Unsteady

A Novel

By: Peyton Corinne

Narrated by: Kelsey Navarro Foster, Max Meyers

“Unputdownable and unforgettable. Peyton Corinne effortlessly weaves together raw, emotional moments with scenes that feel like a warm embrace through dynamic characters that will leave an indelible imprint long after you turn the final page” (Bal Khabra, author of Collide) in TikTok sensation Unsteady. Now featuring a previously unreleased bonus chapter.

Rhys is desperate to feel anything.
Sadie wants to stop feeling so much.

Rhys Koteskiy is back—at least, he’s supposed to be. During last year’s Frozen Four, the Waterfell University hockey captain and NHL legacy took a brutal hit that left him with a concussion and a new discomfort on the ice. Plagued by nightmares and panic attacks every time he attempts to skate, Rhys wonders if he’ll ever play again—or if he’ll ever want to.

Sadie Brown is staying focused this semester—no matter what. Currently drowning in debt, custody hearings for her younger brothers, and skating practices, she’s just trying to make it to the next day. A spitfire figure skater known for her bad attitude and frequent disappearing acts, Sadie has a reputation on campus. And it’s not a pretty one.

When she accidentally witnesses one of the golden boy hockey captain’s panic attacks and attempts to help him, a strange sort of understanding strikes up between them. No questions asked. Just comfort. But Rhys finds himself drawn to Sadie. Where he feels empty, a shell of the man and player he was before, Sadie is so full of everything, it bursts from her; every emotion she feels seems like it’s blasted at max volume. Rhys is desperate to feel anything. Sadie wants to stop feeling so much. But healing doesn’t mix with secrets, and they’re both skating on thin ice.

A romance novel through the lens of PTSD and C-PTSD.

It’s important to note that Unsteady by Peyton Corinne is not a book for all readers. The intensity of its subject matter—PTSD, C-PTSD, and the intricate ways trauma shapes relationships—demands a certain emotional readiness from its audience. This isn’t a light, escapist romance to breeze through on a sunny afternoon. It’s a heavy, profound, and at times heart-wrenching read that asks readers to sit with discomfort and delve into the messy reality of love and healing. For some, this depth will feel cathartic and validating. As someone who has both lived with and supported others through trauma, I found the depiction of these struggles to be remarkably authentic. However, for readers who may be unprepared to face such raw emotional truths, the book could feel overwhelming or even triggering. Corinne doesn’t pull punches in her exploration of trauma’s impact—not just on the individual but on the dynamics of love, family, and generational patterns. This is not a story that ties everything up neatly in a bow, and it doesn’t offer a picture-perfect version of healing. Instead, it reflects the real, often nonlinear journey of recovery. It’s a story for those who can appreciate the beauty in the cracks and are willing to see love not as a cure-all but as a courageous act of choosing each other despite the scars. For readers who connect with this level of emotional depth, Unsteady will be transformative. But for others, it may feel too raw or too real. As a mental health professional, I would encourage readers to approach this book with care, particularly if they are actively working through their own trauma. That said, for those ready to engage with its themes, Unsteady is an unparalleled depiction of what it means to love and be loved through the weight of trauma. It’s a story that resonates deeply, but only if you’re prepared to walk through its fire.

Great story

This was a great story. Very original from what I have been ready in sports romance. I’m sad it took me so long to finish it but I’m glad I did!

This book HEALED ME

First off the narration of this book was absolutely amazing, I have loved every one of the audiobooks narrated by Kelsey, she always knocks it out of the park. Max’s narration literally made me CRY it was so good.
Second, you can not convince me otherwise but I’m convinced this book HEALED me, I don’t even have the words. Not sure if it was the emotions I felt or just the story and how ever though this isn’t a struggle I have personally gone through. It just tapped into how we all have intense struggles and the relationship was just healing. This series is my new top favorite and there isn’t anyway I can be convinced otherwise

a new favorite book for sure

wowowowwwww I loved this book so much!! devoured in less than 24 hours and the audiobook was phenomenal!

I’m a sucker for the black cat x golden retriever trope and this did not disappoint. and confirm I am down bad for rhys koteskiy!!!

I loved the beginning when rhys and sadie were in their own little bubble of skating together. her always calming him down in the middle of his panic attacks and him observing her so closely like no one has ever before had me melting. her skating to fast car pls!!!!

their dynamic was so cute. I loved seeing sadie’s walls slowly come down around rhys and him not being afraid to challenge her or love her out loud. her relationship with her brothers was precious and I loved how rhys showed up for them. the found family in this was chef’s kiss—I love this little group so much!!

definitely shed a few tears during this but not mad about it. I could read about rhys and sadie forever!! the epilogue was so stinking cute!!! so excited to move on to unloved.

Too Hallmark-esque

I was hoping for more depth to the story rather than the typical dislike and misunderstanding at first sight turning into love. I couldn’t finish it.