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Twisted Oak Valley
Forbidden Temptation
Jacob
This year my life imploded.
Now I’m sleeping in my tiny office inside the university’s football complex because I have nowhere else to go.
Until my quarterback finds me passed out in the makeshift bed I’d made and offers me a room at his cabin.
I’m exhausted. I’m broke. I don’t have anywhere else to turn. And it’s not like there’s anything wrong with a coach staying with a player for a little while, right? Nothing inappropriate. Nothing crossing a line.
Except for the way Hayden looks at me sometimes.
Except for the moment I realize…I might be looking right back.
Hayden
I think I did something really, really stupid.
I invited my QB coach to live with me until he can find a place of his own.
You know, the guy I’ve had a massive crush on since I started playing football here my freshman year. The same man who has ruined every chance I’ve had at a relationship because no one else has ever measured up.
This was the year I was getting over him. But now he’s in my private space, walking around my cabin in nothing but his boxers, showing off that sexy chest tattoo like my little gay heart isn’t being put through torture right now.
I’m doing my best to hide my interest; the last thing I want is to expose my feelings and make things awkward as hell. And, I mean, I’m the star quarterback. I’m an expert at handling pressure on the field.
Apparently, what I can’t handle is living with the man I’ve wanted for years.
Especially after the night everything changes.
In the small town of Twisted Oak Valley, the fall season is holding on, but you’ll be cozy in this multi-author MM novella/short story length shared universe series. Forbidden Temptation is a steamy, emotional, and banter-filled coach x player college football romance where a bi-awakening collides with cabin-bound forced proximity to ignite a desire that is impossible to resist.
This novella is set in the Bridgeport Jetties universe, following Hiding in the Outfield, the story of Jacob’s younger brother, Jackson. It can be read as a standalone, but if you’re curious about his brother’s love story, you can follow Jackson’s own happily-ever-after in Hiding in the Outfield.
This year my life imploded.
Now I’m sleeping in my tiny office inside the university’s football complex because I have nowhere else to go.
Until my quarterback finds me passed out in the makeshift bed I’d made and offers me a room at his cabin.
I’m exhausted. I’m broke. I don’t have anywhere else to turn. And it’s not like there’s anything wrong with a coach staying with a player for a little while, right? Nothing inappropriate. Nothing crossing a line.
Except for the way Hayden looks at me sometimes.
Except for the moment I realize…I might be looking right back.
Hayden
I think I did something really, really stupid.
I invited my QB coach to live with me until he can find a place of his own.
You know, the guy I’ve had a massive crush on since I started playing football here my freshman year. The same man who has ruined every chance I’ve had at a relationship because no one else has ever measured up.
This was the year I was getting over him. But now he’s in my private space, walking around my cabin in nothing but his boxers, showing off that sexy chest tattoo like my little gay heart isn’t being put through torture right now.
I’m doing my best to hide my interest; the last thing I want is to expose my feelings and make things awkward as hell. And, I mean, I’m the star quarterback. I’m an expert at handling pressure on the field.
Apparently, what I can’t handle is living with the man I’ve wanted for years.
Especially after the night everything changes.
In the small town of Twisted Oak Valley, the fall season is holding on, but you’ll be cozy in this multi-author MM novella/short story length shared universe series. Forbidden Temptation is a steamy, emotional, and banter-filled coach x player college football romance where a bi-awakening collides with cabin-bound forced proximity to ignite a desire that is impossible to resist.
This novella is set in the Bridgeport Jetties universe, following Hiding in the Outfield, the story of Jacob’s younger brother, Jackson. It can be read as a standalone, but if you’re curious about his brother’s love story, you can follow Jackson’s own happily-ever-after in Hiding in the Outfield.
127 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 10, 2026
About the author
Lizzie C. Koz
12 books165 followersLizzie 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
November 10, 2026
_Safety info included_
4.5 ⭐️
I really liked this! Coach x QB forbidden relationship what's not to love? Lizzie's writing style flows so well, I pretty much devoured this. Hayden is such a softie and I really respected Jake's strength and honesty. It was so nice to see Jackson and Frankie again too. The story was a bit angsty as well towards the end, which made the HEA even sweeter. The only thing I'd say is I wanted a bit more of the team dynamics / Hayden and Big D as it felt very separate, and also maybe seeing Jake meeting Hayden's parents or even a mention as it would have been nice for him to feel like he had a surrogate family who accepts him. But it is a novella after all so can't complain! Highly recommend.
*Safety info (potential spoilers)*
- OP drama: none really, Jake mentions his ex once or twice but that relationship has been over for a while, and Hayden's best friend sets him up on a date but he doesn't go. There is no-one else for any of them during the whole book, even during their separation.
- Breakup: yes, 7 months. Warning stop reading if you don't want spoilers. So around 70% Hayden takes a step back from Jake after finding out some behaviours from his past, however after a week they start to reconcile but they get caught and Jake puts an abrupt stop to things in fear of losing his job, at least until graduation. The first month of their breakup things are very uncertain, Hayden feels very down, while Jake is trying to come up with a plan but can't communicate with Hayden. Then they finally manage to talk through letters and agree to wait for each other and be together for real 6 months down the line once Hayden graduates. So a total of 7 months separation.
- HEA
4.5 ⭐️
I really liked this! Coach x QB forbidden relationship what's not to love? Lizzie's writing style flows so well, I pretty much devoured this. Hayden is such a softie and I really respected Jake's strength and honesty. It was so nice to see Jackson and Frankie again too. The story was a bit angsty as well towards the end, which made the HEA even sweeter. The only thing I'd say is I wanted a bit more of the team dynamics / Hayden and Big D as it felt very separate, and also maybe seeing Jake meeting Hayden's parents or even a mention as it would have been nice for him to feel like he had a surrogate family who accepts him. But it is a novella after all so can't complain! Highly recommend.
*Safety info (potential spoilers)*
- OP drama: none really, Jake mentions his ex once or twice but that relationship has been over for a while, and Hayden's best friend sets him up on a date but he doesn't go. There is no-one else for any of them during the whole book, even during their separation.
- Breakup: yes, 7 months. Warning stop reading if you don't want spoilers. So around 70% Hayden takes a step back from Jake after finding out some behaviours from his past, however after a week they start to reconcile but they get caught and Jake puts an abrupt stop to things in fear of losing his job, at least until graduation. The first month of their breakup things are very uncertain, Hayden feels very down, while Jake is trying to come up with a plan but can't communicate with Hayden. Then they finally manage to talk through letters and agree to wait for each other and be together for real 6 months down the line once Hayden graduates. So a total of 7 months separation.
