the right move review — liz tomforde (spice level, tropes & is it worth it)
the right move by liz tomforde is arguably one of the best sports romance books out there.
if you’re looking for a relationship that actually builds, tension that feels real, and an mmc who sets the standard… you’re in the right place.
review
no spoilers edition
verdict
ryan shay is the standard. that's the review. okay, fine, a little more than that. after going through a difficult breakup, she finds herself needing a place to stay. he isn't looking for a relationship. she isn't looking for one either. but somewhere between sharing a home, sharing their lives, and showing up for each other in all the small ways that matter, they build something neither of them expected. sweet, funny, comforting, and home in book form. easily one of my favorite sports romances ever written.
vibe
if i had to recommend one sports romance to someone who has never read sports romance before, there's a very good chance i'd hand them the right move. and if i had to recommend one fictional boyfriend? ryan shay. this man has genuinely ruined the dating pool for an entire generation of readers. what starts as two people sharing a space after life throws a few unexpected punches quickly becomes one of the most comforting, romantic, and emotionally satisfying relationships i've ever read. there's no unnecessary drama. no games. just two people slowly becoming each other's safe place.
spice
🌶🌶 — the spice is there, but let's be honest, nobody remembers the right move because of the spice. they remember it because of ryan shay.
“I’m not easily distracted, but if I could manifest my perfect distraction, it’d look a lot like her.”
The Right Move by Liz Tomforde
reader fit
you love forced proximity, roommates, healthy communication, and men who show up every single time they're needed. if you want a romance that'll have you smiling at your kindle like an idiot, this is it.
you need lots of spice or constant drama to stay invested. this book shines because of the relationship, not because of chaos.
content warnings
past relationship trauma, emotional recovery, brief references to controlling ex-partner behaviour. this is a lighter romance — nothing graphic.
standalone + hea
book two in the windy city series and my personal favorite. the books can absolutely be read as standalones, but i'd recommend reading the entire series because every single one is worth your time. and yes, this one has a happily ever after.
what you’ll find in this book
like i said, this is one of the best sports romances out there. like actually.
ryan shay? definition of what a boyfriend should be.
and that’s kind of the point of this book.
it’s not built on chaos or miscommunication — it’s built on showing up.
they’re forced to live together after she goes through something with her ex, and from there it’s just… watching it unfold.
he’s a professional basketball player who very much was not looking for a relationship.
and yet.
you already know where this is going.
my take
if he’s not showing up for her without being asked… i don’t want it.
the book
The Right Move
after a rough time in her life, she moves into her friend’s brother’s place, but the busy pro basketball player isn’t exactly thrilled about the unexpected roommate.
spice level breakdown
spice rating: 2/5
🌶🌶 — low heat but not absent. the tension builds through the relationship dynamic rather than explicit scenes. if you want chemistry that earns itself through proximity and connection rather than heat, this is it.
tropes in the right move
- fake dating romance
- forced proximity
- sports romance (basketball)
- he falls first
other books to check out
similar vibes to the right move
come back for these when you want a similar pull.
Hat Trick
a hockey star loses everything after an accident… except the trainer who isn’t interested in men, let alone younger ones, but somehow can’t stay away from him.
Breaking Point
he needed a fake girlfriend to save his reputation… but the one woman who can’t trust him might be the only one he actually falls for
Fall with Me
a one night stand with a grumpy hockey player turns into a job working for his team… and now he’s determined that if he falls, she’s coming down with him.
final thoughts
this is one of those books that just works.
it’s not trying to be overly dramatic or dark — it’s just consistent.
the relationship builds naturally, the tension is there without being overwhelming, and it’s the kind of story you don’t have to fight to stay in.
also — this is my favorite in the windy city series.
they can be read as standalones, but if you end up going through the whole series… i wouldn’t blame you. (i did)
want more like this? say less.
the full romance library is waiting.
peek inside the society library
take me to the library →morally gray men, slow burns, hockey romances, villains who should absolutely not be attractive… it’s all there.
frequently asked questions
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