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Stealing Forever
“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.
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.
448 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2026
27 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
About the author
Lizzie C. Koz
10 books100 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 66 reviews
Did Not Finish
May 4, 2026I 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.
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.
May 8, 2026
˗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🤧)
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🤭🔥
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👏
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 💌)
【 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
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
April 15, 2026
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.
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.
April 15, 2026
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.
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2026
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
Review of advance copy
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.
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.
Review of advance copy
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!*
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!*
May 8, 2026
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!
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!
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
April 19, 2026
- ARC REVIEW -
♾️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
This book is so good. Like ridiculously good. I mean out of this world fantastic good. If I could give it 6 stars, I 100% would. No notes. This ate 👏🏼 Every chapter I kept thinking there’s no way it can get better and it did. Til the very freaking end.
I could not stop laughing. And if I wasn’t laughing my heart was going through so many emotions and that soul gripping feeling. Literally all of the emotions in the best possible way. The amount of times I hugged my Kindle and squealed or screamed into the void was excessive 😅
We’ve got another Shane who is 100000% baby boyyyyy. Gosh I freaking love him so muchhhh! And Jed staring as our grumpy and broody beefcake.
Shane had me cracking up immediately. Seriously I laughed so much reading this book. But also why tf am I crying?!?!?! I need to throat punch people for hurting baby boy and I kinda hate the world for how it’s hurt Jed. Seriously this book had me going through it. But these two, goodness gracious, they are everything 🫶🏼
And don’t even get me started on the found family here 🫶🏼🥹 So funny and kind and sweet and protective. Just gah. I could not get enough of them. I would absolutely read an entire novel of just this friend group being the amazing group of humans that they are.
I am so happy this is the beginning of the series because I need like 10 more books stat. I immediately signed up for the ARC for Book Two after finishing this and I can sus out potentially two more couples in this book, maybe?! (fingers crossed anyways 😅)
Seriously you need to go follow Lizzie and read these immediately.
♾️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
This book is so good. Like ridiculously good. I mean out of this world fantastic good. If I could give it 6 stars, I 100% would. No notes. This ate 👏🏼 Every chapter I kept thinking there’s no way it can get better and it did. Til the very freaking end.
I could not stop laughing. And if I wasn’t laughing my heart was going through so many emotions and that soul gripping feeling. Literally all of the emotions in the best possible way. The amount of times I hugged my Kindle and squealed or screamed into the void was excessive 😅
We’ve got another Shane who is 100000% baby boyyyyy. Gosh I freaking love him so muchhhh! And Jed staring as our grumpy and broody beefcake.
Shane had me cracking up immediately. Seriously I laughed so much reading this book. But also why tf am I crying?!?!?! I need to throat punch people for hurting baby boy and I kinda hate the world for how it’s hurt Jed. Seriously this book had me going through it. But these two, goodness gracious, they are everything 🫶🏼
And don’t even get me started on the found family here 🫶🏼🥹 So funny and kind and sweet and protective. Just gah. I could not get enough of them. I would absolutely read an entire novel of just this friend group being the amazing group of humans that they are.
I am so happy this is the beginning of the series because I need like 10 more books stat. I immediately signed up for the ARC for Book Two after finishing this and I can sus out potentially two more couples in this book, maybe?! (fingers crossed anyways 😅)
Seriously you need to go follow Lizzie and read these immediately.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Don't miss the prequel
Lizzie Koz hooked me with Finding Home earlier this year. To quote myself, it was a dang sleeper hit. And one of the many reasons you don't judge a book by its cover. It had everything I want in a romance: pining, codependent best friends, that ache factor. But most of all it had Koz's writing style.
That's what continues in Stealing Forever. Koz has a way with words that is both engaging and accessible. Her prose are elevated while still being perfectly suited to the genre. She trusts her reader, too, which can be—believe or not—hard to find.
Overall, the plot follows Sunshine (Shane) and Jed (Storm Cloud) as they navigate feelings neither of them wants (or knows what to do with), life as pro ball players and a whole lot of pining. It's a will they/won't they story, it's a trauma recovery story, it's a coming out story. It's a lot of fun (and pretty low on the angst scale).
