The Right Move by Liz Tomforde

Hearts on the Ice: A Review of "The Right Move"

Let me preface this by saying I ate up "The Right Move" in a single weekend. This sequel to Liz Tomforde's "Windy City" had me laughing, swooning, and clutching my metaphorical pearls – all within the first few chapters.

We're back with the ever-stoic Ryan Shay, the hockey god who unexpectedly stole hearts in the first book. Enter Indy Hayes, a whirlwind of sunshine and optimism, newly single and desperately needing a place to crash. Let's just say, their meet-cute involving a rogue hockey puck and a very surprised Indy had me grinning like a fool.

Here's the thing: Ryan is all gruff exterior and carefully guarded emotions. Indy, on the other hand, is a force of nature, determined to break down Ryan's walls with her infectious positivity. Their dynamic is pure gold. There's a scene early on where Indy barges into Ryan's apartment, insisting on making him pancakes. The banter is hilarious, with Ryan grumbling about the mess and Indy countering with, "'Life is messy, Ryan. That's the beauty of it.'" It perfectly captures their opposing personalities and the spark that's already simmering beneath the surface.

But "The Right Move" isn't just fluff and flirting. Both Ryan and Indy carry emotional baggage. We see glimpses of Ryan's past struggles, the ones that made him retreat from the world. There's a particularly poignant moment where he opens up about his anxieties, confessing, "Sometimes the ice is the only place where I feel safe." My heart ached for him. Indy, too, has her vulnerabilities, dealing with the fallout of a past relationship. The way they support each other as they navigate their personal demons is heartwarming.

Of course, the slow burn is delicious. The sexual tension crackles through the pages, and when they finally give in, well, let's just say Ms. Tomforde writes a steamy scene that had me fanning myself.

"The Right Move" is a delightful second chance romance with a healthy dose of angst and enough heat to melt the ice rink. It's a story about overcoming fears, finding strength in vulnerability, and learning that sometimes, the most important victories happen off the ice. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a good grumpy/sunshine romance with a side of emotional depth!