Stealing Forever

Bridgeport Jetties: The Call-Up Years #1

by Lizzie C. Koz

“I can’t afford to lose to Shane Michaels. When it comes to baseball or restraint.”

SHANE
This bro got invited to play with the big boys for Spring Training. Hell to the yes! I am so going to show the Jetties they need me on their Triple-A roster this year. Manifest.

Except the Jed Stone Jr. is back. Legend’s son. Permanent scowl. Stands in my way like a wall I’m supposed to climb.

One I really, really want to climb.

He may have stolen my position, but I refuse to be left behind. Not again. The problem? He’s hated me from the start. And I kinda want to prove him wrong. Now that it’s affecting our game, I have to. If I don’t, we both lose.

Call me crazy…but I have a plan I know I shouldn’t.

Time to climb some walls.

JED
I was moments from The Show when my arm blew out.

But I’m back. And this is my year. Quick stint in Triple-A, then I’m getting the call-up. Simple. Controlled. Focused.

Nothing is stopping me. Especially not perpetually smiling, cocky golden boys who think life is a walk in the park.

Shane Michaels is talented. The bane of my existence. And god-damned beautiful.

I shouldn’t want him. I definitely shouldn’t touch him.

Considering he’s straight, that shouldn’t be difficult—until I find out he isn’t.

If I lose control, I lose baseball. And baseball is all I have left.

But Shane might be the one thing I can’t control.
Stealing Forever is a spicy rival teammates-to-lovers MM baseball romance with a grumpy star and his sunshine rival, a soft dom/brat dynamic, superstition-fueled steamy time, found family, emotional hurt/comfort, and one bed that changes everything.

Content warnings are listed on the author’s website.

Genres: M M Romance, Sports, Sports Romance, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Gay, Found Family

448 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 7, 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

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

˗ˏˋ ꒰ 𝟓/𝟓 ★ ꒱ ˎˊ˗

Shane & Jed, my new faves, my lil babies😭🥹💓💓💓
idek what i could write in this review, this book was EVERYTHING i wanted & more!!
i laughed & cried, and my heart is so full💓😭🥹
Shane & Jed deserve the very best & all the love💓💓



Lizzie C Koz has a beautiful way with words, her writing style just works so well for me!! & her characters always find a special place in my heart💓 i'm ✨obsessed✨

Shane was a bundle of chaotic joy & sunshine, an eager golden retriever puppy who was simping for his baseball prodigy teammate/rival - despite the fact that he was straight- err, well...👀🤫 i loved Shane so much, i wanted to wrap him up in bubble wrap bc all that sweetness must be protected😭 i'm so happy he had Jed🥹 & Jed had Shane!!😭🤧 these two were absolutely perfect together, exactly what the other needed🥺 Jed was such a sad lonely "black cat", he really needed Shane's sunshine in his life and seeing him open up to Shane was absolutely heartwarming🤧💗 they also had the best nicknames, Sunshine & Storm Could (🌦=🌈!!), plus 'Pebbles'!!!😭😭 (iykyk🤧)

 𝑯𝒐𝒘 𝒂𝒎 𝑰 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒂𝒏? 𝑯𝒆’𝒔 𝒔𝒖𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎, 𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔. 𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒛𝒆𝒅 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒍 𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒅 𝒖𝒑.

their chemistry was off the charts for sureee🔥🔥 i'm always here for a cheeky brat who's a sucker for praising👏👏 and a dominant top who worship him🫦 but the communication & thoughtfulness between them were impeccable!! like it was a safe space for them to explore, especially for my bby Shane😭🥰 they just felt so free together, they could have laughs during spicy time too, and there was always a level of consideration & support between them! fun moments also included a "it's not gonna fit" 🍆 scene which was one of my faves haha🤭🔥

 𝑰𝒕’𝒔 𝒑𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒆𝒇. 𝑾𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒅. 𝑩𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒚. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒂 𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒕.

 “𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒃𝒍𝒖𝒔𝒉 𝒔𝒐 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒚.”
  𝑴𝒚 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒇𝒍𝒊𝒑𝒔 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓. “𝑴𝒐𝒓𝒆,” 𝑰 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒓. 𝑯𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒔 𝒌𝒏𝒊𝒕. “𝑰’𝒎 𝒂 𝒇𝒖𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒑𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒆, 𝑱𝒆𝒅. 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞.”
  𝑯𝒆 𝒈𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒚 𝒍𝒂𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒆𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒆𝒔 𝒉𝒊𝒎. “𝑨𝒑𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒊𝒆𝒔. 𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕. 𝑶𝒃𝒗𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒍𝒚, 𝒚𝒐𝒖’𝒅 𝒃𝒆 𝒂 𝒑𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒆.”
  “𝑫𝒂𝒎𝒏 𝒇𝒖𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕. 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒚 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝑰 𝒂𝒎.”

the baseball parts were engaging too, even tho i know nothing about baseball😆🙈 luckily i wasn't too lost, but i fear i still don't know much about it lmao, however there were some great shenanigans & puns, and overall i loved the atmosphere in the locker room 🥰🔥👀 - well, for the most part, as unfortunately there was some homophobia.. but there were still many supportive teammates/crew so that was really lovely to witness🥹 i must say there was a perfect balance between the fun, lighthearted moments and the heavier subjects that were exlored with so much care & understanding! the writing felt refreshing in a way👏

 𝑰 𝒔𝒌𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒕, 𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒇𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒔. 𝑰 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒍𝒚 𝒇𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒊𝒑𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒑𝒊𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒑 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕. 𝑰 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒂 𝒓𝒖𝒎𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒍𝒐𝒅𝒆 𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒏. “𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒎.” 𝑰 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒔𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒓, “𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕’𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒕’𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆. 𝑨 𝒕𝒉𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒎 𝒐𝒇 𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒎𝒆.” 𝑴𝒚 𝒈𝒂𝒛𝒆 𝒇𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒔 𝒖𝒑 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒊𝒔. “𝑰’𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒔.”

the MCs's character development was beautiful to see, their journey of acceptance, love, unwavering support from their friends too & for each other!!👏 & fr the whole crew, the supportive system this friend group has is soo heartwarming!! perfection👏 & all the feelss👏🥹💓

i ranted too much ik, but i gotta add that the prequel, Finding Home was absolutely amazing as well & i'd highly rec starting there, even tho this book could be read on its own too! but the previous MCs have a special place in my heart too, we get to see them in this book too, plus Shane appears in the prequel and i fell in love with him right away!!🤭🥰
(p.s. Finding Home is currently free on the author's site 💌)

 𝑴𝒚 𝒇𝒖𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔𝒏’𝒕 𝒖𝒑 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒃𝒔. 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒍𝒊𝒅 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆, 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒔𝒕𝒖𝒑𝒊𝒅𝒍𝒚 𝒔𝒎𝒐𝒐𝒕𝒉 𝒃𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒔… 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒍𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒊𝒕.”
  “𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑷𝒍𝒖𝒔… 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒊𝒅 𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒍 𝒎𝒚 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏. 𝑰𝒕’𝒔 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒇𝒂𝒊𝒓 𝑰 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒍𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔.”

【 જ⁀➴ 𝓲 𝓪𝓹𝓹𝓻𝓮𝓬𝓲𝓪𝓽𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓐𝓻𝓬 𝓲 𝓻𝓮𝓬𝓮𝓲𝓿𝓮𝓭 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓪𝓾𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓻 𝓿𝓲𝓪 𝓖𝓪𝔂 𝓡𝓸𝓶𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓮 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀𝓼.ᐟ 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓼𝓮 𝓪𝓻𝓮 𝓶𝔂 𝓸𝔀𝓷, 𝓰𝓮𝓷𝓾𝓲𝓷𝓮 (𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓸𝓽𝓲𝓬) 𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼 ⊹˙✧ 】

➥ ᴍᴍ { ʙɪ × ʙɪ-ᴀᴡᴀᴋᴇɴɪɴɢ }
➥ ғɪʀsᴛ-ᴘᴇʀsᴏɴ, ᴅᴜᴀʟ ᴘᴏᴠ
⚾︎ ʙᴀsᴇʙᴀʟʟ ʀɪᴠᴀʟ ᴛᴇᴀᴍᴍᴀᴛᴇs
⚾︎ ʙᴀsᴇʙᴀʟʟ ʟᴇɢᴀᴄʏ sᴏɴ/ᴘʀᴏᴅɪɢʏ × ʀᴏᴏᴋɪᴇ
⚾︎ ɢʀᴜᴍᴘʏ × sᴜɴsʜɪɴᴇ
⚾︎ ʙʟᴀᴄᴋ ᴄᴀᴛ × ɢᴏʟᴅᴇɴ ʀᴇᴛʀɪᴇᴠᴇʀ
⚾︎ ʜᴜʀᴛ/ᴄᴏᴍғᴏʀᴛ
⚾︎ ᴏɴʟʏ ᴏɴᴇ ʙᴇᴅ
⚾︎ ғᴏᴜɴᴅ ғᴀᴍɪʟʏ
⚾︎ ʜᴇɪɢʜᴛ ᴅɪғғᴇʀᴇɴᴄᴇ
⚾︎ sᴏғᴛ ᴅᴏᴍ × ʙʀᴀᴛ ᴇɴᴇʀɢʏ
⚾︎ ʟᴏᴡᴋᴇʏ sɪᴢᴇ ᴏ̨ᴜᴇᴇɴ ᴠɪʙᴇs/ɴᴇᴇᴅʏ ʙᴏᴛᴛᴏᴍ
⚾︎ ғɪʀsᴛ ᴛɪᴍᴇs, ғʀᴏᴛᴛɪɴɢ, ᴘʀᴀɪsᴇ/"ɢᴏᴏᴅ ʙᴏʏ", ᴄᴏᴍɪɴɢ ɪɴ ᴘᴀɴᴛs, ɴɪᴘᴘʟᴇ ᴘɪᴇʀᴄɪɴɢ, ᴛᴀᴛᴛᴏᴏs, ʟᴏᴡᴋᴇʏ ʟɪɴɢᴇʀɪᴇ
⚾︎ sᴛᴀɴᴅᴀʟᴏɴᴇ (ʜᴇᴀ) ɪɴ ᴀ sᴇʀɪᴇs
➽ ᴛᴡ: ʜᴏᴍᴏᴘʜᴏʙɪᴄ ʟᴀɴɢᴜᴀɢᴇ (ʙʏ sᴄ), ʜᴏᴍᴏᴘʜᴏʙɪᴄ ᴠɪᴏʟᴇɴᴄᴇ (ʙʏ sᴄ), ᴘʜʏsɪᴄᴀʟ ᴀssᴀᴜʟᴛ (ᴏғғ ᴘᴀɢᴇ, ɴᴏᴛ ʙᴇᴛᴡᴇᴇɴ ᴍᴄs), ʟᴏss ᴏғ ᴘᴀʀᴇɴᴛ (ᴘʀɪᴏʀ ᴛᴏ sᴛᴏʀʏ), ɢʀɪᴇғ (ᴄᴇɴᴛʀᴀʟ ᴛᴏ ᴀ ᴍᴄ's ᴇxᴘᴇʀɪᴇɴᴄᴇ), sᴇᴠᴇʀᴇ ᴇᴍᴏᴛɪᴏɴᴀʟ ᴅɪsᴛʀᴇss ᴡɪᴛʜ sᴇʟғ-ᴅᴇsᴛʀᴜᴄᴛɪᴠᴇ ᴄᴏᴘɪɴɢ ʙᴇʜᴀᴠɪᴏʀs (ʙɪɴɢᴇ ᴅʀɪɴᴋɪɴɢ, ɪsᴏʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴ), ᴀɴxɪᴇᴛʏ ᴀᴛᴛᴀᴄᴋs, ᴘᴀʀᴇɴᴛᴀʟ ᴀʙᴀɴᴅᴏɴᴍᴇɴᴛ (ᴘʀɪᴏʀ ᴛᴏ sᴛᴏʀʏ) ᴀɴᴅ ʀᴇᴊᴇᴄᴛɪᴏɴ (ᴏɴ ᴘᴀɢᴇ), ᴘᴀsᴛ ɪɴᴊᴜʀʏ

[ivanareadsalot]

I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

DNF @ 33%

I really tried to get into this, but tbh both these MCs made me cringe and I wasn't a fan of the writing style. Worse was me, A SPORTS FAN, confusing the Jetties and the Clippers every time. Not that deep but I'm s t i l l unsure which was triple a and which was the big leagues.

