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Lost in Translation (An International Heat Story)
Lost in An Opposites-Attract MM Romance in Tokyo
Seven days in Tokyo. One stranger who feels like fate. A choice that could change everything.
When American travel journalist Connor Byrne lands in Tokyo, he expects dazzling neon nights, serene temples, and stories for his latest article. What he doesn’t expect is Hiroshi Sato—a disciplined, magnetic architect reluctantly assigned as his guide.
Connor’s easy charm clashes with Hiroshi’s guarded intensity. But as they share teahouses, train stations, and hidden corners of the city, sparks flare where words fall short.
Connor is only in Japan for a week. Hiroshi has spent a lifetime protecting his heart. To risk everything for one fleeting connection could mean passion beyond imagination—or heartbreak neither is ready for.
Lost in Translation is a seductive MM romance about opposites colliding, walls breaking, and a love that refuses to be lost in the silence.
Click Buy Now and step into a Tokyo love story that will stay with you long after the last page.
Seven days in Tokyo. One stranger who feels like fate. A choice that could change everything.
When American travel journalist Connor Byrne lands in Tokyo, he expects dazzling neon nights, serene temples, and stories for his latest article. What he doesn’t expect is Hiroshi Sato—a disciplined, magnetic architect reluctantly assigned as his guide.
Connor’s easy charm clashes with Hiroshi’s guarded intensity. But as they share teahouses, train stations, and hidden corners of the city, sparks flare where words fall short.
Connor is only in Japan for a week. Hiroshi has spent a lifetime protecting his heart. To risk everything for one fleeting connection could mean passion beyond imagination—or heartbreak neither is ready for.
Lost in Translation is a seductive MM romance about opposites colliding, walls breaking, and a love that refuses to be lost in the silence.
Click Buy Now and step into a Tokyo love story that will stay with you long after the last page.
57 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 7, 2025
1 person is currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
Ryan Moore
39 books71 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 - 5 of 5 reviews
September 11, 2025
Connor is a travel journalist assigned to do a feature on Tokyo's hidden gems. Hiroshi is an architect assigned as Connor’s cultural liaison.
This story feels like it's just for me. Of course I think that about all of Ryan's stories. This one feels a bit gentle and tender. I love them getting to know each other as Hiroshi shows Connor around. We get the little hole in the wall places tucked in alleys. Coffee in cafes, a traditional tea ceremony. The pull towards each other in the quiet places. A nod to my favorite movie with the title.
Connor is interesting. Appears casual, but notices details about Hiroshi, he's direct, impersonal, tall, lean, well dressed, about the airport & the city. When Connor asks Hiroshi what Tokyo is like, he answers, "Precise." Connor laughs at this and asks "You really like control, don't you?" No response. Connor is a bit mischievous and seems taken in by the wonders of Tokyo.
Hiroshi is serious but has a playful, humorous side that sneaks out of his self-contained walls. "Try not to die before noon. It would be inconvenient." I can picture him saying this in a deadpan, serious way, yet maybe holding back a smile.
I love how their conversations go from history to personal stories, as they relax more, teasing and telling truths. Knees touch and neither pulls away. It's a soft, slow interest that grows between them. You feel the pull between them, but it's fragile, neither is quite ready to push it further.
It's nice that Connor isn't some dumb, surface dweller, and it's delicious that Hiroshi notices. I love that Connor totally gets Hiroshi's sense of humor. Hiroshi is struggling to put his walls back up, feeling safety in structure and rules. They are both hyper-aware of each other. Eye contact that hits deep, accidental touches that burn.
Hiroshi holds on to his walls because he knows when he lets go, it's all the way. Connor is so sensitive to Hiroshi that he feels his resistance crumble as they kiss. There is something about Connor, how he handles Hiroshi's vulnerability, it's very moving.
There is passion in their exploration of each other, in letting go and giving in to their feelings. Making love tenderly and passionately, completely letting go, holding onto their moment in time, uncertain of the future.
What I feel come through about both these men is bravery. They both connected, even before they were ready to. I really liked that Connor could see Hiroshi's struggles, and he threaded the needle between backing off if he felt Hiroshi needed the space, and pushing when he didn't want to let Hiroshi retreat behind his walls. I think there is a lot of depth to Connor, I'd like to learn more about his journey some day.
Ryan does a great job with local "flavors" of his books locations. I think it feels so rich since he includes smells, weather, food, scenery, and even culture. It makes his locations and the interactions really come alive.
