Passion Marks: A Novel [Paperback]

Lee Hayes (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 21, 2003

A gifted young writer makes his literary debut in this haunting and powerful novel about a gay black man grappling with his sins from the past -- and with the dream lover who turns out to be the lover from hell.

Victims of domestic abuse know that the violence they suffer at the hands of loved ones is not limited by gender, culture, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status. Now, first-time author Lee Hayes takes this hot-button issue to gripping new levels in a novel that transcends all barriers of sex, class, and race.

"From the outside it looked like the perfect world; exclusive neighborhood, fancy cars, and wealth. If only they knew..."

Everything that looks good isn't good for you. From the outside, Kevin Davis' world leaves nothing to be desired. It is a life of luxury, comfort and money, but never judge a book by its cover. His pretend world hides the verbal, physical and sexual abuse he endures at the hands of his perfect man. Passion Marks finds Kevin entangled in a dark web of love, violence, depravity and torment at the hands of his lover, James Lancaster, the ambitious CEO of a rising Houston software firm. In order to free himself from the cycle of violence, Kevin must overcome his personal demons. In this psychological battle of wills, who will be the ultimate victor?

Building to an unforgettable climax, and peopled by a cast of richly drawn characters -- including Kevin's best girlfriend, Danea, and the mercilessly driven James -- this is a powerhouse story of tough love from a supremely talented new author.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Passion Marks is a...fine debut by first-time author Hayes."

-- Lisa C. Moore, publisher, RedBone Press

About the Author

Lee Hayes is a native Texan with a degree in sociology from the University of North Texas. Lee is the author of Passion Marks and A Deeper Blue and the forthcoming novel The Messiah. He currently lives in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.passionmarks.com.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Strebor Books; Original edition (October 21, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1593090064
• ISBN-13: 978-1593090067
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (60 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #370,673 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Lee Hayes is the bestselling author of the novels Passion Marks, A Deeper Blue: Passion Marks II, The Messiah and editor of the erotic anthology, Flesh to Flesh. His latest novel, The Bad Seed, will be available June 2011.


Lee is a southern native, born and raised in Texas. He graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and received his Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from The Bernard M. Baruch College, City University of New York in 2005.

Lee currently resides in Washington, DC and is currently working on his sixth novel. He can be reached via his website at www.leehayes.info

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Awkward Sensation, June 16, 2004

By 

Shamontiel L. Vaughn "Message from Montie" (Chicago) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Passion Marks: A Novel (Paperback)

I thought this book would be extremely depressing, but I bought it because I was intrigued by the plot. I had to smile at the parts when the male characters checked each other out, because as a woman, I look at the same things. I didn't expect the humor and sarcasm to be present, which made the characters more vivid and cracked a smile on my face more than a few times. I didn't care for RaChelle's character but she was as real as everybody else. I'd be telling secrets if I go any further, but I will say I liked everything in this book, including the sex scenes (which I usually hate to read). Hayes knows how to write a scene so it's arousing instead of vulgar like SOME AUTHORS I know. But, he did start getting a little corny with Daryl. If I read "with love" one more time, I'd have groaned up a lung.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Passion????? More like Control will Mark your life......, October 8, 2002

By 

Jackie M "jaibeem" (Jacksonville, Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Passion Marks (Paperback)

I honestly have a hard time rating this story and for many reasons. One This story shows domestic violence in a same sex relationship, it shows that masculinity in any man can be challenged. It tells that same sex relationship that are dysfunctional or functional have the same problems that heterosexual relationship can encounter. Kevin is grieving over his twin brothers death and he has allowed James to just take over his life. As the story unfolds you find that Kevin has a difficult time facing the truth about situations and waits entirely to long to be honest with people in his life. Their is always a repercussion behind dealing with Kevin. This is the first book that I have ever read that shows same sex relationships in this manner. Lee Hayes has shown you the sensitive side of the same sex relationship, also the romantic settings that you relate to in heterosexual relationship, for instance candles, roses, love notes etc... He definitely shows you a more graphic scenario of the intimate encounters of 2 males. I can't fairly rate this book on a scale, it depends on your reading pleasure, So I am going to rate it in the middle, a #3. The Drama, suspense, sex, abuse, devious plots and twist are definitely in this book. This is definitely more graphic than what I have ever read by E.Lynn Harris... I will tell you also that it is a book that once you start it you will finish it, if for no other reason than for curiosity... and in this story curiosity did kill the cat.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Passion Marks........OUCH!!, February 11, 2006

By 

Brandy L. Mays "moesha75" (Crowley, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Passion Marks (Hardcover)

I will be the 1st to admit that I wasn't excited to read this book. True the cover is eye catching but to read about two men?
That ain't my cup of tea, but I am one who tries to keep an open mind and Loves to read!
I have to say this book blew me away.....it was surprisingly GOOD! A real page turner! Lee gives great insight into the life of Kevin Davis and has a way of making you feel apart of the story. You will fear for him, cry with him, and experience things that no person should. The story was raw with emotion yet tender at times. I found myself glued to the pages with anticipation as to what would happen next.
This is so much more than just a story of two men. One man driven by the need to be successful, powerful, and controlling and another who longed for forgiveness from beyond that was willing to live a life full of confusion, pain, and torment. Kevin was so intent on punishing himself for his sins in the past...he couldn't see past his guilt. Kevin almost paid the ultimate price to find out that he could do bad all by himself.
I can't wait to read the sequel A Deeer Blue : Passion Mark II.