- HEA
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a surprisingly sweet story that has about 125 pages, dual pov, and is filled with plenty of emotions, secrets, a little angst, conflict, regrets over an attitude that was taught during upbringing, bi-awakening, laughs, fun, and so much more. The author managed to give a well written story that has two very likeable, distinct, and fully developed characters who will have you invested in them and cheering for them as they navigate their way to HEA.
Hayden is 22, the star QB in his last year at Maplewood College, has a fun and happy attitude, and he has had an unfortunate crush on his coach the entire time.
Jake is 30, he and his girlfriend just broke up, he's had a falling out with his parents, and since he's having trouble finding an apartment, is currently sleeping in his office at the college where he is the coach.
When Hayden offers Jake the spare room in his cabin, he expects some personal tension due to his crush, but he has no clue as to the ups and downs that are about to happen. As for Jake, he finds himself having an unexpected attraction to Hayden, which causes more than one conflict, but after speaking to his brother and his boyfriend - two great secondary characters - he decides to be honest with Hayden.
What comes next is a sexual awakening and exploration, and an unexpectedly deep connection that seems to grow quickly, but feels so genuine. There are a couple of hiccups on their journey, but Hayden and Jake manage to make their way towards love and a hard earned, long awaited, and sweetly satisfying HEA.
I really enjoyed this book, it was entertaining and engaging, and I would absolutely recommend it.
While it is part of the Twisted Oak Valley series, each book is written by a different author and can be read as standalone novellas.
I received an ARC, this review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
Hayden is 22, the star QB in his last year at Maplewood College, has a fun and happy attitude, and he has had an unfortunate crush on his coach the entire time.
Jake is 30, he and his girlfriend just broke up, he's had a falling out with his parents, and since he's having trouble finding an apartment, is currently sleeping in his office at the college where he is the coach.
When Hayden offers Jake the spare room in his cabin, he expects some personal tension due to his crush, but he has no clue as to the ups and downs that are about to happen. As for Jake, he finds himself having an unexpected attraction to Hayden, which causes more than one conflict, but after speaking to his brother and his boyfriend - two great secondary characters - he decides to be honest with Hayden.
What comes next is a sexual awakening and exploration, and an unexpectedly deep connection that seems to grow quickly, but feels so genuine. There are a couple of hiccups on their journey, but Hayden and Jake manage to make their way towards love and a hard earned, long awaited, and sweetly satisfying HEA.
I really enjoyed this book, it was entertaining and engaging, and I would absolutely recommend it.
While it is part of the Twisted Oak Valley series, each book is written by a different author and can be read as standalone novellas.
I received an ARC, this review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
October 23, 2026
I finally pull away, tears sticky on my cheeks. And I don’t even care that I let them fall. Because with Hayden, I’m safe to feel.
SWOON!!!! YES JACOB, YOU'RE SAFE TO BE FREE AND EMOTIONAL.
Omg Jacob and Hayden’s story was short, sweet and simply delicious. I loved that both Olander brothers got their well-deserved HEA.
I respected Jacob's transparency and honesty about who he was and while it took Hayden a minute, he gave his man grace.
What they had to do in order to be together was tricky, but the end result was worth the waiting.
Bonus cherry points for Frankie and Jackson’s cameo hehe love them.
Forbidden Temptation, loved it and highly recommend it, especially if you're interested in reading something quick and lovely.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
SWOON!!!! YES JACOB, YOU'RE SAFE TO BE FREE AND EMOTIONAL.
Omg Jacob and Hayden’s story was short, sweet and simply delicious. I loved that both Olander brothers got their well-deserved HEA.
I respected Jacob's transparency and honesty about who he was and while it took Hayden a minute, he gave his man grace.
What they had to do in order to be together was tricky, but the end result was worth the waiting.
Bonus cherry points for Frankie and Jackson’s cameo hehe love them.
Forbidden Temptation, loved it and highly recommend it, especially if you're interested in reading something quick and lovely.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a fun, easy and quick read! When star QB Hayden finds his coach Jake sleeping in his office, he offers him his spare room. Hayden has been crushing on Jake since freshman year, even though Hayden is straight and has a girlfriend. Or so he thought! It doesn’t take long for the sparks between them to ignite!
Jake is Jackson’s brother from Hiding in the Outfield so we get to see him and Frankie again! It was fun catching up with them and Frankie was a blast as usual! They were so supportive of Jake and Hayden and I was so glad to see Jack and Jake’s bond was stronger now without their parents in their life.
Make sure you check out that bonus spicy scene with a glass of water because it was HOT!!!
Jake is Jackson’s brother from Hiding in the Outfield so we get to see him and Frankie again! It was fun catching up with them and Frankie was a blast as usual! They were so supportive of Jake and Hayden and I was so glad to see Jack and Jake’s bond was stronger now without their parents in their life.
Make sure you check out that bonus spicy scene with a glass of water because it was HOT!!!
November 10, 2026
Disclosure: I received a complimentary eARC of
Forbidden Temptation
by Lizzie C Koz in exchange for an honest review.
Forbidden Temptation by Lizzie C Koz is a steamy M/M college football romance novella released as part of the Twisted Oak Valley shared universe (and set within the Bridgeport Jetties world, following Jacob’s younger brother Jackson from Hiding in the Outfield ). The story follows Jacob Olander, a quarterback coach whose life imploded after taking a stand against his bigoted parents, leaving him sleeping in his office at the university's football complex. Enter Hayden—his star quarterback, who has harbored a massive, long-standing crush on Jacob since his freshman year. When Hayden finds his coach passed out in a makeshift bed and offers him a room at his cabin, forced proximity collides with a brilliant bi-awakening and uncontainable tension.
Koz delivers an absolute triumph of sports romance and romantic comedy. Following up on the emotional weight of Jackson’s story, this novella pivots into pure, high-energy entertainment while maintaining genuine emotional depth. Hayden’s internal monologues and desperate fantasies about his coach are laugh-out-loud brilliant, perfectly balancing the high-stakes career pressure with a swoon-worthy, cozy cabin dynamic.
The book shines in its exceptional comic timing and character dynamics. Watching Jacob navigate a tender, startling bi-awakening while realizing he is falling just as hard for his star player is executed with immense charm. Backed by delicious yearning, sharp banter, and a solid heat level, the narrative hits every single sweet spot without ever feeling rushed.
Forbidden Temptation is a phenomenal, grin-inducing triumph of contemporary sports romance. If you love coach-x-player dynamics, forced proximity, cabin settings, and top-tier banter, this is an unmissable read.
