Thank you so much to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for a review copy of this book. I loved Rhys & Sadie’s story so much just like I knew I would 🥹🩵

Tropes
• hockey player x figure skater
• black cat x recovering golden retriever
• healing & mental health rep
• adorable kiddos

I had the absolute best time with this book! Our main characters were struggling with some heavy issues; Rhys was dealing with the lingering trauma from a serious hockey injury and Sadie had two little brothers to take care of because her parents were the worst (and that’s putting it lightly…) Seeing that initial spark when they first met and then getting to see the fire between them slowly ignite was such a sweet journey. I just adored the way they supported each other in ways no one else could. I also LOVED that Rhys was in therapy and recognised he couldn’t continue to use Sadie as a crutch if he wanted to sustain a healthy relationship with her. We love a self aware king who puts in the work to better himself 👏🏼

My poor girl Sadie had a prickly exterior because she’d been forced to do everything herself for so long. Seeing her slowly soften and accept help from the people who loved her just made me so happy. She could finally shed some of the weight that she’d been carrying around for years. I adore her and Ro’s friendship so much! Those girls have my heart. And seeing Rhys love and care so deeply for not only Sadie but for Liam & Oliver as well is what sealed the deal for me. My heart breaks for Oliver and how he held onto just as much weight as Sadie. The little moments between him and Rhys and Max as well were too sweet! Angel baby Liam has my heart for eternity! One of the most adorable fictional children there ever was 😭

This is shaping up to becoming one of my favourite series for sure and I’m so excited to see where Peyton takes us next 🩵

「 ★ ★ ★ 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀 」

Rhys & Sadie

This was a good read, and I do love my hockey romance at the moment, but this just felt a little lack-luster compared to what it could have been.

I loved the trauma, and the emotional difficulties. Any book that can make me feel a sad or hurtful emotions gains cookie points! I also loved that Rhys was to head over skates for Sadie *swoon*. I love me some pining, longing and yearning.

However, I found some of the inner monologue to be cheesy and cringy. But it wasn't enough to distract me or DNF.

I had a good time. I liked the book. I will still read Unloved when it comes out too.
If you enjoy sports romance or hockey romance, then yes, you definitely should add this to your list.

Oh my! The angst!! There were so many times when I thought the author was squeezing my heart with their hands. This book was so close to 5 stars for me. Just wow! The author did a fabulous job of making me feel really connected with and fell for the main characters. This book had the perfect amount of two sports, angst coming at you from all sides, and fabulous spice. I can't wait to read more books in this series. Bring on Freddy, Bennett and Toren's stories!!

Big thanks to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster (Australia) and Peyton Corinne for a copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.

This book was EVERYTHING. 🥹 The chemistry was so perfect— Literal tears. A stunning debut—highly recommend!

I was hooked in the first chapter and willingly neglected my responsibilites for the following 24 hours to read Unsteady.
Do check the trigger warnings.

Sadie is a pocket rocket, raging and lashing out at the world, skating a knife edge clinging to all she holds dear. Her aim is not a steady boyfriend, a hook-up or physical release for short term mindlessness between responsibilities. Whereas Rhys is at his own admission, a monogomous, steady the ship kind of guy. The Hockey Captain, who is currently adrift after a concussion injury that has resulted in physical recovery but, the debilitating lingering aftereffects of anxiety and PTSD. Sadie and Rhys meet as objectively sad young adults with unenviable weights to carry.

The authentic mental health representation in the MMC, Rhys, was the clincher for me. The anxiety and panic attack scenes were in context of the story, honest, impactful and believable. I love the positive light that therapy and active anxiety management were presented. The maturity and awareness displayed by Rhys’s character was a breath of fresh air.

I don’t understand the added pressure of the US university sports scholarship system, but I do recognise a congruence trying to balance all the spinning plates as a 21 year old.

Unsteady was well written and well paced the first 70%. The romance plot was respectful and felt like a cross between insta-love and steady burn. I felt there were moments of potential tension at other plot points that were moved through too smoothly. However, the Easter eggs that have been left for subsequent books make up for these glossed over opportunities. The final 30%of the book felt that it was a protracted falling action, heading to a neat finish. The epilogue felt a little unneccessary but, I am grateful to have that snapshot of Rhys and Sadie’s HEA, and given the level of investment I felt for the couple I can forgive the wrap up.

Honourable mentions go to Anna and Max, Rhys’ parents. I think we can all think of ‘that’ couple and it was a lovely reminder of what healthy, loving and supportive relationships can look like. Moreover, the wider impact that positive relationships can have on those who see them.

Peyton Corrine has moved to an auto-buy author for me. I look forward to reading the next book in the Undone series, Unloved, when it is released.

With thanks to Simon & Schuster (Australia), Netgalley and the author for a digital copy to read and review.

two sides of the tracks
mental health representation
cinnamon roll : Black cat
team sport : individual
No 3rd Act Breakup
HEA
2 POV

I’ve never read an ice hockey or ice skating book before but I quite enjoyed it. It was easy to read and even though the chapters alternated between the two main characters it flowed well. I loved that the two main characters came from different backgrounds, with ice hockey star Rhys coming from a life of having everything and ice skating star Sadie coming from a terrible home life as well as having to spend a lot of time raising her two younger brothers.

Unsteady by Peyton Corinne is the first book in The Undone series, and I honestly can’t believe I let it sit on my TBR for so long. After getting an ARC of Unloved (the second book in the series), I knew I had to jump into Rhys and Sadie’s story, and I’m seriously kicking myself for not picking it up sooner.

I flew through this book. Rhys and Sadie are such an amazing pair, and their stories hit me right in the feels. Sadie is so tough, trying to juggle looking after her two brothers, studying, working, and still chasing her dreams as a figure skater. Then there’s Rhys, who’s dealing with anxiety and PTSD after an injury, trying to find his way back to the ice. Seeing mental health represented in such a raw, real way—especially in a male character—was so refreshing.

And I can’t forget about Rhys' parents, Anna and Max. They were absolutely incredible, stepping in right away to care for Sadie’s brothers like they were their own. Oliver and Liam were a blast—Liam’s wolf howls every time Rhys was near had me laughing, and Oliver, with his fierce protectiveness over his siblings, really stole my heart. That hospital scene? Oof, it absolutely wrecked me.

There’s a bit of a Johnny and Shannon vibe between Rhys and Sadie, but it feels totally unique to them, and I loved that.

Now I’m itching to start Unloved and see what’s next in the series. Bennett’s story is calling my name (maybe with Paloma?), and I’m all in for Toren’s mysterious, brooding vibes. After Unsteady, I’m hooked on whatever comes next from Peyton Corinne.

Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster (Australia) for this copy to review!

This book completely surprised me. I went in expecting a typical hockey romance but found a much more emotional story than I anticipated.

The story centers on Rhys Koteskiy, a hockey captain grappling with the aftermath of a career-threatening concussion, and Sadie Brown, a figure skater burdened by debt, custody battles, and a reputation that keeps others at a distance. When their lives intersect in a moment of vulnerability, they form an unexpected connection. But as secrets linger and emotions run high, their fragile bond is tested, pushing them to navigate the thin line between healing and heartbreak.

Having first fallen for the hockey player/figure skater dynamic in Hannah Grace’s Icebreaker, I was thrilled to see it revisited here—and Unsteady did not disappoint. Rhys and Sadie’s relationship is beautifully complex, and I was rooting for them from the very first page. Sadie’s prickly demeanor made her a fascinating character, and having the story told from both perspectives added much-needed depth and nuance.

The side characters were also a highlight, offering warmth, humor, and support that helped to balance the heavier themes.

While the writing wasn’t flawless—it could have benefited from some tightening, and the length felt a bit drawn out—the emotional core of the story more than made up for these minor issues. I’m eagerly anticipating the second book in the series, releasing next month!

Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster (Australia) for this copy to review!

Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster (Australia) for this copy to review!

Dang, I just wanted a cute, fluffy hockey romance and Peyton Corinne got me crying in the clurb at 8am on a Monday (yes I did pull an all-nighter to finish this).

Though the plot and general characters weren't the most unique or distinct from other hockey romances, this book really packed a punch. It had all the cute and swoony romance and spice I'd expected but it also covered serious and sensitive topics quite well, adding a fresh take and emotional depth to this romance book.

Well written and paced quite well. It is quite a chunky book but this meant I actually got to know the characters (as well as discover some great new songs) and truly appreciated the found family aspect. I especially loved the communication between the main leads - the MMC really understood the FMC and gave her space and was there for her, instead of causing any unnecessary drama or third act breakup. That was so sweet to read.

Would read again, as well as the next in the series!

Overall rating: 4.25/5

Peyton Corinne’s Unsteady is an emotionally gripping romance that dives into themes of love, heartbreak, and healing. With raw emotion and captivating storytelling, this novel takes readers on a journey through the complexities of relationships and the fragility of the human heart.

The characters in Unsteady are deeply flawed yet incredibly relatable, with their vulnerabilities and struggles making them feel authentic. Corinne does an excellent job of building emotional tension between the leads, capturing the push-and-pull dynamic of a relationship caught in turmoil. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their journey toward redemption is both heart-wrenching and hopeful.

The narrative is beautifully paced, blending moments of angst with tender, heartwarming scenes. Corinne’s writing shines in her ability to convey intense emotions, pulling readers into the characters’ highs and lows. While the storyline leans on familiar romance tropes, the depth of the characters and the emotional resonance make it feel fresh and compelling.

Unsteady is a poignant exploration of love’s complexities and the courage it takes to rebuild trust and find happiness. Fans of emotionally charged romances with a mix of heartbreak and hope will find this book hard to put down.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

One has certain expectations with a hockey romance and "Unsteady" delivered on them and more. Yes, there was sizzling chemistry between MMC hockey captain Rhys (I loved the in-joke about the spelling of his name!) and figure skater FMC Sadie. But more than that, the sensitive exploration of both characters' traumas and mutual healing was very well done. Ro and Freddy's book "Unloved" is going straight to the TBR.

🏒 Hockey captain
⛸️ Figure skater
💔❤️ Mutual healing
🌶️ Yes

Thanks to Netgalley for the digital review copy of "Unsteady"

I absolutely adored this book! It’s not your typical light-hearted hockey romance — this one packs a real emotional punch. Sadie’s struggle to hold everything together while caring for her brothers really hit me hard. Her determination and the shame she felt in asking for help made me feel for her in such a deep way. As for Rhys, I fell for him instantly. It was so refreshing to see a male character with such realistic and meaningful representation of mental health. His love for Sadie, and his desire to care for her, was truly heartwarming.

♥ 𝑼𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚 𝒃𝒚 𝑷𝒆𝒚𝒕𝒐𝒏 𝑪𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒏𝒆 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 ♥

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Spice: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙎𝙪𝙢𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙮: Hockey captain Rhys Koteskiy is back on the ice after a life-changing accident, but his return comes with debilitating panic attacks. During one of his first moments back on the ice, figure skater Sadie Brown finds him having a panic attack and helps him calm down. Their shared love for skating brings them together in early-morning practice sessions where they bond over music and coping mechanisms for Rhys’s anxiety.

But Sadie’s life off the ice is anything but stable. With a drunk father, two younger brothers to care for, and multiple jobs to juggle, she’s drowning in responsibility. Sadie keeps her struggles hidden, afraid to let anyone, especially Rhys, see how broken her life really is. When Rhys learns the truth, he proves he’s there to stay, offering the kind of support Sadie never thought she could have.

𝙈𝙮 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨: I didn’t expect to love this book as much as I did, but it really surprised me. I absolutely loved Sadie. She’s incredibly selfless, strong, independent, and hardworking, taking on so much responsibility for her brothers. But because of her tough upbringing, she keeps her walls up, and at times, that makes her come across as rude or harsh. However, this flaw made her even more relatable, she wasn't perfect and I loved how real she felt throughout the book.

Rhys was also such a standout. Despite being this big, strong hockey player, he’s dealing with the aftermath of his accident, and his vulnerability made him feel so much more human. I loved this quote from him: “My body is healed, fully, every bit of it pressed back together. My mind is the thing that’s broken, permanently.” His struggle with PTSD added depth to his character, and I love it when he falls first and to see him fall for Sadie so hard there were those moments when I was kicking my feet. He’s a golden retriever boyfriend for sure —sweet, patient, and always ready to support her.

The romance between Sadie and Rhys was really sweet. Their connection felt natural, and I appreciated how Rhys was so patient with her, never rushing her into a relationship. He was there for her when she was ready, and that made their bond even more special.

My only critique is the ending—it wasn’t bad, but I found it a bit strange. I think I expected a bit more after everything they went through, but at the same time, it made sense given Rhys’s family dynamics and his career. Rhys’s parents adopting Sadie’s brothers and the idea of Rhys playing for the NHL while Sadie becomes a coach was a sweet way to wrap things up, but I still felt like I wanted a bit more closure.

Overall, this book was a really enjoyable read, and I highly recommend it for anyone who loves a sweet romance with real struggles and reversed grumpy x sunshine type dynamic

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Australia for providing me with an eARC of Unsteady by Peyton Corinne in exchange for an honest review!