Where My Secret Hides

by Salli Cravens

Sometimes loving someone isn’t enough, our secrets need to remain hidden.

Donovan
I’ve been hiding my sexuality for as long as I can remember, but now I’m leaving for a semester exchange. A new college, a new city, and none of my family or friends, maybe I can finally be myself. Then I meet my new roommate…

Stephen is the hottest guy I’ve ever seen, he also happens to be the star of the football team and is as straight as they get… or so I thought. But I can’t let my unobtainable crush get in the way of me finding a guy…

Stephen
I’m so close to my dreams coming true, I’ve been signed to a pro-football team while still at college and next year I’ll be in the NFL. There’s nothing standing in my way, except for my new roommate…

Donovan is the cutest guy I’ve ever seen, usually it takes me getting to know someone to be attracted to them, but there’s just something about him. Nothing can ever happen between us though; I can’t let a crush ruin my dreams…

Where My Secret Hides is an MM Sports romance. It is part of The Tynerston Collection and Book 1 in the Warriors series.

Secret Relationship | Roommates to Lovers | Sexual awakening | Gay & Pansexual Representation | Sweet & Spicy | Can be read as a standalone | Open Door Spice | Dual POV / First Person / Present Tense

400 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication December 31, 2025

About the author

Salli Cravens is a UK based author who loves to read and write spicy romance books.

Reviews

[Caitlin Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first want to thank the incredible & amazing @sallicravensauthor not only for writing this amazing book & “Where My Loyalties Lie” but allowing me the honor and privilege of both beta & ARC reading this amazing story! 🫶🏻

Stephen and Donovan are roommates at Winbrook the semester after Stephen is drafted Into the NFL and Donovan just came out to his best friend.

The roommates navigate their feelings for each other and the struggles of their sexuality in public.

As we go through their highs and lows, you truly end up rooting for both of them!

Please go pick up this book in 2026 as Salli is dropping this gem on New Years Day! While this is a standalone, please read her other story, you will not be disappointed! 💙

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Provided by Salli Cravens in exchange for honest review.

Where My Secret Hides is the story of Donovan, newly out (to some people at least), and looking for some fun whilst he completes a summer semester at another University. What he doesn't expect is to get a super hot, college football playing roommate, who just happens to be pansexual. But Stephen can't be out and proud, no matter how much he wants to be - he's just signed for the Warriors, and you can't be queer when you're playing for them. Is Donovan content with being Stephen's secret?

I was really looking forward to this story after reading the first book in the series, and it did not disappoint! Sweet, sensitive Donovan arrives for his summer semester determined to explore his newly awakened sexuality, and comes face to face with the most gorgeous man he's ever seen within hours of being on campus. He could never dream that jock Stephen Choi would be into guys, let alone into him - but the attraction burns bright and hot for both of them. After Donovan is mocked by a spiteful douchebag on campus, Stephen is there to pick up the pieces, and gently begins to guide him in what feels good between consenting men, but he can't make it any clearer - he cannot be seen in a gay relationship by the public. You know that they're heading for heartbreak, and the dual POV highlights the depth of feeling that each character has for the other. The third act breakup is devastating, because both characters are equally as loveable and you desperately want them to be happy. But - you have to be incredibly proud of Donovan, who after so long in the closet, realises that he deserves to be someone's number one, not their dirty little secret.

The themes of pride and acceptance in this book are so beautifully presented. You've got Donovan coming out in stages, and dealing with the initial homophobia of his brother. Beth, Donovan's best friend and true ally. The gentle coaching of Stephen, showing Donovan what pleasures there are in an all male relationship, which is both thrilling and tender, never feeling patronising or like he's taking advantage. The acceptance of both sets of parents, the huge apology and subsequent joy of Diablo realising he was wrong and supporting Donovan 100%. The delight as the MC not only embrace Donovan's status with full gusto, but also the shock as two members explore their own curiosities with his friends Jamie and Max. Stephen's NFL team embracing the LGBTQ+ movement when his pansexuality secret is explosively leaked. It feels like the writer's own experiences have informed a lot of this story, but also like a lot of research has been done to make this as authentic as possible. The ups, the downs, it all feels so real, and you feel like you're on the rollercoaster journey with Donovan and Stephen as opposed to just an onlooker.

This is not my first MM romance read, but it's definitely the most spicy! Again, it feels like Cravens has done a lot of research in this area - from the moment where totally inexperienced Donovan is asked if he has "prepped", it feels like this is also an introduction for the reader as well as him. His experiences with Stephen are everything you would hope for for a virgin, be it straight or gay - it feels tender, caring and attentive, with the spice building up as they get to know each other and get to understand what the other likes. Again, it feels authentic, and I can't give any higher praise than that.

Where My Secret Hides is a glorious story full of pride, love, and most importantly, acceptance. In a world where the LGBTQ+ spectrum is becoming a point of contention again (I really thought we'd gotten past that, it's devastating), this is a huge celebration of all male relationships, how obstacles can be overcome, no matter how huge they seem, and that acceptance is a dream that is attainable, even when your circumstances seem to dictate otherwise.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review this book!

[Cassandra Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Where My Secret Hides is a spicy, emotional MM sports romance that had me kicking my feet 🦵, clutching my chest 💔, and screaming internally at fictional football players 🏈 who refuse to communicate (respectfully).

Donovan is newly out (to some people 🌈), wildly inexperienced, and spending the summer at another university hoping to finally live a little. What he gets instead is Stephen Choi; his college football–playing, NFL-bound roommate 🏈🔥 who is pansexual, painfully hot 🥵, and absolutely not allowed to be openly queer while playing for the Warriors. Because apparently professional football still hates joy 😤.

Their connection is instant but not insta-love—more like “oh no, we’re roommates and this man could ruin my life” energy 😵‍💫. Stephen is confident on the field, cautious off it, and very clear about one thing: he can’t be seen in a public queer relationship 🚫🌈. Donovan, meanwhile, is discovering what he wants, what feels good ✨, and—eventually—what he refuses to settle for.

The sports romance element is STRONG 💪🏈 here. Between practices, drafts, team pressure, media scrutiny 📸, and the very real fear of being outed, Stephen’s career looms over every choice they make. The tension of loving someone whose future depends on secrecy? DEVASTATING. Delicious. Painful in the best way 😭🔥.

And yes. Let’s talk about the spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book is OPEN DOOR and does not play around 🥵. But what makes it hit so hard is how intentional it is—consent-forward 🤍, communicative, and genuinely tender. Watching Donovan explore intimacy for the first time with someone who is patient, attentive, and fully obsessed with him? Life-changing. Stephen coaching him through pleasure while clearly fighting his own feelings? I was unwell 🫠.

The dual POV absolutely wrecked me 💥 because you can see how deeply both of them care, even as they’re heading straight for heartbreak 💔. The third-act breakup hurt like hell, but it’s also where Donovan truly shines ✨. His growth, his self-worth, and his realization that he deserves to be chosen loudly and proudly? Standing ovation 👏👏.

There’s also a fantastic found family element 🤍, supportive friendships, messy emotions, and side characters who completely stole my heart 🫶. This book exists in its own series and connects to another story centered on side characters from this one, and I am already seated 🍿📚, snacks in hand, ready to read it. I loved these characters so much that I will read literally anything this author writes next.

Where My Secret Hides is sexy 🔥, emotional 💔, sports-filled 🏈, and unapologetically queer 🌈. A love story about desire, identity, football politics, and choosing yourself, even when it’s terrifying.

Five stars. No notes. 🏈🔥🌈

Thank you to the Salli Cravens for the ARC opportunity 💖

[LozzyLouReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 review coming soon!

Tropes
• Roommates To Lovers
• MM Romance
• Open Door Spice
• Secret Relationship
• Sexual Awakening
• Gay & Pansexual Representation
• Dual POV

Author Dedication
This is for everyone who has ever had to keep their sexuality a secret, and especially those who still are. I see you, you are loved, and you deserve all the best things in life. I hope you can find someone strong to support you, who will help you navigate life, and also press you up against a wall to have their way with you.

Book Review
I enjoyed this book it's a lovely MM romance who are at different stages in their journeys about opening up and being out, which I found really interesting and a great read.
I've really liked the main characters and their vulnerabilities and raw emotions throughout is so gripping and emotional to read.
Donovan is sweet and innocent on a journey to be free, independent and allow the world to know his sexuality no longer wanting to hide or suppress himself.
Stephen is working hard to become a top athlete and gain a career within the NFL. He has a secret in which he means to hide from everyone except a select few.
I really liked the plot as it was gripping, eye opening, meaningful, passionate and encouraging. It is well paced, which is great for the storyline and delivers a great amount of emotional turmoil, courage and self-worth throughout. It's easy to read and very well written. I'm intrigued and excited to see what more Salli writes.

I would HIGHLY recommend this book and author. I am so glad to have discovered Salli Cravens and look forward to reading more by this author.


My Favourite Quotes
• "I'd planned to talk to you first, but you looked so hot in just your sweats, and you're so fx̌cking cute when you ramble, I couldn't help myself."

• "You're my family, and I lost sight of that. Fx̌ck Frank, and honestly, fx̌ck the club if they have a problem with you being gay. You and Mom are the most important people in my life."

• "We're all individuals, and even though our journeys have been different, there's this understanding we share that we've all been through something, and the knowledge that there's still so far for our community to go, and so much still to fight for."

• "You'll be walking alongside each other, together; and you do look the part, you're being yourself, and that's beautiful."

[Hailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really sweet but spicy read, low angst, a little drama but it brings you to a perfect happily ever after ending 🥰

This is the second book in the series but they are interconnected standalones. I haven't read the first book which is about Donovan's brother and his best friend Beth - who we meet in this book too, but after reading this i will be circling back to book one so I can hear their story.

Donovan is a super sweet, sensitive soul who moves to a different college for a few months to learn more about journalism which he is pursuing. He is gay but has only come out to his best friend Beth, who tells him to go into this few months free and being able to be his true gay self, to get some experience and have fun with people who don't know him.

He gets given his room assignment for the next few months...and would you believe it...he is assigned to share with a super hot Jock called Stephen. Donovan thinks Stephen is straight when in reality, Stephen is infact hiding the fact that he is Pansexual from everyone but his family because he doesn’t want it to ruin his chance at the NFL.

They start a secret relationship and Donovan agrees to keep it hidden. But when he works up the courage to come out to his family, he really doesn’t want to keep it a secret any longer but Stephen just can't risk anything this early on in his career.

There is a third act break up and reading it in both their POV's broke my heart because they are both super sweet and the love they have for each other is something else.

Something happens where Stephen is forced to come out to the public and its not the best way for it to happen but its the best thing that could of happened for his and Donovan's relationship.

Really enjoyed reading this book, the love both these boys have for each other warmed my heart and how Stephen was with Donovan throughout his coming out journey and exploring his body was so beautiful. The patience he showed Donovan was just adorable and stunning! He really helped Donovan with his confidence and the development between the two was beautiful.
Stephen is a stunning character that many people could learn things from. The way he protects Donovan is something else! We love Stephen! ❤️

[Becsbooks21x · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recieved this ARC book on exchange for an honest review. I read the first book where my loyalties lie earlier on in the year and it was nice to go back and visit some familiar characters. All of the first book came rushing back to me. This is the first MM book I have read, and I really enjoyed it. I devoured this book in a day and could not put it down. Also feel like I need to give a special mention to the cover as it is just stunning! 😍

It follows Donovon and his roommate Stephen. Donovon who has only come out as gay to his best friend, If you have read the first book, you will know that his brother Diablo is in a biker gang who have a strict rule against gay people. Stephen is a football player who newly gets drafter for the NFL. Stephan is Pansexual and even though his family knows and supports him, due to being an athlete and the stigma around sexuality amongst pro athlets, he has to hide that part of himself.

I really enjoyed this book and to see the journey of acceptance. It wasn't just a book with a cute love story, it was about acceptance and exploring who you are. Trusting those who love you will continue to love you, no matter what you identify as or who you love. I think it is such an important and beautiful message.

the only thing I would have liked is that the bonus chapter (which I enjoyed) to have been at the end of the book and not in the middle. Where I get why it was where it was as it followed on the from previous, I would have liked it at the end as it was about the side characters and not the main ones. However, none of this takes away from the book or how much I liked it. I think its just a personal preference.

Thank you so much to Salli for this delightful book, I look forward to reading more from you.

[Wren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where My Secret Hides is an MLM sports romance. Our first main character, Stephen Choi, is an American Football player who identifies as Pansexual but is worried about coming out publicly because of his football career. Our other main character is a shy type named Donavan G. The two meet while Donavan is visiting Stephen’s college campus for a summer lecture featuring a guest lecturer, a field journalist he admires. At the same time, Stephen is taking extra classes so he can start his professional career in the NFL this season and has already begun practicing with the Warriors on a biweekly weekend schedule. This is the first in an expected series of interconnected standalone football romances. We are told the story in a dual POV setting, bouncing between Stephen and Donavan. I really enjoyed their instant connection, not insta-love; instead, they became friends easily, and their feelings grew naturally. It is important to note that this book does have open-door spice. The boys interact so sweetly with one another, allowing them to open up to each other quickly: healthy communication and consistent, safe consent practices. I really loved how gentle and patient Stephen was with Donavan as he experienced his time as a “baby gay. This is basically a time in a queer person’s life when you are newly out, still inexperienced, and learning about yourself. We watch the boys navigate not just their own personal journeys with their identity and being out, but also their connection. There is also a beautiful found-family aspect that comes together nicely by the end of the book.

[S.M. Harshell · Rating 4 out of 5]

WHERE MY SECRET HIDES is the first book in The Tynerston Collection: Warriors series.

What to expect:

💙 MM Romance
💙 Sports Romance (American Football)
💙 Secret Relationship
💙 Roommates-to-Lovers
💙 Sexual Awakening
💙 Gay & Pansexual representation in MCs
💙 Lots of sweet moments
💙 Lots of spice

Stephen and Donovan were roommates at Winbrook. Donovan was there for just one semester and Stephen was just drafted to an NFL team. Donovan was finally able to live the life he wanted and able to be who he was, a gay man. Stephen wasn't. He was pansexual and his close friends and family knew but it was something he needed to hide from the world so he could do the one thing he's always wanted...to play football. Donovan wanted to experiment and Stephen was willing to be that person but it could only be in their room, no one could find out. It was supposed to be just hooking up but somewhere along the way feelings got involved and being a secret hurt. Can Donovan walk away from the one person who knows the real him? Would Stephen ever be able to have the man he loves and the game he loves or will he lose it all?

Stephen and Donovan pulled hard at my heart strings. There was so much chemistry between them they were explosive together. And when feelings got involved...ahhh my heart. I found myself in tears more than once. This is a new to me author and I am so glad I stumbled across their work. I will definitely be looking for more in the future!

I was given a free copy of this book by the author to read and review.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

This is a sweet story about roommates to lovers. Donovan meets his best girl friend when he sour of the moment comes out to her, a stranger, because of the pro LGBTQIA+ shirt she was wearing in the library. Fast forward he becomes dorm mates with Stephen, an NFL drafted college football player waiting to be called up. Stephen is Pan and out to his family and a few close friends.

The two men become closer than friends but Stephen is upfront about his situation and needing to remain secretive about his sexuality and what he can and cannot be to Donovan.

The story was a little slow for me for the first half of the book. It is very sweet and they are building their relationship and Donovan coming more into himself during this time.

Once the story shifts from relationship building to the more complicated story, I couldn’t put the book down and I’m glad I stayed with it.

It feels a little preachy at time though I don’t like that term, seems negative but I can’t think of another descriptor. It spells a lot of things out, is overly politically correct at times but I can see how this would resonate with people going through the same things Donovan is and can help them in similar situations.

At the end someone is outed in a terrible way but the way that the perps are handled is super satisfying.

The HEA is well earned and very sweet. I’m thankful to get this as an ARC read and am very happy to recommend it.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where my secret hides by @sallicravensauthor

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5

Thank you for the ARC read @sallicravensauthor - Donovan and Stephen were the perfect Xmas Day read and I am sorry for my gushy Boxing Day DMs about my love for them but I totally couldn’t hold back any longer 💕.

We met Donovan in Where My Loyalty Lies and you just knew that Donovan’s story was going to be good but I was not prepared for this!! He and Stephen are just gorgeous people who i desperately want to be friends with (oh and I totally need more of Jamie and Max in my life).

Where My Secret Hides was just beautiful and I loved every minute. It’s the perfect read for when you absolutely need to feel all the feels and emotion but end the story feeling like you have had the biggest hug ever.

@sallicravensauthor is covering all the big topics here; sexuality, representation in sport, family and found family and it’s done so beautifully, sensitively and with a lot of thought. Alongside that there is some spicy moments, some moments to make you giggle and by the end you can’t help but smile.

Totally recommend if you need a book to remind you all will be ok in the world; even when it doesn’t feel like it at 💕.

[Sarah Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎊🎊ARC Read🎊🎊

These boys had me in a death grip!!!! We return to the LAMC Bikers, however this time we get the story of Beth's best friend Donovan, who just happens to be Diablo's little brother.

After heading on his gap semester, Donovan learns what it would feel like to live as his authentic self and he learns he loves being himself, really quickly, but he knows that the club rules mean that he can never really himself at home.

On the other side of the dorm room, we are introduced to Stephen. A closeted jock who doesn't believe he can ever be his true self. However time spent with Donovan makes him question if its worth the risk.

Can they truly find a way through what is coming???

🔰 MM Romance
🔰 Football Romance
🔰 Roommates to lovers
🔰 Secret love
🔰 Clear Spice
🔰 Sexual Awakening
🔰 Gay and pansexual representation
🔰 Romance & sweet moments
🔰 THAT BONUS CHAPTER 🫦🥵

SPICE 🥵🥵🥵🥵.5

#ArcReader #WhereMySecretHides #LAMC #Book2 #Donovan #Stephen #Jock #Football

[Besem Chu · Rating 4 out of 5]

so this story follows stephen and donovan. you originally meet a bit of them in here my loyalty lies, which does not have to be read before this one, but to me sets the stage and tone for them a bit. stephen and donovan start off as just roommates, and neither of them are really out like that. they start to develop feelings for each other, which in turns leads to some issues between family and career.

this story is so spicy, and i was honestly hit in the face with it. just so unexpected 🤣🤣. nonetheless, it was still so good.

the story is also good at making you question what matters to you most- what others think or yourself. at the end of the day, you can go back and forth. however, you get to decide whether it’s the secrets that matter or if it’s the life that’s worth living, especially in truth, is worth more than that.

would highly recommend reading if you love MM, secrets, angst, and sweet + spicy. enjoy 🤭

[TheBookishK9RN · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roommates, Secrets, and a Crush That Blindsides Them Both

Tropes: Roommates-to-lovers, sexual awakening, secret relationship, sports romance, dual POV

Review:
Donovan is finally ready to start living openly—new school, new city, new freedom. What he doesn’t expect? His roommate Stephen, the college’s star football player… and the hottest man he’s ever seen.
Stephen’s laser-focused on going pro, but Donovan knocks him sideways from day one. Attraction wasn’t part of the plan—but their chemistry makes hiding impossible.
What works: Sweet + spicy balance, great internal tension, and a tender exploration of identity and first real love.
What might not: Some emotional beats rely on secrecy and angst.
A warm, heartfelt sports romance about finding the courage to want more—even when the timing isn’t perfect.

[Cynthia DeFrancisco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donovan and Stephen's story gave me all the feels.

Donovan is a sweet baby who has kept his sexuality a secret from his family and their ties to the MC out of fear. Stephen is an all-star jock on his way to the NFL, where his sexuality isn't usually embraced with open arms.

This book is about 2 people finding themselves in each other. They fall.. and they fall hard. But it wasn't giving insta-love. It was pining, exploring, and learning what it feels like to let go and love. Stephen is a hottie cinnamon roll with all the swagger of a jock but he was also affectionate and sweet! lethal combo for sure. Donovan.. I just want to squeeze him. He is tough because he had to be but when he gets to be soft around Stephen... chefs kiss!

From start to finish, I was trapped. loved the whole thing! wouldn't change a thing!

[Sarahreadsallthebooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where My Secret Hides is a sweet and spicy mm sports romance. It’s part of the Tynerston Collection. This book follows shy and inexperienced Donovan and rookie pro footballer Stephen.

If you’ve read Salli’s previous book Where My loyalty Lies you’ll know Donovan is Diablo’s brother and Beth’s bestie. Both books run along the same timeline so characters and storylines cross over.

I really enjoyed this book, it was emotional, sweet, funny and spicy. I loved the characters and especially enjoyed the crossover aspect. Donovan and Stephen were brilliant characters and I loved the fact that their relationship development seemed realistic.

Overall a great story, well written with brilliant LGBTQ+ rep.

4/5⭐️
4/5🌶️

[Melissa Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book sank it's claws in me at the dedication. I devoured it in one sitting and loved each second of it. Donovan and Stephen have an instant connection, their slow-burning chemistry is electric and once ignited it is absolutely fire! I mean the spice is SPICING! These guys will show you alot of emotions and vulnerability, trust that you may need some tissue. I was so emersed in this book that I swear I felt it all.
The representation in this book is phenomenal, the storyline was real and the characters were just everything. Looking forward to more from these guys especially the Warriors and Jamie & Max ( IYKYK Bonus Scene).

[Becca Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Where My Loyalty Lies, and this book was another slam dunk! (Touch down? Insert sports pun here).

This was my first sports romance, and I am SOLD. Omg the way I can picture the characters so clearly and love them both. We get an emotionally intelligent jock dom and his sweet nerdy boyfriend. They complement each other and their connection feels real.

Salli has a talent for writing “cozy”, and I had the warm fuzzies all throughout. Truly one of my top comfort authors! And that bonus scene? Hoooootttttttt. Overall another incredible read! So grateful to have been granted a copy of this ARC.

[Katelynn Seaman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where my secret hides is an MM, roommate to lovers, sports romance. Donovan and Stephen’s story is a slow burn with some extra spice and chemistry that was off the charts. I loved how Donovan got the love he was looking for and how well Stephen always took care of him and his needs. This book was well written as a slow burn and at no point felt dragged on.

[Wendy Dixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really sweet and well written! I love love love the growth both characters had! And how Stephen took care of Donovan’s innocence 🖤 the side characters were chefs kiss as well! Excited and hoping to get more from them