Ryan Moore’s third short story in his ‘Private Encounters’ series doesn’t disappoint. Our MC, Francis, following his best friend’s advice that ‘the best way to get over one guy is to get under another’, decides to use a dating app. to heal from his last last disastrous relationship. He gets a fun and flirty response from Orion and they begin texting, leading to a phone call and then a first date. This time Moore’s characters are more concerned with connection and relationship building, but again the texting and dialogue is clever and sprinkled with humor; the date goes well as attraction builds. Amusing foot touches and flirtatious brushes of hands over dinner leads to holding hands as they walk to their respective cars. First embraces and kisses are interrupted by an unexpected verbal encounter with Francis’ abusive and controlling ex. Orion is effective in diffusing and defending, minimizing the confrontation. Heated emotions lead to a fiery unplanned-for, but hot-and-heavy sex scene/climax between our two MCs. HFN with implications for a continued relationship.
Bonus! Moore gives his readers incentive by offering ‘freebie’ stories and character studies, this time a revelation of Francis’ previous relationship, how it began and slowly became abusive and controlling and how Francis walked away. We get an insider’s view of Francis’ growth and stability as a gay man unrestrained and looking for more in a future partner, his courage to go forward is inspiring. One marvels at the range of this author, are these hints of his own life, or deep insights into the variations of gay life. I look forward to more depths revealed in his future endeavors.