What do you think?
Rate this book
Gray's Girl
One hot rugby player, one dangerously sexy game…
International rugby star Leighton Gray, Big L to his fans, is at the top of his game. Ruthless on the pitch, he’s living the dream. Maybe. Lonely, he’s looking for someone special to share his success with, but can’t stand the vapid women who flock around the team. When his best friend Damon tries to set up a blind date for his sister with one of their teammates, Gray steps in. He had a crush on Damon’s sister for years, so if anyone is going to take her out, it’s him.
After finding her boyfriend balls deep in the blonde from down the hall, Frankie Cross is done with men. So she’s not impressed when her brother tells her that he’s set up a blind date with Leighton Gray, the scrawny waif he befriended years ago. But when she sees the giant Adonis standing in her doorway, she changes her mind. Little Leighton’s all grown up, and she’s having some very adult thoughts about the man he’s become…
International rugby star Leighton Gray, Big L to his fans, is at the top of his game. Ruthless on the pitch, he’s living the dream. Maybe. Lonely, he’s looking for someone special to share his success with, but can’t stand the vapid women who flock around the team. When his best friend Damon tries to set up a blind date for his sister with one of their teammates, Gray steps in. He had a crush on Damon’s sister for years, so if anyone is going to take her out, it’s him.
After finding her boyfriend balls deep in the blonde from down the hall, Frankie Cross is done with men. So she’s not impressed when her brother tells her that he’s set up a blind date with Leighton Gray, the scrawny waif he befriended years ago. But when she sees the giant Adonis standing in her doorway, she changes her mind. Little Leighton’s all grown up, and she’s having some very adult thoughts about the man he’s become…
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 12, 2012
72 people are currently reading
1358 people want to read
About the author
Mina Carter
289 books2,391 followersMina Carter is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of romance in many genres. She lives in the UK with her husband, daughter, a puppy who pays no attention to her whatsoever, and a bossy cat.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
October 13, 2012
Will you just LOOK at that cover!!
NEVER underestimate the power that a completely hot book cover has over an erotica reader. Some might say ‘Never judge a book by its cover’ but we smut readers don’t put much stock in that expression! In fact, I’d probably never have even noticed this book if I wasn’t drooling over the cover pic, wishing he would just drop the ball!!
As this is an erotic romance, don’t expect a very deep plot or huge character development because you’re really not going to find it here but what you will find is sizzling hot sex scenes described in great detail which were visualised in glorious technicolour in my vivid imagination. In fact, the sex is so hot and carnal, it’s almost feral. Yowza!
The story centres around ruby player Leighton Gray, well over six and a half feet tall and built like a brick shithouse and his new romance with one of his teammates older sister – a woman he has had a wankfest crush on for almost half his life! Together they practically melted my Kindle into a little puddle of molten plastic!
I have to say that this book is very, very English – the language, the colloquialisms, the swearing. It all sounds like it takes place in the Northern Midlands and I wonder how much of this might go right over the head of an American reader, especially the rugby references. Perhaps if you’re American and you’ve read this, you could comment on my review and let me know – I’d be very interested. But, as a Brit living in the northern Midlands, this book really felt like it could have taken place in my street. IF ONLY!!
3.5 stars erotic romance
A few of the reasons we English love our rugby!!
For more of my reviews, please visit Sinfully Sexy Book Blog
NEVER underestimate the power that a completely hot book cover has over an erotica reader. Some might say ‘Never judge a book by its cover’ but we smut readers don’t put much stock in that expression! In fact, I’d probably never have even noticed this book if I wasn’t drooling over the cover pic, wishing he would just drop the ball!!
As this is an erotic romance, don’t expect a very deep plot or huge character development because you’re really not going to find it here but what you will find is sizzling hot sex scenes described in great detail which were visualised in glorious technicolour in my vivid imagination. In fact, the sex is so hot and carnal, it’s almost feral. Yowza!
The story centres around ruby player Leighton Gray, well over six and a half feet tall and built like a brick shithouse and his new romance with one of his teammates older sister – a woman he has had a wankfest crush on for almost half his life! Together they practically melted my Kindle into a little puddle of molten plastic!
I have to say that this book is very, very English – the language, the colloquialisms, the swearing. It all sounds like it takes place in the Northern Midlands and I wonder how much of this might go right over the head of an American reader, especially the rugby references. Perhaps if you’re American and you’ve read this, you could comment on my review and let me know – I’d be very interested. But, as a Brit living in the northern Midlands, this book really felt like it could have taken place in my street. IF ONLY!!
3.5 stars erotic romance
A few of the reasons we English love our rugby!!
For more of my reviews, please visit Sinfully Sexy Book Blog
October 8, 2015
Wow! What a wonderful book!
Leighton Gray was a rugby player. He's the best friend of Frankie's younger brother. Frankie was eight years older than Gray and since he was a kid, he had a big crush on her. And when he had the chance to date Frankie, he didn't think twice about it.
I like my heroes older than the heroines. Even if they're a lot older than the heroines. I read a few books where the heroines were older but this book was the best for me. It was written so beautifully. It was sweet and so good! Gray and Frankie were good together. You can feel their connection while reading the book.
The book was safe from cheating and love triangle. But there's Frankie's ex-boyfriend who showed up a few times. There's also a fire incident and a car accident that almost killed them both. But Gray, even in nearly death situation, got Frankie out of the car before it exploded. The suspect was in custody from both the fire and car accident. And Due to the accident, the doctor informed them that he may not be able to play again. But it didn't matter to him as long as he's with Frankie. But don't worry...
There's an epilogue. He was able to play again. They really got their happy ever after. My kind of epilogue and HEA!
Leighton Gray was a rugby player. He's the best friend of Frankie's younger brother. Frankie was eight years older than Gray and since he was a kid, he had a big crush on her. And when he had the chance to date Frankie, he didn't think twice about it.
I like my heroes older than the heroines. Even if they're a lot older than the heroines. I read a few books where the heroines were older but this book was the best for me. It was written so beautifully. It was sweet and so good! Gray and Frankie were good together. You can feel their connection while reading the book.
The book was safe from cheating and love triangle. But there's Frankie's ex-boyfriend who showed up a few times. There's also a fire incident and a car accident that almost killed them both. But Gray, even in nearly death situation, got Frankie out of the car before it exploded. The suspect was in custody from both the fire and car accident. And Due to the accident, the doctor informed them that he may not be able to play again. But it didn't matter to him as long as he's with Frankie. But don't worry...
There's an epilogue. He was able to play again. They really got their happy ever after. My kind of epilogue and HEA!
February 1, 2013
If only he'd drop that ball...
Full review coming up!
Full review coming up!
May 4, 2016
Loved the hero and the heroine was pretty good too. It was definitely hot!
May 22, 2021
So, I had a brief gap in ARC commitments and figured I would take this opportunity to catch up on my coven challenge. Naturally, I went skipping off to GoodReads to figure out what to read to cover my requirements and hours later I came back to Gray's Girl. This book has been on my TBR since 2013 and I couldn't tell you why I haven't read it earlier except that there's just so many awesome books and not enough time to read them all.
This book was a really straight forward best friend’s sibling romance. With a slight age gap and some sports as well. And from the first page I was one happy little munchkin. Gray was the perfect leading man. He had had a crush on Frankie since he realised what girls were for. And from the minute he heard he had a chance to date her he was all in. He didn't play games or leave anyone guessing as to his intentions. I really loved him.
Frankie was pretty cool. She had her own life and didn't need anyone to save her or look after her. But she didn't make an issue out of Gray wanting to spoil and protect her. They were so hot together and I really enjoyed the book. Now I just need to decide which of my challenge themes I'm putting this to and figure out what to read next. Kisses
This book was a really straight forward best friend’s sibling romance. With a slight age gap and some sports as well. And from the first page I was one happy little munchkin. Gray was the perfect leading man. He had had a crush on Frankie since he realised what girls were for. And from the minute he heard he had a chance to date her he was all in. He didn't play games or leave anyone guessing as to his intentions. I really loved him.
Frankie was pretty cool. She had her own life and didn't need anyone to save her or look after her. But she didn't make an issue out of Gray wanting to spoil and protect her. They were so hot together and I really enjoyed the book. Now I just need to decide which of my challenge themes I'm putting this to and figure out what to read next. Kisses
October 15, 2012
This was a quick but SPICY read. I really liked it. There was a small element of suspense to it, that helped me keep wanting to turn the page. I had to find out what happened:) Besides that there really wasn't a huge storyline, just 2 people who knew each other growing up and then adventuring into an adult relationship. To say this was just SPICY is an understatement....I thought my kindle was going to melt, I had to take breaks just to cool down:) I would definitely recommend this to anyone who has a couple of hours to kill and is looking for something smutty!!!!
January 7, 2013
Rugby star Leighton Gray has worked hard for everything he has. While he may come off as broody and introverted, he really is quite completely opposite. When he overhears his best friend trying to set his sister up on a date with one of the other players, Gray knows no one else is going to take her out but him. The woman he has crushed on for all these years is finally available and he plans to nab the chance at finding out if she truly is the one.
I liked this, it had an intense quality to it. Gray is pretty domineering and Frankie Cross is a woman who has been dumped, cheated on, and lacking in self confidence. Gray doesn't see any of that though which is difficult for Frankie to absorb especially the age difference. Another great read by Mina Carter.
I liked this, it had an intense quality to it. Gray is pretty domineering and Frankie Cross is a woman who has been dumped, cheated on, and lacking in self confidence. Gray doesn't see any of that though which is difficult for Frankie to absorb especially the age difference. Another great read by Mina Carter.
February 3, 2019
2.5 (yes I round up) stars
I was digging around on my Mountain (aka my ridiculous TBR) and dug this out to read, because I'm trying a no-buy as long as I can hold out. I ended up liking this, mostly because the Anglophile in me enjoyed the authentic dialogue and setting for this rugby romance. I liked that slang wasn't overly explained, it was quite easy to figure out as you went along. The quick snyopsis is Leighton Gray, gigantic rugby player, finds out that his best friend Damon is trying to set up his sister Frankie on a blind date. Gray has wanted that opportunity since he was a kid and he's not about to let someone else date her. Frankie Cross has been through it with a d-bag of an ex who cheated on her, but she's surprised to realize exactly how much Gray has...grown (heh). And, yep, you guessed it, romance happens.
The romance was full of standard romantic tropes, with your ripped, athletic hero finally gets together with the girl of his dreams, aka his best friend's sister. There's plenty of sex and a smidge of danger that's super easy to guess which character is responsible for it.
I had one issue with a scene where Gray deliberately gets the heroine drunk, to "loosen her up" because she's not relaxed, and while he doesn't have sex with her, he does undress her and put her to bed and the heroine had to wake up wondering if something happened. This book isn't a new release, and I'll be honest, had I read this years ago, I would probably gloss over it because he doesn't have sex with her, but it was uncomfortable nonetheless, so I thought I'd mention it. Also, you'd think that Frankie was a BBW, but based on dialogue and certain scenes, she's more of the "curvy, not shopping at Lane Bryant" kind of heroine.
Bottom line -this didn't floor me, but it didn't completely anger me either. It's very middle of the road. If you're looking for a sports romance with a "curvy" heroine, you may enjoy this.
For more reviews, visit
October 15, 2012
The cover. I have to say that the cover is truly inspirational ;) As I read, I kept swiping to the cover to get another look LOL
Anyway, this was a fun read. The plot was minimal but there was one. The focus mainly on Gray's (the hottie rugby player) and Rocky's (his best friend's sister's) ever-growing romance.
And oh, how sweet it was. Well, aside from the beginning when it was just plain RAWR!
Undoubtedly, not much was said about the game of rugby. But I didn't care haha. I was more interested in the seduction of Rocky. And boy, did Gray use all of his seduction skills on her. Even I'm tempted to hunt down an 8 year younger rugby player after this.
Despite Gray's hotness factor, he maintained his sweetness and that's one of the reasons why I think he'll fit perfectly into my harem.
There wasn't too much about Rocky though, and I wish there was. That would've made this a 5-star read.
Best bit? There's an epilogue. Not a great one but a nice one, nevertheless. Yay for epilogues! :)
Anyway, this was a fun read. The plot was minimal but there was one. The focus mainly on Gray's (the hottie rugby player) and Rocky's (his best friend's sister's) ever-growing romance.
And oh, how sweet it was. Well, aside from the beginning when it was just plain RAWR!
Undoubtedly, not much was said about the game of rugby. But I didn't care haha. I was more interested in the seduction of Rocky. And boy, did Gray use all of his seduction skills on her. Even I'm tempted to hunt down an 8 year younger rugby player after this.
Despite Gray's hotness factor, he maintained his sweetness and that's one of the reasons why I think he'll fit perfectly into my harem.
There wasn't too much about Rocky though, and I wish there was. That would've made this a 5-star read.
Best bit? There's an epilogue. Not a great one but a nice one, nevertheless. Yay for epilogues! :)
March 11, 2013
This was a tough one to rate - I'm probably leaning closer to 3.5 than three stars though. I didn't enjoy the premise of the story. It was a little hard to follow at the beginning because it's about a rugby star and I have absolutely no knowledge of rugby - however, that's personal problem for me. I liked the characters but I just felt like everything was too rushed. Things were glazed over and there wasn't enough back story. However, like I said the characters were likable and there were a lot of steamy scenes. Still worth the read.
June 25, 2018
I wish the author had devoted more time to fleshing out the relationship and dealing with their issues, rather than spending a portion of the book on the crazy ex-boyfriend stalker. There was enough conflict between the two characters without this random manufactured conflict.
December 15, 2012
I'm so in love with this book! God, I want more.
GREAT.GREAT.GREAT. I can't stop repeating this word in my head. Amazing characters (and I'm not just talking about the main characters- ALL of the characters were well written).An OK plot- since the story is short I understand the lack of development on that part. Sex scenes that make me wanna beg for mercy (HOT AS HELL), and an (kind of) alpha male that had the word "cute" written all over that sexy body.
I adored the main female character. She wasn't stupid or weak, like most of the characters in the books nowadays, but she was so...strong.Loved it.
Seriously,I'm drawing in my own happiness after reading this book.
Anyway,it wasn't the best books I have ever read,but on the overall it must be one of my favorites.
GREAT.GREAT.GREAT. I can't stop repeating this word in my head. Amazing characters (and I'm not just talking about the main characters- ALL of the characters were well written).An OK plot- since the story is short I understand the lack of development on that part. Sex scenes that make me wanna beg for mercy (HOT AS HELL), and an (kind of) alpha male that had the word "cute" written all over that sexy body.
I adored the main female character. She wasn't stupid or weak, like most of the characters in the books nowadays, but she was so...strong.Loved it.
Seriously,I'm drawing in my own happiness after reading this book.
Anyway,it wasn't the best books I have ever read,but on the overall it must be one of my favorites.
November 11, 2012
this story had a lot of potential. A 6'9" rugby player lusting after his best friend's older sister. A woman in her early 30s having a lusty affair with a younger man. But ruined this for me was that the conflict wasn't that Gray was too young, or Frankie was too insecure. It was a crazy stalker ex-boyfriend! I didn't want some mystery going on while Gray and Frankie were having a relationship. I was also hoping for more sexy scenes.
May 2, 2013
Truly enjoyed this book, However even though it was a very short story. I really need more information in what way did they get Robby. It was not given, just that he was arrested. But OMG, Leighton Gray, Dayum, papacito, Delicious, Sexy, Alpha, Dominant, Ooh. Loved his attitude. Damon is a sweetheart,defending his sister's honor, after that terrible break-up. Oh, i truly enjoyed this book. But I Need to go and fine me a Rugby Player. Kudos to Mina Carter, Bravo!
January 2, 2013
Cute story! Grays quite the hottie!
February 9, 2013
Not bad, but kind of predictable. Unfortunately did not live up to my expectations. Bonus points for having a lot of POV from the H, though, so maybe a 2.5?
October 13, 2012
Hot hot hot! Loved this book!
dnf
August 26, 2018DNF
Hero claimed to respect women, but at the same time called them bimbos.
I understand respect differently...
Bummer! I absolutely love older heroines!
Hero claimed to respect women, but at the same time called them bimbos.
I understand respect differently...
Bummer! I absolutely love older heroines!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2014
I just couldn't finish this book! No matter how hard I tried I couldn't concentrate!
I would read a paragraph then stop and realise I had no Idea what had and was happening.
I really do try to finish every book I start, it's like a rule! I just didn't see this book heading in an interesting direction...
I have to admit though they had nice conversations but that was about it and it wasn't cutting it for me.
I didn't understand the heroines brother either... He physically harmed his best friend for flirting with his sister even though he knew that Gray wasn't the type of person to take women for granted. When Gray pointed this out to him he straight away said sorry, which made me think that he didn't think about what he was doing, he only didn't like the fact that Gray was flirting with his sister. Which is a dick move...
I always thought I wanted to read a book where no one had any heavy baggage but as I have now realised that is simply not true. The only way to make up for no baggage is by the female character having a stalker... Creepy but true.
Hey, it may not even be the book that was the problem... No book has got my attention lately so that May have been the problem
So I finished reading this book at around 30% and may come back to it in the future but for now I'm done and gonna reward this book with 2 stars.
I would read a paragraph then stop and realise I had no Idea what had and was happening.
I really do try to finish every book I start, it's like a rule! I just didn't see this book heading in an interesting direction...
I have to admit though they had nice conversations but that was about it and it wasn't cutting it for me.
I didn't understand the heroines brother either... He physically harmed his best friend for flirting with his sister even though he knew that Gray wasn't the type of person to take women for granted. When Gray pointed this out to him he straight away said sorry, which made me think that he didn't think about what he was doing, he only didn't like the fact that Gray was flirting with his sister. Which is a dick move...
I always thought I wanted to read a book where no one had any heavy baggage but as I have now realised that is simply not true. The only way to make up for no baggage is by the female character having a stalker... Creepy but true.
Hey, it may not even be the book that was the problem... No book has got my attention lately so that May have been the problem
So I finished reading this book at around 30% and may come back to it in the future but for now I'm done and gonna reward this book with 2 stars.
December 13, 2012
This was an interesting new find for me; I discovered both a new author and a new sport (Rugby). I’m an enormous fan of sports romances, and even though there is a large selection out there - I’ve discovered only 3 or 4 authors that have made my sport romance auto-buy list (You guessed it Mina is one of those). Lucky for me she has an extensive back-list filled with tons of goodies!
I hope to see additional members, especially Bryant, of the Willesdon Wolves.
If you haven’t read this one…grab it…you’ll L.O.V.E. it!
The publisher, Etopia Press, provided this e-book to me free of charge for the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments, and ratings are my own.
I hope to see additional members, especially Bryant, of the Willesdon Wolves.
If you haven’t read this one…grab it…you’ll L.O.V.E. it!
The publisher, Etopia Press, provided this e-book to me free of charge for the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments, and ratings are my own.
