personal. The writing is poignant and introspective, with vivid inner dialogues that explore her doubts, fears, and desires, making her journey toward healing feel both authentic and relatable.
Corinne’s narrative style is fluid and immersive, drawing readers into the character’s mind while carefully unraveling her backstory, layer by layer. As the protagonist begins to confront her past, readers are pulled along a journey filled with tension, heartbreak, and ultimately, hope. The supporting characters, too, are thoughtfully crafted, adding depth and perspective to the protagonist’s experiences and choices, enriching the story with complex relationships that feel honest and believable.
While *Unloved* touches on heavy themes, including abandonment and emotional scars, Corinne approaches these topics with sensitivity, ensuring that the story is ultimately uplifting. It’s a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and the idea that healing, although painful, is possible and beautiful. The romance element is subtle yet powerful, offering a sense of redemption and a reminder of the profound impact of genuine connections.
Overall, *Unloved* is a beautiful and cathartic read for anyone who enjoys character-driven stories that explore difficult emotions and complex growth. Peyton Corinne delivers a tender portrayal of healing and love, making *Unloved* a deeply resonant read for those willing to journey through pain toward a brighter tomorrow.
Unloved is truly one of the most amazing books I have ever read. I fell in love with the characters from the beginning each of the characters was beautifully written. I love Freddy and Ro.
“Freddy is warmth and sunlight, shining and shimmering across ocean-blue water”
ARC REVIEW!!!!
Wowowowow so many thoughts. First, thank you thank you thank you to Netgalley, Peyton Corrine, and Atria Books for this ARC!
I KNEW Ro and Matty would be my favorites and this book SUCCEEDED! I related a lil too heavily to Ro… like too closely and I had a couple moments where I was frustrated with her, but then realized wait I did that too lol. But Matty, the hero we all needed. HEART EYES for this man! I wanna give him the BIGGEST hug. 🫶🏼
ONLY complaint… you definitely have to read unsteady before this one. Luckily, I had just recently read it before this, but I could see how it could be confusing if you didn’t know the timeline of unsteady.
Anyway, love love loved it
⭐️: 4.25
Kindle
4.5⭐️ this was literally everything to me I’m so unwell 😭
You know when you read the first book in the series and meet the next couple for the next book and you just KNOW it’s going to change your life? That was me with Ro and Matty’s (Freddy) story. They’re both so complex characters and the way Peyton writes is achingly beautiful and breathtaking.
“I think you’d be really easy to love.”
Unloved is such a tender friends to lovers where both characters are very protective and understanding and supportive of each other in so many ways. There were so many moments where I was giggling and blushing and wanting to throw my kindle and scream (in good and bad ways).
I also really enjoyed that this was during the same timeline as Unsteady and we got to see more glimpses of moments that we didn’t get before. The only negative thing I’d say is that it was a tad bit too long, but I still enjoyed it so much! I’m really hoping that Bennett and Toren get their book because I’m already so obsessed with them and need answers asap!
Thank you NetGalley and Atria for an arc in exchange for my honest review!!
I am so full of love after reading Unloved.
This book has heartache, found family, and strangers to friends to lovers. I want to be a part of this Waterfell Hockey family so badly.
Peyton has created some of the most extremely relatable characters I have read, especially Rosalie. As a woman in STEM who loves romance, it broke my heart to see Ro crumble in her relationship with Tyler. I am so glad she finally broke free of him, and it was so satisfying to read their last altercation. Seeing Ro become more confident and embrace who she is filled me with pride and joy. That's one of the reasons why I love Freddy so much. He was there to support her and be her friend as she started building herself back up.
Speaking of my man Freddy, I love him. He is so kind and protective. Even though he hid his struggles behind his care-free facade, he always found a way to make Ro feel seen, heard, and valued as a friend and later partner. I can only hope to find someone to love me like he loves Ro.
This book was truly everything to me. These characters, this story, and Peyton Corinne's writing are all so easy to love.
