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Strathstow Sharks #3
Playing with the Prop
Never mix business with pleasure…
A physical therapist for successful Rugby team, the Strathstow Sharks, Ashley’s golden rule is never to mix business and pleasure. She loves her job and the guys she looks after, and doesn’t want to jeopardise her place with the team. As nicely put together as her charges are, she’s never found herself remotely tempted.
Until now.
Harry James, the team’s newest prop gives her butterflies in her stomach every time she has to treat him, and her fantasies involving his hard, muscled body and sinful lips keep her hot and bothered at night. Luckily, he shows no sign of having noticed her attraction, and hasn’t shown any interest in her…
She’s been his from the moment he saw her…
Harry James marked the pretty little physio the first day they met. For the last year he’s been biding his time, and trying to get her attention. So much so, it’s gained him a few nicknames in the squad. Not that anyone would dare tell her.
When the Sharks win big on Harry’s birthday, can he stop at claiming a birthday kiss, or will he want everything she has to give?
A physical therapist for successful Rugby team, the Strathstow Sharks, Ashley’s golden rule is never to mix business and pleasure. She loves her job and the guys she looks after, and doesn’t want to jeopardise her place with the team. As nicely put together as her charges are, she’s never found herself remotely tempted.
Until now.
Harry James, the team’s newest prop gives her butterflies in her stomach every time she has to treat him, and her fantasies involving his hard, muscled body and sinful lips keep her hot and bothered at night. Luckily, he shows no sign of having noticed her attraction, and hasn’t shown any interest in her…
She’s been his from the moment he saw her…
Harry James marked the pretty little physio the first day they met. For the last year he’s been biding his time, and trying to get her attention. So much so, it’s gained him a few nicknames in the squad. Not that anyone would dare tell her.
When the Sharks win big on Harry’s birthday, can he stop at claiming a birthday kiss, or will he want everything she has to give?
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First published April 27, 2014
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225 people want to read
About the author
Mina Carter
298 books2,392 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.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 18, 2015
Copy received for an honest review
Another short, hot read from Mina Carter
What I liked about this third in the Strathstow Sharks series was that this was not an insta-attraction story.
Harry and Ashley have been eyeing each other off for months as the Sharks rugby team play. I loved that that have gotten to actually know a little about each other before they jump into bed together.
These two are super hot and sexy together! Makes me want more.
This series are only short, and I would say they would be a good thing to read in your lunch break - but they might get you all hot and bothered.
I have said it before and I will say it again. I wish this series was made into full length novels, and I am a huge fan of rugby, and I want more of the Sharks.
Another short, hot read from Mina Carter
What I liked about this third in the Strathstow Sharks series was that this was not an insta-attraction story.
Harry and Ashley have been eyeing each other off for months as the Sharks rugby team play. I loved that that have gotten to actually know a little about each other before they jump into bed together.
These two are super hot and sexy together! Makes me want more.
This series are only short, and I would say they would be a good thing to read in your lunch break - but they might get you all hot and bothered.
I have said it before and I will say it again. I wish this series was made into full length novels, and I am a huge fan of rugby, and I want more of the Sharks.
May 6, 2014
**We were gifted a copy by the author**
Harry is the star player and has had his eyes on Ashley since he started on the team last year.
Ashley is a physical therapist for the Stratstow Sharks. She has 3 players she is in charge of and one of them just so happens to be Harry James.
Both have a undeniable attraction to one another but neither has made a move till Harry's birthday where he invites her out to celebrate. Its all starts with a promised kiss then leads to a night full of passion.
Playing with the props is a sexy short story that I loved! The ending was my favorite where they finally come clean about how they feel. The only down fall I saw with the book was that I wished it was longer! :)
4 Stars!
Harry is the star player and has had his eyes on Ashley since he started on the team last year.
Ashley is a physical therapist for the Stratstow Sharks. She has 3 players she is in charge of and one of them just so happens to be Harry James.
Both have a undeniable attraction to one another but neither has made a move till Harry's birthday where he invites her out to celebrate. Its all starts with a promised kiss then leads to a night full of passion.
Playing with the props is a sexy short story that I loved! The ending was my favorite where they finally come clean about how they feel. The only down fall I saw with the book was that I wished it was longer! :)
4 Stars!
September 23, 2014
H-O-T little read. Loved it.
May 1, 2014
HOT, fast, and sweet just just the other books in the series :-)
June 18, 2017
Some of the shorts MC writes are enjoyable just like they are, nothing big nothing fancy just meet, sex and end.
But, some like this one, has the potential for so much more screaming out of every line. She did well in bringing the heat, and the tension into the short amount of time this story took, which is why it got 4 stars instead of the usual 3.
But, some like this one, has the potential for so much more screaming out of every line. She did well in bringing the heat, and the tension into the short amount of time this story took, which is why it got 4 stars instead of the usual 3.
