If you’re looking for a sports romance audiobook that stands out from the rest, “Rewind It Back” by Liz Tomforde is worth checking out. As the fifth and final book in the highly praised Windy City Series, this novel not only wraps up the story beautifully but also showcases Tomforde’s talent for telling romantic tales.
Liz Tomforde has become known for her realistic portrayals of relationships and genuine emotional journeys. Her books consistently raise the standard for sports romance novels. With relatable characters, witty dialogue, and immersive settings, she offers more than just an escape—she tells stories that feel authentic and deeply personal. The Windy City Series is celebrated for its nuanced depiction of love, resilience, and growth, establishing Tomforde as a trusted voice in handling complex emotions without relying on tired clichés.
“Rewind It Back” follows Hallie Hart and Rio DeLuca—childhood sweethearts who get a second chance at love after six years apart. Their story explores themes of forgiveness, personal growth, and the lasting effects of family dynamics. This resonates with readers who may have gone through an emotional journey revisiting their past, similar to Hallie and Rio’s experiences.
The backdrop of hockey rinks and home renovations adds an interesting layer to their story. However, what makes this audiobook a must-listen romance novel is not just its plot but the way it connects with listeners through honesty and hope. The theme of forgiveness plays a crucial role in reviving their relationship, teaching valuable lessons about letting go of past grievances.
In this article, we will explore 10 compelling reasons why “Rewind It Back” by Liz Tomforde is an unmissable experience for fans of sports romance audiobooks. Whether you seek emotional depth or memorable banter, this story delivers on all fronts—making it a must-add to your listening queue.
1. Compelling Second-Chance Romance Plot
At its core, Rewind It Back tells a timeless story of second chances, focusing on Hallie Hart and Rio DeLuca, who were once childhood sweethearts. After being apart for six years without any contact, they come face to face again, and the emotions are intense right from their first meeting. Every interaction between them is filled with the weight of their shared past—unspoken regrets, lingering feelings, and unresolved heartbreak.
Emotional Depth
Hallie and Rio’s story isn’t just about rekindling a teenage crush. The pain of their separation is palpable, shaped by circumstances that forced them apart. Listeners are invited to witness the vulnerability that comes with opening old wounds, as well as the courage it takes to step back into each other’s lives.
Slow-Burn Romance
Tomforde crafts their journey with patience. Instead of rushing reconciliation, she allows Hallie and Rio to move through awkwardness, guarded conversations, and tentative gestures. This slow build keeps listeners invested, heightening anticipation as trust is rebuilt one honest exchange at a time. Every glance, every hesitant touch is loaded with meaning.
Tension and Hope
The narrative excels at capturing the push-pull dynamic inherent in lost love. Tension simmers beneath every encounter—not just sexual tension but the emotional suspense of wondering if forgiveness will triumph over fear. Despite past hurts, hope remains a constant undercurrent. Readers experience that unique blend of anxiety and optimism as Hallie and Rio gradually find their way back to each other.
“There’s nothing quite like watching two people who thought they’d lost everything realise they might have a second chance.”
Fans of second-chance romance will recognise the familiar beats but find fresh energy in how Tomforde handles regret and renewal. The stakes feel genuine because both characters have grown—and so has the love between them.
2. Realistic and Healthy Relationship Portrayals
Healthy relationships in romance often get lost beneath layers of melodrama or overused tropes. Liz Tomforde takes a different approach by grounding Hallie and Rio’s story in emotional authenticity. Their journey isn’t just about rekindled passion; it’s about honest communication, personal accountability, and the slow work of rebuilding trust.
- Genuine Struggles and Growth:
- Tomforde sidesteps the typical romance clichés—quick fixes, grand gestures that erase years of pain, instant forgiveness. Hallie and Rio don’t simply fall back into each other’s arms; they wrestle with real wounds and setbacks from their shared past. Misunderstandings aren’t magically resolved—they require patience and deliberate effort from both sides. This dedication to depicting realistic romance tropes is what gives their relationship weight.
- Vulnerability Meets Strength:
- Both main characters embody a mix of vulnerability and resilience. Hallie’s strength isn’t about being unbreakable—it’s about her willingness to confront her pain and set boundaries where needed. Rio, while outwardly confident, reveals insecurities that shape his decisions. By allowing both protagonists to be strong and vulnerable, Tomforde creates characters you see yourself in. Their flaws make them approachable instead of idealised.
- Forgiveness and Healing as Essentials:
- The path to reconnection centres on forgiveness—not just seeking it from each other but also forgiving themselves for past mistakes. Healing becomes a shared process; neither character is “fixed” by love alone, but both are transformed through mutual understanding and support. This portrayal highlights why healthy relationships in romance matter: they provide space for imperfection, accountability, and growth.
Tomforde’s careful navigation of heartbreak, healing, and hope elevates “Rewind It Back” beyond formulaic storytelling, giving listeners a portrait of love that feels earned rather than handed out. It’s a reminder that a healthy back is not just physical but also emotional in the context of relationships.
3. Strong Character Development with Alpha Yet Vulnerable Heroes
The “alpha male hero” is a staple in sports romance, but Liz Tomforde elevates this trope by infusing Rio DeLuca with a depth that stands out. Rio embodies the protective, driven qualities expected from an athlete at the top of his game, yet what sets him apart is his vulnerability. This blend of strength and openness crafts a character arc that feels real and emotionally rich—key for anyone craving character depth in sports romance.
Rio’s journey in Rewind It Back isn’t just about reclaiming lost love; it’s about facing the parts of himself he’d rather keep hidden. There are moments when his bravado gives way to fear, regret, and longing. Rather than shying away from these emotions, Tomforde leans into them:
- Internal conflict: Rio grapples with guilt over past mistakes and insecurities about whether he deserves a second chance.
- Raw honesty: Vulnerable scenes—where Rio admits weakness or asks for forgiveness—are written with sincerity, stripping away the traditional alpha façade.
Balancing Rio’s complexity is Hallie Hart, whose resilience and independence challenge him at every turn. Their dynamic never tips into imbalance; instead, Hallie’s unwavering strength matches Rio’s intensity:
- Mutual growth: Both characters push each other to confront uncomfortable truths, creating a partnership built on respect.
- Authentic power dynamics: The push-pull between Rio’s protectiveness and Hallie’s autonomy keeps their relationship engaging and believable.
Liz Tomforde demonstrates how the vulnerable hero trope can coexist with classic alpha energy, adding richness to both the romance and the individual journeys within Rewind It Back. The interplay between strength and sensitivity breathes life into every scene they share.
4. Engaging Supporting Themes Beyond Romance
Rewind It Back delves deeply into the complexities of family dynamics and how they shape personal relationships within the narrative. Hallie and Rio’s journey is not just about rekindling lost love but also about understanding and confronting the familial influences that have shaped their lives.
1. Family Dynamics in Romance
Throughout the story, you will notice how Hallie and Rio’s family backgrounds influence their behaviours, decisions, and emotional responses. Tomforde masterfully portrays the impact of supportive versus toxic family environments, making the characters’ struggles relatable to listeners who may have experienced similar familial challenges.
2. Themes of Inherited Pain
The novel explores inherited pain—how past traumas and unresolved issues from previous generations can affect current relationships. Both Hallie and Rio must navigate these inherited wounds, which adds a layer of realism and depth to their journey. This theme resonates with readers who understand the weight of generational baggage.
3. Breaking Cycles
One of the most profound aspects of Rewind It Back is its focus on breaking harmful cycles. Hallie and Rio work hard to overcome their pasts, learning to forgive themselves and each other. Their growth highlights the importance of confronting deep-seated issues to forge healthier paths forward.
4. Found Family Trope
Liz Tomforde skilfully incorporates the found family trope, where characters create strong, supportive networks outside their biological families. Hallie and Rio find solace and strength in friends who become like family, emphasising that bonds formed by choice can be as powerful as those by blood.
These themes extend beyond typical romance clichés, providing listeners with a richer, more nuanced experience that speaks to universal truths about love, pain, and healing.
5. Unique Setting Elements: Hockey and Renovation Work
The sports (hockey) backdrop significantly enriches the story’s atmosphere, making it more immersive for listeners. By integrating the thrilling world of professional hockey into the narrative, Liz Tomforde provides an exciting and dynamic setting that amplifies the emotional stakes of Hallie and Rio’s relationship. The intensity of the sport mirrors the passionate and often tumultuous journey of their romance, adding an extra layer of engagement for fans of sports romance.
Renovation work serves as a unique and relatable setting that fosters forced proximity, a trope beloved by many romance enthusiasts. As Hallie and Rio collaborate on renovating a property, their close quarters catalyse moments of connection, conflict, and eventual bonding. This setting is not merely a backdrop but a catalyst for character development and plot progression.
- Character Bonding: Working side-by-side allows Hallie and Rio to rebuild not just physical spaces but also their fractured relationship. Each renovation task becomes a metaphor for mending past wounds and constructing a new foundation for their future together.
- Authenticity: The everyday environment of renovation work grounds the story in reality, making the characters’ experiences more relatable to listeners. This realistic portrayal ensures that even amidst the drama and passion, there are tangible elements that resonate with everyday life.
Combined with girl-next-door vibes, these setting elements create an authentic narrative where love blossoms in familiar yet transformative spaces. The interplay between high-stakes hockey games and intimate renovation projects keeps listeners enthralled, providing a multifaceted backdrop that enhances both the romance and personal growth of Hallie and Rio.
6. Witty Banter and Emotional Depth Combined
Witty banter is a hallmark of Liz Tomforde’s writing, and Rewind It Back is no exception. The sharp sarcasm and playful exchanges between Hallie and Rio create engaging dialogue that keeps listeners entertained throughout the story. Their interactions are filled with clever quips and humorous retorts, showcasing a dynamic chemistry that makes their relationship feel both genuine and relatable. This witty banter provides a refreshing contrast to the deeper emotional themes explored in the novel.
Balancing humour with heartfelt moments, Tomforde crafts a well-rounded read/listen experience. The humour in romance novels like Rewind It Back serves to lighten the mood, making the more intense emotional scenes all the more impactful. By weaving together these elements, Tomforde ensures that her characters are not only relatable but also memorable.
In Rewind It Back, Rio’s sarcastic remarks often mask his vulnerability, adding layers to his character. Hallie’s quick-witted responses highlight her strength and independence, creating a balanced dynamic that resonates with readers. These interactions showcase how humour can be used effectively to develop characters and deepen their connection.
The emotional storytelling in Rewind It Back goes beyond simple romance tropes, delving into themes of forgiveness, healing, and self-discovery. The combination of witty banter and emotional depth allows listeners to experience a range of emotions, making the journey with Hallie and Rio both entertaining and meaningful.
Liz Tomforde’s ability to blend humour with heartfelt moments sets her apart in the sports romance genre. By intertwining sharp sarcasm with deeply emotional storytelling, she creates a narrative that is both engaging and profoundly moving.
7. Healing Power of Love Explored Through Characters’ Journeys
Rewind It Back presents a powerful exploration of how love heals wounds and drives emotional healing in romance. Hallie and Rio are not just two people rekindling a lost relationship—they are individuals carrying the weight of past trauma, shame, and regret. Their story demonstrates that overcoming past trauma is neither instantaneous nor easy, but deeply transformative when real love is allowed to grow.
1. Confronting the Past
Both Hallie and Rio have unresolved pain from their separation and earlier family dynamics. Instead of brushing these wounds aside, Liz Tomforde crafts scenes where characters sit with their discomfort, name their shame, and talk about the choices that led them apart. This willingness to confront hurt head-on breaks the cycle of blame and opens a path toward genuine connection.
2. Reclaiming Self-Worth
As the narrative unfolds, both characters begin reclaiming parts of themselves that were lost to heartbreak or suppressed by fear. Hallie learns to voice her needs without apology; Rio faces his own vulnerabilities instead of hiding behind bravado. These moments allow listeners to see how emotional healing in romance requires courage and mutual respect.
3. The Transformative Nature of Love
The book underscores that love is not a magic fix but an ongoing process—one which demands honesty, patience, and forgiveness. Watching Hallie and Rio rebuild trust makes it clear: love heals wounds by making space for growth rather than perfection.
Liz Tomforde’s approach highlights that romantic fulfilment isn’t possible without first tending to emotional scars. The result is a richer, more authentic story where healing becomes as meaningful as the happily ever after itself.
To further explore the theme of rekindling lost love, one can consider strategies on how to get your ex to fall back in love with you, which can provide valuable insights into the complexities of love and healing.
8. Memorable Storytelling That Breaks Romance Clichés
Liz Tomforde’s unique approach to romance storytelling sets “Rewind It Back” apart from many other novels in the genre. By blending familiar themes with fresh perspectives, she creates a narrative that feels both comforting and invigorating.
1. Fresh Take on Familiar Themes
While second-chance romances are a well-trodden path in fiction, Tomforde injects new life into the trope. Hallie and Rio’s journey is not just about rekindling a lost love but also about personal growth and confronting past wounds. This layered storytelling ensures that the plot remains engaging and unpredictable.
2. Authentic Narrative Voice
One of the standout features of “Rewind It Back” is Tomforde’s authentic narrative voice. Her ability to create relatable characters who speak and act in ways that feel genuine makes the story resonate deeply with readers. The dialogues are sharp, natural, and infused with the right balance of humour and emotion.
3. Avoiding Common Tropes
Instead of relying on overused clichés, Tomforde explores deeper emotional themes such as forgiveness, healing, and personal transformation. The characters’ struggles are portrayed with nuance, making their victories all the more satisfying.
4. Engaging Plot Development
The slow-burn romance between Hallie and Rio is crafted meticulously, allowing readers to savour each moment of their evolving relationship. This gradual build-up keeps listeners invested in their story, ensuring they remain hooked until the very end.
Tomforde’s skilful storytelling breaks away from traditional romance fiction norms, offering a refreshing perspective that keeps fans coming back for more.
9. Satisfying Series Conclusion With Emotional Closure
The series finale emotional impact of Rewind It Back stands out as one of Liz Tomforde’s most powerful achievements. As the conclusion to the Windy City Series, this instalment delivers the type of closure in book series that readers crave but rarely receive. You witness an authentic farewell to beloved characters—individuals who have grown, faltered, and triumphed across multiple books. The dynamic between Hallie and Rio doesn’t just resolve their personal story; it threads together loose ends from earlier books, acknowledging the interconnected journeys of friends and teammates that make up this vibrant fictional world.
Fulfilment for Long-Time Fans
This book offers a sense of reward for those who have followed every twist in the Windy City Series. Old wounds are addressed, friendships are honoured, and family bonds are reinforced. Readers get to see how previous couples and side characters have evolved, reinforcing a sense of community across the novels.
Farewell Without Bitterness
Saying goodbye to favourite characters can be bittersweet, yet Tomforde crafts these farewells with respect and optimism. There’s no forced sentimentality—just genuine moments that highlight growth and acceptance.
Emotional Resonance
Every thread is woven into a cohesive tapestry. The final pages strike a balance between nostalgia for what’s ending and hope for what’s ahead. Moments of vulnerability, joy, and release punctuate the narrative, making the emotional impact last well beyond the last sentence.
“Rewind It Back” by Liz Tomforde elevates closure in book series to an art form—leaving you with gratitude for the journey rather than regret that it’s over.
Readers often mention how this finale brings catharsis—a feeling that every hard-earned lesson and every moment of pain or laughter has led to a satisfying end. The emotional resonance isn’t just for Hallie and Rio but extends to anyone who has invested in this world from book one onward.
10. Liz Tomforde’s Unique Author Background Enhances Authenticity
Liz Tomforde isn’t your typical sports romance author. Her journey from flight attendant to bestselling novelist infuses a distinctive perspective into every page of Rewind It Back. This author background influence creates a storytelling voice that feels genuine and refreshing, setting her apart in a crowded genre.
1. Real-Life Inspiration
Traveling the globe as a flight attendant gave Liz firsthand exposure to diverse people, cultures, and emotional stories. This translates into characters with layered personalities and dialogue that mirrors real-world conversations—never forced or formulaic.
2. Grounded Portrayals
You’ll notice how her protagonists face everyday struggles, whether it’s navigating career uncertainty, healing from heartbreak, or managing complex family ties. These scenarios don’t feel manufactured for drama; instead, they reflect challenges many readers recognise from their own lives. For instance, the mind games to get an ex back that some characters play are rooted in reality.
3. Authentic Sports Romance Voice
Tomforde writes about hockey and athletic culture with an insider’s intuition, even though she didn’t come from a pro athlete’s background herself. The energy of game day, the camaraderie of a locker room, and the relentless pursuit of personal goals are woven into the narrative with subtlety and accuracy.
4. Relatable Humour and Heart
Her time in customer service environments shines through in the witty banter and sharp sarcasm exchanged between Hallie, Rio, and supporting characters. There’s an empathy and warmth to these interactions that stems from real-life observation—not just imagination.
“I write about people who aren’t perfect but are trying their best,” Tomforde has shared in interviews—a philosophy that resonates powerfully throughout Rewind It Back.
Readers searching for a sports romance that feels both entertaining and rooted in authenticity will find Liz Tomforde’s personal experiences elevate every aspect of this novel. The result is a listening experience that rings true on emotional, romantic, and everyday levels.
Conclusion
‘Rewind It Back‘ by Liz Tomforde is an exceptional addition to contemporary sports romance literature. This must-listen audiobook recommendation stands out due to its heartfelt storytelling, well-developed characters, and the authentic portrayal of realistic relationships.
Why listen to ‘Rewind It Back’?
- Deep emotional themes: The novel beautifully explores forgiveness, healing, and the transformative power of love.
- Compelling second-chance romance: Hallie and Rio’s reunion is both heart-wrenching and hopeful, keeping listeners engaged.
- Unique settings: The backdrop of hockey and renovation work adds depth and relatability.
- Witty banter and emotional depth: Sharp sarcasm combined with heartfelt moments create a balanced listening experience.
Recognised among the top sports romances, ‘Rewind It Back’ offers a fresh take on familiar themes by breaking away from clichés. Tomforde’s personal experiences as a flight attendant bring authenticity to her narratives, making this book a standout in its genre.
Don’t miss out on this extraordinary listening experience. Dive into ‘Rewind It Back‘ for an emotional journey that concludes the Windy City Series with profound resonance.
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