If you love awkward first dates, steamy first times, and lots of sweet confections, On a Different Mission is the book for you!
From the blurb:
A closeted male virgin. A kinky male college student. Can these men find love on campus, or will family destroy it all?
Devin Taylor
Raised a strict Mormon in a small town in Northern Arizona, I did everything to avoid going on a mission and ending up at Brigham Young. I knew I was different, and it wasn’t just my attraction to men. It was my attraction to make-up and women’s clothing that really baffled me. But now it’s time to break free of my religion. It’s time to lose my virginity. Will taking a job at the local queer bakery and being the front man of a college pop-punk band help?
Brandon Visser
I was finally coming to terms with the fact that I have a type—a type of guy. That guy is Devin. Problem is, he doesn’t know I’ve been watching him, wanting him. When Devin finally lets me in, he’s like a whirlwind of temptation. I know we need to slow down and do this right if I’m going to unlock his dirty side. As I watch Devin become someone new with me at his side, his mother falls ill. Can I save him from a family who might ruin us?
On a Different Mission is the first book in the Rock U series and is part of the Mesa Boys universe. This novel features gender fluid and bisexual awakenings, hurt/comfort, and rockers with found family. It guarantees an HEA and has no cliffhangers. It features a virginal man who’s a little naïve but struggling not to be, and an understanding man who’s been around the block and knows how to give them what they both need. Each book features a different couple and can be read as a standalone or as part of the series in order.
Trigger Warning: This book contains a prejudiced parent and a character who is struggling to come to terms with the teachings of the Mormon religion with regard to sexual and gender identity.
Angel's Review:
On A Different Mission by Christie Gordon is a sweet story about two men who are going through their own journeys of self-discovery and acceptance.
Devin is scared to be himself. He knows some of what he wants, but he's scared. He grew up in a Mormon household and even though he is no longer Mormon; he doesn't know how to break out of those rules. With the help of his best friend, band mates, his boyfriend, and his bosses/friends at the cafe, he starts to learn how to embrace himself and to go after what he wants.
Brandon is also trying to figure out what he wants and what he likes. All he knows is he wants Devin.
I liked the story, and the characters were great. I enjoyed Nate and Dana being matchmakers, them trying to get Devin and Brandon together was awesome. This book, while good, was almost painful to read sometimes because of the awkwardness of these characters. They were adorably awkward, but they worked well together. It was amazing how with support and encouragement Devin felt comfortable enough to explore what he really likes. I'm glad the there was representation with boys wearing ' girl's clothes' and it being okay in this story. I'm really looking forward to Axel's story. His character in this book was a riot to read about!
As much as I enjoyed the overall story, I feel like some things were a little rushed? Brandon wanted to take things slow and then they start intimate activities and do that a lot through the course of this book.
Just a heads-up to those who might not want to read a lot of steamy scenes. There are quite a few of those scenes once these two get together. So the steam level is a 5 I would say.
A sweet and cute story about self acceptance and self-discovery, love, friendships, band practices, queer confections, and steamy first times.
Rating: 4 Stars
Holly's Review:
Devin and Brandon are such a complex and incredible couple. Devin has been raised in a Mormon family and has been hiding his true identity for his whole life until recently.
Brandon is a bit uncertain about his sexuality too, but one thing he is sure of is his instant attraction to Devin.
The two dance around each other, but with a little help from their friends, Brendan finally asks Devin out on a date, and sparks fly.
This story is sweet, tender, and beautiful as the pair quickly fall from raging lust and into love.
Devin is beautiful and strong and is finally able to express the various spectrums of his gender freely. At the same time, Brendan has fallen head over heels for a guy, and when they become official comes out to his family, who accepts him and Devin with open arms.
When a news reporter catches them after a heroic rescue and plasters their faces all over the news - Devin’s family sees him for who he truly is for the first time, and his father is less than accepting.
Without giving too many spoilers, this author has created a beautiful world with a star-studded cast of incredible, diverse characters. I fell in love with them all.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Sheena's Review:
This was a first from this author for me, and it was a perfect jumping in point, as it's the start of a new series. Devin is a Mormon, and trying to reconcile the faith he was brought up with against becoming his true self. Brandon is also figuring himself out - his bisexuality/demisexuality/whatever he is. It's really a story about discovering your true self and that journey to become what you truly are, and for the most part, I really enjoyed it.
As I said, I haven't read anything previous from this author, and I don't really know why because this was really good. I have a feeling it connects to an existing universe. Devin's bosses, in particular, felt like there had been a story there, and also perhaps Brandon's brother and his partner. I liked Devin in particular, although he was so willfully oblivious at the start with Brandon - even though that was kind of fun to witness 😆. Devin's transformation, experimenting with his clothes, hair, and finding his confidence singing, were the heart of the story for me. His path wasn't an easy one, but I was so glad his mum was understanding, even if his dad was a complete tool.
Brandon, I wasn't so enamored with. He seemed a little possessive and controlling at times, not wanting Devin to spend time with anyone but him, and that worried me a little. It was a trait that didn't sit all that well with me. He redeemed himself a little though with how good he was when Devin got the phone call from his dad, dropping everything to be there for him. Ultimately, I did like these two together. I loved that they were exploring everything together, and it was Brandon that slowed things down at the start.
I really enjoyed this. It was sweet, with enough heat and spice to keep the pages turning. I'm curious about the other band members and can't wait for their stories.
Rating: 4 Stars
Heather's Review:
We met both Devin and Brandon as side characters in the Mesa Boys series and I was so pleased to find out that they were going to get their HEA in this spin off series, Rock U, but I was skeptical because I had no idea that either Devin or Brandon could sing!
This story was sweet, steamy and angsty with Devin hiding so much about his life from his family, and both of them exploring their bi-sexuality for the first time...
Brandon was a little over jealous in places, but the boys were sweet and the relationship developed into something pretty healthy and wonderful!
I can't wait to see where the rest of the band find their HEA!
Rating: 4.5 Stars
On a Different Mission is available to buy as an ebook, paperback, hardback, or to read with Kindle Unlimited subscription.
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