Forbidden Temptation by Lizzie C Koz is a steamy M/M college football romance novella released as part of the Twisted Oak Valley shared universe (and set within the Bridgeport Jetties world, following Jacob’s younger brother Jackson from Hiding in the Outfield ). The story follows Jacob Olander, a quarterback coach whose life imploded after taking a stand against his bigoted parents, leaving him sleeping in his office at the university's football complex. Enter Hayden—his star quarterback, who has harbored a massive, long-standing crush on Jacob since his freshman year. When Hayden finds his coach passed out in a makeshift bed and offers him a room at his cabin, forced proximity collides with a brilliant bi-awakening and uncontainable tension.
Koz delivers an absolute triumph of sports romance and romantic comedy. Following up on the emotional weight of Jackson’s story, this novella pivots into pure, high-energy entertainment while maintaining genuine emotional depth. Hayden’s internal monologues and desperate fantasies about his coach are laugh-out-loud brilliant, perfectly balancing the high-stakes career pressure with a swoon-worthy, cozy cabin dynamic.
The book shines in its exceptional comic timing and character dynamics. Watching Jacob navigate a tender, startling bi-awakening while realizing he is falling just as hard for his star player is executed with immense charm. Backed by delicious yearning, sharp banter, and a solid heat level, the narrative hits every single sweet spot without ever feeling rushed.
Forbidden Temptation is a phenomenal, grin-inducing triumph of contemporary sports romance. If you love coach-x-player dynamics, forced proximity, cabin settings, and top-tier banter, this is an unmissable read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Forbidden Temptation is set in the cute little town of Twisted Oak Valley. Hayden, the star QB, has had heart eyes for his coach, Jake, for years. Hayden knows nothing will ever come of it because Coach has a girlfriend…. Until one day Hayden finds his coach without a place to live and invites him to stay in his extra room at his cabin. What happens when the two of them are in the same space and Jake decides he might not only be attracted to women and maybe… he’s looking at Hayden the same way Hayden looks at him.
What to expect:
Coach x player
Forced proximity
Small town
Fall vibes
Listening through the door 😉
Power bottom
Yearning
HEA
I loved this story so much! I wish it was longer! I need about 200 more pages of Hayden and Jake. Forbidden Temptation is part of the Twisted Oak Valley series which is a multi-author project but it’s also a companion novel to the author’s Bridgeport Jetties: The Call-Up Years series. Fans of the series can expect appearances from our beloved Jackson and Frankie from Hiding in the Outfield. If you don’t remember, Jake and Jackson are brothers. The connection just made this story so much more special! Forbidden Temptation comes out November 10th
What to expect:
Coach x player
Forced proximity
Small town
Fall vibes
Listening through the door 😉
Power bottom
Yearning
HEA
I loved this story so much! I wish it was longer! I need about 200 more pages of Hayden and Jake. Forbidden Temptation is part of the Twisted Oak Valley series which is a multi-author project but it’s also a companion novel to the author’s Bridgeport Jetties: The Call-Up Years series. Fans of the series can expect appearances from our beloved Jackson and Frankie from Hiding in the Outfield. If you don’t remember, Jake and Jackson are brothers. The connection just made this story so much more special! Forbidden Temptation comes out November 10th
Review of advance copy
This is my favourite of the series so far.
I loved Hayden and Jake
Jake is a college American football coach and Hayden is his QB. Jake goes through a period of self discovery and discovers his attraction to Hayden in the process.
There are mentions of homaphobia in this bookwhich a brief and off page.
Spice is minimal but the story makes up for it.
I will definitely read other books by this author.
I loved Hayden and Jake
Jake is a college American football coach and Hayden is his QB. Jake goes through a period of self discovery and discovers his attraction to Hayden in the process.
There are mentions of homaphobia in this bookwhich a brief and off page.
Spice is minimal but the story makes up for it.
I will definitely read other books by this author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A truly excellent story about finding love at exactly the wrong moment.
Fortunately, Lizzie ensures that both characters find their place, leaving you with a good feeling once you close the book. A genuinely great addition to the stories in this series.
💞Thank you to the Author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC💖
Fortunately, Lizzie ensures that both characters find their place, leaving you with a good feeling once you close the book. A genuinely great addition to the stories in this series.
💞Thank you to the Author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC💖
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh, I loved Jake and Hayden! I’d been looking forward to Jake’s story ever since we met him in Hiding in the Outfield, and Lizzie did not disappoint once again. Hayden inviting his coach, who he’s had a crush on for years, to stay with him? Oh, this poor man had no idea what he was getting himself into. 😂 I loved the tension between them, and when Jake started seeing Hayden in a different way, I was like, oh, he’s in for it now!
These two were so bloody good together! There were sweet moments, some heartache and plenty of heat, and I was rooting for them the whole way through. My only complaint is that I wanted more, and Lizzie is well aware that I could’ve happily spent a lot longer with Jake and Hayden, like an extra 300 pages. 😂 Another reason why Lizzie is an auto-read author for me!
These two were so bloody good together! There were sweet moments, some heartache and plenty of heat, and I was rooting for them the whole way through. My only complaint is that I wanted more, and Lizzie is well aware that I could’ve happily spent a lot longer with Jake and Hayden, like an extra 300 pages. 😂 Another reason why Lizzie is an auto-read author for me!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Well, living with your ridiculously attractive football coach when you've been secretly crushing on him for years sounds like an excellent way to make your life unnecessarily complicated! 😂 Add a cabin, some very questionable levels of self-control and a whole lot of forbidden tension and you have a recipe for one very entertaining MM romance. I was absolutely sold!
Jake's life has taken a rather spectacular nosedive, leaving him with nowhere to go until Hayden, his star quarterback, offers him a place to stay. What Jake doesn't realise is that Hayden has been carrying a torch for him since his freshman year. Years of keeping those feelings buried are suddenly put to the test when the man he's wanted for so long is living right under the same roof.
I loved these two together! Hayden's long standing crush, Jake's vulnerability and the growing attraction between them made for such an enjoyable read. There's something about forbidden romance and two people trying desperately to ignore what is becoming increasingly obvious that I will never get tired of. The chemistry, the tension and the emotional side of their relationship all worked so well.
But let's not forget Jackson and Frankie! Can we just take a moment for these two? Jake's brother and his boyfriend were THE best side characters. I absolutely adored them! They brought so much to the story, and I genuinely loved every moment they were on the page. Having them pop up was such a bonus and it was so nice to see them again.. especially with Frankie being Frankie. 🥹💕
Lizzie C. Koz delivered everything I love about an MM romance: fantastic chemistry, plenty of tension, characters I genuinely cared about and a relationship that had me rooting for them from the start.
Jake and Hayden were wonderful, Jackson and Frankies cameos were fantastic and I finished this one with a very happy heart. Another fantastic read from Lizzie and proof that forbidden MM romance will always be one of my favourite things! ❤️ This book was worth waiting for! 💕
Jake's life has taken a rather spectacular nosedive, leaving him with nowhere to go until Hayden, his star quarterback, offers him a place to stay. What Jake doesn't realise is that Hayden has been carrying a torch for him since his freshman year. Years of keeping those feelings buried are suddenly put to the test when the man he's wanted for so long is living right under the same roof.
I loved these two together! Hayden's long standing crush, Jake's vulnerability and the growing attraction between them made for such an enjoyable read. There's something about forbidden romance and two people trying desperately to ignore what is becoming increasingly obvious that I will never get tired of. The chemistry, the tension and the emotional side of their relationship all worked so well.
But let's not forget Jackson and Frankie! Can we just take a moment for these two? Jake's brother and his boyfriend were THE best side characters. I absolutely adored them! They brought so much to the story, and I genuinely loved every moment they were on the page. Having them pop up was such a bonus and it was so nice to see them again.. especially with Frankie being Frankie. 🥹💕
Lizzie C. Koz delivered everything I love about an MM romance: fantastic chemistry, plenty of tension, characters I genuinely cared about and a relationship that had me rooting for them from the start.
Jake and Hayden were wonderful, Jackson and Frankies cameos were fantastic and I finished this one with a very happy heart. Another fantastic read from Lizzie and proof that forbidden MM romance will always be one of my favourite things! ❤️ This book was worth waiting for! 💕
Review of advance copy
LIZZIE!!! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME?! 😭🤣💖
I KNEW I was going to love Jake and Hayden, but HOLY HELL, these two had absolutely NO BUSINESS stealing my entire heart like that!! 🥹❤️
Here I was, thinking I was getting a fun, flirty little novella about Jake discovering a few things about himself while living with his ridiculously attractive quarterback. You know, a little forbidden tension, some questionable self-control, a bi-awakening and plenty of spice. 😏🔥
BUT NOOOO! Lizzie apparently woke up and chose emotional destruction because WHY WAS I CRYING?! 😭🤣
Seriously, the AUDACITY of this woman to pack so many damn feelings into such a short book! One minute I was grinning like an idiot at the tension between these two, and the next I was all up in my feels, wanting to wrap Jake in the biggest hug and protect him from the world. 🥹💔
And HAYDEN?! OH, MY HEART! 🥹💖 This man has been crushing on his coach for YEARS, and then casually offers him a room in his cabin?! SIR! WHAT DID YOU THINK WAS GOING TO HAPPEN?! 😂 The patience, the understanding, the way he cared for Jake and gave him the space to figure things out. I WAS A GONER!
But what really got me was how much heart this story had. Beneath all that delicious forbidden tension and seriously HOT chemistry 🥵🔥 was a story about acceptance, finding the courage to be yourself and discovering that love doesn't have to come with conditions. Jake's journey absolutely broke my heart in places, but watching him find happiness with Hayden? GAHHH! EVERYTHING! 😭❤️
And can we talk about JACKSON AND FRANKIE?! 🥹💕 Getting more of these two was such a bloody treat! I adored them in Hiding in the Outfield, and seeing them show up for Jake just made me love them even more. Especially Frankie, because honestly, how could you NOT love that man?! 😂💖
I was completely and utterly LOCKED IN from the very beginning. Laughing, swooning, crying, kicking my feet and rooting for these two to get their happily ever after like my own happiness depended on it! 🤣💕
And now?! NOW I'M SUPPOSED TO JUST MOVE ON WITH MY LIFE?!
ABSOLUTELY FUCKING NOT! 😂
I am FERAL for Jake and Hayden, and quite frankly, 125-ish pages was nowhere NEAR enough! Lizzie, I'm going to need another 300 pages of these two being disgustingly happy and in love. IMMEDIATELY. PLEASE AND THANK YOU! 😈💖
Another absolute WIN from Lizzie C. Koz, and yet another reminder of why she's firmly on my auto-read list! 🏈🔥📚
*I received a complimentary copy of this book but this is my honest and voluntary review!*
I KNEW I was going to love Jake and Hayden, but HOLY HELL, these two had absolutely NO BUSINESS stealing my entire heart like that!! 🥹❤️
Here I was, thinking I was getting a fun, flirty little novella about Jake discovering a few things about himself while living with his ridiculously attractive quarterback. You know, a little forbidden tension, some questionable self-control, a bi-awakening and plenty of spice. 😏🔥
BUT NOOOO! Lizzie apparently woke up and chose emotional destruction because WHY WAS I CRYING?! 😭🤣
Seriously, the AUDACITY of this woman to pack so many damn feelings into such a short book! One minute I was grinning like an idiot at the tension between these two, and the next I was all up in my feels, wanting to wrap Jake in the biggest hug and protect him from the world. 🥹💔
And HAYDEN?! OH, MY HEART! 🥹💖 This man has been crushing on his coach for YEARS, and then casually offers him a room in his cabin?! SIR! WHAT DID YOU THINK WAS GOING TO HAPPEN?! 😂 The patience, the understanding, the way he cared for Jake and gave him the space to figure things out. I WAS A GONER!
But what really got me was how much heart this story had. Beneath all that delicious forbidden tension and seriously HOT chemistry 🥵🔥 was a story about acceptance, finding the courage to be yourself and discovering that love doesn't have to come with conditions. Jake's journey absolutely broke my heart in places, but watching him find happiness with Hayden? GAHHH! EVERYTHING! 😭❤️
And can we talk about JACKSON AND FRANKIE?! 🥹💕 Getting more of these two was such a bloody treat! I adored them in Hiding in the Outfield, and seeing them show up for Jake just made me love them even more. Especially Frankie, because honestly, how could you NOT love that man?! 😂💖
I was completely and utterly LOCKED IN from the very beginning. Laughing, swooning, crying, kicking my feet and rooting for these two to get their happily ever after like my own happiness depended on it! 🤣💕
And now?! NOW I'M SUPPOSED TO JUST MOVE ON WITH MY LIFE?!
ABSOLUTELY FUCKING NOT! 😂
I am FERAL for Jake and Hayden, and quite frankly, 125-ish pages was nowhere NEAR enough! Lizzie, I'm going to need another 300 pages of these two being disgustingly happy and in love. IMMEDIATELY. PLEASE AND THANK YOU! 😈💖
Another absolute WIN from Lizzie C. Koz, and yet another reminder of why she's firmly on my auto-read list! 🏈🔥📚
*I received a complimentary copy of this book but this is my honest and voluntary review!*
October 27, 2026
--SUMMARY
Hayden is living the dream: he is beautiful, plays football like a legend, and will graduate at the end of this year. His beloved grandfather left him a gorgeous cabin in the woods where he lives. Only one problem: he hasn’t found anyone who can compare to his crush.
Jake Olander is the offensive coach for Hayden's team. He had dreams of the NFL until an injury took that away, but he still enjoys the game and coaching. His girlfriend left him and he has found himself without a place to live, sleeping on a few chairs pulled together in his office.
Hayden has been crushing on coach Jake since freshman year! Nobody has come close to the perfection he sees in him. When Hayden finds Jake looking so uncomfortable and offers to let him stay at his cabin, he knows it’s a bad idea. So does Jake, who is straight, but captivated by Hayden for reasons he can't explain.
--REVIEW
In Lizzie C. Koz’s last book, Hiding in the Outfield, we met Jackson, who had been raised to be homophobic, though he himself was gay. When he finally came out to his family, they rejected him, except for his brother, Coach Jake Olander from this story. Jake started to reexamine all of his beliefs once he realized that his brother, whom he loves, was gay.
What was beautiful about this book was seeing Jake’s journey from misogynistic homophobic jerk to someone who sees the world from an entirely different perspective. Jake took the opportunity to learn and grow once he recognized the backward way he had been brought up, and once his brother found the courage to be himself.
Suddenly, the world wasn’t so black and white, and he was open to new possibilities, including being with a man: something he had locked away deep in his mind so he would never have to deal with it. But he now also has to admit who he was and deal with the repercussions of that, such as sleeping in his office because his girlfriend got sick of being with someone who didn't value her as much as he should have.
This book was sweet and fun. Hayden’s one-liners are hysterical; he’s such a cute character. And Jake’s evolution from Hiding in the Outfield to this book is the best. These Olander boys are wonderful.
Hayden is living the dream: he is beautiful, plays football like a legend, and will graduate at the end of this year. His beloved grandfather left him a gorgeous cabin in the woods where he lives. Only one problem: he hasn’t found anyone who can compare to his crush.
Jake Olander is the offensive coach for Hayden's team. He had dreams of the NFL until an injury took that away, but he still enjoys the game and coaching. His girlfriend left him and he has found himself without a place to live, sleeping on a few chairs pulled together in his office.
Hayden has been crushing on coach Jake since freshman year! Nobody has come close to the perfection he sees in him. When Hayden finds Jake looking so uncomfortable and offers to let him stay at his cabin, he knows it’s a bad idea. So does Jake, who is straight, but captivated by Hayden for reasons he can't explain.
--REVIEW
In Lizzie C. Koz’s last book, Hiding in the Outfield, we met Jackson, who had been raised to be homophobic, though he himself was gay. When he finally came out to his family, they rejected him, except for his brother, Coach Jake Olander from this story. Jake started to reexamine all of his beliefs once he realized that his brother, whom he loves, was gay.
What was beautiful about this book was seeing Jake’s journey from misogynistic homophobic jerk to someone who sees the world from an entirely different perspective. Jake took the opportunity to learn and grow once he recognized the backward way he had been brought up, and once his brother found the courage to be himself.
Suddenly, the world wasn’t so black and white, and he was open to new possibilities, including being with a man: something he had locked away deep in his mind so he would never have to deal with it. But he now also has to admit who he was and deal with the repercussions of that, such as sleeping in his office because his girlfriend got sick of being with someone who didn't value her as much as he should have.
This book was sweet and fun. Hayden’s one-liners are hysterical; he’s such a cute character. And Jake’s evolution from Hiding in the Outfield to this book is the best. These Olander boys are wonderful.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This installment of the Twisted Oak Valley series features Hayden, the gay QB on the team with a huge crush on his coach, and Jake, the football coach who is currently sleeping in his office. The romance unfolds when Hayden offers Jake a place to stay, friendship and the use of his bed/body for his recent bi-awakening. Soon the arrangement becomes something more, but a coach and his player can't be together.
This
This is one of the best paced and told novellas in the series. Cox is able to deliver a well-rounded multi-act story within the limited word count story. I imagine it's difficult to create character development, plot progression and keep it engaging and steamy within the confines of a novella, but Forbidden Temptation handles all three wonderfully. Not to mention the surprise guest appearances of Frankie and Jackson, from Hiding in the Outfield.
The story was surprisingly deep as well, dealing with issues of homophobia, toxic masculinity, and being disowned by parents. Jake's story was heartbreaking, but finding acceptance and love with Hayden was exceptionally sweet (and spicy..damn these men are hot). Forbidden Temptation is an excellent short story, and differently worth the quick read. If Cox ever decided to make Hayden and Jake's story into something longer, I would jump all over it.
This
This is one of the best paced and told novellas in the series. Cox is able to deliver a well-rounded multi-act story within the limited word count story. I imagine it's difficult to create character development, plot progression and keep it engaging and steamy within the confines of a novella, but Forbidden Temptation handles all three wonderfully. Not to mention the surprise guest appearances of Frankie and Jackson, from Hiding in the Outfield.
The story was surprisingly deep as well, dealing with issues of homophobia, toxic masculinity, and being disowned by parents. Jake's story was heartbreaking, but finding acceptance and love with Hayden was exceptionally sweet (and spicy..damn these men are hot). Forbidden Temptation is an excellent short story, and differently worth the quick read. If Cox ever decided to make Hayden and Jake's story into something longer, I would jump all over it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What do you do when you find out the person you have had the biggest crush on for years has no place to stay and you have an extra room? You obviously offer them to stay at your place, duh.
Despite knowing this will only make his crush worse, Hayden offers his straight coach a place to crash until he can find a place of his own. It’s really not that much of a hardship, until Hayden walks in on Jacob wearing nothing but his boxers. Oops.
Jacob’s life is quite frankly falling apart. He had a falling out with his parents, his girlfriend dumped him and now he is rooming with the star quarterback he coaches. Most would say he is probably having a mid life crisis.
A moment that catches both Jacob and Hayden off guard leads to several other stolen moments.
The pair work through their own struggles while also working through the struggles that come with them being together.
Hayden and Jacob are perfectly paired. I enjoyed watching their relationship unfold.
I also really enjoyed getting to see both Jackson and Frankie again. They will always have a piece of my heart.
Everything about Hayden and Jacob’s story was endearing.
Despite knowing this will only make his crush worse, Hayden offers his straight coach a place to crash until he can find a place of his own. It’s really not that much of a hardship, until Hayden walks in on Jacob wearing nothing but his boxers. Oops.
Jacob’s life is quite frankly falling apart. He had a falling out with his parents, his girlfriend dumped him and now he is rooming with the star quarterback he coaches. Most would say he is probably having a mid life crisis.
A moment that catches both Jacob and Hayden off guard leads to several other stolen moments.
The pair work through their own struggles while also working through the struggles that come with them being together.
Hayden and Jacob are perfectly paired. I enjoyed watching their relationship unfold.
I also really enjoyed getting to see both Jackson and Frankie again. They will always have a piece of my heart.
Everything about Hayden and Jacob’s story was endearing.
November 2, 2026
This was a fun little novella! I really enjoyed getting to see more of Jacob after first meeting him in Frankie and Jackson’s book. Hayden was a completely new character and I really liked him. I always love a good sassy character who likes to test boundaries. Him and Jake together were really cute. I loved the Jackson and Frankie cameos in this as well! Overall I had a good time with this one and can’t wait for the next Jetties book!
Review of advance copy
Hayden + Jake
-mm forbidden romance
-coach x player
-only one cabin
-hurt/comfort
-bi awakening
such a great classic lizzie story with some amped up forbiddenness & short amount of angst but that angst was HIGH LEVEL!!
-mm forbidden romance
-coach x player
-only one cabin
-hurt/comfort
-bi awakening
such a great classic lizzie story with some amped up forbiddenness & short amount of angst but that angst was HIGH LEVEL!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Man, I just love Lizzie's writing! She has the best humor and characters. Ugh, I just love her books so freaking much!!!!
This novella is in the same universe as her contemporary baseball series "Bridgeport Jetties: The Call-Up Years" and I highly recommend you read everything that's already out from there (a prequel and books 1 and 2 at this point) before you jump into here! The context just turns the experience of this story from excellent to p-e-r-f-e-c-t-i-o-n!!
Can I just say how from page one I was already in love with Hayden?! He is such a cutie pieeee!!! 🥺 And Jackson?! Man, he did not deserved what happened to him (I still hate his parents, as I was since "Hiding in the Outfield"), and his journey of becoming a better person? It gives hope to see people deconstructing the bias they were injected to, even if its very sad that his parents never got to do the same. And Lizzie navigates that in such a human and touching way.... it's been like this in all of her books in this universe, and it was not diffent here. This way of hers to tell her stories has my heart man. It's so good!!
I LIVED for the Frankie's and Jackson's cameos 🤭🤭 - it doesn't matter I'm a little biased because they were my first book of Lizzie and what get me addicted to her stories hehe :P
Oh! I need to shout-out Jones. He was on point *giggles* and such a cute friend to Hayden 🥺🫶
Lizzie, if you ever decided to expend this story, I'll be in debt to you forever and ever, seriously 🤭🫡
Thank you so much Lizzie and Nisha's Books and Coffee for this ARC!
This novella is in the same universe as her contemporary baseball series "Bridgeport Jetties: The Call-Up Years" and I highly recommend you read everything that's already out from there (a prequel and books 1 and 2 at this point) before you jump into here! The context just turns the experience of this story from excellent to p-e-r-f-e-c-t-i-o-n!!
Can I just say how from page one I was already in love with Hayden?! He is such a cutie pieeee!!! 🥺 And Jackson?! Man, he did not deserved what happened to him (I still hate his parents, as I was since "Hiding in the Outfield"), and his journey of becoming a better person? It gives hope to see people deconstructing the bias they were injected to, even if its very sad that his parents never got to do the same. And Lizzie navigates that in such a human and touching way.... it's been like this in all of her books in this universe, and it was not diffent here. This way of hers to tell her stories has my heart man. It's so good!!
I LIVED for the Frankie's and Jackson's cameos 🤭🤭 - it doesn't matter I'm a little biased because they were my first book of Lizzie and what get me addicted to her stories hehe :P
Oh! I need to shout-out Jones. He was on point *giggles* and such a cute friend to Hayden 🥺🫶
Lizzie, if you ever decided to expend this story, I'll be in debt to you forever and ever, seriously 🤭🫡
Thank you so much Lizzie and Nisha's Books and Coffee for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hayden has had a crush on his QB coach since he was a freshman in college. Four years of falling for this guy but knowing that nothing can happen. But when he finds Jake sleeping in his office and has no place to go, Hayden offers his extra bedroom. A mistake? Probably, but he is gonna do it anyway. But now he gets to see Jake all the time and keeping his attraction in check is going to be a major problem. What he doesn’t expect is for Jake to start looking back at him with the same heat in his eyes. Coach and a player can never date, even with Hayden being 22 and Jake 30. So what can really happen? Jake knows he hasn’t always been a good guy, but cutting off his toxic parents after they cut off his brother? He is done. He wants to be better. But falling for his player isn’t exactly a good thing. But Hayden makes him feel something he never has before. More than just the fact that Jake is realizing he is into guys too. But being together is a risky game. Can they find a way? After reading Jake’s brother’s story, I was happy to see Jake getting his own. This novella was a fun read! These two had a great dynamic and we had a some great cameos from Jackson, Jake’s brother, and Frankie, Jackson’s boyfriend. I also loved that these two had a chance to really get to know one another more when they became roommates rather than just coach and player. It gave them a chance to develop real feelings. Great story all around!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow! Whoah! Wow! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Another wonderful and brilliant story by Lizzie C Koz. This time visiting the small town of Twisted Oak Valley, but with characters from the Bridgeport Jetties Universe. In the most recent book in the BJverse ‘Hiding In The Outfield’ we meet Jacob (Jake) Olander, Jackson’s big brother and a Football Coach, and Forbidden Temptation is his and Hayden’s story. Hayden Lunde, the gorgeous green eyed, blonde haired star Quarterback who has been in love with Jake for the entire time he has been playing for him, and Jake the 6’7” gorgeous coach who may not be as straight as he was raised to be. In a twist of fate, Jake has no where to go, and Hayden is right there offering him a place to stay, with him. With forced proximity, bi-awakening, steamy surprises and a secret forbidden relationship this is a delicious story full of heart and soul. It also touches on some tougher topics like inbuilt learned misogyny and homophobia however those are not on page experiences but discussions around former held beliefs, it’s presented in a really well communicated way and is truly beautifully done. The author also gives us cameos of Jackson and Frankie (our stunning and cheeky Frankie) which is fantastic! I absolutely loved this book and the bonus spicy scene will have your jaw on the floor! Highly highly recommend!
Another wonderful and brilliant story by Lizzie C Koz. This time visiting the small town of Twisted Oak Valley, but with characters from the Bridgeport Jetties Universe. In the most recent book in the BJverse ‘Hiding In The Outfield’ we meet Jacob (Jake) Olander, Jackson’s big brother and a Football Coach, and Forbidden Temptation is his and Hayden’s story. Hayden Lunde, the gorgeous green eyed, blonde haired star Quarterback who has been in love with Jake for the entire time he has been playing for him, and Jake the 6’7” gorgeous coach who may not be as straight as he was raised to be. In a twist of fate, Jake has no where to go, and Hayden is right there offering him a place to stay, with him. With forced proximity, bi-awakening, steamy surprises and a secret forbidden relationship this is a delicious story full of heart and soul. It also touches on some tougher topics like inbuilt learned misogyny and homophobia however those are not on page experiences but discussions around former held beliefs, it’s presented in a really well communicated way and is truly beautifully done. The author also gives us cameos of Jackson and Frankie (our stunning and cheeky Frankie) which is fantastic! I absolutely loved this book and the bonus spicy scene will have your jaw on the floor! Highly highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of advance copy received from the author and Nisha’s books and coiffed
Forbidden Temptation by Lizzie C Koz
A book in the Twisted Oak Valley series
Tropes
MM forbidden romance
Coach X Player
Only one cabin/forced proximity
Hurt X Comfort
Slow burn
Bi-awakening
This series just keeps getting better with every book that I am reading. Hayden is the star quarterback at a D3 school. He is openly gay and has a huge secret. He has the biggest crush on his QB coach,Jake since he started his freshman year. Hayden finds Jake sleeping in his office and offers him his spare room at his cabin that was left to him by his grandfather. The longer he is there the stronger his crush is and it gets harder to conceal the way that he looks at Jake. Jake knows he is straight, well he thought he was but the more he catches Hayden \looking the more he wants to look back. Jake knows it could never go anywhere because it could cost him his job. Temptation in the cabin is at its boiling point when they cross certain lines. What happens when they are almost caught by the head coach? This is a very quick read with a statifying HEA.
Forbidden Temptation by Lizzie C Koz
A book in the Twisted Oak Valley series
Tropes
MM forbidden romance
Coach X Player
Only one cabin/forced proximity
Hurt X Comfort
Slow burn
Bi-awakening
This series just keeps getting better with every book that I am reading. Hayden is the star quarterback at a D3 school. He is openly gay and has a huge secret. He has the biggest crush on his QB coach,Jake since he started his freshman year. Hayden finds Jake sleeping in his office and offers him his spare room at his cabin that was left to him by his grandfather. The longer he is there the stronger his crush is and it gets harder to conceal the way that he looks at Jake. Jake knows he is straight, well he thought he was but the more he catches Hayden \looking the more he wants to look back. Jake knows it could never go anywhere because it could cost him his job. Temptation in the cabin is at its boiling point when they cross certain lines. What happens when they are almost caught by the head coach? This is a very quick read with a statifying HEA.
November 10, 2026
If Lizzie writes it, I will devour it. I don’t know what she puts in her books, but they are so addictive.
Forbidden Temptation is a player x coach romance, with a bi-awakening and sooo much pining.
We first meet Jake in Hiding in the Outfield. He is Jacob Oleander’s older brother. Jake and Jacob no longer talk to their parents, so they are all each has.
Hayden has had a crush on Jake for as long as he can remember. So of course when Jake needs somewhere to stay, he offers the spare room in his cabin. I loved how Jake was already questioning his sexuality, but when he realized he had feelings for Hayden it didn’t freak him out. He just accepted them.
I loved these two so much. I loved how open they were with each other. The communication between Jake and Hayden about Hayden’s former personality was done really well. He didn’t have to acknowledge that part of him to Hayden but he did it anyways because he didn’t want to start their relationship based on a lie.
I desperately needed this novella to be a full length novel but I’ll forgive you Lizzie. Please please please let us read more about these amazing Oleander brothers because I’m not ready for them to be over.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Every new Twisted Oak Valley book becomes my favorite, but this one might be hard to top. Coach Jake down on his luck needing a place to stay, and his QB Hayden (who has had a crush on him for years) invites him to stay. You know what they say about roommates... This author did a great job with the story, it wasn't too big for a novella, something that is hard to do sometimes. And while it would have added to the angst, I would have liked to see at least a chapter during their forced separation for even more pain. And maybe another big smut scene (there's a bonus chapter that scratches that itch but I'd argue it should have been in the book properly. Again, kudos to the writing because I did tear up and got emotional over these two and nothing felt lacking even if there was more I wanted if that makes sense at all. Jake's brother Jackson, and his boyfriend, Frankie, were such a delight, I absolutely added their book to my TBR.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a fun novella this is! I love Lizzie C. Koz’s writing, and reading this felt like I was visiting with old friends, especially when we get to reconnect with Jackson and Frankie from Hiding in the Outfield. Frankie is still one of my all-time favourite characters!
Hayden and Jacob are such a great couple. They are both genuinely likable, and the storyline really works. You get forced proximity with them living together, along with a bi-awakening and spicy lessons to allow Jacob to “explore” his sexuality. But this novella also has a deep message running through it, about honesty and growing and evolving from the person you used to be. That, along with the spicy scenes, made this such a joy to read. And trust me, you really do want to download the bonus scene at the end of the book!
It goes without saying that I’m excited to read what Lizzie writes next, and I’m especially looking forward to the third full-length book in the Jetties universe!
Hayden and Jacob are such a great couple. They are both genuinely likable, and the storyline really works. You get forced proximity with them living together, along with a bi-awakening and spicy lessons to allow Jacob to “explore” his sexuality. But this novella also has a deep message running through it, about honesty and growing and evolving from the person you used to be. That, along with the spicy scenes, made this such a joy to read. And trust me, you really do want to download the bonus scene at the end of the book!
It goes without saying that I’m excited to read what Lizzie writes next, and I’m especially looking forward to the third full-length book in the Jetties universe!
November 11, 2026
Jacob is the coach and Hayden is the player what happens when the line between the two becomes a little blurry. Jacob has not had the best year he breaks up with his long time girlfriend and he moves out from his parents home. He has no where to go until Hayden gives Jake a room to stay in. However what happens when Jacob begins to feel things for Hayden what does he do. Meanwhile Hayden has been in love with Jacob for years and he sees this as an opportunity to show Jacob how he feels. Things could get very complicated and messy but Jacob is ready to live his life maybe Hayden is just what he needs. Lizzie wrote one very spicy story with the addition of some characters that we have seen before. Frankie is always there to lend a hand and Jackson well this is his brother and he's gonna help him no matter what. Hayden and Jacob may have had an some roadblocks but in the end Hayden gets his man and Jacob finally is living his best life.
October 25, 2026
A bite size story with a lot of heart!
Hayden sets his sights on his coach, Jake Olander. One that is most definitely not interested in him, but when an opportunity presents itself, he finds himself in Jake’s orbit and likes what he sees.
Jake is nursing a bruised heart when Hayden offers him sanctuary within his home after finding himself temporarily homeless. He finds himself attracted to Jake but unsure as to what to do with those feelings but knows that he is smitten with his handsome roomie.
This novella is perfect! Lizzie gives a peek at Jackson’s brother, Jake's inner turmoil. We get a dose of Frankie, whom I adore, with his thoughtful and funny advice that had me laughing. Lizzie masterfully gives us a bite size story with a lot of heart.
Hayden sets his sights on his coach, Jake Olander. One that is most definitely not interested in him, but when an opportunity presents itself, he finds himself in Jake’s orbit and likes what he sees.
Jake is nursing a bruised heart when Hayden offers him sanctuary within his home after finding himself temporarily homeless. He finds himself attracted to Jake but unsure as to what to do with those feelings but knows that he is smitten with his handsome roomie.
This novella is perfect! Lizzie gives a peek at Jackson’s brother, Jake's inner turmoil. We get a dose of Frankie, whom I adore, with his thoughtful and funny advice that had me laughing. Lizzie masterfully gives us a bite size story with a lot of heart.
October 29, 2026
Another great edition to the Forbidden: Twisted Oak Valley Series. Hayden is the star Quarterback and has always been in love with one of the coaches, Jake - who appears to be very straight. When Hayden finds out Jake has nowhere to stay, he invites him to stay at his cottage ... and you can probably guess what happens next.
This novella was a lovely quick read, both men are adorable, Hayden has the perfect puppy energy and Jake takes such a great journey in this book. There is a lot of spice, which is incredibly well written, but the book has some great things to say about evolving from what we were taught by our parents and that prejudice is taught and can be overcome.
A really great story, can't wait to read the next Forbidden novella.
This novella was a lovely quick read, both men are adorable, Hayden has the perfect puppy energy and Jake takes such a great journey in this book. There is a lot of spice, which is incredibly well written, but the book has some great things to say about evolving from what we were taught by our parents and that prejudice is taught and can be overcome.
A really great story, can't wait to read the next Forbidden novella.
Review of advance copy received from Author
You know the book is good with this dedication: “For those who see an opportunity and jump on it. Especially when it's your coach's dick.”
This is a forbidden romance between a college football player and his coach. It's not a huge age gap, only about 8 years. Hayden is ridiculously cute. He is so sweet and cheerful, but not overly excited or super sun shiney. Jacob, Jackson’s older brother, is more the grump to Hayden’s sunshine, but it more stoic and reticent. The Olander boys are amazing for being able to overcome their upbringing and redeem themselves. They also know how to pick amazing guys. I love this story so much, it might be my favorite.
Spoiler Alert: I try not to leave spoilers, but I want to explain why this book is my favorite. It's because they have to wait for each other. Forbidden romances between people with a perceived power imbalance that has an expiration date is one of my least favorite tropes. Why can't they wait just a few weeks or months? I love a love story, not just lust and desire. If it's love, they can wait. I also love pining and longing because when they finally get together, it's so much more satisfying.
I received the advanced copy from the author and I am leaving an honest review voluntarily.
This is a forbidden romance between a college football player and his coach. It's not a huge age gap, only about 8 years. Hayden is ridiculously cute. He is so sweet and cheerful, but not overly excited or super sun shiney. Jacob, Jackson’s older brother, is more the grump to Hayden’s sunshine, but it more stoic and reticent. The Olander boys are amazing for being able to overcome their upbringing and redeem themselves. They also know how to pick amazing guys. I love this story so much, it might be my favorite.
Spoiler Alert: I try not to leave spoilers, but I want to explain why this book is my favorite. It's because they have to wait for each other. Forbidden romances between people with a perceived power imbalance that has an expiration date is one of my least favorite tropes. Why can't they wait just a few weeks or months? I love a love story, not just lust and desire. If it's love, they can wait. I also love pining and longing because when they finally get together, it's so much more satisfying.
I received the advanced copy from the author and I am leaving an honest review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a story about a college football player, Hayden, and one of his coaches, Jake. Jake has had some life alter things happen to him and doesn’t have a place to live, Hayden notices and offers his spare room to Jake. Hayden has always had a crush on Jake, so having coach Jake in his house is difficult. Jake is also attracted Hayden but has always thought he was straight. They end up exploring each other and Jake’s new sexuality. Feelings start to develop between them, but another coach sees them together and threatens Jake’s job. Hayden and Jake must stay apart until Hayden graduates. Can they survive the separation? Don’t worry, there is a HEA.
Story 4, Spice 3
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Story 4, Spice 3
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 8, 2026
I absolutely adored Hayden and Jake! I was so happy that the other Olander brother got his happily ever after!
Hayden offers up his spare room after he finds Jake, his football coach that he’s been crushing on for years, sleeping in his office. It’s a great idea, isn’t it?!
I loved how honest Jake was with Hayden. And how he gave him the space to think through things. His growth was everything. He realized his wrongs and worked to change them. And Hayden had golden retriever energy written all over him.
Annnnd we get more Frankie and Jackson! I love it when Frankie baby meddles!
This was a short, but super sweet read packed with so much growth and so many emotions. Highly recommend reading anything Lizzie writes!
I received a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily sharing my honest opinion.
Hayden offers up his spare room after he finds Jake, his football coach that he’s been crushing on for years, sleeping in his office. It’s a great idea, isn’t it?!
I loved how honest Jake was with Hayden. And how he gave him the space to think through things. His growth was everything. He realized his wrongs and worked to change them. And Hayden had golden retriever energy written all over him.
Annnnd we get more Frankie and Jackson! I love it when Frankie baby meddles!
This was a short, but super sweet read packed with so much growth and so many emotions. Highly recommend reading anything Lizzie writes!
I received a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily sharing my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A sweet forbidden romance between the QB Coach and player in their small town.
Hayden has a bit of hero worship and a crush on Jacob; when he offers him a bed to sleep on, that crush does not lessen!
They're both good guys. Jacob hasn’t lived a perfect life, but he’s trying to be a better person. And Hayden needs to come to terms with his perfect image of Jacob not being so shiny anymore.
It’s a powerful lesson - the higher the pedestal, the harder they fall.
But overcoming makes you stronger, especially the love.
Hayden has a bit of hero worship and a crush on Jacob; when he offers him a bed to sleep on, that crush does not lessen!
They're both good guys. Jacob hasn’t lived a perfect life, but he’s trying to be a better person. And Hayden needs to come to terms with his perfect image of Jacob not being so shiny anymore.
It’s a powerful lesson - the higher the pedestal, the harder they fall.
But overcoming makes you stronger, especially the love.
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