Review: Action
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 12 6, 2012
Action by Liz Borino is the first of two books starring Steve Michaels and Zack Greene. Working together on the TV show Ben's Life, Steve is the director and Zack has the lead role. Off screen, these two are in a secret D/s relationship that is suddenly threatened when Rich, the producer of Ben's Life, suddenly takes an interest in Zach.I was a little lost when I first began reading Action. Steve and Zach are an established couple, but the way the story begins, I felt like I walked into a sequel to another book. Their back story eventually unfolds, but I still felt like I was missing something. However, I really like Steve and Zach as a couple and their emotions for each other feel genuine.While I was still trying to get a handle on Zack and Steve's relationship, the storyline with Rich begins and I became even more confused. After three years of working together, Rich, a Dom, is suddenly obsessed with Zach. This whole part of the storyline was over the top and rather implausible.In the middle of all work drama, both men are faced with family issues. Steve's mom, Crystal, is utterly delightful and I thoroughly enjoyed her scenes. Zack has kept his entire childhood hidden from Steve and when his parents unexpectedly appear, he has to reveal how he grew up in a rather extreme offshoot of the Latter Day Saints. His parents play a role in some of the events that occur and his mother makes some surprising decisions.The BDSM aspect of the story is very light. The sex scenes are not overly explicit and consist mainly of spanking. Once again, I found the storyline lacking in details and I had a difficult time understanding exactly why Zack needed discipline to begin with. Their D/s relationship undergoes some changes and I like that they take the time to renegotiate the terms of their contract.While the general premise of Action was interesting, it was sometimes a difficult story to read. Some of the sentences are awkwardly phrased and point of view switches are confusing. I had to go back several times so I could figure out which character was speaking. With the two male main characters, it was sometimes difficult to differentiate exactly which "he" was doing what. There is an awful lot going on for such a short story and the storyline becomes a little convoluted at times.Steve and Zach are engaging protagonists that I like a great deal. I am looking forward to seeing what direction Liz Borino is planning on taking their relationship in Cutaway, the next installment of the Ben's Life series.I received a complimentary copy for review.