I thought this was a lot better than the first book for the main reason being their connection felt a lot more emotional rather than physical. it was definitely a slow burn for these two and it was great to see them as friends for a while before it progressed. I do think it was too long and quite repetitive at times, and I found myself getting a bit bored but that was really the only complaint. Their dynamic was cute, they both had issues to work through and I enjoyed reading about them separately and not just together. I thought Ro was relatable and Matt was a great book bf, and I do recommend if you like boys of tommen but want a little less trauma.
5 stars!!! I was obsessed from the minute I picked up Unsteady, but Peyton Corinne did it again with Unloved! If you want characters who are emotionally vulnerable, who find their true selves around each other and who have such pure love, pick up this book! Ro and Matty both face their own struggles in their past and present but find a real connection with each other, setting them up for great character development. It was also so fun to see familiar faces and scenes from the first book but from different perspectives! I can definitely see the set up for more books in the future with the mention of some of the other Waterfell Hockey players, so I’m definitely excited to see what’s to come! That being said, I 100% recommend reading Unloved, or anything by Peyton Corinne for that matter!
Thank you NetGalley, Atria Books and Peyton Corinne for sending me an eARC in exchange for my honest review!
Note: I’m uncertain if this is due to reading the Indie version of Unsteady, but Ro is Rora from the first book. I just wanted to clarify the name change, so everyone can enjoy without any confusion!
I loved Unsteady so I had high hopes for Unloved, and it did not disappoint! From the beginning I was invested in these characters and their romance. Their relationship had such a natural progression from friends to lovers. This was also such an emotional read, and I appreciated the depth each of the characters had. I loved seeing them open up, develop, and finally get their happy ending. Since finishing this book, I’m even more excited now to continue reading Peyton Corinne's books in the future and hopefully see some of the side characters get their own stories! Thank you to Atria Books and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
matty fredderic look alike competiton!! tonight!! my house!! $50 cash prize!!
on the real, i'm pretty sure i teared up at least every other page, like it just made me feel so soft and tender, and they're so soft with each other, i want to bubble wrap them your honor!!🥹😭 so i'm throwing stars even tho there was mad shit that wasn't working
but it's bc i cared about the characters so i just wanted a lil more!! like more of the archer storyline and more of the boys actually talking to one another?? i think the biggest issue was the pacing and i feel like it's bc it takes place sort of simultaneously with unsteady, so the big events had to fit with unsteady's timeline, which i think was a disservice to this book, since it made the story feel fractured and repetitive
<spoiler>i know that irl many things like this don't get brought up to authorities and aren't really resolved, but matty was quite literally preyed on by his bio professor at a point in his life where he was very vulnerable and easily manipulated. the big blowup consisted of her husband saying that she 'does this a lot' - as in, sleeping with her students, so idk this ma'am needs to be REPORTED. i'm glad rosalie was on his side, but pls i want this woman stripped of her teaching license and behind bars for the sake of all her victims.
considering the traumatic events, at the very least, i wanted him to go to therapy so he could recognize that he wasn't 'living up to his reputation as a slut by sleeping with his professor' and that this ADULT WOMAN had taken advantage of his fragile state and manipulated his feelings and abused her power, while trying to absolve herself bc 'it was never meant to be serious, i can't believe you think you love me, you're just a child,' as if she didn't know that she was dangling her approval and that he was drunk all the time while with her. i'm happy ro said it, but idt he fully GOT it. like pls he was a child and he needs a professional to help him realize that what he felt for that woman was not love, but a twisted emotion borne out of his own self hatred and her manipulation, and that he was a victim. idk i just think he really needs therapy, even if his relationship with ro is healing</spoiler>
thank you for giving me this arc as an early bday present, netgalley!! ✌🏼 also since this is an arc, maybe the things i had gripes with will be changed (yes i'm still in my delulu era. i fear it's a lifestyle at this point)
Another fantastic read! I sped through book one and then immediately requested book two because I knew I needed Ro and Freddy's story. Kind of like the first one, there are a few plot points that get forgotten along the way, but overall this book is so good and bingeable that I didn't really care.
Freddy has ADHD, Dyslexia and Dyscalculia, which makes hockey and anything physical his go to since he knows he can excel there. It does mean however, that he needs a tutor. Enter Ro.
Ro is so good at accommodating Freddy and learning to adapt for his tutoring. Finding out his back story made me cry so much. Content warning, he was manipulated by a professor and then has to take a class with her again later. It made me feel very icky, but also really just want to hug Freddy. Ro is also struggling with an asshole boyfriend and Freddy restores her faith and trust with all his cute dates and showing up for her. I wanted to smack her ex a few times because of how awful he treated her, and I felt so bad for Ro that she kept going back to him.
Freddy and Ro’s friends-to-lovers journey strikes a nice balance between charm and realism. The story explores meaningful themes—learning challenges, complicated family dynamics, toxic relationships, and self-discovery—but the pacing felt a bit slow at times. While in line with her character arc, Ro’s self-conscious tendencies occasionally made her character feel flat, which muted the chemistry between her and Freddy. Still, I couldn’t put it down; I loved the tenderness between them and appreciated the relatable, honest telling of love and personal growth.
I remember when the hype started with Corinne's debut, Unsteady. I remember feeling reluctant to read it because of the hype, the immediately falling in love with Sadie and Rhys. And I remember when Unloved was announced and my singular focus for month was getting it in my hands as soon as possible.
Unloved had its claws in me with the title alone. While Unsteady focused on the depths of mental health, which was super relatable for me, Unloved dove into the depth of parental loss. This theme is not something I experience in my daily life, so it didn't gut me from the start. Instead the heartbreak Freddy experiences on a daily basis started as a small hurt for me, then grew and festered as time went on. By the end of the book my entire body was shaking from the way Freddy viewed himself and his coping mechanisms. This poor kid's life was so backwards I wanted to scream for him! But Ro, she was the perfect balance. She saw him for the golden retriever he is on the inside and made sure he knew his worth.
I loved what they brought out in each other and how they truly filled each other's gaps. Ro gave Freddy the stability and confidence he needed to see himself in a new light, but Freddy gave Ro the confidence in herself to thrive. He was a sounding board for her and the ultimate support system, which was so important as she left a controlling relationship where her voice and opinions didn't matter. I loved how they stood up for each other and how they valued each other's opinions and autonomy. I loved the pieces we got of Sadie and Rhys, and I'm sure some pieces of Bennett and his mystery girl as well.
Overall, Corinne's ability to write such emotional stories about broken people who feel so real is unparallelled. It's so easy to fall in love with these characters with her compelling writing style and easy voice. The plot moves so fluidly even with such a heavy slow burn, the story doesn't fall stagnant or get redundant. I love the way she gives us the characters flaws but makes them so endearing, and the villainous way she wrote Tyler has me scoffing at Tylers I know in real life. I'm obsessed. OBSESSED.
Thank you Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I really liked this book! After reading Unsteady and seeing glimpses of Ro and Freddy, I’m so glad we got to learn more about them and their story. Matt “Freddy” Fredderic is the “playboy” hockey player who needs help from his shy tutor Rosalie “Ro” Shariff to stay eligible to play. As their friendship grows we learn that Freddy is more than just his playboy persona and that Ro yearns to find someone who understands her. I loved seeing their friendship grow as they both build up each other’s confidence related to their insecurities. This story was about personal growth, love and finding someone who accepts you just the way you are.
Okay, hear me out.
I liked this A LOT. I think it covered a lot of really important topics and I think Corinne handled them with grace. Grief is a monster. Abuse in all forms is a monster. There wasn't an easy way out of it for either of them and I think they did the work to heal themselves and each other beautifully.
So while that is all true, I think the book dragged a little in the middle for me. I understand we needed to see all of it to get them where they are at the end but it felt like a chore for a lil bit before it started to pick back up again. 464 pages is A LOT and I felt those extra 100 pages for sure.
With that said, I love Ro and Freddy and I love to see their world coincide with the world we saw Rhys and Sadie live in. And I absolutely cannot wait to get into Bennett's head oh my god.
I love this lil found family a whole lot!
Thank you Atria Books and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.