Reviewed by Kat

TITLE: On a Different Mission

SERIES: Rock U (book 1)

AUTHOR: Christie Gordon

PUBLISHER: Self Published

LENGTH: 339 pages

RELEASE DATE: February 24, 2023

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 Useries 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.

REVIEW:

Most readers know I’m a sucker for a good rock star book. Whether they are just starting out as a garage band or mega superstars I love my rockers.

Devin Taylor is going to graduate soon and he has absolutely no idea what he’s going to do. He earned a full ride scholarship at ASU in Tempe instead of BYU to escape his strict Mormon teachings and family. He has no desire to return to that life. Being away has allowed him the freedom to explore himself and not only his identity but also his true desires. Getting a part-time job with Dana and Nate at their bakery Queer Confections. Now he has also been given the lead singer position with a popular local cover band Knot Me. And to top it all off, the cute guy that keeps frequenting his bakery, Brandon, has asked him out on his first gay date and likes his fluidity. But what happens when graduation happens and it all comes to a screeching end?

This book took on a different twist that was very personal to me. My SIL’s mom was in love with her college roommate. They were both raised in very traditional Mormon homes and attended a small Mormon college in Idaho. The college caught on and split them up. Even sending them to different colleges with strict instructions to never contact each other again. This was over 40 years ago and times were much, much different. Fast forward to a few years ago. Both girls had went on to finish school, marry a “good Mormon boy” back from their mission and have families. They both were ultimately unhappy though they loved their spouses and their children were their lives but it was all wrong. They each had divorced and then, with modern social media, found each other and are now married to each other. Yes, they were excommunicated from the church and weren’t allowed to attend their children’s sealing ceremonies at the temple, but they are were where they were always designed to be…with each other. I loved that you touched on how Devin felt. It had been so deeply ingrained in him to live a certain life according to the church and it’s teachings. But it ultimately wore on him that he was untrue to himself and he had to break free. It bothers me so much that a sweet young man like Devin is forced to choose the Church or the Highway. It goes against all that should be real. The love between a mother and her children should not be destroyed because they don’t come out a cookie cutter version that old men decide is the only natural way! This book gave me hope. Hope that narrow minded men can be brought around and become tolerant and accepting.

I’m going to say that Brandon and Devon were hot. Their play times and exploration of their new found bisexuality were kinky and had scorching chemistry together. I loved how they perfectly complimented the other. Watching these two explore their needs and desires was fascinating. Some moments so sweet and others exciting and new…and 🔥🔥🔥!

I loved all the side characters. Both of their good friends Olivia and Layla that helped get the guys together. Without those two pushing and planning it would have taken those guys forever to get up the courage to get what they wanted. And who wouldn’t love the Knot Me guys. I can’t wait for all their stories. They are a true found family that have each other’s backs! And add in Dana, Nate, Brandon and Jaime they have so many strong older and experienced men for advice and guidance. Then the ones that truly stood out were Brandon’s super accepting and supportive parents and Devin’s Mom. They are the type of parents that kids need to have their backs and be showered by their love 💕 These two young men had so many wonderful people backing them.

Reading this story had me diving down the rabbit hole and realizing that this is a spin-off series that has both Dana and Nate’s stories but also Brandon’s big brother Kaiden and Jaime’s stories and I want that series now too!

I am so thankful to have found this amazing book and can’t wait for more. Christie Gordon has hooked me completely!

RATING:

BUY LINK:

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