This was a good sequel to the first book in the series. I loved seeing more backstory of these 2 side characters from the original book, and it was fun seeing mentions of Rhys and Sadie. There was good semi-slow burn chemistry between these two and I liked to see the ways they challenged each other to grow. Warning to readers that both of these characters had backstories dealing with emotional and verbal abuse.

I really wanted to like this but I just didn't feel like I was the best fit for this book. The NA vibes are great and there's great representation inside, but I didn't feel connected to the story or the characters. I do think this is a me thing though, since so many of my book besties ADORE this series.

Thank you so much to Atria Books for my ARC.

3/5

I really liked Unsteady so I was looking forward to this book. I was NOT disappointed. Loved Freddy and Ro individually and together. This story took me through all the feels and I loved it.

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

Ro and Matty were absolutely adorable. The support and devotion they shared for one another from the very beginning was so heart warming and had me hooked.

It’s so refreshing to read books with characters that are more vulnerable and different than what they present to the rest of the world.

Peyton’s story telling subverts what you’d typically expect from a contemporary hockey romance books. It’s unique in the fact that the characters are truly authentic, they live through and embrace their struggles. Peyton makes her characters strong as individuals and strong as a pair which I really value as a reader.

I couldn't be happier that I recieved this arc. It was such an honor. I absolutely loved the first book in the series, and somehow I even loved this one more! Matty and Ro were the absolute cutest, and I found nothing bad to point in this book. Their communication was on point, and that's something that lacks in so many romances but not this one. I also liked the ADHD/mental health representation in this book, with Matty struggling but definitely making his way through, which proves such a beautiful point.
I can't recommend this book enough!

Was this book a little trope heavy and predictable? Sure. But was it also emotional and enjoyable? Yes. I loved both characters and watching them grow together and separately. This serious has always had heavy and strong influences in the background that it sheds light on which I think is important and they do so in a way that feels powerful and enlightening and encouraging not diminishing or making light of these issues. I loved the romance I love the emotion I loved the journey and the growth and the hockey. Overall just a very good book that I would recommend especially if you loved the first book in this series.

Ro Shariff, a hopeless romantic and biology tutor and Matt “Freddy” Fredderic, a hockey star with ADHD, dyslexia, and a reputation he’s trying to outrun.

As they navigate tutoring sessions, late-night confessions, and the ghosts of past trauma, their friendship deepens into something more. But both are haunted by insecurities and past heartbreaks.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for this wonderful ARC!

I think I have just discovered my new comfort read! All of the gold stars are necessary to describe this beautifully written, tender, and nuanced romance, which quite honestly knocked me off my feet.

This book may look like a standard hockey romance on its face, but that would only scratch the surface. Peyton has successfully crafted a story that follows two young people who are both emotionally fractured in their own ways, and how their true and unwavering love for each other heals deep wounds from their past while giving them hope for the future.

Rosalie (Ro) Shariff has been assigned to tutor one of her university's biggest hockey stars, Matt (Freddy) Fredderic. She is the brainy and bookish counterpart to his athletic, golden retriever personality. Their chemistry is immediate, and both soon discover that they are more alike than they are different. I wanted to give both of them a ginormous hug, especially Matt — his story literally had me in tears. Ro ends up being his safe place to land and the one true love he has longed for throughout most of his adolescent and adult life.

And THE EPILOGUE! Oh my goodness, my heart — I won't spoil anything, but this is one of the sweetest happily ever afters I have ever read.

This book is the second in Peyton's Undone series, but it can be read as a standalone! I actually had NO idea that her debut novel, "Unsteady," precedes this one, so I am absolutely going to dive into that book next! Although Ro and Matt's story is a tried-and-true romance, the book does cover some very heavy topics, such as the death of a parent and the long-term impact of emotional abuse and trauma (not between the two main characters, but in their respective pasts with other people). Be sure to check trigger warnings, if these topics are difficult for you to read!

All in all, this is one of my FAVORITE romances I have read this year, and I highlighted so many spots in my copy that I can return to later for a comfort read. :)

This novel was truly phenomenal and beautifully written. I devoured this in less than 24 hours.
This can be read as a standalone like I read it, but after reading one of Peyton‘s books, I imagine that Unsteady is more than worth your while to read before. I highly recommend giving this a read when it comes out.

Similar to Unsteady, this book is about college students learning to deal with tough things happening in their lives, while also learning how to open up to someone and create a healthy relationship.

The timeline of this book overlaps quite a bit with book one. I enjoyed getting a glimpse of those characters from a different perspective.

So far I'm enjoying this series. I like that they explore topics of mental health and such, but it does mean that I do have to wait to read them when I'm in a certain headspace, since they're a tad bit "heavier". But ultimately, I think that attests to how good the stories are.

This is book 2 in a series and I highly recommend reading book 1 first- the two books coincide so it's easier to understand Unloved if you read Unsteady first. Matt Frederick is the playboy of the school and Rosalie is the tutor he so desperately needs to help him with his grades. I personally love the athlete/tutor trope- One Tree Hill is one of my absolute favorite shows! This story has some really heavy topics- it will really pull at your heartstrings.

I LOVED Unloved. the characters and their dynamic were everythingg. Their relationship was so raw and emotional, with just the right mix of tension and vulnerability. I felt every moment between them, and their growth felt so real. Such a powerful, beautifully written story about love, healing, and connection.

Thank you netgalley and Atria books for the arc!

After loving Unsteady, I knew I needed to read his one and I finally had the time! I loved Freddy in Unsteady and was so excited to read his story! He was the comedic relief and golden boy in the first one but this one showed a lot more of the difficulties that he went through just to live. He was very protective of Ro and seeing him automatically act different with her versus the other girls showed that she was very much different. His interactions with Sadie, Rhys, and Bennett I ate up every time too. Him defending Ro against Tyler I ate up every time too! We love a protective mmc! He reminded me a lot of Gibsie and Johnny from Boys of Tommen! His relationships with his teammates too I giggled at!

Ro, Sadie’s best friend, is strong and very much her own girl boss. She is smart and intelligent and she’s sees Freddy for everything that he is from the get go. She knows when things are off with him. She knows exactly what he needs when he is angry or sad and she provides it. She listens to him and slowly she opens herself up to him. I saw a lot of her and Tyler’s relationship in my past one and I felt a lot of sadness for her as well as my past self.

These two get each other and are perfect for each other! The pop culture references and the hopeless romantic Ro I related with so hard. (The GMM reference) then their dance scene! I’m a sucker for dance scenes! Ro defends Freddy just as Freddy defends her and that is EVERYTHING in a relationship!

Also unrelated but the part with Toren Kane, dude needs a redemption arc, I can feel that he is trying and he defended Ro! Also Rhys being a papa bear to Sadie but also Freddy in this made me love him more!

Definitely recommend these two books in the series and I can’t wait for Bennett’s book!!!!

4/5⭐️

This book was soooo good! I wasn’t expecting it to be better than the first one, but it was! This series in general, has depth in the characters; it’s not just a hockey romance at all. But Ro and Freddy’s dynamic was EVERYTHING! I loved the chemistry you felt between them. I cannot wait to read more from this author!

I loved the first book and was so excited to get an ARC for this. However, I didn't feel like the characters had as great of chemistry as those in Unsteady. While I liked this book I didn't love it.

this was such a sweet story, Freddy and Ro made my heart so happy and i just loved their story. Couldnt put this one down once i started. slow burn friends to lovers is one of my favorite duos and this one was done so well. these two healed each other in such a beautiful way and watching freddy find his self worth and realize he deserves all the good things in life was just beautiful

this book was interesting. I spent the first half and incredibly frustrated with the characters doing dumb shit even though that is famously what 20 year olds do!!!! It is in a college setting and if you like that, would recommend.

LOVE. This series handles heavy topics and finding your true love and your person so well! This hockey romance is so much more than just about hockey.

I started 2024 by reading Unsteady, and it was among my favorite reads of the year so I can't express the feeling when I received the email telling me that I was going to receive an ARC of Unloved (a book that I was so excited to read!). I would like to @netgalley thank for the opportunity. ❤️

Now, Unloved WOW! @peytoncorinneauthor has a gift for creating endearing characters, her broken and vulnerable mmc awn we just want to heal and hug them 🥹. We never know what a person has been through. Freddy/Matt story was so touching I didn't expect to feel so many emotions while reading this book. I just wanted to go into the story and give him a big hug. Fortunately, he had Ro by his side to support him both in his studies and in his daily life. Their love story was so touching and sweet. The word that comes to mind when I think about it, soft love 🩷. Freddy was obsessed with Ro for many years, he was adorable and so caring. I also really liked getting glimpses of Rhys and Sadie with her younger brothers, but from a different pov since the two stories are happening almost simultaneously. I hadn't even finished the book that I was already looking forward to the next ones in the series, this group of hockey players is just✨🥹.

4.5/5

“In my dreams, I take care of you the way you take care of other people, and you’re relaxed and calm. And before bed, you tell me how easy it is to love me.”

Ro and Freddy are perfect! Their love is so incredibly tender and this book was beautifully written. Their journey from strangers to friends to lovers was so lovely to read, and I wanted to put them both in my pocket and keep them safe from everything around them.

I like that we got to see them both navigate really difficult things and lean on one another for support, even before their relationship was romantic. Freddy and Ro are a great example of a couple who were clearly meant to end up together, and I think that’s a huge credit to the way this story was crafted. They fit perfectly and they were written that way from the beginning.

There was a good amount of slice of life spread out throughout this book, which is a pacing style I really enjoy. Their relationship development felt very organic and not rushed. All in all, this was a great read, and I will definitely be continuing with the series because the found family dynamic is fantastic.

(Definitely recommend checking content warnings for this one.)

ARC provided by Atria Books via NetGalley.