Peyton Corinne’s Unloved, the second installment in The Undone series, builds upon the heartfelt and angsty foundations laid in Unsteady. Returning to Waterfell University, Unloved dives deeper into the lives of hopeless romantic Ro Shariff and the charming yet troubled hockey player, Matt “Freddy” Fedderic. As with its predecessor, Corinne masterfully combines the high-stakes world of college sports with genuine explorations of mental health, romance, and self-discovery.
Plot Overview: Friendship, Love, and Finding Self-Worth
In Unloved by Peyton Corinne, we meet Freddy, a star left winger for the Waterfell Wolves, whose athletic prowess is juxtaposed against his academic struggles due to dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ADHD. His dreams of the NHL are tangled in his father’s harsh ‘graduation clause’ inheritance, forcing him to buckle down academically. Enter Ro Shariff—intelligent, kind, and unknowingly the girl of Freddy’s forgotten first kiss. As Freddy’s tutor, Ro becomes the bridge between his struggle and success, but their burgeoning friendship quickly dances on the line of something more.
Corinne’s storytelling shines through the simmering tension and undeniable chemistry between Freddy and Ro. The narrative thrives on the duality of Freddy’s outward confidence and inner vulnerabilities, and Ro’s journey from self-doubt to self-assurance. The slow-burn romance is paced beautifully, with the author giving space for friendship to root deeply before exploring love’s complexities.
Character Analysis: Well-Rounded and Relatable
One of Peyton Corinne’s strongest talents lies in her character development. Freddy, with his broad smile and hidden scars, is not just a “player” on the ice or in bed—he is a young man searching for worth beyond his physical talents. His battles with learning disabilities and his fear of failure add a refreshing layer of authenticity to his character.
Ro, on the other hand, is a breath of fresh air. While she starts as a self-proclaimed hopeless romantic with unlucky experiences in love, her growth is palpable. Her gentle strength, empathy, and courage to redefine her self-worth are inspiring. Watching her break free from her on-again-off-again boyfriend and realize her own value is a gratifying experience.
The supporting cast also plays a significant role in enriching the story. The familiar faces from Unsteady return, contributing to the vibrant world Corinne has crafted at Waterfell University.
Writing Style: Emotional, Raw, and Immersive
Peyton Corinne’s writing in Unloved is raw and unfiltered. She has a knack for dialogue that feels real and immersive, often pulling readers into the minds and hearts of her characters. The prose balances angsty romance with lighthearted banter, maintaining an engaging pace throughout. The blend of witty dialogue and introspective moments offers a well-rounded reading experience.
Exploring Themes: Love, Mental Health, and Redemption
The novel tackles heavy themes with grace. From exploring the impacts of learning disabilities on self-esteem to depicting the journey of healing from past traumas, Corinne navigates these subjects with empathy. Freddy’s struggles with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia are treated with respect, highlighting the academic and emotional hurdles he faces. Ro’s path to understanding her own needs and breaking free from an unhealthy relationship also provides a thoughtful examination of love and self-respect.
The novel’s underlying message is clear: the right person will love every part of you, even the broken pieces.
Critique: Where Unloved Could Have Hit Harder
While Unloved by Peyton Corinne has many strengths, it isn’t without its flaws. The pacing, particularly in the middle sections, occasionally drags, with some scenes feeling repetitive. Certain conflicts, especially surrounding Freddy’s academic hurdles, could have benefited from deeper exploration. While Corinne does a commendable job addressing mental health, a bit more focus on Freddy’s coping mechanisms beyond romance might have added a richer layer to his character arc.
Additionally, while Ro’s development is satisfying, her transition from her past relationship to her evolving feelings for Freddy could have used more nuanced exploration. At times, her decision-making seemed rushed, and her lingering ties to her ex-boyfriend felt more like a plot device than a fully fleshed-out conflict.
Final Verdict: A Worthy Addition to The Undone Series
Overall, Unloved is a commendable sequel to Unsteady. It captures the spirit of college romance while weaving in deeper, more meaningful narratives about self-worth, love, and redemption. Fans of sports romances, particularly those with a focus on mental health and personal growth, will find much to love here.
If you enjoyed books like The Deal by Elle Kennedy or Pucked by Helena Hunting, Unloved will undoubtedly be a welcome addition to your reading list. Peyton Corinne continues to prove that she can craft stories that are not only enjoyable but also leave a lasting impact on the reader.
Recommended For:
- Fans of sports romance
- Readers who enjoy college romance settings
- Those looking for stories with authentic mental health representation
- Anyone who appreciates a slow-burn romance with well-rounded characters