Re-read in preparation to reading [b:The Bigger They Are|22676680|The Bigger They Are (Mission X, #2)|Kim Alan|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1404793225s/22676680.jpg|42079553]. ( )

"Mission: X" is about as cute a story as it is sweet, hot, and funny. The focus is firmly on Xander and Paul getting to know each other, and it was clear to me, if not to them, that they're meant to be together. I loved the sense of humor that keeps appearing throughout, and the characters' emotions, wavering between fear and hope, had me rooting for them from the very beginning.

Xander is a great sub who is very new to the whole BDSM scene. Fortified only with his Googled knowledge of what those four letters stand for, he proceeds to spend an evening in a BDSM club after being rejected by his ex for being boring and being beaten for being gay. Now, a year later, it still takes his best friend pushing him to even attempt going back into the dating scene.

Paul is a Dom through and through, and he was the one who found Xander after his beating. But he knows Xander is embarrassed about that, and it takes his assistant (who happens to be Xander's best friend) setting him up on a date. He knows he's deceiving Xander, but hopes he can convince him they're good together before admitting who he really is. Of course, this cannot end well...

If you like cute stories with characters clearly meant for each other, if you enjoy reading about shy subs finding their feet, and if you're looking for a "beginner's BDSM story" which doesn't get too harsh and is clearly all about the consensual fun, then you will probably like this free short story. ( )

I love bears and I love men in kilts! ( )

3.5 stars. Likable characters. recommend. ( )