Our characters are likable (all of them—and yes, there are a lot), unless they're not, which is intentional. We get grounding backstories and diverse personality types. This first book also does some heavy lifting, laying the ground work for future installments. I am already here for every single side character's happily ever after.
Also something to note: Koz's "pop culture" references and minor fourth wall breaks. The Puckboy Series is mentioned in a hilarious and yet touching moment between our favorite characters. There were many other mentions that I personally connected with.
Looking for a sports romance without the cliches and all the feels? Look no further than Stealing Forever.
Read it.
Lizzie Koz hooked me with Finding Home earlier this year. To quote myself, it was a dang sleeper hit. And one of the many reasons you don't judge a book by its cover. It had everything I want in a romance: pining, codependent best friends, that ache factor. But most of all it had Koz's writing style.
That's what continues in Stealing Forever. Koz has a way with words that is both engaging and accessible. Her prose are elevated while still being perfectly suited to the genre. She trusts her reader, too, which can be—believe or not—hard to find.
Overall, the plot follows Sunshine (Shane) and Jed (Storm Cloud) as they navigate feelings neither of them wants (or knows what to do with), life as pro ball players and a whole lot of pining. It's a will they/won't they story, it's a trauma recovery story, it's a coming out story. It's a lot of fun (and pretty low on the angst scale).
Our characters are likable (all of them—and yes, there are a lot), unless they're not, which is intentional. We get grounding backstories and diverse personality types. This first book also does some heavy lifting, laying the ground work for future installments. I am already here for every single side character's happily ever after.
Also something to note: Koz's "pop culture" references and minor fourth wall breaks. The Puckboy Series is mentioned in a hilarious and yet touching moment between our favorite characters. There were many other mentions that I personally connected with.
Looking for a sports romance without the cliches and all the feels? Look no further than Stealing Forever.
Read it.
April 12, 2026
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.
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.
April 17, 2026
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!
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!
May 8, 2026
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.
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.
Review of advance copy
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.
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.
May 8, 2026
♾️⭐️
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.
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.
April 23, 2026
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
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
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ARC Review✨
⭐️ 4.75/5
🌶️ 2.75/5
Main characters: Jed & Shane
Side characters: Easton, Maddox, Paulie, Shelby, Frankie
Page count: 448
First person, dual POV.
This is my second book by Lizzie Koz and I am again impressed by how much depth and emotion she pulls out of her characters. The world of the Bridgeport Jetties she has created is full of a bunch of emotionally intelligent and dynamic men (& women), many of them queer. I don’t know a lot about baseball, so some of her references go over my head, but I was still able to fully immerse myself and enjoy the full arc of the story.
Shane and Jed have my heart. Both carry pain relating to their fathers. They develop a connection with each other that quickly deepens and becomes life changing for them both. They are exactly what each other needs. I loved the strength of their connection and that it became this immovable force between them.
I also loved all the supporting characters and the strong found family aspect of this series. I was already familiar with Easton and Maddy from Lizzie’s free prequel novella, Finding Home, so it was great to see them again in this book and to see how much Easton and Shane’s friendship has grown over the years.
Highly recommend and looking forward to the rest of the series!
⭐️ 4.75/5
🌶️ 2.75/5
Main characters: Jed & Shane
Side characters: Easton, Maddox, Paulie, Shelby, Frankie
Page count: 448
First person, dual POV.
This is my second book by Lizzie Koz and I am again impressed by how much depth and emotion she pulls out of her characters. The world of the Bridgeport Jetties she has created is full of a bunch of emotionally intelligent and dynamic men (& women), many of them queer. I don’t know a lot about baseball, so some of her references go over my head, but I was still able to fully immerse myself and enjoy the full arc of the story.
Shane and Jed have my heart. Both carry pain relating to their fathers. They develop a connection with each other that quickly deepens and becomes life changing for them both. They are exactly what each other needs. I loved the strength of their connection and that it became this immovable force between them.
I also loved all the supporting characters and the strong found family aspect of this series. I was already familiar with Easton and Maddy from Lizzie’s free prequel novella, Finding Home, so it was great to see them again in this book and to see how much Easton and Shane’s friendship has grown over the years.
Highly recommend and looking forward to the rest of the series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Grumpy x Sunshine With Major Heart (and Heat 👀)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Stealing Forever by Lizzie C Koz was such a fun, emotional ride with the perfect mix of tension and heart.
Shane and Jed? Yeah… this dynamic works. Shane comes in all sunshine, chaos, and confidence, while Jed is carrying the weight of everything he’s lost—and watching those two collide on and off the field was so good. The rivalry, the tension, the way it slowly shifts into something deeper? I ate that up.
Jed’s journey especially hit. You can feel how much baseball means to him, how much he’s fighting to get back to himself, and then Shane just… breaks through anyway. Not by forcing it, but by being exactly who he is—light, persistent, and impossible to ignore.
And Shane? There’s more depth there than the cocky energy lets on. The way he shows up, the way he pushes, the way he cares—it balances Jed so well.
Why You’ll Love This Book
* Grumpy x sunshine energy that delivers every time
* Teammates-to-lovers with built-in tension and stakes
* Found family vibes that add so much warmth
* Emotional hurt/comfort mixed with undeniable chemistry
This one brings the angst, the softness, and the heat together in a way that just works. Shane and Jed had me hooked from start to finish.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Stealing Forever by Lizzie C Koz was such a fun, emotional ride with the perfect mix of tension and heart.
Shane and Jed? Yeah… this dynamic works. Shane comes in all sunshine, chaos, and confidence, while Jed is carrying the weight of everything he’s lost—and watching those two collide on and off the field was so good. The rivalry, the tension, the way it slowly shifts into something deeper? I ate that up.
Jed’s journey especially hit. You can feel how much baseball means to him, how much he’s fighting to get back to himself, and then Shane just… breaks through anyway. Not by forcing it, but by being exactly who he is—light, persistent, and impossible to ignore.
And Shane? There’s more depth there than the cocky energy lets on. The way he shows up, the way he pushes, the way he cares—it balances Jed so well.
Why You’ll Love This Book
* Grumpy x sunshine energy that delivers every time
* Teammates-to-lovers with built-in tension and stakes
* Found family vibes that add so much warmth
* Emotional hurt/comfort mixed with undeniable chemistry
This one brings the angst, the softness, and the heat together in a way that just works. Shane and Jed had me hooked from start to finish.
April 16, 2026
UGHHHH this book was absolutely EVERYTHING.
The two MMC's were perfect. Such a black cat and golden retriever vibes.
Shane was sunshine personified always optimistic and energetic. But you learn to find out that while it is him he puts on a front because he had a rough childhood and felt like no one wanted him.
Jed was all storm clouds. He put on the front that he needed to be left alone and did not want to be close to anyone because he felt that anyone he was close to would leave you and that terrified him.
Insert Shane into Jed's life and Jed could not ignore the ray of sunshine that Shane put into everyone's life. The chemistry between these two was off the charts. I fell in love with them both and was rooting for them in every instant.
This book will put you into every single feeling. Emotional Rollercoaster. I laughed, I smiled so much it hurt and even cried.
- 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
The two MMC's were perfect. Such a black cat and golden retriever vibes.
Shane was sunshine personified always optimistic and energetic. But you learn to find out that while it is him he puts on a front because he had a rough childhood and felt like no one wanted him.
Jed was all storm clouds. He put on the front that he needed to be left alone and did not want to be close to anyone because he felt that anyone he was close to would leave you and that terrified him.
Insert Shane into Jed's life and Jed could not ignore the ray of sunshine that Shane put into everyone's life. The chemistry between these two was off the charts. I fell in love with them both and was rooting for them in every instant.
This book will put you into every single feeling. Emotional Rollercoaster. I laughed, I smiled so much it hurt and even cried.
- 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
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was so excited to dive into Stealing Forever after falling for the side characters in Finding Home by Lizzie C. Koz! This book delivers everything I hoped for and more, especially with our incredible main characters, Shane Michaels and Jed Stone. Shane, the lovable himbo and absolute ray of sunshine, crashes into training camp and throws the grumpy Jed Stone's world off its axis. As two shortstops, they are natural rivals, though Jed takes that rivalry much more seriously than Shane. This story beautifully captures one of the best 'found family' dynamics I've ever read, and seeing how vital this family is for both MMCs, given their pasts, made it incredibly heartwarming. Both men are carrying old wounds and are slow to open up, but as their physical connection deepens into real love, there is so much healing and genuine affection to be found. They made me laugh, they made me cry, and I am desperately waiting for the next book!
Here are the tropes you can expect:
Rival teammates-to-lovers
Grumpy star and his sunshine rival
Soft dom/brat dynamic
“Doing it for the team”
Found family
Hurt/Comfort
Only one bed
Here are the tropes you can expect:
Rival teammates-to-lovers
Grumpy star and his sunshine rival
Soft dom/brat dynamic
“Doing it for the team”
Found family
Hurt/Comfort
Only one bed
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Baseball! It's nice to get a sports book that isn't hockey.
This is rivals to lovers with medium spice and a whole LOT of found family. I had so much fun reading this - loved both Shane & Jed, and all their friends/teammates.
Both Jed and Shane are short stops (this is the 'rivals' part), but this doesn't last long as Jed keeps his spot on the minor league team (the spot Shane was hoping to get) after finally working through his injuries. Shane is able to come back to the minors as a 2nd baseman, and it's while they're working together that they realize they are really attracted to each other. After that it's just a question of IF they should be together, if they should STAY together, WHO should know about them being together, and where they will end up if Jed finally gets called up. There's plenty of plot here. Jed's got issues with a dead father, Shane's got issues with a father who hates/won't acknowledge him. Never a dull moment.
Really enjoyed this and read it pretty quickly, considering its length.
This is rivals to lovers with medium spice and a whole LOT of found family. I had so much fun reading this - loved both Shane & Jed, and all their friends/teammates.
Both Jed and Shane are short stops (this is the 'rivals' part), but this doesn't last long as Jed keeps his spot on the minor league team (the spot Shane was hoping to get) after finally working through his injuries. Shane is able to come back to the minors as a 2nd baseman, and it's while they're working together that they realize they are really attracted to each other. After that it's just a question of IF they should be together, if they should STAY together, WHO should know about them being together, and where they will end up if Jed finally gets called up. There's plenty of plot here. Jed's got issues with a dead father, Shane's got issues with a father who hates/won't acknowledge him. Never a dull moment.
Really enjoyed this and read it pretty quickly, considering its length.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
I just finished reading Lizzie Koz's "Stealing Forever",, the first book in her Bridgeport Jetties series. Shane first popped up in the prequel "Finding Home", in this you meet JJ another player who has the weight of the world on his shoulders. He is your typical grump, non smiling always with a scowl on his face. While Shane is the sunshine everything is great and nothing brings him down well almost nothing. JJ and Shane play the same position of short stop and when JJ gets the spot Shane has to reassess whether or not he's good enough. Shane may be sunshine on the outside but on the inside he just wants to belong somewhere and mean something. Both he and JJ have alot they deal with but together they can take on anything. They are perfect for each other they balance each other out and for the first time in a long time JJ actually smiles and that's because of Shane. Grab your copy May 7 you won't want to miss Shane and JJ's story and wait till you meet some of the other interesting individuals who make up this found family.
I just finished reading Lizzie Koz's "Stealing Forever",, the first book in her Bridgeport Jetties series. Shane first popped up in the prequel "Finding Home", in this you meet JJ another player who has the weight of the world on his shoulders. He is your typical grump, non smiling always with a scowl on his face. While Shane is the sunshine everything is great and nothing brings him down well almost nothing. JJ and Shane play the same position of short stop and when JJ gets the spot Shane has to reassess whether or not he's good enough. Shane may be sunshine on the outside but on the inside he just wants to belong somewhere and mean something. Both he and JJ have alot they deal with but together they can take on anything. They are perfect for each other they balance each other out and for the first time in a long time JJ actually smiles and that's because of Shane. Grab your copy May 7 you won't want to miss Shane and JJ's story and wait till you meet some of the other interesting individuals who make up this found family.
Review of advance copy received from Author
5 ⭐️
3.5🌶️
REVIEW: Jed Stone Ir has come back from injury and appears to be back to full health. JI Stone is a baseball legend, just like his father before him. His competition to shortstop was Shane Michael's who didn't end up getting drafted - much to Jed's relief. There's something about the guy that gets under his skin.
Shane is called up to play second base after another player gets injured. Shane is a little starstruck and a lot confused when he can't keep his eyes off JJ. The two have to try and work closely together trying to get Shane familiar with his new position, but the only position Shane wants to be is on his knees.
After a string of terrible games coach demands Shane and JJ spend some time bonding - but I'm not sure he had this particular kind of bonding in mind.
Jed is falling hard, but a knock at the door steals all the sunshine from Shane, and threatens to end their relationship for good.
Oh my gosh this book is so good! The banter and internal monologues are hilarious- like piss ya pants funny and the whole cast of characters are just superb!
3.5🌶️
REVIEW: Jed Stone Ir has come back from injury and appears to be back to full health. JI Stone is a baseball legend, just like his father before him. His competition to shortstop was Shane Michael's who didn't end up getting drafted - much to Jed's relief. There's something about the guy that gets under his skin.
Shane is called up to play second base after another player gets injured. Shane is a little starstruck and a lot confused when he can't keep his eyes off JJ. The two have to try and work closely together trying to get Shane familiar with his new position, but the only position Shane wants to be is on his knees.
After a string of terrible games coach demands Shane and JJ spend some time bonding - but I'm not sure he had this particular kind of bonding in mind.
Jed is falling hard, but a knock at the door steals all the sunshine from Shane, and threatens to end their relationship for good.
Oh my gosh this book is so good! The banter and internal monologues are hilarious- like piss ya pants funny and the whole cast of characters are just superb!
Review of advance copy
Sports romance (baseball)
MM
Bi awakening
Mental health rep
“I know how to smile. The world just hasn’t given me any reason to in a long time”
This was my first baseball romance and it didn’t disappoint I swear I was like maddy hahahaha and Shell; I don’t like baseball in real life but I was so intrigued by the blurb and it was the best decision ever
I loved everything even tho I don´t know anything about the sport haha with the writing and her knowledge it was ok for me, loved the story, the slow burn and tension 🥵 I enjoyed every second of it.
Shane was freaking hilarious he was just so spontaneous and I really was giggling with his antics and Jed the broody storm not even his walls could stop the sunshine, The found family and the friendships 10/10, I really loved it When they welcomed Jed as part of the group 😭
I laughed and cried with these 2 , can’t wait for Frankies story !!
Thank you Foreword and Lizzie for an opportunity to read this arc. This is my honest review
MM
Bi awakening
Mental health rep
“I know how to smile. The world just hasn’t given me any reason to in a long time”
This was my first baseball romance and it didn’t disappoint I swear I was like maddy hahahaha and Shell; I don’t like baseball in real life but I was so intrigued by the blurb and it was the best decision ever
I loved everything even tho I don´t know anything about the sport haha with the writing and her knowledge it was ok for me, loved the story, the slow burn and tension 🥵 I enjoyed every second of it.
Shane was freaking hilarious he was just so spontaneous and I really was giggling with his antics and Jed the broody storm not even his walls could stop the sunshine, The found family and the friendships 10/10, I really loved it When they welcomed Jed as part of the group 😭
I laughed and cried with these 2 , can’t wait for Frankies story !!
Thank you Foreword and Lizzie for an opportunity to read this arc. This is my honest review
April 28, 2026
ARC REVIEW:
First off I want to say thank you to the author for giving me this opportunity to arc read this gem of a book. This was a 5⭐️ read for me automatically. Shane and Jed my Sunshine and Storm Cloud babies. Shane my broken sunshine boy with the brightest smile to light up anyone’s life. My heart broke for him and I wish I could jump into this book and hug the crap out of him and beat up his dad iykyk. Jed my hurting hurting storm cloud I wish I could hug the crap out of him as well and beat up his mother as well iykyk. The way these two fell for each other was swoon worthy. The friendship group especially when friends turn into family and didn’t even hesitate to accept Jed into their little family and I love that so much. Well also get to see East and Maddy my other babies I also love how we get to see their relationship as well. Overall if you haven’t already read this book please do when it releases it’s so worth is and I’m looking forward to the third book
First off I want to say thank you to the author for giving me this opportunity to arc read this gem of a book. This was a 5⭐️ read for me automatically. Shane and Jed my Sunshine and Storm Cloud babies. Shane my broken sunshine boy with the brightest smile to light up anyone’s life. My heart broke for him and I wish I could jump into this book and hug the crap out of him and beat up his dad iykyk. Jed my hurting hurting storm cloud I wish I could hug the crap out of him as well and beat up his mother as well iykyk. The way these two fell for each other was swoon worthy. The friendship group especially when friends turn into family and didn’t even hesitate to accept Jed into their little family and I love that so much. Well also get to see East and Maddy my other babies I also love how we get to see their relationship as well. Overall if you haven’t already read this book please do when it releases it’s so worth is and I’m looking forward to the third book
Review of advance copy received from Author
Shane and Jed are two highly emotionally aware baseball players with a bunch of highly emotionally aware friends.
I was invested from the start of this story of these two fellas. I know nothing about baseball, but it was refreshing that they weren’t from the top level team and so weren’t rolling in money.
This is told in dual first person present POV which is not my favourite. However it's testament to the skill of Lizzie C Koz that I did get used to it.
Stealing Forever was a little too long. The middle dragged with a bit too much hanging out with the friend group.
This is fairly low angst. Jed and Shane were mature enough to support each other through their respective crises. Overall a pleasant read.
I received an advance copy of this book at no charge. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I was invested from the start of this story of these two fellas. I know nothing about baseball, but it was refreshing that they weren’t from the top level team and so weren’t rolling in money.
This is told in dual first person present POV which is not my favourite. However it's testament to the skill of Lizzie C Koz that I did get used to it.
Stealing Forever was a little too long. The middle dragged with a bit too much hanging out with the friend group.
This is fairly low angst. Jed and Shane were mature enough to support each other through their respective crises. Overall a pleasant read.
I received an advance copy of this book at no charge. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Review of advance copy
𝚂𝚝𝚎𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝙵𝚘𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛
𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠
4.25/5 ⭐️
↓↓
First from this author but will definitely not be the last.
I LOVEEEEEEEEED Shane. He is just one character that you can't help but love. He has this golden retriever personality that you can't help but smile every time he makes an appearance.
Jeb and Shane are the complete opposites but damn do they have then chemistry and connection that absolutely works for them.
There was just so much more than their relationship, grief, healing, found family. I just loved it all so much!
This is the first in a new series and I can't wait to see what else happens in this world.
𝚆𝙷𝙰𝚃 𝚃𝙾 𝙴𝚇𝙿𝙴𝙲𝚃
⚾️ rival teammates to lovers
💜 grumpy x sunshine
⚾️ bi-awakening
💜 soft dom / brat energy
⚾️ hurt x comfort
💜 “do it for the team”
⚾️ found family
💜 praise k1nk
⚾️ minor league baseball
𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠
4.25/5 ⭐️
↓↓
First from this author but will definitely not be the last.
I LOVEEEEEEEEED Shane. He is just one character that you can't help but love. He has this golden retriever personality that you can't help but smile every time he makes an appearance.
Jeb and Shane are the complete opposites but damn do they have then chemistry and connection that absolutely works for them.
There was just so much more than their relationship, grief, healing, found family. I just loved it all so much!
This is the first in a new series and I can't wait to see what else happens in this world.
𝚆𝙷𝙰𝚃 𝚃𝙾 𝙴𝚇𝙿𝙴𝙲𝚃
⚾️ rival teammates to lovers
💜 grumpy x sunshine
⚾️ bi-awakening
💜 soft dom / brat energy
⚾️ hurt x comfort
💜 “do it for the team”
⚾️ found family
💜 praise k1nk
⚾️ minor league baseball
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