Heatstroke

by Ryan Moore

One storm. One kiss. One island that changes everything.

Daniel Voss came to Sainte-Margot to disappear. After years as a trauma nurse, he’s burned out, emotionally numb, and desperate for silence. The last thing he wants is distraction—especially not in the form of a barefoot lifeguard who keeps breaking past every wall he’s built.

Thierry Batiste is warmth, sunlight, and chaos. A man who’s lived his entire life by the sea—and by his own rules. He sees something in Daniel that others don’t. And he refuses to look away.

What begins as tension simmers into something deeper. Something neither of them expected.

As tropical storms roll in and long nights stretch out, Daniel and Thierry must decide if what they’ve found is just a temporary escape—or the beginning of something worth staying for.

This high-heat M/M romance

Grumpy/sunshine dynamic with emotional depthA tropical island setting full of atmosphere and intimacySlow-burn tension that erupts into unforgettable heatFound family, hidden grief, and a second chance at feeling aliveDeep character growth, emotional honesty, and healing loveA complete, stand-alone story with a guaranteed HEA
Start reading Heatstroke now and experience the kind of romance that doesn’t just set your heart racing—it brings it back to life.

Available in Kindle Unlimited.

Genres: Romance, M M Romance

60 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 13, 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 4 out of 5]

Endlessly poetic, romance as if it has been dreamt as if beginning in a haze and clearing up as you read. Lack of massive dialogue and minimal explanation leave room for the rest of the senses to fill in the blanks.
Daniel has run from a tragedy he believes is his fault, his guilt almost destroying him. At this remote island he is stalked and bothered by a local, Thierry, who simply won't leave him to his wallowing.
"You think I'm performing solitude?"
"I think you're bad at it."
I must have read these lines 10 times, they have deep meaning to me.
The way this story eases into the relationship, the way Thierry has fixated on Daniel since their first meeting saving a drowning boy, truly feels as if they are two souls finding their way back to each other.

Guilt. Denial. Desire. Guilt. Avoidance.
Acceptance.

Together in the end, Daniel begins healing with a smile.
Again, we hear the waves, taste the salt, feel the sun and feel the goosebumps at first dive in the cool water. Ryan Moore paints pictures and feelings with his words.
This literally took me there.🌊🐠🐙
*A gorgeous cover.

Bonus material: Shattered

This is so sad. We see the breakdown of a professional. A nurse, Daniel, who looses a young patient and it destroys his confidence in his work and in himself. It destroys him mentally until finally he seeks professional help. Which eventually sets him on his journey to the island.

Shout out to nurses and staff who care for people, who endure and battle mental trauma in order to help people who suffer.

In my mind I see Daniel thriving on the island, being there for anyone who needs his help.💙

[Samantha Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heat Stroke is a delightful MM summer romance that had me hooked from the very first chapter. Ryan Moore crafts a warm, sun-drenched setting perfect for the simmering slow burn between Daniel and Thierry. What really stood out to me was the pacing of their relationship, it unfolded gradually, giving every glance and every moment of tension real weight. Watching Daniel’s guard slowly come down while Thierry turned on the charm was genuinely satisfying.

Thierry, in particular, stole the show for me. His cheeky, irreverent attitude added such a spark to every scene. Whether he was teasing Daniel or pushing just the right buttons, his energy lit up the pages and made their connection all the more fun to root for. The mix of flirty banter and deeper emotional undercurrents made this romance feel authentic and well earned.

[Carpaxis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daniel arrives on Sainte-Margot with the heat and noises of the island grinding against his need for silence and reprieve. Before he even settles into his room he hears screaming. His years as a trauma nurse kick in and he’s out the door in an instant.

This story quickly thrusts us into action where we meet Thierry. It’s definitely a grumpy meets sunshine moment, or I should say moments that keep happening. When Daniel tries to stay contained and walk away, Thierry is intrigued. Daniel is unnerved by Thierry’s ability to look right into him.

Thierry takes Daniel to the market. While Thierry just naturally fits into the rhythm and flow of the booths and vendors, Daniel is overwhelmed by the heat, the smells, the people, Thierry.

It is interesting to see how Daniel is overwhelmed by the frantic energy outside his room, but he keeps going out in public. It’s like he knows he needs to push himself outside of his comfort zone. He attempts to put up barriers and be standoffish, yet Thierry sees right through him, is always there, curious, probing.

Thierry senses Daniel is in need, and feels a deep need to figure out how to help him. He sees the mile high walls, but keeps working to find a crack.

Daniel feels like he is carrying a heaviness about him. Haunted by working in ER. He carries a guilt with him that is devastating. Panics at closeness. He starts to feel really seen by Thierry, and desires him, but also thinks it’s dangerous.

Weather is a mood floating in the background. Heat, humidity, rain, thunder, stillness between storms.

When they kiss for the first time you feel their hunger, surrender, heat, fury, skin, breath.

I am loving the words Ryan uses to describe things. They are so vivid, pulling me right in.
“The buildings … seemed to lean into one another like they were gossiping.”
“...weary precision of a man rehearsing escape.”
“The feeling of absence that remembered its shape.”
“Sunlight shafted through the water in golden columns, illuminating particles that swirled like distant galaxies.”

I think Daniel needs someone like Thierry, who doesn’t give up, is there providing his warmth and certainty. I’m interested to see what the future holds for these two, who I feel have the potential for a very deep commitment. It will be interesting to see the ways Thierry pulls Daniel out of his shell. I also am certain there is a lot more depth to Thierry, and I wonder at how Daniel will help him. Two very passionate men who I look forward to getting to know further.

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking a Worthwhile Chance -
Even though Daniel was only doing a favour for a friend, he wanted the trip to be quiet and relaxing, but that is not what he got, especially after his heroic performance. Thierry was loud and enthusiastic, so he was intrigued by Daniel from the moment they met, but trying to get him to engage was like pulling teeth. However, Thierry made it his mission to get Daniel to lower the walls he had built around himself, which led to him finally taking a chance.

Unfortunately, Daniel’s insecurities led him to revert to his closed off behaviour, even though Thierry kept continually trying to make him open up and feel again. Nevertheless, Daniel decided to leave, as he wasn’t handling the attention he was getting very well, but fate stepped in and made him realise he needed to stay and explore the vast possibilities ahead for him and Thierry.

This was an incredibly emotional story about a young man’s journey where he unexpectedly received help from a stranger to lean about what it means to truly accept himself. I absolutely enjoyed reading this short instalove romance story and I belief it deserves to be on your TBR list.

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

[Misty Warner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. This is an MM romance that's is a part of the Private Encounters short stories collection. Each book is a standalone and can be read in any order.
Daniel and Thierry first meet when they save a little boy. Then again for another trauma. They just can't seem to stay away from each other and they don't want too. But what happens when it's time for Daniel to go home?

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

You get the sense that Daniel is broken from a past event and retreats into isolation, because isolation hurts less than the baggage he's carrying. Thierry slowly works his island magic on Daniel. Will Daniel reciprocate? Can Daniel forgive himself and allow himself to love again? Thierry is a very convincing man! Dive into this island paradise or h#ll???

[Patdbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captivating difficult read

There is so much emotion, hurt, running and hiding in the story. A Dr escaping an operation gone wrong, meet Thierry and he finds he can not run anymore. Thierry sees inside daniel and sets out to cure to capture. The chemistry is strong. The writing is not easy to follow and though short it top a while to read. Well worth the read.

[Nicole Adkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Perfect Quick Read.

Author, Ryan Moore is new to me and I must say I really enjoyed this low spice MM beach adventure. It’s a quick read, but full of action, an MC with a past that haunts him, and a low spice love story where the two MCs just click. I look forward to reading more of Moore’s work.

** I received a copy of this book is a Goodreads giveaway. This is my honest option and review.

[Mama Of 2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice little pallette cleanser

This was a short story that was a nice little pallette cleanser. My only complaint is I wish there were more. Otherwise, I enjoyed the story very much. Minimal spice. Cute romance.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, thank you so much for the ARC!

[bwrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tropical heat plastering his linen shirt against his back, Daniel arrives on the island of Sainte-Margot already agitated, crotchety, an unlikely sympathetic character. 'Hate it the first day, love it the next' was what he had heard, but he has already decided against that, he is insufferable and miserable; not the excited tourist in paradise. Nothing quickens his heartbeat till he hears screaming, his first-responder instinct kicks in, and he races to help a drowning child, only to be out-raced by Thierry, heroic, unrelentingly cheerful and magnetic, who ably assists Daniel in the resuscitation. Avoidance, no camaraderie from Daniel. Another beach rescue the next day. Thierry is always around, jovial, persistent and pleasant, everything Daniel doesn't want, irritating; a dangerous allure. Heat builds throughout this story, tension and underneath, desire. Daniel is on guard against any pleasantness, any chance of something breaking through, till that tropical downpour, that passionate, unrelenting and surprising kiss in the dark corner of a deserted bar, where he can't get enough. Then he runs.
- Daniel is running, damaged by life; unable to save a patient previously, he is bent and broken, scarred. He resists until he can't; then he runs again. The pace builds in this story, as does the passion, as we slowly learn why Daniel is so avoidant. Thierry is stable, reliably good-natured and slowly relentless in his inevitable seduction, he knows what he wants.
- Passion and rainstorms seems to be a natural metaphor for Moore, but this is Steam, almost searing; the men are always drenched, dripping, sweating and gleaming with sea salt. There is no after-glow for Daniel, just the need to escape involvement, the need to get away from nurture. Till he finally realizes his own folly. It takes a few days away from Thierry, a steep mountain hike, and he finally achieves some clarity.
- The late-afternoon swim in the coral reef, the dreaming octopus, the poetry of changing colors, of sea and salt, empathy and caring. Thierry's arms are the salve for Daniel's soul. Daniel can smile, can even laugh, again; slow healing. Ah, romance; if we all could be so lucky. Perhaps there is redemption.

- 'Shattered - Daniels Story' is Ryan Moore's 'freebie,' giving us the story of Daniel's trauma, why he is so unsympathetic; he has been 'shattered' by his failure to save a patient in his job as trauma nurse in an Amsterdam hospital. He can't reconcile the loss of a young postpartum mother who suffered eclampsia and massive hemorrhage, even though he did everything by the book. The safety panel cleared him, but when returning to work he suffers panic attacks, even after 4 weeks leave. Five months of counseling later, his therapist recommends a trip outside his known environment, away from job, city and country. His friend has a connection to a small inn on an island.
- Medical first responders deserve our gratitude for the work they do, as we all learned again during Pandemic, as many of us have learned in our own lives. Be gentle with each other. Healing like Daniel receives from Thierry is rare, but miracles do happen.
- Oh, and thanks Mr. Moore, for a beautiful story, and a handsome cover, wild dreads and Mona Lisa enigmatic smile; the tropics never looked so inviting. I need a vacation!

[Jude · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

ARC review!

A+ writing! I love how Ryan Moore writes. The way the setting was described made me want to go to the beach! It's just stunning. I loved this story!

Heatstroke made me swoon. Daniel's backstory in Shattered made me want to hug him. 😔 (pls pls pls read it!!!)

P.S. After reading Daniel's backstory, I'm imagining him with Thierry living his best life, hopefully much better than before he left Amsterdam, with Thierry taking care of him and making him smile more again. <333

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the way that Thierry was so carefree with the way he lived his life and when him and Daniel start spending time together he slowly breaks down his walls. Daniel is pretty uptight due to his job and doesn't get a lot of downtime to do anything fun until now. You can feel the tension and passion they have for each other every time they come into contact. That's what I love about Ryan's stories. Even though they are short, you get a lot out of them and even some follow up visits.

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daniel is on vacation, but in reality he is running away from his job, something has happened that has left him traumatized.

As soon as he arrives he is confronted with what has made him run away, an injured child, who is being helped by an attractive local man.

Fate brings them together on several occasions, both to help people and to help each other. Will it be a romance for a few days or something more permanent?

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heatstroke by Ryan Moore – I won an advanced copy of this novella from Goodreads, and this is my honest opinion. The extensive tagline calls this a slow burn, and I can’t say that I agree with a relationship that happens in less than 2 weeks (and under 70 pages) could possibly count as a slow burn. But this was sweet! Happy Reading!

[KevinP · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

This was written by AI. Even a cursory review of this author's Insta suggests he is fake.

If reading a book written by predictive text program is your thing - go right ahead.

[Randy · Rating 2 out of 5]

NOTE: This was a GoodReads giveaway win.

This quick read novella was just romance, no plot, no character development. Overall there wasn't any substance and the smut wasn't even good.

[Chameleoncaricature · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading

[Ally K · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not convinced this isn’t ai written, ai cover, ai author picture. Not a fan of white people appropriating with locs either. Story was eh.