Hiding in the Outfield

Bridgeport Jetties: The Call-Up Years #2

by Lizzie C. Koz

“No pressure either way,” I murmur. “Just opportunity. If you want it.”
I thought I was the one helping him. Giving him something.
How wrong I was.

FRANKIE
I’ve learned something interesting about myself over the years: I’m either the guy after the guy, there to help you recover from your latest romantic disaster, or I’m the guy you experiment with before you move on to find the person you really want.

I can’t blame them. I am awfully pretty.

And judging by the way my brother’s teammate watches me when he thinks no one’s looking, I’ve found myself another curious closeted man.

Well, Ollie-baby, lucky you. This Frankie fun-ride is at your service. Trust me, sweetness, I'll treat you so right. And the best part? It can stay our little secret.

Just don’t get attached.

Because like all rides, this one comes to an end.

I made the mistake once of believing I could have it all.

Never again.

JACKSON
My plan is simple: stay locked up tight until my baseball career is over.

I’m just another straight ballplayer in a straight world, keeping my head down. Because in my family, inside every locker room I’ve ever known—being gay isn’t an option.

Baseball is supposed to be enough. It has been.

Then Frankie Nebiolo walked in and offered me something I couldn’t resist.

A secret place to be myself in a way I’ve never risked before.

With him, I can finally breathe. I can finally want.

Except…the longer we're together, the more painful hiding becomes.

Now I'm starting to wonder if I'd trade everything for the chance to stop pretending.


Hiding in the Outfield is a steamy baseball romance between a touch-starved closeted athlete and a sultry gay man who hides behind his glitter and sass. Expect irresistible yearning, first-times and high-heat lessons, hurt/comfort that cuts deep, and a loud, loving found family that makes healing feel possible.

Genres: M M Romance, Sports Romance, Sports, Baseball, Baseball Romance, Romance, Contemporary

460 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 17, 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

[ForewordPR · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s here! 🎉 ⚾

𝐇𝐈𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐅𝐈𝐄𝐋𝐃 – Book two in the Bridgeport Jetties series is officially out today!

A spicy MM hurt/comfort baseball romance featuring a closeted athlete, his teammate’s brother, a secret relationship neither of them can afford to get caught in, and a found family loud enough to make healing feel possible.

Grab your copy today, and if you’ve already read it, we’d love to hear what you thought!

https://link.amazon/B0iWjBHOT

[Sandy Kay]

One year before main story starts, MC (baseball player) stands by while teammate sneers and makes homophobic remarks about the other MC (brother of another on the team) being out/gay. Then in the present, the closeted MC has chosen to be friends with the bigot. Has become his wingman. Uh. Hard no.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

˗ˏˋ ꒰ 𝟒/𝟓 ★ ꒱ ˎˊ˗

this was fun & sweet with really well-written hurt/comfort vibes💗 also i can't get over how gorgeous the cover is😭 and the artworks!!



Olander's redemption arc was somewhat short but satisfying, ngl i disliked him in the previous book (i mean, he was a homophobic jerk😬🫠) but he ended up being a surprising character. hurt people hurt others and Frankie recognized that about Jackson (Olander) very early on - tbh i feel like Frankie was too soft towards Jackson sometimes, not necessarily regarding forgiving too soon, bc i could see where he was coming from, but i guess i expected a bit more groveling, and overall a little more suspense and drama..? 

tbf there were some drama👀 just never really between the MCs, their relationship was very sweet & tender. they both could find a safe space in the other, healing together from past hurt, dealing with their own baggage. Lizzie C Koz always has a knack for portraying and dealing with heavier subjects, yet that never turns the story as a whole or its atmosphere too heavy or dark, there are still lighthearted, heartwarming & tender moments - i guess her way of storytelling is giving hopeful core, if that makes sense👀🥹💗

𝑴𝒚 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒂𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒕. 𝑩𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝑰 𝒅𝒆𝒆𝒑𝒆𝒏 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒌𝒊𝒔𝒔, 𝑰 𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒑 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒖𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒓𝒕 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑰’𝒎 𝒖𝒑 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏, 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒔𝒌𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒔𝒌𝒊𝒏. 𝑴𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓. 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏’𝒕 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒃𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒖𝒕 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒔 𝒎𝒆 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍. 𝑯𝒆 𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒐𝒅𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕-𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒖𝒏. 𝑰𝒕 𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒔 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚. 𝑴𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕’𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒚 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒔𝒐 𝒅𝒓𝒂𝒘𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒕.

seeing Jackson coming out of his shelf (& hiding), finding his confidence & becoming more authentic to himself was a heartwarming journey worth reading❤️‍🩹👏 Frankie was the best, so supportive, kind, considerate! and their spicy lessons were hot yet sweet & tender & fun! their chemistry was top notch for sure but their emotional connection, thoughtfulness & how supportive they were of each other made it even better. and them snuggling together was so precious🥹

 “𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒗𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒂𝒍?” 𝑯𝒊𝒔 𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒆𝒌𝒔 𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒆𝒏. “𝑩𝒐𝒕𝒉, 𝒖𝒉…𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈?”
  𝑰 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆. 𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒂 𝒄𝒖𝒕𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒂𝒚 𝒊𝒕, 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒘𝒆’𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒊𝒇𝒕-𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒔.

i must say Frankie was one of the most unique characters i've ever read, he felt real, authentic, unapologetically himself✨ he embraced his femme side, and at the same time his more masc, "sportsy" side as well. he was a sassy, flirty menace in glitter with one of the biggest hearts, i loved him💗✨

“𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒂 𝒃𝒊𝒈, 𝒃𝒖𝒇𝒇 𝒎𝒂𝒏. 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒏𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒔 𝒊𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐, 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘? 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒓 𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒌, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒇𝒇, 𝑰 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒆. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐 𝒓𝒖𝒍𝒆𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒐𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒘𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆, 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝒔𝒐𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒕𝒚 𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒖𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒆. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒖𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒂 𝒃𝒐𝒙 𝒆𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓, 𝑱𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒔𝒐𝒏.”

it's no secret that i absolutely LOVED the previous books, and i'm always happy when previous characters appear, Maddy & East and Shane & Jed have my heart!! i also just love a tight-knit friendship group with found/chosen family vibes, and this series has one of the best for sure! the crew was so fun in this book too, and they were also super supportive which never failed to warm my heart! and their group chats were chaotic yet hilarious!!🤭🥰

 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝑺𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝑺𝒕𝒐𝒏𝒆’𝒔 𝒔𝒖𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒆, 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒌𝒊𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆. 𝑰 𝒎𝒂𝒚 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒖𝒅𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒔𝒍𝒆𝒆𝒗𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝑷𝒆𝒃𝒔, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝒃𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒌𝒊𝒆 𝒃𝒍𝒆𝒘 𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒏𝒇𝒖𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒓—𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒐𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒕 𝒐𝒇𝒇 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒈𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒔𝒂𝒚 𝒈𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓’𝒔 𝒏𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒚 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒓𝒊𝒅 𝒐𝒇.
  𝑰 𝒇𝒖𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕’𝒔 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒆.

