When We Hid

Choosing Us #1.5

by Poppy Minnix

This MM bisexual awakening novella is the prequel to How We Burn, book #2 of the Choosing Us series.

What else can go wrong? My career is over, courtesy of my toxic marriage, which is also over. Now I'm stuck wondering what my future even looks like.
The only person keeping me from slipping too far into the wreckage is Zephryn. My friend. My lifeline—my very attractive lifeline.
I thought it was admiration or just deep friendship. I thought I was a straight man who lived to play soccer and please others. Until the night I couldn't stop myself from asking, "Do you want me?"
One question led to me pinning him against my car and kissing him like I'd been starving. Then reality crashed back in. Now I'm avoiding him, terrified of how right it felt.
Because wanting him could ruin our friendship. And my life is already a mess. He's busy building a new business and—
And I still want him. So now what?

Unknown Binding

First published March 22, 2026

About the author

Poppy Minnix (she/her) writes spicy romance with heart, heat, and more than a few laugh-out-loud moments. A Maryland-based author, she's a proud ally, enthusiastic hugger, and certified hot mess powered by ADHD and caffeine.

As a mood writer, she long ago gave up resisting the voices in her head (aka: characters who demand the spotlight). Whether she’s letting a fae muse hijack her thoughts or adding a dash of chaos, humor, and unexpected love interests to her contemporary plots, she’s all about embracing the messy, magical journey of falling in love.

When she’s not writing, you’ll find her wrapped in a blanket cocoon, plotting with fellow romance nerds, or trying to remember why she walked into a room.
Warning: Her books contain varying degrees of steam, swearing, and relatable characters who fall hard and love even harder.

Catch up with her here or on social media; https://linktr.ee/PoppyMinnix

Reviews

[Poppy Minnix]

Get ready for Micah and Zephryn's beginning because When We Hid is LIVE!
This is the MM prequel to MMF How We Burn, so it's a continuation read, but a snapshot into Micah's messy past and Zephryn jumping into to help his friend figure himself out.
More tropes...

Prequel novella you can read at lunch
New Adult MM (male/male) Contemporary Romance
Sports Romance
Friends to Lovers
Bisexual Awakening
Small Town
Healing Love
Continuing in How We Burn (August 2026)

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this short prequel of Zephryn and Micah.
Two best friends who turn into something more that neither is ready for, but both are enjoying it together, for however long it may last.
Excited to see how they continue.

I received an ARC from Book Sirens for my honest review.

[Jennifer Bollnow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Micah is an ex-soccer player who is going through a terrible divorce. His friend Zephryn is a playboy gym owner. The two have a friendship and depend on each other, but hide feelings for one another. This is a sweet and spicy quick read. It is a prequel and advanced peek at the upcoming novel How We Burn. This was a fun read with two very relatable main male characters. It really just made me anxious for the next book.
I received an advance review copy for free from Booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Angelica Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was perfect!

I really enjoyed this prequel novella! I am so ready for their book and to see how Hailey fits into the budding relationship between Zeph and Micah. And I need to know where they end up!

It was too easy to fall in love with these set of unsure friends to lovers. I just want to hug them both and keep them forever!

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

When We Hid is the prequal for the Choosing Us series by a new to me author. This is a sexual awakening, friends to more read about Zeph and Micah and ends in a cliffhanger. I really enjoyed this book and was so excited to see where it went, until I realized that it's a mmf book so I guess I will just have to stay happy with what I have read so far.

[Sheila Burgin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh Poppy..you are such a tease with these prequels and their cliffys.. I devoured this in just a few hours and now gotta wait til August 😭. I can't wait to see where the story goes with Micah, Hayley and Zeph. 🥰

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short prelude to a continuing story. Micah and Zephryn are best friends who have secret crushes on each other. Micah is going through a horrible divorce & Zephryn is helping him out any way he can. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.