Nathan Turner has been strongly attracted to and deeply in love with friend, mentor and Professor Aidan Sheridan for two years. Having kept his secret to himself, he has finally reached the point where he needs to know if there is any chance for a relationship between them. At twenty-seven, Nathan is ready to settle down into a long term relationship, but can only imagine doing so with thirty-six year old Aidan. But does Aidan want him? Nathan's about to find out…

Aidan has wanted his grad student, Nathan, practically since they first met. Yet, a past experience has shown him that a relationship between a teacher and student will not work, least of all to the student's benefit. Aidan is determined to protect Nathan, even from the love and attraction that simmers between them. But is his willpower stronger than his desire for Nathan, or will the secret passion he has felt for Nathan for so long win out?

M. L. Rhode's The Professor's Secret Passion is a brilliant and moving novella that kept my eye on the screen, my mind on the story, a tear in my eye and a pang in my heart. Nathan and Aidan are two strong men in their every day lives, but when it comes to their love for one another, they are unsure, even hesitant. They both feel things very deeply, be it love, hurt, determination, despair or happiness. Watching Nathan trying to forge a relationship with the wary Aidan will surely bring a smile to your face. Seeing Aidan attempt to maneuver away from the pull between them to protect Nathan from the perceived threat to his well being is great and truly endears Aidan's character to you, though you are definitely rooting for Nathan's determination to hold out against Aidan's fears. Sex is described in magnificent, graphic detail, in a couple of locations – including a public office, where there is a risk of exposure. The Professor's Secret Passion is not my first M. L. Rhodes story, and it certainly won't be my last!

Reviewed by: Elizabeth