Finding Home

by Lizzie C. Koz

Finding Home is a spicy best-friends-to-lovers MM baseball romance with an unrequited love that refuses to fade, a painful separation, a kiss that changes everything, and selfies that say what words can’t.

The world keeps the ugly truth about love to itself: Not everyone falls in love with someone who will love them back.

EASTON

My dream is finally coming true. Why? Because your boy just got drafted to play pro baseball. Yee-haw! (Ohmygod, did I just say yee-haw?)

There’s one glaring thing missing though. Maddox. My ride-or-die. It was always supposed to be us—major league ballplayers, side by side.

But now I’m the one who made it, and I have to leave him behind.

I don’t know how I’ll handle the distance when I haven’t spent a day apart from Maddy since we were six.

I keep reminding myself it’ll be okay. We’ll talk every day. Text, call, video chat. It’ll be like he’s right there with me.

Yeah, this is fine. Totally fine.

But then why do I feel like I’m leaving an essential part of myself back in Connecticut?

MADDOX

I did the one thing literally everyone tells you not to do.

I fell in love with my straight best friend.

Yep. That’s me—the cliché gay boy who lost his heart to a boy who can’t love him back. I know it’s stupid. I know I should move on. But me and East? We’re inseparable. From T-ball at six to D1 college ball, we’ve done everything together…and that’s exactly the problem.

I can’t get over him like this. I need space. And I think this is my chance. He’s leaving for his minor league assignment for a couple months.

I’ll use the time to cleanse myself of Easton Winters, and when he comes back, we’ll be best friends again. For real this time.

No more pathetic pining.

Genres: M M Romance, Sports, Friends To Lovers, Baseball, Contemporary, Sports Romance, College

ebook

Published January 1, 2026

About the author

Lizzie C Koz writes books that challenge stereotypes and cultural expectations. She believes vulnerability is powerful, softness is a strength, and love in all its forms—whether between friends, family, or lovers—is what makes us whole.

Her stories champion feminism, sexual empowerment, LGBTQ+ positivity, neurodivergence, and mental health awareness. Her readers will tell you—She’ll make you laugh, make you cry, and definitely make you fan yourself. And by the end of the journey, your heart will be so dang happy.

She lives in New England in a fixer-upper with her husband, toddler, and Golden Retriever. When she's not writing, she's likely trying to convince her husband to tackle yet another DIY project around the house.

Lizzie loves nothing more than falling into a romance book as an outlet, especially when she was struggling through postpartum with her son. Now, she hopes to provide that same escape and small slice of joy to others. 

Reviews

[Dani (Daniiireads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

God this was angsty and emotional, and oh so delicious! There's something about codependent besties that just gets me every time and I ate this up.

Cannot wait for more of this series!

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
- college romance
- baseball
- codependent besties
- unrequited love
- pan/demi awakening
- one kiss that changes everything

[Jozey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tropes
⚾️Childhood bestfriend
⚾️Crush on his straight friend
⚾️Baseball player
⚾️Probably Grey/ace/demi rep
⚾️Ackward young adult
⚾️Heartbroken 💔

This story is a turmoil of emotion. I loved every second of it. Pinning on his straight bestfriend is the rule #1 to not do, but when your friendship is so precious its even "harder" to not fall. While trying to get over it, both of them suffer. It's take some hard thruth to understand the depth of the other MC's feelings. This books have the perfect dose of everything, love, pinning, ackward moment, friendship, awakening and of course an HFN.

[Meg Birch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is why you don't judge a book by its cover

This was a dang sleeper hit. The codependency, the yearning, the "how could you do this to me??" moments. Ugh, it's all so delicious, and so well done.

I really was just expecting another spicy sports romance that I'd read, kind of enjoy and then promptly file away among its many, many brethren as "meh." That is not what happened. Koz packs big emotion and even bigger story telling into a small package, and... knocks it out of the park.

If you love codependent best friends, sexual awakenings, painful pining or just good story telling... this is for you. Read it.

[Ami (Amireadsitall) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a gorgeous little novella. Everything about it was done so right the aching pining, the delicious tension, the perfectly timed spice, and that heart-tugging unrequited love that just sits with you and refuses to let go. Every page felt intentional and emotionally loaded in the best way.

I absolutely adore a friends-to-lovers story, and this one truly felt special. The connection, the longing, the quiet moments that speak louder than words it all wrapped together into a beautifully satisfying, feel-heavy read that punches you straight in the heart and then hugs you after. Short, sweet, and incredibly impactful. Highly recommend.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

💘 A Love That Feels Like Coming Home 💘

Omg. THIS BOOK. I swear Lizzie C Koz ripped my heart out, tap-danced on it, and then gently handed it back with a hug 😭💚 Emotional whiplash in the best way — I cried, I giggled, I felt everything. I knew this one was going to set me off into a crying frenzy… when do besties-to-lovers with a side of pining and unrequited love not wreck me?? I picked it up “just to start” and then… yeah, one sitting later, I was left staring at my wall like 🫠

And the dynamic between Maddox and Easton? Pure magic. ✨ Iwas ALL IN from page one and I’m gonna need more, like, yesterday. The way Lizzie C Koz managed to pack a fully fleshed-out story, characters with real depth, AND perfectly-timed steam into such a short novella?? Honestly unreal. She did THAT. 🔥

I fell head-over-heels for these two immediately. Maddox’s pining??? The unrequited-love heartbreak??? I was bawling for this man. 💔🥺 Watching him quietly carry all those feelings while loving Easton so fiercely… ugh, my chest.

Then there’s Easton — sweet, oblivious Easton — trying to make sense of feeling “different,” believing he’s somehow broken because his sex drive doesn’t match what he thinks it should be. The tenderness?? The vulnerability?? I wanted to wrap him in a blanket.

Watching them hurt, grow, drift, and then slowly realise it’s always been each other had me flipping pages like a feral raccoon high on emotions. And the tension — holy hell, the tension between them??? Absolute perfection. 🔥⚡️ Even when the distance of Easton getting drafted made them think their friendship wouldn’t survive… it just made their final coming together hit SO much harder. And when they finally do? Oh damn, it was everything I hoped for and more.

I was absolutely unhinged for these two. Feral. Delusional. Ready to read 200 more pages with zero shame. I need more of them, more of this universe, and I’m already side-eyeing Shane’s book like 👀 because I need to know who his person is.

An absolute must-read if you love angst, tenderness, longing, and two best friends realising home was always each other. 💚📚✨

[ੈ♡˳ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow I really enjoyed this book. It was quick and short but everything!

East and Mad were the sweetest and they made me tear up a few times whilst reading his book. The angst, pining, yearning and jealousy (all mostly from Maddy but sometimes East too lol) was so good and I’m glad they got their happy ending.

I really loved how their close friends were accepting of them and they called them the “safe” group. I really like the writing of this book too and it kept me engaged in the story.

Shane intrigued me and I can’t want to read his book when it comes out. I’m glad he was the one who pushed East to go sort things out with Maddy and also loved just how much of a good friend he was to East straight from the beginning. I can already tell he’s going to break my heart in his book just from that scene where he was telling East he was “just there” in everyone’s lives, that made me realize he’s someone who hides behind a mask. I can’t wait to see who he ends up with and to see him get a happy ending!

[Rae Latte · Rating 5 out of 5]

A spicy M/M sports romance in and out of the ballpark.

⚾️ Best Friends to Lovers
⚾️ Unrequited Love
⚾️ Childhood Dreams Coming True
⚾️ Co-Dependency & a Painful Friendship Break-Up
⚾️ A Kiss That Changes Everything
⚾️ Selfies as a Love Language
⚾️ An emotional read

This novella has the perfect balance of character arc including backstory and plot. Let’s not forget about the secondary characters who weave in and out of the plot. I am confident that they too will find their moment in a future book…or two.

I love that while Lizzie’s writing is familiar there is a difference in the tone and vibe allowing readers to easily enjoy both of her worlds. If you want to read Finding Home by Lizzie C. Koz sign-up for her newsletter and get this F.R.E.E.B.I.E now. https://lizzieckoz.com/finding-home/

Always honest, always my own, and thankful to Lizzie C. Koz for an advance e-arc.

[Vania - My Little Book Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahh Lizzie Lizzie Lizzie 🥰

Lizzie is an auto-read author for me. I absolutely just love her writing and this book is just another reason why. This is a freebie with her newsletter so it’s a bit silly not to get it and read it.
I love MM books and these characters felt so real and easy to connect with, the love for these guys just sneaks up on you. It’s a quick read, hot, heartfelt, comforting, and had that Lizzie vibe that she does so well. I laughed, I got a little emotional, and I didn’t want it to end. Every time I pick up one of her books, I’m reminded why I love her work so much. She just knows how to tell a story that sticks with you.

[Jennifer R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this was just a lot of goodness in the way of all things I enjoy most. Angst, pinning (unrequited love), a kind of second chance, sexual discovery and awakening, friends to lovers, and not an overly long story at all but I didn’t find it lacking in any way.
I’d totally read this again! These two were destined to be together. 💜 Can’t wait for Shane’s book.. I knew he had to have one and see that he will. Sign me up! 👋

[KS · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was the perfect introduction!

A bestfriends to lovers, soul mates with just the right amount of angst and emotional turmoil!

we love a good baseball book, tight pants, taunt bodies, spice to boot! with an emotional roller-coaster and a HOLY SHIT ice bucket realisation moment, this book has me kicking me little feet!

it had me wanting to read an extended version and has me counting down the days for the next one in the series!

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two very codependent bestie, one in love with the other and trying really hard to put some distance between them because it hurts too much. I love angst and yearning. One thing I really loved is that Maddox and Shelby are not enemies in this, it would have been so easy to make her the "bad" guy, but no they actually understand each other and she's a good person. Short and adorable.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this took me by surprise! So angsty! Matty and Easton almost took me out, I had wet eyes for a lot of this short little book. It packed a punch and Lizzie hit it out of the park. I’m so excited for this series!

[Vannesa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Maddox and Easton friendship and relationship was everything

[monique · Rating 2 out of 5]

The lack of communication in this was 🥲🙃🤨😤





anyways.... Shane was the real star of the show 🫡🫶🏼💕

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super sweet story but it did break my heart a little. When you read it, you'll know why.

[Andrea Imhoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read with my favorite trope - friends to lovers, and done so well!!
Loved it!

[the.argumentative.bong · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐ (rounded off)

[mich ⚘ · Rating 3 out of 5]

unrequited requited love you will always be famous to me

[NicoleReadsRomance · Rating 5 out of 5]

First full read for 2026. This is such a heart tugging book. These two were a joy to read. I cannot wait for the full series! 💜

[Marilla ☘︎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐

[BookishMya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story broke me in a thousand ways. You will find epic longing, the pure anguish of unrequited love and a learning of self awareness that may break you too. Maddox and Easton are the absolute best of friends and nothing complicates friendship more than falling in love. Lizzie C. Koz writes with a depth of emotion unlike any other. She is a pro at yearning and passion. I literally do not have the words for how much I loved this story. Seeing these two find their way to love & acceptance heals something inside. It is pure joy and a comforting sense of rightness in a world that is lost. The way these two have seeped into my very bones is unreal. I have developed such an intense bond to these characters that they feel a part of me.