Reviews with content warning for Panic attacks/disorders - Unsteady

Reviews tagging 'Panic attacks/disorders'

dark_sk8r's review

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emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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patelyne's review

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3.75

I liked the story, emotional sports romance between a figure skater and a hockey player.

This was full of emotion, and not a light and fluffy romance.

Rhys and Sadie dealing with a lot, and (in the beginning especially) they are understandably not coping in a healthy way. Not to mention, Ollie and Liam about broke my heart.

Be sure to check your CWs, themes include parental abandonment, abuse and neglect by an alcoholic parent, abuse by an authority figure (coach), recovery from physical injury, anxiety/panic disorders - I feel like I could on, but you get the idea.

Emotional hockey books are usually a big win for me. The thing that kept me from loving this is that the timing/pace seemed off at times. The three months between his (very significant) injury and return to play seemed far too fast. The wrap up of things with her skating coach and The Kane Issue seemed rushed at the end. But in the middle the relationship build felt slow.

That said, the epilogue is sweet, taking things from hopeful to happy. A good ending, and what bumps my rating closer to 4.

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sleeping_unicorn's review

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emotional medium-paced

3.75

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kornwaiisms's review

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emotional hopeful inspiring sad tense

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

i need to get the rerelease book asap, i want it on my nightstand

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lanaw's review

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dark emotional lighthearted sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This book helped me get through my 2 month reading slump. It's easily one of my favorite romances of all time and the best book I've read this year. It's a debut? Aside from the amazing characters, the book is simply amazing. It's well paced for me and while the romance is the main plot, there are other interesting plot points that I enjoy as well. The writing (which often makes or breaks a book) is also amazing. Even though it took me a long time to finish due to my slump, there wasn't a moment when I wasn't interested and engaged. The most amazing thing about this book for me was the way the characters were portrayed in terms of mental health. The way that the author, Peyton Corinne, addressed and described their trauma and the mental health issues they were dealing with was really validating. I've read books before that felt like healing in itself and unsteady was definitely one of them.

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emptzuu's review

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Following an intriguing prologue, this book spirals downward, riddled with numerous issues that significantly detract from the overall experience. The reviews praised how this book deviates from the typical jock story formula that often dwells solely on providing endless smut scenes in the end. Instead, it delves into deeper themes, particularly focusing on mental health.

The execution ultimately succumbs to clichés. The portrayal of a young girl shouldering familial responsibilities and an athlete facing struggles due to injury feels all too familiar, reminiscent of similar storylines seen in various media. The exploration of mental health from an athletic perspective isn't groundbreaking, and the book fails to bring a truly innovative angle to these well-trodden themes.

Sadie is portrayed problematically, with her treatment of Rhys bordering on abusive. Her erratic behavior lacks clear justification, and while her personal struggles are evident, they don't excuse her mistreatment of Rhys. This inconsistency hints at a lack of thorough characterization by the author. The portrayal lacks depth, reducing Sadie to a simplistic character whose actions toward Rhys feel disjointed and underdeveloped.

Rhys' panic attack lacks depth and realism, with the transition from distress to calmness feeling abrupt. Additionally, the detailed focus on Rhys' physical attractiveness during his distress could be perceived as objectifying, undermining the seriousness of the situation. Sadie's flirtatious comments detract from the gravity of Rhys' condition.

During the panic attack, Sadie's lack of sensitivity and empathy is evident. Her dismissive remarks and attempts to rush Rhys off the ice showcase a disregard for his well-being. A more supportive approach, such as reassurance and offering calming techniques, would have been more appropriate.

Now, about Rhys. Although it's not explicitly stated, the book suggests he may be dealing with a combination of depression, PTSD, and panic disorder based on the descriptions given. When he says, "I want to ask her to keep it there because this is the first anything, other than pain, I’ve felt in months," it highlights a common misconception about mental health; relying solely on someone else for healing. This isn't a cure or a sustainable solution.

The depiction of their relationship dynamics reveals troubling patterns of manipulation and codependency, rather than genuine care and understanding. Both characters are in need of therapy rather than relying on each other for healing. The rushed pacing and sudden romantic development between Rhys and Sadie feel contrived and lacking in authenticity, further undermining the narrative's credibility.

In summary, while the premise of the book holds promise, its execution falls short due to inadequate research, unrealistic portrayals of mental health, and inconsistent characterization. As a debut novel, it reveals the author's lack of experience in handling such delicate themes with the depth and sensitivity they require.

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