Rewind It Back… to My Emotional Breakdown | Liz Tomforde, You Owe Me Therapy

Rewind it back because I am a hot mess. This is the last book in the series and Liz decided to emotionally wreck me from the dedication itself. Like girl, calm down, some of us are barely holding it together!

Rio getting his own book?? My baby really said main character energy. I’ve loved him from the sidelines and now he’s front and center. I’m so proud.

Now listen, Hallie seems cool and all, and I will appreciate her efforts, BUT I’m Team Rio with my whole chest. Don’t come for me when I’m drooling over this man in every other sentence. I warned you.

Also, where are the Rios in real life? Why are all the men out here competing for the title of “Biggest Walking Red Flag”? Is being emotionally intelligent and respectful not trendy enough??

I’m already vibing with Hallie though, and I love a little “let me fix your space and maybe your life while I’m at it” energy. Gimme that slow burn, renovation-core romance.

Then BAM—we get a flashback and suddenly the title makes perfect sense?? I’m soft.

“I pick a song when something cool or important happens... then I rewind it back.”HELLO?? That’s so wholesome I could combust.

The way their banter flows effortlessly? I need to know what went down between them. Hallie’s holding some secret and Rio’s walking around with a grudge and I’m here like 👀 sipping my tea.

Also shoutout to the girl gang giving Rio some much-needed reality checks. Sir, you’re sweet but dense.

THE FLASHBACK TO HER 13TH BIRTHDAY. Baby Rio, age fourteen, handing over his hoodie like a gentleman. AND wearing their friendship bracelet??? I need a moment. Actually, I need a Rio in real life.

Lowkey I relate to Hallie’s “assign a song to every significant crush” thing. Except all my favorite songs are now emotionally unavailable thanks to those idiots.

AND THEN FOURTEEN-YEAR-OLD RIO HAS GAME??? No wonder grown-up Rio is out here destroying hearts casually.

“Maybe that was the first time you were told, but I know it wasn’t the first time someone liked you.”EXCUSE ME SIR?? Take my number immediately.

Hallie getting jealous over another girl’s voice and Rio teasing her?? ADORABLE.And then him getting possessive over someone else calling her Hal?? Sir, control yourself—or don’t, actually, I’m enjoying this.

And now, the scene of all scenes:

“You sure look good in my shirt for not being mine.”“Get fucked, DeLuca.”“Would love to. You just let me know when and where, Hart.”I am currently SCREAMING. SOBBING. THROWING FURNITURE. Like how do you expect me to stay calm after that?

Then Rio drops this:

“It was the first time I realized you may feel the same way about me as I’ve always felt about you.”I AM UNWELL.

Him asking if she’s single, followed by the most flirty, swoon-worthy dialogue?? I am now officially feral.

AND THEN—“Trust me, Hallie. For the first time in six years, I’m thinking perfectly clearly.”I’ve melted. Just a puddle of sass and feelings now.

And THEN he says:

“She probably doesn’t remember this, but she once told me everything she envisioned for our future home…”Liz. LIZ. YOU’RE TOO POWERFUL.

Also yes, I just connected why he changed his jersey number and now I feel dumb and emotional.

New book boyfriend alert: Rio is giving secret morning lattes with tragic foam art and I’m signing marriage papers in my head.

Let’s not ignore the GIRL TALK moment that sent Rio running to fix everything. AND THE MAN TATTOOED THE LITTLE HEART SHE USED TO DRAW. I can’t breathe.

These two idiots never moved on because they were still in love the whole time?? Romantic clownery at its finest.

Rio’s mom reuniting with Hallie?? Instant tears. Thank everything there wasn’t a third act breakup.

And THEN he signs with Chicago and not Boston?? SIR. You emotional mastermind, you six-foot heartthrob.

Then this:

“You’re my childhood dream.”I am done. Gone. Ascended.

And then Ryan Shay says he LOVES RIO?? I must be hallucinating.

Final thoughts: I can’t read the ending without sobbing into my snack. That goodbye? Soul-crushing. Perfect. I’m a wreck.