May 20, 2014
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Wow! That was ... ahem ... yeah. If I wasn't sure after reading the Paranormal Protection Agency, I am now. I am a Mina Carter fan. Her novelettes are the perfect bedtime read - I would say lunchtime too, but I'm not sure you'd be able to focus on work afterwards. They provide the right amount of story line to allow you to connect with the characters and sex scenes so hot you probably won't care if you don't . Playing with the Prop is no exception.
Harry has had it bad for Ashley since he joined the team. Because she was his assigned physio (physical therapist to us Yanks), he was able to spend time with her. As he got to know her, his attraction became more than just physical but she was dating someone and this made her off-limits. When he learns that she's no longer involved with someone, Harry wastes no time in pursuing her. Much to his surprise, she is receptive to his advances and a simple kiss turns into Oh. So. Much. More! Boy howdy was that a smoking HOT sex scene!!!
Unfortunately, reality rears its ugly head Monday morning as gossip abounds and threatens their newfound happiness when Ashley overhears a couple of players talking about what a great lay Harry said she was. Did Harry tell his teammates about their weekend? Do they go forward together or apart? You'll have to read it to find out, but I don't think you'll be disappointed. I know I'm glad I snagged the first book in this series for free and the next book for 99¢ as they are definitely on my read list and I suspect they'll all be on my re-read list.
Wow! That was ... ahem ... yeah. If I wasn't sure after reading the Paranormal Protection Agency, I am now. I am a Mina Carter fan. Her novelettes are the perfect bedtime read - I would say lunchtime too, but I'm not sure you'd be able to focus on work afterwards. They provide the right amount of story line to allow you to connect with the characters and sex scenes so hot you probably won't care if you don't . Playing with the Prop is no exception.
Harry has had it bad for Ashley since he joined the team. Because she was his assigned physio (physical therapist to us Yanks), he was able to spend time with her. As he got to know her, his attraction became more than just physical but she was dating someone and this made her off-limits. When he learns that she's no longer involved with someone, Harry wastes no time in pursuing her. Much to his surprise, she is receptive to his advances and a simple kiss turns into Oh. So. Much. More! Boy howdy was that a smoking HOT sex scene!!!
Unfortunately, reality rears its ugly head Monday morning as gossip abounds and threatens their newfound happiness when Ashley overhears a couple of players talking about what a great lay Harry said she was. Did Harry tell his teammates about their weekend? Do they go forward together or apart? You'll have to read it to find out, but I don't think you'll be disappointed. I know I'm glad I snagged the first book in this series for free and the next book for 99¢ as they are definitely on my read list and I suspect they'll all be on my re-read list.
May 22, 2014
I received a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads, so here is my review.
I am the first to admit that I know nothing about Rugby and will not claim to know. But if there are men like Harry on the field, I think I need to start watching. Harry has been with the Sharks for about a year and has had his eye on Ashley, the physical therapist. She has been secretly watching him too. When he finally get the nerve to talk to her other than about a leg cramp. He invites her out to the club where the team is going to celebrate him birthday. Harry is beginning to wonder if she will show. And when she does, she takes his breath away and makes parts of his body come alive. The heat and chemistry between them sizzles from the pages. This is a great story and the only problem I saw was it was too short, only about 46 pages. This is a first for my by Mina Carter and I loved it. Can't wait to read more from her.
I am the first to admit that I know nothing about Rugby and will not claim to know. But if there are men like Harry on the field, I think I need to start watching. Harry has been with the Sharks for about a year and has had his eye on Ashley, the physical therapist. She has been secretly watching him too. When he finally get the nerve to talk to her other than about a leg cramp. He invites her out to the club where the team is going to celebrate him birthday. Harry is beginning to wonder if she will show. And when she does, she takes his breath away and makes parts of his body come alive. The heat and chemistry between them sizzles from the pages. This is a great story and the only problem I saw was it was too short, only about 46 pages. This is a first for my by Mina Carter and I loved it. Can't wait to read more from her.
June 27, 2015
*I received this book free from Barclay Publicity in exchange for an honest review*
I think this is my favorite Strathstow Sharks book yet. It's a full book only compact...what I mean is you have the initial buildup, you have the oh hell yes middle, and then you have the conflict, make-up, and happily ever after. And all in less than 50 pages.
Harry is one powerful wall of muscle. He has to be. But he's had a soft spot for the team's physical therapist for about a year and it's finally time to make his move.
"Sweetheart, you can check out my pockets, and anything else, any time you like."
In spite of the age difference Ashley still has butterflies every time she sees Harry, but she's always kept things professional. That is until he wagers a kiss and wins. She'll show for his birthday, and she'll give him the kiss he won, but that's not all she'll give him. Mixed up in a night of passion they'll both lose not only their bodies to each other, but also their hearts.
"I'm going to take you to bed, Ashley. Then I'm going to make you scream."
I think this is my favorite Strathstow Sharks book yet. It's a full book only compact...what I mean is you have the initial buildup, you have the oh hell yes middle, and then you have the conflict, make-up, and happily ever after. And all in less than 50 pages.
Harry is one powerful wall of muscle. He has to be. But he's had a soft spot for the team's physical therapist for about a year and it's finally time to make his move.
"Sweetheart, you can check out my pockets, and anything else, any time you like."
In spite of the age difference Ashley still has butterflies every time she sees Harry, but she's always kept things professional. That is until he wagers a kiss and wins. She'll show for his birthday, and she'll give him the kiss he won, but that's not all she'll give him. Mixed up in a night of passion they'll both lose not only their bodies to each other, but also their hearts.
"I'm going to take you to bed, Ashley. Then I'm going to make you scream."
June 16, 2014
Playing With the Prop (Strathstow Sharks #3) by Mina Carter
3 1/2 of 5 stars
Harry James has had his eye on Ashley Parks since he started playing for the Sharks last year. Ashley, the only female physical therapist that works for the rugby team also has feelings for Harry. Neither Ashley nor Harry has ever acted on their feelings until the night of Harry's birthday party when they share a night of passion. Will a jealous teammate come between the lovers or will they find each other in the end?
I liked most of this book. I will admit I haven't read the other two in the series. There was little background on the characters or on the game of rugby. The sex was hot and I love a happy ending.
This was a quick, fun read and I would recommend it to someone looking for such.
*A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review*
Susan, My Secret Book Spot
3 1/2 of 5 stars
Harry James has had his eye on Ashley Parks since he started playing for the Sharks last year. Ashley, the only female physical therapist that works for the rugby team also has feelings for Harry. Neither Ashley nor Harry has ever acted on their feelings until the night of Harry's birthday party when they share a night of passion. Will a jealous teammate come between the lovers or will they find each other in the end?
I liked most of this book. I will admit I haven't read the other two in the series. There was little background on the characters or on the game of rugby. The sex was hot and I love a happy ending.
This was a quick, fun read and I would recommend it to someone looking for such.
*A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review*
Susan, My Secret Book Spot
December 4, 2014
In Playing with the Prop, rugby player Harry James has a thing for one of Stratstow Sharks physical therapists Ashley. On his birthday he finally works up the nerve to express his interest to Ashley. What follows is a seriously hot encounter and a very cute story line. This is the third novella in Mina Carter's Stratstow Sharks series but each book can be read as a stand alone book.
I really enjoyed Hitting on the Hooker and Seduced by the Scrum-Half but I will have to say Playing with the Prop is my new favorite in the series. I liked how Harry took a while to work up the nerve to ask Ashley out. Loved how protective he was over her. I especially loved the age difference.I like when the women are older then the men but not too much older, It is the little details that I love the most. Highly recommend this story.
I really enjoyed Hitting on the Hooker and Seduced by the Scrum-Half but I will have to say Playing with the Prop is my new favorite in the series. I liked how Harry took a while to work up the nerve to ask Ashley out. Loved how protective he was over her. I especially loved the age difference.I like when the women are older then the men but not too much older, It is the little details that I love the most. Highly recommend this story.
May 18, 2014
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
A short, hot read. I didn't, and still don't, know a lot about Rugby but I really didn't need to enjoy this story. Also, I didn't feel lost as I had not read the first two books in the series.
Harry has been fighting his attraction to Ashley since he joined the Sharks. He believes that she's not interested in him, so he keeps his interest under wraps. Little does he know that Ashley is harboring a secret crush on him.
What's a girl to do when the object of her crush suddenly expresses interest in her? Why, play with the Prop of course!
A short, hot read. I didn't, and still don't, know a lot about Rugby but I really didn't need to enjoy this story. Also, I didn't feel lost as I had not read the first two books in the series.
Harry has been fighting his attraction to Ashley since he joined the Sharks. He believes that she's not interested in him, so he keeps his interest under wraps. Little does he know that Ashley is harboring a secret crush on him.
What's a girl to do when the object of her crush suddenly expresses interest in her? Why, play with the Prop of course!
August 11, 2016
This was certainly a sexy story. As an American, I know Football. I don't know much about this sport, and wish that there had been a little more of an explanation of it for me, but, ignoring that, this was great! I wanted to cry when it ended because there should have been more! Ashley and Harry are that "I've longed for you from afar" couple and seeing them let go of their inhibitions and get it on, well, let's just say fireworks could not be hotter than them! I am going to have to go back and read the other stories in this series! (Yes, these all seem to be stand alone books, but I'm dying for more!)
May 18, 2014
"I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads."
Another great novella in the series. The characters are quickly brought to life, with just enough back story for the scenarios to work. The romance is sweet, the sex is steamy, and the outcome hopeful... if things get straightened out.
This glimpses into lives are fun and perfect escapism. Find your favourite spot and indulge.
Another great novella in the series. The characters are quickly brought to life, with just enough back story for the scenarios to work. The romance is sweet, the sex is steamy, and the outcome hopeful... if things get straightened out.
This glimpses into lives are fun and perfect escapism. Find your favourite spot and indulge.
May 11, 2014
Harry and Ashley's story. She is the physiotherapist assigned to him after his often grueling rugby matches. Harry is crushing on her big time and puts up with a lot of teasing from his team mates. On his birthday he decides that he is going to go for it...a relationship with his crush; whom he learns has quite an attraction to him as well. Harry is a sweetie and Ashley is swept away by his rapid change of demeanor from friend to lover. A complication ensures but is handled realistically by Harry. No one is going to get in between he and his girl. Loved it.
June 20, 2014
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
I am a sucker for sport stars in books. Playing with the Prop is a quick - less than 50 pages - read. A good steamy book, perfect for getting the juices flowing and romantic as well.
This is book 3 in the series and can be read as a stand alone. I plan to go back and read books 1 and 2.
I am a sucker for sport stars in books. Playing with the Prop is a quick - less than 50 pages - read. A good steamy book, perfect for getting the juices flowing and romantic as well.
This is book 3 in the series and can be read as a stand alone. I plan to go back and read books 1 and 2.
June 8, 2014
Thanks to Mina Carter and N Kuhn for the opportunity to read and review this story. It was definitely something that caught my attention. I was expecting a different kind of book when I saw the title, then I read the blurb and was intrigued. I don't know anything about rugby, but it didn't affect how much I enjoyed this read.
I enjoyed reading this short story and enjoyed the characters. Without giving too much information away, it was a quick read and just the right amount of hotness included.
I enjoyed reading this short story and enjoyed the characters. Without giving too much information away, it was a quick read and just the right amount of hotness included.
April 29, 2014
This was the first book I have read of Mina Carters and I am looking forward to reading more of her work.
I really enjoyed this very sexy and sweet story of Harry and Ashley who have liked each other from afar, and finally get the courage to do something about it. I know virtually nothing about Rugby, but that didn't take away from the story. I love how protective Harry was and was sorry to see it end.
Can't wait to check out more from this author :)
I really enjoyed this very sexy and sweet story of Harry and Ashley who have liked each other from afar, and finally get the courage to do something about it. I know virtually nothing about Rugby, but that didn't take away from the story. I love how protective Harry was and was sorry to see it end.
Can't wait to check out more from this author :)
January 15, 2015
Received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
5 out of 5 Stars
The hero seems lighthearted but is a dirty talking tease. He's the perfect mix of alpha and sweetheart. It's really hard to remember that these guys are young and in their prime. Sometimes they do something immature and it makes you step back and think.
Recommendation: A perfect mix of white knight and brutal bad boy.
5 out of 5 Stars
The hero seems lighthearted but is a dirty talking tease. He's the perfect mix of alpha and sweetheart. It's really hard to remember that these guys are young and in their prime. Sometimes they do something immature and it makes you step back and think.
Recommendation: A perfect mix of white knight and brutal bad boy.
August 3, 2016
My favorite of this series so far. Playing With The Prop is still a short story, :-(, and definitly erotica but there is more story in this one. We get to see and know more of the team including appearance of past heros. There was a very definite beginning, middle end that had some meaning behind the erotica. Definitly 5 star material.
I highly recommend to anyone 14+ and mature.
I highly recommend to anyone 14+ and mature.
January 21, 2015
My favorite of the series so far--at least they know each other before the story starts ;)
A quick, hot read; and hey--the heroes of books one and two make (brief) appearances! Perfect for when you just have a few minutes to spare and want to make the most of them...
Rating: 4 stars/B+
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
A quick, hot read; and hey--the heroes of books one and two make (brief) appearances! Perfect for when you just have a few minutes to spare and want to make the most of them...
Rating: 4 stars/B+
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 5, 2014
This is another fast and fun journey from Mina Carter!! The third in a Novella series, it has solid characters that you can't help but love. The scenes can get quite steamy and really paint a picture! You'll enjoy every minute of this quick read. o
June 24, 2015
I think this wee book was cuter than the other 2 in the series because Harry had had a crush on Ashley for months and months before finally making a move. Then he's very sweet. This is the usual Mina Carter fare - short, sweet, and steamy.
May 13, 2014
HOT!
***Full review to come via Cocktails and Books blog***
***Full review to come via Cocktails and Books blog***
May 7, 2015
2.5 stars
November 2, 2015
I love this series and the quickie, insta-love stories!
May 3, 2017
Hot fast little read! Loved it
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews