Unsteady marks the compelling debut of Peyton Corinne’s The Undone series, with the second book Unloved eagerly anticipated by readers. This new adult sports romance series promises to explore complex themes of trauma, healing, and love through the lens of college athletics.
Setting the Scene
In the competitive world of college sports at Waterfell University, two broken souls collide on the ice – though they skate in very different circles. Rhys Koteskiy, the golden boy of hockey nursing invisible wounds, and Sadie Brown, the figure skater with a reputation and responsibilities far beyond her years, find unexpected solace in each other’s company during early morning practice sessions.
Character Analysis
Rhys Koteskiy
Corinne crafts Rhys with remarkable depth, portraying his struggle with post-traumatic stress and anxiety following a devastating hockey injury with sensitivity and authenticity. As the son of NHL legend Max Koteskiy, Rhys carries the weight of expectations alongside his personal demons. His journey from numbness to feeling, catalyzed by Sadie’s fierce presence, is masterfully developed throughout the narrative.
Sadie Brown
Perhaps the true triumph of the novel lies in Sadie’s characterization. A 21-year-old figure skater essentially raising her two younger brothers while pursuing her own dreams, Sadie embodies resilience. Her sharp edges and walls are believably constructed, making their gradual lowering all the more impactful. The author excels at showing how Sadie’s tough exterior masks deep vulnerability without falling into stereotypes.
Writing Style and Pacing
Corinne’s writing style shines in its emotional authenticity. The dual POV narrative alternates between Rhys and Sadie, allowing readers intimate access to both characters’ internal struggles. The pacing occasionally falters in the middle sections, but the emotional payoff of key scenes more than compensates.
Strengths
- Mental Health Representation: The novel handles anxiety, PTSD, and trauma recovery with nuance and respect
- Family Dynamics: The relationship between Sadie and her brothers Oliver and Liam is beautifully rendered
- Sports Details: Both hockey and figure skating scenes feel authentic and well-researched
- Supporting Cast: Secondary characters like Bennett, Freddy, and Aurora add depth to the world
Areas for Improvement
- Certain plot threads, particularly regarding Sadie’s abusive coach, could have been developed further
- The resolution of some conflicts feels slightly rushed
- More exploration of the competitive figure skating world would have added dimension
Romance Development
The slow-burn romance between Rhys and Sadie evolves naturally from their shared vulnerability during early morning practice sessions. Their chemistry is palpable, but what makes their relationship compelling is how they help each other heal while dealing with their own demons. The friends-with-benefits phase adds tension without overshadowing the emotional core of their connection.
Themes and Impact
Unsteady by Peyton Corinne tackles several weighty themes:
- Mental health and recovery
- Family responsibility versus personal growth
- The impact of trauma on relationships
- The pressure of expectations in competitive sports
- Learning to accept help and love
Trigger Warnings
Readers should be aware of content involving:
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Emotional abuse
- Alcoholism and addiction
- Family trauma
- Sports injuries
Comparison to Similar Works
While Unsteady by Peyton Corinne enters the crowded field of sports romance, it distinguishes itself through its unflinching look at mental health and family dynamics. Fans of Elle Kennedy’s Off-Campus series or Sarina Bowen’s hockey romances will find familiar elements but with a grittier, more emotionally raw execution.
Final Verdict
Unsteady marks an impressive debut by Peyton Corinne that balances romance with serious themes. While there’s room for growth in plotting and pacing, the emotional depth and character development make this a compelling read.
Ideal for Readers Who:
- Enjoy sports romance with depth
- Appreciate mental health representation in fiction
- Like slow-burn relationships with emotional complexity
- Are drawn to found family narratives
Looking Forward
With Unloved set to continue the series, readers can anticipate more deeply emotional stories in the Waterfell University world. Corinne has established herself as an author to watch in the new adult romance genre.
Personal Reflection
As someone who regularly reviews romance novels, I found Unsteady by Peyton Corinne refreshing in its commitment to depicting both the messy reality of healing and the transformative power of love. While not perfect, it’s a promising start to what could be a meaningful series.
The book ultimately succeeds in its core mission: telling a love story that acknowledges how complicated and beautiful it can be to heal alongside someone else. Readers will find themselves invested not just in the romance, but in the individual journeys of two young people learning to trust, feel, and love again.
