1.48k reviews for:

Unloved

Peyton Corinne

4.19 AVERAGE

challenging emotional funny tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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what can I say, I love and angsty book
emotional fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Ro and Matty are the kind of characters who stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Their love and connection feel so deeply special, and you can’t help but root for them as they search for solace, comfort, and happiness. Both of them carry pasts that weigh them down, but the way their love grows—through friendship, support, and unwavering care—is nothing short of powerful.

One of the most beautiful aspects of this story is how Ro and Matty help each other see their own worth. They teach each other that they deserve love, care, attentiveness, and respect. Matty is more than the labels others have placed on him, and Ro is worthy of real, unconditional affection. Their journey of finding belonging is tender and emotional—I WILL CRY.

Peyton Corinne masterfully crafts this story, handling heavy topics with such care and intention. The longing between Ro and Matty is breathtaking, the push and pull between fear and hope unfolding in a way that is truly everything. Their relationship is soft love at its best—rooted in genuine friendship before anything else. They fall for each other so naturally, so carefully, and their bond is a reflection of mutual strength. Ro is Matty’s biggest advocate when he can’t be his own, and Matty is Ro’s biggest cheerleader when she’s too afraid to speak up for herself. They are perfect mirrors of each other, treating one another with a tenderness that makes your heart ache in the best way.

Peyton has a gift for writing complex, deeply human characters. She breaks the mold of traditional college sports romances, creating something raw and deeply emotional. Matty, with his butterfly thigh tattoo and hidden softness, is one of the most beautifully written love interests—broken in a way that doesn’t feel toxic, but real. And Ro’s arc, from a quiet, people-pleasing girl in Unsteady to someone who finds her voice and stands her ground in Unloved, is worthy of a standing ovation.

Seeing the rest of the Waterfell crew was a joy—Sadie remains iconic, and those little teasers for Bennett? I am a puddle. I also loved how this book wove seamlessly with the first, giving us Freddy and Ro’s perspectives on familiar moments, making the entire story feel even more complete.

At its core, this is a love story about two people who just want to be seen and loved for who they truly are—not who the world expects them to be. The balance of friendship, love, and personal growth makes this book unforgettable.

This book is tender, raw, and beautifully written. Peyton Corinne has, once again, given us a story that makes you feel everything. Ro and Matty deserve the happiest life together, and I will never stop thinking about them.
emotional medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Unloved was so freaking good—I swear this entire series is emotional crack in the best way possible. Ro and Freddy completely melted my heart. Their story is filled with so much vulnerability and quiet strength; it’s not just about romance, it’s about what it means to feel seen, understood, and truly loved for who you are—flaws and all. Freddy, with all his struggles and his big soft heart, and Ro, with her endless compassion and buried hurt, are just so easy to root for. Their connection felt real, messy, and incredibly tender from the start, and don’t even get me started on their late-night calls and that sweet, slow burn. 

Peyton’s writing hits in a way that’s so raw and comforting at the same time. The story dives into learning disabilities, mental health, self-worth, and loss with so much care and heart that you feel every emotion along with the characters. It’s one of those books that makes your heart ache in the best possible way, and you’re left thinking about Ro and Freddy long after the last page. Honestly? Five glowing stars—I loved every second of their story.
hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

I ate this up I fear. One of my most anticipated releases of 2025 and it did not disappoint.
emotional funny hopeful medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
emotional funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Overall this was a good read. I liked both MCs, especially tenderhearted Freddy aka Matt. He was such a sweetheart. I did think this was a little too long though. Even still, this series as a whole has been very good and I look forward to seeing what comes next.