December 18, 2012
the plot was good but it was majorily all over the place . didn't get to see the relationship develop , only got small glimpses which were not satisfactory . personally i just felt it moved way too fast for my taste which made the writing sloppy . this novel needed way more words, character development thus it was meh in terms of quality . the erotica was just there , merely 2 or 3 good love scenes before major climaxes started happened and this just took away from the story , the general plot and also the characterization making which bummed me out . i was really hoping for good erotica but sadly it was not meant to be
December 31, 2015
i like the premise and the characters (so far), but seriously, guys who have one night stands and the kind of guy the H is supposed to be, those two personalities don't go together. they just don't. yes, why think so much, it's just erotica... but i'd rather not have the H be a one-night-stand kind of a guy... even if he has 'grown up' and left that behind him (along with his best buddie, the h's brother... gross).
Wasn't bad enough for 2 stars, but I didn't like the characters and their actions enough to make it 4.
All in all, not a bad story. And the fact that was quite evident from the start, but still, good plot point.
Wasn't bad enough for 2 stars, but I didn't like the characters and their actions enough to make it 4.
All in all, not a bad story. And the fact that was quite evident from the start, but still, good plot point.
November 7, 2012
This book had a lot more potential than it lived up to. I was intrigued with Frankie (the woman) being 8 years older than Leighton. (He was 24, she was 32.) The subject was barely addressed at all in the book when the possibilities for problems based on the age difference were numerous. While reading it I kept wondering if this was a sequel to something else because of family situations alluded to but not fully explained. My final feeling was that this was a fairly good read but could have been so much more if the author had wanted it to be!
October 18, 2012
I enjoyed the start to the finish! Leighton was a force to be reckoned with. Frankie was his match. I really liked how the characters had issues. This was not a simple erotic short. I was willing to get to know their story, and I did not fell let down. This is a quick read, but I do feel the story was complete. Although, I would like to know more about their lives..... Thanks for the story!
Oh, LOVE THE COVER!!!!
Oh, LOVE THE COVER!!!!
October 29, 2012
This book needed editing. Fell far short of expectation. I think the cover is what sells this book so 5 stars for marketing. This love story of a rugby player falling for his best friends sister could have been so good but leaves the reader short changed. If you like foul language and explicit sex scenes this book will not disappoint. I'll pass on this author in the future as I have had better reads for free on line.
May 26, 2013
predictable story. like very predictable. after a point I was struggling to find a story that would make this a worth read.its hot. there's no doubt about that but I've read better erotica.can read once if ure looking to read a quick okay mush romance.wouldn't recommend it too much though.the author writes well.I guess we just need better plots n more character to the stories to make it interesting.
November 27, 2016
Skimmed the sex scenes on reread, but I still enjoyed the story quite a bit.
Original review below:
I liked that the conflict was external, as opposed to one or both characters having Big Misunderstandings or refusing to admit they have feelings for each other. It made me care for the characters as a couple... them against the bad guy, you know? I got a little lost on the British slang, but I really enjoyed the story.
Original review below:
I liked that the conflict was external, as opposed to one or both characters having Big Misunderstandings or refusing to admit they have feelings for each other. It made me care for the characters as a couple... them against the bad guy, you know? I got a little lost on the British slang, but I really enjoyed the story.
October 18, 2012
I love sports romance books and it was nice to read one about rugby a player for a change, since most of the books are always about football, or baseball players...
Good read and I look forward to reading more books by this author...
Good read and I look forward to reading more books by this author...
October 29, 2012
What a good book! I love that the male character was a nice guy. I also love that there was no major conflict between the male and female characters. It had a good ending and closure. I really enjoyed this book.
October 16, 2012
From the very beginning I was caught up in Gray. Frankie was easy to like and the way they fit together, was just perfect. I just finished this and I want to read it again just because of Gray. I would love to read more of him.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews