Hidden Confessions

Quick Bites: MM Short Stories #2

by Gen Blackwell

The rumor around the office is that Finn and I hate each other.

I let everyone think it’s true . . .

Even if it’s not.

Sure, he drives me up the wall, and I’m certain I do the same to him. We’re like two lions battling over the same territory—the coveted partner role at the law firm. It’s kill or be killed.

But beneath the clever retorts and relentless competition there’s something else, something I’ve refused to admit. It’s dirty, shameless, and it has everything to do with Finn.

Now Finn is leaving the firm, having landed a new opportunity in another state.

I see this as my chance to drop the pretense. No more hiding how I really feel about him. A part of me knows I might never get this opportunity again if I let it slip, so I plan to tell him tonight, at the farewell party.

The problem is, I don’t know if I’m about to do the right thing or make the biggest mistake of my life.


Hidden Confessions is a spicy MM short story. A quick read to have just before bed.

Genres: M M Romance, Novella, Romance, LGBT

45 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 15, 2025

About the author

Gen Blackwell writes MM contemporary romance. She adores crafting beautifully imperfect characters and delivering heartwarming endings.

Reviews

[Megan [At The Cottage] · Rating 3 out of 5]

MM Erotica
3 Stars ⭐️


Short, hot but ultimately forgettable.

”I didn’t hate Finn with the passion of a thousand burning suns, as said by the rumor. No, no. The truth of the matter was . . . well . . . a little dirtier. I wanted him to fuck me with the passion of a thousand burning suns.”

[Renae Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hidden Confessions is an entertaining enemies-to-lovers novella. These two are coworkers who despise one another and at their going away party their shared animosity is quickly explained as a hidden attraction that has both shocked and awed both their shared mutual attraction.

This quick story is fun, steamy, and full of entertaining moments as these two quickly realize their hatred was nothing more than attraction always simmering under the surface.

[Mirjam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a delightful mix of workplace rivalry, slow-burn tension, and heartfelt emotion. The dynamic between Spencer and Finn crackles with wit and unspoken desire, making their banter as sharp as it is entertaining. The "enemies-to-lovers" trope is executed with finesse, as the layers of their relationship are peeled back to reveal vulnerability and undeniable chemistry.








The competitive law firm setting adds stakes and a unique flavour to their dynamic, while the farewell party acts as a perfect backdrop for Spencer’s emotional turning point. The pacing keeps you hooked, and the internal conflict is relatable and genuine, adding depth to the story.


This could have been a better read if not for the slightly rushed ending. The resolution, while satisfying, could have benefited from a bit more time to explore the aftermath of Spencer's decision. That said, the journey to that moment is thoroughly enjoyable.
Fans of witty dialogue, slow-burn romance, and characters who keep you rooting for their happy ending, this book is well worth the read!





Part of the standalone series Quick Bites: MM Short Stories





ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Abigail Beckwith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here's Gen Blackwell's "Hidden Confessions." It's the second novella in her Quick Bites series.

["The rumor around the office is that Finn and I hate each other.

I let everyone think it’s true . . .

Even if it’s not.

Sure, he drives me up the wall, and I’m certain I do the same to him. We’re like two lions battling over the same territory—the coveted partner role at the law firm. It’s kill or be killed.

But beneath the clever retorts and relentless competition there’s something else, something I’ve refused to admit. It’s dirty, shameless, and it has everything to do with Finn.

Now Finn is leaving the firm, having landed a new opportunity in another state.

I see this as my chance to drop the pretense. No more hiding how I really feel about him. A part of me knows I might never get this opportunity again if I let it slip, so I plan to tell him tonight, at the farewell party.

The problem is, I don’t know if I’m about to do the right thing or make the biggest mistake of my life."]

These two were adorable!

Feeling a little :| that its Happy For Now and not Happily Ever After, but its a novella (which is basically a oneshot) so it makes sense. But I did really love these two.

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

[Kitchen Sink Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the law office everyone is convinced that Finn and Spencer hate one another. It got so bad that at one point their manager moved their desks to opposite ends of the room just in case anything got physical.

Now it is a Friday night, three years give or take a little time, since the pair started at the firm and the rivalry, the supposed battle to be the one to be made partner, began. Finn is leaving Dallas and the firm to live in Boston and run his own law firm with his sister. Spencer is at the party, watching Finn and reminiscing whilst wondering why the pair have never been able to get on. Wondering just what it is about the other man. Shortly after ten pm the pair realise they are the only ones left. It is now or never for Spencer who has decided Finn needs to know the truth... If only he could get it all out without being tongue tied...

And the rest dear reader, well the rest you need to discover for yourself. The perfect quick read for anytime you have a short break, need a quick fix of some romance and steam!

[Alix · Rating 4 out of 5]

4+ Cute, quick office co-workers/enemies to lovers with HFN. One things I liked better in this story than in Hidden Feelings is that we got both MCs' POV. It's been three long years of these MCs baiting each other in order to be the top person under consideration for promotion. Now, though, everything is changing since Finn got a job across the country in Boston. However, the going away office party becomes the place for true confessions to emerge and these boys have one hot night together. HFN, but leaves room for future HEA with them. There's good buildup and decent character development for such a short story. THere is definitely some heat between these boys! Would love to see more of them. Fun, quick read with a lightly spicy scene!

I received a complimentary copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[GreenPhoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Hidden Confessions" is a fast-paced and steamy "enemies-to-lovers" novella set in a competitive law firm. Spencer and Finn’s sharp banter and simmering attraction create a captivating dynamic, with the farewell party serving as the perfect moment for Spencer to confess his feelings. The story thrives on witty dialogue and sizzling chemistry, though its brevity leaves little room to explore the aftermath of their decision or the challenges of a long-distance relationship. Despite this, it’s an enjoyable and satisfying read for fans of light, passionate romances.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another short and sweet story with a farewell party for Finn as he is moving on after three years in the office, sparring with co-worker and partner Spencer on a daily basis. Turned out there was a reason for all that tension and sniping at each other — too bad it took three years and a final night for truths to come out and an explosive connection to be made.
Gen does a great job in 40 pages or so giving us a peek into the last three years of the corporate work life of Finn and Spencer AND let’s us get an idea of the future ahead. Short, succinct, great characters and hot action. Quick, satisfying read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laora · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5*
This short is part of the Quick Bites series by the author. I am not usual a huge fan of enemies to lovers, but I did like this one since it had a twist and is a short story.
Spence and Finn have had a love to hate you work relation. However all turns out to be different when they finally speak their truth on Finn his going away party. My only gripe is the intimate scene in the office. So uncomfortable since most offices nowadays have camera's everywhere in the officespace. Nowhere it seemed they liked to tbe caught (on camera). Might be a me thing, but that made me deduct a bit for my raiting.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emma Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic short read! The tension between Finn and the narrator crackles on every page—clever banter, intense rivalry, and a simmering attraction they’ve both tried to ignore. Gen Blackwell captures the “enemies-to-lovers” vibe so well, and the emotional stakes felt real as the farewell party became the turning point.

The story balances humor, longing, and spice perfectly. It’s a quick, satisfying read with just enough drama to keep you hooked and a resolution that leaves you smiling. Another hit from the Quick Bites series!.

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.

[Nicole Deanne Veracruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

As much as I enjoyed this I just wish that it was longer. It was literally two chapters. Finn and Spencer had worked together at a law firm for 3 years. Everybody in the office thought they hated each other because they were constantly challenging each other. But the truth under all the challenges and snide remarks is it they were both extremely attracted to each other but didn't think the other person liked them. It wasn't until the going away party for Finn that Spencer finally decided to speak up about his feelings.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shelly Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spencer and Finn’s story
Book Title-Hidden Confessions (Quick Bites: MM Short Stories Book 2)
Author-Gen Blackwell
MMC/MMC-Spencer and Finn
Genre-MM Romance
Length-Short story
Spicy level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️ out of 5 peppers
Series-Quick Bites: MM Short Stories Book 2
What I liked- This was an intriguing story. This is one story that I would like to see developed out into a longer story because I think it would be a good idea. There is a thin line between love and hate between the two characters. Great happily ever after for them both.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[T Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

What the story lacks in depth it makes up in “passion”. A very short, even short for a novella, story where animosity turns to passion which leads to a relationship? An easy read with no real drama other than the dislike but that’s only talked about and not necessarily dwelt on other than momentarily. Hard to give it a lengthy review or a substantial one as the content is quite minimal. Not a criticism just an observation.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short enemies to lovers story but with a twist, everyone at the office thinks they hate each other but in truth they are both hiding their attraction to each other through fighting, but at the end of Finn’s leaving party and since they’ll never see each other again Spencer decides to tell him the truth he doesn’t want to live with what ifs but when Finn has the same confession and after a steamy office encounter they decide to try and make long distance work although it’s a short read I would have really liked to know if they succeeded.

[Louisa Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the colleague who has been your work nemesis, quick with the banter and pushing you to be better is leaving too move across the country it's your last chance to tell him how you feel.

Such a great quick read, they've both felt the same way for 3 years but neither said a word so when one of them final says something the sparks fly.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Guardian.angel54 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short dual point-of-view office revelations

This is the second story I've read by Gen Blackwell and it was considerably shorter than the first but definitely more heat centered. There was still a decent amount of character development and world building, just in a more compressed way, and definitely more heat. Dual point-of-view and a quick read. Overall, a decent short story and I'll certainly be willing to try further works by this author. 3.5/5*

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Long Time Lust Hidden as Hate
Finn and Spencer have been office rivals from the moment they started at the same law firm. But now, Spencer is leaving - Can Finn confess how he feels? This story works through all the fast-burning, quick-changing emotions to get a tentative happily ever after - I enjoyed how, for both these men, lust and hate were two sides of the same coin. A quick-paced short read packed with heat.

[BB ビビ ㅤ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Hidden Confessions" is the second installment of Gen Blackwell's "Quick Bites" series of MM oneshots. This was another nice, short read. Nothing groundbreaking, but still fun. This story features Spencer and Finn, a pair of office rivals with hidden feelings for one another. It was rushed and felt a bit unsatisfying, but wasn't bad, earning 3 out of 5 stars from me.

~

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shiran Naveh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enemies (or so they thought) to lovers short story. Finn and Spencer relationship was described very well considering it's such a short story. I could connect to their emotions and understand the overall vibe of their past interactions. I think it's great and wish it was a full novel.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kassandra Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

I kind of liked this one, but not as much as book 1. Even though I’m a sucker for the enemies/friends/roommates-to-lovers tropes, this missed the mark for me for some reason, but that’s completely on me and not the author because I’ve loved every other book I’ve read of theirs.

I’d still recommend it for a quick read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Office bickering

You never know what someone actually thinks unless you ask. This story highlights this perfectly. Three years of bickering and snark is used to cover true feelings. This was a fun story. One that I would like to see fleshed out into a longer story because I believe it would be a great read.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finn and Spencer were lawyers at the same firm ready to boil over with pent up feelings. What came across as hate was really buried desire. They were ready to combust when Finn decides to leave the firm. This is their last night together. Short but Hot! I received a copy of this book through Booksprout and this is my voluntary opinion.

[Kestrel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice easy read, about two characters who were fun enough to read about, but I wasn't drawn in by this. There wasn't much chemistry between the two of them to say they've both been interested in the other, which is a real shame as I love some pining, mutual or otherwise. Disappointing considering how much I'd enjoyed the previous short story, Hidden Feelings.

[Henna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 stars

Cute short read with spice.

Spencer and Finn are coworkers. But Finn is leaving. On his farewell party secrets finally come out. Three years of bickering and banter blow up in a way neither of them saw coming.

[Michelle Romero · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast Paced Reed. Two guys who love to hate each other. Both harboring strong hidden feelings for the other. When one accepts a job offer in another state will they have the guts to come clean. SEXY, HOT AND NAUGHTY!

[Deb Kel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great addition to this mm short read series. Even though short so not enough time to get an in depth storyline, the author gives us plenty of light hearted fun and steam in this enemies to lovers, co workers saga!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cynthia Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spencer and Finn were considered rivals at work. Now Finn was leaving the firm and moving to Boston and it might be the last time the truth can come out. I really enjoyed the main characters and the short story.

[Amanda Grange · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, very short and kinda funny. No real drama but so much miscommunication. It took about 30ish minutes to read.

[Shasha Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really short one. Enjoyable read, sweet story with a hot spicy scene to tie it all up.

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hidden Confessions is the second book in the Quick Bites MM Short Stories read and can be read as a standalone. This was a fun short read that I really enjoyed.