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.

©2024 Peyton Corinne (P)2024 Simon & Schuster Audio

the relationship growth

need more!!!! I absolutely loved it. the ending felt a little bit rushed. but the story was awesome

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.

Incredible first book!

This book was incredible! So well written and really tackles some important topics in such a delicate yet real way. I can’t wait to see what follows in this series from Peyton Corinne!

Amazing

The characters are built up so much over the entire book and they grow together and it’s a found family kind of book but it is deep with them both going through very very difficult things

I enjoyed it

Sweet story. I really appreciate how loving, affectionate, and communicative Rhys. Sadie was one tough nut to crack. Her younger brothers are adorable

Good book

It was a good read 4 1/2 just felt like the conflict went on a little too long but I did enjoy the book

5 heart-aching stars!!

I wasn’t even finished reading this new to me author before I was buying the physical version…I ONLY purchase my favorites and knew this one was joining that group almost from page one. The vulnerability, passion, determination, insecurity, self determination, destruction and disaster…this book was real on a level I’m not used to reading now adays. I loved it.
Could not get enough of Rhys and Sadie. Those two were fire and I am their feuded champion. I ship them so hard that they will live in my mind, rent free, forever. Couple goals for sure as they are real and gritty and honest…almost to a fault. I didn’t know what I was jumping into when I found this book the other day. Then I was unable to put it down. Listening to the audible version with Max Meyers & Kelsey Navarro Foster narrating was the icing on the cake. I listened to the audible book at my DESK for goodness sakes both Thursday and Friday morning and it’s a big No no to have AirPods in! I couldn’t help myself it was so good.
It got me in the feels as we navigated a world that we actually live in…where a child has to raise their younger siblings as the adults completely selfishly checked out. To dealing with PTSD and the real dangers it poises, to fighting back to a place of light and safety. This story had it all/ completely tugged at my heart strings.
All in all an amazing read, looks like it’s Payton Corinnes’ debut novel but I will be keeping an eye out for more. Cheers to a refreshing addition to my book loving world.

Amazing & Intense

The narrators were fabulous and definitely were a good fit for this book.

Super cute story!

This gives a bit of Binding 13 vibes but in college.

This book really hits mental health on the head that results from trauma and/ or parentification. This was probably my favorite thing in the book.

I also really liked how I always thought a cat fight or pissing contest was going to happen, but never did. It showed you don’t have to be someone’s bff, or even like them for that fact, to not be a bad person. I felt like there was a lot of looking out for people in generally that was refreshing.

I’m definitely ready for the next one! I want their story so bad!!!

Unsteady Stole My Heart!

I really appreciate books with depth and ones where I can see why the characters love each other - this delivered.
I even got teary eyed, and not even for the romance, but for the kids. They just melted my heart. From Liam's little legs on the ice, to the broken main characters, everybody was unsteady.
The story follows Sadie who is caring for her 2 younger brothers (Liam and Oliver) while in college and juggling a job.
Rhys, the school's hockey star is struggling to keep his head in the game after suffering an injury; he meets Sadie at her brother's hockey practice.
Both characters were drawn to each other and it was wonderful seeing them find comfort in each other as they navigated their individual struggles. Sadie was a tough cookie who has never had anyone to lean on so she did the best she could, with what she had. Rhys was the boy with the sad eyes who made me smile, he was so sweet! I loved the vulnerability regarding his mental health and the way he stepped up for Sadie warmed my heart.
She was his safe place and he breathed life into her. Beautiful story!
This needs to be added to your TBR
Ratings:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️.5
Tropes:
*College Romance
* Hockey star x Figure Skater
* Friends with benefits
*Found family

4.5 for sure

I think this book will stay with me for a while. It was so lovely and both heartbreaking and heartwarming. My only criticism is that there was perhaps a little too much drama. But that’s it. Definitely read it if you want to feel all the feels.