Shimokitazawa: Secondhand bookshops, coffee shops, and small theaters...yes please! This book is speaking right to my dreams of visiting Japan heart. "A crisp Autumn breeze rustled the golden leaves above, carrying with it the scent of earth and wood, as if history itself was breathing around them." Oh, that sounds like the nicest time to explore.
Japan is such an interesting mix of old and new, traditional and modern, crowded yet respectful of personal space, high rises and little shops and restaurants tucked into alleys. Ryan did a wonderful job of getting those flavors as a backdrop to this story.
I like reading books and seeing movies set in other countries. While the settings and learning about new places is interesting, I get really fascinated by culture, seeing how characters move through a story and relationship with the cultural influences. What is innate to their core, what is unique to them, and what they chose to break past to find true happiness. Ryan manages to do such a great job walking this line, it brings real life to his characters and stories. I love all the layers he weaves into his books. I think it helps set the scenes, and I know it helps me really dive into the stories.
It's amazing how much life can take place in a short amount of time. One week in one of Ryan's books can take you from strangers meeting, initial conflict but with some spark just underneath the surface, to hot, fiery encounters and a need to see where it can lead too.
I love how Ryan ends most of his stories on hope. Not a neat, perfect bow, but the beginning of something deep and meaningful. It feels more honest and real.
This story feels like it's just for me. Of course I think that about all of Ryan's stories. This one feels a bit gentle and tender. I love them getting to know each other as Hiroshi shows Connor around. We get the little hole in the wall places tucked in alleys. Coffee in cafes, a traditional tea ceremony. The pull towards each other in the quiet places. A nod to my favorite movie with the title.
Connor is interesting. Appears casual, but notices details about Hiroshi, he's direct, impersonal, tall, lean, well dressed, about the airport & the city. When Connor asks Hiroshi what Tokyo is like, he answers, "Precise." Connor laughs at this and asks "You really like control, don't you?" No response. Connor is a bit mischievous and seems taken in by the wonders of Tokyo.
Hiroshi is serious but has a playful, humorous side that sneaks out of his self-contained walls. "Try not to die before noon. It would be inconvenient." I can picture him saying this in a deadpan, serious way, yet maybe holding back a smile.
I love how their conversations go from history to personal stories, as they relax more, teasing and telling truths. Knees touch and neither pulls away. It's a soft, slow interest that grows between them. You feel the pull between them, but it's fragile, neither is quite ready to push it further.
It's nice that Connor isn't some dumb, surface dweller, and it's delicious that Hiroshi notices. I love that Connor totally gets Hiroshi's sense of humor. Hiroshi is struggling to put his walls back up, feeling safety in structure and rules. They are both hyper-aware of each other. Eye contact that hits deep, accidental touches that burn.
Hiroshi holds on to his walls because he knows when he lets go, it's all the way. Connor is so sensitive to Hiroshi that he feels his resistance crumble as they kiss. There is something about Connor, how he handles Hiroshi's vulnerability, it's very moving.
There is passion in their exploration of each other, in letting go and giving in to their feelings. Making love tenderly and passionately, completely letting go, holding onto their moment in time, uncertain of the future.
What I feel come through about both these men is bravery. They both connected, even before they were ready to. I really liked that Connor could see Hiroshi's struggles, and he threaded the needle between backing off if he felt Hiroshi needed the space, and pushing when he didn't want to let Hiroshi retreat behind his walls. I think there is a lot of depth to Connor, I'd like to learn more about his journey some day.
Ryan does a great job with local "flavors" of his books locations. I think it feels so rich since he includes smells, weather, food, scenery, and even culture. It makes his locations and the interactions really come alive.
Shimokitazawa: Secondhand bookshops, coffee shops, and small theaters...yes please! This book is speaking right to my dreams of visiting Japan heart. "A crisp Autumn breeze rustled the golden leaves above, carrying with it the scent of earth and wood, as if history itself was breathing around them." Oh, that sounds like the nicest time to explore.
Japan is such an interesting mix of old and new, traditional and modern, crowded yet respectful of personal space, high rises and little shops and restaurants tucked into alleys. Ryan did a wonderful job of getting those flavors as a backdrop to this story.
I like reading books and seeing movies set in other countries. While the settings and learning about new places is interesting, I get really fascinated by culture, seeing how characters move through a story and relationship with the cultural influences. What is innate to their core, what is unique to them, and what they chose to break past to find true happiness. Ryan manages to do such a great job walking this line, it brings real life to his characters and stories. I love all the layers he weaves into his books. I think it helps set the scenes, and I know it helps me really dive into the stories.
It's amazing how much life can take place in a short amount of time. One week in one of Ryan's books can take you from strangers meeting, initial conflict but with some spark just underneath the surface, to hot, fiery encounters and a need to see where it can lead too.
I love how Ryan ends most of his stories on hope. Not a neat, perfect bow, but the beginning of something deep and meaningful. It feels more honest and real.
September 10, 2025
The Things People do for Love -
Hiroshi wasn’t pleased to have been tasked to acting as a tour guide for Connor, but he decided to just get on with it. Even though Connor realised Hiroshi wasn’t happy to show him around Japan, he used the opportunity to try to get to know him better. Hiroshi soon let down his guard after spending more time with Connor, which led to an intimate moment, that left him feeling anxious and confused.
However, Connor managed to talk Hiroshi down off the ledge, which brought them closer and led to them enjoying a mind blowing steamy encounter on their last night together. Unfortunately, Hiroshi’s insecurities nearly caused them to miss out on having a relationship, as he didn’t have the confidence to ask Connor to stay, that is until it was pointed out to him. Nevertheless, Hiroshi and Connor got the chance to explore the possibility of having an amazing future together.
This was an interesting opposites attract romance story about two people who had to learn how to balance their individualities with their growing feelings for each, whilst simultaneously not allowing fear to dictate their happiness. I got drawn into the story from the moment I started reading it and didn’t stop until I reached the end. The story flowed effortlessly and the author did a wonderful making the characters come alive on the pages. This is a definite must read book.
I received an advanced review copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hiroshi wasn’t pleased to have been tasked to acting as a tour guide for Connor, but he decided to just get on with it. Even though Connor realised Hiroshi wasn’t happy to show him around Japan, he used the opportunity to try to get to know him better. Hiroshi soon let down his guard after spending more time with Connor, which led to an intimate moment, that left him feeling anxious and confused.
However, Connor managed to talk Hiroshi down off the ledge, which brought them closer and led to them enjoying a mind blowing steamy encounter on their last night together. Unfortunately, Hiroshi’s insecurities nearly caused them to miss out on having a relationship, as he didn’t have the confidence to ask Connor to stay, that is until it was pointed out to him. Nevertheless, Hiroshi and Connor got the chance to explore the possibility of having an amazing future together.
This was an interesting opposites attract romance story about two people who had to learn how to balance their individualities with their growing feelings for each, whilst simultaneously not allowing fear to dictate their happiness. I got drawn into the story from the moment I started reading it and didn’t stop until I reached the end. The story flowed effortlessly and the author did a wonderful making the characters come alive on the pages. This is a definite must read book.
I received an advanced review copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 9, 2025
Connor travels to Tokyo for his job. His liason and he have chemistry, but can they take a leap of faith on the possibility of a future together. Hiro wasn't a great communicator. Will he get his point across , or leave Tokyo?
October 22, 2025
- Soft, subtle, familiar like a favorite song or movie, haunting as a lullaby or the memory of your grandmother's fragrant roses, this is the best of Ryan Moore's writing to date, at least for me. I re-read many of the lines and paragraphs several times as I let myself luxuriate in the story, trying to absorb the nuance, wondering what should be quoted in this review, what I could commit to memory for you and for myself. So much said, lovely words and meanings, visual, aural and olfactory cues, the closest I can come is to compare it to music, evocative and emotional, primal and subconscious, something that raises to crescendo, or is it epiphany. Pardon me while I wipe my eyes. OK, enough wallowing in poetic fantasy, I'll try to be competent, forget this stream of consciousness gush.
- Connor Byrne, green-eyed New Yorker, arrives in Tokyo to write a travel feature of the hidden gems of the city, to be met and shepherded around by Hiroshi Sato, a local architect familiar with the city's history. Conveyed by modern train from the airport to bustling station, quick city transfers and then to hotel, their interaction is ordinary, but there is a flavor of opposites attract; polished and controlled Hiroshi contrasted to energetic but casual, always amused Connor. This quality of quiet amusement continues throughout, and Connor is intrigued; he softly teases the stoic Hiroshi, rewarded with sighs that are almost laughter, a twitch of the lip that isn't quite a smile. Connor is a charmer, a flirt. Hiroshi's self-contained walls, built over the years to keep the world out, are doomed from the start.
- Lovely detail of Tokyo's older buildings (the wood is always aged and darkened) contrasts with the neon and glass towers of modernity that the streamlined bullet trains shoot past; the city crowds forgotten as our guide shows Connor what was an Edo-period kimono shop, a story of a fire and a crane-embroidered kimono that vanished, or did it fly away; a shrine and the cat with raised paw that offers good fortune or warns away from danger, a possible origin of the maneki-neko cat (that clock). Tea shops, whiskey bars and a late evening walk that ends a breath away from tension-releasing almost-kiss; the pull remains between our men, the quiet interrupted by a slight noise. The next day, Hiroshi remains circumspect, won't talk about it when amused Connor asks over coffee. Hiroshi finds him 'unexpected'. At a venerable teahouse chosen for it's silence, Hiroshi's focus is on the ceremony, but Connor sits a bit too close, and they are aware of the heat. Later a friend warns Hiroshi that he is 'a man who thrives on control' and losing his balance means either 'you want it, or you're afraid of it'. Not that simple, but 'Kuzuo wasn't wrong.'
- The last night of Connor's assignment finds them in Hiroshi's understated apartment, sipping whiskey and feeling the heat of the moment slipping past. 'I wanted to see you'...'if you want me to leave, tell me now'.
'Every caress was an invitation to let go, every sigh a silent confession of the want that had lain dormant beneath years of self-discipline.'
Bed as refuge... 'shedding of barriers'... Connor notices smooth skin, Hiroshi notices freckles. Discovery. 'Tonight, we have something real. Let's hold on to that.'
- Attraction builds through this story; I felt heat in my chest as I read, the pull between characters is compelling and sublime. Romantic I might be, but this brought back memories of my own, the quiet things that make us smile in the night, that make our little lives worthwhile. The final question, the final decision, Hiroshi's quiet tentativeness: breakfast, garden, all 'impressive' distractions and excuses.
'Some things were too important to let slip away.'
- Moore's bonus, 'Hiroshi's Story - Private Exposure': 3 days into the tour we see Hiroshi in his architecture office, his former professor/mentor/sometimes design-partner offers private access for Hiroshi and Connor to the currently closed-for-renovation Tanizaki, a 'revolutionary structure that changed Tokyo's architectural landscape' - a true 'hidden gem' - a chance for Connor to view undocumented structural elements. Connor is thrilled 'just the two of us' and we see Hiroshi's carefully constructed and maintained professional demeanor slip, his inner dilemma, the balance between professional boundaries and personal needs. Connor intuitively grasps the building's 'exhale' (during the day, filled with people the building seems to hold it's breath; empty at night, it exhales) and Hiroshi is breathless in admiration. They have similar concepts of space and structure, and are finding their compatibility. Floor to ceiling windows frame Tokyo at dusk, lights winking on, neon alive; the carefully constructed view loosens inhibitions and this time a kiss is achieved, Hiroshi's barriers seem less important. Very cinematic. Intimate.
- Just when you think you have a grasp of Moore's characters, he reveals something else, a glimpse into greater depth of feeling, motivations for actions, thought processes. We learn details, see into the character and hearts of our protagonists; it's like there is a romantic gloss over a more solid foundation; hesitancy, fears but also hopes and dreams, it is all here to discover, to intuit, to revel in. Intimacy is built in layers, levels of seriousness and levity. Breathe in the detail, exhale the angst, the worry that inhibits us from being our true selves. Thank you, again, Mr. Moore.
- Connor Byrne, green-eyed New Yorker, arrives in Tokyo to write a travel feature of the hidden gems of the city, to be met and shepherded around by Hiroshi Sato, a local architect familiar with the city's history. Conveyed by modern train from the airport to bustling station, quick city transfers and then to hotel, their interaction is ordinary, but there is a flavor of opposites attract; polished and controlled Hiroshi contrasted to energetic but casual, always amused Connor. This quality of quiet amusement continues throughout, and Connor is intrigued; he softly teases the stoic Hiroshi, rewarded with sighs that are almost laughter, a twitch of the lip that isn't quite a smile. Connor is a charmer, a flirt. Hiroshi's self-contained walls, built over the years to keep the world out, are doomed from the start.
- Lovely detail of Tokyo's older buildings (the wood is always aged and darkened) contrasts with the neon and glass towers of modernity that the streamlined bullet trains shoot past; the city crowds forgotten as our guide shows Connor what was an Edo-period kimono shop, a story of a fire and a crane-embroidered kimono that vanished, or did it fly away; a shrine and the cat with raised paw that offers good fortune or warns away from danger, a possible origin of the maneki-neko cat (that clock). Tea shops, whiskey bars and a late evening walk that ends a breath away from tension-releasing almost-kiss; the pull remains between our men, the quiet interrupted by a slight noise. The next day, Hiroshi remains circumspect, won't talk about it when amused Connor asks over coffee. Hiroshi finds him 'unexpected'. At a venerable teahouse chosen for it's silence, Hiroshi's focus is on the ceremony, but Connor sits a bit too close, and they are aware of the heat. Later a friend warns Hiroshi that he is 'a man who thrives on control' and losing his balance means either 'you want it, or you're afraid of it'. Not that simple, but 'Kuzuo wasn't wrong.'
- The last night of Connor's assignment finds them in Hiroshi's understated apartment, sipping whiskey and feeling the heat of the moment slipping past. 'I wanted to see you'...'if you want me to leave, tell me now'.
'Every caress was an invitation to let go, every sigh a silent confession of the want that had lain dormant beneath years of self-discipline.'
Bed as refuge... 'shedding of barriers'... Connor notices smooth skin, Hiroshi notices freckles. Discovery. 'Tonight, we have something real. Let's hold on to that.'
- Attraction builds through this story; I felt heat in my chest as I read, the pull between characters is compelling and sublime. Romantic I might be, but this brought back memories of my own, the quiet things that make us smile in the night, that make our little lives worthwhile. The final question, the final decision, Hiroshi's quiet tentativeness: breakfast, garden, all 'impressive' distractions and excuses.
'Some things were too important to let slip away.'
- Moore's bonus, 'Hiroshi's Story - Private Exposure': 3 days into the tour we see Hiroshi in his architecture office, his former professor/mentor/sometimes design-partner offers private access for Hiroshi and Connor to the currently closed-for-renovation Tanizaki, a 'revolutionary structure that changed Tokyo's architectural landscape' - a true 'hidden gem' - a chance for Connor to view undocumented structural elements. Connor is thrilled 'just the two of us' and we see Hiroshi's carefully constructed and maintained professional demeanor slip, his inner dilemma, the balance between professional boundaries and personal needs. Connor intuitively grasps the building's 'exhale' (during the day, filled with people the building seems to hold it's breath; empty at night, it exhales) and Hiroshi is breathless in admiration. They have similar concepts of space and structure, and are finding their compatibility. Floor to ceiling windows frame Tokyo at dusk, lights winking on, neon alive; the carefully constructed view loosens inhibitions and this time a kiss is achieved, Hiroshi's barriers seem less important. Very cinematic. Intimate.
- Just when you think you have a grasp of Moore's characters, he reveals something else, a glimpse into greater depth of feeling, motivations for actions, thought processes. We learn details, see into the character and hearts of our protagonists; it's like there is a romantic gloss over a more solid foundation; hesitancy, fears but also hopes and dreams, it is all here to discover, to intuit, to revel in. Intimacy is built in layers, levels of seriousness and levity. Breathe in the detail, exhale the angst, the worry that inhibits us from being our true selves. Thank you, again, Mr. Moore.
September 12, 2025
Ryan Moore’s Lost in Translation is a heartfelt MM travel romance that blends wanderlust with an exploration of emotional walls and vulnerability. Hiroshi, is quietly guarded, carrying himself with a restraint that makes him both intriguing and frustrating. His hesitation to open up creates a delicious tension throughout the story.
Connor, by contrast, is the spark that keeps the narrative moving. He’s persistent without being overbearing, always pressing just enough to draw a reaction from Hiroshi, whether it’s a rare smile, a flash of irritation, or a moment of honesty.
With vivid travel backdrops and a romance that builds slowly but deeply, Lost in Translation is about more than just love it’s about learning to let someone in, even when it feels safer to stay behind walls.
Connor, by contrast, is the spark that keeps the narrative moving. He’s persistent without being overbearing, always pressing just enough to draw a reaction from Hiroshi, whether it’s a rare smile, a flash of irritation, or a moment of honesty.
With vivid travel backdrops and a romance that builds slowly but deeply, Lost in Translation is about more than just love it’s about learning to let someone in, even when it feels safer to stay behind walls.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews