Peyton Corinne’s The Undone series has captured the hearts of romance readers, first with Unsteady, and now with its much-anticipated sequel, Unloved. With Unloved, Peyton Corinne masterfully continues the story of Ro and Freddy, balancing the exhilaration of young love with the poignant exploration of mental health, identity, and self-worth. While Unsteady introduced readers to the magnetic but messy lives of the Waterfell Wolves, Unloved delves deeper into the characters’ vulnerabilities, proving once again Corinne’s strength in crafting emotionally resonant sports romances.
Plot Analysis: From Friendship to Flames
At the core of Unloved by Peyton Corinne lies the journey of Matt “Freddy” Fedderic and Ro Shariff. Freddy, the charming left winger for the Waterfell Wolves, battles not only his dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ADHD but also the burdens of a troubled family dynamic. Ro, a hopeless romantic with a pattern of heartbreak, steps in as Freddy’s tutor. What starts as an academic arrangement evolves into a deep, genuine friendship, tinged with the undeniable spark of something more.
Corinne’s plot is refreshingly unhurried. She allows the friendship between Ro and Freddy to breathe, giving weight to their late-night phone calls and small, tender moments. The narrative is more than a simple romance—it’s a testament to the transformative power of real affection and the healing that comes from being truly seen and valued.
Character Development: Flawed, Authentic, and Lovable
One of Corinne’s greatest strengths lies in her characters. Freddy is far from the typical jock stereotype. His struggles with learning disabilities and the emotional baggage of his father’s conditional inheritance add layers to his personality. Freddy’s outward confidence hides a sea of insecurities, and Corinne writes this with a rawness that is both relatable and heart-wrenching.
Ro Shariff is equally compelling. Her journey towards self-love and understanding what real affection looks like is beautifully portrayed. Ro is not merely a love interest—her narrative arc stands strong on its own, showcasing her growth from a girl with “terrible luck in love” to a woman who recognizes her worth.
Writing Style: Seamlessly Blending Light and Heavy
Corinne’s writing is a perfect blend of lighthearted banter and profound introspection. She captures the electric energy of youth with sharp dialogues and playful interactions, while also carving space for deep, reflective passages. The pacing is deliberate, mirroring the slow burn of Ro and Freddy’s relationship. She uses dual perspectives effectively, allowing readers to experience both the confusion and clarity that come with falling in love.
Themes: Love, Acceptance, and Growth
Unloved by Peyton Corinne thrives on its thematic richness. The novel tackles mental health with sensitivity, offering a nuanced portrayal of learning disabilities and the challenges of ADHD. Corinne does not shy away from showing Freddy’s frustrations and struggles, but she also infuses the narrative with hope. The theme of self-worth is equally prominent, particularly through Ro’s journey of realizing she deserves more than just the crumbs of affection.
The novel also explores the idea of unconditional love—not the kind found in fairy tales, but the real, messy, and sometimes difficult love that sees and accepts every flaw. Ro’s unwavering belief in Freddy and his worth beyond his reputation is a beautiful counterbalance to Freddy’s own doubts and insecurities.
Critique: Where Unloved Falls Short
While Unloved is a strong follow-up to Unsteady, it is not without its flaws. Some of the secondary characters, particularly those in Freddy’s hockey circle, could have benefitted from more depth. Their motivations and backstories sometimes felt underdeveloped, especially when juxtaposed with the rich layers of Ro and Freddy’s characters.
Additionally, the story occasionally meanders, with certain scenes feeling repetitive. While the slow-burn romance is a highlight, there are moments where the pacing dips, and readers might find themselves wishing for a quicker progression in the storyline.
Recommendation: For Fans of Emotional and Layered Romance
Unloved by Peyton Corinne will resonate deeply with fans of sports romance and those who appreciate a blend of light romance and deeper, introspective storytelling. Readers who enjoyed Elle Kennedy’s The Deal or Mariana Zapata’s The Wall of Winnipeg and Me will find a lot to love here. The novel’s focus on mental health and learning disabilities also makes it a great pick for readers seeking stories with authentic representation and a touch of inspiration.
Final Verdict: A Worthy Sequel in a Promising Series
With Unloved, Peyton Corinne proves that The Undone series is not just about romance but about growth, healing, and the beautiful messiness of real life. While it may not be perfect, its imperfections are part of its charm—much like its characters. Unloved is a heartfelt and worthwhile read that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Ro and Freddy’s journey.
