Heated Rivalry

When rivalry sparks, desire burns hotter than either man can control.

by Ryan Moore

Fitness mogul Jaxon Ford built his empire on precision, focus, and control. Influencer Eli Martinez thrives on charisma, chaos, and charm. They were never meant to mix — until Apex Athletics pairs them for a high-profile campaign that forces them to work side by side.

Under the bright lights of competition, every argument fuels an attraction they can’t ignore. But when a company retreat strands them in a remote cabin, the tension between them explodes into something far more dangerous: passion.

As walls crumble and secrets come to light, Jaxon and Eli must face the truth behind their rivalry — and the risk that falling for each other could destroy everything they’ve built. In the battle between control and surrender, love might be the hardest fight of all.

Perfect for readers who love:

Steamy MM enemies-to-lovers romance with explosive chemistry
Slow-burn tension that builds to unforgettable heat
The contrast of discipline vs. desire and control vs. chaos
Forced proximity stories that blend intensity with emotion
A mix of banter, vulnerability, and raw passion

Heated Rivalry is an addictive, slow-burn MM romance about ambition, attraction, and the courage to let someone in when your heart’s on the line.
Read less

Available on: October 29, 2025
Genres:

Erotic Romance, Erotica, Gaylit, Yaoi

Tags:

author - american

Pairings: M-M
Heat Level: 5
Romantic Content: 5
Character Identities: Gay
Protagonist 1 Age: 26-35
Protagonist 2 Age: 26-35
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Opposites Attract
Word Count: 10,000
Setting: USA
Languages Available: English

About the Author

About Ryan Moore:

#1 Bestselling Author in LGBTQ+ Short Stories, Ryan Moore is an emerging voice in M/M erotic romance, known for crafting steamy, emotionally charged stories that explore the complexities of desire and connection. A native of the Pacific Northwest, Ryan grew up with a love for storytelling, finding inspiration in the region’s brooding landscapes and vibrant, diverse communities. With a background in literature and a passion for exploring unconventional romances, Ryan has developed a unique style that blends heartfelt emotion with irresistible heat.

When he’s not writing, he loves spending time outdoors—kayaking in Seattle’s waters, hiking through national parks, and camping under the stars. At home, he enjoys cooking and entertaining friends, drawing inspiration from both his travels and his everyday surroundings to infuse a fresh perspective into the world of M/M romance.

In his latest series, Private Encounters, Ryan invites readers to lose themselves in a world of hidden desires, intense passions, and the thrilling journey to love. He currently resides in Seattle with his golden retriever, Alex, a well-worn notebook, and an endless coffee supply, ever ready to capture the next story waiting to be told.

U Might Have Missed

Word Count: Click here to reveal19748 (Click here to hide)

Character Identities: Click here to revealLesbian (Click here to hide)

Summary: Maya Sorino loves her life in Deadman, Wyoming. She has two great kids, a successful bed & breakfast, and enough room to freely roam as her dino self. Everything is perfect. Until a rich developer comes to town, trying to undermine her business and seize the town’s open land. Not on her watch. Persia Walker has been guarding the fossil rich lands since she almost became one, but she won’t let a billionaire destroy sacred paleo sites for vanity. She organizes a group to take on the developer at the public meeting in hopes of preserving her territory. Then she sees Maya. Finding another dinosaur shifter in Deadman is a dream for both Maya and Persia, but the developer has something up his sleeve. What’s a better first date than going Mesozoic on a bunch of drunk vandals-for-hire? It’s a match made in Prehistory! This story was previously published in the Cretaceous Crushes LGBTQ+ Romance Charity Anthology. It has been expanded and given a new cover.

Check This Out Too

Word Count: Click here to reveal61,526 (Click here to hide)

Character Identities: Click here to revealGay (Click here to hide)

Summary: Max Cooke, a sweet lonely man who writes romance stories, is the only witness to the murder of a police detective. Struggling with the aftermath of the killing, Max never dreamed that the dead detective’s ghost would appear at the foot of his bed two days later. Nick Horvath must learn what being a ghost means, sometimes with hilarious results. The two men discover that they are somehow tied together as they explore the feelings developing between them. When the murderer comes looking for Max, however, it’s up to Nick to find a way to stop him. But if he succeeds in stopping the killer, will he be forced to leave the man he’s come to love? After a couple of near misses, Nick no longer has a choice because if he fails, Max will become the killer’s next victim.