After the Fall

by Ryan Moore

Some obsessions don’t die quietly.

Dominic Vale is used to winning. Power. Respect. Control. But all of that begins to unravel when he breaks his own rules for one man—Theo Marlowe, the sharp-witted student who sees past Dominic’s polished exterior and straight through to the chaos beneath.

Now, in the aftermath of The Billionaire’s Game, Dominic and Theo are together... but not unscathed.

As secrets from Dominic’s past surface and the dangerous underworld of elite auctions begins to circle once more, the empire he’s spent a lifetime building is on the brink of collapse. And Theo—blazing, brave, heartbreakingly honest—is the one thing Dominic can’t afford to lose.

But love in the shadows comes with a price. And some lines, once crossed, leave nothing standing.

🔥 Why readers will devour After the Fall
• Explosive A slow-burn romance with intense emotional stakes and magnetic, razor-sharp dialogue.
• High Society Dive into a seductive world of wealth, secrecy, and dangerous power plays.
• Emotional Witness two beautifully flawed men fighting to build something real in a world that rewards pretense.
• Cinematic Gorgeous prose with the intimacy of a whispered confession and the scope of a thriller.
• Queer Love Without A celebration of queer desire and vulnerability, where romance isn’t sanitized—it’s powerful, public, and hard-won.

This is M/M romance at its most raw—tender, dark, and unforgettable.

62 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 6, 2025

About the author

The Billionaire’s Game hit #1 in 3 categories! 🎉 Free to download—> https://a.co/d/7qDMgiZ

Unforgettable Encounter hit #1 in 3 categories! 🎉 Free to download—> https://amzn.to/4k0NDQT

Ryan Moore is the #1 bestselling author of steamy M/M romance stories that mix irresistible heat with heartfelt emotion. With over 50 books released and multiple titles hitting the #1 spot, Ryan has quickly made his mark with short, punchy reads perfect for devouring in an hour, from forbidden age-gap hookups to impulsive dating app flings.

Based in Seattle, he’s been writing and publishing for over a year, building a catalog known for slow-burn seduction and explosive chemistry. When he’s not crafting stories, 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.

Reviews

[Monikat · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last instalment from The Billionaires Game. Finally we see the unraveling of our ice king Domenic Vale. The cage he so tightly keeps himself in shattering open after Theo decides he's had enough, he's been hurt and been hidden enough. Manipulations and threats from Dom's fellow auctioneers enrage him enough to finally break free.

This was another difficult read, watching all the let downs towards Theo, feeling each blow like ice poured down your back. Domenic's fear of letting go due to boundaries he's locked himself into.

"You don't know sentimentality"

He didn't, he couldn't even show love until it was blatantly threatened.
I'm glad this story is over, I'm calm in its HEA.

Ryan Moore gave us a story that made the blood rush in anger, indignation, in frustration, in melancholy and in love, finally.

Theo: Exposed
Glimpses of Theo's p.o.v and his journey in painting and the art world.
And the beautiful unveiling of their love out in the open.

[Misty Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. This MM romance is part of the Private Encounters short stories collection. Each book csn be read as a standalone and in any order.
Theo feels like Dominic is hiding their relationship. He doesn't make an effort to go to any parties or dinner with Theos friends. Always having some excuse as why to miss out. But Theo is done unless Dominic makes different choices.
I enjoyed this book and can't wait for more.

[Carpaxis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is full of raw emotion as Dominic and Theo try to work past walls, feelings, and outside pressures pulling them apart. Theo is fighting to be seen, Dom doesn’t know how to free himself from his own cage.

Dominic feels so isolated with his thoughts, staring out at the city through his windows as if the city were a person. At times it feels like the city surrounding Dom is a cage, and at other times like it’s a reminder that life is going on without him beyond his walls. When Dom says to Theo, “I wasn’t raised to know how to love someone and survive the consequences.” Wow, I felt totally gutted for him!

Ryan’s words about Theo: “He simply stared, stunned by how real it all was – how heartbreak never arrived with music or lighting, just the plainness of someone refusing to make space for you.” That just hits me so hard! I love that Theo doesn’t settle or go with the flow. He demands to be seen and acknowledged.

I can’t say too much more without giving things away. It’s been great seeing these characters and their story unfold. I do have to say hooray for Alice! She is smart, loyal and kick-ass! Love that Ryan writes strong women that fit into his stories, not as an afterthought. I also love how weather is a mood in Ryan’s books. It reflects and intensifies the emotions being felt.

This can be read on it’s own, but I highly recommend reading the related stories of “The Billionaire’s Game”, and “Before the Game”, plus related back stories to get the full picture of both Dominic and Theo.

[Korkoi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fighting for His Happiness -
The connection between Dominic and Theo was truly amazing especially when they were together, but there was a major issue that had been plaguing their relationship. Unfortunately, Dominic was living two lives, which Theo wasn’t happy about and gave Dominic an ultimatum that nearly cost them their happiness. However, after someone tried to cause problems for Dominic, he decided to go scorched earth in his professional love and social group, so he could have a chance at the happiness he craved with Theo.

This was intriguing book about balancing secrets and the truth, but ultimately finding the courage to choose truth, which led to life changing consequences. I urge you to add this to your TBR list now.

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

[Cindy Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story by Ryan Moore. As with all the Private Encounters books in the series they can be read as a stand alone and in any order. I read this one immediately after another one that I was left feeling a little let down. This one! Dominic and Theo was awesome! It pulled me in from the beginning and held my attention through. I very much enjoyed this quick read and will definitely ready more by Ryan Moore.

[Samantha Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved After the Fall, the gripping sequel to The Billionaire’s Game. Ryan Moore has delivered another emotional rollercoaster that had me hooked from start to finish. The characters are even more layered this time, and the stakes feel incredibly real. There were moments that truly broke my heart as the story played out raw, painful, and beautifully written. Ryan doesn’t shy away from the messy consequences of love, ambition, and betrayal, and it made for a powerful, unforgettable read. I can’t wait to see what comes next.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trouble in paradise, and it's breaking my heart. To see Theo and Dom at odds- where Dom's work means more than Theo's feelings. I was heartsick reading this. Both men wants certainly and security. Will they figure this out or cut their losses? I had tears in my eyes for half this sad tale. The final crossroads and decision left me crying again. What a tear jerker, happy and sad.

[Monika · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these two! Their story hurt my heart and filled it with love. Swoon

[Eyzhip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dominic and Theo’s Story continues!
I was hooked reading about their new, delicate relationship! The suspense while wondering what Dominic is willing to do to keep Theo by his side was so much fun! Ryan Moore’s writing never misses!

[bwrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

City lights, city motion, the city life seen through multiple windows frames this story. Dominic stares out from his penthouse noticing sun and storm, day and night and thinking of Theo. What is Theo thinking, does he know how much he has changed things, how much he is needed, how much he threatens Dominic's world-view? From his own apartment, or his studio/old apartment windows, Theo tries to figure out Dominic. Estranged lovers viewing the city, or is the City as third character observing them? Perhaps the windows are us, the Readers of this sequel to Moore's 'The Billionaire's Game', trying to fathom the intricacies of Dominic's fear of intimacy and loss of control, looking in a on a Billionaire's fear of failure and discovery, and his artist-lover's frustration at remaining a 'dirty little secret' a bit too long.
- In a previous review of this series of short stories I noted how Dominic's reaction to his father's death, his subsequent building of walls around himself, had personally affected me, remembering my own reaction to similar circumstance, leading me to years of therapy. I felt sadness for the character Dominic, and the first half of this story recalled that emotion in me. As I read, I realized my hands were cradling my face, sorrow increasing, and the whirlpool of depression rising; I hugged myself and continued. I wanted to shake Dom, to get him over himself, see beyond his fears to what he needed and wanted. Amazing that Moore's short story, so few words, can coax such empathy from the reader, any reader, I'm no different than You, we all have travails in this life.
- Poor Theo, loved but neglected, sensitive to the increasing distance and unable to break through, unaware of the greater forces in Dominic's world because they haven't been shared with him, gives second chances but is frustrated. He leaves, echoing faintly an earlier love from Dom's past. For Dominic to overcome his fears, to decide what he wants, to risk and endure some destruction of his lifestyle and fortune, he must mature beyond his own outdated self-fortification, he must evolve. This is the beauty of Moore's story, the culmination of all the other tales and motivations before. And we, the Readers (the windows into the character's souls?) are the beneficiaries.
- As may be ascertained, this story was a bit hard for me personally (PTSD?) and I delayed reading this ARC, thus my late but honest review. My apologies to Mr. Moore.

- 'Theo's Story - Exposed,' Ryan Moore's 'freebie' story follow-up is Theo's side of things. Different from some previous 'freebies,' this one isn't a historical background giving us insights into character, but is contemporaneous with 'After the Fall.' Theo looks out through various art gallery windows, waiting for Dominic to show up, to witness the effects of their love affair. Theo's painting has changed, from bright and curious in his college days, to darker and richer, but more secretive, complicated with hidden meaning, as Theo realizes their love is subordinate to Dom's career and public persona. As distance increases between lovers, Theo's work shows the sophistication of 'tension.. between control and chaos' because he is channeling his frustration and anger. After 3 no-shows at galleries, Theo see's Dominic's car outside the window; the text 'It mattered. I should have been there' is the last straw.
- Theo's steadfastness, his commitment to be seen as an artist, as an individual, as a man and equal, inspires the change in Dominic, the evolution of Artist inspires the evolution of Lover.
- The first story left a tear trickling down my left cheek; the second induced sobs and the need for a tissue. Thanks, Mr. Moore, for catharsis, a chance to view through the windows of my own soul.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

We're back with Part 2 of Theo and Dominic's story:

I still love the way that Theo knows his worth and doesn't want to be anyone's secret and refuses to back down from that, even if it is going to cost him his relationship. Dominic's history has taught him to be cold and calculating, to never get attached and always keep himself in control. Now that he is on the verge of losing Theo, he can't bear to see it happen and go back to the life he had before.

I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dominic is adjusting to life with Theo, after spending most of his life hiding behind walls of self-control and rigid schedules, he's learning what it's like to let go. Or at least he's trying to. But he's not succeeding. The slightest show of affection in public leads him to the abyss. But this is Theo we're talking about.

I really like how Dominic creates and evolves as a character in this story.

I hope that once their story is written, it will all come together in one volume.

[Hannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a book of AI metaphors that don’t quite make sense. It’s not a story, not really. It’s a story that’s about a story, maybe. There’s so much that you have to read between the lines about and surmise on your own. There’s a whole lot of description about the windows and the world outside and even the carpet, but you never really find out what the main character actually does. It’s not a relationship, it’s about possession. It was okay, at best. I wouldn’t read another book by this author.