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Passion #1
Passion
As the owner and CEO of his own company, Robert Bauer has spent the past fifteen years building his business into a multi-million-dollar corporation. It's taken all his time and energy, which hasn't left much room for a personal life, especially a love life. That's fine with Robert because he doesn't believe in the "L word" anyway. Lately, however, every time he goes to his favorite bar, he can't keep his eyes and thoughts off Jesse McIntyre, the gorgeous bartender with the soulful blue eyes. Even though Robert's not looking for a relationship, and tries to shake the attraction, he can't get the younger man out of his system. There's just one problem...he believes Jesse's straight. Jesse's been on the run from his old life for the past two and a half years. Even though he slings drinks at a gay bar, he has a hard and fast rule about never hooking up with customers. He's been down that road before, and though his physical wounds have healed, the emotional ones aren't so easy to forget. He lets his customers assume he's straight because it makes it easier to keep his distance. That is, until the businessman with the sexy smile starts coming into the bar. Jesse's drawn to Robert, even though he knows there's no way a wealthy, powerful man like that would ever be interested in a tattooed, college drop-out bad boy like him. But even if Robert weren't his opposite, it wouldn’t matter anyway, because Jesse's determined not to break his rules for anyone. When fate throws them together, and they find themselves alone for a weekend, the passion that has silently simmered for months ignites a firestorm that leaves them both shaken. Will it be enough, though, to convince Robert, who's sworn to never fall in love, that he might be pushing away the best thing that's ever happened to him? Or to force Jesse to face his fears once and for all and learn to trust his heart? Gay / Contemporary / Series
112 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 22, 2009
1 person is currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
M.L. Rhodes
42 books570 followersI’m author M.L. Rhodes and I write m/m romance and fantasy. This means my books are about gay or bisexual men meeting, falling in love, and finding happily-ever-afters with other men. Sometimes the settings are contemporary, sometimes the stories take place in worlds filled with dragons, witches, or other fantasy and paranormal creatures. But there’s one thing of which you can be certain…in my books, love always wins!
If you'd like to know more about me and writing, swing by my website when you have a few minutes! http://authormlrhodes.com
If you'd like to know more about me and writing, swing by my website when you have a few minutes! http://authormlrhodes.com
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 7, 2009
Not as good as most of the ML Rhodes I've read, Passion is uncomplicated, perhaps a little too simple. Nothing major happens, no mystery and suspense. Just an older guy, 40 year-old Robert Bauer, falling for a younger man. No development of Robert's character so we don't really know why he decided on the 'No Love' rule in his life apart from just being a busy man. To just be too busy to maintain or sustain a long-term relationship is understandable but nothing in Robert's past was given so as to justify his making the decision not to have that 'L' word in his life at all.
As for Jesse, I felt the psychological baggage he was carrying was overblown such that the book felt like an episode from a primetime gay soap - trying to squeeze in a romance with all the angst-ridden trimmings in less than an hour, including commercials.
As for Jesse, I felt the psychological baggage he was carrying was overblown such that the book felt like an episode from a primetime gay soap - trying to squeeze in a romance with all the angst-ridden trimmings in less than an hour, including commercials.
June 26, 2011
3.5 stars
I think for part of the book, I was hovering around a 3, possibly a 2, but the ending I thought was just so cute (even if a bit clichéd), I had to bump it up to a 3.5, rounded up.
This is your standard opposites attract story. Where one of them is a fuck up, college drop out (Jesse) and the other is a rich, too-good-for-anyone type of man (Robert). Then there's the added bonus of both men having severe issues. Robert hurts deeply because he can't trust in love so he's lived a majority of his life alone. Jesse is a guilt-ridden man unable to believe he's good enough to be loved because of his past crimes. So, in a sense, they are both fucked up guys.
They've been eying each other for months now, watching the other closely but unable to make the first move until Robert has, if I may say so myself, an extremely shitty day. However, when Jesse finds out Robert's care is totaled, he offers to drive him home and because of the snow storm, he gets stuck at Robert's house for the weekend. They get closer, love sparks and everything seems great. Until Jesse leaves quietly in the middle of the night. Now Robert has a decision to make. Live through the pain of spending the rest of his life alone or going after Jesse and try working through both of their hangups.
This book started off great. I immediately fell into it, eating up the pages trying to figure out what happens next. About halfway through, it started to tapper off for me which is when the sex hit. Not to say it wasn't hot or anything just that, well, after reading an awesome YA book, sex was the last thing I wanted to read. It did pick up again towards the end which I found majorly sweet. I did love Jesse and Robert. You get both of their inner monologues so you know how much they are both desperately wanting one another. I will say, not much happens in the book. There's no suspense or action or anything besides these two men getting together and getting over their inhibitions.
All in all, I did like the story. It was captivating during the parts I enjoyed and I'm looking forward to reading the sequel. Recommended.
I think for part of the book, I was hovering around a 3, possibly a 2, but the ending I thought was just so cute (even if a bit clichéd), I had to bump it up to a 3.5, rounded up.
This is your standard opposites attract story. Where one of them is a fuck up, college drop out (Jesse) and the other is a rich, too-good-for-anyone type of man (Robert). Then there's the added bonus of both men having severe issues. Robert hurts deeply because he can't trust in love so he's lived a majority of his life alone. Jesse is a guilt-ridden man unable to believe he's good enough to be loved because of his past crimes. So, in a sense, they are both fucked up guys.
They've been eying each other for months now, watching the other closely but unable to make the first move until Robert has, if I may say so myself, an extremely shitty day. However, when Jesse finds out Robert's care is totaled, he offers to drive him home and because of the snow storm, he gets stuck at Robert's house for the weekend. They get closer, love sparks and everything seems great. Until Jesse leaves quietly in the middle of the night. Now Robert has a decision to make. Live through the pain of spending the rest of his life alone or going after Jesse and try working through both of their hangups.
This book started off great. I immediately fell into it, eating up the pages trying to figure out what happens next. About halfway through, it started to tapper off for me which is when the sex hit. Not to say it wasn't hot or anything just that, well, after reading an awesome YA book, sex was the last thing I wanted to read. It did pick up again towards the end which I found majorly sweet. I did love Jesse and Robert. You get both of their inner monologues so you know how much they are both desperately wanting one another. I will say, not much happens in the book. There's no suspense or action or anything besides these two men getting together and getting over their inhibitions.
All in all, I did like the story. It was captivating during the parts I enjoyed and I'm looking forward to reading the sequel. Recommended.
May 18, 2009
Robert Bauer enjoys all the things that life has to offer him, pleased with the fact that his company is weathering the financial turmoil better than most; he takes things easy and reminisces about the things he overlooked and missed out on, while building up his business. As he has never believed in the “L” word, he has never put much stock in the fact that he has never developed any personal relationships. Now that has changed, and it’s all down to a bartender who has never given him the time of day but who has left him unsure of wherever he’s even in the game or not.
Jesse is just getting his life back together, albeit that it is now going on a few months and he is still literally hiding his light under the guise of being a straight bartender. The only person that he seems to perk up for, is the handsome man that keeps coming into the bar and giving him the once over whenever he thinks he’s not being noticed.
When they end up in each others company through a quirk of fate and a whole lot of convincing, all the old insecurities come bursting forth between the two. With only knowing each other for a short while Robert is not convinced he can’t be everything Jesse needs and Jesse knows he’s been down this road before, but can he trust Robert enough to get them through this?
M.L. Rhodes is an author that one would consider an experience; you don’t just read her books. She drags you into her world and is not willing to let you go that easily, she teases you with words that are packed with emotions, she introduces us to characters and you just never know where they will turn up, and the sex scenes leaves you most definitely wanting more.
Jesse and Robert are men, and while showing the world that they can get on and get by, they are weighed down by emotional issues that they have to deal with before all is lost – sooner rather than later.
M.L. Rhodes’ PASSION is a wonderful addition to add to your shelf.
Jesse is just getting his life back together, albeit that it is now going on a few months and he is still literally hiding his light under the guise of being a straight bartender. The only person that he seems to perk up for, is the handsome man that keeps coming into the bar and giving him the once over whenever he thinks he’s not being noticed.
When they end up in each others company through a quirk of fate and a whole lot of convincing, all the old insecurities come bursting forth between the two. With only knowing each other for a short while Robert is not convinced he can’t be everything Jesse needs and Jesse knows he’s been down this road before, but can he trust Robert enough to get them through this?
M.L. Rhodes is an author that one would consider an experience; you don’t just read her books. She drags you into her world and is not willing to let you go that easily, she teases you with words that are packed with emotions, she introduces us to characters and you just never know where they will turn up, and the sex scenes leaves you most definitely wanting more.
Jesse and Robert are men, and while showing the world that they can get on and get by, they are weighed down by emotional issues that they have to deal with before all is lost – sooner rather than later.
M.L. Rhodes’ PASSION is a wonderful addition to add to your shelf.
April 12, 2012
3.5 stars. I know there is a sequel, but really that was not an ending. It was way too rushed and no real resolution. I did really like these two together though. I want to know more about Robert's past. I didn't think Jesse's trauma was all that well explained, for as dramatic as he made it out to be throughout the entire book. And the typos were kinda annoying. I'll read the sequel, but maybe not immediately.
June 9, 2018
This was certainly passionate! The writing overall is very focused on emotions and sensations, but I found myself liking that very much. It's easier to get sucked in when you know what the characters are feeling and this book managed to balance the very strong emotions without making it seem ridiculous.
That said, the falling in love might have happened a little too fast. Sure, I know that they both spent a couple of months pining for each other before the events of the book, but they never actually talked. And then fell in love in a matter of two days. Honestly, though, that's only a minor complaint. I still enjoyed reading the book and had no trouble whatsoever to get to the end.
As for the plot it was... well, not much happened, I suppose? It was relationship focused, but I think that worked pretty well, all things considered.
So yeah. A perfectly serviceable M/M book with lots of emotions and warmth!
That said, the falling in love might have happened a little too fast. Sure, I know that they both spent a couple of months pining for each other before the events of the book, but they never actually talked. And then fell in love in a matter of two days. Honestly, though, that's only a minor complaint. I still enjoyed reading the book and had no trouble whatsoever to get to the end.
As for the plot it was... well, not much happened, I suppose? It was relationship focused, but I think that worked pretty well, all things considered.
So yeah. A perfectly serviceable M/M book with lots of emotions and warmth!
Read
May 29, 2009This is a spin off story from a previous book by the same author, The Elf and the Shoemaker. Robert is the customer who bough the little bottle of passion oil in Logan's shop, but Passion is not a fantasy tale like the other one.
Robert is a forty successful business man who starts to realize that he has nothing of really serious in his life. Truth, he has his multi-millionaire business, a beautiful home and a sporty car, but he is alone. He even tried to make a pass on Logan, but we read in the previous book that the man had just started his relationship with the elf, and so he brushed off Robert, even if in a gentle manner. Actually I was quite sad for Robert since he was a really sweet guy. One of the most interesting scene in the book, is reading the same scene again, this time from Robert's point of view. Robert bought also one of the magic bottle of Passion oil, and after using a bit of it on himself, he goes to his usual friday pub, and as always he is pining after Jesse, the handsome bartender. Jesse has never left Robert believe that he could be interested, and actually Robert thinks the man to be straight. But this night the weather helps him and conjures to make them spend more time together.
Robert confirms to be a sweet guy, not at all the cold businessman; there is no actually any drama in his past life if not unfortunately the usual rejection from a too strict family, but probably Robert spent too time building his firm and not enough caring for his personal life. Now he is in that moment of his life when, if he doesn't do something really soon, he could end with a lonely, even if comfortable, old age... and he doesn't want that. But Robert is not desperate, he is not willing to pick up the first man only to fill a void in his life.
On the other hand Jesse is recovering from a tragic past and from a sense of guilty that is eating him alive. But he has eyes, and he saw Robert from the first time he entered the pub; and now months after maybe his sense of guilty is a little dumped down, and he is ready to let the man nearer than before. But Jesse, even if obviously the stronger in body, and probably the leading man in the relationship, is also skittish like a wild horse, and maybe Robert, with his quite aplomb and his serene behavior is the right man to approach him.
I like the story, even if it's not so long, neither in page or time: it spans only some hours in Robert and Jesse's life, but they are intense hours, and overall, it's a real romantic story.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1602728747/?...
Robert is a forty successful business man who starts to realize that he has nothing of really serious in his life. Truth, he has his multi-millionaire business, a beautiful home and a sporty car, but he is alone. He even tried to make a pass on Logan, but we read in the previous book that the man had just started his relationship with the elf, and so he brushed off Robert, even if in a gentle manner. Actually I was quite sad for Robert since he was a really sweet guy. One of the most interesting scene in the book, is reading the same scene again, this time from Robert's point of view. Robert bought also one of the magic bottle of Passion oil, and after using a bit of it on himself, he goes to his usual friday pub, and as always he is pining after Jesse, the handsome bartender. Jesse has never left Robert believe that he could be interested, and actually Robert thinks the man to be straight. But this night the weather helps him and conjures to make them spend more time together.
Robert confirms to be a sweet guy, not at all the cold businessman; there is no actually any drama in his past life if not unfortunately the usual rejection from a too strict family, but probably Robert spent too time building his firm and not enough caring for his personal life. Now he is in that moment of his life when, if he doesn't do something really soon, he could end with a lonely, even if comfortable, old age... and he doesn't want that. But Robert is not desperate, he is not willing to pick up the first man only to fill a void in his life.
On the other hand Jesse is recovering from a tragic past and from a sense of guilty that is eating him alive. But he has eyes, and he saw Robert from the first time he entered the pub; and now months after maybe his sense of guilty is a little dumped down, and he is ready to let the man nearer than before. But Jesse, even if obviously the stronger in body, and probably the leading man in the relationship, is also skittish like a wild horse, and maybe Robert, with his quite aplomb and his serene behavior is the right man to approach him.
I like the story, even if it's not so long, neither in page or time: it spans only some hours in Robert and Jesse's life, but they are intense hours, and overall, it's a real romantic story.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1602728747/?...
June 15, 2010
I presume you know what the book is about. I'm letting you know what I liked or disliked about it.
I really liked this story. Well written, moved fast, and the characters well developed. I genuinely liked them.
Jesse and Robert are sexy as hell individually - together they are smokin' hot. Yep - absolutely yummie.
A couple characters introduced in the story could justify their own - the first is Logan Shomaker a shop owner, and Leila Jesse's roommate. I took a quick glance and see a book was written by Ms. Rhodes for Logan. The Elf and the Shomaker or something like it. I haven't looked too deeply yet for Leila. We'll see. But, if there is a book with her story I'd buy it.
There is a sequel to this book - it's called Satisfaction. I'll probably come back to pick it up and hang with Jesse and Robert for a little while longer. Because Passion didn't end up with a "cliffhanger carrot" being dangled in front of this reader I'll circle back versus go straight to Satisfaction. Good thing too because I hadn't planned on even reading Passion and want to stay ready for Sydney Sommers next book.
So many books, so little time.
I really liked this story. Well written, moved fast, and the characters well developed. I genuinely liked them.
Jesse and Robert are sexy as hell individually - together they are smokin' hot. Yep - absolutely yummie.
A couple characters introduced in the story could justify their own - the first is Logan Shomaker a shop owner, and Leila Jesse's roommate. I took a quick glance and see a book was written by Ms. Rhodes for Logan. The Elf and the Shomaker or something like it. I haven't looked too deeply yet for Leila. We'll see. But, if there is a book with her story I'd buy it.
There is a sequel to this book - it's called Satisfaction. I'll probably come back to pick it up and hang with Jesse and Robert for a little while longer. Because Passion didn't end up with a "cliffhanger carrot" being dangled in front of this reader I'll circle back versus go straight to Satisfaction. Good thing too because I hadn't planned on even reading Passion and want to stay ready for Sydney Sommers next book.
So many books, so little time.
March 25, 2014
Well, I liked it well enough but I would've preferred more development to the story. The why they liked each other besides the burning attraction they both held. I would've liked to watch them slowly falling in love instead of a weekend full of hot and sweaty sex and suddenly they can't live without the other. Don't get me wrong, it's still romantic and sweet but way too rushed. This reads more like a premise instead of a full time novel and I would've liked the latter.
And yet, I know there is 2nd installment and I'm not reading it. Why, you ask? 'Cause, apparently the author decided to jump on the BDSM bandwagon and I'm way too tired of reading about it every other book to consider it now. I wasn't a fan before and after all the buzz left from Fifty Shades of Grey I'm even less of a fan now.
And yet, I know there is 2nd installment and I'm not reading it. Why, you ask? 'Cause, apparently the author decided to jump on the BDSM bandwagon and I'm way too tired of reading about it every other book to consider it now. I wasn't a fan before and after all the buzz left from Fifty Shades of Grey I'm even less of a fan now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2010
It's a sweet story. A good story, really. All in all, I enjoyed it. Enough to read the second part, Satisfaction.
(spoilerish comment?) But it's one of those spend two days together- immediately think in terms of love, trust, forever- confess your undying love to each other books. No concern given to the fact you don't know each other. And there is a bit of stupid behavior, not merely unrealistic action taken that causes one to say 'wow, given what the author has told me, this character would not have done that.' If you go out of the way to make some serious points, follow through with the characters respecting the seriousness of the situation rather than dismissing it. I personally appreciate a bit of realism.
I can't figure out how this got a bdsm label. Perhaps there is a little play coming up in part 2? I'll soon find out...
(spoilerish comment?) But it's one of those spend two days together- immediately think in terms of love, trust, forever- confess your undying love to each other books. No concern given to the fact you don't know each other. And there is a bit of stupid behavior, not merely unrealistic action taken that causes one to say 'wow, given what the author has told me, this character would not have done that.' If you go out of the way to make some serious points, follow through with the characters respecting the seriousness of the situation rather than dismissing it. I personally appreciate a bit of realism.
I can't figure out how this got a bdsm label. Perhaps there is a little play coming up in part 2? I'll soon find out...
August 17, 2012
I had this awesome moment where I was just like "HEY! I know you from The Elf and Shoemaker". Awesome moment.
Anyway the story itself was pretty cute. It was engaging and such and was a pretty fun read. A very nice and relaxed read. But apart from being set in the same world as The Elf and Shoemaker with the bottle of PASSION and all, it has no magic. So, that was a bit of a let out since I'm a huge fan of fantasy/magic/paranormal and such.
Overall it's a good in-betweener and a fun read.
Anyway the story itself was pretty cute. It was engaging and such and was a pretty fun read. A very nice and relaxed read. But apart from being set in the same world as The Elf and Shoemaker with the bottle of PASSION and all, it has no magic. So, that was a bit of a let out since I'm a huge fan of fantasy/magic/paranormal and such.
Overall it's a good in-betweener and a fun read.
May 5, 2013
I struggled to read this story.
It's a fantasy MM romance involving a older multimillionaire (Robert), a young and emotionally scarred bartender/artist (Jesse),….and a magical oil. I think the subplot involving the oil, added a pointless fantasy twist to an otherwise OK contemporary romance. Not to talk of the strange and unexplained interaction between Robert and the shopkeeper who sold him the oil.
Also, what was up with the "obligatory" break ups between the MCs? The first one was "unbelievable", and the second break up was just plain annoying.
It's a fantasy MM romance involving a older multimillionaire (Robert), a young and emotionally scarred bartender/artist (Jesse),….and a magical oil. I think the subplot involving the oil, added a pointless fantasy twist to an otherwise OK contemporary romance. Not to talk of the strange and unexplained interaction between Robert and the shopkeeper who sold him the oil.
Also, what was up with the "obligatory" break ups between the MCs? The first one was "unbelievable", and the second break up was just plain annoying.
April 25, 2022
This is a very entertaining story. There is a previous book "The Elf and the Shoemaker" but you do not have to read it first just know the Store Owner and the Passion Oil come from there.
These MC's are enjoyable to read about and come across as very sexy!
These MC's are enjoyable to read about and come across as very sexy!
March 1, 2009
Oh My!
September 11, 2009
This was a cute read.
April 6, 2012
4.5 stars
November 5, 2011
3.5 stars
August 29, 2020
3.5 stars
March 31, 2012
4.5 Stars
May 15, 2015
4.5 stars
February 3, 2013
Bartender meets multimillionaire makes a perfect match...
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews