Actual Rating 4.5 stars
It is a well-written emotional punch of a book. The smut is unnecessary and skippable in my opinion. I really like how both characters are portrayed, They do feel like realistic people who deal with real problems. I love how everything was wrapped up, love both of the ML and FL. Just adorable and emotional.

I was not able to get through the entirety of this book, only got through 1/4, but the fourth of the book I read was good! I can't wait to read the rest when the paperback version comes out!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.75, rounded up)

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Matt “Freddy” Fredderic and Ro Shariff’s story is a beautiful, heartfelt romance, but Unloved also asks readers to wade through an overwhelming amount of pain before getting to the love.

First, the good: Freddy and Ro are sweet, generous, and incredibly supportive of each other in a way that’s tender and refreshing. They’re both struggling in their own ways—Freddy with learning disabilities like dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ADHD, and Ro with a toxic, on-again-off-again relationship—and the care they show one another feels genuine and earned. Freddy especially shines when it comes to protecting Ro, proving that his “player” reputation masks a much softer heart. Their dynamic is loving, kind, and deeply affirming. I adored seeing them stand up for each other.

Now, the tough part: the first half of this book verges into trauma porn. Both Ro and Freddy are treated so poorly by almost everyone around them for far too long, and as a reader, it’s emotionally exhausting. Watching Ro endure her toxic relationship while struggling to stand up for herself is painful—not because I blame her, but because it drags on. Freddy’s backstory, on the other hand, is equally hard to stomach. Between being objectified by the people in his life, bullied for his learning disabilities, and manipulated during a vulnerable time, his past feels like one trauma after another. While these moments highlight real struggles, at times it felt like they were included for shock value, without ever offering full resolution or justice.

The ending, while sweet, didn’t deliver the consequences I needed. Some characters deserved far worse than an impassioned speech (jail time would’ve been nice, just saying…). I also wish we’d gotten more focus on the healing process—therapy would have been so helpful here! It was a lot of pain to sit with for 500 pages without enough payoff.

Still, Freddy and Ro’s connection kept me rooting for them. Their pining, late-night talks, and mutual understanding of each other’s struggles are what shine brightest in this story. On the representation front, Freddy’s struggles with his learning disabilities are handled thoughtfully and realistically, though it was hard to see him bullied so often.

Overall, Unloved is a bittersweet, emotional read. Freddy and Ro’s romance is worth it, but be prepared to push through some heavy, frustrating moments to get to the heart of it.

If you love a romance that explores deep pain but finds redemption in love, this one might hit the mark for you. I just personally wish we’d gotten to the good stuff sooner.

(And seriously… let’s put these characters in therapy next time 🫠).

I enjoyed the first book in this series and was excited to read this next installment, which centers around Ro and Freddy. This story and their relationship are sweet and wholesome despite dealing with some heavy topics. I love how the author gave them a friendship first and built the relationship up from the beginning. Ro is a fantastic, soft, kind female lead. For anyone who loves hockey romance, found family, slow burn, and healing, this is your next read!

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for this ARC!

I really loved this book. It was so genuine and touching the way that Freddy and Ro approached their grief and struggles while always trying to be better not only for themselves but each other. I also loved the fact that this book tackles some difficult topics because it makes it feel more relatable. I felt a deep connection with Ro through this book because the way that she was treated by others is so personal to me because i can relate. I felt as thought I was reading my journal which really enthralled me. I think this is the best book i’ve read this year solely because of how raw it was and the fact that even thought there were hardships Ro and Freddy were able to get through them together supporting each other as friends first and then more. I will also say that the writing was beautiful and it had me laughing and then crying then laughing again. I really enjoyed the way that the author was able to tackle the grief with such grace and the idea of feeling unloved or unlovable in a way that some people can relate to and also realize that they are worthy of being loved unconditionally like these characters.

Unloved was brilliant, soft, sweet, and tender. I felt so much empathy for both characters, and really enjoyed this follow-up to Unsteady. Can't wait for more x

My ultimate love and joy for this story comes from the MCs themselves—I thought that Ro and Matty were so stinkin’ cute in their pining for one another! You actually feel their love for one another grow, and the chemistry is present from start to finish. I think it takes incredible storytelling for an author to be able to make the reader feel that chemistry through all stages of a relationship. They were truly a joy to read about, and I couldn’t get enough of them throughout the book.

This brings me to some of the aspects of the story that kind of brought the rating down for me. It wasn’t Ro or Matty’s relationship at all, but rather certain focuses in the story that I didn’t necessarily follow or felt repetitive at times. I especially found it hard to grapple with the entire storyline of Tyler himself—I understand what he did and how he relates to the story, but by his second appearance, I felt that we could tease out his character without needing to be reminded of it through additional scenes with the same formula of Tyler bringing down Ro, an incredibly mean/vile remark, and then him pretty much getting away with it. At times, I thought that we got more of Ro and Tyler rather than Ro and Matty. 

I was also kind of confused by the Carmen storyline—I felt like it developed sort of abruptly, and its significance wasn’t necessarily communicated in the writing itself. The general scenes & flashback were more so descriptions of what was happening, and the impact of what she did was almost glazed over. I think there were just so many storylines going on that it made some of them feel incomplete. 

I would also caution about Matt’s self-talk—I think he’s a very complicated character, and I was sometimes triggered by his headspace myself. And as a reader, I often just wished for Matty to get professional help rather than read more about him building a relationship with Ro. Maybe I'm a bit biased by my own mental health experiences, but I thought his pain went beyond what was resolved in the books.

I also don’t know if it’s the formatting on my device, but Chapter 49 in particular was teetering on the edge of overstimulation. I found the italicized text and breaks/shifts to the ongoing story difficult for me to follow. I almost wonder if the literary function of the flashbacks is worth the difficulty in processing the text. I’m a personal believer that flashbacks can be great, but when they’re used often, i.e., the call to Archer, it can make the reader feel a bit lost. 

In addition, with the ending, I didn’t really feel any closure on the complexity of Matty’s trauma. I really would’ve really liked to see more personal healing for both Matty and Ro. Everything just seemed to conclude in such a short time frame compared to the length of the various storylines. It also felt like certain side characters played such significant roles and yet had very surface-level conclusions. The beginning of the book set up a really great foundation for Ro and Matt, and I just think that certain side characters or, honestly, the amount of potentially criminal/grossly incompetent action was too much to reconcile with the ending. 

Despite my critique on aspects of the story, I thought it was a promising continuation of the ‘Unsteady’ universe. I enjoyed the prose and pacing of ‘Unloved’ more so than ‘Unsteady,’ and it was interesting to see the timeline play out beyond the Rhys & Sadie bubble. Also, the epilogue was absolutely BEAUTIFUL and partly why I struggle with this lower rating—the epilogue was 1000/10 for me. 

Overall, I think that ‘Unloved’ would be a great read for people who loved ‘Unsteady’ or college-focused/coming-of-age stories, given the proper TWs. I also look forward to seeing where Peyton Corrine goes next because I genuinely feel her writing is just getting better with each installment, and there’s a whole bunch of characters I’d love to see her bring to life.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

When I got approved for the arc of this book I literally freaked out and could not contain my excitement. With that being said, I adored this book so much.

This book is definitely one you should read if you like Binding 13, these characters are imperfect and they grow throughout the book. Ro is learning so much about herself as a person and her self worth in relationships, and Matt knows what he has in the future but needs help getting there.

I honestly lovedddd Matt sooo much, he has so much depth on page, and you felt for him as a character. I’m glad he was more than just a jock, and he had his own struggles. Everyone should read this book when it releases!

"I think you'd be easy to love." I had an honor of receiving this ARC and I'm eternally grateful. This book could have been 200 pages longer and I would've absolutely devoured it. I love the friends circle, the found-family trope. I loved this book, (maybe more than Unsteady, if that's possible!) Overall, I enjoyed the book and finished in a day, I could not put it down until I finished. Already waiting for the next one.
This book was everything to me. I am Ro and Ro is me. I cried a lot reading this book as I related to Ro in more than one aspect. Seeing the dynamic between Ro and Matty and them tackling their insecurities together really helped me in more ways than one. The first book was absolute perfection, this one even better than the first one. Ro would've definitely loved TTPD by Taylor Swift especially the "The Smallest man who ever lived" Also, this book felt like the song "So high school". I will always eat up hockey player and tutor trope, I've read more of this trope than I can count, and this was so well done. Ending this year with a final 5 stars read. Thank you so much for providing me this book.

“I think you’d be really easy to love.”

This book has emotionally devastated me in the best way possible. I was giggling and kicking my feet, I laughed, I cried. And I think a part of myself healed along the way as I watched Ro and Freddy fall in love. Lover Girl x Lover Boy was the dynamic I never knew I needed!

I love Ro and Freddy so much! Ro was so sweet, and sensitive, and compassionate. She is a girl who loves love and has so much of it to give! And although it took her some time to stand up for herself, she had no problem standing up for Freddy when he really needed somebody to do so.

It really was easy to fall in love with Freddy🥹 My heart absolutely ACHED for him and everything he’s been through. He deserves everything good in this world and needs to be protected at all costs! The fact that he’s still such a lover boy after everything he’s been through truly breaks and warms my heart all at once. He calls Ro princess, and that’s exactly how he treats her (he even calls her princess in his inner monologue it’s SO CUTE YOU GUYS). And the epilogue??? If you’re not crying over it, we can’t be friends😭🩷

To be loved is to be seen, and Freddy and Ro really saw each other. From something as seemingly small as a coffee order to knowing which smiles are real and which ones are for show. They are each other’s biggest cheerleaders while also being each other’s fiercest protectors. They truly just needed (and deserved) someone who shows up and loves them no matter what, and that’s exactly what they do for each other.

Unloved is out February 4, 2025!

*Thank you Atria Books and NetGalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

“I think you are one of the best people I’ve ever known. And I think it would be almost too easy to fall in love with you.”

I swear this emotional roller coaster of a book was worth every. single. minute. of my life and I wish I could read it for the first time again 🥹 The depth of this book, the character growth seen in both Matt and Rosalie, and the slow burn. Truly I have NO NOTES for Peyton because this love story was incredible.

Watching Matt and Ro fall in love wasn’t easy- each of them had inner (and outer) demons to fight and I’m beyond proud of these two FICTIONAL PEOPLE I also fell in love with while reading. Let’s talk about the people we love to hate: Tyler, Carmen, Matt’s Dad. The villains of this story were almost too realistic at times, and seeing both Matt and Ro struggle with these relationships made my heart ache. I also loved the representation of neurodivergence through Matt’s academic struggles, and Ro’s determination and dedication to help him succeed.

As someone that recently lost a parent, this book hit me hard. But I would recommend this read to anyone looking for an angsty college hockey slow burn, with great characters, found family, and an incredible love story. I really enjoyed Unsteady, but Unloved was OUT OF THIS WORLD. Take your breath away. Recommend until the cows come home literature. Five stars!

“To be loved is to be seen” 💗

Applied to preview this on a whim and didn’t think so would get it- so incredibly blessed to be a member of this 📚🏒ARC TEAM 🏒📚

Spicy: 🌶️🌶️
Sweet: 🍬🍬🍬🍬🍬
Dark: 🖤🖤 1/2
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I requested an early copy of this book from Net Galley as I really enjoyed Peyton Corinne's Unsteady, the first book in this series.
This was a quick read for me as I was invested in the characters. Corinne does a great job of establishing a found family of sorts. She did an excellent job of having the two books in the same timeline. So much so, that I found myself wanting to go back and reread parts of Unsteady to compare it to some of the events in Unloved. It also gave plenty of breadcrumbs for the next book (I'm assuming).
Kept me entertained which has not be an easy task lately!

The braniac tutor and the playboy hockey player.. sounds pretty basic right? But this one is NOT. Rosalie is a very shy tutor that was assigned Freddy, a superstar hockey player with learning disabilities. Freddy needs to get his grades up if he wants to graduate and continue to play hockey…

This is another emotionally heavy book by Peyton Corinne. I love all the characters! They just deserve so so much. I enjoy this book so much!! Im hoping and praying for a Kane book next! 🤞🏻

🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

Set against the backdrop of Waterfell University and its hockey-star-studded team, this novel goes beyond the usual trappings of a sports romance to explore themes of self-worth, vulnerability, and the healing power of love. Fans of Abby Jimenez and Emily Henry will undoubtedly love Corinne’s character-driven approach, which shines brightly in this emotional tale.

At the center of "Unloved" are two broken but resilient characters, Rosalie (Ro) Shariff and Matt “Freddy” Fredderic. Ro, a brilliant and compassionate student, struggles with her self-esteem while navigating the lingering scars of an emotionally abusive relationship. Freddy, the charismatic left winger for the Waterfell Wolves, hides his learning disabilities and deep-seated grief behind a veneer of confidence. When a twist of fate assigns Ro as Freddy’s biology tutor, their lives intertwine in ways neither could have predicted.

Corinne masterfully sets up a slow-burn, friends-to-lovers dynamic that feels both authentic and deeply satisfying. Their initial interactions—full of awkward humor, heartfelt conversations, and wistful moments of longing—pave the way for a connection built on trust and mutual growth.

Freddy and Ro are far from perfect, and that’s what makes them so compelling. Freddy’s struggles with dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ADHD are portrayed with nuance and empathy, giving readers insight into the challenges of managing academic pressure alongside personal insecurities. Similarly, Ro’s battle with self-worth and her journey toward finding her voice are heartbreakingly real. Their imperfections make them deeply human, and their growth throughout the novel is both inspiring and uplifting.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

Incredible. Peyton Corinne, you have a new fan.

I read Unsteady earlier this year and was blown away by such a great debut. So much so that I didn’t believe the sequel could capture my heart the same way the first book did. I’m pretty sure I love the sequel even more than the first.

Unloved follows the same timeline as Unsteady, except we get an even deeper look into some of the side characters — namely Freddie and Ro. This is a gentle, healing love story that holds the same emotional depth and sensitivity as Unsteady. This was the type of romance I wanted to skip work for, just so I could stay home and finish. With this sequel, Corinne has me ON MY SEAT waiting for what I hope are the next two books (Bennett and Paloma? Toren? So many mysteries left unrevealed!!).

Fans of Abby Jimenez and Emily Henry would gravitate to Corinne’s style of romance, especially Unloved which leans more into emotional growth and less into spice in this book. It really worked here, and it proved to me that Corinne isn’t following a formula to write her romances. These are truly character driven, and I’m living for it.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for the Arc!!!!

Unloved is a beautiful and emotional read. This book is a raw and authentic portrayal of heartbreak, self-discovery, and hope. If you’re looking for a story that will break your heart and then piece it back together with love and hope, Unloved is an absolute must-read. Peyton Corinne has created something truly special, and this book will stay with me for a long time. I don’t typically love a book that makes me feel TOOO deeply haha but this was just so well done. Highly recommended!

Yikes ! Think am in the minority for likes on this book.

It was just an ok read for me. Maybe you have to read the first in the series?

Ok. Setting that aside, Ro was too wishy washy for me. Even towards the end, it’s the MMC, Freddie, who verbally sticks up for her. Basically, he had to mansplain who she is to her ex and foe, Tyler. Freddie’s forgetfulness of their initial encounter was more reasonable. His headspace at the time makes sense as well as delusions about the prior inappropriate love interest..

This ARC was provided by the publisher, Atria Books, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I wish I could give Freddy a big, huge hug. That man has gone through so much in his life. The way both of the main characters found love within themselves and each other was very endearing. I wish that the plot points with Dr. Tinley and Tyler could have been met with some form of vengeance, but that’s just me wanting justice.

Also some of the intersecting points with Unsteady felt off? Maybe it’s because it’s been a little bit since I ready Unsteady, but I wish there was a little more interactions between Rhys, Freddy, Sadie and Ro. Freddy kept feeling like the odd man out between the trio of Bennett, Rhys and himself, but it never felt like he hung out with them or interacted much. Same with Ro, the beginning starts with Sadie and Ro’s relationship being a little rocky, but it jumps three years and they are best friends. They also aren’t shown being together as much. So part of me wishes that there was more of a community, found-family aspect to this book, but another part of me likes how many scenes there are between Freddy and Ro.

this book is so emotional and raw in every way!! i love all the characters. the mental health rep was done excellently. this is definitely one of my favorite books this year! roe and matt truly saved each other and is so protective of one another.. i love how to learned to advocate for herself and knows she deserves better. also roe just providing a safe space for matt at all times to be vulnerable. the lessons i learned from this is so inspiring!! i just love the way peyton writes the growth of these characters. it’s so important to stand up for yourself and not take any mistreatment and know you are loved! all their inner problems were dealt with beautifully, the pining and tension!! i related to ro so much and so glad she got her hea!!


favorite quotes
"There's a hitch in his breath, and if I didn't know him better-the fact that I'm sure everyone has complimented him enough to last a lifetime-I'd say he's yearning to hear the words. They wash over him like water on a sunflower."
"Accusing you of not applying yourself? God-I'm insulted for you. To fight me back on that? They don't know anything about you."
"She waited after every step for me to get bored, but I could listen to her talk about the scientific process of paint drying without batting an eye. Everything she says is enthralling to me."
"Hey," Matt snaps, pulling out of the hug he'd just granted his friend. "Not cool-either of you. No foreign language shit, that's cheating." He points toward Bennett. "And you? No cooking in front of my girlfriend-that's ... that's even worse, I think."

This is my second book by this author I ❤️ unsteady and this was a great read. FMI was tutor for the mmc who had both had self worth issues and the mmc has adhd, dyslexia and a math disability. I ❤️ slow relationship that built from friends to lovers sort of thing. This a sports romance-hockey specific.the fmc deals with a verbal abusive narcissistic ex boyfriend, while Freddy deals with grief losing a parent before college and a father that didn’t want him.