Rating: 
Summary: James is a fool!
Review: I really enjoyed reading this book. James was a monster, I loved the way the author described every violent detail, I could feel Kevin's pain. If you don't like reading about homosexuals you will not like this book, however if your curious about them you'll find it exciting and entertaining. A must read!
Good ending and full of surprises!
Rating: 
Summary: Easy E.
Review: I recall some time ago reading a novelist by the name of Dominick Dunne, author of People Like Us, An Inconvenient Woman, and A Season in Purgatory. A friend at that time labeled the work of this author, today a Special Correspondent for Vanity Fair magazine: good trash. I did not agree with my friend then, nor do I now. Dunne's works, as scandalous as they were in plot, were unerringly insightful into the traps and foibles of high society and the rich and famous.
I have also heard that term affixed to the books of E. Lynn Harris, who, with over a decade of work under his belt, has become the most commercially successful gay writer of this or any time. It is needless to say that the gravity of his impression is being felt most notably in the mimicking by subsequent writers: from his stylish book covers to the affluent African-American characters whom angst between them.
Among this group of impressionable scribes comes handsome Texan writer Lee Hayes with his inaugural effort Passion Marks, notable singularly because it is perhaps among the first to tackle the topic of domestic abuse between coupled gay African-American men.
Marks protagonist Kevin Davis, also impressionable, lives with lover CEO James Lancaster. They share, to Davis' friends, a perfect world filled with luxury afforded by Lancaster: a mansion, cars, jewelry, fancy clothes, etc. They also share a tumultuous relationship, often made difficult by the interference and demands of Lancaster's hellish job, provoking Kevin's lover into hysterical rages of physical violence, with Davis as the recipient.
Miserable as our hero is, Kevin stays and suffers, feeling bound to his lover by a guilt involving his ill-named twin brother, Keevan. Kevin also finds time to laugh and celebrate life with his circle of friends, a motley's crew of characters that rounds out this cast and provides the setting for the "drama" of this book.
To say Passion Marks misrepresents itself is an understatement. And an embarrassment. What could have been an intriguing and insightful novel-as well as groundbreaking-devolves into less than schlock, thwarting its denouement into a horridly preposterous, and wholly unrealistic and unsatisfying conclusion. The book itself is filled with words so dull and a plot so annoyingly coated in saccharine that they offer the reader nothing.
The blame for the misfiring of this novel lies primarily with its author, who serves up well to do characters, who are both aimless and tiresome, and whose intelligence belies their established academic background; referencing of songs and singers long enough to fill any Billboard chart; an elongated list of product name dropping (Rolex, Nike, Polo Sport cologne, etc.); a predictable and pointless pregnancy; and pornographic sex scenes so explicit the reader can hardly grasp this is abuse at all by the manner in which they are written.
The remainder of the blame must go to the editor, who lacks in belt-tightening, and who lets slide scenes that drag on too long, and are pointless.
Not only is all of this a damning distraction, but also a disservice to the topic at hand-domestic abuse, a subject clearly not on the author's mind, since only minimal research seems reflected in the text.
To where do gays (and lesbians) retreat after being involved in an abusive relationship? Where are the long term after-effects of the abuse? What are actual conversations like with a therapist? How is abuse within African-American relationships different than any other? The opportunity to address these matters is squandered, and what the reader is left with is what the writer believes the reader wishes to read. Dismissed is an original narrative voice, engaging dialogue, and truly deep characters. Hayes never takes the time to say something truly original. Only occasionally is something heavy pondered, and then even that is dismissed.
Which returns me to E. Lynn Harris, who has made his own success with his own original voice, plots, and character types. A machine that arguably has improved with age. Why is it then the need for authors to attempt to mimic that success, and not develop one of their own? Could you imagine a world without the distinctive narrations of Baldwin, Maupin, Morrison, Hemingway, King, Kushner, Poe, Tan, or countless others? Voices that could only ever be associated with good. But never trash.
Rating: 
Summary: Great Story!
Review: I stumbled across this book accidentally and loved it. Heart-warming and enlightening story about domestic violence among gay men, homophobia in the black community and gay parenting. Some tough issues! Well-written by another 1stBooks Library author. Congratulations.
Rating:
Summary: Awkward Sensation
Review: 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.
Rating: 
Summary: A Good Read...But I think Hayes can do better.
Review: I wrote the author after I finished the book so this is just a reprint of that letter.
I just finished your book today and I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed it. I bought it because I thought it was an interesting twist on the domestic violence story. I have to say you definitely made James' character a despicable man, but I was a bit disappointed that we weren't really made to see everything that made him who he was. I realize the event of his father killing his mother and raping him was obviously a point where he changed forever, but we still never really go to know much about his relationships after that and why he continued to spiral into a psychopath.
By the end of the story I had to use my book mark to force me not to skim ahead to find out what happened (I wasn't entirely successful), and I felt like the end was something out of an action movie. Somewhat over the top, but considering all the other crazy things James did, how else would he go out but literally in a blaze of glory.
I was touched by Kevin's courage and Daryl's unconditional love for him as well as his relationship with his close friends, Denae and Tony. He had a good support system that truly was there for him through it all and thats what real friends do for each other.
I hope you have other novels in the works because I'm definitely going to be there to support your efforts.
Rating:
Summary: The Line between Love and Abuse
Review: In his first novel, this Texas native Lee Hayes, now residing in Washington, DC felt he had a relevant and exciting story to tell. Indeed, he does through "Passion Marks". Hayes does a great job in turning on the light about unforeseen situations that are often, too well hidden in many relationships, particularly in the gay ones. This vividly dramatic story of a young man's struggle with love, lost and violence that manifest within him too great to the point that he must bring about a change in his life, while confronting a past that is very much apart of his present. Passion Marks immediately grasp the reader attention at the start of page one from opening your eyes wide to making your jaw drop to your chest. At times, one may seem to be actually feeling the harsh blunts of violence and abuse taking place. This and much more keeps your curiosity enthralled with smiles, laughter, to compassion and possibly tears to the very last page. Hayes will have you speaking out on behalf of his main character Kevin Davis saying, "That enough is enough!" As you, become more passionate with Kevin and the other characters, but less about Kevin's lover James. You are finally relieved to know that Kevin had mustered up the strength to do something about his predicaments with the support of friends. However, the line between love and abuse is more than what most of us could ever imagine. A must read novel for all matters of the heart and with lessons to be learned those involved in same gender loving relationships.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Debut novel
Review: Lee Hayes is on to something good. I began this book at 10am today and am finished at 5pm the same day w/ several interruptions. It was that good. It kept me turning the pages to see waht would happen next. The characters were well developed and the story flowed. Like a previous reviewer said- REMEMBER THIS NAME-YOU WILL BE HEARING FROM HIM AGAIN,NO DOUBT. My hat goes off to you. Please don't keep me waiting too long for the next novel.
Rating:
Summary: The Sanctity of a First Novel
Review: Lee Hayes: make note of the name. In PASSION MARKS we have a first novel that manages to hurdle most of the bumps associated with the initial, anxious bow of the novice and that gives solid introduction to a man who obviously has the gift of writing. Lee Hayes writes very well. He knows how to find a storyline, embroider the edges with apropos incidents and character introductions that he never forsakes but instead incorporates them into his driving technique of development. There is little wasted verbiage here: those diversions that may appear as self-serving when first encountered are all melded to a crescendo effect in bringing the story to a fast-paced climax. Hayes bravely opens the door of his career by writing about topics that most writers fear: the African American gay community (down-low brothers), spousal abuse, right to life choices, corporate greed and folly, suicide - it is all here. Writing about a young man grieving for the loss of his identical twin (Keevan) whose death we learn has painful overtones, an idealistic gay man (Kevin) who happens to partner with a powerful executive man (James) with a tragic childhood history who in a bipolar way moves from wealthy and passionate lover to incredibly brutal abuser, this setting makes for tough reading for the naive. But for those willing to jump on the roller coaster ride, this is one of those stories that almost demands nonstop reading until the finish. Along the way we meet beautifully drawn extended family members who are rightfully given prominence as the people who truly care for the torn Kevin. When Kevin finally gathers the courage to end the abusive relationship with James and find happiness with a decent man, the story propels with such velocity that it is truly a page turner. This is a very fine first novel and I feel Hayes will gain stature with every 'next book' he is bound to write. I would hope that his next story would take the lead character out of the first person stance; there are many times when this story feels like a memoir and as such the character's continuing battles with what seems obvious as a bad relationship makes him a Victim - and that is unfortunate. Perhaps the story would have less need to mention 'brand names' in clothing, shoes, cars, cologne etc that create a sense of unnecessary 'decoration'
to the plot. One would also hope that the Editor (and bless her for believing in this talented young author) would have better copyreaders and avoid the many typos and misspelled words that have the tendency to stop the eye and hence detract from the story. But riding over these bumps is so very much worth the journey. Lee Hayes has a good story to tell, and he tells is with clarity, insight, and all the promise of fine technique. For a first novel this is hallowed ground. I am very happy to see the ranks of African American writers (James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, E. Lynn Harris, etc )grow with writers of the potential of Lee Hayes.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book!
Review: Lee you wrote a great book and I can't wait for the next one!
Readers buy this book...you'll be glad you did!
Rating: 
Summary: Too Much Drama, Not Enough Substance
Review: Let me begin by acknowledging that abuse of any form in any relationship is unacceptable and must not be condoned or tolerated. With that said, I must admit that "Passion Marks" falls short of the stuff that great novels are made of. The author appears to have made no attempt at portraying the story by means of creative literary technique but instead chose to use a first person approach to tell the reader about a relationship soured from the beginning and without any hope of improving. This novel brings to mind one of the first things I ever learned about fiction writing - that the novelist has to possess the ability to paint a picture with words. He must be able to evoke in the reader some emotional connection to the story and/or the characters. Harris fails completely at doing either. I felt no connection to the characters as I forced myself through page after page of clichés and mundane adages. I found neither the characters nor situations very believable. As it relates to literary devices, it's my opinion that third person narrative would have served this story better than the first person account used by the author. The author, through Kevin, conveys to the reader how Kevin got into his torturous relationship and why he stays. While this is important information for the reader, it may have been better conveyed using the third person narrative approach. In this way, the narrator is able to provide information about and analysis of the situations that contribute to Kevin's circumstances without it appearing as if Kevin has this knowledge already but is unable to use it (soon enough) to remove himself from the cruel and often vicious relationship. The author does attempt to convince the reader that Kevin stayed in the relationship because of some mystical and magical "connection" between him and James that resulted in James saving Kevin from killing himself. But the connection is not believable. Harris simply tells us that there is a connection and we are to believe it. He failed to pull together language and scenery that would support a connection so powerful that it would bind Kevin to James. Throughout the story, Harris invokes the sprit of Kevin's dead twin as a means of helping Kevin overcome his circumstances, but even that device (and I'm a big believer in spirits) is used clumsily and results in unbelievable dialogue. The horrific violence inflicted on Kevin and the fact that he endured it repeatedly leads me to believe that some monumental internal growth would be required to overcome and survive his plight. I never felt that the protagonist was undergoing a significant enough transformation to triumph. Neither verbiage nor imagery is effectively used to grow the characters throughout the novel. In fact, James is able to disrupt and ravage Kevin's life until the very end. Kevin's financial windfall - thrown in as an epilogue - is the author's attempt at literary comeuppance. It's unfortunate that Harris chose to resort to a material representation of the reward for surviving physical and emotional torture. The subject matter would have been better served by portraying a character whose internal growth and self-assurance is the prize of his triumph. , The entire text reads like a script for a two-hour special of a Jerry Springer-meet-E. Lynn Harris soap opera. While I can't recommend this one to my immediate circle of reading enthusiast, I suspect the novel will find an audience. If this book does nothing else for its readership I hope that it convinces them that domestic violence, when not dealt with quickly, legally and decisively, will only lead to disaster.
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