Customer Reviews

Passion Marks: A Novel

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

This book describes the lives of many African American males but not discussed. I am astonished how Mr. Hayes was able to capture the lives of these victims into words and yet, allow healing at the same time.

Another reviewer wrote exactly what I was thinking after reading this novel: "Jerry Springer-meet-E Lynn Harris soap opera". Of course, since the theme of the book -- domestic violence -- is rather serious, you try to give it a chance. But this novel has no redemptive value. Luckily, it is a fast read, especially since you could easily skip every other page without missing much.

Just a small example of the sentimental and unbelievable writing:

<QUOTE> "If you let me love you, I promise it will be an experience of a lifetime. Books will be written about it. Our love will be legendary, even in faily tales." He knew exactly how to weave a spell strong enough to break the hardest of hearts. <UNQUOTE>

Pleeeeese! This is completely stuff of afternoon soap-opera. And the author is not being sarcastic, there is no punch line.

Great book Lee! It will open your eyes about abusive relationships and how they can and did happen to a male instead of a female in this heart wrenching story. This is a very emotional read and should be read by all! Can't hardly wait for your next book!

As soon as you open the book, you're thrown right in the middle of a violent domestic dispute. Kevin Davis is trying to deflect the angry blows from his lover, James Lancaster. When all is done, Kevin just moves on, which includes hiding his pain and fear from his friends. However, his friends aren't ignorant. They know something is wrong with Kevin but they just don't know what exactly.

I'm reminded of Noah's Arc when I read about Kevin's friends and their little drama and camp talk. So, here and there, I'd crack a smile or even let out a laugh.

I really did enjoy this book, even when it left me frustrated. For example, Kevin's handling of this violent relationship. Even though he wanted to leave James, he just couldn't because of an issue with his dead twin brother. Heck, if I was ever hit by my lover, I'm getting the heck outta here, regardless of what issues I may have in my life. Easier said than done, huh? Anyways, it was easy relating to Kevin's friends and their frustration once they realized what was going on.

This book doesn't just deal with domestic violence all the way. Hayes includes coming out, sex, romance, jobs, and a dream coming true. If you're a regular reader of gay novels, I can tell you that this is one that you will really enjoy.

If you are looking for a good read with feelings of guilt, deception, mystery,and just plain out and out drama, then this is the novel for you. This book not only provides us with a constant roller coaster ride, it takes us into the world of domestic violence. This tale begins with an enraged James administering his usual act of domestic violence upon Kevin. James is literally on the verge of beating Kevin to death. Glass shattering, blood pouring from wounds, only to degrade Kevin further by forcing sex on him. Kevin's self esteem is so low that he thinks that he deserves it and then some more. Especially with Kevin's twin brother Keevan death hanging over Kevin's head. Lee Hayes takes his readers on a journey into the world of domestic violence and how it often starts from childhood and he weaves in guilty feelings as well. He makes his readers see that in the end there is only one you, and you have to have love and happiness in order to love your self.


I highly recommend this book. The way Lee tells his story of Kevin and James is powerful, and the way he intertwines Kevin's friends lives in this tale is simply fascinating. Tony with his search of true love, Danea and her caring for Kevin in his time of need,and Daryl, who Kevin finally realizes that what he was looking for is right there all the time. Simply a great,powerful, and a down right good book. Can't wait for the movie!!!

Times have changed. I can remember when passion marks were almost coveted possessions -- blemishes one most certainly tried to hide under a turtleneck, only after someone commented about their presence. Symbols of intimacy were a rite of passage between the reckless teenage years and adulthood. Then passion marks took an ugly turn and became something to truly be ashamed of. They suddenly were hidden from view, even from the person who inflicted them. These darkly hidden marks are what Lee Hayes uncovers in his debut novel, Passion Marks.

Look up the word passion in the dictionary, its primary meaning rests in suffering and emotion distinguished from reason. Its not until you reach the fourth or fifth meaning, that you find that passion loosely refers to love, which is fitting when we meet Kevin Davis and his partner James Lancaster. Both men have overcome painful obstacles in their lives. The suicide death of Kevin's twin brother Keevan has subconsciously run him into the loving and oft times brutal arms of James. James' teenaged years witnessed the brutal murder of his mother, his own rape by his father and then his father's suicide. Seemingly overcoming the pain of his past, he is the prosperous business owner of a very successful company, which afforded them the best of everything. Foreboding under the surface, both men treated their hurt in a negative manner. James' abuse toward Kevin is violent, spirit numbing and soul wrenching. Kevin is inflicting violence to himself because at some level he felt he deserves this treatment as atonement for his twin. Through the patient but forceful hands of his friends Danea, Tony and Darryl, Kevin begins to realize staying in an abusive relationship does not solve his deep hurt.

Abuse is a hard subject to talk or write about. Lee Hayes has done an excellent job of bringing this painful experience into vivid detail. The first part of Passion Marks is hard to read. I found myself crying out with the injustice and treatment Kevin received. The second part of the book deals with how Kevin regained control over his life and was a much happier read. Just when the reader became bogged down in despair, hope surfaced and the story turned into one of reconciliation. Supportive friends and the inclusion of Kevin in their lives surround him with the strength needed to overcome his circumstances. The plot twists will prove to be shockers for all who read this novel, and take it from me when I say the last few chapters you hardly breathe as you read in anticipation.

I find it hard to believe this is a first novel. The maturity of thought and clarity are exceptional. This novel has all the characteristics that keep the reader turning pages. The first page grips you and the last page tenderly turns you loose to eagerly wait the next work. Best of luck to you, Lee Hayes. You are making your mark in the literary world.

It's wasn't nothing passion about this book. It starts off with a** kicking and ends in a** kicking. But I must say the author brings you in and don't let go until the end. I'm very open minded but I just can't see a man beening as weak as Kevin is. I wasn't feeling the pain he was feeling about his twin brother because he did him wrong before his death. But with all the drama that his partner put on him was over the top to me.

I couldn't get over the part where Kevin talks about these married man cheating on their partners. But he turns around and sleeps with his boss without using a condom and don't tell her that he is gay. Oh! I forgot that he and her went to school together and he thought she know this. But do that exercise his actions? The author makes Kevin out as the victim but turns the table and makes him a man with low self esteem with a lot of drama mixed in one.

As a avid reader I would like less drama and give us more substance.
I Can Have My Cake and Eat It Too