Unloved Review


5 Star 3.5 Spice

Tropes:

Hockey romance
Dual POV
Slow burn
Friends to lovers
Forced proximity (tutor x athlete)
Mental health rep
Homesick FMC

This story was so beautifully written by @peytoncorinneauthor. This story begins with Matty, the campus Casanova, star athlete needed help academically to make it to graduation. On the surface he has it all— the looks, the notoriety, the girls.

Rosalie Shariff is the beautiful brainiac tasked with the job to help Matty overcome his learning challenges and grades. Meanwhile, she’s struggling to put herself first while in an emotionally abusive relationship.

This story covers their journey from friends to lovers and finding confidence to stand up for themselves.

I actually enjoyed this more than Unsteady. Matt is the perfect misunderstood, athlete. He has some much depth. The character development was perfect and the chemistry was next level.
I’m really looking forward to buying a trophy of this one.

Thank you @Netgalley for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review!

4.25 🌟 matt and ro!!!! I adored this book and these characters. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of unloved, and I ate this book UP! I loved this book even more than unsteady - the depth of the characters is amazing, their growth as individuals is so heartwarming, and their relationship as friends and more than friends blossoming is beautiful. experiencing these two healing each other in such meaningful ways was really touching, and I know these characters will live on in my heart for a while 🥹❤️ as an avid hockey romance reader, this one is definitely worth the read.

I was given an ARC of #Unloved by #NetGalley.

Peyton Corrine’s follow up to Unsteady did not disappoint. Ro is sunshine to Matt “Freddy” Fredderic’s rainy day. To be loved is to be seen and Corrine embodies this mantra again with her follow up novel.

TW: Unloved tackles topics such as grief and abuse.

WOW, Peyton Corrine has done it again!! Thank you to NetGalley for this beautiful arc! We see Freddy and Ro in Unsteady and ii was so excited for their book and it was definitely worth the wait! I go back and forth of which of the two are my favorites. I love the “fall for your tutor” trope and this was perfectly executed in that way. Freddy is a new favorite book boyfriend of mine!

I don't know if there are enough words in the world to describe what this book meant to me.

Freddy and Ro both attend Waterfell University but are both struggling in their own ways. Both are dealing with grief in different ways and are struggling to really live their lives. But when Ro becomes the tutor to the first boy she ever kissed, and Freddy gets a new tutor that really believes in him, things change for the better.

As someone that has dealt with narcissistic abuse, this book touched a part of my soul. The care and consideration that was given to these characters and their stories meant the world to me and more. Peyton gave them a beautiful, and raw story that allowed readers to walk alongside Freddy & Ro while they healed in their own ways. You can feel the pain that both characters are experiencing on the page. You want to take it away and help to heal them.

Grief is such a hard topic to discuss because, it's a privilege to love something so much that you feel such a great loss at a life without them. But Peyton's words bring light to the different journeys people will take to heal.

Truly, thank you Peyton for writing this story. These are two characters that helped heal a piece of me I didn't know still needed it. I will never stop loving them or this story.

where do i begin?

ro and freddy are actual soulmates. their love at times was so tender and caring it brought tears to my eyes. the way that they both love and they love hard, truly shows. they both deserve the world. you could feel the weight of the words in this book with how ro and freddy described things. it made my chest ache but in the best way. i love these two so much and i will cherish their story forever <3

thank you, atria books, and NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

This book follows two characters introduced in Book One, Rosalie (Ro) Shariff, Sadie's best friend, and Matt (Freddy) Frederric, Rhys hockey teammate.

Compared to book one, this one felt much better with how it delved deeply into the character's development. I assumed it could be because this flowed naturally after meeting these characters in book one. Both dealt with personal issues and people in their lives that led to deep feelings of lack of both confidence and self-worth.

For Freddy, it was a narcissistic, nasty father who "punished" the poor guy for being a better hockey player and person. Well frankly it wasn't hard to be better than his dad, but he certainly seemed to have a soft heart, more like how his deceased mother had appeared to be. Freddy also certainly had left over feelings of not being there when his mom passed. How that developed was heartbreaking, but in the end I liked how that was wrapped up.

For Ro, who grew up a touch sheltered, she had a hard time making friends. She was easily manipulated and made to feel small by her ex-boyfriend, who was like a leech who wouldn't go away. He'd break up with her and then try to get her back while tearing her down constantly. I wanted to strangle him every time he was on the page ... lucky for him he was a character in a book. As an only child she had a lovely relationship with her parents, but I think she felt bad that she wasn't there all the time. Her father had suffered a stroke and how Corinne wrote it, you could feel how Ro worried about him.

These two people really needed each other. Freddy needed Ro's help to pass due to his learning difficulties, and Ro needed Freddy's strength of conviction that she was a smart, beautiful person. It was really so sweet how they came together to really build each other up. And believe me, there were a lot of bumps in that road, and Freddy in particular, had a rough ride.

I also did like that the two of them didn't come together sexually until a good 80% into the book. It just seemed right for them. Especially Ro, who was not a promiscuous person.

Overall such an enjoyable read and I certainly am now 100% invested in all of the other characters enough to read on if Corinne writes more books in the series ... I hope :)

Unloved is the second book in The Undone series by Peyton Corrine. It follows college hockey player Matthew "Freddy" Frederic and tutor Ro Shariff.

This story was set concurrent to Unsteady, and we see what was going on with Freddy and Ro while Rhys and Sadie were falling in love. I enjoyed that aspect, as I was truly invested in how their romance came to fruition. The setup is that Freddy has trouble learning and requires a tutor to pass his courses to remain eligible to play sports at the university. Enter one Ro Shariff, who unlike Freddy's previous tutors, actually works to accommodate Freddy's learning. The funny thing is that she can't forget that Freddy was her first kiss her Freshman year, and she can't remember the night Freddy can't get out of his head.

This book is a slow burn—a very, very long slow burn. However, it works for them, to a point. There was a lot of longing and tension for about 80% of the book. Part of that makes sense because Ro was getting out of a relationship with a boy who manipulated and gaslit her for years, making her question every decision she made. Which is honestly completely understandable. Freddy, on the other hand, has issues equating his worth to what he could do for others (thus his many extracurriculars with the ladies).

Unloved was extremely emotional, dealing with a lot of topics, including grief and emotional abuse. That being said, I wish Ro had been able to do what she did sooner in the end for a better payoff. Even with all the emotional notes, the plot dragged in the middle, which I didn't feel about Unsteady.. This could be because there was a lot of crying by the characters. A. Lot. Perhaps it simply bothered me slightly because I am more of a Sadie than a Ro. I'm also not sure about Freddy's side story/plot in the book.

Regardless, the vibes were there, and I loved their relationship. They won me over with their lack of toxicity, kindness, and empathy. It was downright healthy, and I loved how they healed together. I also appreciated their friend groups being supportive. Truthfully, though, there were some points where I just wanted more. I personally wanted a specific revelation and wanted more reaction from another at the end.

Peyton Corrine's Unloved, a sports romance novel with an emotionally mature approach, will capture the hearts of fans who loved Unsteady, delivering a heartfelt story, exploring themes of love, loss, and self-discovery.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
📚 Tutor x Jock
🏒 Learning Disability Rep
📚 Slow Burn
🏒 Friends to lovers
📚 Found Family
🏒 Reformed playboy
📚 Gaslighting ex
🏒 Grief
📚 Hurt/Comfort
🏒 He remembers her coffee order

OH MY GOD WHERE DO I START! So first this book will forever hold a place in my heart because it is my first ARC (advanced reader copy). This book was so easy to love 😉. I love Freddy and Ro and their story as much as I love my family and friends. The cover of this book is amazing for all discrete cover readers. Because warning this book does contain some spice. Unloved reminds me so much of Daydream by Hannah Grace, but I think I enjoyed Unloved more. Because there were some spice scenes but nothing as overbearing as Daydream. I cannot stop recommending this book to everyone one of the readers in my life, and most definitely need to buy a copy for my shelf when it comes out!

I thought Unsteady tossed me around and gave me a good kick in the gut, but Peyton did it again, on a whole other level. Now introducing Matthew Fredderic and Rosalie Shariff. These two had me reading with tears in my eyes about all the ways the world and people treated them so unkindly. It was another level of heartbreak that Peyton delivered in only the way she can. Like we’re talking about two college kids that have been dealt some of the worst cards in the deck, but when those two kids become friends… pure magic.

Hands down they both deserve the biggest most comforting hugs, especially Freddy. From the get go you just wanna squish him, and being in his head made it even more so. But then you hear what Ro says and what she’s been told and you wanna hug her too, but then go hunt people down on her behalf.

I absolutely loved and adored the way they truly saw one another for who they were. Ro picked up on who Freddy really is at his core, and Freddy saw all the things that no one ever saw about Ro. They complemented and balanced one another so beautifully from the get go. The foundation they built as friends that eventually gave way to more was constructed perfectly.

This book was packed with so many emotions, if you don’t feel like your heart got stomped on by the end, I don’t think you read it right. The burn is slow but the whole point was that they needed the solidness of having one another in their corner to begin with. It’s amazing, please, please read it. It comes out on February 4, 2025. Preorder it, add it to your tbr, read Unsteady now if you haven’t, it’s the perfect time.

Thank you to Atria books and NetGalley for the E-ARC of this title.

Wow! This book absolutely blew me away. Peyton Corinne took a college aged hockey romance and turned it into a story of depth, acceptance, and love.

The characters were well drawn out and the friendship that bloomed between the unlikely pair of Freddy and Ro felt so genuine. From the outside looking in, the characters are complete opposites. However, when we get into the souls of these characters, they are both lonely and seeking out validation from others. Their self worth has been stripped away by those closest to them, and they find a trust in one another that is desperately needed by both.

Ro has the most awful boyfriend throughout the book and Freddy has some messed up relationships. It would have been nice to have these villainous characters pay for their insufferable personalities.

Perhaps the most surprising character was Freddy. There is so much more than the playboy persona that plagues him. I loved the way the author navigated his story. You will add him to your all time book boyfriend list immediately.

Some of the side character stories felt vague and inconsistent with Freddy and Ro's story. I read this as a standalone, but I think reading as a series would likely put those pieces together more seamlessly.

Unloved by Peyton Corinne was such a beautiful read and very much binge worthy!💚

Matt “Freddy” Fedderic is the school’s star hockey player, already signed to play in the NHL. Seen as a playboy and only good in the bedroom, many don’t see his struggles, nor his want to be needed and loved. Rosalie “Ro” Sherrif is a genius and a hopeless romantic stuck in a ‘relationship’ that has drowned her self-confidence and is downright degrading and shameful.

Matt is barely scraping by and needs to pass his classes, so naturally he’s paired with Ro, his new tutor.

This book is a slow burn friends to lovers that touches on grief and love. His focus is to protect Ro and rebuild her confidence while always being there for her, like standing up for her against her ex, through acts of service and words of reassurance/affirmation. I LOVED his POV, seeing his vulnerability, his internal monologue, and his thoughts and absolute adoration of Ro was heartbreaking yet heartwarming to read. The way they are both such people pleasers but so gentle with each other was beautiful🥹. They are so darn cute!

The friendship they build from the very start, while both secretly crushing on each other made this book such a feel good read. Once you start, you can’t put it down because you just want to know what’s next for Matt and Ro! An easy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 stars!

For spice, I rated it 1.5🌶️, the book is open-door yet relatively tamed, things heat up towards the end of the book and includes praising/good-girl moments.

Definitely recommend if you’re into hockey romance and want a feel good read that’s heartwarming with a touch of spice!🏒

💚Releases February 4th, 2025. Save the date!

Thank you to @netgalley and @atriabooks for the e-ARC copy in exchange for an honest review!💚

Unloved was such a treat to read.

Somehow, it's simultaneously a devourable new adult romance set in a college while also being a heavy, and deep book. It's a fine balance that Petyon Corrine strikes perfectly.

Freddy is an excellent hockey player, an even better player of the field and an academic disaster.

Ro is a hopeless romantic with a penchant for people-pleasing and a stunning academic record.

Freddy needs a tutor and Ro's the gal up for the job. Only Freddy doesn't remember that he was Ro's first kiss so many years ago.

This book does reformed playboy and friends to lovers PERFECTLY. Both Ro and Freddy have their own deep emotional wounds which they heal during the course of their romance and in their own character journeys. Their romance, and their steamy scenes, feel well-earned.

I was gripped from the very first page.

Be sure to put it on your pre-order list! Thank you to Netgalley and Atria for the ARC.

4.5/5 stars

“i think you’d be really easy to love”

i truly do not think i can properly articulate just how wonderful this books was; i’m afraid i just won’t do it justice, but ill try!

what i’ve truly admired about peyton corrine’s books is that the depth and emotional vulnerability is prioritized (more than a typical romance book). in a lot of books male characters aren’t given the space to share vulnerability, or it is squeezed into a small chapter so the romance can take the main priority, but peyton corrine has found a beautiful blend of both.

freddy is the type of character that wears his heart on his sleeve for those he loves most to see while also hiding so much of his vulnerability; ro is just the same. these two feel so very much and we’re just destined to find one another because they just work, they understand each other, and without even needing to say anything, they know what they need.

tropes:
- found family
- college hockey romance
- friends to lovers
- she tutors him
- lover boy x lover girl
- slow burn
nickname: princess

ive absolutely adored the undone series thus far! they are so unique and beautiful! the stories are intertwined with one another (so some events happen at the same time) which really shows how much people hide from their loved ones out of shame, anxiety, fear, etc. it is so amazing to see what is going on with the other characters from the different perspectives and plot lines while also seeing many things wrap up in a nice bow (it helps you get closure when you can see in the eyes for all parties involved).

now i just finished unloved and i will be going into a hole and not resurface for 5-7 business days because of how much i loved this story and freddy & ro’s character development/relationship! i can’t wait for bennett’s book!!

ps. these books are so well planned that you almost get teasers of bennetts book in unloved (in the same way you get teasers of unloved in unsteady)

This was such a great follow up to Unsteady. I loved that so much of it took place at the same time as the events of the first book. I devoured this in a day because I could not get enough. It was such a perfectly paced slow burn friends to lovers. Ro and Freddy were absolutely precious and I loved how they had such a deep admiration and understanding of each other before they even started dating. I loved the way these two protected each other, stood up for each other, and healed each other's wounds. Looking forward to anything else Peyton Corinne writes.

Genuinely loved this book SO MUCH - just finished it and am already planning where I can fit in a re-read. I absolutely loved Matt/Freddy and the character development we got to see through him and for Ro. They are the sweetest couple and I love how they bring out the best in each other. I love all of the characters in this series and I'm itching to learn more about Bennett!! So good

Arc Review
Unloved By Peyton Corinne
Available February 4
5 ⭐

First off i would like to thank Atria Books & Netgalley for the opportunity to read & review this book. Thank you for this gifted E-Arc.

Ro & Freddy.
My sweet sweet babies. I absolutely adore these two so much. They're two of the softest souls every. There ability to show up for each other no matter what and just be there for the other. Ro is the most loving caring person ever and her ability to wear her emotions on her sleeve is absolutely beautiful. No matter what she is going through in life she shows up and encourages Freddy that he can do anything and that he is so loveable. Freddy may hide behind his goofy ways, but underneath is a big softie who just wants to be seen for who he truly is. His ability to be vulnerable and open with Ro and show her that she deserves all the good things in life. The way these two slowly build a friendship and allow it to grow into something more is beautiful. I absolutely love Freddy's protectiveness over Ro & willingness to do anything for her no question asked & i absolutely love Ro's ability to prove to freddy that he is so much more then what he has been told & is proud to show him the love he truly deserves & her protectiveness over him 🥺. These two are the sweets most heartfelt couple. I couldn't get enough of them.

5/5 recommend this book. Peyton really outdid her self with this book, the raw emotions & complex depth to these characters allowing us to see them for who they truly are & letting us feel truly seen in these characters is breathtakingly beautiful. Absolutely a masterpiece. 💚

For starters I just want to hug Matty (Freddy) and never let go.

For lovers of college sports romance, tutor x student, and strangers to friends to lovers this book is definitely for you!

This book was so emotional and the angst had me in a chokehold. Definitely a slow burn but so worth it to go through all of it with Ro (Rosalie) and Matty. Watching the blooming friendship turn into something more and seeing them fall in love with each other despite all the hardships they were going through was something so special I wish I could go back and read it again for the first time.

Ro
Ro is so sweet, gentle and loving. She was so genuine in everything she did and it made her so lovable but also vulnerable. She was too sweet sometimes especially with Tyler but seeing what she was going through and that what Tyler was doing was a form of abuse helped us understand more why she stayed with him so long. Seeing her fight her way back from everything he put her through and healing made it all worth it.

Matt
Matty is such a vulnerable lovable cinnamon roll. All the small things Matty would do for Ro like showing up with her favourite drink when her ex couldn’t even remember what it was and searching up her favourite movie after she mentioned it just made him so much more lovable. He went through something traumatic and was fighting with that along with his academic struggles but he never gave up on Ro and fighting for her. He was always there for Ro throughout the whole book and that melted my heart.

Matt & Ro
Their relationship started out with Ro being Matty’s tutor but it bloomed into so much more. All the late nights just talking and always being there for each other really showed the journey of them healing together and starting to see what true unconditional love is supposed to be like. They both deserved the happy ending so so much.

One thing I didn’t like as much was how much of the book Ro was actually with her ex Tyler but it also really helped with developing the love and friendship between Ro and Matty and made their budding relationship that much stronger in the end.

Definitely give this book a read and if you haven’t already go read unsteady as well!

*Thank you Peyton, NetGally and Atria for the ARC”

ADHD and Dyslexia representation?? this book was made for me! This book was such an emotional rollercoaster oh my goodness! i was not expecting it to be so emotional but wow it really got me. Freddy was such a sweetheart and i loved how protective he was over Ro and the things she had to deal with. They both are adorable and deserve nothing but the best. The found family in this book was so special and perfect i just couldn't get over it. I will say you do have to wait a loooooong time both of them to get together which was kind of frustrating but it was cute and i enjoyed it!

I did initially struggle with the first like 30% of the book solely because I hated tyler so much and I wanted to throw my kindle across the room every time he was on page. BUT once he was more out of the picture and we got to see more of ro and freddy’s relationship grow I couldn’t stop reading!

I loved both of their characters growths and how they learned to lean on another person when things got too heavy. freddy puts up such a front with everyone but is so soft with ro and seeing that mask eventually slip away with others he’s close with had me melting to a puddle and Ro finally standing up for herself!!!!!!! I love her and her growth so much. There were so many times I just wanted to give Freddy a hug, I’m pretty sure I cried more in this than Unsteady!

also, I loved that the epilogue is 5+ years in the future!! like yes pls give me the marriage and careers and babies!!!!!!