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Silent Cravings
Ethan doesn’t trust anyone—not after the betrayals that left him hardened, isolated, and convinced love is just another lie. Music is his only truth, his only release. But when his latest downward spiral lands him in therapist Jared’s office, something shifts. Jared sees more than the walls Ethan hides behind. He sees the pain. The anger. The raw need. And for the first time in years, Ethan feels… seen.
But crossing the line between therapist and client? That’s a line neither of them should cross.
Jared prides himself on professionalism. He’s spent years helping others heal, even while his own heart remains fractured from a bitter divorce. But Ethan’s fire pulls him in. Session after session, that spark grows hotter, threatening to burn through every boundary Jared swore he’d uphold.
When a chance meeting outside the office turns into a night of confessions, desire breaks free. And once the floodgates open, neither man can go back.
How do you let go of what’s forbidden—when it’s the only thing that makes you feel alive?
If you
✔️ slow-burn M/M romance that smolders before it ignites
✔️ forbidden romance with intense emotional stakes
✔️ therapist-client dynamics filled with longing, restraint, and simmering desire
✔️ emotional healing arcs with deep character exploration
✔️ writing that’s raw, intimate, and deliciously tense
…then Silent Cravings will grab you by the heart and refuse to let go.
Perfect for readers of LGBTQ+ romance, forbidden romance, and taboo love stories that explore vulnerability, desire, and the messy beauty of breaking the rules.
But crossing the line between therapist and client? That’s a line neither of them should cross.
Jared prides himself on professionalism. He’s spent years helping others heal, even while his own heart remains fractured from a bitter divorce. But Ethan’s fire pulls him in. Session after session, that spark grows hotter, threatening to burn through every boundary Jared swore he’d uphold.
When a chance meeting outside the office turns into a night of confessions, desire breaks free. And once the floodgates open, neither man can go back.
How do you let go of what’s forbidden—when it’s the only thing that makes you feel alive?
If you
✔️ slow-burn M/M romance that smolders before it ignites
✔️ forbidden romance with intense emotional stakes
✔️ therapist-client dynamics filled with longing, restraint, and simmering desire
✔️ emotional healing arcs with deep character exploration
✔️ writing that’s raw, intimate, and deliciously tense
…then Silent Cravings will grab you by the heart and refuse to let go.
Perfect for readers of LGBTQ+ romance, forbidden romance, and taboo love stories that explore vulnerability, desire, and the messy beauty of breaking the rules.
- GenresM M Romance
54 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 4, 2025
4 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Ryan Moore
39 books69 followersThe Billionaire’s Game just hit #1 in 3 categories! 🎉 Free to download—> https://a.co/d/7qDMgiZ
Ryan Moore is the #1 bestselling author of steamy M/M romance stories that mix irresistible heat with heartfelt emotion. Based in Seattle, Ryan writes short, punchy reads perfect for devouring in an hour—from forbidden age-gap hookups to impulsive dating app flings.
When he’s not crafting tales of slow-burn seduction and explosive chemistry, Ryan can be found kayaking, hiking, or fueling up on too much coffee. He lives in West Seattle with his golden retriever, Alex, who’s always nearby during late-night writing sprints or early morning plotting walks.
Dive into the Private Encounters series and discover your next obsession.
Ryan Moore is the #1 bestselling author of steamy M/M romance stories that mix irresistible heat with heartfelt emotion. Based in Seattle, Ryan writes short, punchy reads perfect for devouring in an hour—from forbidden age-gap hookups to impulsive dating app flings.
When he’s not crafting tales of slow-burn seduction and explosive chemistry, Ryan can be found kayaking, hiking, or fueling up on too much coffee. He lives in West Seattle with his golden retriever, Alex, who’s always nearby during late-night writing sprints or early morning plotting walks.
Dive into the Private Encounters series and discover your next obsession.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 7, 2025
This short story should have been a book ❤️
I don’t know what’s Ryan’s secret when writing his short stories. All I know is that they feel “complete” in a way many other stories and novellas don’t achieve. Maybe because they usually span a longer period of time?
In one corner we have Ethan, a musician who feels deeply, but only feels free on stage, while performing. In the other corner, we have Jason, his therapist. Jason molded himself to fit into the person others expect seeing - calm, self assured, logical. But what he starts feeling for Ethan is anything but, and chips away at his carefully curated self.
If Ryan ever decides to write a book around these two characters, I’d definitely read it. Both are complex - maybe too complex for this story. Yet I don’t feel like we have holes in the plot, I’d just would have loved… more ☺️
I don’t know what’s Ryan’s secret when writing his short stories. All I know is that they feel “complete” in a way many other stories and novellas don’t achieve. Maybe because they usually span a longer period of time?
In one corner we have Ethan, a musician who feels deeply, but only feels free on stage, while performing. In the other corner, we have Jason, his therapist. Jason molded himself to fit into the person others expect seeing - calm, self assured, logical. But what he starts feeling for Ethan is anything but, and chips away at his carefully curated self.
If Ryan ever decides to write a book around these two characters, I’d definitely read it. Both are complex - maybe too complex for this story. Yet I don’t feel like we have holes in the plot, I’d just would have loved… more ☺️
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May 11, 2025I heartily agree with other readers, Ryan's short stories don't feel cheated or short. They feel thoroughly complete, but I'd love more of many of the couples he's given us. This was a taboo pairing. A quiet musician and his therapist! The building attraction that's consummated outside the office. Oh La La!! It has all the feels of a novel packed into a novella. Check out push and pull of romance/relationship. Inspiring!
May 19, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
‘Silent Cravings’ explores the idea of breaking professional ethical rules in the name of love. As a therapist, Jared knew how to help people get back on their feet, despite his own struggles. I loved how emotionally strong Jared was; even when he began harbouring feelings for his patient—a young musician struggling with anxiety—he didn’t succumb to them. Both Jared and Ethan were trapped in their own notions of what was right for the world but not for themselves. Only after spending valuable time together did they realise that sometimes what’s right for the world isn’t right for them. I loved their timid interactions, and they always showed deep respect for each other despite their growing emotional attraction that was threatening to ruin a therapist-patient dynamic.
Moral dilemmas are my favourite element in stories, and in ‘Silent Cravings’, Ryan Moore masterfully perfects this theme.
‘Silent Cravings’ explores the idea of breaking professional ethical rules in the name of love. As a therapist, Jared knew how to help people get back on their feet, despite his own struggles. I loved how emotionally strong Jared was; even when he began harbouring feelings for his patient—a young musician struggling with anxiety—he didn’t succumb to them. Both Jared and Ethan were trapped in their own notions of what was right for the world but not for themselves. Only after spending valuable time together did they realise that sometimes what’s right for the world isn’t right for them. I loved their timid interactions, and they always showed deep respect for each other despite their growing emotional attraction that was threatening to ruin a therapist-patient dynamic.
Moral dilemmas are my favourite element in stories, and in ‘Silent Cravings’, Ryan Moore masterfully perfects this theme.
May 7, 2025
OMG, so much content in a short story... Jared's boundaries, Ethan's walls. Seventh in the Private Encounters series by Ryan Moore, this one is quieter and more contemplative at first, exploring the therapist/patient dynamic, and builds to a steamy ending/beginning of a new relationship. HFN with possibilities.
- Ethan (our patient) builds walls keeping out others, and has trust issues stemming from loss and abandonment, putting his vulnerability into his successful music and lyrics; he still feels alone. Therapist Jared treats him with gentleness and encouragement, and slowly recognizes a kindred soul, while questioning his own budding feelings. Themes of professionalism versus self-realization; control and repression versus freedom and desire.
- Told from Jared's POV the story builds in sexual tension as each character reaches for what they want. Instead of Moore's customary wit and flirty dialogue we get heavy silences and the therapist fighting against his own principles as he helps Ethan lower his defenses. Ethan becomes healthier and is strong enough to shatter Jared's self-entrapment, his ethics over his emotional freedom. The roles have reversed and Ethan is Jared's 'sexual healing' and release.
- Again I had the in-and-out of the story feeling, as I recognized counseling techniques and personal quandaries from my own life, having felt some 'transference' myself. Moore is so good at enticing his reader to relate to his characters and situations, seemingly commonplace and familiar.
- 'Unrecorded' is Ryan Moore's 'freebie' story for his readers (a gift), and shows musician Ethan's POV. More emotional, less guarded, now we get the other side of the story, as well as details about Jared that he might be unaware of, that Ethan has seen through that professional composure. Moore tells double-sided stories, tales that wrap around and complete each other.
- And now I feel complete.
- Ethan (our patient) builds walls keeping out others, and has trust issues stemming from loss and abandonment, putting his vulnerability into his successful music and lyrics; he still feels alone. Therapist Jared treats him with gentleness and encouragement, and slowly recognizes a kindred soul, while questioning his own budding feelings. Themes of professionalism versus self-realization; control and repression versus freedom and desire.
- Told from Jared's POV the story builds in sexual tension as each character reaches for what they want. Instead of Moore's customary wit and flirty dialogue we get heavy silences and the therapist fighting against his own principles as he helps Ethan lower his defenses. Ethan becomes healthier and is strong enough to shatter Jared's self-entrapment, his ethics over his emotional freedom. The roles have reversed and Ethan is Jared's 'sexual healing' and release.
- Again I had the in-and-out of the story feeling, as I recognized counseling techniques and personal quandaries from my own life, having felt some 'transference' myself. Moore is so good at enticing his reader to relate to his characters and situations, seemingly commonplace and familiar.
- 'Unrecorded' is Ryan Moore's 'freebie' story for his readers (a gift), and shows musician Ethan's POV. More emotional, less guarded, now we get the other side of the story, as well as details about Jared that he might be unaware of, that Ethan has seen through that professional composure. Moore tells double-sided stories, tales that wrap around and complete each other.
- And now I feel complete.
May 6, 2025
When Love Wins -
This is a taboo, sensual romance story, about the sexual connection between a therapist and his patient, where the potency of their intense attraction made it difficult for them to keep their hands off each other. The characters soon find themselves struggling emotionally to navigate their strong feelings, as they considered the morality and ramification of the situation. Luckily, they managed to find the strength to fight for what they wanted.
This forbidden attraction romance story with scorching-hot tension was an interesting read, that you will enjoy. Just grab a copy of this book now and experience it for yourself.
I received an advanced copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a taboo, sensual romance story, about the sexual connection between a therapist and his patient, where the potency of their intense attraction made it difficult for them to keep their hands off each other. The characters soon find themselves struggling emotionally to navigate their strong feelings, as they considered the morality and ramification of the situation. Luckily, they managed to find the strength to fight for what they wanted.
This forbidden attraction romance story with scorching-hot tension was an interesting read, that you will enjoy. Just grab a copy of this book now and experience it for yourself.
I received an advanced copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 7, 2025
I love these short stories.
Jared trying to maintain professionalism and Ethan’s confidence as he releases the troubles that have kept him hiding behind his walls. The build-up of desire between these two is like pressure getting ready to pop.
The writing in these short stories is always great, like a snapshot filled with so many details that have you hooked from the start.
I’ve said it before, but I can’t wait for something full-length from Ryan Moore.
Jared trying to maintain professionalism and Ethan’s confidence as he releases the troubles that have kept him hiding behind his walls. The build-up of desire between these two is like pressure getting ready to pop.
The writing in these short stories is always great, like a snapshot filled with so many details that have you hooked from the start.
I’ve said it before, but I can’t wait for something full-length from Ryan Moore.
June 16, 2025
I need this to be a full book ugh
My realistic self is screaming at Jared while reading this because I was hoping he'd refer Ethan to another therapist first before pursuing anything with his patient because he could lose everything he had worked for. But don't worry, I was also screaming at Ethan because how can you not think of the possible repercussions for Jared if this ever comes out?! Anyway...
I liked reading about the tension, the pining, the struggle to control the intensity of Jared's feelings toward Ethan. This story was brilliantly-written; you could feel the emotions simmer between the characters, just waiting for the right time to explode. It was a delight reading this even if I had to rein my realistic self in at times. LOL
My realistic self is screaming at Jared while reading this because I was hoping he'd refer Ethan to another therapist first before pursuing anything with his patient because he could lose everything he had worked for. But don't worry, I was also screaming at Ethan because how can you not think of the possible repercussions for Jared if this ever comes out?! Anyway...
I liked reading about the tension, the pining, the struggle to control the intensity of Jared's feelings toward Ethan. This story was brilliantly-written; you could feel the emotions simmer between the characters, just waiting for the right time to explode. It was a delight reading this even if I had to rein my realistic self in at times. LOL
July 6, 2025
Silent Craving is a captivating MM forbidden romance that masterfully explores the emotional tension and slow burning chemistry between Jared, a reserved therapist, and Ethan, a talented but troubled musician.
Ryan does a great job of portraying the internal conflicts each character faces, particularly as their feelings shift from guarded curiosity to genuine affection. The forbidden aspect adds an extra layer of tension, but it never overshadows the emotional depth. The developing connection between Jared and Ethan felt authentic, tender, and at times heart wrenching making the eventual emotional payoff all the more satisfying.
Ryan does a great job of portraying the internal conflicts each character faces, particularly as their feelings shift from guarded curiosity to genuine affection. The forbidden aspect adds an extra layer of tension, but it never overshadows the emotional depth. The developing connection between Jared and Ethan felt authentic, tender, and at times heart wrenching making the eventual emotional payoff all the more satisfying.
May 28, 2025
Really enjoyed this one! Ethan and Jared’s dynamic was super interesting, especially as the lines between therapist and client started to blur. Things got messy in a way that felt real and kept me hooked from the beginning!
May 9, 2025
Internal struggles, crossing lines, forbidden thoughts.
This story is an intimate war between each of our main characters minds, trying to do what is socially 'correct'. The set boundaries pushed and pulled and the indecision (especially in Jared's mind) that binds him to what is 'right'
Should the therapist give in? He has the most to lose, either way. If he does, he loses his integrity, professional credit and way of life (or does he really?) If he doesn't give in, he loses the love of his life.
This story is a real struggle and you feel for them both.
*The accompanying chapters Unrecorded: Ethan's Story
A beautiful and creative way to give us more information and, in my case, put me at ease that Ethan's feelings are for real. It bothers me that at some point he had mentioned that for each relationship he had written a song, and that was all that was left when he was abandoned. Now here he is writing about Jared and it seems a little ominous that he is repeating the cycle. You just hope that their feelings are in fact for ever because one would lose his work, and the other would never heal.
If nothing else Ryan Moore's stories are much more that romance moments. They are deeply thought provoking and have a tendency to immerse us in situations that are difficult and make you feel as if you're the one living the dilemma and have to make serious decisions about life and love.
This story is an intimate war between each of our main characters minds, trying to do what is socially 'correct'. The set boundaries pushed and pulled and the indecision (especially in Jared's mind) that binds him to what is 'right'
Should the therapist give in? He has the most to lose, either way. If he does, he loses his integrity, professional credit and way of life (or does he really?) If he doesn't give in, he loses the love of his life.
This story is a real struggle and you feel for them both.
*The accompanying chapters Unrecorded: Ethan's Story
A beautiful and creative way to give us more information and, in my case, put me at ease that Ethan's feelings are for real. It bothers me that at some point he had mentioned that for each relationship he had written a song, and that was all that was left when he was abandoned. Now here he is writing about Jared and it seems a little ominous that he is repeating the cycle. You just hope that their feelings are in fact for ever because one would lose his work, and the other would never heal.
If nothing else Ryan Moore's stories are much more that romance moments. They are deeply thought provoking and have a tendency to immerse us in situations that are difficult and make you feel as if you're the one living the dilemma and have to make serious decisions about life and love.
June 11, 2025
This is the taboo story of a psychologist, Jared, and his patient, a musician, Ethan, haunted by abandonment and loneliness who is unable to get out of the cycle of breakups he is in until he decides to let himself go.
I really liked the club scene, because it is where you really see how Ethan is, who expresses himself freely through music and how Jared begins to realize the attraction he feels for him. Good thing love wins out.
I would like to read a full length novel one day, this one could have been, but as a short story it is very intense.
I really liked the club scene, because it is where you really see how Ethan is, who expresses himself freely through music and how Jared begins to realize the attraction he feels for him. Good thing love wins out.
I would like to read a full length novel one day, this one could have been, but as a short story it is very intense.
May 8, 2025
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. This is a MM short story that is a part of the Private Encounters series. Each book can is a standalone.
Jared is a therapist and Ethan is one of his patients. There has been a chemistry between them since the first visit. Knowing Jared won't cross any lines, Ethan takes matters into his own hands and shows up when Jared is leaving the office.
I am enjoying all these short stories.
Jared is a therapist and Ethan is one of his patients. There has been a chemistry between them since the first visit. Knowing Jared won't cross any lines, Ethan takes matters into his own hands and shows up when Jared is leaving the office.
I am enjoying all these short stories.
May 9, 2025
I'm the problem here i guess. The storyline needed emotional connection between MCs that just wasnt possible to deliver in a short story. You just have to take author's word for the fact that what was between them was intense and unique but you can really read it here. If this was a full length book, it could be good.
May 14, 2025
I am not sure where I stand on this book. The idea of a therapist crossing the line of indulging in a relationship with his client is so taboo. Ethan should have stepped away as his therapist and referred him to another person before letting it get as far as it did. You can have any relationship you want, but take care not to cross ethical lines.
I read and reviewed a copy of this book.
I read and reviewed a copy of this book.
May 15, 2025
Jared and Ethan are totally relatable characters. I completely get Ethan's struggles stemming from his childhood. The words that popped into my head while reading this are: Magnetic connection, desire, surrender, fire, challenging boundaries, and overcoming fears. Ryan does such a wonderful job writing stories that instantly draw you in and make you care about the characters.
June 19, 2025
Ethan is a lonely musician going in a downward spiral that leads to him needing therapy to work out his trauma and issues. Enter Jared, the therapist who knows its forbidden to fall for a client but is instantly attracted to Ethan and wants to truly help him as well as get closer.
I loved the way these two were with each other *swoon*
I loved the way these two were with each other *swoon*
June 10, 2025
A touching but interesting story as we follow the connection between a counselor and his newest client. Ethan, a young local musician, feels kind of stuck and uncertain, Jared is shaken by the feelings he's developing for his client. A shortish story, a touch sad and painful but a sweet read.
July 17, 2025
While I might have hoped Ethan would refer Jared to another therapist before things began for them (and fully believe he did after), the tension, spark and heat between these two when they meet out of the office was enough to go along with them on the journey to them being together. The intensity of Jared's feelings and Ethan's broken self healing with Jared are wonderful. The way these two fit together is amazing, and the UST is off the charts. The RST isn't bad, either. I would have loved just a little more about Ethan's music but I adore any element of music in a story.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews