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A Dance of Shadows
When control is all you’ve ever known, surrender becomes the most dangerous dance of all.
Elliot Shaw has built his life on discipline—his art gallery, his relationships, even his emotions are perfectly curated. But at an elite charity gala, his ordered world shatters when he meets Javier Cruz, a magnetic dancer whose every movement tempts Elliot toward chaos, risk, and forbidden desire.
What begins as a one-night arrangement turns into something far more intimate. Passion deepens into vulnerability. Secrets rise from the dark. And as the shadows of their pasts threaten everything they’ve built, Elliot and Javier must hide behind their walls, or take the ultimate leap into love.
A Dance of Shadows is a deeply emotional MM billionaire romance filled with heat, heart, and redemption. Set in a world of art, power, and high-society intrigue, it explores what happens when two men discover that love isn’t about control—it’s about courage.
Perfect for readers who Emotional, slow-burn MM romance with explosive chemistryThe tension of forbidden desire meeting redemptionDeeply layered characters who evolve through vulnerability and trustThe sophistication of art, dance, and luxury settingsStories where love means risking everythingStep into a world where desire meets vulnerability and every dance could be the one that changes everything.
Elliot Shaw has built his life on discipline—his art gallery, his relationships, even his emotions are perfectly curated. But at an elite charity gala, his ordered world shatters when he meets Javier Cruz, a magnetic dancer whose every movement tempts Elliot toward chaos, risk, and forbidden desire.
What begins as a one-night arrangement turns into something far more intimate. Passion deepens into vulnerability. Secrets rise from the dark. And as the shadows of their pasts threaten everything they’ve built, Elliot and Javier must hide behind their walls, or take the ultimate leap into love.
A Dance of Shadows is a deeply emotional MM billionaire romance filled with heat, heart, and redemption. Set in a world of art, power, and high-society intrigue, it explores what happens when two men discover that love isn’t about control—it’s about courage.
Perfect for readers who Emotional, slow-burn MM romance with explosive chemistryThe tension of forbidden desire meeting redemptionDeeply layered characters who evolve through vulnerability and trustThe sophistication of art, dance, and luxury settingsStories where love means risking everythingStep into a world where desire meets vulnerability and every dance could be the one that changes everything.
57 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 12, 2025
2 people are currently reading
1 person 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
October 16, 2025
This is a really interesting story that has a unique rhythm to it. It sneaks in under the surface, giving soft, quiet feels.
Elliot, a Gallery Owner, has been burned before, he protects himself by basically being all work and no personal life. Safe, but stuck letting his past dictate his present.
His good friend Lisa pushes him to go to a charity gala with her. Doesn’t take no for an answer. She sees that he has closed himself off, hasn't dated for years, rarely socializes. Calls him out on being afraid to let anyone in. I like Elliott's friendship with Lisa. She's pushy but means well, cares about him, doesn't want to see him walled off and alone. They tease and give each other a hard time, but it's done with caring and love. They are fairly honest with each other. Elliott tries to push back, saying everything is fine in his life the way it is. Lisa doesn't let him get away with that.
Elliott goes to the gala, but feels out of place, is looking for a way to leave unnoticed, when the music changes and in dances Javier. When Elliot first sees Javier performing his dance with grace and sensuality, he is instantly mesmerized. Lisa notices and introduces them.
A Dance of Shadows is a fitting title for this book. Both men have shadows lingering from each of their pasts, holding them back from the possibility of a shared future. This story takes us through them making a connection, feeling alive and seen in each others presence, yet holding back, keeping a certain distance that they both feel.
Elliott is closed off and lonely. He thinks he's okay, but he's in protection mode. When he starts seeing Javier, he realizes what he wants, he just has to give himself permission to take the risk of opening himself up.
In Dancers Price, the bonus story that Ryan sends his subscribers, it takes us from Javier at 13, all the way to him meeting Elliot. I was drawn in by Javier’s struggles to become a dancer, and what he gave up to succeed. He's got this resilience and strength that had me cheering on his wins and hoping he gets to finally be the professional dancer his soul has longed to be his whole life.
This story feels quiet, yet the emotional undercurrents are strong. They feel like two beautiful souls who need to give themselves permission to let go of the past and embrace a future together.
Elliot, a Gallery Owner, has been burned before, he protects himself by basically being all work and no personal life. Safe, but stuck letting his past dictate his present.
His good friend Lisa pushes him to go to a charity gala with her. Doesn’t take no for an answer. She sees that he has closed himself off, hasn't dated for years, rarely socializes. Calls him out on being afraid to let anyone in. I like Elliott's friendship with Lisa. She's pushy but means well, cares about him, doesn't want to see him walled off and alone. They tease and give each other a hard time, but it's done with caring and love. They are fairly honest with each other. Elliott tries to push back, saying everything is fine in his life the way it is. Lisa doesn't let him get away with that.
Elliott goes to the gala, but feels out of place, is looking for a way to leave unnoticed, when the music changes and in dances Javier. When Elliot first sees Javier performing his dance with grace and sensuality, he is instantly mesmerized. Lisa notices and introduces them.
A Dance of Shadows is a fitting title for this book. Both men have shadows lingering from each of their pasts, holding them back from the possibility of a shared future. This story takes us through them making a connection, feeling alive and seen in each others presence, yet holding back, keeping a certain distance that they both feel.
Elliott is closed off and lonely. He thinks he's okay, but he's in protection mode. When he starts seeing Javier, he realizes what he wants, he just has to give himself permission to take the risk of opening himself up.
In Dancers Price, the bonus story that Ryan sends his subscribers, it takes us from Javier at 13, all the way to him meeting Elliot. I was drawn in by Javier’s struggles to become a dancer, and what he gave up to succeed. He's got this resilience and strength that had me cheering on his wins and hoping he gets to finally be the professional dancer his soul has longed to be his whole life.
This story feels quiet, yet the emotional undercurrents are strong. They feel like two beautiful souls who need to give themselves permission to let go of the past and embrace a future together.
October 15, 2025
I liked that after all Javier had been through to get to his position inlufe; he was still willing to put his heart on the line for love. Elliot took a step into love, but can he take the plunge, or does he still need time to heal and possibly lose his chance for love? Courage? An intriguing read.
October 16, 2025
Wow, this book pulled me in way more than I expected. A Dance of Shadows is a mix of heat, heart, and vulnerability that just hits all the right notes. Elliot and Javier’s chemistry is off the charts, but what really got me was how emotional it all felt. It’s not just about attraction, it’s about learning to trust again, facing old wounds, and finding something real in the middle of all that fear.
Ryan Moore writes in such a smooth, vivid way that you can feel the tension in every scene. The connection between the characters feels genuine and complicated in the best way. I loved how their story built up. Slow, intense, and full of emotion. By the time I reached the end, I was completely invested. It’s sexy, yes, but also surprisingly moving. If you’re into character-driven M/M romance with depth and heart, this one’s a must-read.
Ryan Moore writes in such a smooth, vivid way that you can feel the tension in every scene. The connection between the characters feels genuine and complicated in the best way. I loved how their story built up. Slow, intense, and full of emotion. By the time I reached the end, I was completely invested. It’s sexy, yes, but also surprisingly moving. If you’re into character-driven M/M romance with depth and heart, this one’s a must-read.
October 16, 2025
A Dance of Shadows is a beautifully written MM slow-burn romance that feels true to life. From the moment Elliot and Javier meet, there’s an undeniable spark an instant pull that feels both electric and dangerous. Ryan wisely resists rushing their connection, allowing their chemistry to simmer beneath layers of tension, vulnerability, and unspoken desire.
What truly sets this story apart is how their pasts shadow every step forward. Both men carry scars emotional, and at times, self-inflicted that threaten to unravel the fragile trust forming between them. As old wounds resurface, the question isn’t just whether they can love each other, but whether they can forgive themselves.
Ryan crafts a romance that feels earned rather than inevitable. A Dance of Shadows is a story of longing, redemption, and the courage it takes to step out of the darkness together.
What truly sets this story apart is how their pasts shadow every step forward. Both men carry scars emotional, and at times, self-inflicted that threaten to unravel the fragile trust forming between them. As old wounds resurface, the question isn’t just whether they can love each other, but whether they can forgive themselves.
Ryan crafts a romance that feels earned rather than inevitable. A Dance of Shadows is a story of longing, redemption, and the courage it takes to step out of the darkness together.
October 17, 2025
Opening Up to Possibilities -
This is a moving romance story about taking a chance on living again by putting the past behind and learning to trust again for ultimate happiness. The story evokes strong emotions of true sadness intertwined with joy, as you turn the pages and find yourself hoping the characters would find a way to make things work out. You will enjoy reading this book and be happy to recommend it.
I received an advanced review copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a moving romance story about taking a chance on living again by putting the past behind and learning to trust again for ultimate happiness. The story evokes strong emotions of true sadness intertwined with joy, as you turn the pages and find yourself hoping the characters would find a way to make things work out. You will enjoy reading this book and be happy to recommend it.
I received an advanced review copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews