Review: Love Steve and Zack!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 09 23, 2012
Reviewed for Heartsonfirereviews.comWhile this sequel to Action (Ben's Life #1) has more of the harder BDSM and a bit more angst, the core of it remains the same.  The love and respect you can feel between Steve and Zack, and how that translates to their D/s relationship.  It is particularly clear here, with the contrast between Peter and his slave Josh, how Zack is not a slave, and Steve is not a slavemaster.  They are loving partners with a D/s dynamic that works for them so well.  There are script changes to Ben's Life that cause potential havoc, in the form of Zack losing his locked-on collar.  Difficult for them both.Zack wants to explore BDSM further, and wants to go to the club owned by Steve's ex, Peter.  I was a little mystified why they didn't just experiment at home, since Zack is clearly nervous and worried about it, even as he wants to try it on for size.  Steve does mention it is because of lack of equipment, but as they both make good money, maybe Steve did want to scare Zack off.  Bringing Peter in was a step in that direction!I questioned here what in the world Steve ever saw in Peter (his ex).  It is mentioned once by Steve that Peter has obviously changed (and not for the better) so maybe that explains it.  Peter is such a bastard (no other word for it).  He is Dom in the worst possible way, viewing subs as non people.  Zack is right in his thought that Peter hasn't earned respect and doesn't deserve it.  I completely agree.  My heart broke for Josh, who really doesn't know anything different than Peter and his abuse (again, no other word for it).The moms, Zack's mom Mary and Steve's mom Crystal, make a reappearance here and I have to say - go Mary.  She's in it for just a mention but she's come a long way from the down trodden Mormon sister wife, and I like her much more.  Crystal, on the other hand, way to show your true colors, sister.  When Steve confronts her, I wanted to cheer.  Poor Zack.  Going through a terrible time, fearful and worried, and he's dealing with people (Peter, Crystal, even Angie) treating him poorly.The relationship between MCs is strong, and once again, I love how much Steve is a real person who makes mistakes, Dom though he is, and how much strength Zack shows when it's needed, even when he doesn't feel strong.  There are a lot of "I love you's" in this book, and they don't ever seem too much.My one quibble with the book is Josh's portion of the ending.  This is left open, and I am crossing fingers and toes that this doesn't go a certain way (can't mention anything without spoiling!) but I am certain it would break the strength of Zack and Steve if it did.  Peter?  I sincerely hope he gets his comeuppance.I so very appreciated one point in the book when the incident from Action, when Zack is attacked by the former director Rich, is brought up.  In Action, Zack had apologized for "letting" Rich assault him. This is addressed here and I loved it.There is a bit more BDSM in this sequel, but there's nothing that needs a warning or squicked me out.  Steve is so aware of Zack, and so careful about what will hurt him, so regretful when he inadvertently does (or thinks he does) something that may harm Zack, that is what comes across.  The characters are real and likeable.  While the characterization of the book may include BDSM, that is not what the focus is.  The focus is on this couple and what they mean to each other.  Very sweet, and very recommended.  (and a sequel, Ms. Borino???  Perhaps, ohhhhh, JOSH??)