In her debut novel Unsteady, Peyton Corinne crafts a compelling narrative that intertwines sports, mental health, and romance. The story follows Rhys Koteskiy, a talented hockey player struggling with trauma and anxiety after a devastating injury, and Sadie Brown, a fierce figure skater battling her own demons while caring for her younger brothers. What begins as a chance encounter during one of Rhys’s panic attacks evolves into a profound connection between two broken souls seeking healing.
Character Analysis
The Golden Boy: Rhys Koteskiy
Corinne excels at portraying Rhys’s internal struggle with authenticity. His journey from a confident hockey captain to someone grappling with PTSD and anxiety is masterfully depicted. The author doesn’t shy away from showing his vulnerability, making him a refreshingly complex male protagonist in sports romance. His relationship with his parents, particularly his father Max Koteskiy, adds depth to his character arc.
The Spitfire: Sadie Brown
Sadie emerges as one of the novel’s strongest elements. Her fierce protection of her brothers, Oliver and Liam, while dealing with an alcoholic father and absent mother creates a compelling character study. Her development from someone who pushes people away to someone who learns to accept help feels earned and authentic.
Writing Style & Narrative Strengths
Corinne’s writing shines in several areas:
- Emotional Depth: The author demonstrates remarkable skill in portraying mental health struggles without romanticizing them
- Sports Integration: Both hockey and figure skating scenes are written with technical accuracy and emotional resonance
- Family Dynamics: The complex relationships between characters feel genuine and well-developed
- Dual Perspectives: The alternating viewpoints between Rhys and Sadie provide rich insight into both characters
Areas for Improvement
While Unsteady by Peyton Corinne is a strong debut, there are aspects that could be refined:
- The pacing occasionally feels uneven, particularly in the middle section
- Some secondary plot threads could be more fully developed
- The resolution of certain conflicts, especially regarding Sadie’s coach, feels slightly rushed
- A few side characters would benefit from more development
Themes & Impact
The novel tackles several significant themes:
- Mental health and trauma recovery
- Family responsibility vs. personal growth
- The impact of toxic relationships
- The courage to accept help
- Love as a healing force
Series Context
Unsteady sets up The Undone Series effectively, with the upcoming second book Unloved promising to expand the universe Peyton Corinne has created. While this first installment focuses on Rhys and Sadie, hints of future storylines are skillfully woven throughout the narrative.
Reader Experience
The emotional journey in Unsteady by Peyton Corinne is both challenging and rewarding. Corinne doesn’t offer easy solutions to her characters’ problems, instead showing the messy, non-linear nature of healing. The romance between Rhys and Sadie develops organically, making their connection feel genuine rather than forced.
Comparable Titles
Fans of Unsteady by Peyton Corinne might enjoy:
- The Love Playbook by Suze Winegardner
- Check, Please! by Ngozi Ukazu
- The Year We Fell Down by Sarina Bowen
Final Verdict
Unsteady is a promising debut by Peyton Corinne that successfully balances romance with serious themes. While there’s room for growth in future installments, Corinne has established herself as an author to watch in the sports romance genre. The novel is a good read for its strong character development, emotional depth, and authentic portrayal of mental health struggles.
Recommendation
This book is highly recommended for readers who:
- Enjoy sports romances with depth
- Appreciate authentic mental health representation
- Like complex family dynamics
- Enjoy dual-POV narratives
- Are interested in hockey or figure skating
Looking Forward
With Unloved on the horizon, readers can look forward to returning to the world Corinne has created. If her debut is any indication, the series promises to continue delivering emotionally resonant stories that balance romance with real-world challenges.