– Had to think through this review carefully, as I am not a professional, only a former English Lit major (another life, a million years ago).
– Strangers on a train, illicit passion, I think Erica Jong wrote about it in ‘Fear of Flying’. Zane, travel journalist. bored and restless on a long overnight train to Portland, starts a conversation with a handsome businessman, Colton, mysterious and self-contained. A few pleasantries become explanations, parsing words become a kind of game, and soon the men are tossing wit and bon mots, with lots unsaid and between the lines.
– Some of this was strained and humorless, different from Moore’s previous works, not as sparkling or flirtatious, his goal to show tension. Zane is using his journalist tools to wheedle out details and establish some trust. Now, sexual tension is also building’
– Suggestion to move to the sleeping compartment for ‘better views’, to ‘see stars’ becomes the inevitable sensual/sexual climax, Moore going farther than in previous tales. Yay! Characters relaxed, conversation less stilted, HFN with potential; only to be possibly way-laid by an ominous text to Zane. Blackmail? Will we ever know? Perhaps a future installment?
– To be honest, I didn’t like this as much as earlier stories, perhaps only 4 stars, the dialogue not as clear and convincing, certainly not as flirty. But on to the next ‘bonus story’, a freebie inducement Moore throws to his fans.
– ‘Colton’s Story’ is so much more. Tight writing, concise, we learn why he is so controlled, how the scars of the past have taught him to build walls. This was the best part of the whole story, well-calculated and building to a crescendo of understanding and empathy for Colton. This for me moved the whole story up a level, from 4 to 5 stars. I still hope for ‘Moore’ from these characters, dear author; the bonus gives me some hints.