Also,
I
Usually
LOVE a low-income Sunshine Kid x Surly sports-legacy kid
But, unfortunately, Shane and Jed just weren't it for me.

I did loooooove Shane's mum though! She was a darling, and I actually really liked how Koz established a bit of their low income beginnings, and Shane being raised by a single mom. I loved their relationship and I'm sad this didn't work out for me, because I love these kinds of positive, healthy, parent relationships in MM romance.

[Menoa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks grr for the arc, aaaaaall thoughts are mine .

Listen, I know NOTHING about baseball, literally nothing. And yet I couldn’t put this book down, ive been reading it almost as soon as I got off from work and I couldn’t put it down.
Jed and Shane are just so good for each other.

Jed was everything I like in a main character: broken by grief and focused on one thing AND YET GETTING SIDETRACKED BY SHANE. Damn this premise will always work for me.
Jed, was so sad and seeing him opening himself up to Shane and his group of friend. It’s like catnip for me, give me broken men in touch with their emotions pretty please. I almost cried multiple times while reading his chapters.

Shane, SUNSHINE PERSONIFIED. LIKE I LOVE HIM. HE’S PERFECT. And please leave me alone with his fuckking dad, I need to fight him. He’s kind, funny, sweet and just so loveable. (Does he remind me of my crush MAYBE)
And he’s so so so so loved by his friends and his mom and by Jeeeed.

It’s a lengthy book, but I honestly wanted more, like give me even more fluff please ???

Damn those two made me feel so soft. I cooed OUT LOUD SO MANY TIMES.
And I will be sat for book 2.

[Berry's Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ 3🌶️

Thank you for this early copy. All parts of this review are of my honest opinion.
I loved the prequel for this book so I was so excited to read this book. laughed, loved and cried from this book. Im a long time lover of MM sports romances but new to baseball romances… now Im a huge fan!! I loved this series so far.

I really love the characters and their chemistry. I also loved their own individual stories. They were really touching. It was such a sweet and spicy romance. I definitely recommend it!!

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I loved Shane's personality in the prequel novella and was so happy to see him get a full book. He was such an adorable character, and went up against Jed's grumpiness wonderfully. The friendships that Shane has were handled very well too. I loved that while it was a "forbidden" relationship between Shane and Jed, they didn't have any issues within their team because of their relationship.

I received this ARC from the author in return for an honest review. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.

[Cori · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so good! It was so so good! Like kick you're feet kind of good. Shane and Jed gave me all the warm fuzzies! I love their dynamic and the NICKNAMES 💜 ugh seriously. I loved this book. I already added it to my wish list for a physical copy. 5 ⭐️ no notes

[Lilian Gloudemans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Foreword PR for the Arc!

A new favorite author to add to my list! I really enjoyed this one!
Not gonna lie I had some issues trying to understand baseball but I had that same issue when I started reading hockey romance. There is a lot of baseball slang that I have to get to know and I felt that I at least know the basics now I finished this book.

Shane was just the right amount of puppy/himbo energy and Jed balanced him out perfectly. Shane had so much dept to his character so he wasn't just another dumb jock! From the friendship bracelets to loving his found family and showing up for one another, I really can't wait to read the next book in this series!

And extra points to weaving other books and authors into the story, I love you all supporting each other!

[Mars · Rating 5 out of 5]

i loved Shane in the prequel so i knew i was going to love his book. i was not disappointed!

Shane is kind, funny (i love his sense of humor so much), sweet, and so loved by everyone around him. the way he loves jed though.. SWOON!

Jed though.. my heart. He was everything to me. the way his emotions are portrayed in this.. he was still grieving and quietly broken. there were parts where it made me emotional. the way he was undone by Shane, watching him slowly open up, let himself feel, and lean into Shane and his friends made me so happy.

i honestly wanted more of them and i can’t wait to hopefully see some cameos of them in the next book!

[Sammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow...just WOW!!
Let me tell you...these characters were EVERTHING!
Shane is HILARIOUS! I was literally laughing out loud on the bus to work reading.
The banter between him and Jed is perfect, and the way they open up to one another has me wanting to hug them both.
If you love to read grumpy/sunshine, found family, hurt/comfort and banter, this is the book for you.

[Bookstagramtea (MM Romance Addict) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sunshine and Storm Cloud ❤️‍🩹

Gosh, I loved this book. Was I daunted by the high page count for a sports romance? Yes. Did I end up minding? No, I could have read more!

This was so well written! This was my first Lizzie C Koz book and though other books exist in this world, it was completely readable as a stand alone and I didn't once feel like I was missing anything.

The parents, the found family, the team, we really did get to know everyone to a level of just enough and leaving us wanting more. I want Frankie's story and to know more about O and D. I will be looking up the couples mentioned and getting my read on, and I'm keeping an eye out for ARCs as I love this author's style.

This is low angst, though heartfelt. Super family orientated, with lots of friend support and 'soulbros' (plus Shelby) - found family for the win (plus mama, because awww, the head on the lap 💗💗💗).

Grumpy sunshine is probably my favourite trope, and there's some one bed, forbidden relationship, and hurt comfort going on too. There's a smidge of brat, though it's totally natural, rather than staged for trope's sake, which I appreciate, as this story really suited the natural, easy read flow of the author.

There is some drama - though it's stimulated by factors exterior to our couple, and I was grateful that the couple maintained the honesty that they'd established from the start throughout what could have instigated a third act breakup. The honesty and communication earlier in their relationship allowed them to overcome their troubles and if it wasn't for the resurfacing of that, I would have been broken hearted and potentially lost the love of one of these characters in a later part of the story. Thankfully redemption was possible and there was of course a happy ever after.

The couple is gorgeous, but what actually made this story for me was the supporting characters. There weren't too many and they had very defined personalities and roles within the group. The relatives (mum and dad respectively) were loved and loving, and seemed so real and genuine, it was heart warming to read and really left you with chest aches. And the friends were those unshakeable kind that have seen you at your worst and still hoist you up and tell you you're amazing and that they love you.

I loved the world Lizzie created and it's been a long time since I've wanted a book to suck me in so I could visit and be a part of it.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg… this book!!! 🤯💙 I don’t even know where to begin because I’m still sitting here processing everything Lizzie did to my heart.

After reading Finding Home and instantly falling in love with Lizzie C Koz’s writing, I already knew I was in trouble… but Stealing Forever??? This book grabbed me from page ONE and did. not. let. go. It absolutely slapped and I am still reeling from the emotional rollercoaster 😩✨

Shane 🥹☀️ my sweet sunshine boy. He has the biggest golden retriever energy — warm, kind, always giving… but underneath all that? Oof. That deep ache of never feeling like he’s enough, never being the one chosen? Yeah, that hit HARD. I saw so much of myself in him and it honestly hurt in the best way. I was rooting for him the entire damn time 💔➡️❤️

And then there’s Jed 🌧️😤 aka Mr. Grumpy Personified. This man is a whole storm cloud in human form. Closed off, distant, carrying so much pain from the past… and the way it shaped him? My heart. Broke. I just wanted to wrap him up and tell him he didn’t have to carry it all alone. Watching him slowly let Shane (and others) in?? That healing??? EVERYTHING. 😭

Their connection… wow. It starts off rocky, tense, a little distant — but the way it builds??? The way they see each other, stand by each other through every high and low… I swear my heart couldn’t cope. Watching their love grow into something steady and safe was just 🥹💞

But can we talk about the FOUND FAMILY?!?! 🫶🔥 Because wow — this group?? Top tier. Ride-or-die energy. The kind of people who show up no matter what. The banter had me laughing out loud so many times and I loved every single one of them. This is how you do found family RIGHT 👏

This world is quickly becoming one of my absolute favourites and I am already desperate for more. Like Lizzie… respectfully… I need the next book yesterday 😩📚

I definitely recommend reading Finding Home first before diving into this one! 💙

If you love a grumpy x sunshine dynamic, emotional healing, chaotic found family, and a love story that really puts your heart through it before piecing it back together, then this is 100% your next read — no question. ✨📚

*I received a complimentary copy of this book but this is my honest and voluntary review!*

[Kate Gar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me googling "men in baseball pants" just to FULLY appreciate the pull these two had on each other... and let me tell you, it was GLORIOUS. Why aren’t there more baseball books out there?! This was everything.
I was so invested in Jeb and Shane that I’m pretty sure I created an entire mental mood board for them. Their story of growth, self-discovery, and navigating past trauma was such a treat to witness. I’ve never seen two characters who needed each other more. When I think of a relationship that truly makes both people better, these two will always come to mind.

Jeb Stone is the definition of a lost soul. M. Colette captures the overpowering, drowning nature of grief so beautifully—that pressure in your chest that expands until it fully surrounds you. Jeb is functioning, but he’s darkened by a pain he’s just learned to live around. He’s ready to take down anyone who threatens his spot on the team... especially the endlessly smiley, blue-eyed cutie who won’t leave him alone.

Shane Michaels is a living, breathing version of a smile. He’s full of life and joy, but even the brightest lights cast shadows. While he wears a massive smile, the light doesn't always reach his eyes—and the only person who notices is the one man he’s competing against. Shane is desperate for the respect he never got from the father who walked out on him, even if it means beating the super sexy man who has him questioning everything he thought he knew about his sexuality.

Watching these two go from mutual disdain to KISSING AT A GAY BAR to full-blown lovers had me needing an ice bath! It was so refreshing to read a bisexual awakening where the character takes the experience in stride rather than spiraling. Shane handles it with such grace, and Jeb finally realizes that having people in your corner isn't a weakness. In a world where sports aren't always inclusive, they create their own safe space and found family.

My heart is so full. Their raw pasts merge to bring them closer, and the SPICE? Absolutely delectable. After loving the first book, I had high hopes, and I was not disappointed. I’m already dying for the next one—Frankie deserves the absolute best and I can't wait for his story!

And of course… BUY THE BOOK!

[Ana Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a rollercoaster of emotions. This book had me laughing hysterically then pissed then crying and finally swooning. All in the span of minutes.

Shane was the perfect example of the happiest people are always the ones hurting the most. Shane was a walking ray of sunshine for everyone who knew him. But nobody saw how much pain he was hiding.

From being abandoned by his father to being told all his life he was worthless for being poor. How he managed to always have a smile on his face was beyond me. I don’t think I would have been so positive if I was in his shoes.

Jed was the complete opposite. He was a walking dark cloud who forgot what it was like to smile after losing his father. He had lost the only person in the world who loved and cared about him. The one with whom he shared a dream that would never come true.

But no matter how gloomy Jed wanted to be, he had no chance. Shane’s light was too bright for him to ignore. He tried so hard to keep Shane at arms length but Shane managed to warm himself into Jed’s life. He gave him back that smile he lost years ago.

𝓗𝓸𝔀 𝓪𝓶 𝓘 𝓼𝓾𝓹𝓹𝓸𝓼𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓲𝓼𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓶𝓪𝓷? 𝓗𝓮’𝓼 𝓼𝓾𝓷𝓼𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓮 𝓲𝓷 𝓱𝓾𝓶𝓪𝓷 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓶, 𝔀𝓪𝓻𝓶𝓽𝓱 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓽 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓹𝓲𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓼. 𝓘 𝓭𝓸𝓷’𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓴 𝓘 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓵𝓲𝔃𝓮𝓭 𝓱𝓸𝔀 𝓶𝓾𝓬𝓱 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓘 𝓵𝓪𝓬𝓴𝓮𝓭 𝓲𝓷 𝓶𝔂 𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓮 𝓾𝓷𝓽𝓲𝓵 𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓱𝓸𝔀𝓮𝓭 𝓾𝓹.

I loved that Shane not only brought sunshine into Jed’s life, but he also gave him friends. A support system so he wouldn’t have to deal with things on his own.

My heart broke for Shane when his father showed up. The things that man said to him were absolutely disgusting and something a father should never say to his children. That man doesn’t deserve a son like Shane. Thank God he had the best mother ever. She’s an inspiration.

I loved them so much. I loved that Jed always made Shane feel treasured and loved. And that Shane made sure that Jed always smiled. They just balanced each other out so perfectly.

“𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝔀𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓫𝓸𝓻𝓷 𝓽𝓸 𝓼𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓮. 𝓐 𝓵𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓼 𝓬𝓪𝓷’𝓽 𝓫𝓮 𝓱𝓲𝓭𝓭𝓮𝓷, 𝓬𝓪𝓷’𝓽 𝓫𝓮 𝓼𝓽𝓲𝓯𝓵𝓮𝓭.”

I really loved this story. I can’t wait for the next book!

[Dhatri Pandya · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Overall Book Rating: 4 / 5

*Tropes:
-MM Romance
-Sports Romance (Baseball)
-Grumpy x Sunshine
-Bi-Awakening
-Rivals Teammates to Lovers
-Forced Proximity
-Hurt / Comfort
-Found Family

*Spiciness: 3 / 5

Stealing Forever was my first book by Lizzie C Koz and I enjoyed the story and all the characters. I loved both the main characters - Shane and Jed. Shane is a beautiful and gentle soul who will go above and beyond for people he cares for and loves. He is a ray of sunshine, sweet, caring and supportive. Jed is grumpy but is also very caring, kind, protective and understanding. Jed’s life takes a turn for the worse during his college years which throws him in depression and struggling to playing baseball. With therapy he manages to pull himself together enough to play baseball professionally but in his personal life, he is just existing until he meets Shane. Shane has his own insecurities and struggles but he has built a wall around his heart that keeps him safe and lets him be his golden retriever self. Being with Shane brings true joy, happiness, warmth and companionship to Jed’s dark and lonely life. Jed on the other hand understands Shane’s insecurities and struggles and does everything in his power to show how important Shane is to him, what value Shane brings in his life and how happy Shane makes him. Shane and Jed’s journey from being rivals (as they played same position) to lovers is heartwarming as we see them slowly find genuine connection and unconditional love with one another. They do have some rocky moments as do all couples but they get through it and come out stronger as a couple. I thoroughly enjoyed easy bantering and teasing, emotional conversations, sweet moments and hawt spicy scenes throughout the book. If you’re in the mood for a sports romance featuring baseball players, this book is a must-read.

[Pontiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Losing his father before they could play professional baseball together devastated Jed, and he’s become a sad, stoic player since. He’s recovering from an injury so he’s playing triple A until he can heal fully.

Shane is over the moon to be in triple A with his two best friends since growing up he was on his own with his Mom. They struggled financially after his Dad left them and had a new family he wanted.

The two men are both wanting the same position, but Shane works hard to adapt when he’s moved to second base. The conflict interferes with their playing so the coach tells them to work it out, leading Jed to take Shane to a gay bar in an attempt to make him uncomfortable.

Instead Shane embraces the experience as he’s just starting to figure out his bisexuality. He and Jed hook up and their playing smooths out so they agree to continue.

They also talk about their experiences and Shane sees the pain for Jed in losing his Dad. For his part, Jed can’t believe what a terrible Dad Shane had and how hard he’s had to work to get where he is.

Jed is accepted into Shane’s friend group, his family, which helps him feel more connected. Then Shane’s half brother and then his Dad show up, one seeking to know him, the other continuing his neglect.

It rocks Shane and he has doubts about being able to handle a relationship with Jed, but he gets a chance to look after him and realizes he can deal with anything if they’re together.

This was an enjoyable read, I love Shane’s optimism and the fact his Dad is shown to be the terrible person he is instead of being an unknown entity, leaving Shane to wonder about him.

There’s a hilarious outtake about reading hockey romances, very apropos with the current frenzy about the Rachel Reid series.

I received this ARC for free and am pleased to provide my honest review with my appreciation.

[Bethany Chastain · Rating 5 out of 5]

We met Shane Michaels, sunshiney shortstop, in Maddox and East's book, and now we catch up with him at spring training. He's in the big leagues now, excited to be playing alongside some major baseball stars...including Jed Stone, Jr., a fellow shortstop who is back from injury and the devastating loss of his father, a baseball legend.

As much as Shane looks up to Jed, they don't get along at first. Jed sees him as a threat, but Shane can't help but be enamored by the older man...and even develops a crush on him. So when their coach tells them to get to know each other to help their chemistry on the field, Shane is willing to do whatever he needs to get closer to Jed.

I knew I would love meeting Shane but I didn't expect the depth. The feelings. The insecurities and the fears and the doubts. Shane is an incredible person but he's always felt less than. He and his mom had no money, Shane's dad left them, and he's always tried to make himself useful and happy so people keep him around.

Jed, on the other hand, is drowning. The loss of his father has gutted him, and now this sunshine man is everywhere. Smiling at him, winking at him, playing unbelievable baseball...and making Jed want him. But more than that, Shane actually makes Jed feel something GOOD again. For the first time in years.

The spice? 🥵 I love when spice scenes take up chapters because they're so breathtaking and visceral and transformative. The found family? Amazing. They're all such different people but they would die for each other and I love that dynamic in books.

This is one of those books where you never want it to be over but you can't stop devouring it. I cried, I laughed, I swooned, over and over. There's something about Lizzie's writing style that just pulls me in completely and I have no choice but to just let her words do whatever they're going to do. I'm powerless to stop it.

[Aysha · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Stealing Forever is the first book in the Bridgeport Jetties: The Call-Up Year series and can be read as a standalone.

Hot, heartfelt and hilarious! The relationship between Shane and Jed is realistic and believable. They have some serious chemistry between them and complement each other extremely well. Shane is sweet, supportive and sunshiny. Jed is protective, growly and thoughtful.

The friendship group was strong, loyal and delightful. This quote (that I laughed out loud at) perfectly sums them up: “Operation save a surfboard and ride a Surfer Boy in action”.

The grief, exploration and self-doubt added a deeper layer to this story that took it to another level. The epilogues (yes plural) made me cry. I honestly loved this story and definitely could have read another few chapters about Jed and Shane.

This book contains sensitive material such as homophobic language and violence (physical assault off page), previous loss of parent and ongoing grief,
emotional distress with self-destructive coping behaviours, anxiety attacks, previous parental abandonment and rejection (on page).

⚾ MM Baseball Romance
❤️‍🔥 Rival teammates to lovers
🌤️ Grumpy/ sunshine
🌈 Bi-awakening
❤️‍🩹 Hurt/ comfort
👀 Superstitious hookups
🥰 Found family
🛏️ Forced proximity
🫶 Friendship bracelets as a love language

Plot: 📚📚📚📚
Character rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Feels: 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Writing style: 🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊

QOTD: Do you prefer series or standalone books?
AOTD: I prefer series, I just love the anticipation waiting for the next book and returning to a particular world and/or characters.

[BOOK IT BISHES · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story that will tug at your heartstrings and root for the underdog.

Jed has had string of bad luck and when things turn around for him professionally, life throws him a curve ball...one with blue eyes, blonde curls and a smile that lights up the darkest parts of his heart. Dealing with grief, he is not ready to let people in, but just like sunshine, it can peek through the darkest clouds, radiating warmth that feels like coming home.

Shane is not afraid to work hard and go after what he wants. And what he wants is a spot in the 40 man roster and there is nothing that can stop him, except maybe a grumpy short stop who is a legend in his own making. Shane finds himself trying to befriend his lone teammate and discovers some truths that will change his life forever.

Lizzie sprinkles magic in her writing, pulling your emotions in different directions all while moving the story along. Immersing you fully into her world and characters while taking on heavy themes, handling them with compassion and care.

I laughed, cried and cheered while reading this story. You don't have to be a sports fan to appreciate this book. It speaks of the human struggles to find a safe place in today's society while dealing with bigotry and hate. It speaks of found families that are thicker than blood. It speaks of grief and loss, hope and acceptance.

I can't recommend this book enough, please be mindful of the TW as there is language and off page scenarios that can be triggering for some. I can't wait for the next book in this amazing series...
Go Jetties!

[Babara-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A POIGNANT EMOTIONAL READ!💕⚾️🏟️

Ah I knew Shane Micheals was special with what he did for his bestie East and Maddox and now we get a more intense and deeper look into his psyche about what made him the way he is- always sunshiny and positive but deep down sad and lonely until shortstop for the Clippers -Jed Stone Junior…

These two men were so special- Jed closed himself off seven years after he lost his father who was his best friend to a car accident at the age of 35- parties and hookups were his only escape until his injury
…and now grumpy and closed off to his teammates until a sunshiny, cocky Shane Michaels entered his gloomy life…

“somehow, I need to prove to the Jetties organisation
that I’m better than Jed Stone Junior.”

RIVALS FOR THE SAME POSITION then teammates who have to work together…

“Mark my words, Pebbles. One of these days, you’ll warm up to me.”

“He’s sunshine in human form, warmth and comfort and happiness.”

SUNSHINE AND STORM CLOUD 🌞🌩️

Two broken souls who couldn’t work together at first until the walls came down… who needed each other for comfort and support, together with Shane’s roommates and partners they form a beautiful found family that will follow them through their life’s journey be it in the Major Leagues or Minor Leagues!

Familial neglect, bigotry, prejudice, homophobia, first times, darkness, call ups, long distance are all hurdles they will have to overcome but together they are a force to be reckoned with as they are stealing each others forever!

I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for an honest non biased review.

[Nicole Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

♾️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Do you ever see teasers from a book and just know that you are going to be obsessed with it? That was me with Stealing Forever by Lizzie C Koz.

I was not prepared for the journey this book was going to take me on. I was ready for a fun teammates to lovers with feel good romance. Now don’t get me wrong, this book delivered, but it has had emotional healing and angst that made my soul physically ache (in the best way possible of course).

Jed is a baseball prodigy. His father was a baseball player and he thought they would be playing together until his father was taken away from him. Since then, Jed has been a loner. He doesn’t let anyone in and only focuses on baseball and fulfilling his father’s dream.

Shane is your typical bro. He is relaxed, go with the flow, no filer no non-sense type of guy. Or at least that’s how he portrays himself. Underneath all that, he has self doubt and self worth issues. On top of all that, he has questions about his sexuality.

Together Jed and Shane have this complicated relationship that blossoms into something so special. The way these two men open up to each other is so beautiful. They both feel a little broken, but feel whole when together.

I am quite literally obsessed with these two. They are the perfect definition of grumpy/sunshine. Jed is our grumpy gills, while Jed literally radiates sunshine. This will definitely be a comfort read for me. Round of applause Lizzie! You knocked it out of the park (sorry for my terrible baseball pun)!

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shane is the embodiment of sunshine. Despite all the hardships he dealt with growing up, he does his best to maintain his happiness and outgoing personality. And an invite to Spring Training with his best friends is a dream come true. Time to prove himself. But it isn’t easy. Not when he shares the same position as legendary Jed Stone Jr. Standing there in his grumpiness. But that’s okay, because Shane will win him over…eventually. Jed had a great childhood growing up with just his dad. His best friend. The dream was playing together one day on the field. But that dream disappeared when Jed’s dad died in a car accident. Since then, Jed hasn’t had much reason to smile. He lost himself for a bit but when an injury really threatened his career, he did everything to get back on track. To keep control. He still worries about his arm, especially with the way he has been playing, but this is the year to prove himself. But then Shane walks in. And Jed knows he has to step up. He just never imagined that when they are forced to work together that it would lead to so much more. He never imagined that he would be…happy again. I loved these two! A great sunshine meets grump. These two have been through a lot in their lives and it’s so sweet for them to find one another and connect in so many unexpected ways. They were so good for one another. Balancing one another out and being there when things got really hard. I really loved getting to know them and watching them fall hard for one another. Looks like a great cast of characters and I can’t wait for more!

[sycokittykat - Stefanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where Sunshine breaks through the Storm Cloud

I absolutely love these two together. Jed is this sad and grumpy guy who just wants to play baseball but has been injured and now this is his comeback year but he needs to get out of his head. Enter Shane this golden retriever that radiates sunshine. The biggest issue is they play the same position.

I freaking loved Shane discovering how much he likes men and more specifically the grumpy shortstop who he is determined to make smile. This book is a fantastic take on the grumpy/sunshine trope and you can feel how they each radiate with their role.

I loved seeing Shane's backstory and his Mom was fantastic. They have a beautiful relationship and it shows in who he turned out to be. His Dad on the other hand.....look I wanted to do really bad things to that man. No one should be able to hurt someone so easily and not even care.

I loved seeing Shane bring Jed into the friend group of like minded people. These guys and Shelby make up this absolutely amazing found family. The way they had each others back was fantastic. They pushed when needed and comforted when needed but they always stood together.

Don't lat the page count scare you because this book hooks you and never lets you go. You will get to the end and be like wait I wanted more. I love each of these characters and can't wait to see more of their stories.

[Jovie Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book! It was all the things I love about a sports romance plus emotional and heartfelt. From the start I was all in with Jeb and Shane. Their chemistry was so great, and I mean, what resonated with me so much more is the way they helped one another grow. Both of them held so much anguish in their hearts and as they slowly became one another's sanctuary, my heart became so tender.

Jeb really broke my heart. One could actually sense his sadness and his loneliness due to the sadness. Then there's Shane, who looks so self-assured and happy and good on the outside, but on the inside is his own insecurities and need for validation. But they were perfectly balanced. I really enjoyed how their relationship progressed without being rushed. All of the tension, the teasing, the dramatic moments and even the funny moments with their friend circle felt so real.

I really loved the way that this story was comforting despite the heavier themes. I really loved the found family part, as everyone was a friend and the story felt more alive and warm, because of their friendship. Yes, the romance and spice too, was there! The baseball mode somehow added some more appeal and fun to read.

I was totally sucked into this book, emotionally speaking, and will definitely be able to hear the voices of these characters for a long time to come. It was sweet, emotional, funny and romantic because it was the best.

ARC READ

[Jine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book absolutely caught me off guard I thought it was going to be a simple grumpy x sunshine trope and I did not expect to get so damn emotional!!
Shane was a giant golden retriever with zero filter like whatever was in his pretty little head he blurted out
Jed is a grumpy kinda guy who doesn’t let anyone in and he’s wary of Shane because he’s going for the same position
Slowly but surely Shane is able to crack that wall that Jed keeps up he’s closed off because he lost his biggest supporter in his dad unexpectedly
This story has so many different things going I love the found family that Shane has that he has people who are there for him when times get tough
I love that Jed was able to fit in with them so easily even though he was so standoffish in the beginning
This will make you cry no doubt about it because they both go through issues
Shane’s dad being absent and him still sending him letters was absolutely gut wrenching but when his brother showed up that was so so cute but then of course the a-hole had to come looking for his son and he was mouthing off some very homophobic thoughts!
Jed when he got called up and his panic attack and the whole family group hugging him? Absolutely lost it!
They had things to go through and it was hard to read but it made them stronger!
The absolute best nicknames in this one!
Shane is Jed’s sunshine
Jed is Shane’s storm cloud
Andddddd Shane’s little bro that’s his graham cracker!

[Latty|The Creative · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know Jack all about baseball, but whenever there are game scenes, I'm just confused and clueless lol. Regardless, that didn't stop this story from wrecking me!

This book was equally entertaining and emotional my goodness the scene with Shane and his younger brother then his scumbag dad! I was wrecked for my boys with the aftermath that followed after that as well. Then Frankie's attack ugh be still my tears!!!!!

I just love it when grown adults can talk through whatever's happening in their relationship and not act like teenagers, and this was so well written. Shane and Jed went through a short phase and instead of a miscommunication drama they both dealt with their relationship with honesty, insecurities, love, and grace!

Let's not forget their found-family East, Maddy, Shelby, Frankie and Paulie omg I love them and I love that they all just accepted not only their friend Shane but his partner as well so much so I forgot that Jed is new to their group.

What I also love about this story is how it didn't shy away from the heavy stuff that included grief, bigotry, and one's sexual orientation relating to the game. I also appreciated the fact that the team coach wasn't just talk he was also a man of action.

Overall this story was remarkably amazing, sensual, and downright exquisite.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

♾️⭐️
Ma’am I don’t know what you’ve put into this series, but I’m addicted. And no, I don’t want help. Just the next book in this series, please and thanks. I love these two with my whole heart.

I will eat up the grumpy/sunshine trope everytime and this one did not disappoint.

Shane is the epitome of sunshine in human form. Always smiling and showing up for everyone. But underneath it all of the sunshine was someone that was terrified that he wouldn’t be enough to make people stay. My heart hurt so much for him, he just wanted to be chosen. Also, I need just a minute with his sorry excuse for a dad. Just one. But his momma? The absolute sweetest human.

Jed, or better known as storm cloud. And oh boy, storm cloud he was. Perpetual scowl and so so so emotionally unavailable. He has walls that he has built so high and has focused on nothing but baseball. But once you understand the loss he endured, it all makes sense. He knows what it’s like to love someone so much and then just lose them. He’s spent years telling himself it's safer to not need anyone at all.

Watching Shane slowly break through Jed’s defenses was everything. The relationship developed so naturally and beautifully. Shane brought back so much light into Jed’s life. And Jed proved to Shane that he was in fact enough. They healed parts of each other and it was everything.

I’ll warn you now, grab your tissues for Jed’s epilogue. Cried through the whole thing.

Glad we got to see East and Maddox again, I adore them. If you haven’t met them yet, you can find their story in Finding Home. The found family in this series is one of the best parts. Everyone is so connected and you can truly tell they all care about each other so much. Also, I need Frankie’s story, expeditiously.

This series has quickly become an absolute favorite of mine. Lizzie just has an incredible way with words that really draws you in. I’m excited for what's next!

I received a copy from the author and am voluntarily sharing my honest opinion.

[Amanda Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lizzie C. Koz absolutely won me over with Stealing Forever. I loved the prequel, so I went into this one really excited and it completely delivered. I laughed, swooned, got emotional, and honestly just had the best time reading it.

I’m a longtime MM sports romance reader but still pretty new to baseball romance, and this book officially converted me. Shane and Jed were SO good together. Their chemistry felt effortless, the nicknames had me kicking my feet, and their dynamic was the perfect mix of sweet, flirty, comforting, and spicy.

What really stood out though was how much heart this story had. Both characters had emotional backstories that added depth without making the book feel overly heavy. The communication between them was such a highlight too. Even when outside drama hit, they stayed honest with each other, which made their relationship feel strong and mature in a really satisfying way.

I also adored the supporting cast. The found family vibes were immaculate, and the parents and teammates all felt genuinely important to the story rather than just background characters. Everyone had such distinct personalities that the world felt warm, lived-in, and impossible not to want more of.

This was my first full book from this author and it definitely won’t be my last. Sweet, heartfelt, low angst, and full of warmth—this one completely sucked me in.

[Theodore · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 18%

Jed's first chapter was fine, if a little too internal. It told us about how he was trying to prove to himself and his team that he was still a good player.

Shane's first chapter felt uselessly indulgent. I suppose it showed us that he was a very positive and upbeat person BUT it went in for too long and had side characters that didn't feel like they mattered. I literally didn't care for his little reminiscing scene with his friends. It also got confusing when he would switch between calling people by their nicknames and real names (Cowboy/Winters, Nebs/Paulie).

I wasn't a big fan of having so much of Shane's early chapters focus so heavily on his dynamic with Easton. I swear I feel like Shane and Easton got almost as much screen time as Shane and Jed.

I DNFed when I got really bored because Shane and Jed barely spent any time together. 79 pages, 10 chapters in, nearly a fifth of the book, and it felt like the main MCs of the romance had less than 10 scenes focused on showing us an actual romance developing between them. Why was this book so insistent on telling us about Easton and Maddox or Shane and his dashed baseball dreams when Jed and Shane's relationship hadn't even actually developed beyond two strangers that interact just because they're on the same team?

TL;DR: Too much focus on random crap that wasn't the romance. 1.5 stars rounded down.

[Itzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Finding forever so when I found out we will not only get Shane story but also a full series of the jetties I was over the moon.

This is the first installment of the Jetttis and is the story of Jed and Shane. After suffering the death of his father and getting back into the game after an accident Jed suddenly finds himself not only fighting for his spot in the roster but also his attraction to sunshine in personified Shane Michaels what will happen when the temptation is too hard to resist and the control he has is slipping away?

I love it, i couldn’t put it down, both Shane and Jed are amazing characters their chemistry between them was off the charts neither of them could resist it, but what I love the most is the emotional part of the story. it was heartbreaking to read about how on the surface Shane is this big sunshine of a man but underneath all those smiles there is someone who is hiding the pain with smiles. Overall I love the story, the writing, the characters everything was perfect, we also get a bit of glimpse of what’s to come in the series and let’s just say those little crumbs have on chokehold i can’t wait to dive into those stories. Definitely recommend it

[Victoria Malickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an ARC review.

Both MMC address their trauma in the first chapter. It's funny. The writing, the innuendos. I literally laughed out loud in the first 10% of the book. As I'd already had a book boyfriend crush on Shane, I already knew I was a fan. Him starring in his own book was no disappointment. He is still as lovable and comedic.
When Shane plays perfect by simple plan - omg man how much I relate to him in that moment. When you know you know.

Jed is hard to love immediately, but the first kiss and the first time the boys are intimate changed my mind. He was sweet, careful and truthful. Doesn't put any pressure on Shane and ensures his comfortable throughout the entire and after the experience. It was toe curling, feet kicking, butterfly inducing. I really enjoyed it.

When Jed Tells Shane that the nickname JJ should be his to use now. Oh my heart.

The first time Jed and Shane have actual penetrative sex was one of the best and most accurate real life descriptions of anal sex. Jed is lovely, comforting and understanding that they may not be able to have sex this way - and that's okay!

Love the pop culture references throughout the story. Loved the found family and crediting other authors for their amazing books too.