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Quick Bites: MM Short Stories #1
Hidden Feelings
Having a massive crush on your straight roommate is the definition of bad life choices.
But here I am, hopelessly falling for Derek Garner, my best friend, and the one guy I shouldn’t want but can’t stop thinking about.
It’s not just his stupidly perfect smile or the way his laugh makes my chest ache. It’s how he’s always there when I need him, how he somehow became the most important person in my life. And yeah, it’s killing me.
He’ll never see me that way, and I’d never risk screwing up the one good thing we’ve got.
At least, that’s what I thought . . . until the party.
There was a dare. We kissed.
And now, everything’s different.
Hidden Feelings is a short MM story dripping with all the good vibes. A quick read to enjoy during your lunch break.
But here I am, hopelessly falling for Derek Garner, my best friend, and the one guy I shouldn’t want but can’t stop thinking about.
It’s not just his stupidly perfect smile or the way his laugh makes my chest ache. It’s how he’s always there when I need him, how he somehow became the most important person in my life. And yeah, it’s killing me.
He’ll never see me that way, and I’d never risk screwing up the one good thing we’ve got.
At least, that’s what I thought . . . until the party.
There was a dare. We kissed.
And now, everything’s different.
Hidden Feelings is a short MM story dripping with all the good vibes. A quick read to enjoy during your lunch break.
54 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 15, 2025
16 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Gen Blackwell
6 books30 followersGen Blackwell writes MM contemporary romance. She adores crafting beautifully imperfect characters and delivering heartwarming endings.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
January 17, 2025
Ky has a massive crush on his roommate, but Derek is straight. When Derek offers to be his wingman, Ky jumps at the chance to move on and find a hook up. But one kiss between them changes everything.
I don't really know what the cutoff is between short story and novella - this is a very quick read but still feels complete and just the right length. It was quick and cute, very low angst. I think if your 'straight' roommate gets a nipple piercing just because you think it would look cool, you should both question if he's really straight lol.
Rating: 3.25 stars
Angst: 1/5
Steam: 2/5
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
It was always like this. Being near him was like being hit by lightning. Every time. But not for him. Only for me.
The torture.
I don't really know what the cutoff is between short story and novella - this is a very quick read but still feels complete and just the right length. It was quick and cute, very low angst. I think if your 'straight' roommate gets a nipple piercing just because you think it would look cool, you should both question if he's really straight lol.
Rating: 3.25 stars
Angst: 1/5
Steam: 2/5
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
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March 27, 2025
MM Romance
Truth or Dare
3.5 Stars ⭐️
Despite this only being 54 pages, I felt like I got to know both MCs and I enjoyed their relationship both as just friends and eventually lovers. I love a good truth or dare bi-awakening especially when it’s a roommate and they realize from a kiss that they’ve always been oblivious to the fact they were hot for their bestie. It was short and hot and I’ll definitely read the rest of this series.
Truth or Dare
3.5 Stars ⭐️
Despite this only being 54 pages, I felt like I got to know both MCs and I enjoyed their relationship both as just friends and eventually lovers. I love a good truth or dare bi-awakening especially when it’s a roommate and they realize from a kiss that they’ve always been oblivious to the fact they were hot for their bestie. It was short and hot and I’ll definitely read the rest of this series.
January 7, 2025
I love a fun, minimal angst roommates to lovers mixed with a bi-awakening. These two have such great chemistry and I loved their slow awakening to their mutual attraction and feelings for one another. It is a fun light, quick read that I fully enjoyed.
January 19, 2025
4+ - adorable short story about two roommates and best friends. One of the MCs is gay and one isn't. This was cute from start to finish! It's been awhile since Kyle broke up with his ex...that's also how long it's been since he's had sex. His BFF Derek decides that he will play wingman for Kyle at a frat party....I love how Derek finally had his awakening and that the boys worked things out between the two of them. This is a sweet and lightly spicy story with a HFN....but who knows? They certainly seem like they're on the path to HEA...wish we had more of them :)
I received a complimentary copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received a complimentary copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 15, 2025
Love that this one didn't include love declarations since it's like 3 chapters, mostly spanning a week then a 2 month time jump at the end.
Not much can be said about 54 pages but I liked it. Sweet and surprisingly believable.
Short enough to read during a lunch break.
Got an ARC via BookSirens and I have to say, this one beats the novella curse.
Not much can be said about 54 pages but I liked it. Sweet and surprisingly believable.
Short enough to read during a lunch break.
Got an ARC via BookSirens and I have to say, this one beats the novella curse.
January 29, 2025
Hidden Feelings is a quick read about Kyle who has been harbouring a crush on his roommate Derek for the last few months following a messy breakup. Determined to get over his one sided crush, Kyle accepts Derek’s mission to get him laid but a game of spin the bottle puts things into a new perspective for the both of them.
The premise of the book sounded right up my alley but immediately I started to get the ick. Kyle kept moaning about how he just NEEDED to get laid by his ex boyfriend ( who we find out CHEATED ON HIS MULTIPLE TIMES ) and has to have Derek remind him of this often. And, even then makes excuses for the guy and says that he's clean and it could be one last thing as a goodbye. Like I'm sorry but Kyle I am going to need you to stand up. And, then after their spin the bottle moment and things quickly get heated we have Derek have a complete personality change after having sex with Kyle. While I think not rushing into things is healthy and taking it slow is the right move – it was more Derek’s abrupt personality change after the deed was done. The first half of the novella makes you think Derek is also harbouring a secret crush but then when it came to light it almost felt like he was leading Kyle on. But, then again maybe he remembered how Kyle is constanlty wanting to have sex with his ex who cheated on him multiple times. I don't know...who knows.
Unfortunately this wasn’t a win for me BUT if you’re looking for a quick read maybe it could be the next win for you.
The premise of the book sounded right up my alley but immediately I started to get the ick. Kyle kept moaning about how he just NEEDED to get laid by his ex boyfriend ( who we find out CHEATED ON HIS MULTIPLE TIMES ) and has to have Derek remind him of this often. And, even then makes excuses for the guy and says that he's clean and it could be one last thing as a goodbye. Like I'm sorry but Kyle I am going to need you to stand up. And, then after their spin the bottle moment and things quickly get heated we have Derek have a complete personality change after having sex with Kyle. While I think not rushing into things is healthy and taking it slow is the right move – it was more Derek’s abrupt personality change after the deed was done. The first half of the novella makes you think Derek is also harbouring a secret crush but then when it came to light it almost felt like he was leading Kyle on. But, then again maybe he remembered how Kyle is constanlty wanting to have sex with his ex who cheated on him multiple times. I don't know...who knows.
Unfortunately this wasn’t a win for me BUT if you’re looking for a quick read maybe it could be the next win for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2025
Hidden Feelings by Gen Blackwell is a Quick Bites short story. Derek and Kyle are roommates who kiss at a frat party. This leads to them exploring when they return home. This definitely was a very short story and I think it suffered a little because it was so short. I’ll admit that I was convinced that Derek was attracted to Kyle at the beginning but it seemed not. I was not a big fan of how Derek treated Kyle after the kiss. Then it happened again after the intimate encounter. I think if it was a little longer it would have been easier to delve into Derek’s hesitancy.
I received an ARC from BookSirens for my honest review>
I received an ARC from BookSirens for my honest review>
December 31, 2025
Spin the Bottle: What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
Oh, just everything. Playing spin the bottle at a party is all fun and games—until you end up kissing your straight roommate, who also happens to be your best friend and the guy you’ve been secretly pining over for ages. Now, the air is thick with unresolved tension, and your carefully built platonic bubble? Completely popped.
This quick, steamy read delivers all the feelings, from heartbreak to hope, in such a short time. I wish it had been longer (mostly so I could watch them squirm a bit more). But with their roommate chemistry already perfect, it’s easy to imagine their future. Spoiler alert: spin the bottle wasn’t the bad choice—falling for your roommate in the first place was. 😉
Oh, just everything. Playing spin the bottle at a party is all fun and games—until you end up kissing your straight roommate, who also happens to be your best friend and the guy you’ve been secretly pining over for ages. Now, the air is thick with unresolved tension, and your carefully built platonic bubble? Completely popped.
This quick, steamy read delivers all the feelings, from heartbreak to hope, in such a short time. I wish it had been longer (mostly so I could watch them squirm a bit more). But with their roommate chemistry already perfect, it’s easy to imagine their future. Spoiler alert: spin the bottle wasn’t the bad choice—falling for your roommate in the first place was. 😉
January 7, 2025
🤔 i love the staight roommate / best friend to lovers trope and thats why when i saw this on somebodys list today i got super exited and search their website and google to finaly got a copy to review on booksprout
but I did not love it
I have no idea of i should rate this honestly, or not rate it if I can't give atleast 4 stars.
I want to give 3 stars because i think its a newby author and I don't want to ruin their ratings. and the premise made me put it on top of my 700 other books on my to read list that could count for something mabye?
but for me this story was only 1,5 - 2 stars though..
its giving me indigestion and it took me longer to write my review then it did to read the story 🙃 and I feel guilty for not liking it and having to be honest ..
okay but what DID I like ?
i liked Kyle a lot he's honest considerate and doens take shit either.
I like that they have domestic bliss behaving like a married couple + they are basically in eachother pocket. and spend almost all their free time together
but Derek's behavior just doesn't add up to me. there where too many inconsistencies in his actions and words.
the knowing grins smiles and looks Derek's makes imply knows at least at some lvl what he is doing to Kyle + the way Sam said he talks about Kyle to his friends and team mates all the time implies atleast some awareness of his feelings.
which would have bin fine and a great story.. for real Derek's pov falling for his gay roommate would be epic
like if he was testing the waters to get a response and see is Kyle is atracted to him or trying to seduce him. knowing just because Kyle is gay doesn't mean he is attracted to Derek
but the story didn't go there..
instead Derek freaks out hides for hours after kissing at spin the bottle (while kyle gave him an out and tried to not cross that line) he behaves like a dick, gaslight Kyle when Kyle's confronts him that he's acting weird then lies to him and kisses kyle again to proves its noting then act like the attraction came as a thunderbolt out of the blue
the whole premise feels either dishonest on Derek's part or like the first part was written with a different plot in mind and the autor changed it halve way.
ow and Derek he went from previously bieng obliviout about gay sex he tells kyle to tell me more about it "cus he can't ask his uncle ofc"
but then when they go have sex derek blowhards and said "not sure if it would interest you to know that this isn't my first time at anal" and expertly fingers kyle open..
which again to me feels like he was either dishonest and trying to fluster kyle or make the atmosphere sexual.. or he was honestly curious in the beginnings of the story and had an character swich halve way. at the beginning he's such a warm sweet caring and considerate friend and roommate in the end he comes off as a douche
saying I didn't regret fucking you but I need to do some soul seaching I geuss. let's take it a day at a time I just want to enjoy this moment with you.. while kyle is worked everyting changes now and he might loose his living space if/when Derek freaks out.
but I did not love it
I have no idea of i should rate this honestly, or not rate it if I can't give atleast 4 stars.
I want to give 3 stars because i think its a newby author and I don't want to ruin their ratings. and the premise made me put it on top of my 700 other books on my to read list that could count for something mabye?
but for me this story was only 1,5 - 2 stars though..
its giving me indigestion and it took me longer to write my review then it did to read the story 🙃 and I feel guilty for not liking it and having to be honest ..
okay but what DID I like ?
i liked Kyle a lot he's honest considerate and doens take shit either.
I like that they have domestic bliss behaving like a married couple + they are basically in eachother pocket. and spend almost all their free time together
but Derek's behavior just doesn't add up to me. there where too many inconsistencies in his actions and words.
the knowing grins smiles and looks Derek's makes imply knows at least at some lvl what he is doing to Kyle + the way Sam said he talks about Kyle to his friends and team mates all the time implies atleast some awareness of his feelings.
which would have bin fine and a great story.. for real Derek's pov falling for his gay roommate would be epic
like if he was testing the waters to get a response and see is Kyle is atracted to him or trying to seduce him. knowing just because Kyle is gay doesn't mean he is attracted to Derek
but the story didn't go there..
instead Derek freaks out hides for hours after kissing at spin the bottle (while kyle gave him an out and tried to not cross that line) he behaves like a dick, gaslight Kyle when Kyle's confronts him that he's acting weird then lies to him and kisses kyle again to proves its noting then act like the attraction came as a thunderbolt out of the blue
the whole premise feels either dishonest on Derek's part or like the first part was written with a different plot in mind and the autor changed it halve way.
ow and Derek he went from previously bieng obliviout about gay sex he tells kyle to tell me more about it "cus he can't ask his uncle ofc"
but then when they go have sex derek blowhards and said "not sure if it would interest you to know that this isn't my first time at anal" and expertly fingers kyle open..
which again to me feels like he was either dishonest and trying to fluster kyle or make the atmosphere sexual.. or he was honestly curious in the beginnings of the story and had an character swich halve way. at the beginning he's such a warm sweet caring and considerate friend and roommate in the end he comes off as a douche
saying I didn't regret fucking you but I need to do some soul seaching I geuss. let's take it a day at a time I just want to enjoy this moment with you.. while kyle is worked everyting changes now and he might loose his living space if/when Derek freaks out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2025
Another day, another ARC. Here's Gen Blackwell's "Hidden Feelings." It's the first novella in her Quick Bites series.
["Having a massive crush on your straight roommate is the definition of bad life choices.
But here I am, hopelessly falling for Derek Garner, my best friend, and the one guy I shouldn’t want but can’t stop thinking about.
It’s not just his stupidly perfect smile or the way his laugh makes my chest ache. It’s how he’s always there when I need him, how he somehow became the most important person in my life. And yeah, it’s killing me.
He’ll never see me that way, and I’d never risk screwing up the one good thing we’ve got.
At least, that’s what I thought . . . until the party.
There was a dare. We kissed.
And now, everything’s different."]
A little cliched but still so freaking cute!
That's about it. It was adorable and open, and they communicated (mostly). They worked.
I can't wait for the next few editions in the series.
#booksirens #arcs #arcteammember
#hiddenfeelings #hiddenconfessions #hiddenintentions #quickbites #quickbitesseries #genblackwell #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["Having a massive crush on your straight roommate is the definition of bad life choices.
But here I am, hopelessly falling for Derek Garner, my best friend, and the one guy I shouldn’t want but can’t stop thinking about.
It’s not just his stupidly perfect smile or the way his laugh makes my chest ache. It’s how he’s always there when I need him, how he somehow became the most important person in my life. And yeah, it’s killing me.
He’ll never see me that way, and I’d never risk screwing up the one good thing we’ve got.
At least, that’s what I thought . . . until the party.
There was a dare. We kissed.
And now, everything’s different."]
A little cliched but still so freaking cute!
That's about it. It was adorable and open, and they communicated (mostly). They worked.
I can't wait for the next few editions in the series.
#booksirens #arcs #arcteammember
#hiddenfeelings #hiddenconfessions #hiddenintentions #quickbites #quickbitesseries #genblackwell #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
January 17, 2025
Roommate crushes are apparently the worst, well they are when one is gay and the other straight. It worked out okay for me many years ago and going strong so with that in mind and knowing this novella has a brilliant HEA go for it... Give it a try, the book that is and maybe the roommate thing if that could work out for you too!
Ky has the worst crush on his roommate, not helped by the fact that he broke up with his toxic ex five months ago and has seen no-one since but then he had the crush on Derek before that anyway! The trouble is Derek is very straight. Sure they get on really well, almost as well as a married couple but there is a line here that Ky is certain they shouldn't cross. Derek is however very possessive and his friends make some revealing comments too, all of which gets Ky thinking and that leads to a kiss...
The rest is between the boys, and waiting for you since you are now going to grab a copy of this brilliant first book in the excellent Quick Bites MM stories series... Hmmm, I wonder if Gen Blackwell will bring vampires in at some point?.
Ky has the worst crush on his roommate, not helped by the fact that he broke up with his toxic ex five months ago and has seen no-one since but then he had the crush on Derek before that anyway! The trouble is Derek is very straight. Sure they get on really well, almost as well as a married couple but there is a line here that Ky is certain they shouldn't cross. Derek is however very possessive and his friends make some revealing comments too, all of which gets Ky thinking and that leads to a kiss...
The rest is between the boys, and waiting for you since you are now going to grab a copy of this brilliant first book in the excellent Quick Bites MM stories series... Hmmm, I wonder if Gen Blackwell will bring vampires in at some point?.
January 29, 2025
I can't say anything really negative about the story, it's not badly written.
I just most of the time couldn't shake a feeling Kyle was basically a woman with a penis :D And sort of old-fashioned one, to add an insult to the injury :D The way he's building his nest of domestic bliss with Derek reads like 50s housewife, the way he's pining after his asshole of an ex months after their breakup just because he misses sex (as if there are no ways how to find a hookup if you really want to!) while Derek shags left and right reminds me too much of my least favorite player x virtuous woman trope.
And I'm not really fan of this kind of MM stories. And also not a fan of spicy scenes which are basically hetero sex just using back door instead of a front one. I obviously have zero personal experience with gay sex, but can't shake the feeling it's actually more complex (and interesting) than that:)
I just most of the time couldn't shake a feeling Kyle was basically a woman with a penis :D And sort of old-fashioned one, to add an insult to the injury :D The way he's building his nest of domestic bliss with Derek reads like 50s housewife, the way he's pining after his asshole of an ex months after their breakup just because he misses sex (as if there are no ways how to find a hookup if you really want to!) while Derek shags left and right reminds me too much of my least favorite player x virtuous woman trope.
And I'm not really fan of this kind of MM stories. And also not a fan of spicy scenes which are basically hetero sex just using back door instead of a front one. I obviously have zero personal experience with gay sex, but can't shake the feeling it's actually more complex (and interesting) than that:)
January 10, 2025
A very short story that I enjoyed so much. Kyle and Derek are roommates who have been living together since freshman year. They have such a beautiful friendship where they help each other out. and do most things together. While Kyle holds back his feelings because he wants to protect his friendship and not cross the line, Derek is oblivious that he might actually, have developed something for his roommate. Through Derek's actions, we get to see this but the turning point in their relationship happens at a party with a kiss. Initially, Derek is confused as he slowly comes to terms that he likes Kyle more than a best friend and roommate. Very cute story with humorous moments and hot spice. I loved it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 15, 2025
Bi-awakening with roommate
Gen Blackwell is a new author to me but I'm kind of already a fan. This was a really sweet story about two college roommates that discover their feelings for each other might be more than just friends. I loved how this was completely from Ky's point-of-view but we also got a really good look at what Derek was thinking and feeling. The author's handling of Derek's shift in his sexuality was done in a really responsible and smart way and I appreciated that. I'm definitely going to check out other books by Gen Blackwell and I can honestly recommend this for a quick but heartwarming read!
Character development and world building: 4
Storyline and flow: 4
Heat: 2.5 slow burn
Gen Blackwell is a new author to me but I'm kind of already a fan. This was a really sweet story about two college roommates that discover their feelings for each other might be more than just friends. I loved how this was completely from Ky's point-of-view but we also got a really good look at what Derek was thinking and feeling. The author's handling of Derek's shift in his sexuality was done in a really responsible and smart way and I appreciated that. I'm definitely going to check out other books by Gen Blackwell and I can honestly recommend this for a quick but heartwarming read!
Character development and world building: 4
Storyline and flow: 4
Heat: 2.5 slow burn
January 16, 2025
This novella beautifully captures the tension and tenderness of falling for your straight best friend. Kyle’s emotional struggle and the chemistry between him and Derek are compelling, making their transition from friends to something more feel authentic. The pivotal kiss is a turning point that leads to heartfelt and relatable moments of vulnerability.
While the story’s brevity keeps it engaging, it leaves some aspects underdeveloped—Derek’s motivations, in particular, could use more depth. The resolution feels a bit rushed, but overall, this is a sweet and emotional read, perfect for fans of the roommates-to-lovers trope.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
While the story’s brevity keeps it engaging, it leaves some aspects underdeveloped—Derek’s motivations, in particular, could use more depth. The resolution feels a bit rushed, but overall, this is a sweet and emotional read, perfect for fans of the roommates-to-lovers trope.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 19, 2025
Definitely a short and sweet roommates to lovers, bi-awakening romance for two college guys who’ve roomed together since freshman year, seniors now. They are good friends who can read each other in almost all ways — except Kyle is crushing on Derek, and Derek is straight — or is he? How can one night at a party change things so drastically, and in such a good way?
Told through Kyle’s eyes, you get all the yearnings and trying to hide the feelings until one moment in time turns everything upside down. Realistic and relatable, something similar probably happens on a campus somewhere every day. Very short but fast moving, with lots of feels and a special night to make a dream come true.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Told through Kyle’s eyes, you get all the yearnings and trying to hide the feelings until one moment in time turns everything upside down. Realistic and relatable, something similar probably happens on a campus somewhere every day. Very short but fast moving, with lots of feels and a special night to make a dream come true.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 22, 2025
"Hidden Feelings" by Gen Blackwell was a cute, short read featuring a best friends-to-lovers couple (my favorite trope). The story is narrated by Kyle, a gay college student with a massive crush on his "straight" roommate, Derek. You can probably already guess where this is going. If you're looking for a quick and enjoyable read with minimal angst, this is the story for you. Although it was a bit cliché, it was still sweet and kept me interested. Though it didn’t leave a lasting impression on me, it wasn’t a disappointment either, and it still had some sweet moments between the main characters. A decent read overall.
~
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
~
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 1, 2025
'I dared to let myself think, at times, that we were almost like a happily married couple.'
'It was always like this. Being near him was like being hit by lightning.
Every time.'
I loved this book. It was such a fun, quick romance. I love the guy falling for his straight friend and then something brings them together and then that friend isn't quite so straight anymore. I loved both Kyle and Derek. I liked the strength of their friendship and you can really feel the chemistry through Kyle's eyes. Derek convinced him to go to a party where they played Spin the Bottle...
The repercussions were hot! I wish this story was longer, because I want to see more of these two! Especially at the point where it left off. 5 stars.
'It was always like this. Being near him was like being hit by lightning.
Every time.'
I loved this book. It was such a fun, quick romance. I love the guy falling for his straight friend and then something brings them together and then that friend isn't quite so straight anymore. I loved both Kyle and Derek. I liked the strength of their friendship and you can really feel the chemistry through Kyle's eyes. Derek convinced him to go to a party where they played Spin the Bottle...
The repercussions were hot! I wish this story was longer, because I want to see more of these two! Especially at the point where it left off. 5 stars.
February 3, 2025
The shortness of short stories is one of their advantages. If the story misses the mark, readers don't have to worry about investing too much time in the novel! Quick Bites series' first entry left something to be desired. Bi-awakenings, friends to lovers, and forced proximity troupes were all present in "Hidden Feelings". The story overall was just okay. In my opinion, it did not add anything new to these troupes. Fresh ideas and new spins on overused troupes are desperately needed in the MM genre. Gen Blackwell's writing is what saved the novella with its heartwarming ending. Despite my 3 stars, I do not think it's a bad product. My main issue is that I feel like I've read this story before.
January 12, 2025
This was a fun and cute short story, which can be a great palate cleanser between longer/heavier reads. I enjoyed Derek and Kyle's little story and Derek's awakening. I felt like the setup for things evolving between them was good, we got to know a bit about their history and while things seemed to come out of the blue, under the surface they have been changing for a while.
Would definitely enjoy reading more about them in the future. I also think it would have been great to see Derek's POV, too.
Pick this up if you want a short and fun story about 2 roommates/best friends taking things further.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Would definitely enjoy reading more about them in the future. I also think it would have been great to see Derek's POV, too.
Pick this up if you want a short and fun story about 2 roommates/best friends taking things further.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 16, 2025
Short & Sweet. Kyle is in love with his best friend & roommate Derek. Unfortunately Derek is straight. Kyle recently broke up with his boyfriend but said boyfriend keeps reaching out. Derek convinces Kyle to go to a party with him so he doesn't cave to the ex. Kyle goes, where they get into a game of spin the bottle, Derek is "forced" to kiss Kyle. After said game & kiss, Derek takes off leaving Kyle at the party & doesn't speak to Kyle or pay attention to him while at home. Kyle calls his bluff & confronts him like WTF? Derek spills the beans & love happens. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 22, 2025
This short story is the perfect mix of sweet, longing, and heat! Hidden Feelings captures the ache of crushing on your best friend and turns it into an irresistible, feel-good romance.
The dynamic between the narrator and Derek is beautifully written—the pining, the deep bond they share, and the electric shift after that kiss at the party had me hooked. Gen Blackwell packs so much emotion and chemistry into a quick read without feeling rushed.
It’s a delightful story for when you need a shot of romance during your day. Sweet, steamy, and satisfying—highly recommend!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The dynamic between the narrator and Derek is beautifully written—the pining, the deep bond they share, and the electric shift after that kiss at the party had me hooked. Gen Blackwell packs so much emotion and chemistry into a quick read without feeling rushed.
It’s a delightful story for when you need a shot of romance during your day. Sweet, steamy, and satisfying—highly recommend!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 29, 2025
ARC REVIEW
Sometimes it's really nice to sit down and read a short story during your break. And if it's an MM with a friends to more bi-awakening, I'm sold.
There's not much to say about this one being as it was only 50 pages. Kyla and Derek have been friends since freshman year and are now roommates. Derek has been single for 6ish months, and is secretely crushing on his roommate. They attend a frat party together, and things begin to change after they kiss during a game.
This was honestly great. I loved it and can't wait to read the next Quick Bite.
🌶🌶
Tropes/themes
✨college
✨roommates
✨friends to more
✨bi-awakening
Sometimes it's really nice to sit down and read a short story during your break. And if it's an MM with a friends to more bi-awakening, I'm sold.
There's not much to say about this one being as it was only 50 pages. Kyla and Derek have been friends since freshman year and are now roommates. Derek has been single for 6ish months, and is secretely crushing on his roommate. They attend a frat party together, and things begin to change after they kiss during a game.
This was honestly great. I loved it and can't wait to read the next Quick Bite.
🌶🌶
Tropes/themes
✨college
✨roommates
✨friends to more
✨bi-awakening
June 27, 2025
I've not read this author before but I'm now going to explore all offerings available! This may be a short read but goodness does it pack a lot in. The author manages to allude to a history and create a connection between Kyle and Derek in such a short space of time and I was genuinely invested and interested in the journey. I liked both of them and felt they were developed enough given the limited space available. I would've preferred it to be a bit spicier but there's plenty there to make it worth reading if that's your thing without it being too overbearing if you're here more for the romance. I really enjoyed this, it was a pleasant and surprising find.
January 16, 2025
This is a fun short story that brings together two roommates that feel more for each other than just friendship. It explores the dynamic of a gay roommate crushing on his straight jock BFF/roommate. It also looks at said straight roommate exploring his surprise feelings that are not exactly straight for his roommate. The relationship the two has is sweet and supportive and hopefully results in the HEA they need.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 18, 2025
Hidden Feelings by Gen Blackwell was a super cute short story. Both characters were instantly likeable. Derek seemed to be the bolder and more confident MC while Kyle was a little more reserved and less sure. It was Derek who made the first move, and Derek who explained his feelings first before Kyle was able to express his feelings. This is a roommate crush to relationship story, is he straight or is he not trope with little to no angst. Although it was super short, it felt like a complete story line. I really enjoyed both characters and the story as a whole!
January 31, 2025
Kyle and Derek’s story
Book Title-Hidden Feelings (Quick Bites: MM Short Stories Book 1)
Author-Gen Blackwell
MMC/MMC-Kyle and Derek
Genre-MM Romance
Length-Short story
Spicy level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️ out of 5 peppers
Series-Quick Bites: MM Short Stories Book 1
What I liked- This is a short but sweet read. Kyle and Derek are solid friends who realize that there could be more in feelings he never thought possible. For a quick read, it's built up well with great character development and a good bit of steam.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Book Title-Hidden Feelings (Quick Bites: MM Short Stories Book 1)
Author-Gen Blackwell
MMC/MMC-Kyle and Derek
Genre-MM Romance
Length-Short story
Spicy level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️ out of 5 peppers
Series-Quick Bites: MM Short Stories Book 1
What I liked- This is a short but sweet read. Kyle and Derek are solid friends who realize that there could be more in feelings he never thought possible. For a quick read, it's built up well with great character development and a good bit of steam.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 11, 2025
I enjoyed this short roommate to best friend to lovers story. Kyle and Derek have been roommates since freshman year and they’ve formed a great friendship And you’d think they were the perfect couple but for one thing Derek is straight but at a party Derek kisses Kyle through a game of spin the bottle and he immediately disappears and hours later after they get back to the apartment the tension between them comes to a head and things will never be the same again between them. Good read.
January 17, 2025
I usually skip anything school age, even if it is college but Hidden Feelings was such a short story I thought I would give it a try. Derek and Kyle have been roommates for four years. Kyle has stared crushing on Derek but Derek is a serial straight dater. A kiss during a game of spin the bottle at a Fraternity party flips Derek’s world upside down. The progression towards lovers is handled well for such a short story. Told from Kyle’s POV, but Derek’s dialog is refreshing.
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