Out of My Mind by M. L. Rhodes is a homoerotic contemporary romance.

Rafferty Jones is where he loves to be, on his boat, but having his partner Nick Tucker along in such close quarters is definately bringing his growing attraction to Nick that he doesn't understand. He has been married until recently when he caught his wife in bed with another man. Now when Rafferty looks at Nick instead of just seeing his partner, he sees the most beautiful man. Currently they are on a boat on the ocean with no distractions to keep them apart. On the other hand, Nick has always wanted Rafferty, but his being married made him off limits. Nick doesn’t know why Rafferty has been treating him differently, but he hopes that this weekend they can clear the air. The tension is thick enough to cut, but when an accident almost takes Nick’s life, something in Rafferty snaps and for one brief night they come together in a scene hot enough to melt the hardest stone. Unfortunately, the day after things are different. Can Rafferty and Nick find a way to overcome their difficulties or are they fated to be apart forever.

Ms. Rhodes has created a story with two very strong men who are dealing with very real to life issues. The characters of Rafferty and Nick are polar opposites, but compliment each other. As the reader becomes involved in their lives, they come alive and almost leap off the pages. Rafferty, like many men, finds himself realizing later in life that he may prefer men over women. That must be difficult to accept after living his earlier life as heterosexual. Nick always knew he was gay and knows that it won’t be easy for Rafferty. I hope there will be further stories about the lives of Nick and Rafferty. Thanks go to Ms. Rhodes for a very moving story.

Reviewed by: Teresa