my only tiny nitpicking is that this was a long book with many fluff, sorta slice-of-life vibes which aren't necessarily a bad thing, i just found myself a bit distracted while reading, ig i tend to need more angst & suspense most of the time, especially when it comes to long books, so anyway this might just be a me thing ;v;

for the most part i still quite enjoyed this book (i also highlighted most of the story ahaha), Lizzie's writing style is amazing and i'm definitely looking forward to more of her future books💗 one of the side characters, Ryan is also getting a short novella (How to Accidentally Score a Hockey Player)👀 aaaand Jackson's brother is getting his own little story too (Forbidden Temptation)!!!👀

𝑯𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒔𝒍𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒘𝒓𝒂𝒑 𝒎𝒚𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 𝒂𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒊𝒎. 𝑨𝒓𝒎𝒔. 𝑳𝒆𝒈𝒔. 𝑯𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔. 𝑯𝒆’𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆. 𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒓. 𝑯𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒃𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒚 𝒃𝒂𝒔𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔.

🚪⚾🍸🍹💥💢🩹💅🇮🇹🍝📑📈

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

➥ ᴍᴍ
➥ ғɪʀsᴛ-ᴘᴇʀsᴏɴ, ᴅᴜᴀʟ ᴘᴏᴠ
⚾︎ ʙᴀsᴇʙᴀʟʟ ᴘʟᴀʏᴇʀ × ᴀᴄᴛᴜᴀʀʏ
⚾︎ ᴛᴇᴀᴍᴍᴀᴛᴇ's ᴏʀᴅᴇʀ ʙʀᴏᴛʜᴇʀ
⚾︎ ᴄʟᴏsᴇᴛᴇᴅ ᴀᴛʜʟᴇᴛᴇ
⚾︎ ʀᴇᴅᴇᴍᴘᴛɪᴏɴ ᴀʀᴄ
⚾︎ ʜᴜʀᴛ × ᴄᴏᴍғᴏʀᴛ
⚾︎ ʟᴏᴠᴇ-/ᴛᴏᴜᴄʜ-sᴛᴀʀᴠᴇᴅ
⚾︎ sᴀᴅ ʙᴏʏ × sᴀssʏ/ʙᴏssʏ
⚾︎ ғᴏᴜɴᴅ ғᴀᴍɪʟʏ
⚾︎ ғʀɪᴇɴᴅ ᴄʀᴇᴡ ɢʀᴏᴜᴘ ᴄʜᴀᴛs
⚾︎ ɪᴛᴀʟɪᴀɴ-ᴀᴍᴇʀɪᴄᴀɴ
⚾︎ ɪᴛᴀʟɪᴀɴ ᴘᴇᴛ ɴᴀᴍᴇs/ᴇɴᴅᴇᴀʀᴍᴇɴᴛs
⚾︎ ᴄᴏᴏᴋɪɴɢ ᴀs ᴀ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ʟᴀɴɢᴜᴀɢᴇ
⚾︎ ᴍᴀᴋᴇ-ᴜᴘ, ᴇᴀʀʀɪɴɢs, ɴᴀɪʟ ᴘᴏʟɪsʜ, ʟᴀᴄᴇ
⚾︎ sᴇx ʟᴇssᴏɴs / ʙᴏʏғʀɪᴇɴᴅ ʟᴇssᴏɴs
⚾︎ ғɪʀsᴛ ᴛɪᴍᴇs, ғʀᴏᴛᴛɪɴɢ, "ɢᴏᴏᴅ ʙᴏʏ", 69
⚾︎ sᴛᴀɴᴅᴀʟᴏɴᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀ ʜᴇᴀ (ɪɴ ᴀɴ ɪɴᴛᴇʀᴄᴏɴɴᴇᴄᴛᴇᴅ sᴇʀɪᴇs, ʙᴇsᴛ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪɴ ᴏʀᴅᴇʀ)
➽ ᴛᴡ: ʜᴏᴍᴏᴘʜᴏʙɪᴀ (ɪɴᴛᴇʀɴᴀʟ & ᴇxᴛᴇʀɴᴀʟ), ʜᴏᴍᴏᴘʜᴏʙɪᴄ ʟᴀɴɢᴜᴀɢᴇ (ɪɴᴄʟᴜᴅɪɴɢ sʟᴜʀs), ᴘʜʏsɪᴄᴀʟ ᴀssᴀᴜʟᴛ/ᴠɪᴏʟᴇɴᴄᴇ/ʜᴀᴛᴇ ᴄʀɪᴍᴇ, ɪɴᴊᴜʀʏ/ɪɴᴊᴜʀʏ ᴅᴇᴛᴀɪʟs, ᴄʜᴇᴀᴛɪɴɢ (sᴄ ᴏɴ ᴍᴄ, ɴᴏᴛ ʙᴇᴛᴡᴇᴇɴ ᴍᴄs), ᴘᴀɴɪᴄ ᴀᴛᴛᴀᴄᴋ (ᴏɴ-ᴘᴀɢᴇ), ғᴀᴍɪʟɪᴀʟ ᴇᴍᴏᴛɪᴏɴᴀʟ ᴀʙᴜsᴇ/ᴘᴀʀᴇɴᴛᴀʟ ʀᴇᴊᴇᴄᴛɪᴏɴ

[-`♡´- · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐

Nothing gets past this outfielder. Stealing home runs. Stealing hearts.

This was sweet and emotional. I was pulled in from the prologue to the epilogue. Seeing Jackson deconstruct his internalized homophobia and become comfortable in his skin and his sexuality was beautiful. Especially, with Frankie's help. Frankie was such a sweet little bean and I loved his big personality and flirtatious nature. Cutie pies.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The chemistry between the main characters is the kind that sneaks up on you. One minute it’s banter, and the next it’s that look across the bar that makes your stomach drop. Lizzie knows exactly how to build tension and lets it simmer in such delicious way. And Frankie? Absolutely one of my favorite characters to read.
This book delivers heart, heat, and quiet gut-punch moments balanced by the swoony ones. It’s everything and reminds me why I love sports romance. I’m also new to baseball romance, but this definitely made me want more!
If you love a slow burn with real chemistry, emotional stakes, and a romance that feels worth rooting for, this one is a home run.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well shit… Frankie & Jackie-babe have officially done the impossible and TAKEN THE CROWN. 👑😂💙

Gah, I loved this book an absolutely ridiculous amount. Like… how am I even supposed to put into words what these two did to me?! 😭 Lizzie’s universe has completely consumed me from the very beginning, and apparently the obsession is only getting WORSE because Frankie and Jackson came along and stole my whole damn heart. I adored them separately, I adored them together, and I’m just so freaking happy they found each other. 🥹💙

There is seriously something magical about Lizzie’s writing and at this point I think it needs to be studied. 🔬😂 The way she pulls you into these boys’ lives, makes you fall hopelessly in love with them and then has you rooting for their happiness like it somehow personally affects YOUR life?! RUDE. The little details she gives each character makes them feel so damn real, and every book just gets me even more attached to this wonderfully chaotic group of men.

But we have important business to discuss…

FRANKIE. AND. JACKIE-BABE. 😈🔥

Jackson, my sweet closeted disaster. 🥹 This man had buried himself so deep in that closet that I’m pretty sure he’d started paying rent in there. 😂 Watching him slowly work through everything he’d convinced himself he couldn’t have, become more comfortable with who he was and realise that maybe baseball and being happy didn’t have to be mutually exclusive absolutely got me. 😭⚾️

And then there’s Frankie. My loud, flirty, unapologetically extra little menace. 😂💙 I already loved him, but getting underneath all that confidence and seeing the hurt and vulnerability he hides behind the flirting and witty comebacks?! EXCUSE ME?! 😭 He gives so much of himself to everyone around him while quietly believing nobody is ever going to choose him and STAY… so watching Jackson become his person absolutely wrecked me in the best possible way. 🥹

And holy fuck, the journey these two went on to get there! 😭 My heart was firmly lodged in my throat at certain points, but then Lizzie would throw in the sweetest little moment and I’d be right back to kicking my feet like an idiot. Their chemistry was INSANE, the banter had me grinning, and the whole experienced Frankie showing Jackson exactly what he’d been missing situation? 👀

Well… Frankie certainly took his teaching responsibilities VERY seriously. 😂🌶️

And yes, the spice was absolutely, positively SPICING. 🥵

But what I loved most was everything underneath it. The patience. The trust. The vulnerability. Frankie giving Jackson the space and safety to figure himself out without ever asking him to be someone he wasn’t, while Jackson slowly showed Frankie that he wasn’t just someone fun for a little while — he was someone worth choosing. 😭💙 GAH. MY HEART.

And BASEBALL?! ⚾️ Apparently all it takes is a bunch of fictional men to convince me I suddenly care about a sport other than rugby, because I was ready to grab a bat and go whack some balls myself. 😂

Then there’s the found family. 😭💙 THIS. THIS IS HOW YOU DO FOUND FAMILY. Every time the rest of the boys appeared, I was stupidly happy. Lizzie has somehow made me feel like I’ve been adopted into this chaotic bunch right alongside them and I never want to leave.

Meast will forever have their own special little corner of my heart 🫶🏻 and obviously Sunshine & his Storm Cloud aren’t going anywhere either…

But Frankie & Jackie-babe?

Yeah. Those little shits came in and stole the top spot. 👑😂💙

I laughed. I swooned. I stressed. I got emotional. I probably yelled at my Kindle more than once. And I loved every single fucking second of it. 💙⚾️

And Lizzie? At this point, just take my money. Whatever you write next, I’m there. 😂💸📚

If you haven’t started this universe yet… WHAT ARE YOU EVEN DOING?! 😂 Go. GO NOW. 🏃🏻‍♀️💨📚

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

[Julia Toth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I picked up by this author, and I absolutely loved it! Frankie and Jackson make such a great couple! Their story(and them) were so sweet and very funny. I loved the great found family they have in this book, it's fun and also very supportive.
While I was reading this book I was either cackling, kicking my feet or just smiling down at my kindle. I loved every moment of this story and how well everything turned out.
I really enjoyed Frankie and Jackson's story and how everything came to be. I loved the flirting and the slowish build. I loved Frankie's sass and his whole vibe and I also loved Jackson's bashfulness. I loved seeing Jackson come out of his shell and finally feel free to live for himself. I loved how much he loved and cherished Frankie. I loved their sweet and tender moments, and boy did they have a bunch of those. I kept finding myself just smiling at what they were doing.
I loved getting to know they other characters, and now I absolutely need to go and read all of their stories as well. They are such a fun bunch with constant jokes, banter, but also unconditional love between them.

This was a great read, one that made me swoon but also laugh out loud. Pick this up if you'd like to read about a broody baseball player find his happily ever after with a sassy actuary.

[Amanda Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frankie and Jackson were such a great couple! I spent most of this book either cackling, kicking my feet or just smiling at my Kindle.

I loved their chemistry and the slowish build between them. Frankie is all sass and confidence, while Jackson is much more reserved and bashful. Watching Jackson slowly come out of his shell and finally start living for himself was so sweet, especially seeing how much Frankie cherished and supported him.

The found family was another favourite part for me. This group is hilarious, full of banter and constant jokes, but they also genuinely love and support each other. Watching them welcome Jackson into the fold was just heartwarming.

Frankie’s sass, Jackson’s sweetness, all the flirting and those little tender moments between them had me completely invested. And now I absolutely need to go back and read the other books because I need more of this group!

A fun, swoony sports romance with great chemistry, plenty of laughs and a HEA that these two absolutely deserved. Definitely a home run for me!

[Megan reads now! · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hiding in the Outfield gives us Frankie and Jackson, two characters who initially seem like they couldn't be more different. Jackson has spent years keeping himself locked down, hiding huge pieces of who he is while convincing himself that baseball is enough. Frankie, meanwhile, is all sass, confidence and unapologetic sexuality.

Except, of course, neither of them is quite that simple.

And that's where Koz still shines for me. She gives her characters actual layers. Jackson's journey isn't just about coming out or falling in love. It's about slowly allowing himself to want things he's spent years believing he couldn't have. And Frankie may be the one helping Jackson figure out what he wants, but underneath all that confidence is someone with his own hurts, insecurities and ideas about what he's worthy of receiving.

So basically, we've got two sad boys helping each other heal while falling stupidly in love. Give it to me.

But the found family is my favorite part of this series. The Jetties crew continues to seduce me. They're loud. They're crazy. They're supportive. They're occasionally a pain in the ass. And when one of their own needs them, they SHOW UP. I mean, the group chat says it all.

My only tiny gripe? This baby is LONG. At just over 500 pages, there were a few places where I felt the story could've been tightened up without losing any of its emotional impact. But I still happily hung around.

I'm definitely coming back for the next emotionally compromised baseball player.

Read it.

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Why was this so long? It needed 150 pages chopped. The story itself was cute and sappy, but it had way too much filler and repetition. I stand on my soapbox that contemporary romances do NOT need to be 500 pages. Or 400 pages.

[Christina Sturgill · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC

[Heather O'Dell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hiding in the Outfield is book three, if you count the prequel, in the series Bridgeport Jetties: The Call-Up Years.

Frankie is beautiful. He knows it, and all the boys know it. Unfortunately, all those boys seem to want is his body. He fell in love once, and was destroyed by the betrayal of his partner. Several years later, we find him living in Providence, Rhode Island in a home he has filled with his brother and best friend, who plays for the Bridgeport Jetties farm team in Providence, and several of his teammates, three of whom appeared in books 1 and 2). Frankie loves to hang out with his little brother, and frequently with the rest of his team.

Enter Jackson, a new player on the team with impossible dimples that Frankie notices immediately. Jackson can’t seem to keep his eyes off Frankie, who is an incredibly sassy flirt with all the guys on the team. But Jackson was raised to believe being gay is wrong, and he has hidden himself behind homophobic people who are a great cover, one of whom is HIS friend Dev. Jackson believes that acting homophobic will keep anyone from thinking he is gay.

But when Jackson gives in to his lifelong urges and kisses Frankie in a dark hallway and Dev sees him, all hell breaks loose! Frankie is injured and Jackson feel guilty.

Will Jackson ever admit his truth? Can he get over his own internalized homophobia? Can his teammates forgive his homophobic ways? Will his promising career in baseball be enough to keep him in the closet? And even if he overcomes all of that, can Frankie forgive Jackson? And can Frankie ever believe that someone wants him for more than just a one-night stand?

What we have here is a tender tale of coming out in your twenties after having been raised surrounded by homophobia, set in the world of minor league baseball. The damage that was done to Jackson’s psyche is so hard to overcome, but it CAN be overcome. A found family becomes the soft and safe space for eventual healing. And yes, I cried a few times at the tender moments.

Books 1 and 2 gave us characters to appear here as a supporting (and supportive) cast of teammates and close friends, my favourite being Shane from book 2… such a sweet Golden Retriever. He and sassy pants Frankie are absolute riots and had me cackling.

Oh, have I mentioned that this book is EXTRA spicy??? Yup. Mmhm.

So if baseball, hard bodies, spicy times, soft hearts, tender healing, and laugh out loud rom com humour are your thing, you’ll want to read Hiding in the Outfield by Lizzie Coz when it comes out on September 17.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ughhh, I could read another 300 pages about these two! Congratulations, Mrs. Koz, you have officially solidified your spot on my auto-buy list!

I don’t even know where to begin with these two wonderful men. Maybe with a tight squeeze for having to go through some seriously crappy things.

Sweet baby Jackson was so far in the dang closet, may have well been his address. He surrounded himself with some terrible people in an attempt to keep up the cover of being straight. And sure, maybe it worked for a while. But then one look at Frankie, and suddenly he was longing for something he never thought he could have until his ball career was over. Jackson wasn’t exactly the greatest person in the previous books, but I genuinely think he redeemed himself here.

And Frankie? A force of nature. Always unapologetically himself, and there was absolutely no shame when it came to going after something or someone he wanted. After getting screwed over by an ex, he convinced himself that he was only good for a fun time and that no one would ever truly want to stick around. When, deep deep down, that was all he ever wanted. It really broke my heart getting to see inside his head. He covered up his pain and what he really wanted with witty comebacks, a lot of flirting, and being a little extra all the time.

The way these two connected on an emotional level was beautiful. Watching Jackson work through his internalized homophobia and slowly become more comfortable in his own skin was quite literally everything. And Frankie was there every step of the way. Giving Jackson the patience, support, and love he needed. Frankie was the hope and light Jackson needed in his life. Watching these sweet babies get everything they wanted and more was EVERYTHING.

I can’t forget the found family that Lizzie has created throughout this series. They are all so welcoming and supportive. They remind you that family isn’t always blood. It’s the ones who always show up. Love you just as you are. And make you feel like you belong. I seriously freakin love them

Basically, I adore these two, I adore this series, and apparently I will now be buying anything Lizzie puts in front of me.

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

[Jordy - Hard Earned and Slow Burn HEAs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back with the Bridgeport Jetties and so happy to be here!

I found book one on Instagram shortly after release and quickly downloaded it and the prequel devouring both over the course of a few days. They were amazing and I immediately fell in love with the team, the author's writing style and the baseball setting. I've watched exactly zero baseball games in my entire life, but these books have made me a fan lol. I recommend reading at least book one before getting stuck into this one. You meet both main characters in this book as side characters in book one, so you'll get a bit of background and insight if you've read book one before tackling this one.

The first twenty percent or so of this book was a rough ride for poor old Jackson and Frankie. If you've read book one, you'll know what happens to these two, and the first twenty percent is the events leading up to that moment followed by the immediate aftermath. There were bits and pieces of it in book one, but it's obviously much more fleshed out in this book as we are seeing the events from the eyes of the characters this time around, so everything packed a much heavier punch.

My heart really went out to Jackson. I can't imagine living the way that he was in the first portion of this story, denying himself and turning himself into the very thing he hated. Lives are not meant to be lived in a closet. His inner thoughts during those moments were truly heart breaking. His family sucked - well most of them - but fortunately, he found his place amongst his fellow baseball players.

Frankie was the soul of this book. He breathed all sorts of life into the pages and into Jackson. Helped him figure out it's ok to be yourself, helped him gain strength and courage, guided him through all of the initial hesitation with so much patience and kindness. And in return? He found himself someone who truly loved him for him - all his parts, even the glitter covered ones.

I highly recommend reading this book, or the whole series really, especially if you're a fan of MM romance, sports romance, opposites attract and strong found family vibes. I will be purchasing shelf copies for sure and can't wait for more from this world. I would also love to read Jackson's brothers story and hope we will get that as well one day.

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

I genuinely don’t know how I’m supposed to put everything I’m feeling about this book into words. I finished this with so many emotions running through me, but more than anything, I just felt this overwhelming sense of love and joy for these guys. Like I’d been completely wrapped up in Frankie and Jackson’s world for a little while and I wasn’t ready to leave it.

I knew I was going to love these two, but I don’t think I was prepared for just how much. Frankie and Jackson completely stole my f*cking heart. Their relationship was beautiful, messy, emotional, funny and so incredibly them. There were moments that made me laugh, moments that hurt, some that had me wanting to reach into the book and hug them, and so many little moments between them that just made my heart ridiculously happy.

Jackson… I knew he was special from the moment we met him in Stealing Forever, his story was everything I hoped it would be. Watching him navigate everything he was carrying, while slowly allowing himself to want more and believe that maybe he could actually have more, was beautiful. I loved watching him slowly come out of his shell and find a place where he could just be himself.

And Frankie… my sweet Frankie. 🥹 There is so much more to him than the confident, shameless flirt we see on the surface. Getting to understand his past, the hurt behind some of that confidence and just how deeply he feels absolutely broke my heart. He gives so much of himself to the people he loves, and seeing someone finally choose him and love him exactly as he is was everything. Frankie is simply one of a kind, and I’m so glad he found his person. Nobody puts Frankie in the corner. IYKYK. 😂

And how happy I was to see all the other characters again. 🥹 Being back with the Jetties crew and getting those little moments with everyone made me ridiculously happy, but it was also so much fun meeting some new characters along the way. I love their friendships, their relationships and all the chaos that comes with them. At this point, I’m way too attached to this whole group and I’m not even sorry about it.

And I loved that what started with undeniable attraction, some sex lessons and a little fake boyfriend situation became so much more. For me, this book was never really about the spice. It was about everything that came from it and what their story became. Feeling safe enough to be yourself, allowing yourself to want more, to be loved exactly as you are, friendship, family, acceptance and finding your people. There was just something so comforting about this book underneath all the emotions, and I think that’s why it hit me as hard as it did.

I loved this book so f*cking much. Lizzie just has a way of making me feel everything with her characters, and she’s managed to do it to me with every damn book. 😂 I genuinely didn’t want this one to end. I could have stayed with Frankie and Jackson for another 500 pages and still not have been ready to let them go. And when it did end, I just sat there for a minute because I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to them.

Jankie, you have my whole heart. 💙⚾️

[morganizedchaos_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hiding In The Outfield by @lizzieckoz was absolutely fabulous.

I was invested in this story from the very beginning and I could not put this book down.

Frankie's heartbreak and Jackson's personal struggles were written in a way that made them seem relatable as people not just far fetched characters in a book. The growth these two went through together was at moments heartbreaking but so important.

It was all just so well written. Nothing felt rushed or forced and honestly I could have just kept reading & reading Frankie & Jackson's story.

Hiding In The Outfield made my heart hurt & made me smile - but I was pulling for those two so hard the whole time!

10/10 recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Josephine Thornton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Foreword PR and Lizzie C. Koz for the ARC — this review is my honest opinion.

Hiding in the Outfield is the second book in the Bridgeport Jetties series. This one's centred on Frankie and Jackson. I truly enjoyed this book. A lot of the scenes were humorous.I really enjoyed spotting characters from the other books in this one. Jackson's story is so heartbreaking. He needed to conquer both his internalized homophobia and his family's homophobia. Frankie showing him the way was really cool. Jackson being there was good for Frankie too, since he never expected someone to pick him to love.

If you're into MM sports romances, you'll love this one.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

YESSSSS!! This book was EVERYTHING!!

Frankie just became my favorite EVER!!

He and Jackson - perfection. GAH!!

I want to read this story all over again and just soak up all the deliciousness - both in and out of the bedroom.

Jackson, oh sweet Jackson. You are the redemption ARC I didn't know I needed til this book.

Frankie!! He won me over with his outgoing personality but his compassion and deep understanding of Jackson won me over. I need Frankie as my best friend.

Lizzie, thank you for writing a story that is so relevant in today's society. It's raw, real and authentic in so many ways.

This story had me cracking up so much, made me deeply emotional and had me celebrating all the wins with them.

HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this one!!

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hiding in the Outfield is the second book in the Bridgeport Jetties: the Call-up Years and can be read as a standalone. This is a steamy, hurt/comfort, found family, teammates brother read about Jackson and Frankie. Another fantastic book in the series, I loved the storyline and the characters. Even though it can easily be read as a standalone, I would suggest reading the prequal and the first book, it's not necessary to but it's just that good. I am so excited for more from Lizzie.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh let me tell you how sweet this dang book was. Seeing how open and ready Frankie was to do anything to help Jackson melted me. The first two in this series had me in tears, heartbroken and sad but this one.... THIS ONE ugh Lizzie you out did yourself! I'm a big BIG fan of this series! I can't wait to see what else you have in atore for us....

Oh and best line......
Roses are red
Violets are blue
Karma's a bitch
Fuck you Deverexu!!!! (And Nick also)

[ashlee ❤ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackson + Frankie

-mm baseball romance
-teammates brother
-sad boy x sassy boy
-touch + love starved mc
-hurt/comfort
-yearning x10000
-found family

i’m addicted yall & lowkey wanted to throw up with this one!! prayers will be needed!! i wanna wrap ollie-baby up in a fxkn hug so bad!!

[ReadingRed125 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m really enjoying this series. The books do seem a little drawn out but they are cute, the group of friends are great, and their convos are hilarious!

[Jine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so so excited for this book and it didn’t disappoint one bit!!!
This story is about Frankie and Jackson who we met in book 1
Frankie is super over the top flirty glittery and fabulous
Jackson is quiet kinda sullen and to the outside he’s considered homophobic because of his best friend but he’s hiding that he’s gay
I love how instantly Frankie through Jackson off like he couldn’t stop staring or stuttering when Frankie flirted with him! I truly forgot how bad the fight was when Frankie got hurt and just because Jackson wanted to kiss Frankie his immediate reaction to shove him away when his best friend saw was hurtful but oh my god when he went to see him he was so sad
These boys both of them broken so bad
Jackson hides in his remarks and Frankie with his flirtation
Jackson’s family is horrible that’s why he’s hiding none of them would accept him or so he thought
Frankie was burned when his boyfriend turned out to have a secret life and a wife! Nick was a POS!
Frankie offered Jackson a safe space to learn and be himself to explore his sexuality without stress to have the boyfriend experience without getting hurt
Turns out neither is as good as they think about hiding their feelings because they both fall and hard! I love that Frankie is Jackson’s safe space and they learn to cuddle and just be!
I love that we get to revisit our found family! How the guys we’ll most of them accept Jackson but they are wary! But the conversations and the text messages and group chats cracked me up! But we got to see SO much of our sunshine shane!! I loved how the guys were in the story too!
Jackson was so damn strong when he went to the diner with his parents and finally told them how he wants to live his life! He was proud of who he was he may have lost his parents but he gained a friendship with his brother!!
So after they both realized that they wanted to be together Jackson gets called up and has to leave but they vow to get through it together! The thing that made me mad was when Frankie tried to switch offices and Nick propositioned him! Like dude you’re gross! Frankie’s like naw I’m out I quit! Oh but Nicks karma was delicious!!
I love that frankie got nicks job! He deserved it so much!!
But that kissssss after Jackson won the World Series! Maaaam that was so damn special!
Ugh no one deserved a hea more than these two and I have SO many fav moments from this book!!

Jackson Olander. You are a mystery, aren’t you?

Just a foot pressed against mine, the heat of a leg burning into me. A subtle reminder of connection.

“Oh, Ollie-babe, your balls are definitely safe with me.” I wink. Olander’s eyes go wide, and his cheeks flush the prettiest pink. Oh, Ollie-baby. You can have a taste, love. I won’t tell anyone.

My sweet baby Jackson!

“What’s it like?” I whisper. “To be free?” Those bright eyes fall, the light, the sparkle, instantly snuffed out. “Damn, Jackson. You’re breaking my heart.”

“I want to be that person.” My brows scrunch as I try to blink myself back to the present. “What?” My brain isn’t functioning right now. “The one you go slow with.” He brushes his nose against mine, and my heart takes a tentative step forward. “I want to show you everything, Jackie.” “Woof.”

Michaels’s face breaks into his typical too-wide grin. “Welcome to the team, bro.”

“The bar soap, Jackie. I got you some oatmeal goat milk soap.” The heat in his eyes softens. “Should be safe for your sensitive skin.”

“I left a…hickey.” His grin breaks free. “Stop.” I shake my finger at him. “Stop being so fucking cute. It should be a damn crime.” He just swats my finger away, grin not faltering in the least. “I’ve never given someone a hickey before.” “Yeah. I got that, Mr. I’m Oh-so Pleased With Myself.”

“Hey, Storm Cloud. I’m with the boys. We’re having a debate, and I was hoping you could weigh in.” “Sure thing. What’s going on?” “So, we’re trying to determine who gives the best head.” “What the fuck! Shane, you cannot blow another guy, even if it’s only for competitive purposes.”

“I want to soak this in,” he whispers. “This moment. For a little while longer.”

Michaels Yoooooo. Creating a group chat so we can help our newest recruit. Bring on the gay sex tips! The chat group title changes to Just the Tip.

Michaels I thought it was a nice gesture, given Olander came to us for help the other day. Now he can have access to us anytime he needs blowjob tips.

Stone I hate you all. Me Grandpa’s grumpy today. *Stone leaves chat* *Stone is added back to chat* Michaels Nice try, babe.

“Hey, Olliebear,” Michaels says. “Hi…” I cock my head. “Olliebear?” He scoffs. “Um, it’s your nickname, bro. Obviously. You’re a fucking bear. And you’re Olander. Olander plus bear. Olliebear. It’s not nuclear physics.”

I stare at the navy blue and dusky violet bracelet. “What’s that?” I curse how hoarse my voice comes out. Because I think I know what it is. I’ve seen them on Maddox, Winters, and Nebs. Michaels’s mouth hooks up on one side. “It’s your friendship bracelet, Olliebear.” My throat closes over, and I frown hard against the sting behind my eyes. Oh.
“Officially one of the crew,” he murmurs. I grunt. A small smile curves his lips, and he knocks my knee with his. Officially one of the crew.

Mrs. Nebiolo waves it off. “Yes, yes. Baseball, everything revolves around baseball. But I’m sure this nice young man is more than his position on the Clippers. Nice to meet you, Jackson.” She smiles up at me. More than his position. I’m not. Not to my family. Not to me.

The dirty dancing references were SO damn cute! I love that it’s the first movie they watched together

“Oh, loverboyyy.” He takes a step closer, but then stops, those pouty lips spread into a wide grin. Smug and boyish all at once. God, he’s fucking cute when he’s having fun. I lean forward and catch his shirt, tugging him in. “Baby,” I sing softly. That does it. He steps between my legs. “My sweet baby,” I murmur. He kisses me. You’re the one.

My heart falters, and my lungs stall. “Was?” He sniffs, red-rimmed brown eyes glassy. “I’ve gone and done it again.” “What have you done?” I say in a hoarse whisper. “I’ve fallen in love with you.” Everything stops. “I’m in love with you, and it hurts so fucking much.”

“You’re right, Frankie. You deserve someone who loves you out loud. Who wants the entire world to know how lucky they are to have your love, to get to love you in return.”“I want to be that person.” My smile freezes on my face. A-what now? “I beg your finest pardon.” He tugs me close, and my chest crashes into his. He cups the back of my head, blue eyes resolute. “I want to be that person.” My withering heart stalls, life trickling back into it. “W-what?” I breathe. “I want to be the one who gets to love you.” His fingers dig into my skull. Our breaths mingle in the inch of space between us. “I want the world to know I’m that lucky man.”

“I’m not walking. I’m not running. With you…” His lips skim over mine. “With you, I fly.”

I’m already kind of seeing someone.” Mom’s eyes light up, and she starts clapping. “And he’s really amazing.”
“There is nothing to fix.”“No.” My fists tighten. “I realize this is a lot for you to take in. But there’s nothing to change, nothing to fix. I’m gay, Dad. And pretty fucking happy about it.” A breath eases from me. That felt really fucking good.

My brother freezes. I’m not sure how long we stand there, but then he’s making for me and wrapping his arms around me. He squeezes me so tight my back pops. My heart’s taken up residence in my throat because this…this feels like something good, right? Something positive? “Fuck them,” he whispers.

“I told them.” His words are muffled in my shirt, but he might as well have screamed them. I manage to pry myself from him and grip his face. “You what?” I search those red-rimmed blue eyes. Oh God. Red-rimmed. “Jackie, what happened? What’d they say? What’d they do?” My blood boils over. “Dear fucking God, who do I need to kill?” I will murder. I will fucking dismember. “What’s going on? Why is Frankie killing people? Should I grab a bat?

bread and tears off a piece as he watches me. “People put too much emphasis on blood. I’m a firm believer that blood doesn’t equate to family. Shane’s mom has been more of a mother to me than my birth mother ever was. Just because you share genes doesn’t mean you owe them anything. They’ve proven they’re undeserving of you.” “I suppose you’re right. I’ve felt more at home at the townhouse than I ever did in my childhood home

But I more wanted you to know, just because you don’t have your parents anymore, doesn’t mean you don’t have a family. We’ve grown a tiny bit fond of you, Olander. Fuck knows why.”

He nods toward my bracelet. “You’re one of us now.”

“Shane’s more golden retriever; you’re more chocolate lab.” “Newfoundland,”

“I’m making plans for…coming out.”“I talked some strategy with Pebs. I think I have an idea of how I’d like to go about it, but there are a lot of moving pieces, one of which is getting signed with an agent who will stand behind me. I, uh, actually have a meeting with Stone’s agent tomorrow morning.”

“I know it seems fast⁠—” I scoff. “Zero to fucking sixty, Jackson.”

“I don’t understand. This is risky, Jackie. And it’s going to add so much more stress and pressure on you. Don’t you think it makes sense to at least start your major league career before you consider this? You being out is very different from someone like me being out. I’m no one important⁠—” “You are everything,” he cuts me off.

He cradles my jaw. “You. Are. Everything.” We’ll handle anything that comes our way.” “We?” I search those hypnotic silver-blue eyes, and my hands land on his waist. “I know you said I needed to do this for me. And I am, Frankie. Getting to have you by my side, getting to acknowledge you as my boyfriend, that’s for me. It’s what I want more than anything.” “Holy fucking shit.” The words fly from me in a stunned breath.

I’m in love with you and want the world to know it.”“I choose you, Francesco Nebiolo.”

“I’m going to prove it to you, Frankie.” His fingers tighten in my hair, pulling my attention back to those serious blue eyes. “I want you to be mine. My man. My partner.” My world tilts. “And I want to be yours.”

“What do you say?” His whisper puffs over my lips. “Will you be my boyfriend, Frankie? For all the world to see?” My fingers dig into his sides, latch on as everything around me goes unsteady. I nod, my lips trembling as they tilt into a smile. “Y-yeah, dolcezza. Let’s do this.”

“I’m going to California. You better believe I’ll be waiting for him when he finishes his first big league game.”

“Dolcezza,” I whisper. Those blue eyes well up. “Baby, no. This is going to be okay.”

Michaels Roses are redddd, violets are blue, karma’s a bitch, fuck you Devereux!

Absolutely died LOL “Francesco Mario Luigi Wario Nebiolo, you tell me what happened right now.”

“Go ahead, Jed,” Chuck says. “Would it be helpful if Jackson wasn’t the only one? To…take some of the heat off.”

“That’s interesting, Jed.” I study Jed, but he’s unreadable. “You don’t have to do that,” I say quietly. “The press doesn’t bother me. I grew up with eyes on me. My time is coming soon anyway. Not sure how much longer I have it in me to wait until I put a ring on that finger and make sure the entire world knows Shane belongs to me.”

“We’re discussing Jackson having just come out on national television.” Shane jumps in Jed’s arms. “Yasss! It was beautiful.” He looks up at Jed over his shoulder. “Wasn’t it beautiful? Like The Notebook level romantic. Not a dry eye in the house after that.”

“Yes, it was quite the moment,” Chuck says. “And will be a moment the media salivates over—good and bad—for a while. Jed has brought up the possibility of coming out with Jackson.” Shane’s eyes pop wide, and he spins around. “JJ? Really? I support you one hundred percent.” He spins back around. “I’ll come out too. Just tell me when, where, how, what to wear, what we’re eating⁠—” Jed squeezes the back of Shane’s neck lightly, and Shane cuts off. A soft blush blooms on his cheeks. “Sorry, bros. Get carried away sometimes.”

You calling me your owner, Sunshine?

[abookwithacupoftea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It's sweet, fun, emotional, and as mentioned in other reviews the found family in this series is everything. I loved both Frankie and Jackson and their story, I loved how Frankie is there for Jackson to help him to just be himself, I loved the tender moments between them. Well I was smiling a lot reading this book and I recommend it. My only small complaint it is that is maybe a bit too long and sometimes repetitive.

This is the second book of the series (third if you consider the prequel novella), can be read as a standalone.

I got an ARC and this is my honest review

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

Yall, I freaking love Frankie and Jackson so much!

Their story had me completely hooked from the beginning, and the combination of angst, yearning, hurt/comfort, and found family was so good. Jackson’s struggle with hiding such a huge part of himself felt genuinely heartbreaking, while Frankie brought exactly the right amount of sass, warmth, and emotional chaos to balance him out.

The chemistry between these two was 🔥, but what really got me was the emotional payoff. Watching Jackson slowly realize that he doesn’t have to keep hiding—and that there are people who will love and support him exactly as he is—was everything.

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
⚾️ MM romance
⚾️ Hurt x Comfort
⚾️ Yearning x1000
⚾️ Touch-Starved
⚾️ Sad Boy x Sassy Boy
⚾️ Found Family
⚾️ Friend Crew Group Chats
⚾️ First times and 🌶️ Lessons
⚾️ Cooking as a love language
⚾️ Rewriting the past into a hopeful, happy future 🥹

[Kristina Buhay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frankie and Jackson… these two boys stole my heart and their relationship?!? It was messy, beautiful, emotional, and so them it was perfect!

Jackson, oh sweet child. My heart hurt for him. He carries the world on his shoulders. Slowly, brick by brick, his walls come down when he allows himself to believe that he doesn’t have to be the product of his upbringing and he can have more. Watching Jackson become confident, face his family, and find a family that lets him be himself made me so happy.

And Frankie, sweet sweet Frankie. The confident, flirty, gorgeous boy wears a mask to hide the pain and protect his heart. He gives so much of himself to those he loves all while believing he doesn’t deserve the same consideration. Frankie deserves everything and I’m so happy he found his person.

This book will stay with me for a long time. What a heartfelt, emotionally charged, roller coaster of a story. Lizzie did a phenomenal job making you feel what the MCs felt. When Jackson broke, I broke. When Frankie’s heart flutters, mine did too. The story was a beautiful narrative about two lost boys who found themselves and a family that supports and loves them for who they are.

[Candice Lee · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Am I ashamed to say this is my first Lizzie C Koz book? YES!
Will it be my last? NO!
This book is unbelievably sweet the way that Jackson finds himself after everything IS everything.
The way he acted in the beginning and where he ended up at the end is a beautiful story of how once you find your safe place you can truly just exist.
The way the writing on the wall manifested itself for Jackson and Frankie was inevitable. Every reader knows faking a relationship or teach me lessons almost always end up in a forever kind of love.
Frankie has been hurt deeply yet he doesn’t become jaded. He uses his over the top, pretty character that he magnified after heartbreak to lure in and create a safe space for Jackson to let his walls down and experience, love and tenderness for the first time. Jackson or Frankie ask too much of each other, but rather meet each other in a place all of their own.
While this book is full of heart, there are some moments (like the group chat and the banter between teammates) that adds lightness to this book.
Neither Frankie or Jackson could have avoided how they turned out together and happy.
This book deals with some heavy themes of homophobia, both internal and external Lizzie handles these with care and a realness that will have me coming back to her books again.
What I loved most about Hiding in the Outfield was the found family Jackson found himself in and the courage he found within himself to be free.

[JuQuinthe Norman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hiding in the Outfield by Lizzie C. Koz was an awesome read. 💙 I love a good sports romance.⚾️ 🧢 This baseball romance was a wild ride. Lizzie did a great with this book. 🥰🥹😍💙💙

Jackson & Frankie had a bumpy start because Jackson was a new closeted gay baseball player. Frankie is openly older gay brother of another baseball Paulie. Frankie is a a big a flirt. He can tell can tell that shy Jackson is closeted after seeing him bar with the players. One night Jackson and Frankie sneak off to kiss.

However another bigot player Dev catches them in the bar hallway and beats up Frankie very badly. 😭

Jackson felt guilty for not doing enough to help Frankie and sneaking off to kiss him feels guilty. Jackson turns in Dev to the higher up as the baseball league. I loved Jackson's self journey to self acceptance from being gay. I love how Jackson redeems himself with Frankie and all the players on team including Paulie, Shane, & Easton.

Frankie finally finds love with Jackson who chose him 1st and gets closure from his horrible ex boyfriend who had a wife and was pregnant.

I love Jackson and Frankie's love story once they communicate. Jackson comes outside publicly. Sadly his parents and not accepting but his older brother Jake is accepting.

The spicy scenes were so hot! I felt the scenes between these two they even had a really phone call scene too. Hod damn! 🔥 🥵 🫠

I'm glad they finally got heir hea in San Francisco together. 🙌🏽 🥰

5 stars Overall rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3 Spicy Rating - 🌶 🌶 🌶

I got an arc of this book. This is my honest opinion.

[Ana Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this book😭 I want to hold Jackson so tight and never let him go. My poor baby boy had to grow up surrounded by people who only saw his stats not the person. People who constantly berated the very thing he was. No wonder he had so much self hate if that’s all he ever knew.

Jackson lived in a constant internal conflict because he couldn’t be himself. He couldn’t be the person that his family hated. Having to go along with the slurs and derogatory words he’s heard all his life in order to fit him was eating him up inside. He wanted to be able to speak up against those who used such language but in doing so, it’d make him a target.

He couldn’t be seen as being tolerant of queer people or they’d find out his secret. And when he meets the brightest light in the shape of Francesco Nebiolo, Jackson’s world turns upside down. Frankie was sunshine personified and just being around him made Jackson feel things a straight man shouldn’t be feeling.

Frankie was the light everyone gravitated to. He was beautiful, loud and so unapologetically himself. He was flirty and sweet and the guy nobody kept. Frankie was the guy who helped others find themselves, but not the one any of them wanted to settle down with.

He had given up on finding the right man after he was blindsided by his ex. He came to the conclusion that he would forever be the guy who helped others find their happiness while he wilted away.

Frankie had a knack for seeing beyond what people wanted to show and he could tell that Jackson had a huge secret. To everyone else, Jackson was just another jock who wanted to show how manly he was by being a homophobic jerk, but Frankie saw the pain and the loneliness behind those eyes. He knew there was more to Jackson than meets the eye.

Being called out for his behavior was a wake up call for Jackson. It made him realize that he needed to change the company he kept. Wanting to fit in with the wrong people was only making him lonelier and more of an outcast. He saw how tight knit Paulie and the rest of his teammates were and that was the kind of people he wanted to be around.

But no matter how hard Jackson tried to keep his distance from Frankie, there was a pull between them he couldn’t deny. Frankie had the power to bring him to his knees and he wouldn’t be able to stop him. Giving in to that pull was the beginning of the best and worst thing that ever happened to him. The best because for the first time in his life he was giving himself permission to be himself. And the worst because his actions nearly cost him Frankie.

That incident finally snapped him out of the deep rooted fear of speaking up. It also gave him the courage to for the first time go after what he really wanted and he wanted Frankie.

Frankie knew nothing could come out of getting involved with closeted men. He’d been there and knew how the story ended, but that didn’t stop him from doing it. Somehow he knew Jackson was worth the pain.

Jackson never expected to fall so hard for the spitfire that was Frankie Nebiolo. Neither was he prepared to be willing to risk it all for him. He knew he’d never find another man like him. Frankie deserved to be loved in the open and Jackson wouldn’t be the one to keep him hidden like a dirty secret.

“𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒍𝒐𝒖𝒅. 𝑾𝒉𝒐 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒍𝒖𝒄𝒌𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆, 𝒕𝒐 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒊𝒏 𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏. 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏.”

I loved this book so much! All three books in this series have been amazing. I loved how tight these guys are and how despite everything they’ve been through, they found the best found family. Awesome job by Lizzie. Can’t recommend this book enough.

[Nina D · Rating 4 out of 5]

(I got this book as an ARC. Very grateful for that!)

I'm gonna try to keep it as spoiler free as humanly possible!

This books was like coming back home after a long day at work. It felt good. And I'm not gonna lie, once I picked it up, I couldn't put it back down until I finished it.

I was so happy the whole crew was back. It makes sense, since they live in the same place, but more often than not the characters of the other books in series like this don't show up anymore. Not here. Here they were an integral part of the story and I loved every single moment of it. Found family is my favorite literary trope of all times and I'm so unbelievably happy this book explored it a lot.

The chemistry between the main couple is good. So so good. I love the fact that Frankie subverted quite a few stereotypes when it comes to characters that are more flamboyant and it was really nice to read how he was the one guiding Jackson in his journey. But I also love that he was his own character, he had his own life, his own insecurities and he stood on his own feet. He was a very well fleshed out character and I'm glad, because sometimes when you have a more feminine kind of character, that's all he is and nothing else matters about him.

Talking about Jackson, there's a lot of grace extended to him throughout the book, everybody is very understanding of the whole situation, which can demand a bit of a suspension of disbelief at some times. But I don't think it's bad or anything, it's more on the field of keeping everything hopeful. He does regret his past and you can see his internal struggle, which is good because it's growth and he deserves that as a character.

I'm not an angst kinda gal, and I do love some hurt/comfort from time to time, but I gotta say... Angst in this book is SUPER LOW. I think it's the only thing that it mad me feel kinda meh about the whole book. Because homophobia is a very heavy subject and I think it could have been more explored, even more when we're talking about Jackson's relationship with his family. But at the same time, this is a very feel good kind of book, so I understand not having a heavy angst moment. If you don't like angst, don't worry because it's very light, the book's entire vibe leans heavily on warmth. But if you really wanna angst, you won't find a lot here. I do think you should give the book a chance anyways, tho.

Also, I know absolutely nothing about baseball, so I'll say that the parts of the book that talked about baseball went right over my head. Most of the time I was confused until the end of the scene where my brain was like "oh, ok, this is good. Nice!" but there's not much of it, so it's nothing that will weight down your reading.

The spicy parts were so good too. I love me some "teaching" moments and this book was full of them. They explore together and it's nice, it feels natural, Frankie is extremely accepting and patient and I feel like this says a lot about his character too. Jackson, sweet sweet thing, is adorable throughout his entire discovery journey and I'm glad he had a really good time, with a really good teacher.

To summarize, I really liked the book. It's sweet, and warm, and walking this journey with Frankie and Jackson, and the whole family, was really fun. They are all hilarious together and so supportive of each other. They're all really lovely and I can't wait for the next chapter in this little family's story.