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Passion Marks
A gifted young writer makes his lierary debut in this haunting and powerful novel about a gay black man grappling with his sins from the past--and with his dream lover who turns out to be the lover from Hell.
293 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2002
18 people are currently reading
236 people want to read
About the author
Lee Hayes
20 books36 followersLee A. Hayes is a native Texan and a graduate of the University of North Texas with a degree in Sociology. He loves the power of words and recognizes the profound effect they have on the mind, body, and soul to effect change and catapult us to a new place in life. His first book, Passion Marks helped to make his mark and clearly illustrates his mastery of the use of words to paint a clear picture for readers. Mr. Hayes lives in Washington , DC and continues to write and attend literary events around the country. Mr. Hayes currently resides in Washington , D.C. , and can be reached via e-mail at: lee@leehayes.info or via his website at www.leehayes.info or www.myspace.com/leethewriter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 4, 2011
OMG! This novel took off on the first page! I couldn't put this book down! Manipulation, secrets, dishonor, lust, dreams and Narcissism tear through this Book chapter to chapter.
I chose this book for my first book club reading. Some thought it was too over-the-top and violent; others such as myself saw the reality of the novel and loved it. I was intrigued page after page, the characters are tangible in ones mind. The characters range from the uppity to the less fortunate, there is something for everyone to learn from this novel.
I chose this book for my first book club reading. Some thought it was too over-the-top and violent; others such as myself saw the reality of the novel and loved it. I was intrigued page after page, the characters are tangible in ones mind. The characters range from the uppity to the less fortunate, there is something for everyone to learn from this novel.
October 14, 2008
I was lead to this book by reading an excerpt in Essence several years ago. I never read the description; I assumed it was a typical story about domestic violence. It kind of caught me off guard when I began reading and discovered that the book was about a gay couple. This novel brings awareness to the fact that domestic violence transcends race, gender, class, etc. A must read.
July 17, 2024
When Kevin Davis’ twin brother died, it left him feeling lost, confused, and guilty—the perfect target for a predator like CEO James Lancaster, whose power and money lets him get away with a lot. It’s a few years later and their toxic relationship follows a sick cycle where James physically and mentally abuses Kevin in attempt to control every aspect of his life then apologises profusely, professes love, and the cycle repeats. Kevin has walked away a number of times but James is a master manipulator, knowing exactly which buttons to press to trigger Kevin’s guilt and shame. When Kevin walks away for the last time and develops a more healthy relationship with someone else, James starts a systematic campaign to ruin every aspect of Kevin’s life in a perverted attempt to get him back.
Stalking, domestic violence, and abuse are important topics and author Lee Hayes captures the distorted thinking of both abuser and abused perfectly. The book opens in the middle of a violent episode and doesn’t relent until the final page; it’s a harrowing ordeal that left me wrung out and sad. On the positive side, this psychological thriller / romance is extremely well-written and we also get an insight into some of the issues facing young black gay men today. There are also moments of hope and resilience which I clung to to help me get through the darker episodes. I can’t say I enjoyed this, but I appreciated the journey a lot. 🎧 African-American narrator Vance Goodwin goes a superb audio performance—utterly impressive (currently free on the Audible Plus catalogue)!
Stalking, domestic violence, and abuse are important topics and author Lee Hayes captures the distorted thinking of both abuser and abused perfectly. The book opens in the middle of a violent episode and doesn’t relent until the final page; it’s a harrowing ordeal that left me wrung out and sad. On the positive side, this psychological thriller / romance is extremely well-written and we also get an insight into some of the issues facing young black gay men today. There are also moments of hope and resilience which I clung to to help me get through the darker episodes. I can’t say I enjoyed this, but I appreciated the journey a lot. 🎧 African-American narrator Vance Goodwin goes a superb audio performance—utterly impressive (currently free on the Audible Plus catalogue)!
June 25, 2019
Karma will get you...
That seems to be the most positive message I found in this story. The first half of the book was so painful to me, full of violence, rape, horrible parents with little love for their children - at least not for their sons- intolerance. You name the sorrow and it was there. I was tempted to put it down. I was outraged.
Slowly, though, after many false starts, Kevin begins to value himself again. With the help of many wonderful friends, he tries to leave James behind and forge a new life. This part of the book was such an expose on how powerless gay black men can be in our society. Terrifyingly stalked by James, Kevin can get no redress, no help from those who are sworn to protect and serve. Now I was angry and frustrated in addition to being outraged.
Kevin, like all of us must, keeps putting one foot in front of the other, trying to move forward, praying James will stop, unable to believe that anyone can be so awful. Sadly, they can be that awful. So many abusive partners and spouses I. This world and the story is always the same: it’s not their fault; they’re sorry; and they’ll never do it again. But they do. They don’t know how to stop.
Luckily, Karma sometimes steps in and makes her move. That’s what happens here. And I was thrilled for Kevin! Supported by his friends, in a healthy relationship and looking toward the future, a future free of James, was the perfect, well-deserved ending to this book.
That seems to be the most positive message I found in this story. The first half of the book was so painful to me, full of violence, rape, horrible parents with little love for their children - at least not for their sons- intolerance. You name the sorrow and it was there. I was tempted to put it down. I was outraged.
Slowly, though, after many false starts, Kevin begins to value himself again. With the help of many wonderful friends, he tries to leave James behind and forge a new life. This part of the book was such an expose on how powerless gay black men can be in our society. Terrifyingly stalked by James, Kevin can get no redress, no help from those who are sworn to protect and serve. Now I was angry and frustrated in addition to being outraged.
Kevin, like all of us must, keeps putting one foot in front of the other, trying to move forward, praying James will stop, unable to believe that anyone can be so awful. Sadly, they can be that awful. So many abusive partners and spouses I. This world and the story is always the same: it’s not their fault; they’re sorry; and they’ll never do it again. But they do. They don’t know how to stop.
Luckily, Karma sometimes steps in and makes her move. That’s what happens here. And I was thrilled for Kevin! Supported by his friends, in a healthy relationship and looking toward the future, a future free of James, was the perfect, well-deserved ending to this book.
December 28, 2017
This was a fantastic read, it addressed domestic violence in the POC gay community, something that is rarely talked about. James uses multiple types of abuse to manipulate Kevin into staying with him from beating him up to buying him ridiculously expensive gifts. The worst thing is that he uses Kevins brothers death and his subsequent ptsd, to emotionally torment him. Wonderful story with a terrific ending. I will be looking out for more books by Lee Hayes
July 2, 2023
My older cousin gave me this book. I was very much curious about it because of the title! & O M F G! I am so glad I gave it a chance! I love this book so much! I would for sure RR-read it! It’s a gay romance, filled with a lot a lot of mentally abusive, & a lot of toxic domestic abuse as well! And finding true happiness and starting over & having the courage to leave a bad situation!
Trigger warnings : Rape, gaslighting, toxic relationships, mentally & physical abuse.
Trigger warnings : Rape, gaslighting, toxic relationships, mentally & physical abuse.
June 29, 2019
I liked it. It showed the harrowing ordeal of a gay man being in a physically abusive relationship with someone who, with all intents and purposes, looks like the perfect catch. In reality, he is a tyrannical psychotic with a fatal obsession.
August 15, 2017
Love the book and the story line.
March 19, 2018
This book was something else!
May 17, 2018
This book was amazing. I read this over from time to time. It’s well written and riveting.
November 30, 2021
I started this book back in 2016. Although it was very good back then, I picked it back up this year and finished it. This book was exciting from beginning to end. It is a must-read.
October 20, 2013
In this heated first novel by Lee Hayes, protagonist Kevin Davis tries to overcome his sin of losing his twin brother Keevan, while falling victim in an abusive relationship with James Lancaster.
James is a CEO of a rising software firm in Houston and he and Kevin live a fancy life on the outside. However, the novel portrays a much darker picture behind the doors of their home. The book starts when James smashes a black cordless phone against Kevin's face. He is emotionally and sexually abused throughout the novel and Kevin can't seem to get away from James.
Kevin has multiple friends throughout the book, including Tony and Daryl who are also gay, and an attorney named Danea. A flaw in the story is that during the first quarter of the book, it would seem obvious in real life that Kevin would have a significant amount of bruises. None of his friends notice that he is being physically abused, and this seems too far from being true.
In Part 2, Kevin decides to finally leave James and he moves in with Danea and falls in love with Daryl. James begins to stalk Kevin, but happens to coincidentally show up on multiple occasions while Kevin is out and about which seems hard to believe.
The novel ends with James dying from a fire at Tony's wedding and Kevin surviving all the torture. The epilogue of the story is when Kevin goes to James' attorney to learn that James left him a tremendous amount of money.
Passion Marks was overall a definite page turner that kept me on the edge of my seat. Although certain parts lacked credibility, it was an easy read, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in understanding the impact of abusive relationships.
James is a CEO of a rising software firm in Houston and he and Kevin live a fancy life on the outside. However, the novel portrays a much darker picture behind the doors of their home. The book starts when James smashes a black cordless phone against Kevin's face. He is emotionally and sexually abused throughout the novel and Kevin can't seem to get away from James.
Kevin has multiple friends throughout the book, including Tony and Daryl who are also gay, and an attorney named Danea. A flaw in the story is that during the first quarter of the book, it would seem obvious in real life that Kevin would have a significant amount of bruises. None of his friends notice that he is being physically abused, and this seems too far from being true.
In Part 2, Kevin decides to finally leave James and he moves in with Danea and falls in love with Daryl. James begins to stalk Kevin, but happens to coincidentally show up on multiple occasions while Kevin is out and about which seems hard to believe.
The novel ends with James dying from a fire at Tony's wedding and Kevin surviving all the torture. The epilogue of the story is when Kevin goes to James' attorney to learn that James left him a tremendous amount of money.
Passion Marks was overall a definite page turner that kept me on the edge of my seat. Although certain parts lacked credibility, it was an easy read, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in understanding the impact of abusive relationships.
February 18, 2008
As posted in [http://www.amazon.com]:
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.
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.
January 14, 2015
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 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.
May 29, 2009
I wanted to like this book, but found it difficult to even finish. I understand that domestic violence happens in relationships, gay or straight. I just don't like to read about the blow-by-blow of that abuse.
Kevin is emotionally and physically battered by James, his wealthy partner. There are details of rape, of manipulation, of bruatality that one might associate with a masochistic/sadistic dynamic. It's not pretty.
I guess my problem is that I found it hard to feel sorry for Kevin when he stayed with James even after so many harsh things happen. That's my own baggage, but I didn't find this an enjoyable read.
This is not a book for the faint-hearted.
Kevin is emotionally and physically battered by James, his wealthy partner. There are details of rape, of manipulation, of bruatality that one might associate with a masochistic/sadistic dynamic. It's not pretty.
I guess my problem is that I found it hard to feel sorry for Kevin when he stayed with James even after so many harsh things happen. That's my own baggage, but I didn't find this an enjoyable read.
This is not a book for the faint-hearted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2015
Debut novel by this author from early 2000's. Starts off with a very disturbing scene of violence which almost made me want to stop reading but since a co-worker loaned me the book, I carried on. Although the writer uses a lot of cliched writing, overall his style is good and the story suspenseful (although somewhat predictable). The book would be a good basis for an interesting movie. Will likely read others by this author.
December 18, 2008
Just purchased this a few days ago, but have
yet to start it, though I've heard good things
about it.
====================
Update:
Finished reading this, earlier today.
Great book, and shows that domestic
violence can happen within a home
regardless of sexuality. I'd like
to see this turned into a film, though
I won't hold my breath. :-)
yet to start it, though I've heard good things
about it.
====================
Update:
Finished reading this, earlier today.
Great book, and shows that domestic
violence can happen within a home
regardless of sexuality. I'd like
to see this turned into a film, though
I won't hold my breath. :-)
January 29, 2016
"Passion Marks" is Lee Hayes' debut and simultaneously a bestseller that put the author right off on the top of the list of contemporary writers.
This drama/thriller storyline is well written and brilliant. When you start reading this chilling blood story you will not want to put it down.
ENGROSSING AND INGENIOUS!
This drama/thriller storyline is well written and brilliant. When you start reading this chilling blood story you will not want to put it down.
ENGROSSING AND INGENIOUS!
August 3, 2011
This book was very engrossing yet disturbing. Upon reading the very first page, it drew me in like vortex and it did not let up til the very end. I look forward to getting caught up in the sequel...A Deeper Blue.
September 23, 2011
I know a lot of people just don't sit and read homosexual books, especially if it's about men but I'm open to read anything and this was a descent read for a beginning author about love and abuse. I liked it.
March 28, 2012
I really enjoy this. It definitely opens your eyes about abuse, homosexual relationships within the black community and especially black gay men living in secret. This was actually a reread for me. I had read it some years ago but I had forgotten the story.
Read
October 22, 2015i enjoyed this book it was a page turner full of surprises shows that money cant buy love an you cant make someone stay if they really wonna go really kelvin made the right choice by living james read and you will enjoy this book
April 29, 2009
Engaging but with some very disturbing scenes and kind of a disappointing ending.
May 31, 2010
Very powerful book! This book touches the core of physical abuse in relationships...a must read.
March 1, 2012
Loved it!!!! My first book by Lee Hayes. I loved James.....sorry!!
September 2, 2012
Wonderful.
May 26, 2014
great little gender loving book about lust, love and deception
January 31, 2013
Great book and reminiscent of E Lynn Harris's books. I can't wait for the sequel.
September 6, 2014
Omg
A very good read I was intrigued throughout this book. I encourage you to buy this book you will not be disappointed.
A very good read I was intrigued throughout this book. I encourage you to buy this book you will not be disappointed.
January 15, 2008
I enjoyed this book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews