Finishing the Windy City Series

In April this year I was introduced to the Windy City series, written by Liz Tomforde, by a friend. I asked on Instagram for some billionaire and sports romance book recommendations and this was what she suggested. It wasn’t a completed series, but between 1st and 7th April I had read all of the 4 books which had been published at the time. I just could not stop reading. How have I never discovered Liz Tomforde before in my life?!

Photo Credit: @liztomforde.author – Instagram

The series is a set of 5 books following a number of characters. Each book is intertwined and honestly, despite being so close in terms of characters, they are so different. Each story is unique in it’s own way and there is definitely not a lack of tropes. From fake dating, to accidental and fake marriage and close proximity to only one bed, there is something for everyone.

I initially thought I would read Rewind it Back the instant I could download it, (I even had an alarm set on my phone to remind me), but I actually delayed for a few days knowing that I would be done with the series if I read it. I am so thankful to hear that a spin-off book is coming next year, in March 2026, following two characters from the latter part of the series.

Every single one of these books was a 5* read for me, with The Right Move (book 2) being my April book of the month, scoring highest on the PEACH rating system. Since adopting this system I am finding it much harder to give books 5* as I really have to think about each element in order to score it. After years of ‘rating on vibes’ this just proves how amazing I found these books.

*Spoiler Alert* – you can read my reviews below!

Mile High – Stevie & Zanders

I have heard so much about this series and this author and it did not disappoint! What a book. Ugh I just needed Stevie & Zanders to be together so much and I totally love how everything came about. Logan is awesome by the way and I want to be friends with her. I adored the situation with Stevie’s body confidence and how Zanders was there for her and supported her. This was such an important message and it definitely wasn’t sugar coated. I knew the whole time they were endgame and the spice was great too. I really liked the family elements of the book too. My actual excitement at Ryan & Indy moving in together was just immense and I can’t wait to read their story. I’d love to learn more about Rio as he seems so kind and fun. So many amazing elements in this book and such an enjoyable read. Bring on the rest of the series!

The Right Move

I literally laughed, giggled and awww’d at this book. I loved it. The whole continuation of Stevie & Zanders was great as I definitely hadn’t had enough of them. I am so invested in them and when he said he had joined the Mile High club it was just perfection! The whole growth of Ryan & Indy throughout this book was just incredible. He is definitely a new book boyfriend for me. The house he bought her, the fertility treatment he paid for and literally everything else he did. I loved how Ryan’s boss was so on board when he confessed to their fake relationship and it was such a story of growth in his character. The epilogue gave the impression that there won’t be much mention of these characters going forward which makes me a bit sad but obviously I don’t know for sure if this is the case. I really loved hearing about how they got their children and it was also nice to get a mention for Stevie & Zanders’ baby. Overall I just loved this book and I can even waive the use of the c-word twice because to be honest…I forgot it happened! Can’t wait to read the next one.

Caught Up

This book was so emotional. I didn’t think at first I would enjoy it as much as the first two but I really did. Firstly, Monty is just a gem! The news article was my favourite bit of the whole story. It was so lovely and just felt like such a natural and honest realisation for Miller. I really liked how good she was for Kai and they both had trauma from their childhoods which they got through. I do have to comment that I didn’t like this one enough to let the c-word slide. It is my least favourite thing in a book and it was used quite a few times. Maybe I just need to get over it! I really loved how the epilogue covered Ryan & Indy’s wedding – this was amazing especially as I was worried we might not hear much of them. It also did a good job of setting up the next book for Isaiah & Kennedy. Overall I really liked this book and can confirm I am obsessed with the series.

Play Along

This story was amazing. I really loved, again, how all the previous characters were in it and it is always a perfectly timed place in the timeline. The epilogues and cross overs don’t give anything away – it’s really cleverly written. The whole accidental wedding and how it came about to stay was perfect. I loved that Kai got to retire from baseball and that Rio’s story was really well set up. It was good to have the ‘3 years earlier’ chapter at the beginning to set the scene and I adored how it naturally progressed. The shower scenes in this were just…phew…so good! Although of course I am going to be upset at the c-word haha (this is now a common theme). This is probably my second favourite story after Ryan & Indy’s. I am slightly sad that this book didn’t cover Kai & Miller’s wedding but hopefully the next book will as we have seen it before where future epilogues cover other elements of previous books. I am just so excited to read Rio’s story and also elated to hear that a spin off of Monty & Reese is coming in 2026…eeek!

Rewind it Back

Crying. Screaming. Throwing up. This book was perfection. How is this series over?! I just cannot move on. I adored this story. Honestly it had everything I needed and more. I loved how they regained trust for each other and I absolutely loved how Hallie went to Rio’s mum’s house to resolve things. She could easily have run away but she didn’t. I really loved that the epilogue wasn’t cliché and it was just so cute. I found it perfect how he found his place and how all the rest of the gang took her in. I always knew he was going to re-sign for the Raptors and I am so glad he did cause it was Hallie’s dream home. I have to say I did click that the affair was between his dad and her mum, I could tell by the way it was discussed and written. I am so sad that this series is over but of course am looking forward to Reese & Monty’s story. I am also secretly hoping that Cruz & Wren (along with their family) will maybe get some sort of spin off series? I’d love to get glimpses of these characters again. It did use the c-word (I know I am a broken record) but literally I do not care. Nothing is dulling the sparkle of this book. #teamrio!

Do you have any recommendations of sports romances for me? If so, I’d love to hear them! Feel free to leave them in the comments below or drop me an email!

Love, Beth x

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